Carpe Diem Arts proudly presents another concert as part of the popular Arts Alive! lunchtime concert series presented at Brookletts Place in Easton (400 Brookletts Ave.) in partnership with the Talbot County Senior Center and with funding support from Talbot Arts, the Maryland State Arts Council, Dock Street Foundation, and Upper Shore Aging ℅ Mid-Shore Community Foundation.

The lunchtime concerts are free and open to the public, and are welcoming of all ages. Performances are scheduled on the Second Tuesdays of the month–September through May (with the notable exception of November 4th due to Brookletts Place being closed on Veterans Day, November 11). 

Featured on November 4th, 12:15-1:00pm will be Gerdan: Soul of Ukraine. Internationally acclaimed violinist and vocalist Solomia Gorokhivska and master flutist Andrei Pidkivka share the rich musical traditions of Ukraine and Eastern Europe with dazzling virtuosity and heartfelt expression. Weaving classical training with folk roots into a vibrant tapestry of sound, their soulful melodies and spirited rhythms invite audiences on a cultural journey that uplifts and inspires.

Named after the gerdan—a colorful, intricately beaded necklace from the Carpathian Mountains—Gerdan symbolizes the weaving together of cultural heritage, musical artistry, and shared human experience. Their performances feature traditional and contemporary instruments, including rare Ukrainian flutes, blending old-world charm with fresh, innovative interpretations that celebrate the enduring power of folk music.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Second Tuesdays through May 2026 (except Nov. 4 date) | 12:15–1:00pm
Where: Brookletts Place – Talbot County Senior Center, 400 Brookletts Ave., Easton, MD

ABOUT GERDAN

Gerdan – Kaleidoscope of World Music is a Washington, D.C.–area ensemble led by Dr. Solomia Gorokhivska and Grammy-nominated artist Dr. Andrei Pidkivka. Together, they bring to life the spirit of Ukrainian and Eastern European folk music through virtuosic performance, inventive arrangements, and heartfelt connection with audiences. Learn more at msac.org/directory/artists/gerdan.

ABOUT CARPE DIEM ARTS

Carpe Diem Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging communities across generations and cultures through the power of the visual, literary and performing arts—providing inclusive and accessible arts experiences and opportunities for creative self-expression.

The Arts Alive series is presented by Carpe Diem Arts in partnership with Upper Shore Aging and Brookletts Place, with support from Talbot Arts, the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Maryland State Arts Council, Dock Street Foundation, and our individual donors. 

Thanks to our funders, each of the Arts Alive programs will also be presented at the Chesapeake Center for adults with special needs. 

For more information contact  [email protected] / 301-466-0183 

or visit these websites:

www.CarpeDiemArts.org/brookletts-place

Facebook:  Carpe Diem Arts on the Shore

FURIA FLAMENCA: Estela Velez and Daniel Paredez with legendary Flamenco guitarist Torcuato Zamora from Spain
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 12:15-1:00pm

A thrilling performance of traditional Flamenco music and dance in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

Carpe Diem Arts proudly presents another concert as part of the popular Arts Alive lunchtime concert series presented at Brookletts Place in Easton (400 Brookletts Ave.) in partnership with the Talbot County Senior Center and with funding support from Talbot Arts, the Maryland State Arts Council, Dock Street Foundation, and Upper Shore Aging ℅ Mid-Shore Community Foundation.

The lunchtime concerts are free and open to the public.  Performances are scheduled on the Second Tuesdays of the month–September through May–and are welcoming of all ages.

Featured on October 14, 12:15-1:00pm will be Torcuata  Zamora & Furia Flamenca (Estela Vélez de Paredez and Daniel Paredez)

Experience the fiery passion and artistry of flamenco in an unforgettable performance led by legendary guitarist Torcuato Zamora, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday! With his virtuosic playing and deep roots in the musical traditions of Andalusia, Zamora sets the stage for the dazzling footwork and soulful expression of captivating flamenco dancers Estela Vélez de Paredez and Daniel Paredez.

Together, this dynamic trio delivers a thrilling fusion of authenticity and artistry, offering audiences an inspiring celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture. Whether you’re a lifelong flamenco fan or discovering it for the first time, this performance promises to ignite the senses and lift the spirit.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Second Tuesdays though May 2026 (except Nov. 4 date) | 12:15–1:00pm

Where: Brookletts Place – Talbot County Senior Center, 400 Brookletts Ave., Easton, MD

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ABOUT CARPE DIEM ARTS

Carpe Diem Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging communities across generations and cultures through the power of the visual, literary and performing arts—providing inclusive and accessible arts experiences and opportunities for creative self-expression.

The Arts Alive: Second Tuesdays series is presented by Carpe Diem Arts in partnership with Upper Shore Aging and Brookletts Place, with support from Talbot Arts, the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Maryland State Arts Council, Dock Street Foundation, and our individual donors. 

