by Robert Brown
Did you know that First Fridays have been a tradition in Gettysburg since around 2002, thanks to the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association (GARMA)? Events on First Fridays feature family-friendly activities throughout the downtown area. Participating locations are easily identified by special First Friday flags. The Gettysburg Library is proud to be part of the tradition, offering after-hours music from 5-6 PM each first Friday of the month on the second floor of the library.
In 2025, we began offering a variety of musical performances, starting with singer and songwriter Zach King in September 2025. Mike Kell followed with an American and Folk playlist in November. We celebrated the new year in January with Nick Mich and his Acoustic Country and Rock tunes. Most recently, in February, Neil and Shannon entertained the patrons at the library with a set of Americana, Rock, and Country music.
Now we are pleased to announce, thanks to the Adams County Arts Council (ACAC) STAR (Supporting The Arts Regionally) Grant program, we will be able to continue the experience for the remainder of 2026! The ACAC STAR Grant program supports local arts, education, and culture across Adams County. It is funded by the Adams County commissioners, Gettysburg Borough, and the Robert C. Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust. Fostering an arts-rich community, the ACAC STAR Grant has been fundamental to providing access to high-quality arts by supporting artists in and around our area. We are proud to be part of this mission.
Joining us for First Friday Tunes on Friday, March 6, at 5 PM will be Mandy Buttrum. Baltimore-born and raised, she has been playing music for over twenty years. Come check out her playlist of Alternative and Pop/Rock musical selections. Following on her heels on Friday, April 3, at 5 PM will be Voices Three, a group of three musicians who play across several genres, including Folk, Americana, Pop, Jazz, and some Rock. And this spring, on Friday, May 1, at 5 PM, Thomas Long, a native of Schuylkill County, will be joining us on the second floor of the Gettysburg Library. A solo acoustic guitarist who has been performing live music for over four decades, he will thrill you with familiar songs of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.
There is more to come throughout 2026! Do you want to be a part of this new tradition and bring your brand of music to downtown Gettysburg at the Gettysburg Library? Just reach out to the library to get on the schedule throughout the summer and fall!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hear these musical artists! Grab some food at a local eatery, bring it to the Gettysburg Library, and join us on the 2nd floor by the High Street entrance to enjoy the tunes!
Be sure to check out our other events online at adamslibrary.org or view them in our What’s Happening brochure.
Robert Brown is a Public Services Assistant and Programming Coordinator for the Gettysburg Library.