FIVE FOR FIGHTING WITH STRING QUARTET, with Lace & Lee
John Ondrasik, the platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter behind Five for Fighting, brings a special performance with a string quartet to the Birchmere on October 20, 2026. This acoustic-leaning evening showcases his catalog of hits such as “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” “100 Years,” “The Riddle,” “Chances,” and “World” — songs that have earned over a billion streams, been featured in more than 350 films and TV shows (including *The Blind Side*, *Hawaii Five-O*, and *The Sopranos*), and become part of the American Songbook. The set is augmented by the lush textures of a string quartet, offering a fresh perspective on his career-spanning material. Opening the night is Lace & Lee, a folk‑rock duo (Caroline Lace and Olivia Lee) who met at NYU Tisch and have previously toured with Ondrasik; their music blends Celtic charm, 60s/70s storytelling, and witty, bard‑like lyrics with ethereal harmonies.
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at the Birchmere Box Office from 5:00 p.m. on show nights for ticket sales).
Tickets: General admission tickets are $49.50. The price is $63.45 if purchased through Ticketmaster, or $56.50 when bought in person at the Birchmere Box Office (available any show night from 5:00–9:00 p.m.). No additional pricing tiers or fees are detailed beyond these options.
Lineup: Five for Fighting (John Ondrasik) with a string quartet, plus opener Lace & Lee.
Run time: Not specified in the provided information.
Ages: Not specified; the Birchmere typically hosts all‑ages shows unless otherwise noted, but contact the venue to confirm.
Venue: The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. Phone: (703) 549‑7500. General email: birchmere@birchmere.com; booking email: booking@birchmere.com. View the venue website for directions and parking details.
Note: John Ondrasik has released six studio LPs (including the platinum‑certified *America Town* and *The Battle for Everything*), an EP, and live albums. Artist websites: fiveforfighting.com and instagram.com/laceandlee.