ROBERT EARL KEEN “Then and Now Tour” with Race Ricketts

Robert Earl Keen brings his “Then and Now Tour” to the Birchmere on August 21, 2026, celebrating two milestone albums: the 25th anniversary of *Gravitational Forces* (1999) and the 15th anniversary of *Ready for Confetti* (2009). The show, which also features opener Race Ricketts, is part of an extended run of dates added by popular demand. Keen, the beloved Texas songwriter and recording artist, is known for his narrative-rich, rootsy songcraft, and the tour pays tribute to these two pivotal records—*Gravitational Forces* containing the iconic opening line “I got high, and I got in jail” from the track “Walkin’ Cane,” and *Ready for Confetti* featuring lyrics by Todd Snider (“I’m a runaway locomotive out of my one track mind…play a train song”). In addition to full performances from both albums, the evening will include other favorites from Keen’s extensive catalog.

When: Friday, August 21, 2026.

Showtimes: Doors and show start at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: $69.50 (plus fees: $85.10 through Ticketmaster, or $76.50 at the Birchmere Box Office).

Lineup: Robert Earl Keen (headliner) with Race Ricketts (opening act).

Run time: Evening concert, typically 2–3 hours including opener (exact set length not specified).

Ages: All ages (venue policy not stated, but Birchmere is generally all-ages unless noted).

Venue: The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. Box office open on show nights from 5–9 pm for walk-up purchases.

Note: This date is part of the “Then and Now Tour” that also includes shows on August 22 and 23 at the same venue. Additional tour dates beyond Birchmere were added to extend the celebration through the summer. For more information, visit Robert Earl Keen’s website (robertearlkeen.com) or the Birchmere’s site.