As Americana as Apple Pie

Expect more “Redheads” to be walking the streets of Gettysburg after the Red Molly performance on Saturday, June 16, as that is what fans of the trio are called. This popular group performs gorgeous a cappella ballads, bluegrass-tinged folk and a touch of jazzy western swing all done up in three-part harmonies.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A show of this authentic Americana, folk, bluegrass-influenced music always feels like a gathering of old friends sharing favorite songs and good times.  Between knocking out audiences from coast to coast, the trio found time to record three albums including 2008′s Love and Other Tragedies, which spent ten weeks in the Top 15 on the Americana Chart, and 2010′s James which logged four months in the Top 40 on the Americana Chart, peaking at #4, and landing at #23 in the year’sTop 100.

Opening for Red Molly will be Voxology, from our very own central PA region. A shining example of the contemporary folk tradition, the band has performed at festivals in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Arkansas, Virginia, West Virginia, Florida and Utah, where they performed during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

The show starts at 8pm, and tickets are $20/$26/$32. Reserve yours now at GettysburgFestival.org.

Susan Eisenhower: Special Guest at White House Dinner

Hosted by the Eisenhower Institute, special guest Susan Eisenhower will share her memories of the White House during her grandfather’s administration at the White House Dinner on Saturday, June 16th. Guests will enjoy an extraordinary dinner and fine wines – made up of favorite recipes from Scheib and Eisenhower’s years in the White House.

Susan Eisenhower is the Eisenhower Institute’s Chairman of Leadership and Public Policy Programs. She was a founding director and the first president of the Eisenhower Institute, where she became known for her work in the former Soviet Union and in the energy field. Eisenhoweralso serves as President of the Eisenhower Group, Inc., which provides strategic counsel on political and business projects.

Eisenhower has served on several blue ribbon commissions, most recently the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future, in addition to the Baker-Cutler Commission on US funded nuclear nonproliferation programs in Russia. In 2011, Eisenhower was appointed to the Dept. of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee. Previously, she worked on the NASA Advisory Council and the National Academy of Sciences’ standing Committee on International Security and Arms Control. Eisenhower has been a Fellow at Harvard’s JFK School of Government’s Institute of Politics and a Distinguished Fellow atthe Nixon Center. She currently sits on the boards of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, the Energy Future Coalition, and the MIT Energy Initiative, and is an advisor to the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy.

At Gettysburg College, Eisenhower offers he rundergraduate program, Strategy & Leadership in Transformational Times, which highlights the vital intersection between strategy and leadership while emphasizing the truly transformational times we are living in today.

Reserve your tickets at GettysburgFestival.org.

An Evening of Broadway, Brass and Bonbons

On Friday, June 15^th, Broadway’s Next H!T Musical will create a full-fledged Broadway style musical, completely off the cuff using suggestions from the audience. This group of master improvisers will gather made up, hit song suggestions to create a spontaneous evening of music, humor and laughter. The audience votes for their favorite song and watches as the cast turns it into a full blown improvised musical – complete with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and plot twists galore.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The opening act is the Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass, playing your Broadway favorites to set the scene. The Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass is composed of some of America’s top brass musicians and has appeared on the world’s most prominent stages with such groups as the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Canadian Brass, Boston Brass and many others. The evening’s performance is a prelude to their full performance the following day as part of the free All-American Brass Picnic at Festival Main Stage.

Following the show, guests can cap off the night with the decadent Chocolate on Broadway reception, featuring artisan chocolates to pastries, petit fours to fondue, and even coffees and martinis infused with chocolate. It’s the “icing on top of the cake,” putting a delicious finishing touch on the evening’s entertainment.

Tickets for this evening, sponsored by OPEN MINDS, are $28/$35/$44 for Broadway’s Next H!T Musical and $25 for Chocolate on Broadway. Learn more about this events – and reserve your tickets – at GettysburgFestival.org.

Countdown to the Gettysburg Festival

 From June 8 to 17^th, the Gettysburg Festival brings more than 100 events – musical, culinary, artistic, and community – to this small town in Central Pennsylvania. How should you choose which events to check out? The Gettysburg Festival has made it easy for locals and out-of-towners alike, with this handy list:

