Arts

At the Academy: Reconnaissance Report on Annual Members’ Exhibition

November 16, 2019 by The Spy Leave a Comment

While there is little need to document the abundance of remarkable artists living on the Mid-Shore, the annual Academy Art Museum’s Members’ Show only reinforces how lucky the region is this wealth of talent.

Every year, the AAM sets aside a few weeks in the fall to display the work of the Academy’s members and their art instructors in the galleries (or the Armory this year since the main galleries are going through a renovation) to share with the Eastern Shore art community the bounty of

The Spy filed this reconnaissance report last night to highlight some of the special offerings now on display until December 4th.

This video is approximately one minute in length. For more information about the Academy Art Museum Members’ Exhibition please go here.

November 16, 2019 by Sofia Ortiz Leave a Comment

Studio B Art Gallery is holding a very special gallery event, “Thankful For Small Treasures,” on November 22nd. A reception will be held from 5 to 8 pm, and the public is invited to stop by and enjoy all the wonderful “small treasures”.

Fishing Boats by Jove Wang

As the holidays approach, we all look for that special, one-of-a-kind gift for our friends and family. What better way to show your appreciation to those in your life than with art? This event, showcasing “small treasures,” is the perfect way to find that gift.

Mark your calendars for November 22nd, 5-8PM, and come in to see which unique gift of art is just the right one for those special people in your life.

Visit www.studioBartgallery.com for information on the gallery, and its events and artists. You can also send an email to Betty@studiobartgallery.com

https://chestertownspy.org/2019/11/16/127847/

Top Local Talent To Be Featured at NAACP “Bridging the Gap” Community Music Festival

November 14, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

A diverse array of top local soloists and ensembles will be featured at “Bridging the Gap,” a community music festival sponsored by the Kent County NAACP at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, 905 Gateway Drive, this Friday, November 15 at 7:00 pm. The program includes performers who have headlined at the National Music Festival and the Mainstay Rock Hall. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit the Annual Freedom Fund Scholarship Banquet.

“We are very excited with the lineup of performers who are offering their talents for this first-ever event,” said NAACP Kent Branch president Bishop Charles Tilghman. “Having the home choir of the Presbyterian Church doing the opening number underscores the community spirit of the Bridging the Gap festival.”

The Gospel music tradition will be represented by the Praise Team of the Mount Olive AME Church of Worton and solo vocalist Sylvia Frazier. A selection of arrangements of Spirituals will be presented by the River Voices ensemble of the Chester River Choral. The vocal and acoustic guitar duo of Pam and Bob Ortiz, well known to coffee-house aficionados in the Baltimore and DC area for their interpretations of folk, blues and jazz, will also be featured.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. The Kent County Maryland Branch of the NAACP holds monthly meetings at the Potter’s House Ministries, 8814 Fairlee Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620.

RiverArts Moment: Fire on Chestertown’s High Street

November 13, 2019 by RiverArts Leave a Comment

People traveling downtown in Chestertown on Saturday were treated to something completely different at High Street’s Memorial Park. RiverArts played host to ceramic artist and educator Brett Thomas and his Mobile Raku studio. Almost a dozen workshop students spent the day firing raku kilns and burning local handmade pottery to the delight of assembled participants and the curious public.

Western raku involves forced interaction with smoke and flames to produce wildly colorful and awe-inspiring ceramic art. Normally a kiln firing is a long, hands-off, and hidden process. Raku firings are fast, hands-on, and in the open. Participants spent the day learning about raku techniques and investigating proper firing procedures to achieve beautiful results. The immediacy and serendipity of raku is something anyone can appreciate.

The RiverArts Clay Studio will host another mobile raku workshop in the spring of 2020. Anyone interested in participating in this event, or any other RiverArts programming, should visit ChestertownRiverArts.org for more information. Consider becoming a RiverArts member to receive benefits and instant news about future workshops.

RiverArts galleries and main office are at 315 High Street, Suite 106, Chestertown, MD 21620 – (in the breezeway). Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5:30PM, Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM, First Fridays until 8 PM.

