Ampersand traditional music is offering a free community concert on Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. Paul’s Church, 225 S. Morris St., Oxford, Maryland at 7pm. Join Ampersand’s Beth Lawton, Dick Hogle, and Topher Lawton as they share a program of songs and tunes in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, including
- songs about the stirrings of revolution
- the experiences of colonists in different walks of life
- songs from soldiers on both sides of the conflict
- a tune written by an enslaved person
- protest songs written at the time
This trio brings guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, hammered dulcimer, cello, and penny whistles to underscore rich vocal harmonies and great joy in sharing this traditional music with modern audiences. They dress in non-modern clothing and include time talking about the history and background of the songs.
Ampersand will be bringing this concert to a variety of venues through 2026, including Mount Vernon (Feb 22), Historic Christ Church, Stevensville (March 7), Talbot County Historical Society (April 17), Dover (DE) Public Library (June 14), George Washington Birthplace National Park (July 3), and Saratoga (NY) National Park (Aug 4). More information and full concert schedule are available at: https://ampersandmusic.org/ampersand250.
This free concert venue is provided by Jennifer Stanley – many thanks to her for supporting local music!
