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Theatre Arts students in performance of Hair, the Musical.

Arts and Culture

McDaniel is home to the WMC Alumni Hall theatre and Esther Prangley Rice Gallery, which host dozens of productions and exhibitions each year, right on campus. Plus, a vibrant arts scene in local Westminster means activities are always happening year-round with live theatre, musical performances, festivals, and art shows. 

Music Concerts and Theatre in Westminster, Maryland

The arts are an integral part of campus life at McDaniel, celebrated across campus as an opportunity to connect with one another, express creativity, and explore new perspectives. With a full calendar of public events, plus partnerships with the Westminster community, there's always something worth attending.

Students are also regularly inspired to venture across disciplines, creating a unique culture at McDaniel. It's common to meet Computer Science majors who spend time learning theatre lighting; watch Sociology majors perform in musicals; or hear about Chemistry majors interning in art restoration.

McLive - What's happening at McDaniel College

Find out what's happening at McDaniel College in McLive, the annual public events calendar.

By The Numbers

50+

arts events per semester

15+

Student-run clubs and organizations dedicated to a creative pursuit

Asset 12
100+

Classes each semester in the arts

Music and Art

McDaniel's College Band performing.

Upcoming Concerts Information: 410-857-2552

Concerts are free unless otherwise indicated with *

FEBRUARY 1 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN*

Traditional Québécois roots music from celebrated musical trio Genticorum

Saturday, February 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

FEBRUARY 5 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN FIRST WEDNESDAY JAMS

Monthly jam session featuring bluegrass/old-time, blues/folk, and Celtic music; all instruments, including singers, as well as ages and skill levels welcome

Wednesday, February 5 at 7-9 p.m. in the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

FEBRUARY 19 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN THIRD WEDNESDAY JAMS

Monthly jam session featuring bluegrass/old-time and blues/folk music; all instruments, including singers, as well as ages and skill levels welcome

Wednesday, February 19 at 7-9 p.m. in the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 17 Bond St., Westminster 

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

MARCH 1 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN*

Grammy-nominated blues, Americana, and roots rock with Professor Louie & the Crowmatix

Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

MARCH 2 - CHAMBER MUSIC ON THE HILL*

“A Garden of Musical Delights” with the Encore Chamber Winds comprised of Rob Sirois, bassoon; Mindy Niles, oboe; and David Duree, clarinet; and friends, Paulella Burchill, flute; Lynne Griffith, horn; Lisa Dodson, soprano; and David Kreider, piano 

Sunday, March 2 at 3 p.m. in the Scott Center, Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Rd., Westminster

Information: mcdaniel.edu/CMOTH

MARCH 5 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN FIRST WEDNESDAY JAMS

Monthly jam session featuring bluegrass/old-time, blues/folk, and Celtic music; all instruments, including singers, as well as ages and skill levels welcome

Wednesday, March 5 at 7-9 p.m. in the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

MARCH 19 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN THIRD WEDNESDAY JAMS

Monthly jam session featuring bluegrass/old-time and blues/folk music; all instruments, including singers, as well as ages and skill levels welcome

Wednesday, March 19 at 7-9 p.m. in the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 17 Bond St., Westminster 

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

APRIL 2 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN FIRST WEDNESDAY JAMS

Monthly jam session featuring bluegrass/old-time, blues/folk, and Celtic music; all instruments, including singers, as well as ages and skill levels welcome

Wednesday, April 2 at 7-9 p.m.in the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

APRIL 11 - STUDENT SOLO RECITAL

Vocal and instrumental soloists perform a variety of music, under the direction of Music faculty members Rachel Andrews, Kyle Engler, and Waka Osifchin 

Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m. in the Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall

Information: 410-857-2552

APRIL 16 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN THIRD WEDNESDAY JAMS

Monthly jam session featuring bluegrass/old-time and blues/folk music; all instruments, including singers, as well as ages and skill levels welcome

Wednesday, April 16 at 7-9 p.m. in the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 17 Bond St., Westminster 

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

APRIL 24 - STUDENT AFRICAN DRUM ENSEMBLES

Performance by McDaniel’s Student African Drum Ensembles, under the direction of Senior Adjunct Lecturer Pape Demba “Paco” Samb

Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. in the Baker Memorial Chapel

Information: 410-857-2552

APRIL 27 - COLLEGE CHOIR CONCERT

Spring concert featuring music from diverse locales and historical eras, directed by Senior Lecturer Kyle Engler with accompanist Peggy Brengle

