Performing Arts Center at Garrett College

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra, known for its rich sound and precision, consistently delivers a high level of musicianship. The performances feature a balance of classical masterpieces and contemporary works, with each section of the orchestra—strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion—showcasing their individual talents while contributing to a unified and cohesive whole. A performance by the MSO is a dynamic display of musical virtuosity and emotional depth. Under the expert baton of Elizabeth Schulze, the orchestra brings to life a program that ranges from the sweeping drama of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 to the intricate beauty of new American works. The evening is further heightened by the exceptional soloists whose performance will captivate the audience with both technical brilliance and expressive artistry. Thei Orchestras ability to seamlessly blend precision with passion leaves the audience spellbound, and the vibrant energy of the orchestra is mirrored by the enthusiastic response from the crowd. MSO’s influence and reputation have reached far beyond Western Maryland. It is one of only four professional symphony orchestras in Maryland, and audience members from South Central Pennsylvania, West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, and the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area are drawn to concerts held at the historic Maryland […]

Take Me Home: A Tribute to the Music of John Denver by Jim Curry is a heartfelt and nostalgic celebration of the legendary singer-songwriter’s timeless music. With a voice that channels the warmth and sincerity of John Denver himself, Curry delivers an authentic and moving performance of Denver’s greatest hits, from the soaring ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ to the introspective ‘Annie’s Song. Backed by a talented band, Curry weaves together captivating stories and personal reflections on the music, creating a deep connection with the audience. This tribute show is more than just a concert—it’s a journey through the life and music of a beloved artist, reminding us of the beauty of nature, the power of love, and the joy of home. Whether you’re singing along or simply soaking in the emotional resonance of the songs, Take Me Home is an uplifting, unforgettable experience.” This show transports the audience back to the spirit of John Denver’s music, offering a night of reflection, nostalgia, and uplifting melodies that stay with you long after the final song. “Jim Curry was over there sounding like John Denver… I closed my eyes and went back to the times when I worked with John.” Pete Huttlinger, guitar player for John Denver. Come join […]

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Seth Kibel is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier woodwind specialists. He has worked with some of the best bands in klezmer, jazz, swing, and more, and wowing audiences on saxophone, clarinet, and flute, Seth has made a name for himself in the Washington/Baltimore region and beyond. He is the featured performer with The Kleztet, Bay Jazz Project, Music Pilgrim Trio, The Natty Beaux, and more. Winner of 28 Washington Area Music Awards (Wammies), including “Best World Music Instrumentalist” (2003-11) and “Best Jazz Instrumentalist” (2005, 2007-8, 2011-14). His most recent recording, “Clown With A Stick,” was released in May 2023 on the Azalea City Recordings record label. He’s won numerous prizes in the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest (MASC), including the Grand Prize in 2016 and a Gold Prize in 2022. A performance by the Seth Kibel Kleztet is a vibrant celebration of klezmer music that blends tradition with innovation in the most exhilarating way. With Seth Kibel’s virtuosic clarinet at the forefront, the ensemble delivers an unforgettable evening of soulful, high-energy music that spans from joyful, foot-stomping dance tunes to deeply emotional ballads. The musicians’ technical prowess is matched only by their ability to convey the rich emotional […]

A band out of Washington, DC, who play western swing, rockabilly, old country, and some jump blues. Their influences include music from the 1940s and on, including almost everything that came out of The Quonset Hut and RCA Studio B in Nashville, Sun Records, and Bakersfield.  Kiti Gartner & The Drifting Valentines is a heartwarming, soulful journey through Americana, folk, and retro pop. With Kiti Gartner’s rich, expressive vocals at the forefront, the band creates an atmosphere of intimate storytelling, where each song feels like a personal reflection on love, loss, and longing. The Drifting Valentines’ tight harmonies and skillful instrumentation—anchored by acoustic guitars, upright bass, and light percussion—wrap around Gartner’s voice, adding depth and warmth to every note. The band effortlessly blends nostalgia with a modern sensibility, delivering songs that feel timeless yet fresh. The audience is drawn into a cozy, inviting world where every lyric resonates with emotion and every melody carries a sense of connection. It’s a performance that’s both uplifting and poignant, making it an unforgettable experience for all who listen. BUY TICKETS

