The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The first snowfall of winter is melting away at the Festival office...

By Karen Hendricks, Festival PR/Marketing Director

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year from the Gettysburg Festival!  The holiday season truly is “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the festival season is also upon us with less than six action-packed months until the 2010 Festival.  And for that reason, it’s also “the most wonderful time of the year” as the Gettysburg Festival office is transformed into an exciting whirlwind of activity.  I’ll even drop a few hints about 2010 highlight events in a moment…

The Festival's new Director of Development, Mary Lynn Billitteri, with husband Tom, enjoyed meeting Friends and volunteers, in between putting together exciting, new Festival sponsorships.

A Festival Open House set the holiday tone in early December, as we welcomed all volunteers and 2009 Friends of the Festival.  These warm and extremely supportive friends form the backbone of the June Festival, lending a helping hand with everything from office support, to transportation, monetary contributions, and serving as the friendly faces that welcome attendees to Festival events in June.  It’s so appropriate to recognize these key contributors during this season of giving.

Cheers! Brass Volunteer Ann Mease-Shiner toasts a successful 2009 Festival.

Speaking of giving, the Festival presented a holiday gift to the Borough of Gettysburg at the December Borough Council meeting.  Blue Lincoln, a massive painting by the 09 Festival artist Hunt Slonem, will now be on display to the public at Borough Hall.   Mayor William Troxell said of this $24,000 gift, “I think this magnificent painting is representative of not only the enduring legacy of President Lincoln, but also of the significance of the arts in Gettysburg.  We are truly blessed to have The Gettysburg Festival taking place in our borough every June.  We have always welcomed visitors attracted by Gettysburg’s history; now we are seeing more and more visitors coming for the Gettysburg Festival’s arts and culture as well.”

Bernie Yannetti, the Festival's Chairman of the Board of Trustees, presents "Blue Lincoln" to Mayor Troxell and members of Borough Council. The painting is almost as tall as the Mayor!

So as we wrap up 2009 and look forward to 2010, Festival plans are sizzling and percolating, (appropriate choice of words since many of our most popular events are of the culinary variety).  Here are a few tidbits to whet your appetite: 

• Walter Scheib, returning as Artistic Director of Culinary Events in 2010, is designing an amazing, mouth-watering culinary lineup… including a repeat of the fun brunch event that sold out in 2009, plus a newly-designed formal dinner on a stage, a Caribbean-style cookout, and much more.  Stay tuned for more details!
• Ben Jones is putting the finishing touches on the 2010 lineup, which will again offer about 20 concerts entirely free of charge to the public.  After showcasing such critically-acclaimed brass performers as Gramercy Brass Orchestra in 2008 and the River City Brass in 2009, we are looking north to a city known for its beans… to find our highlight brass performers for 2010. 
• One of Gettysburg’s most popular arts and cultural events for the past dozen years, the annual History Meets the Arts Festival will be part of the Gettysburg Festival in 2010.  This will put Gettysburg’s unique downtown galleries in the spotlight.   In case you missed the official announcement a few weeks ago, click here for more details:   http://www.gettysburgfestival.org/media/news_detail.asp?news_id=59
• We are also proud to announce that WITF is once again partnering with the Festival as media sponsor.  This dynamic PBS and NPR affiliate is especially proud to promote a Festival-opening event set for June 18.  Let’s just say it’s going to be a wonderful event at the TOP of our lineup.
• Buzz Jones is designing a fun and creative jazz lineup for 2010.  Events that cross-promote various genres of the arts have

  

  Buzz Jones, June 2009

  found the most success, and this year’s jazz lineup integrates that principal.  One of the jazz acts will be showcased within Walter’s afore-mentioned Caribbean-style cookout—fun!  Another jazz act will feature the music of “the chairman of the board” known for his hat and “old blue eyes.”  (more cheesy clues)

• Speaking of hats, the Festival has found an enthusiastic partner “across the pond” in the DERBYshire region of the UK.  This partnership will bring an entirely new dimension to the Festival, while relying on a series of works from the 1800’s.  More details to come…

Well that’s enough for now.  We don’t want to let too many cats out of the bag.  There will be plenty of time for that in 2010—stay connected to the Festival via the website, e-newsletter, Facebook and Twitter as the plans for 2010 are revealed.  Here’s to a happy, healthy and artistic 2010!

