Wolf Trap’s 2024 Summer Debuts to Watch

Feb 01, 2024

Wolf Trap’s Summer 2024 lineup promises to be nothing short of spectacular with an impressive array of artists making their Filene Center mark for the first time. From bluesy riffs and groovy vibes to indie rock and global rhythms, check out these Wolf Trap debut artists you won’t want to miss!

Gary Clark Jr.

Blues-rock guitarist and four-time Grammy winner Gary Clark Jr. makes his Filene Center debut June 9. Known for his guitar prowess and collaborations with Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones, and fellow summer artist John Legend, Clark’s solo work stands alone. His lyrics are pointed, deeply personal, and socially conscious with Hip Hop-driven beats that give way to anthemic choruses. Clark’s highly anticipated JPEG RAW will be his first album since his critically lauded This Land (2019). Fun Fact: Clark’s first chart hit was a cover of the Beatles’ “Come Together” for the Justice League film soundtrack. Watch as he performs the song live:

Brittany Howard

Expect a sonic journey of rock, blues, and funk with former Alabama Shakes frontwoman, Brittany Howard, when she headlines the Out & About Festival on June 22. Howard recently followed up her acclaimed solo debut Jaime with What Now, featuring blistering guitar riffs and fiercely honest lyrics. The five-time Grammy winner’s stirring voice and powerhouse stage presence are a perfect match for an incredible Festival evening. Out & About also welcomes several other Wolf Trap first-timers, including Jenny Lewis, Kim Gordon, Quinn Christopherson, Tiny Habits, Be Steadwell, and Okan.

Check out Howard’s performance of “Stay High”:

Shreya Ghoshal

Prepare for Bollywood magic with superstar singer Shreya Ghoshal on June 28. Ghoshal’s first Bollywood playback was in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s romantic drama Devadas with the megahit “Dola re Dola.” While Ghoshal started classical music training at six years old, she’s since amassed a repertoire spanning more than 3,000 songs in 20 languages across 300 films. Ghoshal’s magnetic charisma, boundless energy, and enchanting melodies are sure to draw you in.

Watch her beautiful collaboration with A.R. Rahman on the song “Kismat Se”:

Black Pumas

If you’re a fan of vintage soul with a modern twist, then Black Pumas’ debut on July 28 is for you! Singer/songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adiran Quesada harness their lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry alongside symphonic pop, jazz-funk, and psychedelia. The Austin-bred duo are seven-time Grammy nominees who made a major cultural impact with smash hits like “Black Moon Rising” and “Colors.” Their latest album Chronicles of a Diamond (2023) showcases more power, passion, and daring originality than ever before. Check out their transcendent performance of “Colors”:

Lauren Daigle

Chart-topping songstress Lauren Daigle brings uplifting and inspirational melodies to her Filene Center premiere on August 3. With a smoky and striking alto voice that’s often compared to Adele’s, Daigle has mastered sharing powerful lyrics that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Her contemporary and crossover Christian-pop hits include “You Say,” “Thank God I Do,” and “Look Up Child,” and her soulful Southern sound has made her a mainstay on the charts. She’s also collaborated with fellow Wolf Trap first-timer Gary Clark Jr on “Salvation Mountain.” Catch the two-time Grammy winner’s divine voice soar at the Park and watch her perform “These Are The Days”:

Julieta Venegas

Composer, singer, and musician Julieta Venegas’ infectious energy and Latin pop hits come to Wolf Trap on September 7. After first captivating Latin America in the 2000s, the multi-Grammy Award winner’s hits like “Limón y Sal,” “Me Voy,” and “Andar Conmigo” have become relevant anthems across generations. The pop legend’s latest album Tu Historia (2022) showcases Venegas navigating love and heartbreak through uncomplicated flourishes of guitar, piano, and her signature accordion. Expect a lively blend of pop, rock, and traditional Latin sounds when Venegas takes the stage! Watch Venegas’ performance of “Tu Historia” at the Latin Grammys:  

Supporting Act Debuts

Big Boi

Hip Hop royalty comes to Wolf Trap on June 15 when the iconic Big Boi appears alongside Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. The Grammy Award-winning artist, rapper, and producer set the pace for Hip Hop in Atlanta and has since established a legacy as the region’s foremost wordsmith and funkiest gentleman. Beyond his partnership with André 3000 as OutKast, and his central role in the Dungeon Family collective, Big Boi has built an impressive discography of his own. Expect a journey through the evolution of Southern rap and night of high-energy beats that only Big Boi can bring to the stage.

Alan Cumming

Don’t miss one of Broadway’s brightest stars, Alan Cumming, as he joins stage maven Kristin Chenoweth on September 13. It’s hard to believe 2024 marks Cumming’s first Wolf Trap visit, but his cabaret-style entertainment promises laughter, intriguing storytelling, and theatrical flair.

Amadou & Mariam

In a night of eclectic and imaginative indie-rock, Amadou & Mariam debut at the Filene Center on August 21 alongside the acclaimed Andrew Bird. Amadou & Mariam joyfully combined their love story with musical careers and became ambassadors for Malian and African music. The duo infuses a vibrant blend of Afrobeat, blues, and traditional West African sounds in a journey that transcends borders. Enjoy one of their most interesting collaborations with dance pop duo SOFI TUKKER:

Snail Mail

On September 6, Maryland-based Snail Mail—the indie rock solo project of guitarist and singer/songwriter Lindsey Jordan—performs alongside Waxahatchee. Snail Mail’s dreamy, poignant lyrics and mesmerizing melodies will make for an intimate yet powerful performance. 

Grab your tickets at wolftrap.org/calendar and get ready to see these talented new faces in a summer of musical magic at Wolf Trap!