Second Annual Gettysburg Festival Features World-Class Artists and Performers; Culinary Arts Takes the Stage

Record Crowd Expected for June 18-28 Festival With James Earl Jones as Feature Performer; 75% of Events Are Free and Open to the Public

The signature event features Aaron Copland's "A Lincoln Portrait," narrated live by James Earl Jones and performed by The Gettysburg Festival Orchestra. Other highlights include jazz legend Ahmad Jamal, dance headliner Philadanco and a one of a kind culinary arts lineup designed by former White House Chef Walter Scheib.

This year, Culinary Arts takes center stage as the Festival recognizes this unique art form that has grown exponentially in popularity in recent years. Just as artists train to become masters in their fields, trained chefs similarly hone their craft.

"An artist is skilled with many tools and learns to use different mediums to create masterpieces," said Festival Executive Director Alice Estrada. "The same process applies to the artistry of a chef creating spectacular dishes based on his mastery of ingredients and development of his palate. This art form is truly unmistakable, and we are thrilled to place the spotlight on it this year under the direction of former White House Chef Walter Scheib."

The Gettysburg Festival, named "One of the Top 100 events in North America for 2009" by the American Bus Associations, has a commitment not only to advancing the fine arts, including visual, dance, music, theater and culinary arts -- but the Festival also demonstrates a commitment to education through mentoring the next generation of artists, while giving young people an appreciation of the arts.

Last year's Festival drew a crowd of more than 16,000 attendees over its 10-day run. Gettysburg is ideally located within the Mid-Atlantic Region within a day's drive of 60% of the entire North American population.

The Gettysburg Festival, a non-profit cultural arts festival conceived as a major effort to increase cultural tourism and arts education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is fast becoming one of the premier cultural festivals in America.

-- The Festival impacts the regional economy by growing and diversifying the tourism base and by creating jobs and small business opportunities through increased demand for local goods and services.

-- The Festival creates cultural and arts opportunities by developing international level arts facilities and events, by expanding services and amenities and by defining Gettysburg as a world-class arts destination as well as an historic destination.

-- The Festival provides cultural and artistic educational opportunities by involving young performers and artists, by augmenting performance and exhibits with educational components and by encouraging young people to attend.

Top 10 Highlights of the 2009 Gettysburg Festival:

1. James Earl Jones Narrating "A Lincoln Portrait" Featuring The Gettysburg Festival Orchestra

2. Ahmad Jamal/Blues, Beer & BBQ

3. Philadanco

4. An Evening at the Vineyard Featuring Former White House Chef Walter Scheib

5. River City Brass

6. Bravo! at the Battlefield Featuring Richard Blais

7. Festival Sculpture Walk culminates at Schmucker Gallery display of Adams County Arts Council's highly-regarded Juried Arts Show

8. PA Preferred Picnic with nonstop brass concerts and demonstrations by PA artisans

9. Cabarets

10. Children's Arts Fair

Tickets for the Festival's culinary events are on sale through the Festival headquarters. For more information on The Gettysburg Festival, check www.gettysburgfestival.org or call 717-334-0853.

The Gettysburg Festival