Charlestown Residents Enjoy a Variety of Concerts and Live Performances on Campus

Entertainment isn't hard to come by at Charlestown, an Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md.

"We host up to 50 performances each year on campus," says Community Resources Consultant Jennifer Tillett, who is always looking for new and exciting entertainment options to bring to Charlestown.

In the past, residents have enjoyed watching toe-tapping Irish dancers and swaying to the soulful sounds of Motown in the community's entertainment venues, including the 400-seat Erickson Conference Center and the 200-seat Muriel Caulfield Auditorium.

"And that's not including the performances put on by our talented resident groups," notes Tillett. "The Little Theatre Company and The Harmonizers organize impressive shows twice a year. It's all just steps from residents' homes too!"

Arts alive

Barbershop choruses, concert bands, folk music, jazz groups, ethnic music, staged readings, and just about everything in between have been brought to Charlestown by Tillett and her team.

The Chapel Concert Series, featuring artists from across the Mid-Atlantic region, is held in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel on campus.

The Community Concert Series showcases a diverse range of musical performances and dances from groups such as Dixieland Direct, The Reputations, and the Melting Pot Big Band.

Charlestown's jazz club partnered with the University of Maryland Baltimore County's (UMBC) jazz ensemble to present monthly jazz concerts at Charlestown. "The jazz concerts are casual experiences held in our Short Line Cafe. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks while they unwind and enjoy the music," says Tillett.

Some events are even open to the public, making the arts available to family, friends, and local residents.

"We see it as a great opportunity to give back to the surrounding community," explains Tillett. "As a result, many of our current residents enjoyed attending a concert here long before they decided to move in."

Little Theatre, big performances

Charlestown's theater troupe, the Little Theatre Company, sponsors both community theatre and in-house productions.

"In May, we finished a production of The Importance of Being Earnest, and this fall, we tried something new by performing an episode of The Golden Girls, followed by one of Bob Newhart['s TV shows]," says Pat Fagan, who joined the group in 2000. "Next spring, we will present a condensed version of Fiddler on the Roof, which will be our first Broadway show."

Recently, the Little Theatre Company introduced a new program called Studio 7-1-5, which enables residents to hone their skills in various theatrical areas--including lighting and sound, vocal expression, movement, character development, and conveying emotion--through on-site workshops.

"Studio 7-1-5 also provides additional opportunities to perform. We are working on the 2026 workshop lineup now, and we are very excited!" says Pat.

Singing in harmony

Like the Little Theatre Company, The Harmonizers, Charlestown's 45-member mixed chorus, also maintains a robust schedule, hosting both holiday and spring performances.

Unity Through Music, one of their performances this past spring, featured a variety of inspirational songs such as "We Are the World," "No Man is an Island," and "Follow the Dream."

Linda Burgard, who has been with The Harmonizers for five years, directs the group and leads their four-part harmonies. "I taught voice in high school and conducted church choirs for many years," says Linda. "This is one of the hardest-working groups of people I've ever met."

While prior singing experience is not required to join, Linda notes that experience singing in a church or community choir is beneficial, and the ability to read music is a bonus.

"Our performances are well received. People love to see their friends and neighbors on stage!" says Linda.

'So much to offer'

All performances are advertised in Charlestown's community newsletter, The Sunburst; campus bulletin boards; Channel 972, the in-house TV station; local newspapers; and Charlestown's Facebook page.

However, the Little Theatre Company and The Harmonizers' performances are ticketed events reserved exclusively for residents and their guests.

Linda is glad that she gets to share her passion for performing with neighbors, friends, and the local community. "We have a wide range of musical and dramatic opportunities available at Charlestown," she says.

Tillett agrees, saying, "When it comes to entertainment, Charlestown has so much to offer!"

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Charlestown, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Danielle Rexrode