Welcome to Artist Alley, Washington County Arts Council's electronic newsletter. We hope this publication will engage you with the arts in your community.

 

WCAC welcomes your ideas and support as it continues to take the lead in bringing together the community's art organizations to strengthen our region's arts culture.

 

For artist information, arts events, calls for art and more visit WCAC's web page... www.washingtoncountyarts.com

A "Hands-On Musical Experience"
for students in Grades 1-3

Symphony Saturdays, a children's education project of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, is again offering its program in Hagerstown.

In this four week program, children in grades 1-3 will hear Maryland Symphony Orchestra musicians explain and play their instruments. Each week, children will have the opportunity to try playing some instruments from one of the families in the orchestra (strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion.) This year, we have scheduled four parent/child sessions. The program will take place at the Washington County Free Library, 100 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, with the exception of the March 14th session which will be held at Northern Middle School in Hagerstown. Children will learn some basic musical concepts while having fun as they experience the joy of music.

http://www.marylandsymphony.org/symphony-saturdays

 

Comedy GREATER TUNA continues at The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater and Children's Theater.

The 31st Season of The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater and Children's Theater, now owned by Producing Artistic Director Shawn R. Martin and his wife and Managing Director Laura J. Martin, will open with the uproarious comedy GREATER TUNA.

GREATER TUNA debuted in New York City in 1982 at Circle in the Square Downtown and has gone on to become the most widely produced comedy in American history. Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, GREATER TUNA is a hilarious visit to the third smallest town in Texas where two actors portray 20 of the town's upstanding and less than upstanding citizens in a show that made The New York post state that "the audience all but exploded with laughter."

The Playhouse's production stars regional theater veterans Steve Steele and Shawn Nakia, with Shawn R. Martin directing.

The play is preceded by dinner which features a full salad bar, hot buffet, dessert and a cash bar.

GREATER TUNA opens on Friday January 16th and continues on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:00 pm with select Sunday matinees at 1:00pm.

The Washington County Playhouse is located at 44 N. Potomac St., Rear in the heart of Hagerstown, Maryland's Arts and Entertainment District. Free parking is available in the central lot.

The adult ticket price is $39.00 for dinner and show (beverages and gratuity are not included). Children aged 5 to 12 years are admitted for $19.00.

March 6 - 8, 2015
Friday and Saturday *8:00pm
Sunday *3:00pm

Directed by Chas Rittenhouse
with Elizabeth Cuthbert, Tom Doty, Brian Heinrich,
Jesse Jones, Angie Mason & Nic Sigman

Have you ever known someone who touched every part of your life? Have you loved someone across time and distance? Share in the story of Melissa and Andrew as they grow together through the power of the pen!

Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at the door
http://www.potomacplaymakers.org/box-office.html or call (240) 382-7269

Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation 

Visit http://barbaraingramfoundation.org/arts-camp/ for 2015 Summer Arts Academy programs!

 

Friday, February 20, 2015 *7:30pm
"Critics" Pick! Exuberant and very entertaining!
"50 Shades! delivers the goods!" - The New York Times
Don't restrain yourself! Submit to 50 SHADES! THE MUSICAL PARODY today.

This sexy and hilarious send up to Fifty Shades of Grey, the greatest novel EVER, has audiences rolling on the floor and dancing in the aisles! Now it's your turn to experience the show that has sold-out audiences across the country begging for more!

50 SHADES! THE MUSICAL PARODY will rock your world! Take your friends, take your co-workers, and, as Time Out Los Angeles says, "TAKE YOUR INNER GODDESS TO THIS SMASH HIT!"

A Bridal Affair

at the Maryland Theatre 

 

Sunday, February 22, 2015 * 1-3pm
The Maryland Theatre's 2nd Annual Bridal Show

See the most exquisite wedding vendors in the area in the most memorable wedding venue: The Maryland Theatre! Come visit with vendors from 1-2:30pm and then watch the live on-stage fashion show at 2:30pm. This will be a one-stop shop for brides and their friends & family. Goody bags to the first 50 attendees and giveaways every 30 minutes!

Tickets are just $10 per person in advance or $15 at the door. Insert Maryland Theatre website

Hagerstown Community Concert

at the Maryland Theatre 

 

Thursday, February 26, 2015 * 7:30pm
Alex DePue with Miguel DeHoyas
Fiery Biolin and Guitar Duo

World-renowned violinist/fiddler leads duo through an array of styles - Classical, Bluegrass, Rock - with blazing virtuosity and emotion. Duo credits include an appearance with the Philadelphia Orchestra and as feature entertainers with the International Bluegrass Music Association. Supercharged, accessible, genre-crossing repertoire.

The Berenstain Bears LIVE!

in Family Matters, the Musical 

at the Maryland Theatre 

 

Sunday, March 8, 2015 * 3:00pm

Stan and Jan Berenstain originally published The Berenstain Bears in 1974 and have gone on to publish over 300 books, create three animated television series, an upcoming feature-length movie, and now a brand new musical! Approved by the authors themselves, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical is an adaptation of three of The Berenstain Bears' most beloved books: The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers, The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food, and The Berenstain Bears' Trouble at School.

Appropriate for Mamas, Papas, and Young Cubs of all ages, in this live musical production filled with fun songs and dancing, the Berenstain Bears learn important life lessons.

 

Click to see the video link: http://www.berenstainbearslive.com/video.html 

 

Tickets $10 and up: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/15004E2D14E35136?Brand=mdthtr

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF THE BLUES!!!!

Mark your calendars now for the weekend of May 28th - May 31st for the 20th Anniversary of the Western Maryland Blues Fest! The 2015 series will feature yet another fabulous line-up of national, regional and local musical acts to jump-start your summer fun.

Show your community pride and become an EARLY BIRD SPONSOR by pledging your festival sponsorship level before February 27, 2015. EARLY BIRD SPONSOR pledges receive special recognition at our Cabin Fever Blues Bash as well as bonus VIP tickets.

Downloadable sponsorship information and pledge forms are available - just click here. Plus, get excited for this year's Blues Bash with more details here.

The Western Maryland Blues Fest continues to be a successful community event thanks to support from local businesses and people like you. We appreciate you sharing these opportunities for involvement with your friends!

The WCAC facility is wheelchair accessible!