Helpful Links:

Last chance to become a 2010 “Friend of the Festival” while enjoying the tax credit for 2009:  http://www.gettysburgfestival.org/support/index.asp

Become a Fan of the Festival on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/TheGettysburgFestival

Festival Experiences: Something New For All

Written By: Michael Laughlin,  Gettysburg Festival Intern, Gettysburg College Class of 2010

I’m not sure that I have ever attended a festival of any type, let alone a fine arts festival. At least I can’t remember ever being at one. I say let alone a fine arts festival not because there is something wrong with the fine arts but because they were never really on my radar screen. Growing up I was always more interested in John Madden than Jean Valjean, Bruce Springsteen than Miles Davis and New York pizza than flambé. I was a product of the times perhaps.

So how does a Gettysburg College frat guy with no festival experience end up working for the fine arts Gettysburg Festival? Taking things a step further how could I possibly make a positive contribution? I guess the answer has more to do with serendipity, frat guys know big words too, than anything else. Checking emails one day I came across one about a marketing/pr internship with the Festival. Considering my mom had recently laid the guilt trip that I do nothing but hang out, waste my free time, and destroy my mind with video games/action movies, I decided to check it out. At least if I was involved with the Festival I could watch Die Hard in peace right? So after a phone call and a visit I began working at the Festival as an intern.

First day impressions –> I’m the only guy in the office but everyone is really nice and the work seems ok, I can handle this. Since the first day my impressions and experiences have changed dramatically. Now everyone yells at me and the chain they put on my ankle is really tight. Ok a poor attempt at humor but in all seriousness my experience has changed. I have had the opportunity to see the arts from a new perspective. I’ve been able to hear some jazz and see Lincoln artwork. Besides the exposure to new art I’ve been able to take a fresh look at what I’m already familiar with. For example instead of just focusing on Bruce I’ve started listening to Clarence Clemons. Clemons is the sax player in Bruce’s E-Street Band but has a solo rock/jazz/funk style of his own. Perhaps Miles Davis is the next step.

I’d like to think my internship has been mutually beneficial. In addition to other responsibilities I’ve played a large role in trying to bring a younger demographic to the Festival. I’ve had the opportunity to sit in on meetings and give input of my own. Input on what someone my age is probably interested in, how much they will spend on a specific event and what’s going to make them stop playing video games and come to the Festival. I’ve been focusing on event ideas that could bridge the gap between younger and older generations with something that appeals to both. Not an easy task. I think my input has been valuable for the staff in understanding what will and won’t bring the younger audience in. I’d like to expose some of the older attendees to some aspect of my generation and my experiences. The same way that my horizons have been broadened through the fine arts I feel others could have their horizons broadened by younger art. Even if they don’t consider it “art” right now. In the same process the younger attendees would be exposed, as I have been, to jazz, brass, theatre, culinary, and visual arts.

I think that is what the Gettysburg Festival is best at: exposing people to something new, blending old and new experiences for people of all demographics, and leaving them with a changed perspective. I’m happy that I’ve had the opportunity to both experience this firsthand and make a positive contribution in bringing it to others.

The “Art” of Friendship

Bev Grazulewicz (center) enjoys a night at the Cabaret, with her daughter and friends, June 2009

By Beverly Grazulewicz, Festival Office Manager

My daughter called me recently from college and told me her professor asked her to start a blog about her experience in graduate school.  She asked me for my advice (not sure why) but I hope I gave her some thoughts on what a blog was intended to do which is basically to share information and start conversations.  Apparently her blog is off and running and hopefully she will enjoy the process. 

Well just imagine my surprise a few days later when my co-worker Karen Hendricks, the most masterful wordsmith I know, asked me if I would write a blog for our Festival website.  My first thought was to call my daughter for advice.  But then I decided I could handle this on my own.  After all, the topic she asked me to write about was one I was very familiar with – Friends!  More specifically, Friends of the Festival.   What a delightful topic. 

Friends of the Festival, Bob and Kim Krummerich, May 2009

Well, here you go.  My thoughts on the Gettysburg Festival and what our “Friends” mean to us. 

