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