Imagine being surrounded by 40 acres of preserved parkland. This is Symphony Woods. Here stands Merriweather Post Pavilion.
For over 50 years Merriweather Post Pavilion has connected artists and fans. It is a natural outdoor concert setting. It offers contemporary entertainment.
Originally Merriweather Post Pavilion was meant for the National Symphony Orchestra. It was designed by Frank Gehry. He is known for defying architectural conventions.
The venue’s acoustics were considered the best by many in the industry. This was back in the early 1960s. Later John Storyk and Co. redesigned the venue’s ceiling. This offered a non-intrusive solution to low-frequency absorption.
Jimi Hendrix debuted his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner here. Led Zeppelin played their only show with The Who here on May 25th 1969.
Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong had the first 15 rows removed. He wanted a GA mosh pit for their American Idiot tour. Tom Jones requested loge sections. The lawn was regraded in the early 80s. Seven hundred truckloads of dirt created its current slope. This allows great sight lines.
New renovations have emphasized the fan experience. They provide the best views and food. The SkyBoxes and SkyLawn give fans a new view. The SkyLawn consists of grassy knolls overlooking the pavilion. The new roof was raised by 20 feet. It enhances views and acoustics. The new Merriweather stage is no higher than the old one. It stands four feet four inches off the floor.
Inspired by Jack Johnson Merriweather protects the environment. Solar panels power the house lights. New structures use Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.
Merriweather’s calendar features the best in music. Rock, country, rhythm and blues and pop are all featured. You can also hear jazz hip hop and alternative music. Electronica and classical are also played here.
In 2010 Billboard magazine named Merriweather the second-best amphitheater in the United States. Rolling Stone ranked it fourth best in 2013.
Merriweather Post Pavilion was commissioned by the Rouse Company. It was for its Howard County development project Columbia. It opened in 1967. It is named for Marjorie Merriweather Post. She supported the National Symphony.
Jimmy Buffett has played here 42 times. This is the most by any act. In 1978 Jimmy Carter joined Willie Nelson on stage. They sang a duet of “Georgia on My Mind”.
In 2003 development threatened to close the pavilion. A grassroots campaign called “Save Merriweather” was launched. In 2016 ownership was transferred to the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission.
Merriweather Post Pavilion is more than just a music venue. It’s a walk in the park. It is a connection to nature and music.