River Concert Series Continues with the Chesapeake Orchestra on June 26th

 The Chesapeake Orchestra at the River Concert Series starts Friday June 26, 2026.  The concerts run Friday nights 7-9 pm through July 24th at St. Mary's College of Maryland on the Townhouse green.  Parking and the concerts are free and donations for the concerts are encouraged.  There are always plenty of food vendors available for your enjoyment, although you may also bring your own, (just not your pet).  Do bring a chair or blanket.  

The venue is divided into three sections, serious listening at the front for quiet watchers, casual listening in the middle and serious socializing at the back for family and friends with community gatherings or active families.  The music ranges from serious classical, to light classics and jazz, and some patriotic favorites near Independence Day on July 3rd.

Be sure to pick up a program with lots of information and even some photographs by Calm Reflections Photography.  They are usually available at the Arts Alliance tent if you can't find one.  I have been the official photographer since 2013.  
The planned performance schedule is below with details in the link. (subject to change)

https://inside.smcm.edu/events/river-concert-series-2026

Please join me in supporting the River Concert Series.  You won't regret it.  You are welcome to check out my favorite photos, posted for the last several weeks under Calm Reflections Photography Facebook to get you in the mood.  Please share with your friends.

Melissa Errico on June 26th

Thomas Pandolfi on July 3rd along with 

Ballet Caliente also on July 3rd

Sheryl-Marie Dunaway of Ballet Caliente

Jose Cueto on July 10th also

Zachary Silberschlag on July 10th

(Deborah Watts, Brazilin Singer and John Watts, Pianist, not pictured) on July 17th

https://www.deborawatts.com

Jeffrey Silbserschlag on July 24th

Blue Angels in the Sky at the NAS Patuxent River Air Show 2026

I didn't have time to watch the Air Show this weekend, so I watched the rehearsal of the Blue Angels from Lexington Park and brought a picnic lunch and a very long lens, about 840 mm equivalent on a tripod.  It was fun to get a few shots of the stars of the show.  I have seen quite a few air shows, so I didn't feel too bad about missing the static displays and such.  Since my foot injury, standing for long periods gets quite painful, so it seemed like a good compromise.

Four for the Show.  I liked the cloud diagonal

I liked the smoke

Loopy

Twisty

Poppies Galore!

I visited the local poppy field three times this year.  It was spectacular and got prettier each time I visited.  We are having some drought conditions, so it probably took a lot of work to keep them looking nice.  

Here are some of my favorites from my first visit this year.

Solomons Island Visits

We visited Solomon's Island several times lately to deliver photos to Annmarie Garden for exhibits.  For fun, we wandered around the boardwalk and the Veteran's memorial before the big summer crowds.  Both were nice spots to have a car picnic.

Annmarie Garden Alliums

Seagulls

Our Lady Star of the Sea looked somewhat castle like from this angle

Red Barn

Cruisin' Tikis

Veteran's Memorial

Annmarie Garden After Hours Artist Reception June 5th, 2026

This Friday June 5th, Annmarie Garden will be holding an After Hours artist reception for the opening of the next exhibit "Winging It:  Bird Art" 5-7 pm.  I will probably get there about 5:30pm.  I have one photo in the exhibit and three in the Landmark Exhbit upstairs in the Kay Daugherty gallery.  There will be music, wine, a food truck and of course, art.  The winners will be announced.  There is also a hands on bird exhibit in the nature nook downstairs.   Come out and enjoy or at least tell your friends about it!

For more information

Playing with Red-Yellow Tulip Still Lifes

I found some inexpensive baskets online, but it wasn't easy to find.  I like how the curves set off the flowers.  Most of the baskets this size new were maybe $80.  I just checked online every once in a while.

I like playing with my white ceramic vase.  The ceramic doesn't show as much glare as a clear glass vase does.  The first one got broken, but I found the same one later.

Azaleas and Other Spring Flowers

 Pink Azaleas and Swallowtail

Lavender Azaleas

White Azaleas

White Dogwood