Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Lol Tolhurst of The Cure to appear for exclusive interview and book signing
LEESBURG, Va. July 1, 2026 - Crossroads Music Festival (CMF) returns to Downtown Leesburg on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19, 2026, bringing two days of live music, local craft beer and wine, and community celebration to the heart of historic Leesburg — all to benefit charities serving children in Loudoun County.
Saturday will feature "Songs & Stories from the Crossroads," an exclusive interview and book signing with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame living legend Lol Tolhurst, co-founder of The Cure, at the historic Tally Ho Theater.
Tolhurst co-founded The Cure with Robert Smith in 1978, helping build one of the most influential, successful, and critically acclaimed bands of its generation — a band that sold over twenty-seven million units worldwide and earned forty Platinum and Gold Records. Tolhurst played drums on The Cure's first four albums before switching to keyboards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Cure in 2019.
Beyond his music, Tolhurst has become a celebrated author and chronicler of the alternative music world. His 2016 memoir Cured: The Tale of Two Imaginary Boys largely recounts his childhood friendship with Robert Smith and the early years of The Cure. His second book, Goth: A History, published in 2023, traces the genre from its 18th-century literary roots to its flourishing as a music subculture.
”I'm thrilled to be joining the Crossroads Music Festival in Leesburg, Virginia on September 19th for an afternoon of Songs & Stories at the beautiful Tally Ho Theater. I'll be sitting down for a conversation about my journey with The Cure, the books, and everything in between… and signing copies afterward.” Said Tolhust
“What makes this one especially meaningful is what the festival is all about: raising funds for charities serving children in need in the Washington, D.C. region. Music has the power to heal and connect, and I love being part of an event that puts that to work for kids who need it most.”
The "Songs & Stories" format — a moderated conversation and book signing in the intimate setting of the Tally Ho Theater — offers attendees a rare and up-close encounter with one of rock's true architects.
“We are so excited to keep bringing top musical talent to Leesburg.” said Ara Bagdasarian, co-founder and president of BENEFIT, the nonprofit producing the event. “To ensure maximum access to our musical performances, we’re expanding use of public spaces and providing free and low-priced experiences so everyone can join in this year’s fun and festivity.”
Friday Night Kickoff at the Town Green
The festival opens Friday evening, September 18, at the Leesburg Town Green with a kickoff celebration featuring award-winning saxophonist Lil' Maceo, along with local craft beer and wine.
Saturday’s Festival Experience
On Saturday, North King Street will close to traffic and transform into a festival thoroughfare featuring local craft beer and wine and the all-new Music Merch Village, a marketplace of music merchandise vendors offering instruments, vinyl, band merch, and collectibles. The Main Stage at the Loudoun County Courthouse Lawn will showcase the region's top performers.
“Since our first Crossroads Music Festival in 2019, we’ve continued to iterate on the event with the goal of creating a unique experience that brings people back year after year. We think music lovers will enjoy the opportunity to browse records and merchandise, try local craft beverages and wines and check out the wide range of live music while they explore the downtown Leesburg festival location,” said Amy Bobchek, co-founder and vice president of BENEFIT..
Saturday Music Showcases
Live music showcases across Downtown Leesburg's venue partners will feature:
Airmont Road, Chris Ellinghaus, Cross Cut Saw, Dogs Of Puerto Rico, Domenic Cicala, Ethan & Julia, File A Complaint, Gary Smallwood and Prescott Engle, Hunter Road, Intellect, Laurie Blue, Loudoun Jazz Ensemble, Mike McCabe, Mintons Academy of Music, Mt. Gribley, Piper Stewart, Roam Like Ghosts, The Duskwhales, The Franklin Park Big Band, The Train Wreck Endings, Thomas Hinds, and Uncle Drew and the Scoundrels.
Tickets and Beneficiaries
Tickets are available now at CrossroadsMusicFest.org.
Net proceeds from the festival support charities serving children in our community:
● Northern Virginia Diaper Bank
● Loudoun Education Foundation
● The Salvation Army of Loudoun County
About Crossroads Music Festival
Crossroads Music Festival is produced by BENEFIT Live Limited, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit coalition of musicians and community leaders dedicated to supporting organizations serving children in Loudoun County. BENEFIT’s Crossroads Music Festival is a dynamic celebration of music, bringing together local talent, national acts, and living legends at the intersection of diverse musical journeys. By showcasing global icons alongside emerging voices, the festival inspires meaningful connections and fosters cultural exchange.
Media Contact: Amy Bobchek (amy@benefit.live)