Tidewater Singers to Present “An A Cappella Christmas 2019”

November 13, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Tidewater Singers will present an a cappella concert spanning early music by Giovanni Gabrieli and Jan Sweelink through contemporary favorite, Ola Gjeilo plus perennial chestnuts (and surprises) on December 13 at 7:30 pm at Trinity Cathedral in Easton; on Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 pm at Christ Church in St. Michaels; and on Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church in Cambridge.

Under the direction of William Thomas, the Tidewater Singers is a choral ensemble based in Talbot County that is renowned for its a cappella performances. The group was founded in 2001 with the goal of bringing varied and exciting quality music to the Eastern Shore.

Tidewater Singers

Commenting on the concert, Thomas said, “the salve of a cappella music is always medicinal to the soul, but at Christmas time it seems to have an even greater effect on us. Audiences continuously tell us how much they enjoy and value our a cappella singing.”

Now in his twelfth season as artistic director of the Tidewater Singers, Thomas is organist/choir director at Christ Church in St. Michaels and is associate professor of music at Chesapeake College. In April 2020, Tidewater Singers and Chesapeake College are collaborating on a performance of Craig Johnson’s, “Considering Matthew Shepard.”

Advance tickets for the Easton and St. Michaels performances may be purchased online at www.tidewatersingers.org and at Cracker Jacks in Easton, or leave a message for Tidewater Singers at 1-888-752-0023 or tidewatersingers@gmail.com. Information and tickets for the Cambridge performance are available at 410-228-3161.

The Tidewater Singers gratefully acknowledges the funding it has received from the Talbot County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.

The Importance Of Being Earnest At Church Hill Theatre Through November 17

November 12, 2019 by Church Hill Theatre Leave a Comment

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, subtitled A Trivial Comedy for Serious People, is delighting audiences and runs through November 17 on the Church Hill Theatre main stage.

Jack Worthing (Howard Mesick, left) and Algernon Moncrieff (John Beck, right) compete throughout the The Importance of Being Earnest, even over muffins. Photo by Steve Atkinson

An international favorite since it opened in 1895, Earnest is a frothy triumph of the English language, poking fun at the (not so fine) manners of the British upper class. Wilde is sharply critical of Victorian institutions, including religion, marriage, finances and education, but with
such witty humor that both audiences and the characters themselves accept preposterous plot twists with wide-eyed good humor. Jack Worthing is extremely wealthy but, as a foundling, lacks the “breeding” deemed necessary to marry Gwendolyn Fairfax, Lady Bracknell’s beautiful daughter. If Jack cannot have Gwendolyn, then his best friend Algernon, Lady Bracknell’s nephew, is no fit suitor for Worthing’s own ward, the innocent young Cecily. The four young people eventually find their own ways to true love, thwarted by Lady Bracknell and assisted (perhaps) by Cecily’s governess, Miss Prism, and the local vicar, Dr. Chasuble. The “downstairs” staff in both London and the country add their own social perspectives.

Gwendolyn Fairfax (Christine Kinlock, left) and Cecily Cardew (Cavin Moore, right) peer around the garden columns to spy on their fiancés in Oscar Wilde’s comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest at Church Hill Theatre through November 17. Photo by Steve Atkinson

Sylvia Maloney, who more usually manages large casts of singers and dancers in the theatre’s musicals, directs the CHT revival. In a review by Peter Heck, he notes that she has “put together a talented cast.” Debra Ebersole “sails onto the stage” as the gorgon-like Lady Bracknell.
Christine Kinlock “does a great job of conveying the faux sophistication” as her daughter, Gwendolyn Fairfax, and John Beck “does and outstanding job” as her nephew, Algernon Moncrieff. Jack Worthing is portrayed by “one of the best comic actors on the local scene,”
Howard Mesick. Cavin Moore is “captivating” as Jack’s ward, Cecily Cardew. Sheila Austrian takes on the pivotal role of Miss Prism, Cecily’s governess; stepping in at the last minute, Brian McGunigle has the role of Dr. Chasuble; Frank St-Armor plays Lane, Algernon’s wise butler;
and Jim Johnson and Ronald “Speedy” Christopher, Jr. share the role of Merriman, the servant at Jack’s country house.

