The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum has honored environmental filmmakers Tom Horton, Dave Harp, and Sandy Cannon-Brown with its Bay Heritage Award for their contributions to the preservation of regional culture in line with CBMM’s mission.

Chief Historian Pete Lesher presented Horton, Harp, and Cannon-Brown with the award on Wednesday evening following a screening of the trio’s latest film, “Chesapeake Rhythms,” as part of the Chesapeake Bay Week Film Festival in CBMM’s Van Lennep Auditorium.

Horton, Harp, and Cannon-Brown join a distinguished list of Bay Heritage Award honorees, including broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, naval architect Thomas C. Gilmer, historian and museum curator Robert H. Burgess, authors William Warner and James Michener, and log canoe preservationist Judge John C. North II. This is the first time the award has been presented since North was honored in 2015.

“We’re delighted to honor our friends Tom, Dave, and Sandy for their tremendous work over the years,” CBMM’s President & CEO Kristen Greenaway said. “Their repeated collaboration—Tom as the writer and narrative voice, Dave as the photographer and videographer, and Sandy as the filmmaker artfully weaving the content together—has deepened our understanding and appreciation of a fragile and changing Chesapeake Bay and the impact of those changes on communities and individuals who have called this region home.”

Horton, Harp, and Cannon-Brown have been working together since 2015, when they produced “Beautiful Swimmers Revisited,” an hour-long documentary inspired by Warner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Beautiful Swimmers: Watermen, Crabs and the Chesapeake Bay.” 

They have collaborated on eight more films since then, covering an array of Bay-related topics and issues. Making its Maryland Public Television debut next Tuesday, April 22, as part of Chesapeake Bay Week, “Chesapeake Rhythms” conveys the beauty and mystery of the Bay by chronicling its essential rhythm, including the migrations of tundra swans, monarch butterflies, shorebirds, and eels. Last year, their film “A Passion for Oysters,” an exploration of the enduring legacy of oysters in the Bay, was featured during MPT’s Chesapeake Bay Week, as well.

“It’s quite an honor,” Harp said. “We’ve just had an interesting, fun 10 years working together to do documentaries. I think this award is a validation of Sandy teaching Tom and me how to make a film, taking a couple guys that have been covering the Bay in words and pictures for a long time and turning us into this filmmaking team.”

“To be honored for the work, which is my joy and my passion, is amazing,” Cannon-Brown added. “To think that they think that we’re in the same league as Walter Cronkite or James Michener or William Warner is so overwhelming that I get emotional even thinking about it.” 

A long-time environmental reporter at The Baltimore Sun, Horton has authored eight books about the Bay and been honored along the way by the Sierra Club, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and National Audubon Society.

Harp’s stunning Bay photography has accompanied five of Horton’s books, and his work has been featured in a slew of national publications, including the New York Times Magazine, Smithsonian, and Audubon. A selection of his work was featured at CBMM in a 2020 special exhibition, Where Land and Water Meet, and a 2010 special exhibition, A Rising Tide in the Heart of the Chesapeake Bay. 

Harp has transferred the entire body of his Chesapeake Bay-related work, from black-and-white film photography of oyster dredging among the skipjack fleet in the 1970s to his digital work in recent years, to CBMM, where it will be accessible to the public for generations to come.

A CBMM volunteer and St. Michaels resident before relocating to Martha’s Vineyard in 2020, Cannon-Brown is an award-winning environmental filmmaker whose work has often featured the Bay and taken her across the United States and beyond. The Founder and President of VideoTakes, Inc., she has been honored as a Woman of Vision by Women in Film & Video DC and Adjunct Professor of the Year by American University.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit educational organization that preserves and explores the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and makes this resource accessible to all.

Every aspect of fulfilling this mission is driven by CBMM’s values of relevance, authenticity, and stewardship, along with a commitment to providing engaging guest experiences and transformative educational programming, all while serving as a vital community partner. For more information, visit cbmm.org.