Get ready for a night of magic, comedy, and surprises with The Magic Duel Comedy Show! Watch as two talented magicians go head-to-head in a lighthearted competition of illusions, wit, and humor. The audience becomes part of the action, helping out with tricks and voting on who performed the most amazing feats of magic. With hilarious banter, incredible sleight-of-hand tricks, and jaw-dropping illusions, this show is a fast-paced, interactive comedy experience that will leave you laughing and scratching your head in wonder. Perfect for the whole family, The Magic Duel offers a magical blend of laughter and amazement that you won’t soon forget. This show is a must-see for anyone who loves magic, comedy, or just a good time. Award-winning magicians and first-rate snarkists Mark Phillips and Ryan Phillips face off in this display of mind-bending illusions, hilarious jokes, and engaging audience participation. You’ll gasp in amazement at their magic, laugh at their witty banter, and cheer for your favorite magician as they battle it out for the win. It’s a fun-filled experience you’ll long remember. BUY TICKETS

Grammy award-winning children’s performer Dan Zanes and Haitian-American music therapist/jazz vocalist Claudia Zanes have been making music with each other since the day they met in the fall of 2016. The two decided while sitting at Dan’s kitchen table that afternoon that they would continue singing together and, in the spirit of progress and inclusion, would work with presenters to try and make all of their concerts sensory friendly. Inspired by their artful, modern-day, all-ages folk music and their commitment to accessibility, the Kennedy Center commissioned Claudia and Dan to create a theater piece for young audiences. Night Train 57: A Sensory Friendly Comic Folk Opera premiered in October 2017 and has been performed several times since. Their love of songs and communal music-making lead to a publishing deal with the Quarto Group USA, and the result, an award-winning songbook entitled Dan Zanes’ House Party: A Family Roots Music Treasury, was released in 2018. In late 2019, the couple – now married! – moved from Brooklyn to Baltimore and what had been a full schedule of theater, school, and festival performances evaporated with the advent of the coronavirus. When a national state of emergency was declared in March, Dan and […]

Darrah Carr Dance is a unique dance company that blends traditional Irish step dance with contemporary modern dance. Founded in 1998, the company is known for its high-energy, rhythmically based performances that draw from Irish music, step dance footwork, and spatial patterns. Artistic Director Darrah Carr describes their style as “ModERIN,” a playful combination of “modern” dance and “Erin,” a poetic name for Ireland1. This innovative approach creates a dynamic and accessible form of dance that appeals to a broad audience. The company has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Disneyworld, and the Irish Arts Center, and has been featured on NBC’s “The Today Show”. Their performances are characterized by a blend of tradition and innovation, celebrating Irish heritage while exploring new artistic directions. Expect an electrifying fusion of traditional Irish step dance and contemporary movement that is both innovative and emotionally resonant. The performance features intricate footwork and rhythmic precision, blending the sharp, percussive sounds of Irish dance with expressive, flowing modern choreography. Darrah Carr’s visionary choreography takes the audience on a journey, using powerful and fluid movements to convey emotion and tell stories through dance. The dancers’ energy is contagious, drawing the audience into a shared experience […]

Stage WEST invites attendees to its only matinee of the year, a performance especially captivating as it falls close to Veterans Day. The Accidental Hero is a multimedia one-man show about Lieutenant Colonel Matt Konop, a WWII American officer who miraculously liberates the Czech villages of his grandparents. It’s a true story written and performed by his grandson, Patrick Dewane. Patrick’s grandfather refused to talk about his service in the war. When he died, his basement yielded a treasure trove of typewritten accounts, photos, and rare film footage. Dewane brings this archival material to glowing life as an enthralling, humorous, and heartwarming tale of miraculous escapes and astonishing coincidences. This touching show runs from belly laughs to tears. Dewane takes on a dozen different roles as he powerfully recounts his grandfather’s journey from Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the end of WWII. In the last week of the war, Konop’s story turns away from a soldier’s survival tale to something from mythology. He discovers his lost identity and is embraced by the tribe he never knew in an epic homecoming. As he freed the Czechs, he too was liberated. Check out the website for more about Lieutenant […]