EASTON.... For the past 20 years, Michael Brophy has been an internationally recognized silversmith who has produced work for the well-known firms of Tiffany, Steuben, Gorham and DeBeers. In addition, he has received commissions for trophies for the Indianapolis 500, the Arena Football League and the PGA. As an instructor, Brophy taught silversmithing to students at the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, and the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, both in Massachusetts.

In addition, Brophy’s work has been featured in the book CONTEMPORARY SILVER: COMMISSIONING, DESIGNING, CREATING while a framed bowl designed by architect Richard Meier was in the Renwick Gallery’s Modernism in American Silver: 20th Century Design.

Silversmith Michael Brophy opens on Friday, December 5 at 6pm in conjunction with Monumental Forms: Drawings, Models and Sculpture by Albert Paley with a special members' reception.

EASTON.... The Academy Art Museum presents Monumental Forms: Drawings, Models and Sculpture by Albert Paley (December 6, 2008 - February 9, 2009), which highlights the elaborate drawings and meticulous models Paley uses to make his proposals for public commissions, and from which full-scale components are fabricated. In addition, the exhibition includes completed sculptures and architectural elements from projects worldwide, and photographs of the celebrated monumental public works for which Paley is known.

Few artists of our time can claim direct influence on the lives of the public. With scores of installations in parks, universities and other public spaces, Albert Paley stands alone as America’s pre-eminent metal sculptor. The Academy Art Museum is fortunate to bring the work of this extraordinary artist to the Eastern Shore. Unlike most artists working in large scale, Paley produces the works himself in his Rochester, New York studio, coaxing effortless and fluid forms from an unforgiving material.

Trained in the 1960’s as a goldsmith, Paley began forging seemingly impossible forms in precious materials, quickly reaching the top of the contemporary jewelry field. His search for greater challenges led to a competition entry for the gates to the Smithsonian Institution’s Renwick Gallery in 1974. Paley’s now-famous Portal Gates were, in fact, his first project larger than candlesticks, and became a touchstone for the metalworking community worldwide. Since then, he has created over fifty major site-specific works including the Wortham Center in Houston, the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, the St. Louis Zoo, the Cleveland Botannical Garden and most recently, the National Harbor in Alexandria.

From the smallest jewelry piece to the 85-foot tall Harbor sculpture, Paley’s works are triumphant. He brings a heroic pageantry into play, using form and motion to celebrate humanity, whether on the body or in an architectural space. His works, however, are more than decorative, employing a rigorous classical design process and a thirty-year mastery of a demanding Modern material. Monumental Forms: Drawings, Models and Sculpture by Albert Paley will allow museum visitors a rare glimpse beyond the giant public works to their conception and development.

Monumental Forms: Drawings, Models and Sculpture by Albert Paley is curated by Lorry Parks Dudley who curated Art for Everyday: Designed to be Different and Talbot County Collects: A Contemporary Vision for the Academy Art Museum. Dudley also curated and installed Albert Paley: A Dialogue of Architecture, Decorative Arts and Design for the Chicago Design Show at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago IL. Lorry Parks Dudley is an internationally recognized expert in late 20th Century design, decorative arts and furniture. The premiere U.S. representative of Memphis / Milano in the 80’s, Dudley is founding director of Peter Joseph Gallery in the early 90’s and Director of Retail Sales for Vitra and the Vitra Design Museum from 1994 to 2005. Dudley is a Sales Manager for Alessi USA and represents Moroso and Maharam Accessories in the U.S.

EASTON....THE VANISHING LANDSCAPE is the name of Shirley Hampton Hunt’s exhibit of photos of abandoned houses, barns & churches on the Eastern Shore. At the Historical Society of Talbot County Museum, in Easton.

EASTON....Images With Words By Joe Mayer at The Studio Gallery.

The sub title for this exhibit of 21 new images on paper could be, ³Some Musings by An Old "New Age" Junkie. For the past forty years Joe Mayer has been hooked on the writings of Pop Culture icons like Paul Williams, Deepak Chopra, Dwayne Dwyer, and, most recently, Fred Wolfe who delves into Quantum Physics. In March of this year Joe decided to do a series of small works on paper, which would include quotes and ideas from some of his favorite publications such as "Das Energi" by Paul Williams, "What The Bleep Do We Know" and "Secrets" by Rhonda Byrne.

Putting text in your paintings is tricky says Mayer. The results can vary from sophomoric to totally incomprehensible. But, when the artist can make the image with words resonate with the viewer, the results can be extraordinary.

The exhibit opens Friday July 6th at The Studio Gallery located at #10 South Street in Easton. Studio Gallery will be open until 9pm on July 6th with a reception and is open Thursday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. or by appointment.

EASTON....Two WWII flight crew members open "Naughty Nose Art" at Easton Airport - Flight engineer and navigator recall days in high-flying B-29s

Visitors to the Easton Airport can see "Naughty Nose Art" and other titled photographs outside the Hangar Café these days. Women's curves, initially painted by Air Corps personnel in the World War II era, and other detailed images were captured by husband and wife photographers Don Stukey and Glenda Singer Stukey. Most of the photographs were collected at the airport during a fly-in of World War II aircraft this past October, which included a B-17 Flying Fortress, a B-24 Liberator and a B-25 Mitchell.

Also included in the photography display are two photographs from the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, that honors American soldiers who died in Europe during the war. Two members of World War II flight crews helped open the photography exhibit on Friday at 3 p.m.

Milton James, 87, was a flight engineer for three years, from Sept. 9, 1942 to Oct. 1, 1945, taking part in 37 bombing missions on board a B-29 Superfortress.

William Ginder, 86, was a navigator from 1945-46 onboard a B-29 based at Tinian Island. One of the B-29s on the island, the Enola Gay, dropped the world's first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945. Both men were in their early 20s while participating in the war.

James said only one surviving B-29, Fifi, is airworthy but is too large to land at Easton airport. James, Ginder, and the Stukeys are all residents of Cooke's Hope in Easton. Of James' 37 missions, 26 flew out of China and the rest out of Tinian.

"They (B-29s) were designed to do high-altitude bombing," said James. "But bombing from where we were in China to reach Japan was always a 17- to 18-hour mission and you had to carry mostly all gasoline and no bombs. And at high altitude you couldn't hit anything. Nobody could. The bombing was very inefficient from high altitude. Then when we moved to Tinian, to the islands, we could fly at 50 feet off the ocean all the way up to Japan with a whole lot of bombs and not a lot of gasoline."

Flying from Tinian, the United States Army Air Corps had a lot of success. "When we got to Tinian, we just burned Japan down," said James. "We just burned every city down with low-altitude firebombing." James said his crew of 11 received its most anti-aircraft resistance on a raid on the Mitsubishi factory that made Japanese Zero airplanes.

"Mid-air kamikaze ramming [by zero planes] was our biggest fright I would guess, it was mine anyhow," said James. "I can't speak for all of them. They would ram you in mid-air. Of course that's awful hard to escape." Crew members that were able to bail out in time, often found the parachute descent just as fatal. Some, though, were lucky enough to be rescued.

