(Some) Concerts Attended
- Saturday, 18 March 2000 at 8 pm:
"Matapat," The Canadian French Trio, Mountain Green at the HCC Kepler Theater.
- Saturday, 6 October 2001 at 8 pm:
"Equation," the British folk rock band--I bought an EP. Mountain Green at the HCC Kepler Theater.
- Saturday, 9 February 2002 at 8 pm:
"Simple Gifts," the Pennsylvania-based folk trio of women. Mountain Green at the HCC Kepler Theater.
- Saturday, 9 March 2002 at 8 pm:
Solas (back at the HCC Kepler, after visiting Philadelphia's Barnes Museum). Mountain Green at the HCC Kepler Theater.
- Saturday, 13 April 2002 at 8 pm:
Fairport Convention, the groundbreaking British rock group. Part of the Mountain Green Concert series at Hagerstown Community College's Kepler Theater (seat 147).
- Sunday Afternoon, 22 September 2002:
Elisabeth von Trapp with cellist Erich Cory: I got my program signed by her, and both signed the CD I purchased, their Christmas Song. She is the daughter of Werner von Trapp, now 87. He was named "Kurt" in The Sound of Music. She helped me play a small joke on two of my new student aides with a line I asked her to write on my program. Community Concert Association, at Waynesboro High School.
- Saturday Afternoon, 15 November 2003:
New England Youth Ensemble and Columbia Union College Choir. At Frederick's Seventh-day Adventist Church.
- Saturday Night, 18 February 2006:
Flint Hollow and Hickory Ridge (with Matt Hickman on banjo), at Waynesboro's Beck & Benedict Hardware Music Theatre (The Barn). Although it started at 7 pm, I arrived at about 7:40 pm on this cold night. Matt's band came on at 8 pm. Both Hickory Ridge and Leesburg, Virginia's Flint Hollow were great.
- Saturday Night, 25 February 2006:
Hickory Ridge (with Matt Hickman on banjo), at the monthly Coffeehouse at Chambersburg's Congregation Sons of Israel. It started at 7:15 pm or so with a local black women's gospel group. Then the entr'acte featured a Hagerstown singer/songwriter/guitarist, a guitar and fiddle duo, and a guitar and sitar duo. Matt's band came on afterwards. It was a good night--and I didn't get towed from parking at the local newspaper's. The Culbertson Family joined me.
- Saturday Night, 18 March 2006:
The Stoney Creek Band with featured performers the Maryland Line Band (now Shenandoah Blue) at Waynesboro's Beck & Benedict Hardware Music Theatre (The Barn). I arrived early and stayed for the entire concert.
- Saturday Night, 25 March 2006:
Klezmer music, then a jazz ensemble, at the monthly Entr'Acte Coffeehouse at Chambersburg's Congregation Sons of Israel. It started at 7:30 pm or so. A larger home crowd thanks to the klezmer music and jazz. The jazz was good--led by a great violinist. Jazz on violin! One lady got up and did a nice, singular version of "Under My Skin.". Gail Culbertson and kids, and Tim Hellane also attended.
- Saturday Night, 15 April 2006:
Casey & Chris and the Two-Stringers with featured band Iron Ridge at Waynesboro's Beck & Benedict Hardware Music Theatre (The Barn). Chris Henry looks like someone I once knew, but is a great mandolin player. His sister is also a great talent on the banjo. Iron Ridge now is flanked on stage by two 14-year-olds. Both of this night's bands offer hope that bluegrass will continue and flourish in the next generation.
Working at Country Club in (east) Waynesboro until 6 pm, I arrived on time and stayed for the entire concert.
- Saturday Night, 22 April 2006:
Soleil, an acoustic rock trio, followed by a singer/guitarist for the entr'acte, then storyteller/singer/guitarist Roy Justice, at the monthly Entr'Acte Coffeehouse at Chambersburg's Congregation Sons of Israel. It started at 7:30 pm or so. A good crowd stayed for Mr. Justice's stories and music; I bought his CD for a birthday gift.
