The 29th Annual Chestertown Jazz Festival in Maryland | Sept. 6th, 2025
29th Annual Chestertown Jazz Festival Presents Jazz by the River in Wilmer Park Saturday, September 6th 12pm noon to 6pm
Wilmer Park, Chestertown, MD
Set against the backdrop of the shimmering Chester River and the cool breezes across the riverside Wilmer Park, the Chestertown Jazz Festival returns for its 29th annual festival on Saturday, September 6, 2025. From 12:00 noon to 5:30 PM, music lovers will gather under the festival’s signature white tent to enjoy a lively and soulful afternoon of jazz, gospel, and more.
Festival founder Dr. Mel Rapelyea will open the event with a warm welcome and the Festival’s traditional opening Gospel music performance.
Kick-Off Performance at The Mainstay:
On Thursday, September 4, The Mainstay in Rock Hall once again ushers in the Chestertown Jazz Festival with NYC-based Great American Songbook stylist/ jazz vocalist Hilary Gardner in her fourth return visit.
Showtime for the live concert event is 8 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance of the show and can be purchased online at mainstayrockhall.org. Phone reservations are accepted by calling (410) 639-9133 (tickets reserved by phone are $25 when paid at the door). The Mainstay is located at 5753 N Main Street in Rock Hall, Maryland.
2025 Saturday Festival Lineup
SOMBARKIN – A Cappella Gospel
The acclaimed gospel trio Sombarkin features the vocal talents of Karen Somerville, Lester Barrett, Jr. and Jerome McKinney. The group uses the skill of vocal instrumentation and precision harmonies to deliver a moving and uplifting performance of Negro spirituals, map (code) songs, folk, and gospel. And for this occasion, they will flavor a few of their pieces with Jazz. Their polyphonic technique is reminiscent of the ‘ole time religion’ and ‘campground’ styles of a cappella music that they deliver with their soulful sound.
GENERATIONS BANDING TOGETHER – Emerging & Established Talent
A musical collaboration between Kent County High School students and professional musicians. This dynamic ensemble blends youthful talent with seasoned guidance to create an inspiring intergenerational sound.
Producers include: Philip Dutton – Community musician/activist, Jodi Bortz – Kent County High School Music Director, and Judi O’Brien – KCHS band parent/community member.
Mentors and local musicians include: Dave James (band leader, trumpet), Nevin Dawson (viola), Marc Quigley (guitar), Sem Ortiz (vocals), Frank Gerber (drums), Dave Sharp (bass), and more.
With support from John Schratwieser and Hester Sachse of Kent Cultural Alliance and KCHS Band Booster president Krista Lamoreaux.
JERRY WELDON – Saxophone
Internationally renowned saxophone player, Jerry Weldon, has been on the jazz scene for more than 45 years. Some of his associations have included the legendary Lionel Hampton Orchestra, master organist Jack McDuff, and as a charter member and featured soloist with Harry Connick Jr.’s Big Band. He continues performing and recording with many of the most admired Jazz artists of our time. A “musician’s musician,” he is a first-class showman in the truest sense of the word and is sought after as a bandleader and in-demand sideman at festivals and jazz venues around the world.
DUPONT BRASS – Eclectic Soul Supergroup
DuPont Brass is a one-of-a-kind, brass-driven supergroup hailing from the DC Area. Born out of the musical halls of Howard University, this once humble quintet of music scholars has blossomed into a dynamic ten-piece force, featuring brass, a rhythm section, and vocal prowess. Their unique genre which they aptly term “Eclectic Soul,” seamlessly weaves together jazz, hip-hop, and R&B influences. Their show is an immersive experience, transcending musical boundaries and igniting a passion for their artistry. Whether through live performance, education, or multimedia collaborations, DuPont Brass continues to break boundaries and redefine what it means to be a modern musical collective.
Festival Tickets & Info:
Advance tickets available at www.garfieldcenter.org (https://www.garfieldcenter.org/) or by phone at 410-810-2060.
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