The Spy - Centreville Spy

Preparing for 16th Chesapeake Film Festival with Sandy Cannon-Brown

September 8, 2023 by The Spy Leave a Comment

Over the course of her career, Sandy Cannon-Brown has been known for a quite a few achievements. Perhaps the most notable locally is her ongoing collaboration with conservation writer Tom Horton and photographer David Harp in the production of a number of award-winning environmental documentaries on the Chesapeake Bay as well as her work ase associate director for the Center for Environmental Filmmaking at American University.

But Sandy has also played a leadership role with the Chesapeake Film Festival for many years as its long-serving Vice President and in that capacity, the Spy sat down with her via Zoom to hear about the CFF schedule this year, including her latest documentary with David Harp entitled A Passion for Oysters.

The LIVE Festival kicks off on September 30 at the historic Avalon Theatre, followed by a second day at The Ebenezer Theater on October 1. The festival will also feature a 7-day Virtual Festival from October 2 to October 8, showcasing 37 outstanding documentaries, narrative films, and animations. Plan your visit and buy tickets today at www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com

This video is approximately five minutes in length.

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Spy Nights at the Stoltz Opens with Writer Sue Ellen Thompson

August 30, 2023 by The Spy Leave a Comment

In an exciting arts partnership this fall, the Avalon Foundation will be collaborating with the Talbot Spy to present three evocative evenings spotlighting some of the very best regional poets and writers at the Stoltz Listening Room in downtown Easton.

Sue Ellen Thompson

Set to debut on September 27 with the nationally recognized and locally admired poet, Sue Ellen Thompson, whose work has been featured on National Public Radio and has won the praise of such luminaries as Poet Laureate Ted Kooser, will be reading from her sixth collection of work, SEA NETTLES: NEW & SELECTED POEMS, which will be released next month.

The series continues on November 1 with Neil King Jr., formerly of Wall Street Journal. In his latest book, “American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal”, King, who lives part-time in Claiborne, chronicles his introspective 330-mile journey from Washington, D.C. to New York City, serving as a reflective lens into America’s tapestry.

Neil King Jr.

Rounding out the program on November 15 is the collective brilliance of the “Word Girls”. Three gifted poets Meredith Davies Hadaway, Erin Murphy, and Amanda Newell,with strong local ties to Chestertown, Gunston School, and Washington College, are set to captivate audiences with verses that span environmental, societal, and deeply personal themes.

Al Bond, president of the Avalon Foundation, remarked, “This collaboration with Spy is great for our mission. We’re delighted to help put the spotlight on poetry and writing in the same way we’ve done with music, theater, and film.”

Word Girls Meredith Davies Hadaway, Erin Murphy, and Amanda Newell

Echoing this sentiment, Dave Wheelan, executive editor of the Spy, said, “Our partnership with Avalon gives us a wonderful opportunity to share with our community some of the very best writers the Spy has come to know and admire over the years. And we’re so pleased to have this take place in the Stoltz Room. What a perfect place to hear beautiful voices in such a comfortable venue.”

Tickets are priced at $25 per person, with readings commencing at 6 pm. Every dollar raised supports the Avalon Foundation and the Talbot Spy’s mission to promote art programming and coverage.

Date & Time: September 27, November 1, and November 15; All readings begin at 6 pm.
Venue: Stoltz Listening Room
Organized by: The Avalon Foundation & Talbot Spy
Ticket Price: $25/person
Cash bar

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Centreville Farmers’ Market Showing Significant Progress

August 18, 2023 by The Spy Leave a Comment

Perhaps one of the most important indicators for a community to use in measuring the vitality of their downtown is the health of its farmers’ market. It certainly may be a matter of concern if those important weekly town gatherings are anemic given their popularity across the country. Or, as is the case of Centreville’s Sunday market, it is something to celebrate if growth trends show significant progress.

That was the case when Jennifer Moore, who helps run the weekly event, reported to the Centreville Town Council that were excellent signs that the relatively new town market was meeting or even exceeding expectations in terms of growth in both vendors and customers.

A significant contributor to this growth is the introduction of the “Family Day” initiative on the last Sunday of each month, beginning in July. This event specifically catered to children by offering experiences like face painting and the opportunity to purchase smaller portions of fruits.

That strategy seems to have paid off. The first Family Day saw the market attendance nearly triple, with vendors reporting sales to as many as 3,500 customers. To accommodate the growing number of vendors, the market introduced flexible participation slots. Vendors can now sign up for full-time, part-time, or “drop-in” slots.

The market also is exploring a variety of events to attract more diverse crowds, from live music to partnering with local artists like the Choptank Legacy Project, which specializes in children’s arts. Future plans include “Pets in the Park” and collaborating with Church Hill Theatre for a presentation on the town Green.

Another achievement has been partnering with the health department and the University of Maryland to offer WIC and SNAP benefits at the market. The inclusion of SNAP, however, requires on-site personnel, which they aim to address by next season.

The Centreville Farmers’ Market operates on Sundays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Lawyers Row, Downtown Centreville until November 12th

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38 Years and Counting: Chesapeake Music Director Don Buxton Sets the Stage for 2023 Season

June 3, 2023 by The Spy Leave a Comment

In the Spy’s recent interview with Chesapeake Music’s long-tenured executive director, Don Buxton, the veteran mastermind behind one the most prestigious classical music events in the Mid-Atlantic region revealed exciting details about the upcoming 2023 season, promising a feast for the senses and a celebration of musical artistry.

With an infectious enthusiasm, Buxton shared his appreciation for the exceptional talents of the performers, marveling at their ability to captivate audiences through their appearances on public television broadcasts, live performances at prestigious venues like Lincoln Center, and their extensive discographies. These musicians, according to Buxton, transcend the label of “world class” and embody something more profound — a level of artistry that makes them household names.

Chesapeake Music’s 2023 season is set to kick off in grand style during the first two weeks of June. Buxton has invited the public to witness the behind-the-scenes magic during free open rehearsals on June 8th and the following Wednesday. These unique opportunities offer an inside look at how these remarkable performances are meticulously crafted, showcasing the power of subtle adjustments that transform musical pieces.

This year’s festival also welcomes rising stars such as violinist Randall Goosby, whose performance earlier this year left audiences spellbound. The festival is further invigorated by the presence of the vibrant Terrorist String Quartet, finalists of a prestigious competition, who infuse the event with their infectious energy.

Buxton spoke about Chesapeake Music’s commitment to cultivating a new generation of classical music enthusiasts. The organization offers free student tickets, extending the invitation to accompanying parents and teachers. Additionally, new patron deals entice first-time attendees to experience the transformative power of live performances, creating lasting connections and cultivating an ever-growing audience.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information and ticket sales please go here.

Chesapeake Music holds its 38th annual Chesapeake Chamber Music Festival for two weekends, June 9-11 and June 15-17, at the Ebenezer Theater in downtown Easton. The program of six remarkable and diverse concerts promises to delight, surprise, and engage you. The festival opening extravaganza features works by Mozart, Wiancko, and Brahms, followed by a light reception following the concert.

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