- Saturday Night, 15 July 2006:
Summit Hill opening for Patent Pending at Waynesboro's Beck & Benedict Hardware Music Theatre (The Barn). I just remembered the concert as I came over the mountain from my first Saturday at work, and I then went up MD 17, thru Smithsburg and north to Waynesboro to hear it. I thought I had enough spirit to stay up for this, but found my eyes going out of focus in disturbing ways soon, and my head bobbing. Although I enjoyed parts of these good performances, and I did stay till the end, I was just too tired for a night on the town. (Even Waynesboro.) I ate more from concessions tonight here then ever before, as this was my dinner.
- Saturday Night, 21 April 2007:
Casey & Chris and the Two-Stringers. I bought their current CD and got their six-song demo CD for free. Casey and Chris signed both. The featured band that night at Waynesboro's Beck & Benedict Hardware Music Theatre (The Barn) was Shenandoah Blue.
- Sunday Afternoon, 3 June 2007:
I stood in the rain at City Park, Hagerstown to catch the last three acts of Western Maryland BluesFest:
- Rudy & the Bluefish 1:00 pm. to 2:00 pm. (On stage at my arrival, I think I've heard them play before. They're quite good, and they have a good time with each other and the audience.)
- Mary Ann Redmond Band 2:15 pm. to 3:15 pm. (Hmmm, very pretty lady with a bodacious voice. 16 Grammys to her credit. This rain wasn't bad at all--and she enjoyed her "soggy" audience. I'll buy a CD when I can.)
- Eddie Shaw & The Wolf Gang 3:30 pm. to 5:00 pm. (What a great band: talent and the love to play. Eddie on sax or harmonica or vocals and Vaan on his electric triple-necked axe--wow! Their friend, a blue harmonica player joined them for a few at the end.)
I'll add that a petite, wet, enthusiastic young woman who also did not have an umbrella was in front of me swaying to the music throughout and she really added to my experience. I wish I'd actually met her.
- Saturday Night, 9 June 2007:
David A. Alberding 7:30 pm to 9:50 pm. at Port City Java, Hagerstown. (This was the second time I had heard Mr. Alberding at the Port; the first was earler in the year, when he did a few songs during the open mike. This fellow really can belt 'em out--and he didn't take a break: it was one big set.)
- Thursday Evening, 5 July 2007:
Rudy & the Bluefish 7:00 pm. to 8:20 pm. The band was at Chambersburg's Memorial Park. It rained on the way up; it rained off and on as I walked through the parking lots to the Kiwanis Bandshell. But it stopped raining and cooled down just a bit as they were ready to perform. Hearing them was again enjoyable.
- Thursday Evening, 26 July 2007:
The CB Pickers 7:05 pm to 8:20 pm. at Chambersburg's Memorial Park. I'd heard of this band, but, as far as I can recollect, this was the first time I have seen them perform. It's always good to see a band that enjoys performing--and the very animated bandleader, Lee Jones, is a nut in the best possible way. "Rooster" is a good novelty song. ("CB" stands for "country" and "bluegrass.")
- Thursday Evening, 2 August 2007:
K.J. Reimensnyder-Wagner (or, KJSmile.com). 7:05 pm to 8:20 pm. at Chambersburg's Memorial Park. This was the first time I attended this concert series to find a band of one. The concert was delayed slightly because of the Park's partially defunct mixer board. Once she got started, KJ wowed the audience. Quite a broad range of music, and she generates a nice friendliness.
- Friday Night, 3 August 2007:
Thomas Roue 7:30 pm to 9:55 pm. at Port City Java, Hagerstown. (I wasn't the polite listener--instead, I was finishing the 24 pages or so of The Celestine Prophecy while I sipped on a peppermint Italian soda grande. This fellow is personable and has some good lyrics. Looks a little like a young Kevin Bacon, but I don't think it would count in that Six Degrees thing....)
- Wednesday Night, 8 August 2007:
Rudy & the Bluefish 8:05 pm. to 11:00 pm. The band was at Greencastle's Center Square for Old Home Week. I arrived at about 8:15 pm., as the program stated the concert would start at 8:30 pm., like the other evening performances. It sprinkled a bit at one point, but most stayed. The group really got the children engaged. For it being the hottest day of the year augmented by oppressive humidity, there was a good audience. Many, like me, stayed till the end.
