End-of-summer fun at 2011 Virgin Mobile FreeFest

This year’s Virgin Mobile FreeFest was a huge success as it drew in 50,000 fans to see some of the biggest musical acts at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD.

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Ireland's Two Door Cinema Club performs at the 2011 Virgin Mobile FreeFest at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

The first big crowd of the day gathers to watch Ireland's Two Door Cinema Club perform at the 2011 Virgin Mobile FreeFest.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

Cee Lo Green motions to the crowd during his set, which drew from both his solo work and that of his group Gnarls Barkley.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

Will Sheff of Okkervil River leads his alternative-country rock band at the Pavilion Stage.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

Rock legend Patti Smith received a warm welcome and returned the favor with one of the best sets of the day.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

Australia's Cut Copy was one of many electronic acts that dominated this year’s lineup.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

Big Sean was the lone hip-hop act on the bill at this year’s FreeFest.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

After headlining the Pavilion Stage with his group LCD Soundsystem last year, James Murphy DJ'ed a set in the Dance Tent at this year's Virgin Mobile FreeFest.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio performs on the Pavilion Stage.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

Joel Thomas Zimmerman, aka Deadmau5, dazzles the crowd with over-the-top visuals during his performance at this year’s fest.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals rock out early at the Pavilion Stage with their distinct brand of Led Zeppelin-ish rock.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

Patrick Carney of the Black Keys headlined the Pavilion Stage lineup at the 2011 Virgin Mobile FreeFest.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys performs at the 2011 Virgin Mobile FreeFest.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

Australia's Empire of the Sun was just one of many bands on the bill with outrageous costumes at the 2011 Virgin Mobile FreeFest.

Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post

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