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Virgin Mobile FreeFest to host rock, electronic and D.C. bands

, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Many area music fans are heading to Columbia, Md. this weekend for a free music fest.

Three stages will feature 22 acts at the at on Saturday.

The free music festival has enjoyed a huge following since its first run in 2007, and this year’s lineup features something for everyone.

The Pavilion Stage groups rock-oriented bands together like Jack White, ZZ Top and Alabama Shakes.

Fans of more offbeat bands will want to head to the West Stage for groups like Future Islands, Santigold, Nas and Skrillex.

The third stage, Dance Forest, will feature only electronic-oriented music. Above & Beyond, Porter Robinson & Zedd and Nervo are sure to turn in exciting sets.

Three D.C.-based acts are scheduled: Volta Bureau, Dismemberment Plan and the local favorite Justin Jones.

Justin Jones and his band have been on tour in support of his album,

“The tour has been a roller coaster of emotional highs and lows,” Jones tells ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ in an email. “I miss my family, and I’m ready to be back home. I’m hoping FreeFest will reinvigorate my spirit.”

There are no more free tickets to the festival, but “Freemuim” tickets are still available at Ticketfly.com for $49.50.

“Freemium” ticket purchases include a donation to Virgin Mobile USA’s homeless youth shelter, a FreeFest T-shirt, souvenir cup that comes with free fountain drinks and early admission to the festival site.

In addition, on Friday Oct. 5, Virgin Mobile is releasing 1,000 more special “Karma” tickets for $20.

This one-day sale will send proceeds to Re*Generation House, Virgin Mobile’s new homeless youth shelter in D.C.

Those tickets are available at the Merriweather Post Pavilion South box office and the 9:30 Club from noon until 6 p.m. There is a two-ticket limit.

See the full schedule below:

Pavilion Stage

  • 12:15 p.m. —
  • 1:15 p.m. —
  • 2:30 p.m. —
  • 4 p.m. —
  • 5:30 p.m. –
  • 7 p.m. —
  • 8:50 p.m. —

West Stage

  • Noon —
  • 1 p.m. —
  • 2 p.m. —
  • 3:10 p.m. —
  • 4:40 p.m. —
  • 6:20 p.m. —
  • 7:50 p.m. —
  • 9:20 p.m. —

Dance Forest

  • Noon —
  • 1:15 p.m. —
  • 3:45 p.m. —
  • 5 p.m. —
  • 6:30 p.m. —
  • 8:50 p.m. —

Watch some of the bands that will perform at Freefest:

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