I began my career at the Gettysburg Festival quite innocently.  A good friend, Donna Nicholson, knew I was looking for something new to become involved with.  She suggested I come with her to volunteer at the office of the Gettysburg Festival.  While I had heard about the plans for this Festival, I wasn’t quite sure what it was all about but it certainly intrigued me.  What couldn’t be fun about a Festival?  So in I went to volunteer my services a few hours a week.  And what fun it was – crazy fun.  People coming and going in every direction and a schedule of events that I couldn’t believe.  Before I knew it I was “employed” by the Gettysburg Festival and the craziness became a part of my life. 

Soon it was July of 2008 and the inaugural ten-day festival was over.  The small staff was all relieved but this relief was short lived, because we knew that almost immediately we had to start planning for 2009.  One of the big things in the back of our mind was how to sustain a quality festival of this magnitude.  Many of our events are free and we wanted to maintain that.  During one of our brainstorming sessions about this, everyone started to mention that we recognized a lot of people at multiple events, some staying all day at the brass day, others at multiple theater events, many at both a dance event and also a children’s event.  These were obviously people who believed in what we were doing.  From this came the idea that they could become our “Friends” and the first Friend of the Festival campaign was launched in the fall of 2008.

Fun Times with Friends: "An American Culinary Adventure," May 2009

We were pleasantly surprised by the reaction to our first Friends of the Festival Campaign.  The financial support AND the very personal, supportive comments many people sent encouraged us that this Festival was indeed appreciated and wanted in our community. 

The 2009 Festival again surpassed our expectations, with over 100 events and a majority of them free thanks to the support of our generous sponsors and our “Friends.”  We enjoyed meeting many of our “Friends” at a special event held at the beginning of our Festival just for them and then seeing them throughout the Festival.  Each time we see them, we enjoy hearing what they like (and even what they don’t like) about the Festival.  After all, without these loyal attendees there would be no Festival. 

So now we are planning the 2010 Festival and again we are seeking the support of  Friends,” both new and “old.”  As a Friend of the Festival you are not only letting us know you enjoy the arts, you are also letting the community know you are aware of the benefits the arts play in our community’s economic structure.  I encourage you to take a look at the names on our 2009 Friends List (on our website).  You are sure to recognize many of them.  As we are now seeking our Friends for the 2010 Festival, we’d love to count you among our “Friends.”

Click on the “Support” page of the Festival website to become a Friend of the Festival today! 

http://www.gettysburgfestival.org/support/index.asp

Festival Programming: We Welcome Your Input!

By Alice Estrada, Festival Executive Director

“What does the Festival staff DO all year?”  It’s a commonly-asked question, outside of the hectic spring and summer Festival season.  Programming a lineup of about 100 quality events encompassing numerous art forms requires lots of behind-the-scenes work, year-round. 

River City Brass performs for a full Festival crowd, June 2009. Did you enjoy this free concert or others at the Festival Main Stage? What would you like to see in 2010?

 

Everyone connected with the Festival has been brainstorming on programming for the last few months, really since the moment the 2009 Festival wrapped.  Our artistic directors are sketching out their schedules as we speak.  But before we put the final line-up together we want you to weigh in on what you want to see, hear, taste and experience. 

We host more than 100 events during the 10-day Festival.  What would you like to see more of, less of…?  Don’t hold back!

Feel free to comment on any or all of the artistic genres including visual arts, culinary arts, theater, dance, music (brass, classical, popular and jazz). 

Simply click on the blue text above where it says “leave a comment.”  We are excited to hear from you… and look forward to your comments!

Hunt Slonem and the “Blue Lincoln”

By Christianna Giordano, Gettysburg Festival Intern, Class of 2010 

                                                                                                                                                                                                Hunt Slonem is a fascinating Manhattan-based artist known mainly for his exotic and impressionist paintings of birds and other wildlife.  But Slonem’s subjects took a different turn recently, as he began a new series featuring our 16^th President, Abraham Lincoln. Slonem originally began painting First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, who he considered a fashionable beauty for her time, but changed his focus after receiving a message from President Lincoln himself. Slonem, who relies on his regular consultations with his psychic, says that Abraham Lincoln spoke to him directly. Not only did President Lincoln tell Slonem to begin painting his portrait but he also explained that he must begin painting doves and olive branches, a series which Slonem has named “Abraham’s Peace Plan.”

