Former Wall Street Journal writer (and sometime Spy contributor) Neil King, Jr. will be interviewed by Martha Teichner on his recently released book “America Ramble on CBS Sunday Morning on July 9th.

King, who lives part-time in Claiborne, stepped out of his Washington, D.C., home and walked 26 days on back roads to New York City. Along the way he found America, past and present, and contemplated his own life after having survived esophageal cancer.

‘Take Five.’ It could mean a five-minute break from a busy schedule, but often we think of the musical wonder that is the ‘Dave Brubeck’s Quartet’ famous jazz standard. This outstanding, ever popular tune was composed by Paul Desmond in 1958 and released in 1959. It is considered to be the biggest selling,jazz single in the history of jazz. Most fans can hum a few bars, at least. But now, OMG Dave Brubeck’s sons are coming to town. Now you can enjoy the tune again, this time played at the 27th Annual Chestertown Jazz Festival by ‘The Brubeck Brothers Quartet’ who will headline the upcoming event on September 9, 2023.

Although the Quartet’s style is rooted in ‘Straight Ahead’ jazz, their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while naturally integrating the influences of funk, blues and world music. The group’s creativity, technique and improvisation can be heard in their uncompromising music, which reflects their dedication to melody, rhythm, culture and the spontaneous spirit of jazz.

Chris and Dan Brubeck have been making more music together practically all of their lives. Drummer Dan and bassist, trombonist and composer Chris cut their first record together in 1996, nearly a half century ago. They’ve subsequently played a variety of styles in a number of different groups as well as with their father jazz giant Dave Brubeck. and with their own Brubeck Brothers Quartet. With Dan and Chris as the foundation, guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb complete this dynamic quartet. They perform at concert series, colleges and jazz festivals across North America and Europe including the Newport, Detroit, Montreal, Playboy/Hollywood Bowl, Monterey and now The Chestertown Jazz Festivals. The Quartet’s last CD, “Life Times” was a hit on the Jazzweek radio chart where it made the Top Ten list as one of the most played jazz recordings of the year.

As tradition has it, the festival will open with Gospel. This year we are featuring an all male group, ‘The Gospel Shepherds. Having performed over the
past several years for countless appearances in churches, celebrations and festivals. The current composition is Chris Cooper, guitar and vocals, Delbert Hicks, bass guitar, Gregory, ‘Worm’ Houston, vocals, Jerome, ‘Jr.,’ McKinney Jr, drums & keyboards, Harold, ‘Buddy’ Jones vocals and Chris Frazier lead vocals. Gone but fondly remembered is Clarence, ‘Doc’ Beck, 1958-2019.

The Erik Byrd Trio from the Washington area is a Grammy Nominee and will then take to the stage. If you like spiritual and good jazz, the mixture of both is
phenomenal and worth checking out and enjoying. Pianist Erik Byrd brings his trio of Bhagwan Khalsa and Tim Wharfield for Sunday morning stomping versions of traditional hymns and spirituals. Our songstress of the festival is also local, from the Silver Spring area. Cecily Bumbray will delight you with her sweet soprano jazz voice. She will sing with her quartet. Cecily has opened for soul artist Gregory Porter and R&B stars Johnny Gill, Kenny Lattimore and Elle Verner.

Our kick-off this year will again be produced by Matt Mielnick from ‘The Mainstay. They are offering a Jazz cruise on Thursday evening launching from the head of High Street. The performer is Ronnie Leigh a Jazz Vocalist from Syracuse, New York. He’s performed with Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin. He’s also one of the finest stylists working in Soul and R &B as well. There will be a limit of 50 attendees. Call The Mainstay for more information, 410 639-9133.

The Garfield will not have a concert on Friday night. However there will be an inaugural Latin Music Concert celebrating ‘Hispanic Heritage Month.’ This will be sponsored by Kent Cultural Alliance and the Ken County Local Management Board.

All Jazz Festival information on the The Garfield Center for the Arts website and by calling 410-810-2060.

On Saturday July 15th, WHCP-F will become WHCP-FM 91.7 expanding into Talbot, all of Dorchester and parts of Wicomico, Caroline and Calvert counties. With the addition of 5 million drivers every year, the new National Public Radio (NPR) member station will broadcast LIVE on July 15, 2023 with an official “two-city” launch party at the WHCP Studios on 516 Race Street in Cambridge and Rise Up Coffee Roasters pavilion located on 618 Dover Road in Easton. The event is free, from 11 am to 5 pm at both locations. The live concerts will showcase a dozen regional musicians with the full lineup posted at whcp.org.