- Thursday Night, 16 August 2007:
The United States Navy Country Current 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. at Chambersburg, Pa's Memorial Park Bandshell. They had played at HCC's Alumni Amphitheater in July, but this time, not selling concessions, I got to hear all of the program. It was well attended.
- Saturday Night, 18 August 2007:
Emmit Kellar Jazz Trio 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. at Port City Java, Hagerstown. (I again wasn't the intent listener—instead, I was reading the various newspapers as I listened. I sipped on a frosted mint Italian soda grande and had a chocolate chip scone. This group enjoys performing and has a good sound, but they were overamplified for that small space.
I was very disappointed on that they were much more an alternative rock band than jazz players. Had I known, I may well have gone to Dickinson, PA to hear the last summertime Music at the Manse bluegrass jam. But, it was all sufficient to decompress from a bad week.
- Sunday Afternoon, 19 August 2007:
The United States Navy Sea Chanters 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at Hagerstown Community College's Kepler Theater. As with last year's scheduled Alumni Amphitheater gig, this year's performance had to be moved into the indoor venue for rain—though this year was merely threats of rain, not the monsoon of 25 June 2006. I got to see and hear all but the first few minutes of the performance, as I was down near the Amphitheater directing the "lost" to the Kepler. A well-attended concert for a dreary, cool day: a count of at least 265 people.
- Sunday Evening, 19 August 2007:
Hagerstown Municipal Band, 7:30 pm to 8:40 pm at Hagerstown's City Park. The last concert of the summer, and the band had to stop twice because of rain. Though the "thanks to the Band" was read during rain #1 and the soloist, who'd been rained out on 5 August, got in both her fine selections, "The Sound of Music" medley was canceled, and the band ended with an abbreviated version of the hymn "God of Our Fathers" while scrunched together away from the stage front. The 93rd season ended without the final playing of the band's theme song. But I got to see them one last time, though it was unseasonally cool and the rain was cool too.
- Sunday Afternoon, 26 August 2007:
Renfrew Park's 16th Annual Renfrew Jazz Festival, 2 pm—5 pm. A combo band of guitarist Paul Bollenback, bassist Ugonna Okegwo, and drummer Jon Wikan backing trumpeters Ingrid Jensen and Brian Lynch. The trumpeters played a little bit together, but more often "answered" each other. Each also did a song separately while the other trumpeter was off stage. Although it was warm, I stayed for the entire concert. It was quite good.
- Thursday Evening, 30 August 2007:
David LaFleur with Mary Dailey 7:00 pm to 8:05 pm at Chambersburg's Memorial Park. I was returning from Bel Air, MD and made it in time by eating a pack of peanut butter crackers from my trunk for dinner. It was incredibly humid. It started to thunder and flash lightning at the end--but most of us stayed. David I've seen at Port City Java, where I bought one of his CDs. Mary I saw earlier in the summer (June?) on a Saturday evening in Hagerstown's City Park with a bluegrass band and two good dancers.
- Saturday Evening, 1 September 2007:
Rich Fehle 7:30 pm to 8:35 pm at Port City Java, Hagerstown, MD. I again was reading the newspapers, a bit distracted. My only concern was the performance was overamplified. This venue is dicey--to amplify or not. I believe he should have gone acoustic.
- Sunday Evening, 2 September 2007:
Carlisle Town Band 7:05 pm to 8:35 pm at Ecker Stadium, Boiling Springs, PA. A very nice 45-minute fireworks show by Skyshooters Displays of Tower City followed the performance. The event was put on by the South Middleton Bubbler Foundation.
- Saturday Evening, 22 September 2007:
I attended the Colonial (Farm) Faire at the Conococheague Institute in Welsh Run, PA from about 6:40 pm to 8:00 pm. I met some vendors/re-enactors and discussed with them
Braddock and Forbes Roads. we then listened to a fiddle player who lectured on and played tunes of England, Scotland, Ireland, and
Wales.
- Sunday Afternoon, 23 September 2007:
I liked the Colonial (Farm) Faire so much, I decided to go back to the Conococheague Institute in Welsh Run, PA, arriving at 12:30 pm. This time, I attended the French & Indian War and "Rev War" discussions. The re-enactors presented well. It is always nice to see people enjoy their interests. One, Sergeant David Rent, Sr., tried to recruit me for his Companie Franche de la Marine du Détroit. I told him I was afraid I'd've been classified as 4-F even in that century.
