Don’t miss “TGIF” Friday July 26 Concert in Wheaton Featuring Sol Roots

July 25, 2024

The Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District, in Wheaton Maryland, has partnered with the iconic Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center for this year’s TGIF Summer Concert Series, offering after-work celebrations on Friday evenings. The weekly series, which continues through Aug. 30, will feature bands ranging from The Nighthawks, Sol Roots, Chopteeth, and Gordon Sterling and The People.

The concerts take place at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, adjacent to the Wheaton Business Triangle.

Chuck Levin’s has carefully curated a mix of artists for the summer series. On Friday, July 26, the featured act is the Sol Roots.

The Sol Roots band performs an award winning mix of New Orleans influenced funk, heartfelt jazz and soul, deep blues and hypnotic rhythms. Sol is known as a ferocious guitarist and soulful vocalist who has toured around the world with many musical legends. The Friday July 26 Sol Roots band performance includes musicians that have worked with Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, Phaze II, Taj Mahal, Regina Bell, Lala Hathaway, Chuck Berry, Jonathan Butler, Ledisi, and more.

“Sol is a fierce guitarist and soulful singer” – Jambase

“Sol is a fiery guitarist who has toured the world with some of the biggest names in funk and blues… his influences span the country, and the globe” – District Fray Magazine

“Sol’s vocalizing reminds me of Mose Allison… Van Morrison, and Mississippi hill country blues performers” – Big City Blues Magazine

“The Wheaton TGIF Summer Concert Series showcases amazing musical talent and the vibrant spirit of the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment District,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “With diverse events and unique businesses, Wheaton is a testament to our thriving, inclusive community. Come out, enjoy the music and explore all this dynamic district offers.”

The TGIF parties begin on the plaza at 6 p.m. with a happy hour DJ set followed by a live concert at 7 p.m. Beverages will be available for purchase from Twin Valley Distillers. The weekly after-party will rotate to nearby local bars from 8-9 p.m.

The schedule for the remainder of the series:

July 26: Sol Roots
Aug. 2: Billy Mayfield
Aug. 9: Gordon Sterling and The People
Aug. 16: Guys in Thin Ties
Aug. 23: The Nighthawks
Aug. 30: Chopteeth

The Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District has collaborated with Chuck Levin since the district’s inception in 2016. The district has become known for its cultural diversity, including people and music, traditional art forms and culinary experiences.

Chuck Levin’s is an iconic Downtown Wheaton business that has been a staple in the DMV and the music industry. Opened in 1958 in Washington, D.C., and relocated to Wheaton in 1968, Chuck Levin’s has become a cultural landmark where musicians of all levels congregate to buy, browse and rent equipment.

The story of Chuck Levin’s includes some of the biggest names in music. It supplied D.C.’s Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, with his first Gibson guitar. Stevie Wonder has been a regular visitor. Guitar manufacturing legend Paul Reed Smith honed his skills in its repair shop. Drummer Chris Culos of the rock band O.A.R. got his start at Chuck’s after his father worked in Pro Audio for more than 30 years.

Wheaton, is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in Montgomery County, with a significant Latino population. This cultural diversity is reflected in the neighborhood’s vibrant culinary scene, rich history, and unique experiences that enrich visitors’ time there. The Wheaton Arts and Entertainment District further showcases the community’s cultural assets, featuring a variety of arts-related businesses and venues that promote community engagement, tourism, and other creative enterprises. Maryland is one of the first states in the country to develop Arts and Entertainment Districts on a statewide basis, which has helped foster these types of dynamic, culturally-vibrant neighborhoods across the state.

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