“We are excited about partnering with local organizations, and being obsessively locally focused to super-serve the Mid-Shore. Daily in-depth public affairs and news breaks will keep the community informed and engaged, helping all of us make the place we choose to call home A Great Place to Be!” says Mike Starling, founder of both the low power station and the new NPR Member Station.

In addition to the noontime weekday Mid-Shore MidDay local public affairs program, WHCP-FM offers an eclectic mix of music including Lady Spins the Blues with Dr. Donna Flaggs, Indie City and Jazzmatazz with Drew Sheckler, Woman Wattage with local musician Anne Watts, Celtic Crossroads with Cheryl Campbell, DJ Kirk Kut offers neo soul and R&B, Chuck Diesel’s Electric Odyssey with Jason Biringer and Raising the Dead (Grateful Dead all night) presented by the Wharf Rat. NPR programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered will anchor mornings and afternoons, localized with the latest Mid-Shore news and information by legendary radio veteran Shane Walker and former intern Ben Bruener.

“As a long time listener, I’ve enjoyed WHCP’s programming and during Covid especially valued the live broadcasts of local public officials taking questions from the community. I look forward to the bigger signal so I won’t lose them while traveling up and down the Shore. Adding NPR and keeping all of the great local hosts will likely keep me glued to 91.7 FM,” said Woolford resident Judy Slaughter.

For more information, please visit www.whcp.org

Emmanuel is pleased to present a concert dedicating our new grand piano! The community is welcome and invited to attend this free concert. Hand-crafted in Estonia, this lovely piano will sing with piano solos by Stephanie LaMotte along with duets with Avis Wheatley on the organ. Musicians from within the church who will be performing include John Schratwieser – tenor, Rollie Flynn – soprano, Dr. Helen Noble – flute, as well as the Emmanuel Choir. Guest performers from the community include Nevin Dawson on violin and River Voices from the Chester River Chorale. Reception to follow.

Emmanuel Church, Chester Parish – PIANO Dedication Concert
Friday , May 19, 2023 | 7:30 pm
Location: Emmanuel Church – 101 North Cross Street
Contact: Emmanuel Church Music Department
Phone: 410-778-3477
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.emmanuelchesterparish.org

Tidewater Singers Concerts is thrilled to announce their latest production, “Words to the Wise,” a captivating celebration of poetry in music spanning centuries from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Under the distinguished leadership of Artistic Director Ellen Wile, this extraordinary musical event promises to enchant audiences with its seamless fusion of lyrical verses and harmonious melodies.

Date: Friday, May 12 Time: 7:00 PM Venue: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Easton

Date: Saturday, May 13 Time: 7:00 PM Venue: St. Paul’s Church, Oxford

As Tidewater Singers Concerts continues its commitment to presenting innovative and thought-provoking performances, “Words to the Wise” stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry and music to evoke emotions, inspire introspection, and transport listeners to new realms of artistic expression.

This highly anticipated concert will transport the audience through time, showcasing masterpieces from renowned composers whose works have been inspired by the profound verses of poets. From the intricate harmonies of the Renaissance era to the contemporary compositions of the 21st century, the Tidewater Singers will weave a tapestry of captivating melodies and soul-stirring lyrics.

Artistic Director Ellen Wile, renowned for her visionary approach and meticulous attention to detail, has curated a program that transcends genres and embraces the full spectrum of human emotions. Wile’s expertise in interpreting and conveying the intricate nuances of poetry in musical form ensures an unparalleled experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Tickets for “Words to the Wise” can be purchased at the door for $12. However, early birds can take advantage of a special discounted rate of $10 if tickets are purchased in advance through the official Tidewater Singers Concerts website at tidewatersingers.org. Seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early to guarantee their presence at this extraordinary event.

For more information about “Words to the Wise” and to purchase tickets, please visit tidewatersingers.org. Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements by following Tidewater Singers Concerts on social media: Facebook (@TidewaterSingers) and Twitter (@TidewaterSings).

About Tidewater Singers Concerts: Tidewater Singers Concerts is a premier choral ensemble based in Easton, Maryland. Comprising exceptional vocalists and led by the visionary Artistic Director Ellen Wile, the group strives to enrich the community through their compelling musical performances. With a commitment to excellence and a dedication to exploring the depths of musical expression, Tidewater Singers Concerts continues to captivate audiences with their awe-inspiring presentations.