GARRETT LAKES ARTS FESTIVAL BEGAN WITH A VISION OF A MUSIC FESTIVAL IN GARRETT COUNTY.
In December 1986, a group of Garrett County residents gathered to explore that vision and a related proposal from local resident Kathryn Sincell and violinist Erick Friedman. The joint desire was to promote cultural and artistic activities in the county and to rekindle the Mountain Chautauqua spirit, once a hallmark of Garrett County life. A core of 22 citizens evolved from the originators, many of whom remained in leadership roles, serving with dedication and distinction in the ensuing years. GLAF is a non-profit 501(3)(C) corporation.
GLAF 2024 Season
Garrett Lakes Arts Festival is the largest presenter of performing arts and arts education in Garrett County, Maryland, and serves the entire tri-state region (MD, PA, WV). The GLAF office is located on the campus of Garrett College in McHenry, MD.
Join GLAF for the 2024 Season:
February 10: Janet’s Planet: Unsung Genius, Heroines of Science is a lecture spotlighting the untold stories of women in science. Revealing their remarkable genius, tenacity, and grit, it sheds light on their incredible contributions to science and innovation, often overlooked until now.
March 22: Listen to a special show with award-winning musicians Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer and Chinese artist Chao Tian. They play a mix of music from China to Appalachia using instruments like the Chinese hammered dulcimer, banjo, ukulele, and more.
June 8: Maryland Symphony Orchestra extends its influence beyond Western Maryland, drawing audiences from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area to its concerts at the historic Maryland Theatre in downtown Hagerstown.
June 15: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., winner of America’s Got Talent Season 6, emerged as a Sinatra-and-Soul singer with incredible voice and charisma. Born in poverty in West Virginia, he’s become a lasting sensation, journeying from the Appalachian coalfields to nationwide recognition.
July 20: Drew Harrison: In the Spirit of Lennon. Experience a heartfelt tribute to the life and career of the legendary John Lennon, featuring stories and songs spanning The Beatles years to his final recordings, presented by Drew Harrison.
July 26: Step into the nostalgic world of Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, reminiscent of the traditional American circus with a modern twist. Witness jaw-dropping feats, from jugglers to acrobats, in an interactive and family-friendly experience. It’s a celebration of oddities and risk-taking acts set to live music, creating an unforgettable evening of fun.
August 10: The Ann Street Trio, based in Baltimore, brings classical chamber music to life, spanning from the classical era to the 21st century. Comprising top Baltimore musicians Erik Franklin, Katlyn DeGraw, and Hui-Chuan Chen, the trio engages audiences with creative programming, conversations, and a close look at the excitement of chamber music.
September 23: Seth Kibel, a top woodwind specialist in the Mid-Atlantic, impresses audiences with his mastery of saxophone, clarinet, and flute. Renowned for his work in klezmer, jazz, swing, and beyond, Seth has made a name for himself in the Washington/Baltimore region and beyond.
September 28: The Latin Ballet of Virginia, founded in 1997 by Ana Ines King in Richmond, is a professional dance company and school offering multicultural dance programs, instruction, and performances for a diverse community.
October 19: Noa Baum: Speaker, Author, and Storyteller from Israel. With a background in acting and an M.A. from NYU, she blends performance art and workshops to highlight the healing power of narrative across identity divides, fostering understanding and compassion.
