Seldom Scene returns to The Birchmere

Posted on by Jeromie Stephens

Seldom Scene back at The Birchmere (9/5/20) – photo by Jeromie Stephens

Live music is back, y’all!!

This past Saturday, Seldom Scene returned to The Birchmere in Alexandria for the first time since the COVID-19 shutdowns started in March. The iconic club has been their home base for many years in the DC area, and this was their second show back on stage over the weekend. Reso-man Fred Travers said that the band hadn’t played a show together since New Year’s Eve at The Birchmere in 2019.

Fortunately, Jeromie Stephens was on hand to capture the proceedings. It was his first show back since quarantines took effect as well, and he was as happy to be back as the band, and the highly receptive audience.

  • Fred Travers warms up alone in one of the Birchmere's dressing rooms. The new light green paint is only one of the many changes made by the venue during the shutdown. Photo by Jeromie Stephens
  • Dudley Connel and Birchmere owner Gary Oelze delight at seeing each other for this first time since COVID restrictions shutdown live concert venues everywhere. The Seldom Scene performed at the Birchmere Saturday, September 5th 2020. Photo by Jeromie Stephens
  • Showtime - Fred Travers, Dudley Connell, Lou Reid and Ron Stewart follow Ronnie Simpkins onstage. The Seldom Scene performed at the Birchmere Saturday, September 5th 2020, the first on their home field since shutdowns closed all live music venues earlier this year. Photo by Jeromie Stephens
  • The Seldom Scene performed at the Birchmere Saturday, September 5th 2020, the first on their home field since shutdowns closed all live music venues earlier this year. Photo by Jeromie Stephens
  • Dudley Connell (left) and Fred Travers during last night's show at the Birchmere. Saturday, September 5th, 2020. Photo by Jeromie Stephens
  • Ronnie Simpkins. The Seldom Scene played the Birchmere Saturday, September 5th 2020, the first on their home field since shutdowns closed all live music venues earlier this year. Photo by Jerome ie Stephens
  • Through a sea of microphones, Ron Stewart takes a break from the banjo. The Seldom Scene played at the Birchmere Saturday, September 5th, 2020. Photo by Jeromie Stephens
  • Tables were spaced out allowing everyone more room. The medium sized crowd gave the show a very intimate feel. Thier first show here since New Year's Eve 2019. The Seldom Scene played at the Birchmere Saturday, September 5th, 2020. Photo by Jeromie Stephens
  • Lou Reid. The Seldom Scene played on their home field, the Birchmere in Arlington, VA Saturday, September 5th, 2020. Their first here since all live concert venues were shut down earlier this year. Photo by Jeromie Stephens
  • While the last song finished an enthusiastic audience stood and called for an encore. The Seldom Scene performed at the Birchmere Saturday, September 5th 2020, the first on their home field since shutdowns closed all live music venues earlier this year. Photo by Jeromie Stephens

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About the Author

Jeromie Stephens

Jeromie Stephens has been photographing bluegrass musicians for a little over 30 years. In keeping with the photo-reportage styles of Jim Marshall, Carl Fleischauer and Les Leverett, he shoots in black and white and tries to always stay in close to his subjects. He was first published by FRETS! Magazine in 1986, his junior year of high school. He's illustrated articles for Bluegrass Unlimited, Rolling Stone, Guitar Player, The Washington Post, The Nashville Tennessean and Fretboard Journal. Additionally his photos have been used in CD packages for musicians like Tony Rice, Danny Gatton and Lou Pallo. Jeromie lives in Fredericksburg, VA with his wife, April and youngest son, JJ. You are likely to see JJ with his Dad taking photos at festivals.

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