Pops on the Potomac

I'm posting this a little later than I should for a concert on August 17th. We photographed Pops on the Potomac, conducted by Jeffrey Silberschlag from St. Mary's County, with many members of the Chesapeake Orchestra. The concert began at 7pm at the National Harbor, just outside of Washington, D.C. near large hotels and an upscale shopping district. The National Harbor's stage is basically an open area near the water with a large backdrop behind the orchestra.
As the photographer, I was in plain sight, since there was no where to "hide" from the audience. The music sounds great from up close! We're also enjoying meeting lots of musicians. The orchestra members are all nice people.
They played some wonderful movie music including the theme from "Gladiator", "Superman", "Pink Panther" and James Bond music. "Sleigh Ride", the maestro's fun summer joke was played, as well as the patriotic portion of the "1812 Overture".
The next visit for Pops on the Potomac includes the jazz band for the Christmas tree lighting on November 29, 2013, Black Friday.

Summer in Shenandoah

We took a very brief weekend trip to Shenandoah National Park and took a short hike to Black Rock summit so we could see all the rocks. We also attended a lecture on birds of prey & met a tiny eastern screech owl. When photographing animals I always focus on their eyes and try to blur out distracting backgrounds or simplify them.

Lancaster Dog Park photos added to Dog Services Website

I visited the John G. Lancaster Dog Park again after discovering a website that needed photos of the local dog park.  It is an excellent source of information for people traveling with their dogs and I thought I could help tell the local community that the dog park is available. 

The website www.bringfido.com includes pet friendly accommodations, places to visit with your dog (beaches, hiking trails, tours), shelters, kennels, airlines, and even pet friendly restaurants!  You can see my photos of the John G. Lancaster Dog Park in Lexington Park, MD and maybe even learn some useful dog information if you are traveling with your pet.

The park is very nice, with lots of open space for dogs to run, a little tunnel, safe separate double gate entry for large and small dogs, shade trees and running water.

I've met some very nice pet owners there and some of them have kindly given me permission to share some photos of their dogs on my websites.

 Gia playing in the tunnel

 

 Gia playing with another dog

 

Dog park regulations

A Jazzy Finale Ended the River Concert 2013 Series on July 26th

For once we had beautiful temperate weather for the last big River Concert of the summer last Friday night at St. Mary's College of MD. The concert featured a young talented singer from Charles County, Sara Gray, and the Chesapeake Orchestra Big Band.
I was quite busy, wandering around trying to view the concert from new angles, in search of unique images. I try to avoid taking similar shots so there would be quite a few different photos to share. Here are a few photos to entice you to view my full review on the BayNet.
http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/33073

I liked the red light from the sunset on this one.

Sara Gray singing and Don Stapleson, saxophonist, having fun

Romantic Night Out at the Woodlawn Farm on July 20th

We went to Woodlawn Farm last Saturday July 20th to see the talented pianist, Brian Ganz representing the Chesapeake Orchestra.  He is so incredibly talented that he performed for about two hours with no sheet music. 

We expected rain and got a tiny bit, just enough to make a beautiful double rainbow over the Trinity Manor house.  Maggie O'Brien, owner and former St. Mary's College President, told us that Point Lookout got the storm that narrowly missed us. 

Between the lovely light on the water, the rainbow, the sunset and the beautiful sound of the keyboard by the slight glow from the house windows, it was a romantic sight.  The crickets and cool breeze assisted as well.

The piano was almost wedged between 2 pillars and the original front door of the house.  The workers who squeezed it into place deserve a lot of praise. 

If you would like to read my Bay Net review of the concert with a few dozen photos click here

Here are a few photos to entice you to visit...

Baroque River Concert July 19th

We photographed the Baroque Themed River Concert on  July 19th at St. Mary's College of Maryland on a hot steamy evening. The concert featured talented musicians from the Chesapeake Orchestra and some of our favorite music.  I particularly like George Frideric Handel's "Royal Fireworks Music" and "Water Music".  I learned to love "Water Music" while watching the Water parade at Disney World many years ago. 

We also enjoy watching José Cueto, concert master since we have had a few nice conversations with him over the years.

I suppose the musicians get a little used to the heat.  It is even hotter under the band shell.  Jeffrey Silberschlag actually wore his tux after intermission.  He is a very dedicated man.

To see my photos and review, visit the Bay Net at https://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/32985

Here are a few of the photos to entice you...

Jeffrey Silbershlag and José Cueto practicing

 I could just barely see this musician and was challenged to see if I could get him in focus behind the cellist's arm.  I thought it would make a unique photo, even though it was very busy.

 Zach and Jeffrey Silberschlag, Carlton Rowe

 

Fatma Daglar on oboe

Everybody was Singing at the River Concert last Friday Night

We attended the River Concert on Friday July 12th, guest conducted by my friend and former choir director, Larry Vote.  The evening at St. Mary's College of Maryland featured the music of Aaron Copeland, one of my favorite orchestral composers.

The RCS choir was huge, filling the whole back of the stage.  I wanted to be sure to get some pictures of them since they are hard to see behind the Chesapeake Orchestra.

I especially enjoyed "I Got Me a Cat" with humorous words and silly animal sounds (sung by Bob McDonald) and "Ching a Ring Cha".   To read more about the concert and see a couple dozen photos, see my Bay Net story at http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/32900

Here's a few photos to whet your appetite.

 Bob McDonald

 

 The RCS Choir

 

 The Chesapeake Orchestra

 

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