"When we bombed a lot of those cities that were seaports, like Tokyo and Yokohama, and different places, the United States Navy had submarines right in the harbor," said James. "When we were briefed before the missions, they would say there's a submarine here, there's a submarine there. I was amazed at the fact that the Navy could put submarines right there and they saved a lot of our men who bailed out. "The big problem though, if you were lucky enough to bail out, the Japanese would shoot you as you were floating down and then they'd shoot you in the water if you landed in the water. It was a typical war."

James, who grew up in Baltimore County, flew his last nine missions from Tinian with an entirely new crew. The day after he left the island, the entire crew was killed in an operational accident.
,br> Ginder, who grew up in Hyattsville, was part of a replacement bombing crew on Tinian and flew in five missions as a navigator for the 20th Army Air Corps, 58th Bomb Wing. "You had to know the coastline of Japan by heart," said Ginder. "Each bomber flew individually, not (in formation) like in Europe," Ginder said. "Depending on where you were in the bombing schedule, you could see fires all the way to the target. They were using cluster bombs then." Ginder said he used radar and LORAN to navigate the B-29.

Stukey said he became interested in photography while working for the FBI for 30 years and that he has "always been interested in military aircraft." His son, Andrew, a chief petty officer, is on his third tour of duty in Iraq, currently serving on the USS Firebolt. He leads boarding teams looking for contraband on ships.

The photography is the latest exhibit of the airport's "Art in the Airport" program that gives local artists a venue to display their work. "We're especially pleased with this one because it includes aviation pictures," said airport manager Mike Henry. "But we welcome all types of art. They change once a month. … We've sold some pieces from here for the artists. On Saturdays and Sundays, when people are waiting to get in to eat lunch or breakfast, it gives them a little something extra to look at in the terminal as well."

EASTON....While William Shakespeare’s tragedies seem to be his best-known plays, his best-loved works are his comedies. Perhaps they lend themselves best to the Bard’s legendary gift for wordplay. Perhaps they are the source of his most memorable characters. Or perhaps theatergoers would simply rather laugh than cry.

Regardless, you’re in luck. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, on the Twelfth Night of Christmas, ArtHouse Live Productions will present, as a fundraiser for the Historical Society of Talbot County, a staged reading of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Or What You Will, at the Historical Society Auditorium, at 17 S. Washington St. After the play, theatergoers will repair to the Inn at 202 Dover, where they will be served complimentary wassail and king cake, traditional Twelfth Night fare.

Like many of Shakespeare's comedies, this one centers on mistaken identity. The leading character, Viola (Christine Valeo), is shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria during the opening scenes. She loses contact with her twin brother, Sebastian (Ross Phillips), who she believes has drowned. Unbeknownst to her, Sebastian survives and is befriended by Antonio (Jo Tanner Bantum), a sailor who has an unfriendly history with the island’s ruler.

Posing as a eunuch named Cesario, Viola enters the service of Duke Orsino (B.J. Burbidge). Orsino is in love with the bereaved Lady Olivia (Cecile Davis), whose brother has recently died. The duke decides to use "Cesario" as an intermediary. Olivia, believing Viola to be a man, falls in love with this handsome and eloquent messenger. Viola, in turn, has fallen in love with the Duke, who also believes Viola is a man, and who regards her as his confidant.

Can even a Cupid armed with a semi-automatic bow sort this out? Can everyone – anyone! – attain his or her true heart’s desire? Stick around. All will be revealed in the fullness of time.

Much of the play is taken up with the comic subplot, in which several characters conspire to make Olivia's pompous head steward, Malvolio (John Swann), believe his lady Olivia wishes to marry him. It involves Olivia's uncle, Sir Toby Belch (Steve Clyburn); her would-be suitor, a gullible squire named Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Patrick J. Fee); her servants, Maria (Judy Amdur) and Fabian (Thurman Bryan); and her father's favorite fool, Feste (Charley Baker). Sir Toby and Sir Andrew disturb the peace of their lady's house by drinking, carousing, keeping late hours and perpetually singing at the very top of their voices, prompting Malvolio to chastise them. This is the basis for Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Maria's revenge on Malvolio.

Maria, Sir Toby and Sir Andrew convince Malvolio that Olivia is secretly in love with him, and write a letter in her hand, asking Malvolio to wear yellow stockings cross-gartered, be rude to the rest of the servants, and to smile in all circumstances. Olivia, saddened by Viola's attitude to her, asks for her chief steward, and is shocked by Malvolio, who has seemingly lost his mind. She leaves him to the contrivances of his tormentors.

Herb Ziegler and Logan McCormick each play multiple roles, and Jazmine Gibson and Kelly Davis help the audience keep track of the characters’ comings and goings. Twelfth Night is based on the short story "Of Apolonius and Silla" by Barnabe Rich, which in turn was based on a story by Matteo Bandello. It is named after the Twelfth Night holiday of the Christmas season. It was written around the turn of the 17th century and first published in the First Folio in 1623.

To focus attention on Shakespeare’s immortal dialogue, Directors Pete Howell and Tim Weigand opted for a staged reading format. No sets, no props, no costumes, no makeup. Just the actors, the dialogue that has endured for more than four centuries, and plenty of attitude.

Tickets for Twelfth Night are $25, and are available at the Historical Society of Talbot County Museum, at 25 S. Washington St. (Call 410-822-0773). Barring an advance sellout, tickets will also be available at the door.

Complimentary Wassail and King Cake following the performance at the Inn at 202 Dover, Easton.

ST. MICHAELS....Senior Gathering - every Wednesday at the St. Michaels Community Center from 10:30 am - 1 pm, seniors are welcome to enjoy a great meal and good company. Each week a new activity followed by a delicious meal. Every 2nd Wednesday is Bingo and every 3rd Wednesday is Art Class. Other activities include speakers on various topics of health, travel, finance, crafts or recreation. Everyone is welcome. For more information call Trish at 410-745-6073.

EASTON....1:00 & 7:00 pm - Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees is the moving tale of Lily Owens, a 14-year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Based on the best-selling book by Sue Monk Kidd, the film stars Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Sophie Okonedo, and Alicia Keys.

From Roger Ebert – “I have great affection for this film because it honors a novel that many people loved for good reasons. It isn't superior, nor does it dumb it down. It sees what is good and honors it. The South was most likely not like this in 1964. That was the year the Civil Rights Act was passed, and a year before the Voting Rights Act became law. The Boatwright farm, as I said, is really a dream. But in those hard days, people needed dreams.”

Rating: PG-13
Released: October 17, 2008
Run Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
www.foxsearchlight.com/thesecretlifeofbees/
Admission: $7.50

Directions: Easton Cinemas is located off route 322 and Marlboro Road in the Tred Avon Shopping Center next to Jo Ann Fabrics and across the street from Loews Hardware.

EASTON....Easton Volunteer Fire Department, 315 Aurora Street / 410-822-4848

- Doors open at 6:30 P.M.
- Games start at 7:30 P.M.
- Intermission at 8:30 P.M.
- Food provided by the EVFD Auxiliary

EASTON....The Avalon Theatre is pleased to announce the return of one of the greatest jazz musicians and educators of all time - Wynton Marsalis.

Because of the great demand for tickets we had when he played here in 2005, Wynton has agreed to play a special weekend engagement at the Avalon (he really liked the theater and Easton). He will play Friday, Jan. 9 and Saturday, Jan. 10. Both shows will be at 8 p.m.