 

Slonem’s paintings and sculptures are known throughout the world, but he’s also famous for his notorious New York City loft, featuring over a hundred rooms dedicated to his art, his birds and his eccentric lifestyle. One room features dozens of paintings of rabbits (which he began after discovering on a Chinese food menu that he was born in the year of the rabbit).

For a sneak peek into Slonem’s loft and its unconventional rooms, check out this video from CBS This Morning.

Hunt Slonem is certainly a unique artist and Bruce Helander of the Art of the times describes him as “… a rare adorable bird in his own eccentric right, (who) portrays his great love for winged specimens and nature with a charming mix of abstract expressionism, color field attitudes and classic sculpted garden redolent of Claude Monet.”                          

The Gettysburg Festival recently accepted a donation of “Blue Lincoln,” which was part of a Lincoln portrait series exhibited in the June 2009 Festival. “Blue Lincoln” is one of the larger paintings of the series, measuring 4 ½ feet tall and 3 feet wide, valued at $24,000. The Gettysburg Festival plans to donate this magnificent painting to the Borough of Gettysburg in early December. 

Slonem explains the focus on blue and black colors throughout the series, and especially seen in the “Blue Lincoln”, as, “I really can’t say why I paint them this way, except that there was no color photography back then, so I’m thinking of the Daguerreo-types”.

For the month of November, you can stop by the Historic Gettysburg Railroad Station where “Blue Lincoln” will be part of an exhibit on slavery and abolition, coinciding with Dedication Day festivities in Gettysburg.  Admission is free and hours are from 10 to 4 daily.

 For many who have seen Slonem’s Lincoln portraits, mixed feelings most certainly arise. The melancholy colors of blue and black give the first impression that the painting focuses on the tragedy of his early death and the sadness surrounding his memory, but further inspection can lead to other conclusions. Personally, when I see the cross hatching and strong lines of Slonem’s “Blue Lincoln,” as seen in the close-up on the left, it presents President Lincoln in a strong and proud manner, as history proves were two of his enduring traits. What is it about President Lincoln that inspires artists to continue painting him today? Was it his tragic death? Was it is stance against slavery?

We hope you are able to stop by the Gettysburg Railroad Station this November to view this massive painting and reflect upon Abraham Lincoln.  Then, feel free to post your comments and reactions on Slonem’s work and the enduring legacy of President Lincoln.

On the Road: Gettysburg Festival Travels to Indianapolis

By Karen Hendricks, Festival PR/Marketing Director

Beautiful Downtown Indianapolis

Indianapolis is playing host this week to hundred of festival executives from all over the globe!  I am thrilled to be blogging from the IFEA Convention (International Festivals and Events Assocation), and I am honored to be representing The Gettysburg Festival at this week-long event, in the company of my counterparts from numerous wonderful, world-famous festivals, many of them considered the “best of the best” in the festival and events industry. 

In a week that’s chock-full of seminars and information, interwoven with fun events and net-working, my first impression is that festival organizers are an extremely friendly bunch.  The standing joke among festival folks is that, for once, we are around people who actually understand “what we do the rest of the year,” outside our festival schedule.  There’s definitely a lot of year-round work that goes into all the fun our attendees have during our events!  This is an event designed to re-charge our batteries and help re-tool our festivals, taking us to greater heights.

Here I am, happy to be juggling three Gold Pinnacle Awards!

Speaking of heights and “pinnacles,” I am also excited to report that The Gettysburg Festival has won five industry awards in international competition here at the IFEA Convention.  Recognizing the top festivals around the world in numerous categories, the IFEA has awarded three Gold Pinnacle Awards, one Silver Pinnacle Award and one Bronze Award to The Gettysburg Festival! 

 

But the focus of the week is about how we, as festivals, can learn from one another in constantly striving to improve our events for you as attendees.  I am bringing lots of nuggets of knowledge back to Gettysburg on topics such as:

• How to make Gettysburg Festival a “green” or environmentally-friendly event, taking tips from the wonderful Kentucky Derby Festival staff
  

  Remember the incredible Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics?

