Music, Music, Music – from classical to contemporary – will fill the Charles Sumner Post #25 of the G.A.R. during the next two weeks, just as it did decades ago. Mark your calendar and join us at one or more of the following musical events:
June 1, 8:00 pm
Uptown Club at Sumner Hall: BEST KEPT SOUL.
Celebrate in the tradition of the storied Uptown Club! RiverArts pays tribute to African American tradition bearers with a cabaret featuring music of the 1950’s, 60’s & 70’s. $25.00 per ticket. Drinks and snacks available in exchange for donations to Sumner Hall. Contact RiverArts by phone 410-778-6300 or via email to reserve and pay for your tickets. Only a few tickets are left!
June 16, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Juneteenth Celebration: Live Jazz by 3 J BLUE.
Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates African American freedom, heritage and culture. Enjoy an evening of music in the tradition of the founders of Sumner Hall. $15.00 per ticket. Drinks and snacks available in exchange for donations to Sumner Hall. Reservations: via email or by calling 443-282-0023. Pay by check (now) or online (coming soon). Seating is limited.
National Music Festival Open Rehearsals at Sumner Hall. Open to the public, free of cost. No reservations needed!
June 2 – Mendelssohn String Symphony No. 11. 12 noon – 2:00 pm
June 4 – Mendelssohn String Symphony No. 11. 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
June 5 – Mendelssohn String Symphony No. 11. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
June 7 – Violin Sectional. 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
June 8 – Mozart Horn Quintet. 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
June 9 – Mozart Horn Quintet. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
June 10 – Bassoon Workshop Group Two. 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
June 10 – Bassoon Ensemble (20 bassoons). 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
New Exhibit
Thanks to a Maryland Traditions grant received by RiverArts, Airlee Johnson and Lani Seikaly curated an exhibition sharing the stories of 24 African Americans who were either black business owners, their families, their employees, or the clients of businesses open in the 50’s and 60’s. Over 15 businesses were operating on Cannon Street alone which residents described as a busy commerce area during the week and a bustling place on Friday and Saturday nights. And the infamous Charlie Graves’ Uptown Club on Calvert Street added to the vitality of the time by bringing in big name singers including James Brown, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Patti Labelle, Etta James and Ray Charles to perform.
The exhibition, which premiered at the RiverArts Studio Gallery in May 2018, is now featured at Sumner Hall. It includes interview excerpts, old photos and over 50 short Youtube videos telling the stories of growing up and/or doing business here in Chestertown in the 50’s and 60’s.
The Board and Volunteers of G.A.R. Post #25 wish to express their appreciation to RiverArts and Maryland Traditions for exhibiting Black Entrepreneurs of the 50’s and 60’s at Sumner Hall!
In addition to musical performances and exhibits, three regular Sumner Hall activities are on the schedule in the first two weeks of June. As always, learn more by checking our website.
June 7 – “Tapped” – Environmental Film and Discussion Series. Chestertown Environmental Committee, co-sponsored by ShoreRivers. 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
June 11 – Legacy Day Monthly Planning Meeting. 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm.
June 12 – ocial Action Committee. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Our first Legacy Day tee shirt campaign was so successful, we’ve decided to offer another opportunity to get one for yourself. Use this link to make a purchase and share it with all your friends and family. Support community & culture in Chestertown.
PARKING REMINDER! Please be courteous to our neighbors. There is no public parking behind our building. Most Queen Street addresses have one or two parking spaces behind the houses and residents need to have access to them at all times. In addition, the lot immediately behind Sumner Hall is private property and parking there is at your own risk. Thank you!
