2009 Columbia Festival of the Arts - another outstanding season!
We hope you had an opportunity to join us this year at one or more of our fantastic events. We kicked off the Season June 12, 13 and 14 with our traditional free LakeFest weekend on the lakefront in Columbia Town Center. LakeFest events included the sixth annual Kinetic Art Parade, this year sponsored by Saint Agnes Hospital, and an exciting array of activities and shows for all ages. The weather was perfect, and audiences were awed by the breathtaking aerial feats performed by Cirque-tacular, perched high above the lakefront. Music filled the air throughout the weekend with performances by local, regional and national touring artists, including headliners The Sauce Boss, Black 47 and our own Glenelg Jazz Ensemble featuring Jazz guitarist Damon Foreman.
The two weeks following LakeFest were filled with a packed schedule of free and ticketed events. Chicago City Limits took to the stage at the Rouse Theatre for an uproarious evening of improv madness, and later that week, the California Guitar Trio demonstrated their outstanding virtuosity for an unforgettable outdoor Summer Strings at Belmont concert. On June 19, community members strapped on their dancing shoes and learned to Salsa with the pros! Members of the Ballet Hispanico Dance Company shared some moves on Friday and then wowed audience members on Saturday evening with their incredible choreography at the Rouse Theatre.
The Smothers Brothers turned back the clock (or brought us back in time) for a nostalgic evening of fun and laughter as they reminded us how they came to be known as comedy legends. And, on Saturday, June 27, for our Festival Finale, the music and movement of Barrage had audience members clapping, stomping, and up on their feet!
We are honored to have presented numerous events in partnership with other arts and civic organizations including the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society featuring mystery writer Laura Lippman and prize winning poet Sue Ellen Thompson. Our other presenting partners such as the Howard County Library, Columbia Archives, Columbia Art Center, Howard County Arts Council, Howard Community College, Little Patuxent Review magazine, the seven Howard County Rotary Clubs, and Howard County Tourism helped make it possible to offer a number of events.
As are many non-profits, especially those in the arts, the Festival is dependent upon individual and corporate support to underwrite programming costs, particularly our numerous free events. We hope you will consider helping us reach our current goal by making a contribution prior to our July 31, 2009, fiscal year-end. Just click Donate to help the Festival today!
Thank you for your support.
Nichole J. Hickey
Executive Director