• How to integrate educational components into a festival, from the friendly fleet of Indianapolis 500 Festival workers
• Inspirational ideas and behind-the-scene stories from Ric Birch, the amazing producer of five Olympic ceremonies (talk about the WOW factor)
• An incredible performance by the high-energy Purdue University Varsity Glee Club
• Heartfelt words of wisdom from IFEA Volunteer of the Year Gayl Doster, who was surprised (we were too!) by the sudden appearance of an enormous high school marching band who heralded him for his efforts with the Music for All organization based here in Indiana
• Word of wisdom in a roundtable discussion from fellow arts festivals all over the country, from San Francisco to De Moines, from St. Louis to Pigeon Forge
• Social media tips, hot-off-the-press, extremely timely, and vital to the success of festivals everywhere (score one point to The Gettysburg Festival for having this blog!).  Look for updates and improvements soon, on the Festival’s Facebook page, Twitter profile, and much more!
• Whew, so much information to absorb and process… and there are still two more days, jam-packed with additional festival festivities – stay tuned!

Additional links:

The IFEA website:    http://www.ifea.com/joomla1_5/index.php

The Indianapolis CVB website:   http://visitindy.com/indianapolis/web/jsp/index.jsp?p=1

Summertime at The Gettysburg Festival

By Karen Hendricks, Festival PR/Marketing Director

August 24, 2009

June’s exciting flurry of activity has mellowed into a leisurely pace of life at the Gettysburg Festival office (thank goodness!).  No, the entire staff has not disappeared, although we’ve all taken our turns at enjoying “down time” and re-charging our batteries with summer vacations and family time.  While we continue to tabulate and analyze valuable data collected at the Festival, we are excited to announce that 2009 Festival attendance grew by 20% over last year, as we welcomed 20,000 attendees from 22 states plus the District of Columbia.  Kudos and accolades continue to pour into our office, along with completed surveys, reports based upon intercept surveys, and notes taken during feedback meetings with all Festival Artistic Directors.  It’s almost as exciting as the actual Festival! 

While the statistics and data are concrete proof that the 2009 Festival was a success on many levels, the emotive aspects of the Festival also linger for me:  the memories from countless, excellent performances; wonderful conversations with both performers and attendees alike; and the out-pouring of support from volunteers and community members.  I was fortunate to enjoy many behind-the-scenes moments with performers such as James Earl Jones, and I’d like to share a few highlights here.

James Earl Jones, following rehearsal with the Gettysburg Festival Orchestra, granted several media interviews and as a former reporter myself, I jotted down a number of Jones’ very moving and profound answers to the reporters’ questions:

What do you feel is the significance or legacy of Abraham Lincoln, whose words you will deliver, during Copland’s A Lincoln Portrait?  Jones:  “I don’t feel there were as many horrible times in history as our American Civil War and I question his assassination.  That set up his importance.  Booth’s aim was to set up the man who wanted to give my ancestors the right to vote.  It is perhaps because Lincoln was assassinated and taken from us that left his shadow so heavy on us…. he was the supreme common man… I think we all owe it to ourselves to ask what we would have done if we were Lincoln.”

What are your thoughts on the Civil War?  Jones:  “No one should ever understand war.  The men who fought it don’t often understand war.  What keeps men moving forward?  That the men beside you could be your brother or friend – that’s why they pressed on….  The Civil War took more lives than the sum of all the wars America fought.  That’s why we have to honor that war.”

You’ve performed A Lincoln Portrait before – it must be a piece that you enjoy.  Jones:  “There aren’t many of Lincoln’s words included in the work.  They are carefully selected – every word that Lincoln spoke is important.  I love the language of Lincoln and I love the grandeur of the music.  The maestro often has to bang on the podium to get my attention because I’m lost in the orchestra.  The Gettysburg Festival Orchestra is a beautiful orchestra.  The music is perfect and it’s a piece that works all over the world, but to do it here in Gettysburg – it’s special.”