Miss Prism (Sheila Austrian, left) and the Rev. Chausable (Brian McGunigle, center) comfort Jack (Howard Mesick, right) after he tells them of the untimely (and fictional) death of his brother, Ernest. Photo by Steve Atkinson

Sylvia Maloney also served as producer for this production. The work of her scenarists and costumers were particularly praised by Heck in his review. Tom and Pam Rhodes designed the set while Jim Johnson and Carmen Grasso aided in its construction. Providing the wonderful
Victorian costumes is Tina Johnson with Doug Kaufmann as the lighting designer and technician and Hester Sachse designing the sound. Jim Johnson and Speedy Christopher also serve as the co-stage managers. Steve Atkinson is the photographer.

Cecily (Cavin Moore, left) greets and charms the usually gorgon-like Lady Bracknell (Debra Ebersole, right) in the CHT production of The Importance of Being Earnest on stage through November 17. Photo by Steve Atkinson

The Importance of Being Earnest runs through November 17, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and on Sundays at 2 pm. Call the box office at 410-556-6003 for details and reservations.

RiverArts Transitioning to Environmentally Sustainable Glassware for Events

November 12, 2019 by RiverArts Leave a Comment

It’s time to move from expensive, environmentally damaging, non-biodegradable plastic. RiverArts uses hundreds of plastic cups each month at First Friday receptions and other events. These cups start out as non-renewable oil, costly and environmentally damaging to extract, and end up in our landfills or waterways, never to degrade. Surprisingly, over their life cycles, paper cups do even more damage to the planet than plastic, thanks to the amount of energy it takes to manufacture and transport them.

RiverArts is committed to environmental sustainability, so we are joining the many other businesses both locally and around the world in phasing out our use of disposable cups. Co-Chairs of our Environmentally Sustainable Glassware Initiative Jonathan Chace and MJ Baldwin have produced a beautiful alternative.

Our new glassware is a dishwasher safe, stemless 9 ounce tumbler etched with the RiverArts logo, large enough to accommodate a serving of our wine or punch. The glassware will be available for purchase at RiverArts cost of just $3, starting at our Holiday Show Preview Party on November 21, and at subsequent events, including First Friday in December. Buy your glass once, then bring it with you to future events.

Visitors are also welcome to bring their own reusable drinkware. Our friendly Libations Consultants will be happy to pour a beverage into any vessel that patrons bring. We strongly encourage the use of non-disposable alternatives of any kind. RiverArts hopes that most of our patrons will make the transition to reusable RiverArts (or other) glasses by the first of the year, for an environmentally friendly 2020.

We welcome questions, suggestions and comments about this initiative.

RiverArts galleries and main office are at 315 High Street, Suite 106, Chestertown, MD 21620 – (in the breezeway). Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5:30PM, Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM, First Fridays until 8 PM.

Celebrate the Holidays with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony

November 12, 2019 by Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Leave a Comment

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony, the Delmarva peninsula’s only professional orchestra, continues its 22^nd season with two exciting programs dedicated to the Holiday Season.

On December 6 in Easton, MD, December 7 in Lewes, DE, and December 8 in Ocean City, MD, the MSO will present its annual Holiday Joy Concert. While performing seasonal favorites that pay tribute to the great Pops Orchestras of America, the MSO will feature international opera star, Kevin Short. As a soloist, Short has performed with many of the country’s top orchestras and opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington Opera, Boston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, and National Symphony.

Short will be joined by rising stars and students from the University of Maryland’s Opera Studio, Ester Atkinson, Mezzo Soprano; Michael Butler, Tenor; and Erica Ferguson, Soprano. The concert will feature something for everyone, from Classical to Jazz and Popular music.

On December 31 in Easton, MD the MSO will present their annual New Year’s Eve Concert. The concert will feature the incredibly talented and versatile Soprano, Rochelle Bard. She will be joined by two soloists from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Principal Trumpeter Andrew Balio and Principal 2^nd Violinist Qing Li.

According to Maestro Julien Benichou, “This year’s season includes an incredible mix of new music, iconic masterworks and amazing soloists. Like every season, the MSO continues to break new ground and introduce new repertoire. We can’t wait to share our 22nd season with our patrons!”

Additional information about these concerts and the rest of the MSO’s 2019-2020 season are available online at midatlanticsymphony.org or by calling 888-846-8600.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Talbot County Arts Council, the Worcester County Arts Council, Sussex County, Delaware, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc, Delmarva Public Radio, What’s Up Media and Coastal Style Magazine.