Sunday, April 27 at 7 p.m. in the Baker Memorial Chapel

Information: 410-857-2552

MAY 4 - SINGING ON STAGE 

Class performance of selections from operas and Broadway musicals, directed by Senior Lecturer Kyle Engler with accompanist Peggy Brengle 

Sunday, May 4 at 7 p.m. in the Dorothy Elderdice Studio Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall 

Information: 410-857-2552

MAY 5- A CAPPELLA ENSEMBLE 

Performance by the Green TerrorTones, McDaniel’s premier vocal ensemble, under the guidance of Senior Lecturer Kyle Engler with accompanist Peggy Brengle

Monday, May 5 at 7 p.m. in the Baker Memorial Chapel 

Information: 410-857-2552

MAY 7 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN FIRST WEDNESDAY JAMS

Monthly jam session featuring bluegrass/old-time, blues/folk, and Celtic music; all instruments, including singers, as well as ages and skill levels welcome

Wednesday, May 7 at 7-9 p.m. in the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

MAY 8 - JAZZ NIGHT

Classic big band swing, bebop, Latin, funk, jazz-rock, and classic blues, directed by Senior Adjunct Lecturer Tim Jenkins

Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall

Information: 410-857-2552

MAY 9 - COLLEGE BAND CONCERT

Musical selections ranging from classical to pops, directed by Senior Lecturer Linda Kirkpatrick

Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall

Information: 410-857-2552

MAY 10 - WESTMINSTER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT

Senior Lecturer Linda Kirkpatrick directs the orchestra, composed of McDaniel and Carroll Community College students, as well as Music faculty and community musicians  

Saturday, May 10 at 3 p.m. in the Scott Center, Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Rd., Westminster

Information: 410-857-2552

MAY 10 - GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT

Traditional and contemporary gospel music, as well as spirituals, directed by Senior Adjunct Lecturer Shelley Ensor with accompanist Alice Dorsey

Saturday, May 10 at 7 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall

Information: 410-857-2552

MAY 21 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN THIRD WEDNESDAY JAMS

Monthly jam session featuring bluegrass/old-time and blues/folk music; all instruments, including singers, as well as ages and skill levels welcome

Wednesday, May 21 at 7-9 p.m. in the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 17 Bond St., Westminster 

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

MAY 31 - DEER CREEK FIDDLERS' CONVENTION*

Competitions in bluegrass, old-time and Celtic music, plus two concerts and the opportunity to win instruments and cash prizes
Sunday, June at 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. in the Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St., Westminster

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

JUNE 4 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN FIRST WEDNESDAY JAMS

Monthly jam session featuring bluegrass/old-time, blues/folk, and Celtic music; all instruments, including singers, as well as ages and skill levels welcome

Wednesday, June 4 at 7-9 p.m. in the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster

Information: commongroundonthehill.org 

JUNE 15 - CHAMBER MUSIC ON THE HILL

McDaniel Piano Trio made up of piano, violin, and cello, featuring Music faculty Nicholas Currie and Maxim Kozlov along with David Kreider, senior lecturer emeritus in Music

Sunday, June 15 at 3 p.m. in the Scott Center, Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Rd., Westminster

Information: mcdaniel.edu/CMOTH

JUNE 18 - COMMON GROUND DOWNTOWN THIRD WEDNESDAY JAMS

Monthly jam session featuring bluegrass/old-time and blues/folk music; all instruments, including singers, as well as ages and skill levels welcome

Wednesday, June 18 at 7-9 p.m. in the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 17 Bond St., Westminster 

Information: commongroundonthehill.org

Image of artwork in Rice Gallery beneath a stained glass skylight.

Upcoming Art Exhibitions Rice Gallery Hours: 410-857-2595

JANUARY 6 - MARCH 7 - ART ON VIEW

“Romancing the Novel,” major exhibition exploring romance novels and their cultural impact

Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall

Gallery hours: 410-857-2595

FEBRUARY 6 - ART ON VIEW: OPENING RECEPTION                     

“Romancing the Novel”

Thursday, February 6 at 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m. in the Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall

Gallery hours: 410-857-2595 

FEBRUARY 13 - ART TALK

Guest artist lecture Heidi Neff Chuffo, Harford Community College professor of Art and Design and juror for the “Kathryn E. Wentz Juried Undergraduate Exhibition”

Thursday, February 13 at 7 p.m. in the Peterson Hall, Room 104

About the artist: heidineff.com

Information: 410-857-2595

FEBRUARY 27 - “ROMANCING THE NOVEL” SPEAKER SERIES

“Love in Liberty: Black Historical Romances and the Joy of Freedom” with historian and Bowling Green State University professor Nicole Jackson, co-host of the “Black Romance Has A History” podcast

