Concerts Scheduled for La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick Campuses
LA PLATA, Md. - Grab a lawn chair and join the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) this summer as it kicks off its Twilight Performance Series. The free concerts will feature salsa, rhythm and blues, and bluegrass at each of the college’s campuses in La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick.
In providing these free concerts, CSM joins St. Mary's College of Maryland, who for years has offered the popular River Concert series of performances in St. Mary's City. Both
institutions, which are publicly funded, offer the events in part to garner community awareness and favor.
The Twilight Performance Series begins in July with a featured artist of the week performing on a different campus each night. Performers will be at the Leonardtown Campus Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24 and 31; at the La Plata Campus Wednesdays, July 18, 25 and Aug. 1; and the Prince Frederick Campus, Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26 and Aug. 2. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.
Featured artists will include the Calvert Dance Band on July 10 and 12; Bio Ritmo Salsa Band on July 17, 18 and 19; Rhythm and Blues Pianist: Deanna Bogart on July 24, 25 and 26; and High Ground Bluegrass Band and on July 31, Aug. 1 and 2.
The Calvert Dance Band is a 17-piece swing band composed of volunteers from the tri-county area. Ranging in age from teens to 70s, they share a passion for big-band music.
Bio Ritmo will spice things up with a blend of Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican beats, soul-searching lyrics and intricate jazz harmonies.
Bogart, a Maryland-based boogie pianist, saxophonist, and recording artist, creates her own jazz style, fusing boogie piano blues from the 1930s with contemporary blues styles.
High Ground was formed in 1995 and plays a mix of traditional and contemporary bluegrass with a good blend of gospel. Their influences range from the Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe, Lester & Earl to the new groups making music today.
In addition to the Twilight Performance Series, Chautauqua 2007, Food for Thought, will be brought to the La Plata Campus July 9-12. Chautauqua is a program of the Maryland Humanities Council presented in partnership with CSM. The entertainment will include opening musical acts at 7 p.m., followed by an actor portraying an historical figure at 7:30 p.m. Held under a big tent, the programs will include Stephen Johnson opening for an Evening with Upton Sinclair on July 9, Eric Scott opening for an Evening with Julia Child on July 10, CSM’s Latin Ensemble opening for an Evening with Cesar Chavez on July 11, and David and Ginger Hildebrand opening for an Evening with George Washington Carver on July 12.
For more information on the Twilight Performance Series, visit www.csmd.edu/finearts.
In the event of rain, performances on the La Plata campus will be moved into the Fine Arts building and performances on the Prince Frederick and Leonardtown campuses will be canceled. For rain cancellation decisions check at each campus, online at www.csmd.edu, or call the college hotline, 301-369-1999 or 1-800-650-4023. Decisions will be posted by 2 p.m. the day of the concert.