Thanks to our funders, each of the Arts Alive programs will also be presented at the Chesapeake Center for adults with special needs. 

For more information contact  [email protected] / 301-466-0183 

or visit these websites: www.furia-flamenca.com and www.torcuart.com/torcuato-zamora 

www.CarpeDiemArts.org/brookletts-place

 

Carpe Diem Arts, in partnership with Brookletts Place/Talbot County Senior Center, is proud to announce the return of the popular Arts Alive: Second Tuesdays free lunchtime concert series, running from September 2025 through May 2026. This community-based program brings world-class artists to the heart of Easton for 45-minute midday concerts that are free and welcoming to all ages.

Opening Concert – September 9, 2025

The series kicks off with the internationally renowned Malian griot Cheick Hamala Diabate and his West African Music and Dance Ensemble. A master of the n’goni (African lute) and banjo, Diabate bridges African and American traditions with joyful, cross-cultural music. He will be joined by guitarist Rob Coltun, bassist Dr. Yew, and dancer Nakima Smith in a program that blends infectious rhythms with master musicianship, inviting everyone to join in the celebration. Recent performance highlights include Lincoln Center, NPR’s Tiny Desk, the Kennedy Center, FloydFest, and many other festivals and concert halls.  His collaborations with Béla Fleck, Corey Harris, and Bob Carlin have illuminated the historic ties between the n’goni and the banjo, including the Grammy-nominated album From Mali to America.

Fall 2025 Lineup

October 14, 2025 – Flamenco Fire: Legendary Spanish guitarist Torcuato Zamora with Furia Flamenca, featuring acclaimed dancers Estela Vélez de Paredez and Daniel Paredez. A thrilling performance of traditional Flamenco music and dance.

November 4, 2025 (first Tuesday due to holiday) – Soul of Ukraine: GERDAN duo Solomia Gorokhivska (violin/vocals) and Andrei Pidkivka (flutes) share the rich folk traditions of Ukraine through passionate, virtuosic performance.

December 9, 2025 – Songs of Solstice: OCEAN (Jennifer Cutting, Steve Winick, Chris Noyes) celebrate the season with Celtic-inspired carols, folk ballads, and rollicking dance tunes infused with contemporary folk-rock energy.

“The Arts Alive series is all about connection—between cultures, across generations, and within the community,” said Carpe Diem Arts founder Busy Graham. “We are excited to launch another great season of concerts at Brookletts Place.”

 

EVENT DETAILS

When: Second Tuesdays, September 2025–May 2026 (except Nov. 4 date) | 12:15–1:00pm

Where: Brookletts Place – Talbot County Senior Center, 400 Brookletts Ave., Easton, MD

Cost: Free concerts; Lunch available at 12:00pm for $2.75 (reserve 2 weeks ahead: 410-822-2869 / [email protected]

 

ABOUT CARPE DIEM ARTS

Carpe Diem Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging communities across generations and cultures through the power of the visual, literary and performing arts—providing inclusive and accessible arts experiences and opportunities for creative self-expression.

The Arts Alive: Second Tuesdays series is presented by Carpe Diem Arts in partnership with Upper Shore Aging and Brookletts Place, with support from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Talbot Arts, Maryland State Arts Council, Dock Street Foundation, and our individual donors.

For more information, please contact  [email protected] / 301-466-0183   www.CarpeDiemArts.org/brookletts-place

Facebook:  Carpe Diem Arts on the Shore

Carpe Diem Arts is pleased to announce the next performance in its Arts Alive! Second Tuesdays free lunchtime concert series, taking place Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. at the Talbot County Senior Center at Brookletts Place (400 Brookletts Avenue, Easton, MD).

The featured performers will be the internationally touring folk duo Janie Meneely & Rob van Sante, joined by special guest Chris Noyes. The concert will be followed by a bonus performance and community sing-along led by The Londonderry Ukulele Group, directed by Jonathan Williams, from 1:00 to 1:20 p.m.

Janie Meneely is widely known for her original songs rooted in Chesapeake Bay life and maritime traditions, while Rob van Sante contributes rich harmonies and expert guitar accompaniment. Together, their concerts blend storytelling and song to illuminate the Bay’s people, history, and culture.

The concert is presented in partnership with the Talbot County Senior Center and with support from Talbot Arts, the Maryland State Arts Council, Dock Street Foundation, and Upper Shore Aging via the Mid-Shore Community Foundation.

Performances in the Arts Alive! series take place on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May. All concerts are free and open to the public, welcoming audiences of all ages.

A hot lunch is available at 12:00 noon for $2.75 with advance reservation two weeks prior to the event. To RSVP for lunch, please contact Makayla Cisco at 410-822-2869 or [email protected].

