The 2022 Chestertown Jazz Festival kicked off Thursday night with Zydeco a-Go-Go’s infectious beats on the Mainstay’s new outdoor stage and set the tone for a weekend of New Orleans-style jazz.
By the second number, many in the audience of 130 were up and dancing between trips to get fresh-shucked oysters or a drink at the bar. Beignets were even passed around before the show.
Director of the Mainstay Matt Mielnick says he couldn’t be happier with the evening’s turnout. The spontaneous conga line was indicative of the spirit of a Mainstay event.
And there’s a surprise coming Wednesday, September 21. Turns out that a generous Rock Hall neighbor in the movie theatre business is loaning a large screen and professional projector to show outdoor movies with “Jaws” as its inaugural film at 8 pm that evening.
“And don’t forget, every Wednesday is Open Mike and we have a lot of fun showcasing some great local talent from classical piano to blues, and poetry. Chuck Redd and Nate Najar will perform a birthday tribute to Charlie Byrd on September 16.
The Mainstay, founded in 1997, is a nonprofit live music venue dedicated to the performing arts, serving the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and readily accessible to our neighbors from Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington D.C., Wilmington, and Philadelphia. In its keystone location in the harbor town of Rock Hall, Maryland, the Mainstay programs an impressive year-round, weekly calendar of accomplished local, regional, national, and international performing artists.
The Spy offers two minutes of Zydeco a-Go-go. Enjoy the weekend! For more information and tickets go here, or see their Facebook page here.
Philip Dutton says
Jim, as my mother would say, “Bless your heart” for covering the lovely concert and dancing at the Mainstay last night. However, as the local promoter of Louisiana music and culture I feel I must correct a few things. First, Zydeco (not Zydico) is not Cajun music. I’ll explain the difference to you sometime. Also, when folks dance in a parade-like way to brass band music, it is not a conga line. It is called a Second Line. Again, I’ll be happy to tell you the history of that truly unique New Orleans tradition. Keep up the good work. Merci beaucoup.
Nancy Carter says
Lots of great music (and now films) happening at the Mainstay. And Joe Holt performs every First Friday with different guests from amazingly diverse musical backgrounds.