For more information, call the Avalon's box office at 410-822-7299.

ST. MICHAELS....The Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL), which is sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, will offer a new program called Meet the Author: The Sheldon Goldgeier Lecture Series. The sessions run from 1:30 to 3pm on Fridays at the Steamboat Building Auditorium at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

The Series will feature the following three authors who will discuss the writing of their books.

January 9: Dr. James Goldgeier will review his recently co-authored and widely acclaimed book, America Between the Wars, from 11/9 to 9/11 The Misunderstood Years Between the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the start of the War on Terror.

February 13: Stephanie Fowler of Salisbury will discuss the local histories that make up the main stories in The Crossings, her collection of creative non-fiction Eastern Shore short stories that earned her the coveted Sphie Kerr prize.

March 13: Sue Ellen Thompson of Oxford, the author of four books of poetry and the editor of The Autumn House Anthology of Contemporary American Poetry, will read from her own works and those of other poets. Two of her books were nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

For further information on enrolling in any of these courses, call Helen Van Fleet, ALL Class Coordinator, at 410-745-2916 or visit www.cbmm.org/all.html

EASTON....8pm / $15 - presented by Mangold Entertainment.

The NEW NightCat presents Erin Bode.

Vocalist Erin Bode (pronounced BOH-DEE) has a beautiful, crystal clear voice that is too exquisite to miss. She has consistently won over audiences with her sweet personality and sincere performances. Her distinctive repertoire and crossover appeal - evoking comparisons to Eva Cassidy and Norah Jones - have proven equally at home in grand venues or relaxed clubs.

Buy Tickets: www.annapolistickets.com/

EASTON....7pm / $12 - Presented by Mangold Entertainment at the NEW NightCat, 5 Goldsborough Street.

Irish based trio, The Guggenheim Grotto are; Kevin May, Mick Lynch and Shane Power; multi-instrumentalists, completely at home in charge of a breathtaking array of instruments both onstage and in the studio.

Together as a duo since 2003, Mick and Kevin cut their teeth playing the Dublin songwriter circuit. Having produced and recorded a collection of five songs in the confines of Kevin’s tiny flat, in 2004 they approached Shane (a busy musician and studio engineer) to put the finishing touches to what resulted in the self-released ‘A Lifetime In Heat’ EP. Instantly impressed by what he heard, Shane and the duo kept in touch, exchanging ideas, occasionally gigging together and eventually combining talents to form the line-up which then set about recording their first Album.

Buy Tickets: www.annapolistickets.com/

TRAPPE....Celebrating its 9th consecutive year, Trappe United Methodist Church hosts a Country Church Breakfast on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month from 7 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

The down home, all-you-can-eat menu includes eggs, pancakes, French toast, warm syrup, grits, home-fried potatoes, sausage (nitrate free and fresh ground by Simmons Center Market in Cambridge), scrapple, sausage gravy, biscuits, strawberry preserves, coffee, tea, orange juice, and tomato juice.

TUMC is also the home of the "Martha's Closet" Yard Sale and Community Outreach Store, which is always open during the breakfast and also every Wednesday from 8:30 until noon.

ST. MICHAELS....You are invited to the Eastern Shore's most elegant Bridal Show. Experience couture bridal gowns and the designer details for planning your wedding. Meet the premier wedding professionals, sample gourmet foods, take part in cutting edge seminars, and attend our designer fashion show. Join us as we help you plan an unforgettable experience! Special discount for Chamber Members exhibitors.

Sunday, January 11, 2009 - From Noon - 4pm

Harbourtowne Golf Resort and Conference Center

Tickets to the Bridal Show:
Pre-registration ~ $12
Day of Registration ~ $15

Hosted by the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce (410) 822-4653

Maryann Judy ~ Bridal Show Coordinator of Ambiance Distinctive Weddings and Events (410) 819-0046

EASTON....Bay Country Chorus invites you to visit its rehearsals....singers and visitors welcome. Looking for prospective members.

They meet Monday evenings at 7pm - Trinity Cathedral, 315 Goldsborough Street, Easton, at the rear of the church in Miller Hall.

Be prepared for an evening of singing, fun, and fellowship in the "Barbershop Style of Music."

ST. MICHAELS....the Newcomers meetings are held at the SMCC room, across the parking lot from the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Anyone new to Talbot County is welcomed to join us. Enjoy meeting new friends and discover helpful information and tips on how to get the most out of our beautiful corner of the world. If you'd like to know more or you'd like to be added to the Newsletter list, call Jo-Anne Vaughn at 410-745-0564 or SMCC (St. Michaels Community Center)

ST. MICHAELS....Chess enthusiasts meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at SMCC (St. Michaels Community Center) from 1 - 3 pm. Everyone is welcome, novice to expert. Instruction is available. Contact Bob Fairbank at 410-822-4266 for more information.

ST. MICHAELS....9AM TO 12PM - Christ Episcopal Church, Parish Hall.

This three half day intensive drawing course for artists of all levels includes topics all artists need to master. The first day will explore seeing vs. knowing, using a viewfinder, finding shapes, "blind" contour drawing, and restating.

Day two continues with the study of alignment, plumb and level lines, comparative measurements, foreshortening, basic perspective and drawing through.

The final day will explore values, mapping, and modeling.

Katie Cassidy is a well-known and gifted instructor, particularly in the medium of pastel painting, as well as drawing, portraiture and the human figure. Katie received her BA in Art from the University of Maryland. She teaches portraiture and pastel painting at the Academy Art Museum.

The cost of the workshop is $100 for St. Michaels Art League members and $125 for non-members.

Go to "workshops" at www.stmichaelsartleague.org for a registration form.

ST. MICHAELS....What does the future hold for the Chesapeake Bay? Get a better idea at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on January 15 at 7 p.m. Author and scholar Jack Greer of Maryland Sea Grant College will kick-off a series of discussions on challenges facing the Bay in the 21st century.

Greer is well qualified to lead such a discussion. He is the co-author and co-editor of "Chesapeake Futures: Choices for the 21st Century," a book that was published by the Chesapeake Bay Program, a unique regional partnership that has coordinated the restoration work on the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed since 1983.

Greer has written numerous articles on the health and people of the Bay and launched Chesapeake Quarterly, Maryland Sea Grant's magazine-style journal. He was tapped to help lead the multi-state/federal Chesapeake Bay Program, serving as key facilitator for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Blue Ribbon Finance Panel and overseeing the production of the final report.. Greer is assistant director for communications and public affairs at Maryland Sea Grant College.

Greer is known for his ability to reach across audiences and synthesize research and viewpoints from different disciplines. His approach dovetails perfectly with the Maritime Museum's new initiative. "Chesapeake Futures" is a discussion that CBMM is facilitating among national scholars in the historic, scientific, cultural and environmental fields; regional policy-makers; and innovative exhibit and media planners and designers. The result of this 18-month planning and research effort will be a conceptual design for a major new exhibition, programs, and publications.

