Here is a list of some of the many cultural arts events coming up this month. Please check websites for specific times and ticket prices. We hope to see you there!
September 5–14 – The Dummest Play Ever @ Gettysburg Community Theatre
In a series of silly scenes that will have us laughing at the “dumbness” in everything, the real question in the end is about what matters most. And while we all can do dumb, goofy things at times, we all offer something of value as well. Perhaps Mabel’s Meditative Yoga Class is what we need to just let it all go and not worry whether any of this is smart or dumb or silly or weird, because it is definitely all of the above! Tickets are $25 and available online. Fridays have a show at 7 p.m., while Saturdays and Sundays have a 2 p.m. matinee. www.gettyburgcommunitytheatre.org
September 5 from 5–7 p.m. – Art Exhibit Opening @ Adams County Arts Education Center
New exhibits for the month of September include Jack Handshaw exhibiting his pottery in the Reception Hall, Loy Elliott in the Gallery, and Aaron Ulish in the Studio. Enjoy light refreshments as you view the new exhibits and talk with the artists. Admission is free. www.adamsarts.org
September 5 at 7 p.m. – Poetry First Friday @ Ragged Edge Coffeehouse
The poetry reading series takes place upstairs beginning with an open mic, followed by award-winning poet Joy Priest from Pittsburgh. Delicious baked goods, coffee, and tea are available for purchase downstairs. Free admission. www.theraggededgecoffeehouse.com
September 7 at 3 p.m. – The U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own @ The Majestic Theater
Enjoy music by The U.S. Army Concert Band with Colonel Bruce L. Pulver leading a captivating performance featuring Galante’s “Sailing with Whales.” Experience the majesty of the deep and the wonder of these gentle giants brought to life through vibrant musical storytelling. The program will also feature Nelsen’s “Aspen Jubilee,” Sousa’s “Homeward Bound,” “Spin Cycle” by Lindroth, and the triumphant and exhilarating finale from Barnes’ “Symphony #3.” Free tickets available at the ticket booth. www.gettysburgmajestic.org
September 7 at 6 p.m. – Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra @ United Lutheran Seminary Chapel
Under the direction of conductor Ryan Kozak, the concert opens with Edvard Grieg’s tone poem “In Autumn,” followed by Mahler’s lieder from “Des Knaben Wunderhorn” sung by soloist Ann Fogler. The second half is “Symphony No. 4” by Johannes Brahms, known for its passion, tragedy, and lament. Admission and parking are free. www.musicgettysburg.org
September 8 at Noon and 7 p.m. – Great Art on Screen @ The Majestic Theater
St. Peter’s and the Papal Basilicas of Rome is a unique film that combines history, spirituality, architecture, and art. It takes its cue from the Extraordinary Jubilee proclaimed by Pope Francis, which will see the faithful from all over the world pour into Rome and cross the thresholds of the Papal Basilicas. Tickets are $18 and only $10 for students under age 25 with ID. www.gettysburgmajestic.org
September 13 at 7 p.m. – Dr. Jocelyn Swigger, Piano @ Schmucker Recital Hall
Dr. Swigger will present the first faculty recital of the year on a brand-new Steinway piano. Admission is free. www.gettysburgcollege/sunderman.org
September 13 at 7 p.m. – Cinema Under the Stars @ Seminary Ridge, United Lutheran Seminary
Music and food begin at 7 p.m. for this free event, with the introduction and film beginning at sundown. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, BYOB, and enjoy some live music before the show along with food available from food trucks. www.gettysburg-filmcommission.org
September 14 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Pirate School @ Gettysburg Majestic Flex Theater
Pirate School: Sea Dreams is a madcap, swashbuckling solo show created and performed by veteran New York actor David Engel. Set to an original cartoon-inspired musical score, complete with sound effects, Pirate Professor Billy Bones teaches the finer points of lighthearted mischief and offers up zany lessons on how to stand, talk, sing, and be a boisterous buccaneer, all while promoting good manners, polite behavior, and social courage. With eye-popping puppetry, eccentric props, and slapstick swordplay, Pirate School is a riotous, interactive variety show suitable for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $15. www.gettysburgmajestic.org
September 15 at Noon and 7 p.m. – NT Live: A Streetcar Named Desire @ Majestic Theater
Filmed live in 2014 at the Young Vic theatre in London, this acclaimed production was directed by Benedict Andrews. As Blanche’s fragile world crumbles, she turns to her sister Stella for solace—but her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski. Tickets are $21. www.gettysburgmajestic.org
September 18 at 7:30 p.m. – Paragon Ragtime Orchestra: The Gold Rush @ Majestic Theater
Celebrate 100 years of film at the Majestic Theater with one of the greatest films ever made, Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush, which, like the Majestic, debuted in 1925! This special screening of this iconic silent film is presented with live music by the critically acclaimed Paragon Ragtime Orchestra. PRO is acknowledged as one of the world’s foremost silent film accompanists. They lead the way in designing, producing, and performing silent film programs for delighted modern audiences of all ages. Ticket prices are $30/$20/$15. www.gettysburgmajestic.org
September 20 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. – Historic Barn Tours Self-driving around Adams County.
