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November 5, 2025

Centreville Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Centreville

6 Arts Notes

Mid-Atlantic Symphony Honors Mary Lou and Joseph Peters with the Legacy Award

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The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presented the 2023 MSO Legacy Award to Mary Lou and Joseph Peters during their annual Talbot County Legacy Award Dinner which was held at the Avalon Theatre in Easton, Maryland in conjunction with the MSO Jazz Ensemble performance on Thursday, May 11th.

The Legacy Award is a special award that is given annually by the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and support for the advancement of classical music and the arts in the Mid-Atlantic region. This distinguished recognition is bestowed upon those who have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, ensuring a lasting legacy for future generations.

Mary Lou and Joseph Peters have consistently exhibited an unwavering commitment to the Mid-Atlantic Symphony and have played a pivotal role in its success and growth. Their tireless efforts in fostering a thriving classical music community have significantly enriched the cultural fabric of the region. Through their generous contributions and passionate advocacy, they have inspired countless individuals to embrace the power and beauty of orchestral music.

Mary Lou and Joseph Peters

The Jazz Septet concert was a celebration of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra’s dedication to artistic excellence and musical diversity. Led by the talented pianist and composer, Adam Glaser, the concert showcased MSO renowned musicians in a vibrant and dynamic performance that blended classical compositions with jazz. The evening served as a testament to the orchestra’s ability to captivate audiences with its innovative programming and exceptional musicianship.

“We are thrilled to honor Mary Lou and Joseph Peters with the Legacy Award for their invaluable contributions to the arts and their unwavering support of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra,” said Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the Board of Director of the MSO. “Their passion for music and commitment to fostering a thriving arts community has been truly remarkable. This award is a testament to their lasting impact and their dedication to preserving the beauty of classical music.”

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mary Lou and Joseph Peters for their exemplary service and steadfast commitment to the cultural enrichment of the region. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations of music lovers and serve as a beacon of light for the future of classical music in the Mid-Atlantic.

For more information about the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and its upcoming season, please visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

About the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra:

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, under the musical direction of Grammy award-winning Music Director and Conductor, Michael Repper, is a professional orchestra based in the Mid-Atlantic region. Recognized for its artistry and exhilarating performances, the orchestra serves as a cultural beacon, engaging audiences through innovative programming and exceptional musicianship. Comprised of world-class musicians, the MSO presents a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary works, fostering a deep appreciation for the orchestral arts in the communities it serves.

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Psychic Medium at Church Hill Theatre June 28th

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For one night only, on June 28, 2023, acclaimed medium Debbie Wojciechowsk will return to Church Hill Theatre to help connect patrons with their loved ones who have passed. As an Evidential Medium with extensive training in the U.S. and England, she is an expert in both near-death experiences and grief counseling.

Debbie does not perform on a stage, but works more intimately, connecting members of her audience with loved ones who have moved beyond their physical lives. As she channels each message, she hopes to bring comfort and awareness to people that there is a life after this one: our loved ones are always with us. Her clients have described her as empathetic and down-to-earth, with a real gift for sensitive readings.

A native of Baltimore, Ms. Wojciechowski holds a Master of Science degree from Johns Hopkins University.  She has enjoyed a 25-year career in federal law enforcement and is a nationally acclaimed and certified Evidential Medium. An Evidential Medium is an individual who can communicate with Spirt.  This information can be unequivocally verified and is evidence of the human’s soul survival beyond physical life.

Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, this could be the perfect outing on a warm summer night.  Many find Medium Debbie particularly insightful.  Tickets to her June 28 appearance may be purchased at churchhilltheatre.org for $50.  Reservations can also be made by calling the Church Hill Theatre office at (410) 556-6003

For more information about Debbie Wojciechowski and her work, please visit mediumdebbie.com or follow her on social media at facebook.com/mediumdebbie and instagram at @mediumdebbie.

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Oxford Community Center to Host Celebration of Native American History and Culture

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The Oxford Community Center (OCC) will host a celebration of Native American history and culture on June 15, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The event will feature guest speakers Captain William Dial, Chief Donna Wolf Mother Abbott, and JoAnn Brown.

