First 2021 Glen Mar Free Summer Concert: Fri., June 25 at 7 p.m. (rain date: Thu., Aug. 5 at 7 p.m.)
Please bring chairs or blankets for this outdoor concert on grassy area. Masks will be required.
After the year most of us have experienced – way too much stress and far too few joyous moments - it’s time for a course correction to tip the scale toward more cheerfulness.
The U.S. Army Field Band Federal Brass can perk up almost anyone’s day. This band will perform free outdoors at Glen Mar on Fri., June 25 at 7 p.m., weather permitting. If Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, the rain date is Thu., Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. The concert will last one hour.
The six extremely talented band members who will perform at Glen Mar are Staff Sgt. Jeff Lewandowski (trumpet), Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Kennedy Johnson (trumpet), Sgt. 1st Class J.G. Miller (horn), Master Sgt. Wesley Ballenger (trombone), Sgt. 1st Class Carmen Russo (trombone) and Staff Sgt. Andrew Emerich (percussion).
If one of those names sounds familiar, it’s because Wesley Ballenger and his family attend Glen Mar.
Drawing on its members’ virtuosity and collective experience in symphony and studio orchestras, big bands, jazz combos and rock bands, their versatility and focus on new and original music will give the Federal Brass a signature style all its own.
What to Expect
Due to Glen Mar’s coronavirus restrictions, refreshments will not be served, and childcare will not be available. Masks will be required. Please bring chairs or blankets for this outdoor concert on grassy area.
Event Flyer
Click here for a flyer for this concert.
Sign Up for Second Free 2021 Summer Concert: Thu., Aug. 12 at 7 p.m.
This concert will be held inside in the Spirit Center.
When Ayreheart, a progressive folk trio, hits the stage at Glen Mar on Thu., Aug. 12 at 7 p.m., be prepared to hear both old and new music.
Lutenist Ronn McFarlane founded Ayreheart in 2010 to revive the lute’s glory days of centuries ago but put in a modern context. McFarlane writes original music for Ayreheart that draws from Celtic music, American folk, jazz and bluegrass. Ayreheart also performs Renaissance and traditional pieces.
McFarlane was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music from Shenandoah Conservatory in 1996 for his accomplishments bringing the lute and its music to the world. He has made over 35 recordings and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Classical Crossover Album.
The other members of the trio are Willard Morris and Mattias Rucht. Morris plays bass, violin and colascione (a bass cousin of the lute). He has a long, diverse musical background that includes founding a jazz fusion group. Percussionist Rucht has 25 years’ experience as a drummer/percussionist in various rock, jazz, folk and world ensembles.
What to Expect
This concert will be held inside in the Spirit Center. Due to the coronavirus, attendance will be limited, and sign-up is required. Masks will also be required. Childcare will not be available. The concert will last one hour.
Sign Up
Sign up information and a flyer will be available here at a later date.
About This Summer Concert Series
Glen Mar started its Summer Concert Series in 2017 and plans to continue its tradition of holding free concerts each year. Funding for these free concerts have come from sponsors, donations and grants.
This series has offered a wide variety of quality musical experiences featuring nationally and internationally known artists. Glen Mar was not able to hold concerts in 2020 due to the coronavirus.
Volunteer committee members meet a few times a year to offer advice on prospective performers and other aspects of the concerts. Committee members acquire sponsors and donors, submit grants and publicize the events. Members of this committee are Connie Ballenger (director of publicity), Scott Carter, Lois Hildebrand, Patty Hutton, Estelle King, Fred Sadler (executive director), and Susan Straumanis. Additional volunteers help with ushering, greeting, and technology.
Sponsor or Donate:
If you are interested in sponsoring or donating to the 2021 Glen Mar Summer Concert Series, contact Dr. Sophie Hong at summerconcerts@glenmarumc.org.
