Here are a few of my recommendations.

Area 1:
Panicum virgatum (and cultivars)
Calamagrostis xacutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

Area 2:
Miscanthus sinensis (hardier varieties)
- Purpurascens, Autumn Light, Graziella, Malepartus, Sarabande, Silberfeder, Strictus, Cabaret, Cosmopolitan
Panicum virgatum (taller varieties)
- Cloud Nine, Northwind

Thanks so much! I went ahead and purchased the miscanthus sinensis this afternoon for the back after I read your reply (area 2).

I hadn't even thought about the Karl Foerster for the front and I like the idea but I am a little concerned that the area tends to really dry out in the heat of summer even when I water. I thought that variety needed a more consistently moist soil?

Karl does best with moderately moist soil conditions, but if it's not extreme dry conditions, it may be ok. Calamagrostis arundinacea tolerate dry soil better than the acutiflora.

Panicum v. Shenendoah is another that comes to mind...great color!

Your first area sounds like it would be a good spot for Pink Muhly, Muhlenbergia capillaris. This is one of my favorite grasses and it would be just about the right height and is great for massing. It has a fine texture and is very drought resistant. The best thing is the masses of pink flowers in late summer - early fall. It is truly spectacular when grown in clusters.

Muhly would look great, but wouldn't be hardy in zone 5.