Heartland Marimba Festival – FREE

Make the Ware Center part of your Lancaster First Friday route!

7 pm • Lobby

Uncover the fascinating history and science behind the marimba with members of Heartland Marimba. This special presentation explores how the instrument produces its distinctive sound, traces its journey from Africa through Central America to the classical music stage, and reveals the surprising Pennsylvania connections behind its history.

Discover how U.S. companies and performers helped introduce the marimba to classical music, and hear the untold stories of the musicians who shaped the instrument’s legacy. Among them is Clair Musser, widely regarded as the “godfather” of the classical marimba, who was born in Manheim, Pennsylvania.

The story continues in Lancaster, where Reg Kehoe performed across the country for nearly 20 years with the Marimba Queens, a popular all-female marimba ensemble based in Lancaster from the 1930s through the 1950s.

Whether you are a longtime marimba enthusiast or simply curious about this remarkable percussion instrument, join Heartland Marimba for an engaging look at marimba history, music, acoustics, and its unique Pennsylvania roots.

Admission: FREE and open to the public!