Top 10 Must-Go Events

1. Bridging the gap between blues, rock, soul, gospel and a touch of jazz, the Robert Cray Band is sure to light up the stage! Five-time Grammy Award winner Robert Cray brings the blues to Gettysburg on opening night Friday, June 8.
2. Blues, Beer & BBQ featuring Shemekia Copeland makes for a perfect summer evening, full of smokey BBQ, cold beer and the sizzling voice of Shemekia Copeland. The June 9 party will start with a special cooking demo by the one and only ‘Biker Billy’, a vegetarian, Harley riding, entertainer who loves all things hot and spicy!
3. FREE and open to all, the Art Market features two days of live music on the Festival Main Stage, along with a wonderful collection of artisans and crafters displaying and selling their work. Enjoy delicious Festival food from top local vendors and cold beverages from the Festival Bar.
4. Kicking off History Meets the Arts on June 14, the Edible Art Tour is a Festival favorite. Tour local galleries to experience nationally known artists showcasing fine art and top area chefs showcasing fine food.
5. ‘A Step Back in Time’ is this year’s theme for Children’s Arts Faire – a free, fun-filled day of crafts, music, games, art, magic and much more – for kids of all ages!
6. Don’t miss Broadway’s Next H!T Musical – a fresh, creative improv troupe that creates a full-fledged Broadway style musical, completely off the cuff using suggestions from the audience. Cap off the fun with the decadence of a chocolate reception featuring artisan chocolates, pastries, coffees and chocolate martinis. Broadway and bonbons – a winning combination!
7. The White House Dinner is sure to be remembered by all who attend! Hosted by the Eisenhower Foundation, special guest Susan Eisenhower will talk about her memories of the White House during her grandfather’s administration, then Walter Scheib, White House Chef for the Clinton & Bush administrations, will discuss his experiences in the President’s house while you enjoy a extraordinary dinner and fine wines.
8. An exciting combination of traditional and contemporary brass bands, the All-American Brass Picnic this year will feature Athena Brass, an all-female band. Enjoy outstanding picnic fare from quality food vendors plus the Festival bar featuring beer, wine and other beverages.
9. Become a “Redhead,” as the fans of Red Molly are called. On Saturday, June 16, this trio will combine gorgeous a cappella ballads, bluegrass-tinged folk and a touch of jazzy western swing all done up in three-part harmonies.
10. Then Sings My Soul: Songs and Spirituals from the American Experience is an uplifting, glorious musical journey that will satisfy your soul. Featuring mezzo soprano Cheryse McLeod Lewis closes the festival on Sunday, June 17 with this event to honor America’s treasure trove of Civil War spirituals and inspirational Broadway favorites.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Whether you love blues or brews, tunes or ‘tinis, the Gettsyburg Festival has something for everyone. Learn more about these events – and the 90 others scheduled for 2012 – at GettysburgFestival.org.

Take a Culinary Tour of the White House

The White House is a very different place for a young girl whose grandfather sits in the Oval Office and a professional chef planning state dinners. Attendees at the White House Dinner on Saturday, June 16 will have the unique opportunity to hear about both experiences, while enjoying fine delicacies from three presidential administrations.

Hosted by the Eisenhower Foundation, special guest Susan Eisenhower will share her memories of the White House during her grandfather’s administration, then Walter Scheib, White House Chef for the Clinton and Bush administrations, will discuss his experiences in the President’s house. All the while, guests will enjoy an extraordinary dinner and fine wines.

At the Wyndham Gettysburg, the premier culinary partner for Gettysburg Festival’s culinary events, Executive Chef Claude Rodier will replicate on one of Scheib’s signature four-course White House dinners.  With dinner from 5 to 7:30 pm, guests will easily be able to attend the Festival’s 8 pm evening concert, Red Molly, at the Majestic Theater.  Tickets for this exceptional event are $100 and can be obtained at GettysburgFestival.org.

A Meeting of Two Traditions: History & Art

Gettysburg is one of America’s premier destinations for historical art. Visitors to the area love history and love art, so it’s only natural that they would be combined. Over time, Adams County attracted some of the country’s most noted historical artists. The event known as “History Meets the Arts” brings together the big names in historical art – Keith Rocco, “Lincoln Artist” Wendy Allen, Heide Presse, John Buxton, Dean Morrissey, David Wright, Bradley Schmehl, Ron Lesser and Amy Lindenberger. It is known as the largest gathering of historical artists in the country.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Whether you love history or art, you’ll enjoy gallery exhibits featuring masterful paintings and exquisite sculpture, opportunities to meet world-renowned artists, enjoy artist demonstrations and much more. Historical art abounds throughout Gettysburg’s distinctive galleries, showcasing French/Indian, Frontier, Revolutionary, World War I and II, and, of course, Civil War art. Sponsored by Harrisburg/717 Magazine, events in 2012 will take place at the following galleries:

• Brafferton Inn, 44 York Street
• Civil War Fine Art, 333 Baltimore Street
• Gettysburg Frame Shop, 17 Chambersburg Street
• Lord Nelson’s Gallery, 27 Chambersburg Street
• Lord Nelson’s Satellite Gallery at the Gettysburg Fire Hall, 35 N. Stratton Street
• Lincoln into Art, 329 Baltimore Street

Admission is free to all events except Thursday night’s Edible Art Tour, serving as the kickoff and exclusive preview to the History Meets the Arts show for 2012. Ticket holders will have the first chance to view the galleries, meet the artists and enjoy culinary masterpieces at every stop. New for 2012, attendees also have the distinction of casting their ballots for “Best in Show” among originals exhibited at the 2012 History Meets the Arts show.