I left the Faire at about 3:35 pm to get in a walk on the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail.
- Saturday Night, 3 November 2007:
David A. Alberding 7:30 pm to 9:55 pm. at Port City Java, Hagerstown. (This was the third time I had heard Mr. Alberding at the PCJ.)
- Saturday, 17 November 2007:
Riverknot 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. at Port City Java in Hagerstown. This smooth jazz trio of sax, keyboard, and electric bass/ guitar, played fine instrumentals as I read the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
- Thursday Evening, 3 July 2008:
The Christopher Dean Band 7:30 pm (?) to 8:55 pm at Memorial Park's Kiwanis Bandshell, Chambersburg, PA. The trio was scheduled to perform at 7:00 pm, but patiently waited while the unnecessary intrusion by a local amalgamation of veterans (or shriners) practicing for their Independence Day ceremony the next day played out. I'm sorry, there was a threat of rain—and lightning— and all I know is that had their delaying antics canceled the concert, I would have written a letter. Yet Christopher Dean graciously segued from the delay, and then just got into it. Though they were covers of mostly famous artists, the surprise was that the songs he covers aren't the usual ones we associate with the artists. Then the band does their own take. Chris' voice is good to the blues and early rock sound, perhaps most like Jimmie Rodgers.
- Saturday Afternoon, 12 July 2008:
13th annual Bluegrass on the Grass concert at Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA. The concert featured The Dixie Bee-Liners (with casey Henry filling in on banjo), KC Groves & Riley Baugus, The Dismembered Tenneseans, The Chicken Chokers, and Steep Canyon Rangers. Arriving at about 2:30 pm, I mostly saw the second sets of each of the acts. It was a lovely concert. I mostly stayed under a big oak tree, standing, until the close at about 9:15 pm.
- Thursday Evening, 17 July 2008:
Flash Point 7:00 pm to 8:55 pm at Memorial Park's Kiwanis Bandshell, Chambersburg, PA. the foursome is from the Harrisburg, PA area.
- Saturday Night, 19 July 2008:
The Rich Clare Pentagon Band Coming home from Shippensburg, PA, I walked over to the last night of the Greencastle Firemen's Carnival, and caught the last hour of this 35-year-old band's performance (9 pm to 10 pm?). They've a lot of stage presence.
- Friday Night, 25 July 2008:
Thomas Roue & His So-Called Friends and The Hello Strangers at Flannery's Tavern in Mercersburg, PA. The crowd was impolitely crowd for no good reason. But I stayed until the end—because hey, I paid $10 to get in.
- Sunday Evening, 30 August 2008:
Carlisle Town Band 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Ecker Stadium, Boiling Springs, PA. My second year attending: another very nice fireworks show followed the performance. The event was put on by the South Middleton Bubbler Foundation.
- Sunday Afternoon, 16 September 2008:
David Lafleur at the Hagerstown (MD) Autumn Arts Festival. Although I caught only the end of his first set and the end of his second set later on, I did get to speak with and buy a CD. He also gave me a second CD for free!
- Sunday Afternoon, 26 October 2008 at 2:30 pm:
a benefit concert by the Hagerstown Municipal Band with Bob Eyer on the Mighty Mohler Theater
Organ at The Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg, PA. Mr. Eyer did a medley for the first half hour, then rejoined the concert for a few tunes later on, including "Phantom of the Opera."
- Sunday Evening, 2 November 2008 at 7:00 pm:
"Both Sides of the Pond" a free concert of contemporary Irish and American songs by Israeli musician and folk singer Jill Rogoff in the Chapel at the Presbyterian Church of the Falling Spring. In addition to traditional and contemporary Irish songs, the concert included American songs from the singer's childhood in New Zealand. Mrs. Rogoff has an exceptional voice, whether a capella or when she accompanies herself on the guitar or a small harp.
- Saturday Evening, 6 December 2008 at 7:30 pm:
The Mercersburg Area Community Chorus celebrated its 33rd year with holiday concert at Mercersburg Academy Chapel. Featured soloists were Jan Aaland, soprano; Tony Boutte, tenor; and Alex Helsabeck, bass. The Glorystar Children's Chorus were also featured. Music included Ralph Vaughan Williams' Hodie as well as carols, some new to me. I've never been to such a preformance, especially in a Gothic chapel. The audience participated in singing some carols at the end. The Chambersburg paper stated it was a 130-member chorus; another article is at the Fulton County News website.
