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”.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Everyone is invited for a concert at Sumner Hall, 206 S. Queen St., Chestertown, on November 16, 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Dave Robinson’s Conservatory Classic Jazz Band will perform songs tribute to Louis Armstrong.

Tickets are $20. For more information, visit garpost25.org/aalegacyconcerts/ or call (443)282-0023.

 

As part of the Spy’s ongoing efforts to maximize the use of multimedia, we have been asking our art organization partners to experiment with video formats to share news of exhibitions coming up or taking place now. RiverArts has been the first to use this option with several one minute takes on what’s happening in a given month. Now MassoniArt has joined this special club with owner Carla Massoni welcoming artist Marc Castelli back to the gallery this month.

Saxophonist John Thomas returns to The Mainstay with his all-star jazz quintet Saturday November 16 at 8pm. They will be presenting the music of Blue Note legends Hank Mobley and Kenny Dorham.  Tickets are $20 online or $25 by phone reservation or at the door.Information and advance ticket sales are available on the Mainstay’s website at www.mainstayrockhall.org

Saxophonist Hank Mobley and trumpeter Kenny Dorham are two of the greatest artists to emerge from the Blue Note era. From their starts as bandmates in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers to their own careers as leaders, these men contributed greatly to the jazz songbook, and each has recorded desert island discs for jazz fans. Join Thomas and his quintet of jazz All-stars as they pay tribute to these great artists. The group features Allyn Johnson on piano, Theljon Allen on trumpet, Shawn Simon on bass, and Frank Russo on drums, Thomas leads the band on tenor saxophone.

John Thomas spans the chasm between the concert and jazz saxophone worlds. Equally adept at the arts of improvisation and interpretation, he explores the bounds of genre and idiom. Known for his deep lush tone and swinging style, Thomas delights fans of the tenor saxophone.

Allyn Johnson is a pianist  whose trademark sound gives brilliance and fortitude to the art of jazz improvisation. Allyn began playing piano at the age of five, got his start playing piano for the youth choir in his uncle’s church. There he honed his inner musical gift. While a student at the University of the District of Columbia, Allyn was mentored by the late great jazz legend Calvin Jones. Now Allyn has succeeded Jones as the director in 2005. Johnson has the reputation of being one of the most versatile pianists in the D.C. region, and has learnt his talent to stalwarts such as Hamiett Blueitt, Warren Wolf and Paul Carr. Johnson has the ability to instantaneously adapt and respond to musical cues, even as he possesses the technical facility to elevate the sonic conversation.

Theljon Allen, a Baltimore native, began playing trumpet at age 12. He attended New School University and Peabody Conservatory. Theljon has recorded or performed with Ledisi, Tye Tribett, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Cyrus Chestnut, Joel Holmes, Hinton Battle, and Ariana Grande. Theljon also released his first album, Universal Language which is available on itunes and Amazon.

Frank Russo joyfully paints colorful soundscapes with his highly skilled, passionate, musical drumming. He’s an in-demand performer, recording artist and educator who currently resides in Maryland and teaches at Towson University. Raised in the NYC area, Frank was steeped in the rich musical heritage of the jazz legends at an early age and carriers on the legacy of a musical family. An incredibly adaptable musician, a partial list of his performances testifies to his talent. Tours have included several trips to Asia, Europe, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda.

Shawn Simon was born in Dover, Delaware where he started taking music lessons on piano at age 8.  He went to East Carolina and studied double bass and electric bass under Professor Carroll V. Dashiell and received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. Simon went on to earn a Master’s degree in Music Performance at Towson. In addition to teaching at Loyola University, Simon performs throughout the East Coast. Mr. Simon performed with a variety of jazz artists, including Terrell Stafford, Tim Warfield, Warren Wolf, and Nicholas Payton.

The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street. It is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit dedicated to the arts, serving Rock Hall, MD and the surrounding region and is committed to presenting local, regional and national level talent, at a reasonable price, in an almost perfect acoustic setting. Information and advance ticket sales are available on the Mainstay’s website http://www.mainstayrockhall.org.

Upcoming Mainstay performances include:

November 18 Joe Holt welcomes Steve Beskrone
November 24 The Hedgelawn Classical Series presents the Gallery Winds
November 25 Joe Holt Welcomes Lea McGowan
November 30 After Thanksgiving Party with The Blueskeepers
December 1 The Hedgelawn Classical Series presents the 2nd Ceremony Duo
December 2 Joe Holt welcomes Mary Simmons
December 7 Rumba Club
December 9 Joe Holt welcomes Holly Land and Mike McShane
December 15 Harp and Soul- Songs of the Season
December 16 Joe Holt welcomes Cody Leavel
December 23 Joe Holt welcomes Nina Sharp

Auditions for The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin will be held at the Garfield Center for the Arts on Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30PM, Thursday, November 14th at 6:30PM and Saturday, November 16th at 12PM. Directed by Lyle Pinder, the play opens our 2020 season and runs three weekends from February 7th – February 23rd.

It’s 1929. Two ambitious visionaries race against each other to invent a device called “television.” Separated by two thousand miles, each knows that if he stops working, even for a moment, the other will gain the edge. Who will unlock the key to the greatest innovation of the 20th century: the ruthless media mogul, or the self-taught Idaho farm boy?

Casting needs include: 15 males and 3 females – some roles may be doubled up

Actor 40s-50s: DAVID SARNOFF The first media mogul. Smart, relentless, savvy. Appears confident and determined.

Actor 30s-40s: PHILO T FARNSWORTH The last lone inventor. Even smarter, equally relentless but not as savvy. Appears distracted.

Actress 30s-40s: LIZETTE (Sarnoff’s elegant French wife), MARY PICKFORD (the movie star, a potential investor)

Actress, 20s-30s: PEM FARNSWORTH (Philo’s wife, loving and down-to-earth)

Actor 40s-60s: WILLIAM CROCKER (Farnsworth’s main investor, a father figure)

Actor 20s-30s: CLIFF GARDNER (Pem’s brother)

Actor 30s-50s: ATKINS (Crocker’s assistant), WALTER GIFFORD (a crass radio station owner), DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS (the movie star, a potential investor)

Actor 30s-40s: WILKINS (Crocker’s assistant)

Actor 40s-60s: GEORGE EVERSON (a Farnsworth investor, more trusting than his partner Gorrell)

Actor 40s-60s: VLADIMIR ZWORYKIN (the RCA scientist)

Actor 30s-50s: LESLIE GORRELL (a Farnsworth investor, more cynical and doubting than his partner Everson)

Actor 20s-30s: STAN WILLIS (a Farnsworth assistant)

Actor 50s-60s: JUSTIN TOLMAN (Farnsworth’s high school teacher)

Actor 40s-50s: JIM HARBORD (a top RCA executive)

Actor 40s-50s: SIMMS (an RCA executive) Lippincott (Philo’s attorney)

Actress 20s-30s: BETTY (Sarnoff’s secretary)

Actor 20s-30s: HARLAN HONN (a Farnsworth assistant)

Actress 2os- 30s AGNES (Philo’s sister)

Actress 30s-50s MINA EDISON (Thomas Edison’s widow)

Actor 40s-50s: WACHTEL (an RCA executive)

Actor 10-14: YOUNG DAVID SARNOFF

Actor 14-17 YOUNG PHILO FARNSWORTH

Anyone interested in assisting backstage and with costumes or props is also encouraged to come to auditions. Come and take a part in the magic!

If you have any questions about the production, please contact the Garfield (410-810-2060) or the Director by email lyleapinder@gmail.com.