“Songs of the River, Songs of the Seas” will fill the air as The Mainstay brings Banjo Man and Bill with Tom Anthony to Music Life, Bill Drazga’s music store at 214 High Street in Chestertown, MD for a concert of old blues, early jazz and classic folk songs, all with a maritime theme, on Sunday November 2 at 7:00 p.m. The concert is part of Sultana Education Foundation’s Downrigging Weekend. Admission is $15.
Once again the Mainstay comes to Downrigging, bringing a bit of Rock Hall to Chestertown. Tom McHugh, founder and director of the Mainstay, said, “We had such a good time last year presenting a concert as part of Downrigging that we wanted to do it again. Bill Drazga was a wonderful host and his upstairs space was terrific for a Mainstay-style concert. We’re going to have a lot of fun.”
Banjo Man and Bill are Tom McHugh, who is the composer of a number of songs about life along the Chesapeake, on banjo, blues harmonica, kazoo and vocals and Bill Matthews who plays a very bluesy guitar and also sings. Both are experts on blues and old jazz tunes. Their music is a blend of classic old jazz, some obscure blues, a sprinkling of folk classics, stories and nonsense. These old friends have been playing together for more than fifteen years and their performances are always entertaining. For Downrigging, they have chosen songs and tunes with a maritime theme. They will be joined by Tom Anthony on bass.
The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street.
Bill Drazga opened Music Life in Chestertown because he believed Chestertown needed a music store that could sell instruments and accessories and offer lessons. The upstairs space used for this concert can also be used as studio or rehearsal space.
For information and reservations call the Mainstay at 410-639-9133. More information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
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