The Maryland Center for the Arts will host the Chesapeake Global Folk Festival in Harford County Friday and Saturday. The festival will feature concerts in Bel Air Friday night and a free cultural festival in Aberdeen on Saturday.

The inaugural event kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. with concerts at the Maryland Center for the Arts Campus located at 2503 S. Tollgate Road. Featured artists include Shelley Kelley Band, Celtic Corridor, Frontier Folk and Joshica Acoustic — a high-energy, soulful Americana duo.

Tickets for Friday night’s concert are $10 for adults 17 and older and free for ages 16 and younger. Purchase tickets at mdcenterforthearts.org.

On Saturday, festivities will move to the Epicenter in Aberdeen for a cultural celebration with food, music, art and live storytelling sessions from Kenyan, El Salvadoran, Korean and Indian cultures. Admission to the cultural celebration is free.

“We are thrilled to launch the inaugural Chesapeake Global Folk Festival, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures and musical traditions that make our community vibrant,” Executive Director of the Maryland Center for the Art Bob Willenbrink said in a news release. “This event not only celebrates artistic expression, but also fosters connections and understanding among diverse communities.”

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