The roof of Columbia’s Merriweather Post Pavilion—under which millions of music lovers have jammed to the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Willie Nelson throughout the years—caved in suddenly around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 13. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the incident has left many wondering about the future of the iconic venue, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last July.

“I woke up to the news on Saturday morning and I was in shock,” says Ian Kennedy, executive director of the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission (DCACC), which took over ownership of Merriweather from the Howard Hughes Corporation in 2016. “Then I went to the venue and it was even more shocking.”

The collapse occurred in the midst of Merriweather’s five-year renovation project, which began in 2015 and has since yielded an updated box office, additional bathrooms, a stage expansion, new concession stands with increased food options, and two backstage swimming pools. As part of the revamp, the roof of the amphitheater was being hydraulically lifted 20 feet over a period of months.

Officials from I.M.P., the management company that operates Merriweather, say that the process was nearly finished, and the roof was almost at the point where it was ready to be permanently secured when it unexpectedly fell.

“Last night, in the middle of our months-long roof-raising operation, the winds of fate prevailed,” I.M.P. chairman Seth Hurwitz said in a statement following the incident. “They decided that, instead of simply raising the roof, we should just go ahead and build a new one.”

Despite the setback, Hurwitz assures that Merriweather’s season will resume as planned in the spring. Officials have commissioned a team of experts to investigate the reasons behind the collapse (some are speculating it was caused by strong winds), and plan to debut a new roof in time for the first show of 2018.    

In an effort to maintain some of the pavilion’s history, crews from Columbia-based Costello Construction are hoping to reclaim pieces of wood that survived the collapse and use it in the new design.

“Seeing all the support gave me a tremendous amount of hope. There is a sort of clarity that comes in moments of crisis, and that has strengthened our resolve,” Kennedy says. “We’re going to rebuild it in a way that preserves what everyone loved about it.”

Kennedy, a longtime Howard County resident, happens to be an expert on the resilience of the beloved concert destination. Back in 2003, he co-founded the Save Merriweather Campaign—a crusade to preserve the pavilion after then-owners General Growth Properties threatened to downsize the venue and turn the rest of the property into a retail and residential development. 

“We have saved Merriweather before, and we’ll save it again,” Kennedy says. “It was built as Columbia’s beacon—to show folks from around the region, and ultimately around the country, that Columbia was all about the idea of bringing people together. It’s always been more than just a concert venue.”

Although the physical structure has been damaged, Kennedy says that the spirit of Merriweather remains.

“We have signs posted that say, ‘Welcome to Merriweather, make yourself at home,’” he mentions. “That speaks to the feeling of the place, and that is the backbone of our resilience. This isn’t about a structure, or a roof, or the midnight blue seats, or any of the physical pieces of it. It’s the soul of the place, and that will always be there.”

Kennedy expects the upcoming concert season to be one of his all-time favorites, with the only announced act so far being Sugarland with Brandy Clark and Clare Bowen on Saturday, July 14.

“It’s interesting that last year we celebrated our 50th anniversary, and we’re starting out our next chapter of Merriweather’s existence with this,” he says. “But we’re fully invested in saving it, and that is exciting in some ways. Over the past few days my thought process has gone from a little bit of despair, to certainly some sorrow and sadness, and now it’s of hope and resolve.”

Fifty years ago, revolutionary real estate developer Jim Rouse set out to transform 14,000 acres of Howard County farmland into a hub for diversity, tolerance, and growth. Still today, Columbia maintains Rouse’s vision with more than 100,000 residents, a top-notch school system, beautiful urban green spaces, and a vibrant arts scene.  

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the city’s official founding on June 21, neighborhood leaders have organized a number of events this month to showcase the people and places that make Columbia so unique.

