River Concert Series John Williams and Fireworks July 5, 2024

One of the largest crowds I've seen at the concerts graced the lawns of the Townhouse Green at St. Mary's College of Maryland to hear the Chesapeake Orchestra play popular strains of many musical works composed by John Williams.  We heard The Throne Room from Star Wars, The Patriot, The Theme from ET, Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark and of course, a few patriotic works like Stars and Stripes and The 1812 Overture.  The concert began at 7 pm and while very hot, there were no longer storms in the weather forecast.  In fact, Maestro Jeffrey Silberschlag thanked the Executive Director of the St. Mary's College of Maryland Foundation, Inc. for the improved weather.  He explained that "There was a human sacrifice that took place.  I think we can all agree it was worth it and in time the families will get over it."  We always enjoy his sense of humor!

Please appreciate a few photos from the blockbuster River Concert performance on July 5th, complete with Independence Day Fireworks behind the band shell.  

Chesapeake Orchestra

I love bubbles!

Introduction by Bonnie Green (greeting Jeffrey Silberschlag)

Jeffrey Silberschlag, Music Director

José Cueto Concertmaster

Patriotic Fireworks

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.