The Festival’s June 19^th performance of A Lincoln Portrait garnered positive reviews from the media and attendees:

“The performance was fantastic.  Getting to hear and see James Earl Jones perform in Gettysburg was simply inspiring.”  – Pat Crowner

“As usual, the Gettysburg Festival Orchestra is AMAZING!  I wish they played regular concerts in the park, on the college lawn, at the Majestic… anywhere.”  – Evangelina Rubalcava

“I’m really not one to get starstruck. But let me tell you, sitting 10 feet away from James Earl Jones last Friday at the Majestic Theatre in Gettysburg changed all of that. When Jones walked out onto the stage, all I could write in my notebook was ‘AAAAAAAA!’  If you’re wondering what it was that made me turn into a total tween, it was the main event of the Gettysburg Festival, an extravaganza of history, food and the arts, that kicked off last Thursday and runs through Sunday. This is only the festival’s second year, but when you’re there it’s hard to believe this thing hasn’t been going on since the days of Lincoln. It’s run THAT efficiently.”  -Alexis Dow, Harrisburg Patriot-News, June 25, 2009

Well, I don’t know about the last part of Ms. Dow’s quote, about the Festival running so efficiently, but I suppose we had our moments!  Case in point, one final memory that one of our volunteers shared in her post-Festival survey:

Share one highlight or standout Festival memory with us:  “Unquestionably, while I was working at the Festival office, tidying up the room in readiness for opening, attempting to hang several pictures on the wall.  A stranger came in and offered his help in hanging the photos and very expertly hung all of them, very well.  Was I surprised when I learned the “stranger” was actually our celebrity chef Walter Scheib!  Go figure!”  – Lolly O’Dea Polvinale

The fun memories linger… feel free to share yours by e-mailing them to me at pr@gettysburgfestival.org.

 

 

Reflections from the Festival: Volunteers

Festival Volunteer Lolly Polvinale always had a smile on her face!

By Miriam B. Grinberg, Intern

When asked to write a blog about my observations of volunteers and their work during the Festival this morning, my first thought was: “How can I possibly summarize everything I want to say about these remarkable people in one little blog entry?!” An intimidating task, no doubt!

However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that there was one word that could perfectly describe all the volunteers: generous. Many of them were returning “veterans” to the volunteer force, as Festival PR Director Karen Hendricks told me; they knew the ins and outs of the Festival, who to talk to, where to go, and, most importantly of all, the right attitude to have. New volunteers were just as enthusiastic as they learned all they could about the Festival, taking to heart everything that the Festival staff had gone over with them at volunteer orientations.

Volunteer Sue Currans staffs the Festival Information Tent at the Main Stage

I got the chance to meet and talk to many of the volunteers myself, especially at the Festival Main Stage, where many of my surveying activities took place. Despite the sometimes stifling heat of June afternoons during the Festival, they really were some of the most pleasant and amiable people you could be with, and they often asked me about myself and what I was studying at Gettysburg College. Often times I found myself staying after my surveying duties were completed, continuing our conversations and helping out at the main information tent. Duties there mainly consisted of helping attendees who asked for directions to various Festival venues and events, selling merchandise, handing out programs and explaining them, and, of course, that all-important task of giving away free Musselman’s Applesauce to children and adults alike that happened to pass by the tent on their way to the Main Stage.

Volunteer Carolyn Greaney shared her wonderful talents as a professional researcher

While I did not always get the chance to see the variety of other volunteer work going on at other venues and events during the Festival, I know from meeting them at the Festival office that they have done a fine job. Feedback has been nothing but positive so far from them; one volunteer, in response to the question “What is one stand-out memory or Festival highlight for you personally?”, replied: “Being at the Main Stage, hearing Stars & Stripes Forever played and the American flag flying on top of Penn Hall gave me the chills.”

 Another volunteer added her kudos for Philadanco’s performance at the Festival: “I loved the variety of repertoire they presented which really brought out the athleticism and sheer energy of the dancers. What a fun group!”

Thoughts and comments from our volunteers are still coming in all the time, and given the feedback that we’ve received already, there’s a good feeling that these same volunteers would be more than happy to return for next year’s Festival.