"This represents a major new initiative for the Museum," said CBMM President Stuart Parnes. "Our mission to inspire stewardship of the Bay's culture and environment depends on our ability to relate our shared history to our present lives and to the future of the Bay. With funding from the National Park Service, Chesapeake Bay Gateways Program, and the Maryland Historical Trust, this process is designed to engage the Bay's stakeholders in a discussion about how to make informed decisions about the future of the endangered watershed. The Museum will provide a forum for driving this dialogue and will turn it into a number of products and programs that the public will be able to see and experience."

Greer's kick-off presentation on the planning and research phase of "Chesapeake Futures" makes a lot of sense-he literally wrote the book on it. His talk will outline the likely consequences of some of the choices we are now making for the Bay. He'll look at potential outcomes in the form of three scenarios for the year 2030. The first is based on recent trends, without a major change in behaviors and actions. The second scenario looks at changes that are set forth in existing multi-jurisdictional Bay agreements. The third choice examines alternatives if a series of additional innovative programs and new technologies are put in place.

Greer earned his PhD from the University of Maryland and his bachelors degree from the University of Virginia. He has been awarded the APEX award for excellence in journalism, has published a number of poems and short stories and has won two awards from the Maryland Humanities Council for his writing. A hardcover collection of short stories about the sea, "Abrahams Bay & Other Stories," will be published by Dryad Press in January 2009.

The "Chesapeake Futures" program will take place on Thursday, January 15, at 7 p.m. in the Museum's Steamboat Building Auditorium. The cost is $12 for CBMM members and $15 for non-members and includes light refreshments. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please call the Museum at 410-745-2916 or visit their website at www.cbmm.org.

EASTON....1:00 & 7:00 pm -Flash of Genius.
Greg Kinnear plays Robert Kearns, the inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper, who spent most of his life battling the Detroit automakers he charged with stealing his invention. Graham, plays Phyllis Kearns, who watches her husband's obsession with legal retribution suffocate their marriage and put a strain on their children.

Rating: PG-13
Released: October 3, 2008
Run Time: 1 hour 59 minutes
Admission: $7.50
www.flashofgenius.net/

Directions: Easton Cinemas is located off route 322 and Marlboro Road in the Tred Avon Shopping Center next to Jo Ann Fabrics and across the street from Loews Hardware.

EASTON....8pm - $25.
Talk about your country music royalty! Carlene Carter (daughter of June Carter Cash and granddaughter of Maybelle Carter) is a trailblazer who bucked the Nashville establishment and became a huge success playing the music as she heard it (just like much of her family) - her style laid the foundation for many of the country, alt-country and rock-style country artists who have become popular over the last 20 years. Expect an evening of up-tempo and passionate music, great lyrics and fantastic showmanship coming from someone who has, literally, learned from country’s best.

ST. MICHAELS...."Chase away your January blues" at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 304 Talbot Street, St. Michaels.

The 19th Annual Spaghetti Dinner will be held on Friday, January 16, 2009, from 4:30 to 7: 00 P.M. "All You Can Eat: for only $10.00 (Children 11 and under $4.00) Take-outs will be available.

For fantastic food, family fun and fine fellowship call the church office at 410-745-2534 for ticket information.

EASTON....8pm / $12 - Presented by Mangold Entertainment at the NEW NightCat, 5 Goldsborough Street.

It's a risky business to meet your musical heroes. They can shatter your illusions in a word. Or they can turn out to be the people you dream them to be.

So far, the Teenage Prayers are two-for-two on the winning side of that equation. In 2005, Grammy-winning soul legend Solomon Burke offered to produce a final track for their first album, Ten Songs, flew the New York group to LA and did just that. In 2006, Steve Wynn -- founder of the Dream Syndicate and 30-year hero of the DIY rock world -- watched the Teenage Prayers open a gig for him. He, too, offered to produce them. The result: Everyone Thinks You’re the Best.

Buy Tickets: www.annapolistickets.com/

EASTON....7pm / $15 - Presented by Mangold Entertainment at the NEW NightCat, 5 Goldsborough Street.

Buy Tickets: www.annapolistickets.com/

EASTON....8pm - $30.
Keller Williams is his own man and sounds like nobody else. This crafty singer and guitarist guarantees an evening of inventive songs, great guitar playing and good-natured fun. A favorite on the acoustic scene for years because of his high energy and skill (he deftly combines rock, folk, blues, reggae, jazz and country), Williams’ performances always have audiences traveling from far and near to hear him play. Fans of Martin Sexton, Alejandro Escovedo, John Hiatt and Steve Earle (who aren’t already fans of Williams) will want to check him out.

EASTON....7pm - The Talbot Partnership Presents Janet’s “Off the Hook” Party.

Talbot Partnership is honoring the retirement of its founding executive director, Janet Pfeffer. Off the Hook, her favorite band, supplies the music. Proceeds benefit drug and substance abuse programs in Talbot County. $25 minimum donation suggested. For ticket info, call 410-819-8067.

EASTON....St. Mark's UMC of Easton will hold a reformation day concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, January 18 with the Cantiamo Vocal Quartet. Additional programs for 2009 will be announced.

For details, contact Jack Batty at 410-770-3867 or jcbattygoeaston.net

OXFORD....Oxford Community Center.

Celebration to honor Dr. Marin Luther King, Jr. on the occasion of the holiday honoring his name.
Free - all are welcome.

For more information, please call 410-226-5904.

EASTON....Bay Country Chorus invites you to visit its rehearsals....singers and visitors welcome. Looking for prospective members.

They meet Monday evenings at 7pm - Trinity Cathedral, 315 Goldsborough Street, Easton, at the rear of the church in Miller Hall.

Be prepared for an evening of singing, fun, and fellowship in the "Barbershop Style of Music."

ST. MICHAELS....The Newcomers Book Club has released its reading selections for 2008-2009.

The club meets on the third Monday of each month, except July and August, from 1 to 3 p.m. Meeting venues include the St. Michaels Library and members' homes.

The books selected for the coming year are as follows.

January: A Tale of Two Cities

February: Three Cups of Tea

March: Gaudy Night

April: Return of the Native

May: A Thousand Splendid Suns

June: Song Yet Sung

Barbara Brown and Jennifer Martella are running the club for 2008-2009. For more information, contact Martella at 410-745-3117 or jmartellaaol.com.

WYE MILLS....7PM - "When a child loves you for a long, long time...then you become real." So says the Horse to the Velveteen Rabbit in Margery Williams' famous and much-loved literary classic. A plush rabbit, given as a gift to a young boy, yearns for the day when the boy will love the rabbit enough so that he can become real. An original musical score, live singers, life-sized puppets, masks, and magic bring this charming tale of love and devotion to life.

Tickets: $10 children, $12 adults Location: Todd Performing Arts Center, Theatre - Chesapeake College.

EASTON.... The entire museum of American History has been renovated. According to the Smithsonian: "Visitors will enter a dramatic five-story sky-lit atrium, surrounded by artifact displays filled with more than 400 objects showcasing the breadth and depth of the museum’s three million objects representing the cultural, social, technological and political history of the United States. " See the Star Spangled Banner in it's new climate controlled enviornment and 19 other exhibits.

For additional information, call 410-822-0773 .

EASTON....Upcoming Dates: December 18.

