River Concert for July 3rd, 2026

Unfortunately, the River Concert was cancelled at St Mary's College of Maryland for July 3rd because of the potential heat wave.  You are welcome to spread the word.  Quite a few of us are disappointed not to see Thomas Pandolfi playing "Rhapsody in Blue" and Ballet Caliente along with the Chesapeake Orchestra.

The Chesapeake Orchestra always has to deal with weather issues, so the concerts are always subject to change.  Besides the rare heat issues, I have also taken a few favorite photos of rainy day experiences at the River Concerts.  The audience seems to tolerate the experience and be patient.  I figure, I can't jinx the concert with rainy day photos this week!  During one concert, I actually enjoyed the rain experience, because I got stuck under the porch of an apartment  on the Townhouse Green and just had to enjoy talking to the musicians that were stuck there too!  We could commiserate together.

Cole Mallard enjoying his rain break.

I found this one somewhat amusing.  These two vendors at the concert stood under their tent to avoid the rain, but it went right through the tent, so they pulled out an umbrella too and gave me a big smile.   You can see how heavy the rain was coming down.

I grabbed a quick photo of this smiling couple staying dry under their umbrella in 2010 during a rain break, not realizing that they would later become my friends in swing dance classes.

Jose Cueto was helping to remove some chairs when a concert was rained out in 2017.  It came out a little dark, so it really created an emotional moment, even if it possibly wasn't true.  

Photography Exhibit at Garvey Senior Center Jul-Aug

If you are over 50 and enjoy looking at photos, please stop by to see my new exhibit in Leonardtown, MD at the Garvey Senior Center.  It has photos of birds, blossoms and beaches (and a few other B's you can guess).  It is in the back hallway and will be there until the end of August 2026.  I included the 2018 River Concert poster, that is still obtainable online, featuring Jeffrey Silberschlag's trumpet or coronet and baton.  It was the cover of the program that year.  I also have 4 photos on display at Annmarie Garden in Solomons throughout the summer.  Link to Garvey information

The Garvey exhibits were set up with the center throughout the next few years by club member Beth Fabey, including shows by any interested members of St. Mary's County Camera Club/Southern Maryland Special Interest Group.  

Sorry for the odd curve of the photo.  It is in a narrow hallway, making it difficult to create panoramas.  This photo was created using a tripod and sidestepping and combining 10 photos.  It worked a little better than a cell phone pano, which created odd edges on the frames, but it was less straight.  There is also a pretty window in front of the exhibit with glass etched birds which creates some reflections in the artwork.

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