May filled with pre-Lancaster Festival events
LANCASTER – Tickets for the Lancaster Festival events will go on sale starting Monday, but before the Festival begins in July there are a number of events and a new art competition being planned for May that support the Festival.
"I think May just kind of kickstarts the Lancaster Festival," said Eleanor Hood, one of Festival organizers and former director. "We have a lot of things going on."
She said they have had a lot of interest already in a free preview community concert on May 16.
"The great thing about that is community members will be playing alongside orchestra members," Hood said.
She said a blues legend is coming to the next Covered Bridge Series performances May 23 and the Cameo League is holding the annual spring fundraiser.
"The events in May help build enthusiasm and excitement for what is coming in July and the volunteers really seemed to enjoy helping out," Hood said. "It's an exciting month."
Art Competition
Artists of all ages and all media are being encouraged to apply for the art competition, which will be judged by Rebecca Ibel, the curator of the Pizzutti Collection in Columbus.
The prize is $1,000 with an entry fee of $25. There is no fee for students (with up to 30 being accepted).
The deadline for submissions is June 30.
Application forms can be picked up at the Lancaster Festival office, 117 W. Wheeling St., Lancaster or go to their website at www.lancasterfestival.org.
Friday
At 7 p.m. Friday at Square 7 Coffee House, there will be a free poetry reading and open mic night that will last until 9 p.m. The evening will feature an interview with a question and answer time with Lancaster Festival Director Joe Piccolo.
May 16
•The Lancaster Festival will hold its second annual Community Orchestra performance at 1 p.m. at the River Valley Mall, 1635 River Valley Circle, Lancaster.
Lancaster Festival Maestro Gary Sheldon invites any interested area orchestral musicians to join selected Lancaster Festival Orchestra musicians to play through some of the music planned for this summer's Festival.
There will be no rehearsal, but music is available ahead of time at the Lancaster Festival office. Call 740-687-4808 or email achess@lancasterfestival.org to have music prepared for pick up. Just leave your name, phone number, and preferred instrument part.
Some of the numbers to be performed included Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, the Russian Dance from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance, and many others, according to a news release.
The preview concert is free and open to the public.
•From 6 to 8 p.m. the Cameo League will hold a Tapas and Talk to benefit the Lancaster Festival.
Historic building preservationists Brad and Penny Hutchinson will open their restored farmhouse for the annual spring fundraiser.
The evening will include hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, conversation with friend and music by singer and musician Kelly Vaughn in the home and on the patio overlooking the pond and extensive landscaping.
"We're excited to show the beautiful, restored home of Brad and Penny Hutchison, and we look forward to an evening of small plate hors d'oeuvres and music by Kelly Vaughn," event organizer Lynn Barboza said in a news release.
The home and barn was built by George and Elizabeth Fetters and sits on 17 acres. The Hutchinsons began restoring the home five years ago.
Vaughn began playing piano and guitar as a young child. She plays at a variety of venues in Columbus, Lancaster, Mansfield and surrounding areas. Her original recording of "Ordinary Girl," released in 2014, was well received. She is currently composing music and working on a new CD.
Reservations are $75 per person via the Lancaster Festival Office. Tickets also may purchased at the door.
May 23
The Covered Bridge Music Series returns to Lancaster on May 23 with singer/songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard, joined by fellow Texan John Evans.
Hubbard and Evans will perform behind Herrold Hall on the Ohio University Lancaster campus lawn, 1570 Granville Pike, Lancaster.
The Covered Bridge Music Series is a joint venture between OUL and the Festival. Concerts generally take place twice a year. The partnership started in 2012.
A leading figure of the progressive country movement of the 1970s, Hubbard remains best known for authoring the perennial anthem "Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother."
Today Hubbard is considered an elder statesman of the Texas music scene. From New Braunfels, Texas, Hubbard hosts a Tuesday night radio show called Roots & Branches. His latest album, The Ruffian's Misfortune, was released in April.
Opening the May 23 show will be Houston, Texas, native John Evans. Evans, a staple of the Texas music scene, rarely ventures outside of the state. Currently living in Austin, Evans blends influences of rock and roll, punk, blues and country into a unique and enjoyable roots musical style.
He has earned many accolades, including being named Houston's male Vocalist of the Year six times, Songwriter of the Year four times and Best Musician twice.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for OUL students and they are on sale now through commerce.cashnet.com/oulevents.
Doors will open at 7 p.m., with Evans performing at 8 p.m., followed by Hubbard at 9 p.m.
Athens' Burrito Buggy food truck will be on site and beverages will be for sale. Profits from the beverage sales go to support the Covered Bridge Series.
The Lancaster Festival is from July 23 to Aug. 1.
cburnett@lancastereaglegazette.com
740-681-4346
Twitter: @CarlBurnettJr