Gratitude Expressed at The Gettysburg Festival

By Alice Estrada, Executive Director

Karen Hendricks, the Festival’s outstanding PR/Marketing Director has insisted that I blog, whatever that is….  She told me to pick one thing that struck me about the Festival because it can be so overwhelming to try and tackle all aspects of the Festival which has more arms and legs than a caterpillar.  

One recurring theme that struck me during the Festival was gratitude:  the gratitude of everyone the Festival encountered from the performers and artists, to the audience, the volunteers, the vendors, and the community.  I have never been hugged, kissed, and praised so much in my life.  Complete strangers would embrace me with sheer delight.  That’s the impact the arts have on our spirit.  They bring joy and happiness.  

Festival attendee Sue Rice from York told me the James Earl Jones event with The Gettysburg Festival Orchestra was the most moving concert she had ever witnessed.  She called the office following the performance to see if we could sell her a recording of the event.  She said the woman in front of her was actually crying she was so moved.  She said she could have cried herself but is not much of a crier.  She had spent the night at the Gettysburg Hotel with her husband and had walked the streets earlier in the day and actually ran into James Earl Jones.  She said he was polite and kind and agreed to have his picture taken with her.  Before the concert, she had a drink in the bar of the hotel, and met a number of great people who hailed from all over the country.  Sue is considering retiring in Gettysburg; the experience was that memorable.  (For the record, we are not permitted to sell copies of the Gettysburg Festival Orchestra performance with James Earl Jones, however our media partner WITF-FM is airing a one-time rebroadcast of the June 19 concert in its entirety next Sunday, July 5, from 7  – 9 pm.)

I picked up on a blog from one of our performers in our Chamber concert, Clara Erickson, a Flutist.  She loved performing for the Festival and was thrilled that the  audience clapped so incessantly that the musicians came out and took a second bow.  She felt she played the best she ever had in her life. Wow.

Our dear and invaluable Office Manager, Bev Grazulewicz  (we just call her Bev G.)  stated that the Festival was “the best experience of my life” on her Facebook.  This individual has worked harder than anyone.  For the last 3 weeks straight she often put in 10 and 12 hour days.  She managed millions of details, not mention our books, the 100+ volunteers and interacted with all the performers and vendors.  To say it was the best experience of her life, after that intense and draining schedule tells me we are on to something really great….

Right now, I have to say, I feel enormous gratitude.  I have the best job in the world to make all these people so very blissfully happy.  It’s a true testament to the power of the arts.

Behind the Scenes: Production at the Gettysburg Festival

By Ira Rosen, Production Manager

What’s it like managing 40 performances over 10 days at 4 locations? As Production Manager, I believe that it’s all about keeping things moving and on time. I always joke that my job is to keep the trains on time. If one train runs late, it just slows down all of the other trains. I am responsible for managing all of the events at the Festival Main Stage at Gettysburg College, as well as providing support for all of the Brass events at all of their locations on the festival’s first weekend. I’ve been in the event production business all of my life and have been part of festivals and events all around the world, but I am truly enjoying my Gettysburg Festival experience.
Everyone is doing an outstanding job and being so pleasant to work with. This experience is far more than a one person job and I am very grateful to all of our volunteers, in particular a group of music students from Gettysburg High School. They have worked long hours in the heat and never whined or complained. We also have a great local sound company, Noteworthy Music and a great staging company, Event Central from Harrisburg.
The other major key to our success has been the support and cooperation from the Gettysburg College community. From Facilities Management to the electricians, from Public Safety to the Sunderman Conservatory, everyone has worked together to make this festival a success.
What has surprised me the most about the Festival is the incredible diversity and high quality of all of the performances. I never realized how many different types of brass bands existed! We also have great jazz performances, children’s theater, rock from emerging artist Joel Streeter and we had a fabulous performance on Sunday of a combined brass band and woodwind octet along with vocal soloists, all conducted by Gettysburg College professor Dr. Buzz Jones.
Our biggest concern with an outdoor Festival is weather, and except for a few very stressful hours during our load in on Saturday morning, the weather has been fabulous.
It’s now the final Sunday and although I’m tired, I’m extremely gratified what we’ve accomplished. I am looking forward to being finished on Monday and after a deep breath, helping the Gettysburg Festival staff start planning the 2010 Festival.