A Favorite Returns: The All-American Brass Picnic

Gettysburg Festival’s All-American Brass Picnic on Saturday, June 16 will offer a “picnic in the park” setting at the Festival Main Stage at Gettysburg College. The full afternoon lineup will spotlight some of the best brass groups from the mid-Atlantic region as part of the 10-day Gettysburg Festival celebrating American arts, culture and cuisine.

“The brass picnic is truly a slice of Americana and a great way for the community to come together,” said Beth Kirby, Executive Director of the Festival. “Gettysburg Festival is pleased to offer free admission to this fantastic event, meeting our goal of making the arts accessible and available to all.”

The lineup includes:

12 pm: Spires Brass Band of Frederick, MD
1 pm: Athena Brass, representing 13 states across the USA plus Canada
2 pm: No BS! Brass Band of Richmond, VA
4 pm: Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass of Philadelphia, PA

This project is partially supported by a grant from Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, a program developed and funded by The Heinz Endowments, the William Penn Foundation, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and The Pew Charitable Trusts, and administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. Media sponsors for the All American Brass Picnic include Celebrate Gettysburg Magazine and Susquehanna Style Magazine.

A Dream Team Gives Back

The Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass (RMPBB) is composed of some of America’s top brass musicians dedicated to bringing the joyous experience of great music to a wide range of audiences. A veritable “dream team” of virtuoso brass players, members of the group have appeared on the world’s most prominent stages.

RMPBB is dedicated to the notion that music is a gift to be enjoyed by everyone, and its members are especially committed to reaching out to the world’s youth and inspiring them to reach for their dreams. To share this commitment in Gettysburg, the Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass will offer a free workshop; open to brass musicians of all ages and levels.

This unique opportunity, partially supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, will take place on June 16th from 11am -12pm at The Junction in the College Union Building (CUB) of Gettysburg College. The workshop is free but reservations are required and can be made by calling the Festival office at (717)334-0853.

New to the Festival Stage

Named after the Greek Goddess of wisdom, the Athena Brass Band is the first all-female brass band in the United States. Formed in 2003, with members from across the country and Canada, Athena musicians include current or former members of the U.S. Army Band, the U.S. Coast Guard Band, Brass Band of Battle Creek and the New Sousa Band.

If You Decide to Go…

The Festival Main Stage is shifting to a new, larger location on the Gettysburg College campus for 2012. It will be located on Memorial Field, behind the College Union Building, with free on-campus parking nearby at Stadium Lot. This more spacious location allows for better visibility of the stage, without trees in the line of sight; however portions of the day have the potential for direct sunlight so attendees are encouraged to wear hats and bring sunscreen as desired.

A wide selection of classic American picnic fare by outstanding regional vendors, along with beer, wine and other beverages, will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, and may bring sun umbrellas to set around the edges of the seating area.

A Brass-tastic Weekend

Additional Gettysburg Festival brass performances include:

• Brass on the Square, 6-8pm, June 15 in front of the Gettysburg Hotel in Lincoln Square. Enjoy the music, while strolling through the Square watching downtown scenes come to life on artists’ canvases, as part of the Quick Draw a new Festival event, taking place simultaneously. The Quick Draw is a timed competition, after which work is judged, prizes awarded, and work will be immediately included in a “wet sale.” Prizes for this event were generously donated by ACNB and Blick Art Materials.
• Wildcat Regiment Band, a Civil War period band, performs on June 16 at 2 pm at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center and at the Pennsylvania Monument at 6 pm.

Support for Brass Music

Generous support for the 2012 All American Brass Picnic is provided by Dr Pepper Snapple and by Gen On, and by the Ben Jones’ Tuba Open Golf Brass Benefit. This golf tournament, organized to support brass programming, will be played Thursday, June 14 at Mountain View Golf Club. For more information and registration contact Ben Jones at jonesbl@embarqmail.com or 334 7719.