- Sunday Afternoon, 7 December 2008 at 3:00 pm:
The Shippensburg Community Band at St. Paul United Methodist Churchý, 750 Norland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA. A freewill offering for Chambersburg and Shippensburg's food banks was held. The audience sang carols at the end.
- Monday Evening, 8 December 2008 at 7:00 pm
A recital for students of the Cumberland Valley School of Music at Wilson College's Alumnae Hall. The was one particularly good young pianist— he will most likely pursue it. The pianists started, then they were a few vocalists, then some skits. The skits were all humorous and enjoyable.
- Sunday Afternoon, 14 December 2008 at 2:30 pm:
"A Viennese Christmas" by The New Sigmund Romberg Orchestra & Soloists at The Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg, PA. "30 top professional musicians and four world-class vocalists."
- Sunday Afternoon, 21 December 2008 at 4:00 pm:
a Christmas concert by the Hagerstown Municipal Band at North Hagerstown High School, Hagerstown, MD. The Band's first Christmas concert in 25 years.
- Tuesday Night, 3 February 2009, at 7:00 pm:
The Shippensburg Area Middle School Instrumental Music Department's 7th & 8the Grade Winter Band Concert, Mrs. Jennifer Enders, Director:
• Jazz Hounds: "Grooved Pavement" by Victor Lopez; "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Louis Prima (arr. by Lopez); and "Funkeytown" by Steven Greenberg (arr. by Berry) —with Miles Culbertson on keyboard or piano on each.
• 7th–8th Grade Band: "True Blue March" by Karl King (arr. by Swearingen); "Heartbeat Five" by Gary P. Gilroy; "Beauty and the Beast (Highlights)" by Alan Menken (arr. by Custer); "The Temple of Ka Uka" by Ralph Ford; "Ghost in the Attic" by Rob Grice; and "Runaway Sleigh" by Robert W. Smith —with Miles Culbertson on bells.
in the Shippensburg Area Middle School Auditorium, free (donations accepted).
- Sunday Afternoon, 8 February 2009 at 2:30 pm:
a performance by the West Shore Piano Trio: Jay DeWire, piano; Diana Flesner, cello; Heather Haughn, violin; Trio Elegaique (No. 1) in G Minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) and Piano Trio in B flat Major, D. 898 ("Allegro Moderato," "Andante un poco mosso," "Scherzo-Allegro," and "Rondo-Allegro vivace") by Franz Schubert (1797-1828) at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts— part of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra Recital Series.
- Friday Midday, 20 March 2009, 12:00 N–1:00 pm:
The Rolling Coyotes, duo of Steve Warner (vocals, guitar, harmonica, and ukulele) and Elliot Simon (piano/ keyboard and accordion). The week's TGIF Lunch Series concert, The Wood Center Stage Theatre, second floor of The Capitol Theatre, Chambersburg, PA. Quite good—with extra points for mostly playing original material. Especially different was the "augmented" song.
- Friday Night, 27 March 2009 at 8:00 pm:
The Gettsyburg College Jazz Ensemble, Steve Fieldhouse, Director with guest artist Peter C. BarenBregge, at the Majestic Theater. A very nice quality, good-sounding group. After a standing ovation, the band and guest treated to an encore at the end, and we all exited at about 9:56 pm.
- Friday Midday, 3 April 2009, 12:00 N–1:00 pm:
Kerensa Gray at the week's TGIF Lunch Series concert, The Wood Center Stage Theatre, second floor of The Capitol Theatre, Chambersburg, PA. Singular presentation: a white woman singing Christian-inspired jazz.
- Saturday Evening, 18 April at 7:30 pm:
The Mercersburg Area Community Chorus' spring concert at Mercersburg Academy Chapel.
