By Connie Ballenger
If you missed the fantastic sound of brass instruments, energetic old-time tunes, and patriotic songs performed at the first three events in Glen Mar’s 2024 Summer Concert Series, you’ve still got one chance left to be enchanted by a delightful musical experience in this series.
Quey Percussion Duo will dazzle the audience by blending the traditions of contemporary, cross-cultural, classical, and popular music on Friday, August 16 at 7:00 pm in Glen Mar’s Spirit Center. Quey members Dr. Gene Koshinski and Dr. Tim Broscious will elevate the acts of striking, shaking, and scraping into a blast of energy. This event is free.
Our First Three Concerts
With their tuba, horn, trombone and two trumpets sounding, members of the Monumental Brass Quintet marched down a Spirit Center aisle on May 31 to kick off the Series. To the delight of the 160 people attending, they performed a variety of pieces ranging from classical music by J.S. Bach to a ceremonious John Philip Sousa march.
“It was a wonderful way to spend an evening,” praised Jo Ann Barsda, a Halethorpe resident. “It was an incredible selection of past and present pieces,” raved Jenny Henderson, as she pointed to the smile on her face as she left the event.
For many, the June 21 Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet concert began with eating hot dogs topped with sauerkraut, chili sauce, or cheese along with macaroni salad prepared by Glen Mar’s own Chef George Dohner.
At the main event, the Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet bedazzled a crowd of 250 people with original and traditional old-time music in the Spirit Center. Ken and Brad, a father-son duo, along with Rachel Eddy and Alex Lacquement, weaved sounds from the clawhammer banjo, fiddle, guitar, hammered dulcimer, violin, upright bass, gourd banjo, and harmonica to create energetic, foot-stomping music. Though known primarily for their instrumental expertise, they sometimes lent their vocal skills to the tunes.
“It was the best bluegrass music, I’ve ever heard,” commented David Simmons from Rockville. “The musicians were very talented and engaging,” lauded Marti Simpson of Ellicott City.
After the concert, the professional musicians jammed with about 15 audience members who had brought their own musical instruments. Playing with these musicians “was a dream come true” for Anita Stonebraker of Montgomery Village.
Patriotism and unity were on full display to the 400 people attending The Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band concert on July 19. They heard “America the Beautiful,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and “God Bless America” in addition to songs focused on different sections of the country such as “Moonlight in Vermont” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” Videos showing the stunning beauty and diversity of this great land were displayed on screens while soldiers in dark military dress uniforms performed flawlessly. At times the performers were accompanied live by the piano, guitar, and violin.
“It was very impressive and makes me proud to be an American,” commented Bill Davis of Elkridge. “I had goose bumps the whole time,” raved Candy D’Adamo. Summer Concert Series Planning Committee Member Lois Hildebrand remarked, “It called attention to things you take for granted like military service, keeping the country safe, and sacrifice.”
Community Support
Glen Mar’s Summer Concert Series started in 2017. These events are free thanks to community support. The Howard County Arts Council awarded Glen Mar’s Summer Concert Series a $5,500 grant for the 2024 concerts.
Also in 2024, generous contributions were made by two anonymous donors. One was “Friends of the Music Program at Glen Mar Church” and the other was given in memory of Karen Angle. Thanks also to our 2024 sponsor, Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, for contributing to these concerts.