Captain Dial, a retired Navy captain with a deep passion for history, will kick off the event with a captivating presentation on Oxford’s Native American legends and lore. Dial has served 31 years in the Navy, including as a special assistant to the Navy surgeon general. He brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the subject.

Chief Wolf Mother Abbott, the first woman to lead the Nause-Waiwash Indians, will share insights into the tribe’s rich history and cultural heritage. She will explain how she has dedicated herself to preserving their history, enhancing their culture, and maintaining their traditions. In 2022, Chief Wolf Mother Abbott was also honored as one of the twelve women featured on the notable Dorchester Women’s Mural, in Cambridge.

JoAnn Brown, owner of Justamere Trading Post in Easton, will provide a fascinating discussion on Native American medicinal herbs and their historical use. A Seneca descendent with over 35 years of experience, Brown’s expertise and passion for sharing indigenous knowledge will undoubtedly captivate the audience.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and learn about the rich history and vibrant culture of Native Americans in our region,” said Liza Ledford, Director of Oxford Community Center. “We invite everyone to join us in this celebration of learning, inspiration, and cultural appreciation.”

Native artifacts will be on display at the event provided by the guests and the Oxford Museum. This immersive experience will allow attendees to appreciate the beauty and significance of local Native American culture firsthand.

This event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 5:00 PM, and cocktails and other refreshments will be available for purchase. Produced in partnership with the Oxford Museum.

For more information and to reserve your space, please visit the Oxford Community Center’s website at www.oxfordcc.org or contact the center at 410-226-5904.

This program is funded in part by Talbot Arts with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council and the governments of Talbot County, Easton, Oxford and St. Michaels.

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Oxford Community Center Calendar of Events

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Ongoing Weekly Classes

Mon, 1-2:30pm; Yoga with Suzie Hurley, Advanced beginners, $20/class, 10 classes $150

Sat, 9:30-11am; Yoga w Suzie Hurley, Intermediate, $20/class, 10 classes/ $150

Tues-Thurs, 10am; Steady & Strong w/ Janet Pfeffer, $10/class 10/$80

June 2023

Saturday, June 3, 8:30-10:30am

Cars and Coffee, free, Sponsored by Prestige Auto Vault, Eat Sprout & Doc’s Sunset Grille. Come enjoy the incredible array of automobiles!

June 15th, 2023 – 5:00 – 7:00 PM

A Celebration of Native American History and Culture:

Presentations by Captain William Dial and Chief Donna Wolf Mother Abbott

Explore artifacts, legends and historic facts of the Oxford Native American tribes with Captain Dial and dive deeper into the life of the theNause-Waiwash tribe with Chief Donna Wolf Mother Abbot.This event is supported in part by Talbot Arts (talbotarts.org) with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org) in partnership with the Oxford Museum. RSVP required at oxfordcc.org

June 17th, 2023 – 7:30 PM

Sumer Solstice Celebration

Featuring Ocean Celtic with Special Guests Slavya

Event produced by Carpe Diem Arts.

The OCEAN Celtic Quartet play music packed with pure pan-Celtic pizzazz, putting their unique spin on traditional songs and Cutting’s original compositions, from soaring ballads and stirring sea chanteys to blazing fiddle and accordion tunes. The group has won over 25 Washington Area Music Awards, a #3 spot on the national Folk DJ Charts, and a triumphant appearance on NPR’s “Mountain Stage.” They have a history of sold-out concerts at such venues as The Birchmere and The Kennedy Center.

Fairport Convention’s Simon Nicol says they “get right inside the spirit of the folk music of the British Isles,” Steeleye Span’s Maddy Prior calls their songwriting “stunning,” and the Washington Post calls them “Nothing short of spellbinding.”