This will be the 41^st year for the Oxford Fine Arts Show to be held May 16 – 18 at the Oxford Community Center. The event consistently attracts art enthusiasts due to the quality of the exhibitors. The show is always fresh based on the fact that there is a new juror every year. This year famed Plein Air Easton artist, Sara Linda Poly was the juror. Sara Linda Poly was the featured artist of the International Artist Magazine, and is frequently selected to participate in the world class Easton Plein Air Festival. Sara Linda Polly selected a roster of fine artists in different mediums for the show this year. Join us in welcoming the following artists:

Sandy Alanko, Eric Asche, Irene Aspell, Joel Boches, Carole Böggemann-Peirson, Thomas Burden, Naomi Clark-Turner, Sharon Dennis, Lois Engberg, Nancy Fine, Donna Finley, Mary Ford, Rhonda Ford, Debra Howard, Susan Schauer John, Kathy Kopec, Pat Lang, Kate Leibrand, Linda Luke, Mary Ellen Mabe, Jeanne  Mays, Carol McClees, Laura McGowan, Kimberly Nesci, Betty Papson, David Pellegrini, Steve Rogers, Kenneth Rose, Sharon Stockley, Stephen Walker, Heidi Wetzel, Keith Whitelock, Barbara    Zuehlke with Karen Merkin from Rockville, Maryland as the featured artist this year featuring her painting entitled “Yellow Mooring”.

The Preview Party on Friday May 16^th is the best time to see the full gallery and have time to peruse the full exhibition prior to the public over the weekend. It provides attendees the chance to “Meet the Artists”, view the original artwork and buy art! This has always been a fun evening where attendees get to mingle with the artists and enjoy cocktails as well as partake of delicious hors d’oeuvres while getting first looks at the collection.

During the Preview Party awards are given out. Thank you to our art sponsors for providing award winning money for the artists. This year the Awards are:

Judge’s Choice sponsored by Anne Marie and Jay Borneman
Artists Choice sponsored by Elspeth and Dr. William “Bill” Ritchie
Oxford Business Association’s “Best representation of Village Life”
Oxford Library’s “Best use of Color”
Cutts and Case’s “Best Maritime”

The 2025 judge for the awards is Charlotte Potter Kasic. Charlotte is the current Director of the Academy Art Museum in Easton. She received her MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and her BFA from Alfred University. She was the previous director of the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk Virginia, Barry Art Museum and Old Dominion University. She is an artist herself in glass. She performs moving art shows as well as glass art sculpture and installations. Her creativity and passion will add a dynamic touch to the award ceremony this year.

The schedule of events for the weekend begins with the Friday night Preview Party. On Saturday and Sunday, the exhibit is open to the public 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The raffle of beautiful artwork donated by the artists happens at the end of the show with a toast of bubbly for the occasion. Once again there are lunch items for purchase on both days with the famous strawberry shortcake too!

The juried exhibit and sale has supported the Oxford Community Center (a non-profit 501(C-3), since the 1980’s to support OCC’s mission to provide the region with a year-round schedule of free or reduced educational, cultural and recreational programs and events. For more information, and to secure your tickets, visit oxfordcc.org.

The Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area invites all to participate in “Two Lights for  Tomorrow,” a nationwide initiative to illuminate every household, business, house of  worship, public building, and municipal government office across Caroline, Kent, Queen  Anne’s, and Talbot countiies with two lights starting the evening of April 18, 2025 and  throughout the weekend.  

The lights not only commemorate the well-known ride of Paul Revere and other Sons of  Liberty as they signaled the approach of British troops with lanterns hung in Boston’s Old  North Church, and the start of the Revolutionary War, but the lights are also symbols of a  united future and a reminder of all Marylander’s aspirations for their rights to life, liberty,  and the pursuit of happiness. 

One Nation! Two Lights! Three Nights 

We encourage participation over three nights of April 18, 19, and 20, 2025, at as many  locations as possible — historical societies, community centers, municipal and county  administrative buildings, private residences, barns, and community entrances.  

Share pictures of YOUR lights on social media and tag them with #TwoLightsForTomorrow  

#MD250  

#StoriesoftheChesapeake 

Households can place two luminaries, candles, lanterns, camping lights or even  flashlights in your windows or on your porch beginning the evening of April 18th,  symbolizing the two lanterns hung in the church steeple.

Businesses displaying their two lights will help foster a sense of community, historical  pride and support for special events in the coming year and beyond; consider singing this  liitle light of mine, and 

Government Offices illuminate their edifices with symbolic lighting on public buildings to  show their support for educational and civic engagement. Join us as the Kent and Caroline  Commissioners and the Talbot County Council read a proclamation commerating Two  Lights For Tommorrow. 

Two Lights for Tomorrow” are symbolic of American vigilance, preparedness, and the spirit of community that defines our nation. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who  fought for our liberty and independence. By participating, you will join that national  tapestry of remembrance and patriotism. Citizens are encouraged to reflect on what  freedom means to each of us, consider their civic duty in today’s world, and learn more  about the sacrifices. Spread the word so we can illuminate our communities with the lights  of freedom which have endured for 250 years. 