Thursday, February 27 at 6 p.m. in the Coley Rice Lounge, McDaniel Hall

Information: 410-857-2595

MARCH 13 - ART ON VIEW: OPENING RECEPTION                     

“Honors Art Exhibition”

Thursday, March 13 at 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m. in the Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall

Gallery hours: 410-857-2595

MARCH 13-28 - ART ON VIEW

“Honors Art Exhibition,” titled “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy,” showcasing works by Honors Art seniors Gillian Girod, Lacy Newhouse, Zoe Shelby, Sarah Watson, and Aaliyah Williams

Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall

Gallery hours: 410-857-2595

APRIL 1-11 - ART ON VIEW

“Kathryn E. Wentz Juried Undergraduate Exhibition,” annual exhibition highlighting the best undergraduate work; juror is Harford Community College Professor of Art and Design Heidi Neff Chuffo

Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall

Gallery hours: 410-857-2595

APRIL 3 - ART ON VIEW: OPENING RECEPTION                     

“Kathryn E. Wentz Juried Undergraduate Exhibition”

Thursday, April 3 at 5:30-7:30 p.m., with awards presentation at 6 p.m. in the Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall

Gallery hours: 410-857-2595

APRIL 15-25 - ART ON VIEW

“Senior Capstone Exhibition One,” showcasing works by graduating Art majors

Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall

Gallery hours: 410-857-2595

APRIL 17 - ART ON VIEW: OPENING RECEPTION                     

“Senior Capstone Exhibition One”

Thursday, April 17 at 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m. in the Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall

Gallery hours: 410-857-2595

APRIL 29-MAY 9 - ART ON VIEW

“Senior Capstone Exhibition Two,” showcasing works by graduating Art majors

Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall

Gallery hours: 410-857-2595

MAY 1 - ART ON VIEW: OPENING RECEPTION                     

“Senior Capstone Exhibition Two”

Thursday, May 1 at 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a gallery talk at 6 p.m. in the Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall

Gallery hours: 410-857-2595

Get Involved!

A male and female student work at a table with a block of clay on it.

Student Organizations

From Clay Club to Contrast Literary Magazine, there's a student-based organization at McDaniel that will spark your interest. 

Students stand in a circle with their arms raised. The room has a panel of stained glass windows behind them.

Diverse Courses

McDaniel is a liberal arts college, which means most students explore the arts even when it's not related to their major. Explore courses in Theatre, Literature, Studio Art, Cinema, Writing, Music, and more.

An audience sits in front of President Jasken at a podium.

Attend Campus Lectures

Annual lecture series at McDaniel include the Ira G. Zepp Memorial Lecture, Bothe Poetry Reading, Wenner-Wingate Memorial Lecture, and Rembert Lecture in Enterprise Economics. Visiting speakers are also hosted by departments each semester.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Explore cultural and spiritual events and programs through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

  • ODEI Cultural Speaker Series
  • Green Table Talk
  • ODEI Book club
  • Workshops and Trainings

Learn more about ODEI events.

Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu speaking at a podium at McDaniel's Black History Month Convocation.

Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu at the 2022 Black History Month Convocation.

Art in Action

The sky is the limit for McDaniel Green Terrors, who discover their callings in the classroom, during internships and clubs, at conferences, and anywhere else they want to go. Innovation and exploration are all part of the McDaniel Commitment, leading to unique student experiences — which you can read more about below.

Local Arts Scene

Common Ground on the Hill

Common Ground on the Hill

The regional folklife center of the Maryland State Arts Council's Maryland Traditions program. ‍Located on McDaniel's campus, the center hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and workshops year-round.

Carroll Arts Center

Located within walking distance of campus, the Carroll Arts Center provides exhibitions, classes, film screenings, and more. For 2023-24, McDaniel faculty, staff, and students receive $5 tickets for Carroll Arts Center Events, plus free popcorn.

Plus more to do in Westminster, Maryland!

Common Ground Deer Creek Fiddlers

Common Ground on the Hill receives Maryland State Arts Council award

Common Ground on the Hill, in residence at McDaniel College, received the Maryland State Arts Council's Heritage Award in the Tradition category for the Deer Creek Fiddlers' Convention. Common Ground on the Hill was founded in 1994 by Walt Michael '68 who assumed directorship of the Deer Creek Fiddlers' Convention in 2011.

Recent Arts & Culture News