The OCEAN Celtic Quartet is led by composer and ethnomusicologist JENNIFER CUTTING (accordion and keyboards), a Washington Area Music Association “Musician of the Year” and “Songwriter of the Year.” OCEAN features the stunning vocalist CHRISTINE NOYES (formerly of the maritime music group Crab Alley), folklorist/vocalist/percussionist STEPHEN WINICK, and U.S. National Scottish Fiddle champion SEÁN HEELY. OCEAN is known for getting audiences up on their feet to dance to their electrifying Jigs and Reels; and, in the next moment, raising goosebumps with their soaring vocals and otherworldly Celtic beauty. Add a penchant for deep research and scholarship, and a great sense of humor, and you have a band that will captivate all ages.

This program is funded in part by Talbot Arts with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council and the governments of Talbot County, Easton, Oxford and St. Michaels.

Suggested donation $10-25 per person, 16 and under free.

July 2023

Saturday, July 1, 8:30-10:30am

Cars and Coffee, free, Sponsored by Prestige Auto Vault, Eat Sprout & Doc’s Sunset Grille. Come enjoy the incredible array of automobiles!

July 16th, 2023 – Oxford Paint Out – A Plein Air Easton Event

All Day with Art Exhibition and Sale from 5-6:30pm

Presented in partnership with the Oxford Community Center and the Oxford Business Association.

Join the Plein Air Easton artists and spend the day getting to know Oxford, a small town with a huge personality and water on three sides. Despite the pull to bow to modern-day trends and high-volume housing, Oxford has consistently retained its colonial charm. Oxford sits just 8 miles from Easton and 7 miles from St. Michaels (if you take the oldest private ferry that crosses the Tred Avon River).

In addition to fine inns, boatyards, shops and terrific restaurants, you’ll find some of the country’s best ice cream—so says TripAdvisor—at the Scottish Highland Creamery. Artists will be easy to spot around town, too.

An exhibition and sale of the day’s work at the Oxford Community Center is the perfect capstone to a memorable art-filled day.

August 2023

August 5, 2023, 5-7pm – Happy Hour Summer Concert w/Rosewood

Based on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and led by the dynamic and lush vocals of Sandy Ryder, Rosewood draws deep and wide from traditional Americana music. From country to blues to contemporary rock, Rosewood has developed their own unique approach and arrangements to the great standards from the 60s to present. Sandy Ryder’s lead vocal style is reminiscent of a complex mix of Bonnie Raitt, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sheryl Crow and Allison Krauss.

August 12, 2023, 5-7pm – Happy Hour Summer Concert w/Rising Tide

Playing an eclectic mix of folk, rock, country & Americana

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SMAL Announces Winners of Annual Members Show

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The St. Michaels Art League (SMAL) is pleased to announce the winners of their 2023 Members Show featuring all mediums.

The exhibit was judged by local artist Barrie Barnett.  Barrie started her art education at the age of nine in classical realism in Baltimore.  She is well known for her work in portraiture where she spent 15 years painting children, mainly for families in the American Southeast.  In 1998 she switched to specializing in dogs for the next fifteen years after she was offered a solo show of dog paintings in New York’s upper east side, then had two more solo shows in Palm Beach, Fl and Carmel, CA. Barrie became known as a top pastelist and was invited to teach at the Pastel Society of America in New York.   She now works in charcoal, pastel and oils and occasionally teaches classes at the Academy Art Museum in Easton.

“Heading Home” by Jan Perdue

First Place was awarded to Jan Perdue for her watercolor “Heading Home.”  Second Place went to Rhonda Ford for her oil painting “Molcajete.”  Third place was awarded to Scott Sullivan for his oil painting on paper “Hester Ditches the Letter.”  Honorable mentions went to Naomi Clark-Turner for her oil painting “Afternoon Glow,” and to Joan Cranor for her watercolor titled “Carnival.”

For more information visit Smartleague.org.

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Academy Art Museum Instructor’s Studio Sale

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Something for Everyone!

The public is invited to the Academy Art Museum for an Instructor’s Studio Sale on Saturday June 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The instructors are bringing their studio works to you. Enjoy perusing their bins and racks of paintings, pastels, fine art prints, drawings, pottery, photographs and more. Plus art books, supplies and frames. Who knows what hidden gems you might find? All in a festive outdoor market atmosphere. Rain location is in the AAM performing arts room.