- Sunday Afternoon, 19 April 2009, 3:00 pm–4:30 pm:
Shippensburg University-Community Orchestra's Spring Concert, "Spanish Connections" at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center. Guest violin soloist: Katie Lansdale. Part I: "Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 12/1" by Luigi Boccherini and "Havanaise, Op. 83" by Camille Saint-Saëns. Part II: "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28" by Camille Saint-Saëns and "The Three-Cornered Hat (Scenes and Dances from Part I)" by Manuel de Falla.
Very enjoyable.
- Thursday Night, 7 May 2009, at 7:30 pm:
The Shippensburg Area Middle School Instrumental Music Department's 7th & 8the Grade Spring Band Concert, Mrs. Jennifer Deibler, Director:
• Jazz Hounds: "Grooved Pavement" by Victor Lopez; "Funkeytown" by Steven Greenberg (arr. by John Berry); "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Louis Prima (arr. by Victor Lopez); "In the Mood" by Joe Garland (arr. by Paul Lavender); "Cantaloupe Island" by Herbie Hancock (arr. by Mike Kamuf); and "Crazy Train" by (Ozzy) Osbourne, Rhoads, & Daisley (arr. by Paul Murtha)—with Miles Culbertson on keyboard or piano on each.
• 7th–8th Grade Band: "Sparks" by Brian Balmages; "Spy Chase" by Brant Karrick; "Rock Creek Adventure" by Larry MacTaggart; "Pirates of the Caribbean" (from Walt Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl: "The Medallion Calls," "The Black Pearl," "One Last Shot," and "He's a Pirate") by Klaus Badelt (arr. by Michael Brown); "Impact" by Sean O'Loughlin; and "Swahili Folk Hymn," a traditional Swahili folk song (arr. by Kevin Mixon)—with Miles Culbertson on bells.
in the Shippensburg Area Middle School Auditorium, free (donations accepted).
- Sunday Afternoon, 31 May 2009:
I sat on a park bench in the sun at City Park, Hagerstown to catch the last three acts of Western Maryland BluesFest:
- Jumptown 1:00 pm. to 1:45 pm. (With Blues Fest founder Carl Disque on the sax. Great vocals from a fellow with a little blues "huskiness" in his voice, AC Mercker.)
- Ruby Hayes Blues Band 2:00 pm. to 3:15 pm. (Darn fine group.)
- Campbell Brothers 3:30 pm. to 5:00 pm. (Gospel-based, but with two slides, hey, what a sound.)
No, didn't really scope many lookers this year—maybe three. None stayed for the whole she-bang, so, as such, none left a real impression. My worst situation was a fellow who evidentally was challenged in recognizing other individual's personal space. He sat a little too close to me, twice.
The sun was worrisome, even with me in hat and long pants, and slathered with sun block. The clouds did cool us infrequently. I counted three rain drops hitting me from one such fly-by. Later, I got shade from a tree whose shadow should have gone in the other direction, but I was not complaining.
- Monday, 29 June 2009:
The United States Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic, at 6:00 pm at the Hagerstown Community College Alumni Amphitheater. Enjoyable.
- Thursday Evening, 2 July 2009:
The Christopher Dean Band, at Chambersburg, PA's Memorial Park, 7:00 pm until about 8:30 pm. Last year I compared Chris' voice to that of Jimmie Rodgers', but also, it seems a lot like Paul Simon's. The rain stopped right on time—when needed, and the clouds cleared. I'd gone to see a matinée of Public Enemies in the afternoon.
- Tuesday, 7 July 2009:
The United States Air Force Band of Flight, from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, at 6:00 pm at the Hagerstown Community College Alumni Amphitheater. Ron and Trish also attended.
- Thursday Evening, 9 July 2009:
Shippensburg Blaskapelle German Band, at Chambersburg, PA's Memorial Park, 7:00 pm–8:00 pm.
- Saturday Evening, 11 July 2009:
Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, at Westminster, MD's Carroll County Farm Museum, 7:00 pm–8:20 pm? for the Common Ground on the Hill. I was tired after work for Renewal—I'd been standing for over six hours—and missed some of the first part of their show, taking my personal stuff back to my car and walking around a bit on the Museum grounds, having not been there since a 4th Grade field trip with my teacher, Mrs. Cochran. But then I returned to the pavilion and got to hear and see Dr. Ralph play his banjo claw-hammer style. Had I $20 to spend on a CD, I would have gone up after the concert and gotten to talk with him—though I bet I would have been given the honor even without a purchase. This was on the bucket list and did not disappoint.
