Summerfest 2023

SummerFest is the culmination of everything we love about Olney Outdoors with FREE activities and performances happening all day starting at 1:00 pm.

From all types of performances to backstage tours, sales, food, and so much more, we are so excited to open up our campus to any and all who wish to celebrate coming together around the arts. 

Music and Dance

Culkin School of Irish Dance
Root Family Stage at Omi's Pavilion
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm 
In Irish, Céad Mile Fáilte means ‘one hundred thousand welcomes’! Culkin School will take you into the world of Irish dancing, music, and culture with a mix of performance and audience participation.

Olney Big Band
1938 Original Theatre
1:00–1:45 p.m.
The Olney Big Band is a traditional big band, composed of 17 professional and talented musicians from the metropolitan area and three featured vocalists (2 guys and a gal). Formed in 2002, the Band specializes in performance of vintage swing, dance and jazz music from the Big Band Era (30s and 40s) and also performs pop music when the occasion presents itself. The Band's primary mission is to bring big band music into the mainstream for current and future generations to enjoy. 

Over the past 21 years the Band has performed at a wide array of events and venues, including the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Strathmore Music Hall, BlackRock Center for the Arts, Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, Olney Theatre Center, Washington DC Mormon Temple Visitors’ Center, Blue's Alley in DC, weddings, anniversaries and numerous community festivals, high school dances and concerts, and retirement community events.
 

International Folk Dancing
Root Family Stage at Omi's Pavilion
2:00–2:45 p.m.
Learn folk dances from various countries with international folk dance teacher, Linda Mansdorf! Linda Mansdorf is a life-long international folk dancer whose parents met learning how to folkdance. One of their greatest gifts to her was the love for dancing. She is grateful to share this love with her husband and her daughter. For many years, she performed with the George Tomov Yugoslav Folkdance Ensemble (both in the USA and in the former Yugoslavia). She has taught international folk dancing to both old and young, experienced dancers and those with no dance background. She is currently one of the Greenbelt International Folk Dance instructors and leads both hybrid and Zoom-only sessions.

One Third Wish 
Root Family Stage at Omi's Pavilion
Time: 3:45 pm - 4:30 pm

One Third Wish is an acoustic/electric rock duo featuring Linda Cote (acoustic guitar, percussion and vocals) and Kimberly Spath (electric guitar and vocals). Both Linda and Kim have worked in the mid-Atlantic region in various musical projects for over 25 years, including many different rock bands performing both originals and covers. They perform everything live and do not use any pre-recorded tracks. One Third Wish is known for their full sound, tight harmonies, musicianship, and unique arrangements of songs not typically performed by a duo. 
 

JChris in URBAN LATIN TUNES
1938 Original Theatre
3:00 - 3:45 pm
JChris, an urban Latin singer-songwriter known for a smooth voice and high energy performances. His music transcends boundaries, infusing Latin pop nostalgia, his Brazilian and Peruvian heritage and exploring themes of queer culture. Hailed as “…the next big thing” by Metro Weekly magazine, this Latin pop virtuoso is internationally recognized for his pop compositions which are laced with Latin, Afro and Brazilian influences. In June 2023, JChris was placed on the cover of Noticia NY magazine where his single was stated to be a "...hymn of liberation for the queer Hispanic community." 
All links: https://linktr.ee/jchrismusic 

Meet Miss Maryland ‘23!
1938 Original Theatre
4:00-4:30 p.m. 
Introducing 2023’s Miss Maryland! As a five-time NFL cheerleader, a model, a healer, and a avid long-distance runner with a Masters in Cybersecurity, Kennedy Taylor is truly a multi-hyphenate. She was crowned Miss Maryland in June and will compete at the Miss America 2024 competition at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut later in the year. Join us to witness her perform a dance and speak about the Miss Maryland Scholarship Organization and Miss America Opportunity!

Thai Dancing
Root Family Stage at Omi's Pavilion
4:45-5:30 p.m., 
Join Addy Prasoapsri for a lesson in 18th century traditional Thai dance! Addy will perform a 7-8 minute piece before leading the audience through this graceful and imaginative dance style.