To 6/9: Posters of Wilde Lake
Back in the ’60s, Rouse commissioned California-born printmaker Gail Holliday to create colorful posters marketing his new community. At this ongoing exhibition, the Rouse Company’s former artist-in-residence showcases a collection of works dedicated to the image of Wilde Lake. Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 410-730-3987

6/4: Of Stars and Hurricanes: Two Columbia Novelists Return
The Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo) is partnering with the Wild Lake Community Association to present an evening with two of the community’s most notable authors. Head to the Slayton House Theatre to hear excerpts from the most recent works of husband-and-wife novelists—and former Columbia residents—Carrie and John Gregory Brown. The society will also honor community leaders Padriac and Ellen Kennedy for their work to strengthen Howard County’s literary scene. Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, 4-6 p.m., $20, 410-730-3987

6/10: The HeART of Columbia
A number of Columbia’s art organizations are coming together to present this exhibition of artifacts from the city’s history. Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 443-518-1000

6/11: Books in Bloom
Dubbed Columbia’s first-ever book festival, this get-together will highlight readings, panel discussions, a poetry wall, and its own pop-up book store spanning a variety of genres. The family-friendly event will also serve as a launch party for the Howard County Library’s new summer reading program, offering crafts, story time areas, and panels geared toward young adults. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, 12-5 p.m., 410-715-5550

6/16-18: LakeFest
Gather around the landmark People Tree for this annual spring festival, which is going all out this year in honor of Columbia’s big birthday. Aside from checking out the juried arts show, stroll around Lake Kittamaqundi to get creative with kids crafts, experience an inflatable multi-room sculpture, and dance along to live jazz, blues, and funk music. There will also be plenty of eats onsite, including boxed lunches from Whole Foods and crab cake made from Rouse’s favorite recipe. Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 410-423-1878

6/19-7/29: Columbia Portraits
Enjoy stories of the community’s past and present from the perspective of realist painter Mary Jo Messenger at this art show, which will showcase her portraits of Columbia residents. Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., 410-730-3987

6/21: Columbia Orchestra Summer Concert
This acclaimed community orchestra will assemble on the new Chrysalis Stage at Merriweather Post Pavilion in celebration of Columbia’s actual anniversary on June 21. Pack a picnic dinner, spread out a blanket, and enjoy highlights from My Fair Lady, familiar hits by The Beatles, the iconic outdoor “1812 Overture,” and an epic “Happy Birthday” singalong. Chrysalis at Symphony Woods, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, 7 p.m., 410-465-8777

6/23: Stoop Storytelling
As part of the 30th annual Columbia Festival of the Arts—which runs June 16-25—this migrating storytelling series will present an evening focused on cinematic events and experiences. Hear from seven non-professional speakers who will share true tales about movies that have significantly impacted their lives. Smith Theatre at the Horowitz Performing Arts Center, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, 8-10 p.m., $18, 410-997-2324

6/24: Sprout Film Festival

View a selection of short films presented in partnership with the Howard County Autism Society and Arc of Howard County—a nonprofit that provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The thought-provoking pieces, which share the poignant stories of individuals with disabilities, will all feature post-screening Q&A sessions. Monteabaro Hall at Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, 4-8 p.m., $15, 443-518-1000

6/25: River Romp
Bring the whole family to enjoy this summer program at Robinson Nature Center, an education facility nestled on 18 acres of land adjacent to the Middle Patuxent River. Following a picnic lunch, splash around, search for animals, and race handmade boats down the stream. Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, 12:30-2:30 p.m., 410-313-0400, $6-25

7/4: Howard County 4th of July Festival and Fireworks
Don your patriotic patterns to dance along to live music and indulge in seasonal eats and drinks before watching the annual fireworks display light up the lakefront. Downtown Columbia Lakefront, 5-10 p.m., Free, 410-313-4700

7/15: Merriweather 50th Anniversary Concert
Back in 1967, a 40-acre plot in the woods of Howard County was transformed into Merriweather Post Pavilion, the hallowed amphitheater that has since showcased performances by everyone from Janis Joplin and Jimmy Buffet to Led Zeppelin and The Grateful Dead. To celebrate the venue’s 50th year of bringing live music to the community, Merriweather has organized this show featuring an epic lineup of Americana icons. Enjoy old favorites from Willie Nelson, Father John Misty, special guest host Grace Potter, and Jackson Browne—who recorded three tracks off of his 1977 album Running on Empty at the pavilion. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, 6 p.m., $55-125

For more information about Columbia’s 50th anniversary, pick up a copy of our June issue on newsstands now.