The Working Artist Forum is pleased to invite the public for a live talk and demonstration with Danni Dawson.

Danni Dawson received her BA and MFA degrees from George Washington University and apprenticed with Nelson Shanks.  A professional artist and teacher for over 25 years, Danni has exhibited her paintings nationally and internationally, and has received many awards including the Allied Artist Award, the Salmagundi Painting Prize, the Audubon Award, and an award for painting from the National Academy of Art and Design.  Her work has also been featured in American Artist.

With over 300 portraits to her credit, Danni Dawson has painted heads of state, dignitaries, and university officials as well as senior members oof the military and medical communities.  Her portraits ad still lifes are displayed in collections throughout the world.

The Academy Art Museum is located at 106 South Street, Easton, Maryland 21601. Please enter the museum via Harrison Street and go the Performing Arts Room on the 1st Floor

Last night, the Jersey Tenors gave a rousing performance at Easton’s Avalon Theater. The crowd loved the energetic four singers who sang everything from Franki Valli and the Four Seasons to Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Kool and the Gang, Elton John, Queen, Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, and even a little Italian opera. 

The Tenors got a standing ovation for their harmonies on The Battle Hymn of the Republic, after which they encouraged support for one of their favorite charities, Wounded Warriors. 

It was an evening of high energy, sing-alongs, and tons of jokes about Jersey lore. The four, who all have roots on Broadway, were backed up by a great band and clearly enjoyed entertaining the Easton audience.

 The Jersey Tenors’ previous performance at the Avalon was the first live show after the pandemic, a streamlined rendition with no backup band. So last night was a celebration in more ways than one. 

The Tenors just returned from an extensive European tour and are starting a U.S. tour which includes several cities–Delaware, New York, California, Florida, Massachusetts to name a few, and of course, New Jersey. 

For the encore, the Tenors sang One Day More from Les Misérables—a Broadway musical in which they had all performed—a splendid way to end a splendid evening.

ONGOING WEEKLY CLASSES  

Mon, 1-2:30pm; Yoga with Suzie Hurley, Advanced beginners, $20/class, 10 classes $150
Sat, 9:30-11am; Yoga w Suzie Hurley, Intermediate, $20/class, 10 classes/ $150
Tues-Thurs, 10am; Steady & Strong w/ Janet Pfeffer, $10/class 10/$80

 

MAY 2025

May 2, 2025, 7:30am – Jazz on the Stage – Allan Harris Quintet, a Tribute to Nat King Cole

Allan Harris, the Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and band leader, is a true luminary in the world of music. With a career spanning fourteen recordings as a leader, Allan Harris has captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional talent and charismatic presence. His contributions as a natural entertainer have solidified his place as a mainstay in concert halls, theaters, jazz clubs, and festivals worldwide. He has shared the stage with luminaries such as Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, Diana Krall, Abbey Lincoln, Natalie Cole, and many others. Tickets offered at $65 for General Seating and $150 for the VIP Experience, which includes special seating, a meet and greet with musicians, deserts and bubbly after the show. 

May 3, 2025, 8:30am – Cars & Coffee

Free, Sponsored by Prestige Auto Vault, Eat Sprout & Doc’s Sunset Grille. Come enjoy the incredible array of automobiles! Weather dependent. 

May 8, 2025, 5:30am – Local Author Series

‘Is the Grass always Greener? Life with Goats, Gardens and Gourmet Cheese’ authors Catherine and Al Renzi join us to discuss how ‘two middle-aged career changers with 5 college degrees created a goat dairy and native plant nursery on a historic farm.’ In partnership with the Oxford Library. FREE. RSVP online at www.oxfordcc.org. 

May 16, 2025 – 41st Annual Fine Arts Fair Preview Party

Join us for the Annual Preview Party and Fine Arts weekend kickoff on Friday, May 16th from 6-8pm.  The Preview Party provides attendees the only guaranteed chance to ‘Meet the Artists’, view the full exhibit and the first chance to buy amazing art! This is a fun evening where attendees mingle with the artists and enjoy live music, cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres.  The Award Ceremony takes place at the Preview Party. Tickets sell fast, so save-the-date for May 16th, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. There are no tickets offered at the door for Friday’s Preview Party, they must be purchased in advance by going online to www.oxfordcc.org.