Travel back in time as you visit five historic barns in Adams County after checking in at the Historic Round Barn between 10 a.m. and noon. Learn about these icons of our historic landscape that are truly works of art. Experience living history and arts and crafts of the 19th century. Adult tickets are $35 in advance, $40 the day of the tour. Children and youth under 18 are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Rain or shine. www.HGAConline.org
September 20 at 7:30 p.m. – Flags of Our Fathers (film) @ Majestic Theater
This critically acclaimed film (2006) by Clint Eastwood tells the life stories of six men who raised the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima, a turning point in World War II. Come early and tour a special exhibit about Eisenhower on display in the Majestic’s Gallery. Seating begins 30 minutes before the screening and tickets are free. www.gettysburgmajestic.org
September 21 at 4 p.m. – Felix Hell, Organ and Mary Bowden, Trumpet @ ULS Chapel
This internationally renowned organist is joined by a talented friend to offer music for organ and trumpet. Not to be missed! Admission and parking are free. www.musicgettysburg.org
September 27 at 8 p.m. – Sunderman Conservatory Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble Concert
Held in the Majestic Theater, Gettysburg College students will perform their first major concert of the new school year. Dr. Russell McCutcheon conducts the Wind Symphony while Dr. Amanda Heim leads the Jazz Ensemble. Tickets are $5 at the door and free with college ID. www.gettysburgmajestic.org
September 28 at 4 p.m. – Nordic Song @ Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary
Amanda Naomi Niskala (piano) and Amanda Stante (mezzo-soprano) present a concert of music by Grieg and other Scandinavian composers in memory of two stalwart Music Gettysburg! supporters—Carol Christianson and Pat Crowner. Admission and parking are free. www.musicgettysburg.org
September 29 at Noon and 7 p.m. – Great Art on Screen: Water Lilies of Monet @ Majestic
This documentary, Water Lilies of Monet: The Magic of Water and Light, will show the Water Lilies of Claude Monet as they have never been seen before. A unique, exclusive look at the masterpieces housed at the Orangerie Museum, the Marmottan Museum, the Orsay Museum, and Giverny for the first time ever on the big screen for an unrepeatable experience. Tickets are $18 and $10 for students with ID under age 25. www.gettysburgmajestic.org
September 30 at 7:30 p.m. – Philip Thomson, Piano @ St. James Lutheran Church
Concert pianist Philip Thomson has toured throughout Europe and the U.S. and has been broadcast on radio and TV across North America and in the Netherlands. His playing has been praised for its virtuosity, accuracy, brilliance, and tone quality. He graduated from the University of Toronto and studied both in England and at Juilliard. He taught at the University of Waterloo and the University of Akron (Ohio). Tickets are $50 for the entire four-concert series of the Gettysburg Community Concert Association. This also includes ten more concerts in Waynesboro and Hagerstown. For more detailed information, check the website. www.gettysburgcca.org
Gail Jones has enjoyed a twenty-five-year career as a music educator in Pennsylvania and Maryland public schools as well as teaching music education methods at Gettysburg College for over a decade. She has also served as a guest conductor, French horn player, and private music instructor.
Gail has a deep appreciation for live music performances of all genres and encourages Adams County residents to attend the many concerts offered in our community.