WILLIAMSBURG— The Virginia Arts Festival expands its annual outdoor concert series to four nights this year, adding a Thursday show to Williamsburg Live as it announces a lineup headlined by Melissa Etheridge, Wynonna Judd, Trombone Shorty and Alison Krauss.
The event runs June 25-28 on the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, co-presented with the City of Williamsburg, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and Visit Williamsburg.
The addition of a fourth night reflects both the event’s growing popularity and a partnership tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“Williamsburg is pulling out all the stops in their celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday,” said Virginia Arts Festival Perry Artistic Director Robert W. Cross. “It’s the perfect place and time to celebrate great music that is defined by our country’s diversity.”
Thursday’s show pairs rock singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge with country star Wynonna Judd, who are performing together for the first time at the festival. Etheridge, known for hits including “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One,” is touring behind her 2026 album “Rise.” Judd, a five-time Grammy winner who rose to fame as half of the Judds, brings a catalog of country hits including “No One Else on Earth.” Singer-songwriter Maggie Rose will be opening.
Friday features New Orleans jazz and funk act Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with funk outfit Dumpstaphunk opening. Trombone Shorty, born Troy Andrews, made his New Orleans Jazz Fest debut at age 4 and has grown into one of the genre’s most prominent performers. Dumpstaphunk is led by Ivan Neville and Ian Neville, sons of Aaron Neville and Art Neville respectively.
Saturday’s show centers on bluegrass royalty, with Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas. Krauss has earned 27 Grammy wins from 46 nominations over a career that began when she signed to Rounder Records at 14. Douglas, a 16-time Grammy winner, is considered one of the foremost dobro players in the world. French-Canadian singer-songwriter Theo Lawrence will open.
Grace Potter closes the weekend on Sunday, joined by special guest Lindsay Lou. Potter has spent two decades selling out tours and recording critically acclaimed albums, and has collaborated with artists including the Rolling Stones, Robert Plant and Bonnie Raitt.
Tickets are available at vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-282.
