CHESTERTOWN — Set against the backdrop of the Chester River and the cool breezes across the riverside Wilmer Park, the Chestertown Jazz Festival returns for its 29th edition on Saturday, Sept. 6. From noon to 5:30 p.m., 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 Mel Rapelyea will open the event with a welcome, followed by the traditional opening gospel music performance.
Saturday’s lineup, in the order of appearance, is printed below.
12:30 p.m., SOMBARKIN: The acclaimed a cappella gospel trio features the vocal talents of Karen Somerville, Lester Barrett Jr. and Jerome McKinney. They use the skill of vocal instrumentation and precision harmonies to deliver a moving and uplifting performance of 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,” a news release states.
1:30 p.m., GENERATIONS BANDING TOGETHER: This ensemble features Kent County High School band members collaborating with professional musicians, making a vibrant mix of established and emerging talent to create an inspiring intergenerational sound. Audiences will enjoy performances by local student musicians — Lynden Saunders (piano), Björn Birkmire (trombone), Beckett Vivier (alto sax and drums) and Avon Hubbard (baritone and tenor sax) — alongside their mentors Nevin Dawson (violin, vocals), Philip Dutton (piano, vocals), Bob Miller (drums), Sem Ortiz (vocals), Dave James (trumpet, band leader), Marc Quigley (guitar), Dave Sharp (bass) and Richard Stattel (bass trombone).
2:30 p.m., JERRY WELDON: 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.
Weldon 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,” a news release states.
4 p.m., DUPONT BRASS: Eclectic soul supergroup DuPont Brass is a one-of-a-kind, brass-driven supergroup hailing from the Washington, D.C. area. Born out of the musical halls of Howard University, this once humble quintet of music scholars has blossomed into a dynamic 10-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.
Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the gate. The cost for concert-goers under 21 is $15. There is no cost for anyone 12 and younger.
Advance tickets are available at www.garfieldcenter.org or by phone at 410-810-2060.
There will be food, wine and beer vendors.
No coolers, containers or pets will be permitted.
The festival’s kickoff performance was Thursday night at The Mainstay in Rock Hall with New York City-based Great American Songbook stylist/jazz vocalist Hilary Gardner in her fourth return visit.