Manhattan Transfer founder Erin Dickins sings your favorite great jazz standards, Gershwin, Cole Porter, and 30's ballads at Scossa Lounge - Alternate Thursdays 7-9pm.

Ms. Dickins has performed and recorded with the Manhattan Transfer as well as with many well-known artists including: James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler, The Talking Heads, Yoko Ono, Jim Croce, Randy Newman, Janis Ian, Roberta Flack, Barry Manilow, Ashford and Simpson, Leonard Cohen, Dr. John and Levon Helm.

Known for her command as a vocalist, Ms. Dickins` sultry expressive style and engaging personality captivate audiences. Look for her new CD, slated for release in June 2009.

Featuring pianist David Zipse with Chris Levey on bass.

$12 Cover Charge, Bar menu available.

Reservations: 410-822-2202
Scossa Restaurant
8 North Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601
www.scossarestaurant.com

EASTON....The Duchess - 1:00 & 7:00 pm.
Set at the end of the eighteenth century, The Duchess is the story of the beautiful and, glamorous Georgiana Spencer, the most fascinating woman of the age.

While her beauty and charisma made her name, her extravagant tastes and appetite for gambling and love made her infamous. Married young to the older, distant Duke of Devonshire, intimate of ministers and princes, Georgiana became a fashion icon, a doting mother, a shrewd political operator and darling of the common people. But at the core of her story is a desperate search for love.

From Georgiana's passionate and doomed affair with Earl Grey to the complex ménage à trois with her husband and her best friend, Lady Bess Foster, The Duchess is a very contemporary tale of fame, notoriety and the search for love.

Rating: PG-13
Released: September 19, 2008
Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Admission: $7.50
www.theduchessmovie.com/

Directions: Easton Cinemas is located off route 322 and Marlboro Road in the Tred Avon Shopping Center next to Jo Ann Fabrics and across the street from Loews Hardware.

EASTON....8pm - $18.
Kevin Short and Friends w/ Gino Bailey & Peter Howard – “Audio Techs Takeover”

The audio techs from Mid-South Audio, the Avalon’s exclusive sound company, take the stage for a night of mixing and playing – come see the crew that helps make the room sound so great. When Larry Gatlin played the Avalon a few years back, Kevin Short of Little as Much almost stole the show. He will be joined by Ed Schockley (The Funsters), Billy West and Brian Lynch, with Pete Howard and “Sound Man Extraordinaire” Gino Bailey opening the show.

EASTON....Easton Middle School Theatre Department presents: The Sound of Music, January 23, 24, 30, 31 at 7:00pm and January 25 at 3:00pm

Bring the whole family to see the hills come alive when Easton Middle School presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's, The Sound of Music.

We would like to invite you to 1938 Austria as Maria, a postulant at Nonnberg Abbey, is sent out to be governess to the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp. The children, initially hostile and mischievous, soon come to like the courageous Maria as she works to loosen the Captain's strict policies and brings love, strength, and most of all music back into the household. The music is what eventually causes the realization that a house is not a home without the joy and love of family.

Tickets will be on sale in advance at Easton Middle School or at the door. Prices are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.

ST. MICHAELS....St. Michaels Community Center will hold a Chesapeake Community Dance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Parish Hall of Christ Church in St. Michaels. An introductory dance lesson will precede the event at 7 p.m.

The dance will feature caller Laura Brown and live music by Melodius Thunk with Karen Ashbrook and Paul Oorts, award winning multi-instrumentalists and recording artists. No experience or partner is required.

The goal of the event is to build enough community interest to support a continuing monthly dance series every fourth Saturday, and create opportunities for local musicians.

For details, call 410-745-5654; e-mail busygrahamgmail.com; or visit www.stmichaelscc.org

The Chesapeake Community Dance Series is presented by Carpe Diem Arts Productions in partnership with St. Michaels Community Center and St. Michaels Studio, and is made possible in part by Christ Church.

TRAPPE....Celebrating its 9th consecutive year, Trappe United Methodist Church hosts a Country Church Breakfast on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month from 7 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

The down home, all-you-can-eat menu includes eggs, pancakes, French toast, warm syrup, grits, home-fried potatoes, sausage (nitrate free and fresh ground by Simmons Center Market in Cambridge), scrapple, sausage gravy, biscuits, strawberry preserves, coffee, tea, orange juice, and tomato juice.

TUMC is also the home of the "Martha's Closet" Yard Sale and Community Outreach Store, which is always open during the breakfast and also every Wednesday from 8:30 until noon.

EASTON....8pm - $25.
Sue Matthews and Stef Scaggiari – A Tribute to George and Ira Gershwin.

This talented pair (Matthews sings and Scaggiari plays piano) has performed at the Avalon before, entertaining fans of jazz, blues, standards and show tunes. This time, they visit playing the music of the great American composers, George & Ira Gershwin (“Summertime,” “The Man I Love,” I Got Rhythm”).

www.suematthewsmusic.com
www.missleproductions.com

EASTON....Bay Country Chorus invites you to visit its rehearsals....singers and visitors welcome. Looking for prospective members.

They meet Monday evenings at Trinity Cathedral, 315 Goldsborough Street, Easton, at the rear of the church in Miller Hall.

Be prepared for an evening of singing, fun, and fellowship in the "Barbershop Style of Music."

EASTON....Harrison Street Book Club meets the last Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the bookstore, located at 27 S. Harrison St.

EASTON....Cadillac Records - 1:00 & 7:00 pm.

The period piece follows the rise and fall of Chess Records, which launched the careers of such R&B greats as Muddy Waters, Etta James and Chuck Berry. Chess, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, scoured the South, checking out the various blues scenes and selling records from the back of his Cadillac.

Rating: R
Released: December 5, 2008
Run Time: Unknown
www.cadillacrecordsmovie.com/
Admission: $7.50

Directions: Easton Cinemas is located off route 322 and Marlboro Road in the Tred Avon Shopping Center next to Jo Ann Fabrics and across the street from Loews Hardware.

WYE MILLS....Mid-Shore Symphony Society's 38th Anniversary Concert Series featuring the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra - 8 PM. Chesapeake College, Todd Performing Arts Center, Wye Mills. Admission charge. 410-827-5867.

ST. MICHAELS....Workshop Instructor: Lee D`Zmura / 9:00am to 3:00pm - This is a two day workshop which will introduce the basic color pencil techniques. The first section will include demonstrations of color pencil techniques and incorporate exercises which explore application and tonal effects on various surfaces. Hue, value, and intensity will also be discussed.

The second half of the workshop will be devoted to individual projects emphasizing initial sketch, transfer, value study and color application. A demonstration of color pencil on Mylar will conclude the workshop.

A materials list will provided. The cost of the workshop to SMAL members is $100 and $125 for non-members.

For location and additional information, contact Elinor Peterson at 410-745-3466.

www.stmichaelsartleague.org

ST. MICHAELS....9:00am - 3:00pm at Christ Episcopal Church, Parish Hall.

This is a two- day workshop that will introduce the basic color pencil techniques. The first section will include demonstrations of color pencil techniques and incorporate exercises that explore application and tonal effects on various surfaces. Hue, value and intensity will also be discussed. The second half of the workshop will be devoted to individual projects emphasizing initial sketch, transfer, value study and color application. A demonstration of color pencil on Mylar will conclude the workshop. A materials list will be provided.

