- June 19, 2026 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- June 26, 2026 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- July 3, 2026 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- July 10, 2026 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- July 17, 2026 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- July 24, 2026 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
A Southern Maryland tradition, this family-friendly music festival, and winner of two Governor's Awards for Arts, Tourism, and Community Economic Development will again be held on the St. Mary’s College Townhouse Green every Friday evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (grounds opening at 5:30 p.m.) from June 19 through July 24. Concerts are FREE of charge and open to the public.
The 2026 season kicks off with Blues Singer Stacy Brooks on Friday, June 19
Learn more about Stacy Brooks at http://www.stacysblues.com/
Friday, June 26
“From Broadway to Hollywood” - Melissa Errico, Broadway star vocalist, Randy Waldman, guest pianist
Melissa Errico is a Tony Award-nominated Broadway actress, singer, and author. Touring the world with her inimitable thematic concerts, from Singapore to Paris to San Francisco and beyond, she has built a unique niche in the world of theater and jazz – so much so that when Steven Reineke, principal conductor of the New York Pops, introduced her Carnegie Hall debut, he announced that “Melissa Errico is a unique force in the musical life of New York City: a Broadway star, a concert artist, and an author who regularly contributes essays to The New York Times. There’s really no one like her!” The Times itself summed up her appeal simply: “Any chance to hear Melissa Errico sing is a chance worth taking.”
Randy Waldman is a frequent music collaborator who has worked with Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson and Beyoncé
Friday, July 3 (no fireworks)
Music of Gershwin, Saint-Saëns and American Patriotic Favorites for our 250 Celebration
Thomas Pandolfi, piano soloist
Thomas Pandolfi is one of the leading pianists of our time. He began his career at The Juilliard School, where he caught the influential ear of Vladimir Horowitz and legendary composer Morton Gould. Since then, he has been an audience favorite, selling out Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, Strathmore, The Kennedy Center, Kiev Opera House, and many others. His performances have been broadcast worldwide.
Ballet Caliente, Sheryl-Marie Dunaway (artistic director)
Sheryl-Marie Dunaway began her dance training at age 3 with British Ballet Academy and has taught dance for over 30 years. Her Ballet Caliente troupe has performed at the River Concert Series several times with the Chesapeake Orchestra.
Friday, July 10
José Cueto, violin
José Cueto received his early musical training in his native Puerto Rico. He studied at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, where he earned two degrees. Cueto is in great demand as a chamber musician, having performed at music festivals around the world. He is artist-in-residence at St. Mary's College of Maryland and a lecturer at the Peabody Conservatory.
Zachary Silberschlag, trumpet
Zachary Silberschlag is principal trumpet of The Iceland Symphony since 2025 and assistant principal trumpet of the Israel Philharmonic since 2024. Previously he was principal trumpet of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra in Honolulu for five seasons. He performs regularly at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In summer 2023, he performed on Broadway in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Bad Cinderella."
Kathryn Farenish, flute
Kathyrn Farenish made her solo debut at Carnegie Hall at the age of 16. With degrees from The Juilliard School, she is an active orchestral and chamber musician as well as a music educator throughout the Northern Virginia area. She also maintains her own active private studio.
Friday, July 17
“Brazilian Night with Débora Watts”
Débora Watts, Brazilian singer/songwriter
Débora Watts grew up near Rio de Janeiro believing she was going to be a scientist. She moved to New York City in 1993 to become a pharmacist and ended up, influenced by her future husband (musician John Watts), becoming a vocalist and solo artist. Her first album was released in 2010. A second collection, this one of all original compositions, was released in 2017.
John Watts, pianist
John Watts is a composer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, producer, educator, and musical director whose work spans Brazilian jazz, musical theater, classical, sacred, and contemporary popular music. His degree in theory and composition is from Brown University. He co-founded The Off Wall Street Jam, a groundbreaking New York musicians' organization featured in The New York Times, Fornes, New York Magazine, the BBC and ABC News.
Friday, July 24
“A Classic Finale”
Music of Mozart, Rossini, Haydn and more
Jeff Silberschlag
The River Concert Series and the appearances of The Chesapeake Orchestra are made possible by the generous contributions of sponsors, individual donations, The Maryland State Arts Council, The St. Mary’s County Arts Council and Commissioners of St. Mary's County.