Participating instructors include Barrie Barnett, Bernie Dellario, Diane DuBois Mullaly, Mary Pritchard, Sheryl Southwick, Meg Walsh and Stewart White.

While you’re there, it’s a great time to visit the current exhibits inside the museum.

The Academy Art Museum is located in Easton, Maryland at 106 South Street, corner of S. Harrison Street. Convenient on and off-street parking.

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Smooth Jazz Guitarist Ronny Smith Comes to the Mainstay

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On Friday, June 23rd at 8 pm, the Mainstay in Rock Hall, MD, in partnership with the Maryland State Arts Council’s Touring and Presenting program, is excited to welcome the smooth jazz sounds of guitarist Ronny Smith and his six-piece band.

Baltimore-born, Grammy-nominee Ronny Smith is one of the most exciting guitarists on the contemporary jazz scene.  Smith’s playing brings to mind that of Joe Pass, Larry Carlton, George Benson, Wes Montgomery, and even 70’s Johnny Guitar Watson. His style quickly impresses the listener with the broad range of his influences – from urban jazz/ funk, to raw, edgy blues, an infectious rhythm and blues groove, and straight-ahead jazz swing. His 2013 release Can’t Stop Now hit #1 on Billboard’s New and Active smooth jazz chart and ultimately reached #25 on the Billboard Top 30. Renowned jazz journalist Scott Yanow wrote, “Guitarist Ronny Smith’s mellow tone, subtle creativity and ability to groove over catchy rhythms have made him an increasingly popular force in contemporary “smooth” jazz.” The veteran guitarist’s artistry and spirit of eclecticism has led him to build a loyal Mid-Atlantic following on his own terms, and gained a public recognition that has resulted in consistently sold-out appearances at the top jazz clubs in Baltimore and D.C.

Ronny Smith

Tickets are $20 in advance of the show and can be purchased online at mainstayrockhall.org. Phone reservations are accepted by calling (410) 639-9133 (tickets reserved by phone are $25 when paid at the door). The Mainstay is located at 5753 N Main Street in Rock Hall.

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Main Street Gallery, Cambridge, Celebrates 12 Years and Presents its Summer Show with Karen Jury

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“Peony on Green” by Karen Jury

Main Street Gallery in Cambridge, MD has lots to be excited about. The city’s only member owned and operated Coop is turning 12 this summer and will celebrate with a champagne party on Second Saturday, August 12 from 5-8 pm. This is a free event and all are welcome to join us and meet our artists. The gallery will also be celebrating its guest artist for the July/August exhibition, Karen Jury, a resident of Chester, MD, whose show, “Creating Texture with Photo Encaustic” will be on the walls for the celebration.

If you are wondering what photo encaustic is, Karen says, “It all starts with a camera and a photograph and ends with wax and heat.”  To make a photo encaustic image an artist prints a photo onto paper and adheres the paper to a substrate. Then comes the wax and heat part as the artist paints the photo with a heated wax mixture called encaustic. The many and varied results of this process can be seen in Karen’s arresting images of nature. “My love of flowers, landscapes and textures is evident is my work” she says.

Karen didn’t start her career as a photo encaustic artist, however. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University she worked as an art director for a number of companies and colleges until she decided to take time off to raise her family. It was then that she rediscovered photography. Initially she photographed families, their pets and their significant events. Later she had the opportunity to photograph performances during Songwriter Festivals in Miami and Key West. “I enjoyed the creative aspect of portrait photography” she says “….and the creative aspect of shooting talented musicians”.

Still, the artist wanted to figure out something more creative to do with her photography. It was a friend, who after listening to Karen speak about her past and her love of textures, suggested she try Photo Encaustics. “Eureka….!”, Karen said. “I fell in love. I took courses online, a lot of trial and error, no injuries, and years later I am happy to share my encaustics.”

In addition to Main Street Gallery, Karen’s work can be seen at The Artist’s Gallery in Ellicott City. She has also shown her work at Kent Island Federation of Arts and the Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis.

