Artists and audiences all agree that there is no other

"magical "

experience like Great Waters.

About Great Waters

At Great Waters we celebrate the performing arts with  programs that satisfy every palate. From Broadway to comedy, to Rock and Roll and folk – we bring something for everyone to enjoy under the New Hampshire summer sky.

Our History

Dr.-Gerald-Mack,-Director-of-the-Worcester-Chorus-at-Great-Waters-Music-Festival
Founded in 1995

Dr. Gerald Mack, Director of the Worcester Chorus and Symphony Orchestra (MA) and a former professor at the Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford (CT), founded Great Waters Music Festival to encompass a diversified program designed to appeal to various musical tastes. Hosting a 100 voice Festival Chorus and symphony orchestra as well as national stars such as Dave Brubeck, Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie, Sandy Duncan, Judy Collins, Wynton Marsalis, and many others, Great Waters was positioned from the start to offer a unique experience. 

Scroll down to see a video tribute to Dr. Mack narrated by Board Member Emerita, Barbara Lobdell. 

Great-Waters-Music-Festival-Venues
Evolved into Venues

As time took its toll on the tent and Great Waters moved in a new direction, the organization opted for other venues such as the Kingswood Performing Arts Center, The Barn at the Inn and Anderson Hall. Though the tent was no longer, the spirit of Great Waters remained.

Photo by Almorinda Photography
Concerts in the Clouds

In partnership with the Castle Preservation Society, Great Waters has found a new outdoor space for the tent in the meadow of Castle in the Clouds. Concerts in the Clouds” made its debut in 2021 with an amazing lineup of performers against the stunning backdrop of Lake Winnipesaukee.

 

Great-Waters-Music-Festival-Tent
What Started as a Tent

In the early years, home for Great Waters was a beautiful 800 person capacity tent on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. It stood proudly for over 10 seasons, welcoming performing artists and guests from July through August. 

Castle in Clouds View of Lake Winnipesaukee
And in 2018

Great Waters embarked on a journey to build a new vision for the future. It became clear that the nostalgia for the tent was not to be ignored and with Brewster no longer available, other options had to be looked at. Donors, artists, and audience members all expressed great enthusiasm for building on the magical experiences of the past, so the Great Waters board went to work.

How Does that Tent Go Up?

Great Waters on New Hampshire Chronicle!

Dr. Gerry Mack Tribute - 08/17/22

This video was presented at the Great Waters Gala on August 17th, 2022. Board Member Emerita Barbara Lobdell narrated that night as she has on this video.  Video production is by George Feldner of Gigs Up, Inc. 

The 2021 Music Festival Lineup

Kind words from our guests

The Founders

Gerald & Nancy Mack

Strong Leadership

Great Waters Board of Directors

Great Waters is a not for profit organization that depends on the strong leadership from its active and engaged Board of Directors. Without their time and dedication to our mission, we wouldn’t be able to support the arts in our community like we do.

Barbara Olcott

Chair

Joan Myers

Executive Director

Chris Coulter

Vice-Chair

Tim-White-Vice-Chair-of-Great-Waters

Tim White

Advisor

Karen Haskell

Secretary

Eric Gibson

Treasurer

James Michener

Member at Large

Jack Callahan

BOARD MEMBER

Lauren Shealy

Board Member

Nancy Mack

Board Member

Peg Mongiello

BOARD MEMBER

Gary McGloin

BOARD MEMBER

Becky Hlidek

Becky Hlidek

Board Member

Barbara Lobdell

Board Member Emerita