The “Music in the Park” concert series kicks off this coming Saturday evening in Fountain Park in downtown Chestertown when the Andovers will present “Half a Century of Hits”. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will last approximately an hour and a half.
The Andovers are a classic cover band, playing the hits from the 1950s to the 1990s, with occasional forays into other decades. The trio consists of Aaron Maloney on vocals and keyboard, Ken Hudson on drums and vocals, and John Barrett on guitar. The band knows a wide variety of styles and can play the top hits from multiple genres, including classic rock and popular country songs. Maloney said that the Andovers also play in several different configurations, sometimes adding a bass player or other instrument. It depends on the occasion, he said. They play weddings, parties, and festivals
A typical song list for the Andovers may include songs such as “American Girl,” “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Billy Jean,” “500 Miles,” “Friends in Low Places,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Free Falling,” “Boot Scoot Boogie,” Frank Sinatra songs, and more.
Maloney grew up in Delaware but now lives in Galena where he runs Andover Recording Studio. Maloney and Hayden Chance co-founded Andover Media in Galena, a full-service recording studio, about four years ago. Maloney is now sole owner and operator. Last year, the studio moved into a new building with expanded facilities. The studio also offers lessons in voice and several musical instruments taught by Maloney and other instructors. They also offer songwriting and music theory classes.
Barrett has taught drums for over 15 years — in fact, he taught Maloney. Both Hudson and Barrett work for Music and Arts in Middletown, where Barrett was a manager for a while.
Their big teaching project is Camp Rock, which debuted last year. A five-day music workshop for teens ages 14 to 18, the camp brings in a variety of instructors in various instruments, singing, songwriting, sound reinforcement, and live performance. The instructors bring their own real-world musical experience to give the students a valuable overview of creating and performing music in a fun and creative environment. Campers write and record a song, then set up the stage and sound equipment for a final showcase performance. For information, visit the Andover Media website.
All Music in the Park performances are free. Bring lawn chairs or something to sit on. There are a limited number of folding chairs and benches available provided by the town. Rain location is Emmanuel Church at 101 N. Cross St., across from the park.
Butch Clark is the technical director of Music in the Park, with the assistance of Jack Brosious and Nehemiah Williams. Jane Jewell is the program director. Music in the Park is sponsored by the town of Chestertown with support from the Kent County Arts Council and community contributors. To help make these free programs possible, send donations payable to the Town of Chestertown and designated for Music in the Park, to Chestertown Town Hall, 118 N. Cross St., Chestertown, MD 21620.
All are invited to join us for Music in the Park this Saturday, June 24, from 7:00 -8:30 pm in Fountain Park in downtown Chestertown, MD
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