- Sunday Afternoon, 12 July 2009:
Tim O'Brien, at Westminster, MD's Carroll County Farm Museum, 5:00 pm–6:20 pm? for the Common Ground on the Hill. I was at the Festival to work the day for Renewal. I then made the Hagerstown Municipal Band concert, missing just the national anthem.
- Thursday Evening, 16 July 2009:
Voxology, at Chambersburg, PA's Memorial Park, 7:00 pm–8:00 pm. Although billed as bluegrass, I think folk would best classify them. Enjoyable.
- Thursday Evening, 6 August 2009:
KJ Wagner, at Chambersburg, PA's Memorial Park, 7:00 pm–8:00 pm or so. Yes, she reminds me of someone.... Enjoyable.
- Sunday Evenings, Summer 2009:
Hagerstown Municipal Band, at Hagerstown, MD's City Park, usually 7:30 pm–8:30 pm or so. I finally attended the first concert in the series (this year on Sunday, 7 June)—it usually doesn't occur to me that they're back playing until the second or third concerts. I attended all but four (or five): Sunday, 5 July: returning from Port Royal, PA etc. with my brothers; Sunday, 19 July: working Baltimore's Artscape; Sunday, 9 August: working the Howard County Fair; and the final concert on Sunday, 16 August: with my family for Celeste's viewing.
- Sunday Afternoon, 23 August 2009:
Renfrew Park's 18th Annual Renfrew Jazz Festival, 2 pm—4 pm. A combo band of organist Joey DeFrancesco, guitarist Paul Bollenback, drummer Byron Landham, and vocalist Chris McNulty. Although it was not hot, the sun made it warm. Arriving early—and standing all the time—I still stayed for this entire fine concert. Saw a few old acquaintances: some clay artists, Bill from the Census, a lady from church.... A nice way to spend some of my 46th birthday.
- Sunday Evening, 23 May 2010, at 2:30 pm:
"A Day in the Park," by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts Recorder Consort. The performance showcased the "evolution during the centuries of the flute and recorder, and the changing music styles that accompanied it.
- Wednesday Evening, 23 June 2010, at 6:00 pm:
The Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic at the Hagerstown Community College Alumni Amphitheater. Very good. The Band took a break for intermission—this helps Alumni Concessions—and Band members came out and spoke with the audience. I spoke with a lady musician and the guest conductor.
- Saturday Evening, 26 June 2010, at 6:00 pm:
The U.S. Navy Cruisers at Renfrew Park, Waynesboro, PA. An excellent concert— with free ice cream provided by Antietam Dairy. OK, three separate trips: 1. Mint chocolate. 2. Black cherry 3. Razzamatazz (rapsberry with Oreo Cookie pieces mixed in).
- Saturday Evening, 10 July 2010, at 7:00 pm:
Kathy Mattea, the headliner at Common Ground on the Hill's 2010 Roots Music & Arts Festival. Very enjoyable!
- Monday Evening, 2 August 2010, at 7:45 pm:
Shippensburg Blaskapelle German Band at the bandshell at Jerome King Playground, Greencastle, PA. I arrived at about 8:05 pm. The nice music stands, authentic-looking dress, and dedicated attitude of the players make them a good band for those who have eclectic musical tastes, such as myself. Just what I needed this night. This event was part of Old Home Week.
- Wednesday Evening, 4 August 2010, at 8:00 pm:
Mason-Dixon Barbershop Chorus of Hagerstown in the basement fellowship hall of the Greencastle Evangelical Lutheran Church (130 North Washington Street). These fellows put a lot into their performance, and the audienec enjoyed them. Originally to be staged at 7:45 pm at the bandshell at Jerome King part, the weather forced us indoors—but not until after I got caught in the downpour walking from the outdoor location to the indoor one. For 2/3 of the performance, I watched without my eyewear, as I had nothing dry with which to clean my lenses. Another item checked off of my bucket list: I don't recall having officially heard any barbershop quartets in person before. This event was part of Old Home Week.