For more information about the concert series, contact [email protected] or call 301-466-0183. Details are also available at www.CarpeDiemArts.org/brookletts-place.

Carpe Diem Arts is pleased to partner again with the Talbot County Senior Center in presenting the popular lunch-time concert series at Brookletts Place in Easton (400 Brookletts Ave.)

Performances are scheduled on the Second Tuesdays of the month–through May 2025. Mark your calendars for a stellar spring line-up.  Check out the flyer and list below.

The lunchtime concerts are free and open to the public. 

The March 11 concert will feature the trio SONG RIOT with Gabe Hutter on vocals and guitar, Paul Oorts on mandolin, musette accordion, harp guitar, and the 10-string cittern, and Chris Murphy on bass–offering a great mix of jazz and swing, blues and folk, Celtic and original songs and tunes. Something for everyone and welcoming all ages. 

Gabe Hutter is a singer-songwriter with an uncanny ability to connect with audiences of all ages and a remarkable repertoire ranging from classic folk songs and Sinatra-style standards to early rock ‘n’ roll and 60’s and 70’s pop, with lots of opportunity for audience engagement in singalongs and other interactive elements. 

Belgian-born Paul Oorts is a multi-instrumentalist who, in addition to touring with the Song Riot trio, can often be heard performing with his wife, hammer dulcimer and flute player Karen Ashbrook, as well as with the trio Goldcrest. He is very active in the world of English, Contra, and Vintage dances in the DC-Baltimore area and teaches at numerous music and dance camps throughout the U.S. During the academic year, Dr. Oorts teaches French and Italian at Loyola University in Baltimore.

Chris Murphy is renowned in the National Capital region for his work both as a musician and sound engineer. In his words, “The Beatles were the start of music for me. I remember that famous Sunday night in February 1964, watching them on The Ed Sullivan Show. In 1967, when Sgt. Pepper came out, I read a magazine article describing their recording process. When I finished it, I knew what my career path was.” 

The Arts Alive concert series is made possible by Talbot Arts, Dock Street Foundation, the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Maryland State Arts Council, and by individual donors supporting Brookletts Place and Carpe Diem Arts. 

NOTE: Lunch is available at 12 noon for $2.75 with reservations two weeks in advance.

RSVP: Makayla Cisco– 410-822-2869 / [email protected]

Spring 2025 Concert Schedule

Mar 11– Song Riot: Gabe Hutter, Paul Oorts, Christopher Brown 
Apr 8–Veronneau: Lynn Veronneau and Ken Avis
May 13–Janie Meneely and Rob Van Sante with Chris Noyes

For more information, please contact  [email protected] / 301-466-0183   www.CarpeDiemArts.org/brookletts-place

CARPE DIEM!  ARTS ALIVE!

SECOND TUESDAYS: FREE LUNCH-TIME PERFORMANCE SERIES

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

12:15-1:00pm

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KAREN SOMERVILLE TRIO:

Celebrating the Musical Legacy of Billie Holiday

Carpe Diem Arts is pleased to join forces again with the Talbot County Senior Center to present the popular free lunch-time concert series at Brookletts Place in Easton (400 Brookletts Ave.)

Performances are scheduled on the Second Tuesdays of the month–through May 2025. Mark your calendars for a stellar winter and spring line-up.  Check out the flyer and list below.

The lunchtime concerts take place at Brookletts Place, 400 Brookletts Ave., Easton, Maryland and are free and open to the public. The program is welcoming of all ages: seniors and families, home-schoolers, community groups, retirees. It’s also the perfect lunchtime break for local office workers.  A lovely venue for a memorable 45-minute mid-day concert.  

The February 11 concert will feature Karen Somerville and her trio.  A beloved performer on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Karen is known for her rich, expressive voice and masterful interpretations across a wide range of musical genres. From Gospel and Blues to Jazz and Folk, she has captivated audiences with her dynamic stage presence and signature vocal arrangements. She is also widely recognized for her work with the acclaimed Gospel trio Sombarkin’, alongside longtime collaborators Lester Barrett, Jr., and Jerome McKinney.

Somerville’s extensive career includes backing vocals for numerous artists, most notably singing on Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” 2014 tour. She has also produced three albums: Everyday Is Sunday: The Heritage of A Cappella Gospel, Love Cures, and Our Stories, Our Songs.

Originally premiering in 2014 as part of Billie Holiday’s 100th Birthday Bash, “Billie Holiday, Then and Now” was met with sold-out audiences across the Mid-Atlantic region. 

Karen Somerville will be reviving this heartfelt tribute, bringing Holiday’s legendary songs to life through soulful renditions, poetry, and personal anecdotes that celebrate Jazz’s First Lady.

Joining Karen Somerville for the Brookletts lunchtime concert on February 11, 12:15-1:00pm will be Gerry Werner on keyboard and Ray Anthony on drums.