The cost of the workshop to SMAL Members is $100 and $125 for non-members.

Go to "workshops" at www.stmichaelsartleague.org for a registration form.

EASTON....8pm - $30.
Returning to the Avalon is Eileen Ivers, who has had a career most musicians would be happy having a fraction of: Nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion (dubbed “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin” by the New York Times); musical star of “Riverdance” and a frequent performer with the London Symphony, Boston Pops and the National Symphony. Her fiddle playing covers an entire range of emotions – she can bring you to tears with a mournful ballad and then have you dancing in the aisles with joy. Fans of Celtic and world music will not want to miss her.
www.eileenivers.com

EASTON....First Saturday of the Month Ballroom Dance Parties - Join members and guests, (USA Dance Easton Chapter 6099), for the monthly dance parties featuring Ballroom, Latin & Swing dances.

Early bird dance lesson from 7 - 8 PM included.
Beginners & singles welcomed. 7 - 10:30 PM.

YMCA, Peachblossom Road, Easton. (410) 822-0566 .

Admission charge $12/$10 Members & under 18 FREE.

EASTON....8pm - $20 / Special Cabaret Seating.

The ever- eclectic group Boister will celebrate the release of their new album, Some Moths Drink the Tears of Elephants, on the Avalon stage. If you’ve seen them perform with Radio from Downtown at the Avalon, you know Anne Watts and the band aren’t afraid to break some musical rules. To quote John Barth, “Anne Watts sounds like (Bob) Dylan on estrogen!” Fans of Annie Lennox, Frank Zappa and Tom Waits will like Boister – they are a group that sounds like no other.

www.boister.net

EASTON....Director Jean Renoir`s whimsical farce - a classic.

At the Avalon Theatre - Doors open 5:30pm, refreshments; 5:45 - Film Introduction; 6:00pm - Film starts; followed by discussions.

Membership: Single $50/ Guest $75 / Student $25

The Talbot Cinema Society is dedicated to promoting and enriching our community`s understanding and appreciation of classic films. (410-745-5025)

EASTON....7:30pm - Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra – Echoes of Love – “A Sentimental Journey Through the Ages”

This show will feature vocal music from the Middle Ages through the 21st Century. A discussion of the music will be held at 6:30 p.m. For ticket information call 888-846-8600.

www.midatlanticsymphony.org

EASTON....Harrison Street Books will donate a portion of the sales for each of those days to Habitat for Humanity of Talbot and Dorchester Counties.

Come in, find a great book that affords you an escape from the winter doldrums AND support a terrific community organization. Tell your friends, the more our customers purchase, the greater the donation to Habitat for Humanity.

Harrison Street Books
27 South Harrison Street
Easton, MD 21601
ph - 410.819.0000
www.harrisonstreetbooks.com

EASTON....8pm - $20.
Hailing from Arizona, this trio of musicians and educators plays the country and folk music native both to America and Mexico, but they also have a strong affinity for Welsh ballads and pub tunes. Having toured the world and appeared on NPR and national TV, the group is like a musical travel guide – they play native instruments and sing in multiple languages with ease, allowing listeners to hear and understand the music of several cultures. If you like Willie Nelson, Ry Cooder, and Johnny Cash, you will enjoy the Santa Cruz River Band. Bring your sweetie and celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening at the Avalon!

www.santacruzriverband.com

OXFORD....Winter 2009 - “My Three Angels,” by Sam & Bella Spewack, The scene is French Guiana (“Devil’s Island”) where three convicts, hired to re-roof a house for local residents, overhear a host of tragedies about to descend upon the family and use their criminal skills to bring love and justice to all concerned. Gentle comedy with hilarious overtones and redeeming joy. A hit on Broadway and a regular favorite of community theatre audiences all over the world.

Friday & Saturday, February 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 at 8 pm;
Sunday matinees, February 15, 22 & March 1 at 2 pm;
Thrifty Thursday Early Bird, February 27 at 7 pm.

The Oxford Community Center, Oxford.

EASTON....8pm - $20.

The Vagina Monologues – Washington College Presents “The Vagina Monologues.”

The performance benefits For All Seasons.

www.forallseasonsinc.org

TRAPPE....Celebrating its 9th consecutive year, Trappe United Methodist Church hosts a Country Church Breakfast on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month from 7 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

The down home, all-you-can-eat menu includes eggs, pancakes, French toast, warm syrup, grits, home-fried potatoes, sausage (nitrate free and fresh ground by Simmons Center Market in Cambridge), scrapple, sausage gravy, biscuits, strawberry preserves, coffee, tea, orange juice, and tomato juice.

TUMC is also the home of the "Martha's Closet" Yard Sale and Community Outreach Store, which is always open during the breakfast and also every Wednesday from 8:30 until noon.

EASTON....8pm - $35.
The iconic Ronnie Spector comes to the Avalon for what will be a memorable evening of great music and stories about the “Wall of Sound” and girl group-era of the 1960s from a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As the lead singer of The Ronettes, her soaring yet haunting vocals on “Be My Baby” remains one of the most influential performances of rock, pop and R&B.

www.ronniespector.com

EASTON....This will be the first visit for Van Williamson and his talented crew since 2007, and will feature the Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet, author Tom Horton and the Downtown Players with NPR Special Consultant Susan Stramberg (shown with Van). The show will be rebroadcast later on WCEI, WESM, WYRY and our own MCTV.

Tickets are $30 and are available at the box office. For additional info, you can e-mail Van via van.williamson@yahoo.com or call RFD Productions at 443-249-0663.

WYE MILLS....The 12th annual Bay to Ocean Writers conference will bring 17 distinguished authors, editors and publishers to speak at Chesapeake College on Feb. 21, 2009.

The full day of workshops will include two new sessions about Internet writing, along with talks by veteran Hollywood screenwriter Thomas B. Sawyer, the former head writer for Murder, She Wrote, and award-winning poet Sue Ellen Thompson.

Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Writers Association, this all-day, nonprofit event costs $80 for adults and $55 for college and high school students with a valid ID. Advance registration is required; sign-up forms and the full program are available on the event Web site at www.baytoocean.com. Attendees will hear from Sawyer, a novelist and acclaimed writer for TV and film who served for years as head writer for Murder, She Wrote. He will coach attendees on visual storytelling and writing for television how to create powerful protagonists, make bad guys seem enigmatic and write what sells. Sawyer wrote for 16 different network TV series and most recently penned a novel titled The Sixteenth Man.

Literary agent Laura Strachan and publishing expert Gregg Wilhelm also will lead workshops, along with two popular writers who teach at the Writer's Center in Bethesda. They are Barbara Esstman, an established novelist, and Kate Blackwell, an acclaimed short story writer.

"Our conference is designed to give current, useful information to writers," said Wilson Wyatt, conference co-chairman and ESWA president. "It's based on the experiences of our speakers and what's happening right now in the world of publishing."

Wyatt is particularly excited about two new workshops focusing on the Internet, one about writing for profit online and the other about Web marketing and blogging. The Internet writing session will be taught by Leslie Walker, visiting professor at the University of Maryland's journalism school and a former columnist for The Washington Post. Teaching Internet marketing will be Angela Render, a novelist and professional Web developer.