May 17-18, 2025 – 41st Annual Oxford Fine Arts

The 41st Annual Oxford Fine Arts weekend is set for Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, May 18th from 10am to 4pm.  The prestigious juried exhibition and sales show is well known throughout the area and celebrated as the season’s ‘kick-off’ for art lovers. Tickets are $5 per person at the door. 

May 17, 2025, 10am-3pm – Secret Gardens of Oxford Tour

Presented by The Oxford Garden Club, this tour promises a lovely stroll through the charming town of Oxford while enjoying 6 carefully chosen ‘secret’ gardens, some with a water-view perk, and browsing through two artist studios. The tour starts at The Oxford Town Park. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online in advance at www.oxfordgardenclub.org or $25 per person on the day of the Tour.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5:30pm – Gettysburg Talk with Mickey Terrone

Civil War expert Mickey Terrone will host a talk designed to excite and share tips for the upcoming May 21st excursion to Gettysburg. There will be a 30 minute video by Kens Burns followed by Q&A. FREE and open to the public, regardless of joining the Wednesday Excursion to Gettysburg. 

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 8:30am

Join the OCC and travel by luxury Coach Bus to Gettysburg. Civil War expert Mickey Terrone will be the MC for the day! The bus departs the Oxford Community Center at 8:30am with stops at ‘Round Top’ and ‘Copse of Trees.’ The group will have lunch on their own at the Visitor Center, with time to explore the historic exhibits. The bus will depart for Oxford at 2:30pm with expected arrival home around 6:30pm. Tickets are $75 per person and includes the bus fare, driver’s tip and travel snacks. Tickets can be purchased online at www.oxfordcc.org.

May 28, 2025 – Wellness Wednesday Lunch, 11am-1pm

Bring your lunch and learn about health and wellness topics while enjoying your lunch in the company of friends. Please check our website, www.oxfordcc.org, for topics and more information. FREE

May 30, 2025 – Improv Easton, 7-9pm

Talbot County’s favorite (and only!) improv troupe comes to the Oxford Community Center! Join us for an evening of fun and laughs. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.oxfordcc.org or at the door. 

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is pleased to announce that Music Director Michael Repper has signed a three-year contract extension, securing his leadership through the 2027-2028 season. This agreement underscores Repper’s pivotal role in shaping the Orchestra’s future and maintaining its standard of musical excellence.

The announcement was made at the Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition Preview Evening at the Academy Art Museum on Saturday night, where supporters and patrons gathered to celebrate the MSO’s continued growth and impact under Repper’s leadership along with this season’s competition finalists.

As part of the extended contract, the MSO and Repper will embark on a studio recording project, marking a significant milestone for the Orchestra. The album, planned for release during the contract’s term, will highlight the Orchestra’s diverse and innovative repertoire, further expanding its reach and reputation in the classical music world.

Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the MSO Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm for the contract extension, saying, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Michael Repper leading the MSO for another three years. His exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in the Orchestra’s continued growth and success. Michael’s artistic vision has truly elevated the MSO, and we are excited about what the future holds. This contract extension, along with the upcoming recording project, is a testament to the exciting direction in which Repper and the MSO Board of Directors are taking the Orchestra. We look forward to continuing this incredible journey together.”

Repper has served as the MSO’s Music Director since 2020, leading the Orchestra through a period of artistic innovation, bold programming, and continued community engagement. Under his leadership, the Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition has been reimagined, and the Orchestra has expanded its commitment to presenting diverse and dynamic performances. His passion for music has resonated deeply with audiences, fostering strong connections with both musicians and listeners across the region.

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ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Talbot County Arts Council, the Worcester County Arts Council, the Sussex County (Delaware) Council, and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

A complete schedule of the 2024-2025 season’s Masterworks and Ensembles programs, including venues, times, and other details, is available at www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

Lynn Veronneau from Québec and Ken Avis from the U.K.

Jazzy, soulful original songs and classics: bossa nova, French chanson, folk, blues and pop,
Including songs of Joni Mitchell and Carole King from Veronneau’s “Blue Tapestry” program

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.

The April 8 concert will feature the award-winning Washington DC based VERONNEAU: the husband-and-wife duo that defies categorization.  At the core, Québecoise vocalist Lynn Veronneau and UK guitarist Ken Avis translate the themes of their musical journeys into captivating multilingual performances with spirited, jazzy, retro, soulful original songs and classics from the worlds of bossa nova, French chanson, folk, blues and pop. Included will be songs of Joni Mitchell and Carole King from Veronneau’s popular “Blue Tapestry” program.