NOTE: Lunch is available at 12 noon for $2.75 with reservations two weeks in advance.

RSVP: Makayla Cisco– 410-822-2869 / [email protected]

 

Winter/Spring 2025 Concert Schedule

Jan 14–Glenn Pearson and Jeff Cooper: From the American Songbook

Feb 11–Karen Somerville Trio: Tribute to Billie Holiday

Mar 11– Song Riot: Gabe Hutter, Paul Oorts, Christopher Brown 

Apr 8–Veronneau: Lynn Veronneau and Ken Avis

May 13–Janie Meneely and Rob Van Sante with Chris Noyes

 

CARPE DIEM! ARTS ALIVE!  Second Tuesdays: Free Lunch-Time Performance Series 

Talbot County Senior Center at Brookletts Place 
400 Brookletts Ave., Easton, MD 
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 
12:15-1:00pm 

CARON DALE 
Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month and Mother’s Day 

Carpe Diem Arts is proud to present this remarkable mid-day program in partnership with Brookletts Place in Easton, 400 Brookletts Ave—scheduled on the Second Tuesday of the month, September through May 2023. Mark your calendars for our last two concerts of the season: April 9 and May 14. More info at www.carpediemarts.org/brookletts-place 

Performances are free of charge and welcome of all ages. 

The May 14 lunchtime concert will feature internationally acclaimed singer Caron Dale. 

A songwriter, performer, Cantorial Soloist, and CEO of Chords for Courage, Caron Dale is inspiring hope and lifting spirits wherever she goes. She has officiated at weddings, performed concerts, and led fun and fulfilling workshops all around and outside the country. She has performed for the Grand Opening of the MCI Center in Washington, DC, and has been the Kennedy Center’s Artist in Residence, among other impressive accomplishments. Sharing music experiences is her great joy, and Carpe Diem Arts is pleased to bring her to Brookletts Place to share her many musical talents. Caron presents a marvelous blend of music that will stir up happy memories and may have you singing along!

NOTE: Lunch is available at 12 noon for $2.75 with reservations two weeks in advance. RSVP: Amanda Brown – 410-822-2869 / [email protected] 

For more information, please contact [email protected] / 301-466-0183 www.CarpeDiemArts.org/brookletts-place 

Facebook: Carpe Diem Arts on the Shore 

The Carpe Diem-Brookletts Lunchtime Concert Series is made possible by Upper Shore Aging, the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Talbot Arts, Maryland State Arts Council, Dock Street Foundation, and by individual contributions to Carpe Diem Arts and Brookletts Place. 

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The May 14 concert is the last date in the 2023-2024 series 

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For more information, please contact [email protected] / 301-466-0183 www.CarpeDiemArts.org/brookletts-place 

Facebook: Carpe Diem Arts on the Shore 

Carpe Diem Arts is proud to present this remarkable mid-day program in partnership with Brookletts Place in Easton, 400 Brookletts Ave—scheduled on the Second Tuesdays of the month, September through May 2023. Mark your calendars for our last two concerts of the season: April 9 and May 14. More info at www.carpediemarts.org/brookletts-place

Performances are free of charge and welcoming of all ages.

The April 9 lunchtime concert, 12:15-1:00pm will feature internationally acclaimed singer Lena Seikaly accompanied by bassist Amy Shook and guitarist Tom Laguna.

Palestinian American jazz vocalist Lena Seikaly bids homage to her Palestinian roots, while also celebrating the Great American Songbook.  Lena has been named “one of Washington’s preeminent jazz singers” and “brightest voices in jazz” (The Washington Post). She was a semi-finalist for the 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition, has produced three albums, and has headlined at Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai (China), the Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, and jazz festivals across the U.S. and Europe–including Easton’s own Monty Alexander Jazz Festival!

Carpe Diem Arts is proud to present this uplifting mid-day program in partnership with Brookletts Place in Easton, 400 Brookletts Ave, Easton.

The March 12 lunchtime concert will feature the popular Paddy O’Players featuring Randy Welch (Irish whistles), Gerry Devine (guitar), Paul Derdel (fiddle), Rich Cowman (accordion), John Carriker (fiddle)–with special guest Liz Fisher on vocals. Sit back and enjoy a rousing round of Irish fiddle tunes and rollicking songs. Bound to lift your spirits!

Performance is free of charge and welcoming of all ages.

Scheduled on the Second Tuesdays of the month, September through May 2023, this Carpe Diem- Brookletts Lunchtime Concert Series is made possible by Upper Shore Aging, the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Talbot Arts, Maryland State Arts Council, Dock Street Foundation, and by individual contributions to Carpe Diem Arts and Brookletts Place.

Talbot County Senior Center at Brookletts Place
400 Brookletts Ave., Easton, MD
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
12:15-1:00 pm