As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Filene Center at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia, buzzed with anticipation. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this unique venue — a national park and performing arts center — recently offered the perfect backdrop for an evening with Heart, the legendary rock band fronted by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson.
Fans, both longtime devotees, and newer admirers, gathered early, some spreading blankets on the lawn, others finding their seats under the pavilion, all eager for a night of classic rock nostalgia.
The “An Evening with Heart Tour” has been making waves across the country, and their stop at Wolf Trap was no exception. The June 1 date was thoroughly sold out.
The band took the stage, greeted by a roaring crowd. Opening with the electrifying “Bebe Le Strange,” the Wilson sisters immediately showcased their talent and charisma. Ann’s powerful vocals soared effortlessly, while Nancy’s guitar riffs resonated with the same vigor that had defined their sound decades ago.
The setlist was a mix of Heart’s greatest hits and select tracks from the sisters’ solo endeavors. Classics like “Magic Man,” “These Dreams,” and “Crazy on You” had the audience singing along, their voices melding with Ann’s in a harmonious chorus.
Watch Heart perform “Magic Man” live in 2007 via YouTube:
Then it was Nancy’s turn to sing as she stood in a spotlight and played her solo song, “4 Edward” a sweet ballad about her friend, Eddie Van Halen.
And Ryan Wariner on lead guitar? Good grief. That guy’s tone is like molasses over a campfire. He didn’t try to mimic Roger Fisher or Howard Leese note-for-note. He brought his own thing — clean, expressive, with just the right amount of showmanship. During “Crazy on You,” he went off-script just enough to make it feel dangerous again. Not reckless, just real.
The band also paid homage to their musical influences, delivering heartfelt renditions of Led Zeppelin’s “The Rain Song” and “The Ocean,” a nod to their roots and inspirations.
Wolf Trap’s open-air setting added a magical touch to the concert. The natural acoustics of the Filene Center amplified the music beautifully, while the surrounding trees and night sky created an intimate ambiance. Audience members swayed to the rhythms, some dancing in the aisles, others simply soaking in the melodies under the stars. The venue’s unique charm, combined with Heart’s dynamic performance, made for an joyous evening.
Throughout the night, it was evident that Heart’s music transcends generations. Younger fans, perhaps introduced to the band by their parents, stood side by side with longtime followers, all united by a shared appreciation for the Wilson sisters’ artistry. Ann and Nancy’s chemistry on stage remains sweet and lovely, with their mutual respect and passion for music shining through every note.
As the final chords of “Barracuda” echoed and the band took their bows, the audience erupted in a standing ovation, a testament to Heart’s enduring legacy. Exiting the venue, concertgoers carried with them the euphoria of a night well spent — a celebration of timeless rock music delivered by two of its most iconic figures.
Watch Heart perform “Barracuda” live at The Royal Albert Hall in 2016 via YouTube:
It wasn’t the loudest concert I’ve been to. It wasn’t the biggest or the flashiest. But it might’ve been the most human. It reminded me that rock and roll isn’t just power chords and anthems—it’s the way music carries the weight of our lives and somehow makes it feel lighter. And Heart, more than most, gets that.
They don’t just sing songs. They tell stories — your stories, my stories — through harmonies and heartbreak, through guitar lines that sound like falling and rising at the same time.
That night, with my ears slightly ringing, my heart full and my voice a little hoarse from singing with strangers I left grateful. For Ann and Nancy. For their songs. For the way music, when it’s done right, can still split you wide open and stitch you back together all at once. And if they come through again next year?
You bet I’ll be there.
Setlist
1. Bebe Le Strange
2. Never
3. Magic Man
4. These Dreams
5. Little Queen
6. Straight On/Let’s Dance
7. Love Mistake
8. Crazy on You
9. 4 Edward
10. Love Alive
11. You’re The Voice
12. The Rain Song
13. Alone
14. What About Love
15. Sand
16. The Ocean
17. Barracuda