Persian Dancing
1938 Original Theatre
4:00-4:45 p.m.
Asala has been performing in the D.C. area since 2007 at various celebrations and alongside famous acts such as Lebanese star Ragheb Alama, Persian star Andy Madadian and British star Thomas Dolby. She also joins Silk Road Dance Company as a guest artist for productions at embassies, the Kennedy Center, and as far as Singapore to perform classical and folkloric dances from the Middle East and Central Asia.

All links: https://linktr.ee/Asalaraqs  

Sounds of ABBA Tribute
Root Family Stage
8:00–9:15 p.m. 
One last taste of summer. Featured performers: Derrick Truby, Vincent Kempski (Kinky Boots), Tracy Olivera, and Sarah Anne Sillers. TICKETS REQUIRED. Purchase here.

Activities

Food Trucks
Omi's Pavilion
1:00 pm - 7:00 pm  
Frozen Treats from Kona Ice, sweet and savory crepes from Holy Crepes for your summer afternoon that are just heavenly. We are also excited to have Wi Jammin food truck bringing Caribbean tastes to SummerFest.

Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co.
Omi’s Pavilion 
1:00–7:00 p.m.
Nothing like a cold drink on a hot summer day from our friends at Lone Oak Farm Brewery Co—whether it’s a beer, a hard seltzer, or hard soda.

Friends of the Library Book Sale
1938 Original Theatre Lobby
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm 
Looking for your next great read on a budget? Montgomery County Friends of the Library are bringing hundreds of books for all ages to SummerFest. Feel free to browse and purchase used books for your summer reading.

Kahini Books: South Asian Pop-Up Bookstore
1938 Original Theatre Lobby
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm 

Costume and Props Sale
Outside the Costume Shop (rear parking lot)
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Looking for a one-of-a-kind piece? Then stop by our costume and props sale right outside of our costume shop for a chance to purchase clothes, furniture or other unique pieces that have been handled by actors and featured on stage at Olney Theatre Center! (Olney Theatre is NOT responsible for delivering or transporting purchases.)

Meet Our Community Partners
Omi's Pavilion 
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm 
Olney Theatre Center has begun a Community Partners Program, and we are thrilled to welcome our partner the Sandy Spring Slave Museum to SummerFest. We’ll announce them at 3:00, but feel free to stop by their table any time 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.! Come learn more about the amazing work they do.

Campus Tours
Meet in the Roberts Mainstage Lobby
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Take a guided tour around our campus and get a look at what we do and a closer look of our spaces and work that happens behind the scenes to produce a show. Led by a member of the Olney Theatre Center staff. Maximum 10 people per group. Tours occur every 10-15 min. First come first serve. Because backstage tours are indoors, face masks are required. American Sign Language interpretation provided. Line begins at 5:00 pm.

Family Portrait Booth
M3 Media - Ceylon and Denys Mitchell
Roberts Mainstage Lobby 
1:00 pm - 6:00 pmBook an appointment

Ready to freshen up your photos for Fall? This is the perfect opportunity to grab professional portraits for you and your loved ones. Virtual sign-ups and walk-in appointments are available. First come, first served!

Dr. Ceylon Mitchell II founded “M3 | Music Media & Marketing” as a musician helping other musicians leverage digital media for brand storytelling. Today, Ceylon supports creatives, arts organizations, and beyond with personalized multimedia production and digital marketing consulting as the co-founder, chief executive officer, and principal consultant of M3 | Mitchell Media & Marketing, LLC. Tailored services include photography, videography, web design, and digital marketing.

Artist & Vendor Marketplace
Omi's Pavilion 
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
From crafters of hand-made cards, to painters, to sowers of seed, local vendors are gathering at Olney Theatre to sell their wares! Come out and support local!

• Ariel Messeca - Art, Illustrations, & Graphic Novels 
• Beaute Blossom - Hair & Skin Care 
• Night Owl Trinkets - Jewelry, Clothing, & Trinkets Galore
• Savi Bhoomi Earthy Creations - Ceramics, Jewelry, & Other Pottery
• One Ocean Scuba - Dive Shop
• Sandy Spring Gardens - Fresh Produce

Outdoor Games
Omi's Pavilion
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm 
Jenga, sidewalk chalk, cornhole, lawn games, and more will be set out for all to enjoy.