Happy Independence Day 2024!

River Concert Series June 28, 2024 Duke Ellington

We enjoyed listening to Duke Ellington Jazz on Friday night at St. Mary's College of Maryland on the Townhouse Green, 7 PM.  There was a fun preconcert by some of the talented musical students from SMCM.  It was two jazz groups for the (free) price of one!  Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director was sharing his usual humor with the crowd, although I think he reserves some for the musicians.  We heard some well known toe tapping pieces like "Take the "A" Train", "Prelude to a Kiss" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)".

Next Friday, July 5th, 7 pm should be wonderful with John Williams music, "1812 Overture" and fireworks if the weather and such permit it.  (Always subject to change)  Check for any updates at the SMCM.edu website.  You might want to be there early, since it is usually a crowd pleaser.  Free concert, donations accepted.

Student Jazz Ensemble

Gail Harmon, SMCM Board of Trustees, introduced Jeffrey Silberschlag

Saxs

Trumpets

Jazz behind the tent

Sax Soloists

River Concert Series 2024

The first concert of five was on June 21st at the Townhouse Green at St. Mary's College of Maryland at 7 pm.  Many people came out to brave the predicted heat and the icecream line at Salted Scoop (and probably Kona Ice) was quite long during the intermission.  The temperatures weren't too bad after dark, so I was glad the concert wasn't on Saturday or Sunday this hot weekend.  The theme was music by Bach and Buds and conducted by Jeffrey Silberschlag.  Larry Vote, the choral director retired in the Spring, so it will be a little different this year.  This is my 11th year as the photographer for the concert series, so be sure to grab a program at the concert to see a few of my photos from previous years.

Kathryn Farenish, flutist

John Bell, Chair, SMCM Board of Trustees, introduction

Violinist and pianist

Cellists

José Cueto and Mark Christianson, violinist and oboeist

Chesapeake Orchestra

Rev. Z. Mark Smith, Bassoonist

José Cueto, 1st violinist

An SMCM Arts Alliance volunteer

Kathryn Farenish, flautist

Jeffrey Silberschlag and Kathryn Farenish

A Visit to Point Lookout State Park

I visited Point Lookout State Park to look for birds before the summer crowds.  I didn't see many closeup, so I am sharing park photos.  I went close to the beach area to see a view of the Lighthouse.  Then I stopped at the reconstructed Fort Lincoln.  This time the white buildings were open and contained wood stoves, tables and bunks.  I even saw a few deer.  Last, I stopped at the 2008 Confederate Memorial Park where several tents were erected and orange day lilies were in bloom.

Playing with Osprey Photos

I had a nice sequence of an osprey landing on the osprey nest and decided to make a sort of movement image of it by adding the photos together.  It is far from perfect, but it was a fun learning experience combining a batch of layers.  

A Visit to Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, MD

We visited Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis to get together with my sister and her husband.  It is part way between us both and a fun place to visit.  We had a pleasant picnic under the trees overlooking the little lake with a gazebo and bridge and the weather was a perfect Spring temperature, even though a storm loomed in the distance.They brought their dog, Brutus (black), so we just had to visit the unusual dog beach in the park.   Brutus wasn't too impressed, but we met another dog, Parker (curly haired tan dog) who was having his birthday party there.  

Dog beach

Brutus

Parker

Pink Fleabane