Holiday Joy: A Salute to the Great Pops Orchestras

Friday, December 6, 7:00PM – Avalon Theater, Easton, MD

Saturday, December 7, 7:00PM – Cape Henlopen, Lewes, DE

Sunday, December 8, 3:00PM – Ocean City Convention Center, Ocean City, MD

Guest Artists: Kevin Short, Bass Baritone & Students from the University of Maryland Opera Studio

Ticket Link: midatlanticsymphony.org/holiday-joy-2019-concerts

A Toast to the New Year!

Tuesday, December 31 7:00 p.m. Christ Church, Easton, MD

Guest Artists: Rochelle Bard, Soprano; Andrew Balio, Trumpet; and Qing Li, Violin.

Ticket Link: midatlanticsymphony.org/december-2019-new-year-concert

About the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra that exists to offer citizens of the Mid-Atlantic Region opportunities for musical entertainment and enjoyment, the development of the musical arts, the promotion, development and operation of musical enterprises in the performing arts, particularly through symphonic programs and choral activities; and to engage in enterprises directed at discovering and fostering musical talents, and to promote musical activities and programs for the cultural and educational benefit of the public.

Backlash: WC Cancels Performance of The Foreigner

November 11, 2019 by Daniel Menefee 24 Comments

Updated: Last week’s decision by Washington College Provost Patrice DiQuinzio to cancel a student directed performance of The Foreigner, a widely performed comedy by acclaimed playwright Larry Shue, has set social media ablaze with outcries of censorship from alumni, former faculty and members of the arts community.

“Quashing a play, a book, a parade, a speech is indeed censorship,” said Skip Middleton, a 1987 graduate of the drama department at Washington College and a Kent County native. “There’s zero difference between censorship by a school board, a government, or a student body.”

In a letter to faculty and staff last week, DiQuinzio and Student Affairs Vice-President Sarah Feyerherm said the play’s depictions of Ku Klux Klan villains “In white hoods and robes” were “deeply upsetting to some.”

The administration had the final say and overruled the drama department.

Update: In a brief call after this story ran, WC President Kurt Landgraf and Communications Director Wendy Clarke denied that the decision was unilateral on the part of the administration. Clark said the drama department also agreed that the performance should be canceled.

The performance was a senior project for the student director, who was not included in the discussion to cancel the performance.

On Tuesday, the student director and the acting department chair sent out emails to Student Affairs and Public Safety to inform the student body about the play’s “sensitive content.” The play was also advertised on the college website with a content warning, “This play features portrayals of xenophobia and prejudice.”

Middleton said the best way to handle the depictions of prejudice could have been a focus session after the performance.

Instead, the cast and crew learned at Thursday’s dress rehearsal that the public performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday would be canceled. The dress rehearsal went on but it was closed to members of the public.

DiQuinzio and Feyerherm wrote that the cancellation did not “diminish the months of hard work, collaboration, emotion, and thoughtfulness that students invested in the production—nor does it lessen all that they have learned through those efforts.”

This did not deter Middleton in his rebuke of the decision. He rattled off 20 names of alumni “making their living in a non-censored world, in the Arts, who hold the WC Community and Admin to a higher standard than this… While I don’t speak for all of them, they are most likely not impressed…”

Middleton said the decision so close to Veterans Day diminishes those whose service “is built primarily on defending the First Amendment.”

He said the play had been on the schedule for quite a while and the decision sends a bad message across the institution, the arts community and among prospective students.

“How do you tell a current student, or a prospective student, or alum, community members and the like that a play has been canceled due to the sensitivity of the message?” he said. “How do you tell the cast and their parents, that the play cannot go on? How do you spin this regionally when you’re trying to gain headcount in the student body to shore up a suffering institution?

Attempts to reach Washington College Provost Patrice DiQuinzio went unanswered by the time this story ran.

Performances of The Foreigner on college campuses are not unusual.

University of Southern Maine
Indiana University
Virginia Tech
State College of Florida
Eastern Illinois Community College
McHenry County College

Feature image by Morgan Lewis, Flickr

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