VERONNEAU delights through Lynn’s spectacular voice, her heartfelt and artful delivery of the lyrics and through Ken’s brilliant and vibrant playfulness on the guitar. They play off one another, carefully choosing songs for their powerful melodies and imagery.

Many will remember the duo from their having sold out the Stoltz Listening Room at the Avalon nearly a month in advance—so the January 31, 2024 concert was moved to the main theater and drew a crowd of about 250 people.  Don’t miss this chance to see them again in the lovely intimate space of Brookletts Place!

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

Mark your calendars for the last concert this season:
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
Facebook:  Carpe Diem Arts on the Shore

Joanne Scott is more widely known on a national scale for her visual art – watercolor, acrylics,  etchings and lithographs. She had many one woman shows and awards at the Corcoran,  Baltimore Museum of Art, and the Walters Art Museum. She is also a published poet.      

Joanne had a love of fiber and was an accomplished seamstress, sewing Vogue wool silk lined  suits. She was an embroiderer, and knitter. When she bought a summer cottage on Monhegan  Island in Maine, she took classes from Robert Semple, a world renown needlepoint artist. He  became mentor in needlepoint and colleague in art. 

This will be the first time that Joanne’s fiber art will be exhibited. A museum piece of Robert  Semple’s is also included. Many of Joanne’s fiber art pieces were inspired by her visual art  pieces. These are displayed side-by-side. Much of the art is done in a needlepoint stitch called  libra point which is a short-long stitch. Examples of Joanne’s watercolors, acrylics, etchings  and photographs serve as inspirations for her fiber art. They have also inspired her daughter,  Victoria, to join in the exhibit with quilting and felting to round out the fiber art experience for  the viewer. 

Joanne had a very full life. She attended the Boston Museum School, Nantucket School of Art,  Rhode Island School of Design, and the Maryland Institute of Art. She was widowed twice with  four children and many grand and great grand children. She was an expert sailor having lived  on boats and spent much time sailing open ocean. She was a leader whatever art community  she found herself in and worked to promote the arts, most notably in this area- she co-founded  Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis and Vice President of the Maryland Federation  of Art. 

It is hoped that the viewer will take inspiration from this exhibit to create their own fiber art from  the art and nature around them.  This exhibit is on display at the Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore from May 21 through  August 2, 2025 and is free for all to enjoy. 

Artist Reception May 31, 2025 from 3:00-6:00pm – please join us! 

The Fiber Arts Center is located at 7 N. 4th St., Denton, MD. 21629. 

Talbot County is gearing up for the 2025 Talbot Day Celebration, set to take place on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Talbot Day marks the official birthday of the county, and the celebration will include a variety of events leading up to the big day, such as the Talbot Day Poster Contest, the Talbot Citizen & Service Awards, Talbot County Passport Challenge, Talbot Trivia, and more.

The Talbot Day Poster Contest invites residents of all ages to showcase their creativity by creating artwork inspired by the theme “Talbot Through Time.” Winning designs will be displayed in downtown Easton, and artists will have the opportunity to participate in the Talbot Day Celebration.

For complete guidelines, visit the Talbot Day Poster Contest page at talbotcountymd.gov/tdpostercontest. Poster submissions are due by Monday, April 7, 2025, and can be submitted online or delivered directly to the Talbot County Free Library, Easton Branch,100 W. Dover Street, Easton.

Posters will be on display at the Talbot County Free Library in Easton for the month of April leading up to the celebration on April 25th.

“Last year, we had an incredible response, talented artists contributed inspiring posters for the poster contest and dedicated volunteers were recognized for their invaluable service to the community during the Citizen and Service Awards,” said Sarah Kilmon, Communications Coordinator for Talbot County. “We are excited to continue these traditions in 2025, and we are grateful for the Talbot County Free Library’s partnership in showcasing the artistic talents of our community throughout the month of April.”

Both the poster contest winners and Citizen & Service Award recipients will be recognized during the Talbot Day Celebration for Friday, April 25, 2025, at 5 p.m. on the Courthouse lawn.

“Talbot Day is a wonderful opportunity to praise God, reflect on our county’s history and recognize the incredible people who make this community so special,” said Council Member Dave Stepp. “We are thrilled to celebrate Talbot County’s past, present, and future through these meaningful events.”

Questions about any of the Talbot Day programming may be directed to Sarah Kilmon at [email protected] or 410-770-8009.