A few more photos of the River Concert on June 26th

Due to a bit of a mixup, I was delayed sharing these favorite photos from the first River Concert this year.  These were some photos of the Chesapeake Orchestra that I left out earlier.  

Please join us for the next two free River Concerts at St. Mary's College of Maryland, 7pm July 17th, on the Townhouse green.  This week's performance features a Brazilian couple, singer/songwriter/pianist, John and Debora Watts. (subject to change)

Jeffrey Silbershclag, music director

Jose Cueto, 1st violin

cellist

Woodwinds

Bass player

Going Baroque River Concert on July 10th, 2026

 The River Concert on July 10th was wonderful, starring the Chesapeake Orchestra with Music Director and trumpeter, Jeffrey Silberschlag, Jose Cueto on violin, Zachary Silberschlag on trumpet and Kathryn Farenish on piccolo. Jeffrey and Zachary played a lively piece, Vivaldi's "Trumpet Concerto for Two Trumpets". The baroque concert featured traditional classical music by Vivaldi, Handel and Bach. The concert ended with "Jazz Pizzicato" (a fairly recognizable piece with lots of plucked strings), by Leroy Anderson. Anderson was also composer of "Sleigh Ride", (often shared with the Chesapeake Orchestra in the past).

There was a strong rain storm between 5 and 6 pm between the sound check and the concert. Most of the musicians were off stage at the time and it cooled off the heat a little. I was glad we had some rain covers! Fortunately, much of the large crowd arrived after the rain and enjoyed the more pleasant temperature.

The concert on July 17th includes Debora Watts, a Brazilian singer/songwriter and her husband John Watts, pianist. (subject to change). The free River Concert is held on the Townhouse Green at St. Mary's College of Maryland at 7 pm.

Enjoy my photos and please share with your music loving friends.

Jose Cueto on violin

Zachary Silberschlag on trumpet

Zachary and Jeffrey Silberschlag on trumpet

Kathryn Farenish on piccolo

What a smile!

A few photos of the June 26th River Concert with Melissa Errico and Randy Waldman

Melissa Errico was a lively and talented Broadway singer, who had performed at the River Concert Series in the past.  This time she also brought along Randy Waldman, as guest pianist (who worked with Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson and Beyonce) and an active military man, Kevin Paul, (bugle player) involved with the Doughboy Foundation.  She wore 4 different amazing dresses during the performance.  

Melissa Errico with Kevin Paul

Bill Hones, double bass player from the Chesapeake Orchestra with Melissa Errico and Randy Waldman

Going Baroque tonight at the River Concert Series July 10, 2026

Performing tonight at the River Concert Series on the Townhouse Green of St. Mary's College of Maryland are Jose Cueto, 1st violin and concertmaster, Zachary Silberschlag, trumpeter and Kathryn Farenish, flutist, in "Going Baroque: Bach, Handel and Vivaldi". The concert starts at 7 pm. It should be a pleasant evening. (subject to change)

Zachary Silbershlag conducting while Jeffrey Silberschlag performs on trumpet

Zachary Silbersclag on trumpet

Kathryn Farenish on flute

Jose Cueto on violin

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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

River Concert Series Summer Finale July 25, 2025

The concert  on Friday night at 7 pm called "Rhapsodies with Blues" featured George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" and Maurice Ravel's "Piano Concerto in G" among others by the Chesapeake Orchestra.  It was a warm night at St. Mary's College of Maryland on the green, but there was still quite a large crowd looking forward to hearing Thomas Pandolfi playing the popular pieces on piano with much skill and finesse.  I didn't even melt, and we actually had a brief unexpected rain shower, because I left my umbrella at home.  

Mr. Pandolfi has played at the college a few times in the past and one of my photos of him with Jeffrey Silberschlag is currently on display at the Lexington Park Library (and will probably be moved to the Leonardtown Library August 1 to August 4th).  It is also featured in the concert program on page 17 and won a few small awards.  My friend, Robert Hayes also played the piano for several pieces, with Jeffrey Silberschlag (music director), also accompanied by a drummer and bass player.

Jeffrey Silberschlag and Thomas Pandolfi

Ray Wernecke, SMCM Board of Trustees

Thomas Pandolfi, pianist

Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director

Robert Hayes, pianist

The Finale

River Concert Series Timeless Inspiration July 18, 2025

We enjoyed the Timeless Inspiration concert this past week at the River Concert at St. Mary's College of Maryland on the green at 7pm featuring some of Stravinsky's "Pulcinella Suite" and Ottorino Respighi's "Ancient Airs and Dances" and more. The concert was shortened due to a threatening storm.  There is one last concert this summer by the Chesapeake Orchestra, featuring pianist Thomas Pandolfi with Rhapsody in Blue on Friday night. (weather permitting)  Hope to see you there!

Cello soloist with Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director

Introduction for Jeffrey Silberschlag and the concert

Violinist

Horns

Woodwinds

Kathryn Farenish, flutist and Mark Christianson, oboist

Chesapeake Orchestra

Viola players

Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director

Jeffrey Silberschlag and Julius Wirth, principal violist

Julius Wirth, viola soloist

Comparing the size and sound of a viola to a violin with Julius Wirth and Jose Cueto

Trombones