The Mainstay in Rock Hall MD hosts acclaimed gospel trio Sombarkin on Saturday December 4 at 8 PM. Tickets are $20 online and $25 by phone/at the door. Information and ticket sales are available on The Mainstay’s website at www.facebook.com/mainstayrockhall and www.mainstayrockhall.org. The Mainstay is dedicated to the safety of its patrons, performers, volunteers, and employees. As such The Mainstay requires proof of full vaccination at the door with corresponding ID. Unvaccinated patrons may be admitted if they have documentation of a negative COVID test no greater than 72 hours before the show. Masks required for all patrons at indoor performances when not specifically eating or drinking. If you do not have one, The Mainstay will provide one at the door.
Saturday December 4 8 pm $20 online advance $25 phone/door
Chills and goose bumps, power, and grace- they all come with the awesome sound of Sombarkin’ featuring Karen Somerville, Lester Barrett, Jr. and Jerome McKinney. Presented with the coveted Kenny Award for their starring roles in the2016 NYC Fringe Festival performance of “Red Devil Moon” original musical theatre production; in full band accompaniment or A cappella, Sombarkin’ is a trio of vocalists whose sound is so coheseive it is amazing to discover just who is singing which part.
The group uses the skill of vocal instrumentation and harmony to deliver an explosive performance of Negro spirituals, map (code) songs, folk, gospel, and contemporary selections. Their polyphonic technique is reminiscent to the ‘ole time religion’ and ‘campground’ style. They bring a soulful sound with surprising jazz licks and blues bends; crafted to impress the ear with the quality of an ensemble greater in number than the trio that stands before you.
Sombarkin’ comes to The Mainstay stage to present original and cover pieces from “Up and Over” their new 2022 album sponsored by the Hedgelawn Foundation. With the incomparable piano of Gerry Werner and the shore’s timekeeper Ray Anthony on drums, the trio will deliver a full gospel repertoire featuring the best of their ole’ and new compositions.
The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street. It is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit dedicated to the arts, serving Rock Hall, MD and the surrounding region and is committed to presenting local, regional and national level talent, at a reasonable price, in an almost perfect acoustic setting. Information and advance ticket sales are available on the Mainstay’s website www.mainstayrockhall.org and information for supporting The Mainstay can be found at www.mainstayrockhall.org/sponsors.
Upcoming Mainstay performances include:
December 12 Harp and Soul Holiday Show
December 13 Mainstay Monday Finale Joe Holt with Sharon and Shawn
December 31 Mainstay New Year’s Eve Potluck with Joe Holt
Lagana took his professional education to a new level by obtaining a Masters in Music at Towson University with a dual focus on both jazz and classical guitar performance. While at Towson, Lagana was awarded second prize in the prestigious Sidney Lieberman Competition. Normally won by pianists, Lagana was the first guitarist to be recognized in the history of that competition. Lagana’s work in higher education has not been limited to musical performance: His in-depth analysis of the work of Pat Metheny was published by Just Jazz Guitar magazine in two issues in 2005 and was endorsed by Metheny himself. Following up on his academic successes, Lagana has served on the faculty at Towson University as well as in his current position at University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Duke worked with the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet in 1960 before joining the quintet co-led by Byrd and baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams. He toured with Nancy Wilson in 1961 and traveled with her to Brazil, which inspired the creation of one of his best-known pieces, ‘Cristo Redentor’. The tune appeared on Byrd’s Blue Note album A New Perspective (1/12/63), an ambitious recording which featured an 8-piece choir in addition to Byrd’s septet. After the death of saxophonist Ike Quebec on January 16th, 1963, Duke took his place as A & R man for Blue Note and continued in that capacity when Liberty records purchased the label from founder Alfred Lion in 1966 (Lion retired in 1967). Duke’s arranging skills were used by many Blue Note artists and he later served as producer for a number of sessions. He also recorded for Atlantic records during this time, although one session was lost in a warehouse fire.