- Thursday Evening, 19 August 2010, from 6 pm–7 pm:
United States Navy Band "Sea Chanters" Chorus at Hagerstown Community College's Alumni Amphitheater. Every previous time these folks came, it was rained out—at least to where the performance had to be moved to the campus' Kepler Theater. But finally, the weather was sunny and not too hot or humid. The sun was in my eyes the first third, even with me wearing a hat, but the performance was great. New was the transition/ combination from the hit of Martha & The Vandellas, "Dancing in the Streets" to the first song popularized by Lady GaGa, "Just Dance." Plus, MUC Edward Daryl Duff does a various nice Ray Charles tribute!
- Friday Evening, 30 August 2013 at 7:30 pm:
Shenandoah Valley, VA-based Many Nights Ahead at Laird Hall, Wilson College.
- Saturday Evening, 14 September 2013 at 6:15 pm:
United States Navy Cruisers at Hagerstown Community College's Alumni Amphitheater.
(Some) Plays Attended
- Look Homeward Angel Robinwood Players, Kepler Theater, 8 pm on Saturday, 8 December 2001. (Left D 1 Orchestra)
- Shear Madness! at the Kennedy Center, 3:30 pm on Sunday, 24 March 2002
- H. M. S. Pinafore, Robinwood Players, Kepler Theater, 8 pm on Friday, 10 May 2002. (With Cindy? General Admission, Seats 149 & 150)
- Anything Goes, Robinwood Players, Kepler Theater, 8 pm on Friday, 30 April 2004. Quite good. Costuming by Meaghan Barry.
- Zombie Prom, Robinwood Players, Kepler Theater, 8 pm on Saturday, 24 April 2010. Very enjoyable—and it deserved a much larger audience. (I enjoyed a good center front seat.)
(Some) Lectures Attended
- 5th Annual Weather Summit, Shippensburg University's Luhrs Center on Tuesday Evening, 7 April 2009 from 7:00 pm until about 9:30 pm. A town hall meeting on weather sponsored by Harrisburg's CBS21 and hosted by their meteorologist, Tom Russell. I really enjoyed the fellow from State College's National Weather Service station, Dave Ondrejik.
- Annapolis Tax Day Tea Party, Annapolis, MD's City Dock, on Wednesday Midday, 15 April 2009. My brother Bill and I arrived at about 11:20 am, walking in from the parking garage at Lafayette and West Streets. It was pouring! That it was unseasonably cold (in the 40s) and there was inadequate sound reinforcement was not of consequence: the turn out was good, the crowd polite, and the point made. We left at about 1:15 pm and made good time out of town. Bill treated us to the cold cut lunch special at Old World Deli, Harrisonville, MD we ate in the parking lot at Soldier's Delight Natural Environment Area and then took MD Route 26 went over the Liberty Dam Reservoir before parting ways where I had left my car, at I-70 and MD Route 32 Park and Ride lot.
- Chambersburg Independence Day TEA Party, Chambersburg, PA's Square, by the Courthouse, on Saturday Morning, 4 July 2009. Though it started at 10:00 am, I got there a bit late, at 10:25 am and it disbanded at about 11:40 am. The event organizers say there were 600 of us; the local paper, 400.
The speakers were good, the crowd diverse. Although I went alone to this one, I was in good company after I arrived. I decided to make a sign this time—and came up with two. Beautiful weather, with a stronge breeze. The breeze wanted to take my 8½" x 11" paper signs— obviously a liberal wind.
(Some) Other Shows Attended
- The Brett A. Myers Illusion Show at the Capitol Theatre, Chambersburg, PA on Saturday Evening, 16 August 2008, at 7:00 pm. It was sponsored in part by Antrim Brethren in Christ, Marion, PA.
I almost nixed it—as I didn't pick up it was a ministry-sponsored thing. Perhaps I was half-drowsed still if that was mentioned on the TV morning news program.
But I am glad I attended, as this illusionist act was good, and satisfied the "see a magic show in person" item on my bucket list. 'Twas my first time in the Capitol Theater—also on my list. Mr. Myers incorporated his message into the act tastefully—most of it was like getting his own back story, which an audience usually will go for anyway.
Before the performance, I had been hoping for a Design Assistant (read: "Doer of My Mundane Tasks")—but I told my boss the next day that I'd prefer a Magician's Assistant, as Mr. Myers' assistant was quite charming.
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