All 2012 Festival brass performances are free and open to the public; however, tickets to the All-American Brass Picnic are required for entry. Visit GettysburgFestival.org to obtain your free ticket. Donations are graciously accepted at the Picnic, so that this free, quality programming may continue.

Provence Comes to Adams County

Beech Springs Farm is one of the most picturesque corners of Adams County – and on Friday, May 18, it will be transformed into Provence for an evening. In partnership with gracious hosts Jayne and Bill Shord, Walter Scheib, former White House Chef, designed and will host this glorious evening, featuring an exquisite French-inspired menu, live music and a one-of-a-kind auction. The Festival’s premier culinary partner, Chef Claude Rodier of the Wyndham Gettysburg, drew on his French training and heritage to create the evening’s exquisite menu, which will be served alfresco in the lush gardens of Beech Springs Farm. The menu includes such mouthwatering delicacies as:

• Pissaladiere Nicoise
• Heirloom Tomato Salad with Tuna in Olive Oil and Nicoise Olives
• Steamed Mussels with Fennel and Saffron
• Roasted Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Rosemary Jus
• Whole Roasted Free Range Chicken with Rosemary and Citrus
• Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic, Thyme and Rosemary
• “Petit Farcis Nicois” Small Stuffed Vegetables

The desserts, of course, will be heavenly, including Chocolate “Pot De Crème”, Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tart, Authentic Napoleon, Lemon Tart from Menton, and the unusual Swiss Chard Tort with Raisins and Pine Nuts. Beer, wine, and signature cocktail are included in the ticket price of $125 per person and $200 per couple. An auction will enliven the evening, while raising funds to support the celebration of American arts and culture. Culinary items on the block will include White House Dinner for 10 with former White House Chef Walter Scheib; Eastern Shore Dinner for 6 with Gettysburg College President Janet Morgan and Ed Riggs; Wine Tasting for 8 at the home of Monica Oss and Jay Mackie; Italian Dinner for 6 with Edie Jardine and Dan Mangan; and a Cooking Class for 6 at The Stone Kitchen. With so many great artists associated with the Festival, there will be a feast of visual art available for bidding:

• Art Lover’s Package, including Alum House, original art by Plein Air Artist Ann Crostic, two tickets to the Edible Art Tour and a copy of Pleasure Palaces, the Art and Homes of Hunt Slonem.
• “Winter’s Warriors”, an original colored pencil drawing by Amy Lindenberger, rendered in a range of French Grays and depicting  a portion of the monument of the 13th Massachusetts Volunteers, and behind the monument, an old oak tree.
• “Lincoln Riding the Circuit”, an original oil painting by Lincoln artist Wendy Allen. Lincoln spent most of his legal career in the saddle, riding the Eighth Judicial Circuit, covering thousands of prairie miles and watching thousands of sunsets over vast open landscapes.  Lincoln always said these were the happiest years of his life.
• “Floral Study in Azure and Violet”, First Edition Photograph by Dan Mangan. This faux color, impressionist pastel of wild florals was filmed in late October stimulating the senses with its soft colorization. This signed, limited edited photograph is on canvas, framed, and measures 26̎ x 18̎ wide.
• Handmade Braided Rug by Catharine Roth, a native of Orrtanna who learned the art of rug braiding from her mother and various mentors.  She is a musician, viticulturist and writer, and is presently a gardener at Beech Springs Farm, which was her family home for many years.  Catharine’s hand braided rugs are constructed from recycled materials, primarily woolens.  The dimensions for the rug donated by Catharine are 3′ x 4′ and the primary colors are maroon, black and gray.

Supporters will also be able to bid on a Philadelphia Getaway, a Weekend Package in New Oxford, and two V.I.P. tickets, including two orchestra seats and a meet and greet with Lily Tomlin on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 3 p.m. at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg. This event is sure to be an unforgettable evening – concluding with a spectacular sunset view. Tickets are still available, and all of funds raised support the wonderful Festival programming, more than half of which is free!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

If You Decide to Go…
Sunset Garden Party
Beech Springs Farm, Orrtanna
Friday, May 18, 2012
5:30 – 8:30 pm
$125 pp/$200 couple

RSVP by May 11. Dress is business/casual, but in true “garden party” style, ladies are welcome to wear hats.

For more information on Gettysburg Festival events including tickets: GettysburgFestival.org, 717-334-0853.

Thank You and Goodnight

By Karen Hendricks, PR/Marketing Director

In 1963, the all-girl band The Angels charted a number one hit that you probably recognize–“My Boyfriend’s Back.”  One of their follow-up 45s included the B-side “Thank You and Goodnight” which turned out to be a surprise hit.  Classic American 50s and 60s music is full of colorful and fascinating trivia!

