The Observer Newspapers | Reston Heights Offers Summer Concert Series

July 18, 2008

Reston Heights Offers Summer Concert Series

By Leslie Perales
Observer Staff Writer

Gypsy Strings will fill the air with world folk music on Sunday at the monthly Reston Heights Concerts on the Square. The group, which is from Bethesda, Md., plays Eastern European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern music. The four members of the group come from around the worldÑRussia, Hungary, Algeria and the United States.

Myers Public Relations helped organize the concert series, which is sponsored by The JBG Companies and held in the plaza between the Reston Sheraton and the Reston Westin. "JBG is motivated to be a part of the community," said Marion Myers, president of Myers PR. With the redevelopment of the Reston Heights area, the company wanted to reach out to area residents and educate them about Reston Heights, she said.

Nathan Gorham, senior development analyst at JBG Companies, said the company would like to establish itself as part of the community. "A lot of what we do is really aimed at just being community-focused, community-minded and being good neighbors," he said. "The concert series is just one thing that we feel everyone would like, everyone would enjoy."

Myers said the concerts are more unique than other events because not only do they provide free entertainment they also feature free refreshments. She said water, popcorn and Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream is available at most shows.

Next year Myers and JBG plan to host more events at Reston Heights, possibly including festivals and farmers markets, Myers said. "There's a lot of potential," she said. "There's so much activity on the north side of Reston and really the south side of Reston is underserved." She said they want people to know that Reston Heights is "part of their neighborhood, it's their square." Gorham said having another public gathering space in Reston will "add to the overall Reston community."

Gypsy Strings will perform Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. rain or shine. Myers said she encouraged concert-goers to bring their friends and family, as well as lawn chairs or blankets, to the concert.