Leesburg Performing Arts Commission Meeting - July 23, 2026

The Leesburg Performing Arts Commission met on July 23, 2026, at 1:30 PM UTC to discuss and vote on several upcoming events and projects, including the Music of George Washington concert, a Music & Memory program for seniors, and the Mistletoe Market. The meeting included public testimony, multiple votes, and procedural updates.

Consent Calendar

• Approval to allow Commissioner Marjorie to participate electronically was moved and seconded, passing with a vote of 4 in favor, 0 against, and 1 abstention (4-0-1).
• The agenda was adopted unanimously.
• Minutes from the previous meeting were amended to include Marjorie as an attendee and then approved (vote result not specified but passed).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Harry Lavell and Martha Washington impersonator: The impersonator (who portrays Martha Washington for 26 years in Alexandria) offered to volunteer as Martha Washington at the upcoming Music of George Washington concert. She noted that her husband would accompany her as a Revolutionary soldier carrying a musket (without ammunition). She expressed willingness to greet guests and participate during intermission. No charge for services.
• Brendan Murphy: A resident of 20 years and candidate for Leesburg Town Council in November 2026, introduced himself and shared his background as a retired federal employee and volunteer.

Discussion Items

• Music of George Washington Concert (Event Date Not Specified):

  • Coordination for the proclamation to be read by Mayor Burke at 2:30 PM on the day of the concert. Motion passed to schedule the proclamation at 2:30.
  • Motion passed to add Martha Washington (the impersonator) to the program as an official greeter, and to include her husband as her escort/bodyguard in Revolutionary soldier attire.
  • Discussion on printed materials: A motion passed to create a poster (via easel) and print 100–150 single-page, double-sided programs, to be drafted by a commissioner and distributed before the concert.
  • Logistics: Mark Earshy (St. James music director) will have keys and be on site; commissioner will hand off proclamation and programs. No formal motion on printed materials for audience handouts was needed beyond the program vote.

• Music & Memory Program (Seniors):

  • Commissioner Marjorie reported that the event may not be possible at private senior facilities due to public space requirements; alternative is to host at the Leesburg Senior Center, which is open to the public.
  • She is researching transportation of seniors and revised call to artists. A motion passed to postpone further discussion and voting to the September 2026 meeting to allow more time for planning.

• Mistletoe Market (December 2026):

  • Discussion about whether the Leesburg Movement organization still wants the commission to provide entertainment. Commissioner will contact Tony to confirm. A suggestion to invite a Leesburg Movement representative to the next meeting was discussed but no motion made.
  • A motion was made and passed to approve a call to artists for the Mistletoe Market, pending confirmation of dates, times, and location from Leesburg Movement. The call will be finalized by Commissioner Kaylee, including boilerplate language and budget details (up to $1,200 for entertainment and $2,000 for equipment, consistent with previous year).

• Selection Handbook and Bylaws:

  • Discussion on proposed changes to the artist selection handbook and the commission structure (adding a parliamentarian). A motion passed to table further discussion to the August 2026 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved electronic participation for Commissioner Marjorie (4-0-1).
• Adopted agenda and amended minutes.
• Voted to add Martha Washington and her Revolutionary soldier escort to the Music of George Washington concert.
• Voted to schedule proclamation at 2:30 PM on concert day.
• Voted to produce a poster and 100–150 printed programs for the concert.
• Postponed Music & Memory program discussion to September 2026 meeting.
• Approved a call to artists for Mistletoe Market, subject to Leesburg Movement confirmation.
• Tabled selection handbook discussion to August 2026 meeting.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:32 PM.