McHenry, MD – Garrett Lakes Arts Festival is pleased to announce six nights of Chautauqua entertainment under the big tent on the lawn of Garrett College, McHenry, MD. The events take place Friday, July 3 through Wednesday, July 8. Though admission to each program is free, contributions will be accepted to help offset program costs.
Friday, July 3
Kicking off the week is “Gus”, a long-form improvisational comedy troupe sponsored by the Baltimore Improv Group. They will perform Friday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m. under the big tent on the Garrett College lawn. They will be joined by former Garrett County resident Alexander Hill, a former member of Gus who had performed with the troupe for three years prior to his relocation to New York City.
Saturday, July 4
Saturday, July 4 will premier the traditional Independence Day Concert with BOTH the Garrett Community Concert Band and the Garrett Choral Society. The free concert will be held rain or shine, beginning at 7:30 p.m. In case of rain, the concert will be held in the Garrett College auditorium. Round out the evening with the perfect spot to view the community fireworks display, immediately following the concert.
Sunday-Wednesday, July 5-8 [SEE BLOG BELOW]
Rights and Reformers
Chautauqua (brought to us by the Maryland Humanities Council) will take place July 5-8, under the large tent on the Garrett College lawn, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The programs are FREE (with donations accepted).
Sunday, July 5 – Woodie Guthrie (performed by David Fenimore)
warm-up act: “Hammers and Strings”
Monday, July 6 – Jackie Robinson (performed by Gregory Kenney)
warm-up act: Billy George, marimba
Tuesday, July 7 – Eleanor Roosevelt (performed by Suzan King)
warm-up act: fiddler, Elmer Rich
Wednesday, July 8 – Alice Paul (performed by Joanna Guy)
warm-up act: Sugarfoot Stompers
Warm up acts (starting at 7:00 p.m.) are always part of the Chautauqua Series of Historic Portrayals. GLAF has just received word that the fiddler, Elmer Rich, WILL BE COMING to be the warm-up performer for Tuesday, July 7, the night “Eleanor Roosevelt” will be speaking!! See Youtube.
Mr. Rich is 89 years of age, and played fiddle with his father for square dances at Arthurdale, WV, when Eleanor Roosevelt was there to visit this community which she founded. He will be playing again at Arthurdale this August. Archived copies of his and his father’s playing together are in the Smithsonian Institution. He has been the winner of many fiddler contests.
What a treasure to have this man here for this performance! We thank Betty Mattingly for her insight and her efforts in contacting Mr. Rich. Betty will be performing with her own group, “Hammers and Strings”, as the warm-up performance the previous Sunday, July 5, when “Woody Guthrie” speaks. The group will perform some of Guthrie’s wonderful American folk songs to begin the evening.
The Maryland Humanities Council has always desired that the warm-up acts relate to the performance, if possible. The Chautauqua Series is always extraordinary. Please try to attend as many nights as possible. Food is available.