Publishers of three regional magazines (Chesapeake Bay, Delmarva Quarterly, and Delaware Beach Life) will talk about what they are looking for from freelance writers. Other speakers include essayist and photographer George R. Merrill; novelist Maribeth Fischer, founder of the Rehoboth Beach Writers' Guild; former Writer's Digest magazine editor Melanie Rigney, novelist Cynthia Polansky and children's book author Jennifer Keats Curtis.

One-on-one professional reviews of manuscripts submitted in advance will be available for $40. Submission guidelines and contact information are available on the Web site.

EASTON....Bay Country Chorus invites you to visit its rehearsals....singers and visitors welcome. Looking for prospective members.

They meet Monday evenings at 7pm - Trinity Cathedral, 315 Goldsborough Street, Easton, at the rear of the church in Miller Hall.

Be prepared for an evening of singing, fun, and fellowship in the "Barbershop Style of Music."

EASTON....If you’ve ever wondered how an old-time radio show was made, then come to the Avalon and you’ll learn how they did it and have a great time as well with Radio from Downtown. Combining theater with the energy of a live radio broadcast, RFD will have you laughing and singing as they bring to life the Golden Age of Radio. $25

EASTON....8pm - $20 / Special Dance Floor Show.

Straight from Louisiana returns Zydeco great Terrance Simien for a show which we will have the dance floor open. Acknowledged as one of the keepers of the Zydeco flame for his intense performances which keep audiences dancing, Simien expands on his Creole roots by incorporating reggae, rock and funk into his musical gumbo. He is also an educator, teaching youth about the importance of Zydeco and leading the effort to get the music its own Grammy award. If you’ve seen him at the Avalon before, you know his up-tempo show will get your feet moving, so bring your dancing shoes! Reserved seating in the mezzanine.

www.terrancesimien.com

EASTON....6TH ANNUAL LEGACY INSTITUTE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - A program combining lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.

Three local environmental concerns—The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC), Adkins Arboretum and Pickering Creek Audubon Center—have partnered to offer an exciting learning and volunteer opportunity to adults age 50+ who have a particular interest in environmental stewardship, education, conservation, restoration, and research.

For the sixth year, they will host the Legacy Institute on the Environment - a program of instructional sessions, hands-on field experiences, and volunteer service. Environmental experts from key organizations will guide and facilitate the learning experiences.

Among past cooperating organizations and agencies are the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Trust, NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Environmental Protection Agency, and others.

This free program takes place in March and April 2009. If you are interested in learning more about the Institute, please look for information on the CBEC website, www.BayRestoration.org or contact Patty Campbell. Ph: 410-604-1661, E-mail: pcamp@BayRestoration.org

EASTON....8pm - $55.
There’s a good reason Robert Cray, one of the greatest blues guitarists and vocalists of his generation, has sold out the Avalon every time he’s played here – his heart-felt vocals and incredible yet subtle guitar playing grab people by the ears and emotions. As one of the few blues artists who have enjoyed mainstream popularity (“Smoking Gun,” “Nothing But a Woman,” “Strong Persuader”), Cray seamlessly blends classic soul, Rand B and rock with the blues.

WYE MILLS....8PM - Guest conductor Jun Märkl returns with Mozart's unfinished masterpiece, Requiem, left incomplete upon his untimely death. It is preceded on the program by a graceful, melodic ballet score by Stravinsky, harkening back to the style of Mozart and Haydn.

All regular priced tickets for the BSO are $35 and student tickets are $10.
Location: Todd Performing Arts Center, Theatre - Chesapeake College.

EASTON....8pm - $35.
Formed in 2000, the trio of Matthew Gilsenan, James Nelson and Daryl Simpson have toured the world repeatedly and captured the imaginations of millions with their incredible vocals and musicianship, combining the music of their native Ireland with pop, classical and folk. They are an act perfect for the Avalon, as their great vocals will be enhanced by the Avalon’s great acoustics.

EASTON....Veteran actor Robert Chauncey of Chestertown will star in a benefit performance of "My Black Bird Has Flown Away" on Saturday, March 7, at the Avalon Theatre.

The one-hour play on the life of the late disability advocate and award-winning writer-historian, Hugh Gregory Gallagher, was written by Carlton E. Spitzer and is directed by Anita Tecce.

Proceeds will support the work of the Consumer Council of the Mid-Shore Mental Health Systems Inc., whose members recently organized and hosted a Fall Festival at the Historical Society that attracted more than 150 people from all walks of life. Consumer Council members are making the transition from hospitals and recovery residences to independent living.

"My Black Bird Has Flown Away" moves swiftly and dramatically through Gallagher's loss of the use of his legs to polio at age 19, his long and painful recovery at Roosevelt Warm Springs, his love-hate relationship with our 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, his studies at Oxford, his leadership in passing the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; his adventures in Alaska, and battle with depression, as paralytic to his mind as polio was to his body.

Photos depicting events in Gallagher's life will be projected on a large screen throughout Chauncey's performance.

Gallagher's life illustrates the inextricable link between physical and mental wellness. Despite formidable challenges, he maintained a lively sense of humor and an active life that included piloting a two-control airplane in Alaska. He was known as a "Supercrip" in the disability community as he provided access to federal buildings and opened employment opportunities for persons with physical, mental and development disabilities.

Tickets are available from members of the Consumer Council and the Mid-Shore Anti-Stigma Coalition. Consumers will serve as greeters and ushers March 7. Tickets also may be ordered by calling Holly Ireland, 410-770-4801, facilitator for the Consumer Council at Mid Shore Mental Health Systems Inc.

OXFORD....Oxford Community Center - for more information, please call 410-226-5904.

EASTON....Nominated for 6 International Awards, including the Oscar, and winner of 9 others, this brilliant documentary is a joyous film.

At the Avalon Theatre - Doors open 5:30pm, refreshments; 5:45 - Film Introduction; 6:00pm - Film starts; followed by discussions.

Membership: Single $50/ Guest $75 / Student $25

The Talbot Cinema Society is dedicated to promoting and enriching our community`s understanding and appreciation of classic films. (410-745-5025)

EASTON....8pm - $28.
Irish Bard Tommy Sands carries on the centuries-old tradition of capturing what is happening in society through song, giving the listener a first-hand account of life, love, hope and freedom. Growing up in Northern Ireland, Sands personally experienced The Troubles as both a child and man, putting the tragedy and happiness he saw daily into song in hopes of bringing an end to hostilities there. He now tours the world with a message of peace, hope and understanding through the music of his native country. Accompanied by his son and daughter on vocals and various Irish instruments, Sands is a master storyteller and musician those who enjoy Pete Seeger, Johnny Cash and The Chieftains will also fall for The Tommy Sands Trio.

EASTON....2009 Gala - Saturday, March 7.
Don Buxton, Executive Director: 410.819.0308

More Information TBA

EASTON....2pm and 7pm - The BTM will perform “Pirates of the Chesapeake and Other Fair.” The 2 p.m. matinee is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. The 7 p.m. performance is $25 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. For information on the performance, contact the BTM at 410-263-8289 or visit: http://balletmaryland.org

EASTON....7:30pm - Music in Motion – “Crescendo with Ravel, Mozart and More,” will feature: Ravel’s “Le Tombeau de Couperin;” Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40;” Broening’s “Like Dreams, Statistics are a Form of Wish Fulfilled;” and Hoffman’s “Barrissement d’Elephant.” A discussion of the works will begin at 6:30 p.m.