But “Thank You and Goodnight” is exactly what we said to about 150 guests who attended the Festival’s recent Sock Hop at the Wyndham Gettysburg.  Chef Claude Rodier knocked the socks off our Sock Hop attendees with a fabulous menu, in cooperation with our beloved former White House Chef Walter Scheib, Artistic Director for the Festival’s Culinary Arts Events.

An All-American Classic: Cheeseburger Sliders by Chef Claude Rodier

The doo-wop group Chromed Classics also charmed guests and set the musical tone for the evening:

We also thank Battlefield Harley-Davidson for their generous gift of a shiny 2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna Bob, as many guests purchased raffle tickets to try their luck at winning this fabulous motorcycle.  Stay tuned, as the winner will be pulled during the June 9 Blues, Beer & BBQ event.

But perhaps the real star of the evening was the fabulous Hagerstown-based dance group, the Hub City Lindy Hop.  Entertaining DJ Bob Mathers was spinning toe-tapping tunes, and they did not miss a beat.

Thanks also go out to:  Mr. Ed of Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium for his generous gift of nostalgic candy, including Mary Jane’s, and Mari Killian and friends from Just Shoot Us Now for bringing their unique photo booth.

We are especially thankful to guests who took time to write or call expressing their appreciation for the themed evening.  The following message is just one example:

“…a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed the Sock Hop last Saturday night. From beginning to end, this was the best dance of its type that we have attended. The venue, the dance floor, the music, the food and the entertainment as a whole made for a perfect night of fun and dance. We hope that this event was a successful fund raiser for your organization and we look forward to your future events this summer.”

Again, “Thank You and Goodnight”—but only until our next Festival event, around the corner!  Save the date of May 18 for our next themed fundraiser event, a Sunset Garden Party, and of course save the dates of June 8-17 with plenty of fun programming made possible by generous contributions from Friends of the Festival and fundraising events, with the emphasis on FUN, such as the Sock Hop!

To enjoy a photo album from the Sock Hop click here.

Let’s Go to the Hop

By Karen Hendricks, PR/Marketing Director

If you don’t know the term “sock hop,” chances are you’re relatively young.  We’ve been asked the question, “What is a sock hop?” at the Festival office quite a bit recently due to our upcoming “Festival Sock Hop: Kick off your Shoes & Kick the Winter Blues” on March 3.

In the 50s and 60s, high school dances were traditionally held in a school gymnasium or cafeteria where floors sparkled with a smooth, varnished finish.  So teens were asked to take off their shoes, so as not to damage the surface, and dance in their socks.  Keep in mind, this was a time when teens wore what we now call “dress shoes” every day.  As sneakers and saddle shoes became popular, the rubber soles were not damaging to the floors, teens could dance in their shoes, and the term “sock hop” fell out of use.

Remember this dance scene from "Grease?"

 

But we thought it would be fun to bring back this theme and plan a sock hop based upon the great oldies music of the 50s and 60s.  The Festival’s premier culinary partner, The Wyndham Gettysburg including 1863 Restaurant, has designed a playful menu brimming with popular 50s and 60s themed food.  Root beer floats, anyone?  Click here to see the full menu.

Bob Mathers

But the main ingredient on our Sock Hop menu is fun.  One of the area’s leading DJ’s specializing in oldies music– Bob Mathers–will be spinning tunes to set your toes tapping.  Bob has worked with such legendary icons as Buddy Deane, host of Baltimore’s Buddy Deane Show.  This teenage dance show was the inspiration and basis for the movie/musical Hairspray.  Bob will also entertain you with fun 50s/60s trivia and a few contests along the way.  (Hint:  you may want to watch the following YouTube clip which shows you the nifty steps to “Dancin’ the Madison.”)

 

 

What a fun era to revisit, including classic and nostalgic tunes such as “In the Still of the Night” (The Five Satins), “The Way You Do the Things You Do (The Temptations), “The Wanderer” (Dion), “Earth Angel” (The Penguins; also recorded by The Crew Cuts and many others), Johnny B. Goode (Chuck Berry), and many more.  

There are a limited number of Sock Hop tickets available – click here to learn more about the event & reserve your tickets today.

It doesn’t matter if you lived through the 50s/60s or not – come as you are or jump into your saddle shoes and poodle skirt, or your black leather jacket and rolled-up jeans and “Let’s Go to the Hop!”

 

Feel free to leave a post here on our blog, and tell us about your favorite 50s/60s tunes–cool beans!