“Creating Texture with Photo Encaustic” will open on Thursday, July 6 and run through Sunday, August 27. The public is invited to two artist receptions which will take place on Second Saturdays, July 8 and August 12 from 5-8 pm. The receptions are free and light refreshments will be served. Karen will give a brief artist talk on the July 8 opening at 7 pm and the August reception will also be the champagne celebration of the gallery’s 12th Anniversary. Gallery hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11-5. Online shopping is always available on the gallery’s website at mainstgallery.net.

Main Street Gallery is located at 518 Poplar St. in Cambridge.  The gallery is currently reviewing work from prospective members and guest artists. Please contact the gallery through its website or by phoning 410-330-4659 if you are interested in being a part of this vibrant artist community.

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Musician Carrie Rose Brings Breathing in Nature to Adkins Arboretum June 17

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Carrie Rose intertwines solo flute with recorded owls, grasshoppers and water. As dusk falls on Sat., June 17, these sounds will mingle with breezes, bird and frog calls and stirring turtles and fish when Rose performs Breathing in Nature on the wetland boardwalk at Adkins Arboretum. All are invited to attend.

Featuring compositions by Rose and other contemporary and classical composers, along with friendly introductions to each piece to engage curiosity and intellect, the program will also explore the writings of environmentalist Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring and The Sense of Wonder.

Rose is a flutist, composer and teacher in the Washington, D.C., area. As a performer, she unfurls a luscious array of classical chamber music, grooves for folk dances, freelances with regional orchestras, wails out avant-garde music and presents in-person and recorded Breathing in Nature concerts. Her compositions have been featured at numerous venues in the Baltimore-D.C. region, and she has performed in the D.C. area with ensembles that include the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra, Arlington Philharmonic, Cathedral Choral Society and Washington Concert Opera.

Flutist, composer and teacher Carrie Rose will blend solo flute with the music of the natural world when she performs Breathing in Nature at Adkins Arboretum on Sat., June 17.

Seating begins at 7 p.m. on the wetland bridge and boardwalk. Music from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. will include Syrinx by Claude Debussy, Owls for Flute and Owl Sounds by Carrie Rose, Sonata Appassionata by Sigfrid Karg-Elert, Canto del Alba by Mario Lavista, Waterweave for flute and water sounds by Carrie Rose, Tango Etude #3 by Astor Piazzola, Prelude in C Major from the Well-Tempered Clavier by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ave Maria by Charles Gounod and Suvisoitto (Summersounds) flute and grasshoppers by Usko Merilainen.

Wine and treats will be available for purchase before the concert. Attendees should bring chairs. The concert is accessible.

The program fee of $20 for members/$25 for non-members increases by $5 on the day of the event. Advance registration is encouraged at adkinsarboretum.org or by calling 410-634-2847, ext. 100.

Breathing in Nature is sponsored in part by the Caroline County Council of Arts and the Maryland Arts Council.

A 400-acre native garden and preserve, Adkins Arboretum provides exceptional experiences in nature to promote environmental stewardship.

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Auditions for Harvey at Church Hill Theatre

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Auditions for Harvey, Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize winning drama will be held at Church Hill Theatre on Monday and Wednesday, June 12th and 14th at 5:30 PM and Saturday morning, June 17th at 10 AM. Directed by Bonnie Hill, the play runs three weekends from September 8 – September 24.

In this whimsical period comedy, Edward P. Dowd introduces his imaginary friend, Harvey, a six-and-a-half-foot rabbit, to guests at a society party given by his sister, Veta. She has seen enough of her brother’s eccentric behavior and decides to have him committed to a sanitarium to spare her daughter and the family further embarrassment. The results are both surprising and hilarious. In 1950, this delightful and amusing play was made into a film starring Jimmy Stewart.

Ms. Hill is looking to cast six men and five women in this period comedy. Ages for male and female characters range from 25 to 80. More information about the characters can be found on the Church Hill Theatre website: https://www.churchhilltheatre.org/shows/auditions.

Familiarity with the script is beneficial, but not necessary. Scripts are available for your perusal at CHT but must be returned.

Construction and technical assistance are also needed.

For further information, call/email Bonnie Hill at 410-708-2870/ [email protected]

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