By Connie Ballenger
Glen Mar’s Summer Concert Series has lined up not one, two, or three, but a record-setting four free concerts in 2024. These exciting events are sprinkled on Friday evenings throughout the summer. Four is a monumental increase over past years when holding two or three was the norm for the Summer Concert Series.
Monumental Brass Quintet – Friday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m.
It just so happens that 2024’s Summer Concert Series will start with a Monumental Brass Quintet performance in the Spirit Center on May 31 at 7:00 p.m. Whether playing Renaissance, jazz, or contemporary chamber music, this quintet is known for injecting energy and spirit into its concerts. Critics have hailed this group as an “amazingly diverse ensemble that performs with exceptional emotional intensity.”
Its performers are John Banther (tuba), Heidi Brown (horn), Gregory Freeman (trombone), Michael Lowe (trumpet), and Patrick Whitehead (trumpet).
Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet – Friday, June 21 at 7:00 p.m.
The Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet will bring a unique spin to old music by weaving the hammered dulcimer and clawhammer sounds together to make American folk music on June 21 at 7:00 p.m. Ken and Brad will be joined by bassist Alex Lacquement and by fiddler and guitarist Rachel Eddy. Musicians at all levels of expertise can jam with the professionals playing fiddle tunes and old-time songs after the concert. Bring your instruments and enthusiasm.
This concert will be held outside (inside if it rains). A hot dog bar and beverages will be available starting at 5:00 p.m. Suggested donation is $10.
The father-son musicians and Rachel Eddy performed in this concert series in June 2018.
The Soldier’s Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band – Friday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Patriotism will reign supreme when The Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band hits the Spirit Center stage on July 19 at 7:00 p.m. This 20-member chorus will present “America the Beautiful,” a musical celebration of our beloved nation. Travel across breathtaking natural landscapes and meet the warm, hospitable people who are the fabric of the United States of America. Through exciting music and stunning visuals be inspired by the beauty and diversity of this great nation while honoring the veterans who answered the call to defend it.
The Quey Percussion Duo – Friday, August 16 at 7:00 p.m.
The Quey Percussion Duo will dazzle our audience by blending traditions of contemporary, cross-cultural, classical, and popular music in the Spirit Center on Aug. 16 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Gene Koshinski and Dr. Tim Broscious will elevate the acts of striking, shaking, and scraping into a blast of energy audience members will not soon forget.
These free concerts are made possible through grants, sponsorships, and donations. This year, the Howard County Arts Council awarded Glen Mar’s Summer Concert Series a $5,500 grant. We are also indebted to Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home for its sponsorship and to two generous contributors, “Friends of the Music Program at Glen Mar Church” and a donation made in memory of Karen Angle.
For more information, visit glenmarumc.org/summerconcerts.
