Supporting Maryland Artists
Solo artist, Mark Edwards performs classical guitar, and Halley Shoenberg leads Halley Jazz, a six-piece ensemble.
Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) has a lauded reputation for supporting artists residing in the state. A revolving roster of Maryland-based artists allows nonprofit organizations to select from a list of top performers who can be funded through a grant application process. The 2024 Victorian Chautauqua is pleased to receive a grant for two musical performances, solo classical guitarist Mark Edwards and a six-piece jazz ensemble Halley Jazz, led by Halley Shoenberg. Edwards will also teach a children’s workshop under the Kid-Tauquau Tent to learn the guitar. Using practice guitars, children will have the rare opportunity to be taught the basics of playing a string instrument by an award-winning professional.
Maryland was recently ranked as the fifth most arts-vibrant state while ranking first in public support. This is considered the third-highest per capita State investment in the arts nationally and includes federal and local investments. The study also shows solid non-government investment in terms of contributed revenue, indicating that Marylanders understand the importance of the arts and support them in their communities.
Financial support is essential to The Victorian Chautauqua to keep attendance free to the public. The festival planning committee each year seeks out thespians, musicians, visual artists, lecturers, and authors for entertaining and educational presentations.
“It is so rewarding to support the many artists who have taken the Victorian Chautauqua stages,” said Mark Stutzman, who helps with programming decisions. “We take great pride in employing people in the arts and providing them with an appreciative audience.”
Original material is a regular part of the festival programming. According to Stutzman, three historical portrayals are being written specifically for the 2024 program. In a largely virtual world, having the added benefit of a live venue lays a foundation for the future. The Victorian Chautauqua has become a creative breeding ground, inspiring attendees to develop their own remarkable stage performances.
In building this year’s Victorian Chautauqua schedule, the Program Committee attended a virtual preview of several artists from the Maryland Performing Artist Touring Roster. Some presenters showed video clips, while others offered up live performances. The committee convened after the presentations and unanimously selected Mark Edwards and Hally Jazz as their top picks. Both performers expressed their enthusiasm for being part of the 2024 program.
Alison Wonderland performs for the 2023 Vaudeville In The Street
Although performers may return to The Victorian Chautauqua, the program committee works toward booking new acts each year to keep the performances fresh and unexpected. Exposing audiences to unique theatrical and musical acts inspired the latest addition to the festival, Vaudeville In the Street. The short, 30-minute performance times allow for cameo appearances that can include live music or unusual acts. The stage is placed in the midway of the festival grounds so passersby can enjoy an intimate encounter with performers. The other stages use 30 minutes to prepare for the next performance, so all those in attendance can descend on the Vaudeville area simultaneously.
A full schedule can be found online. A list of other activities for the entire family includes a Vintage Car Show and Model T Showcase on Saturday and horse-drawn carriage rides on Sunday. Historic District Trolley Tours run throughout the weekend, and the Ticket Office Museum will be open.