For ticket information call 888-846-8600.
www.midatlanticsymphony.org

EASTON....The Antiques Show and Charity Fundraiser for the Mental Health Association in Talbot County will be held on March 27, 28 and 29, 2009

This event will be held at the Waterfowl Festival Building, on the corner of Harrison and South Streets.

The show will benefit the Mental Health Association in Talbot County, which hosts support groups, educational events, prevention programs, and advocacy for mental health.

For more information, call Susan Sherman at 410-822-0444

EASTON....8pm - $20.
The “Angry Young Man” comes to Easton! Recognized as one of the best and most influential British artists of the late-‘70s and early-‘80s New Wave and rock scene as both a solo act and as leader of Graham Parker and the Rumour (“Hold Back the Night,” “Howlin’ Wind”), Parker became very popular in the U.S. with songs like “Temporary Beauty” and “Wake Up (Next to You).” Since then, he’s remained a favorite of critics because he continues to merge all types of music, releasing Christmas, roots, Beatles tribute and acoustic albums (he’s even written several sci-fi novels!).
www.grahamparker.net

EASTON....8pm - $28.
What do you call a 5-piece group playing jazz and Latin versions of Rolling Stones’ songs? StonesWorld – a group of talented musicians led by Stones’ saxophonist Tim Ries performing unique arrangements of classic Mick Jagger and Keith Richards tunes. This is something fans of rock, jazz, salsa and The Stones will enjoy – StonesWorld takes the songs already known and loved and puts a different spin on them, showing the greatness of both the songs and the musicians performing them.

EASTON....8pm - $28.
They say all good things must end, and (unfortunately) after almost 25 years, this applies to one of the most raucous, fun and entertaining acts ever to play the Avalon – Saffire, sometimes bawdy but always funny, the ladies mix true-to-life lyrics with great music to create an act recognized worldwide as one of the most popular blues groups. Make sure you get your friends together and catch this great act for what will be their last visit to Easton.

ST. MICHAELS....PATRIOT CRUISES Celebrating our 40th year touring the scenic Miles River in 2008!

Offering our DAILY cruises
11am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm & 4pm

Contact 410-745-3100 or chesapeakebaycruises@verizon.net for further information about chartering the PATRIOT for your special event. There are plenty of dates in 2008 still available at a low price!

See our website at: www.patriotcruises.com

EASTON....4/4 (8p.m.) & 4/5 (3 p.m.)

For ticket information, call 410-200-0498.
www.eastonchoralarts.com

EASTON.... The Easton Farmers Market attracts 700-1,000 visitors per Saturday during a season which runs from April right up until Christmas. Operating from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, and Wednesdays during the summer months, this experience has become more than a typical shopping trip for local residents and visitors to the area. Live music is presented from 10:30am–12:30pm, and many shoppers make a point of meeting friends and their favorite vendors regularly during their visits. Seasonal farm produce, farm products and meats, seafood, and baked goods are presented, as well as unique hand-crafted items – sold by the people who harvested or created them. These friendly, well-informed vendors are always ready to teach and talk. Aprons and market bags are now available for sale with the Easton Farmers Market logo.

EASTON....The hero of this fanciful tale is an expensive dress coat.

At the Avalon Theatre - Doors open 5:30pm, refreshments; 5:45 - Film Introduction; 6:00pm - Film starts; followed by discussions.

Membership: Single $50/ Guest $75 / Student $25

The Talbot Cinema Society is dedicated to promoting and enriching our community`s understanding and appreciation of classic films. (410-745-5025)

EASTON.... 8am-1pm - music 10:30am to 12:30pm. Farmers Market

Jimmy Buffet-style summer fun!

The Easton Farmers Market attracts 700-1,000 visitors per Saturday during a season which runs from April right up until Christmas. Operating from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, and Wednesdays during the summer months, this experience has become more than a typical shopping trip for local residents and visitors to the area. Live music is presented from 10:30am–12:30pm, and many shoppers make a point of meeting friends and their favorite vendors regularly during their visits. Seasonal farm produce, farm products and meats, seafood, and baked goods are presented, as well as unique hand-crafted items – sold by the people who harvested or created them. These friendly, well-informed vendors are always ready to teach and talk. Aprons and market bags are now available for sale with the Easton Farmers Market logo.

EASTON....8pm - $55.
Merging blues, rock, country and folk with the homegrown music of their native E. Los Angeles, Los Lobos has become one of America’s seminal bands. This is a show we are very pleased to bring to the Avalon and it will be an excellent evening of great American music.
www.loslobos.org

ST. MICHAELS....Muskrat Park on St. Michaels Harbor, Willow and Green Streets.
Saturdays, 8:30am to 11:30am.

Locally grown produce, crafts, flowers, plants, and more.

Contact: 202-362-8889

EASTON....Parking lot off Harrison Street - Saturdays, 8am - 1pm, April 19 - December 20. Offers a variety of locally grown produce, potted plants, crafts, and more, along with music.

EASTON....9:00am to 4:00pm at Calhoon MEBA Engineering School, Route 33, Easton.

Watercolorists, this is five intensive days with Don Andrews (www.donandrews.net).
$345 for Members and $375 for non-members. Lunches are included.

Go to "workshops" at www.stmichaelsartleague.org for a registration form, or call Elinor Peterson at 410-745-3466.

EASTON....7:30pm - For their season finale, The Sailor and the Princess – “A Fairyland Adventure with the Magic of the MSO Sound,” the MSO will perform: Mozart’s “Symphony Concertante,” featuring Nicholas Currie on violin and Jonathan Carney on viola; Bruch’s “Concerto No. 1 in G Minor,” featuring Caroline Coccoli on violin; and Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade.” A discussion of the works will begin at 6:30 p.m.

For ticket information call 888-846-8600.
www.midatlanticsymphony.org

OXFORD....On Saturday, April 25, Oxford will celebrate its 15th Annual Oxford Day. All of the organizations and businesses in town have been working hard to prepare for this all-day family event. So invite your friends and family to visit, plan on staying home, put aside the yard work and errands. Just relax, walk around our wonderful town and enjoy all the activities.

More information TBA.

OXFORD....Talbot Community Connections (TCC) will participate in the Second Annual Duck Duck Dash for Oxford Day on April 25. The Duck Duck Dash is held at Causeway Park with ongoing races between 10 am and 3 pm. The event give children the opportunity to race plastic ducks and win prizes. Funds raised benefit the Talbot Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) located in the Pediatrics Department at Memorial Hospital.

Organized in 2001, Talbot Community Connections (TCC) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit fund-raising adjunct to the Talbot County Department of Social Services, whose mission is to support department programming to answer unmet needs fundamental to the safety, security, health, and well-being of Talbot County's citizens. Funds raised provide help for the frail elderly, abused children, families in crisis, the unemployed and the disabled residents of Talbot County.

EASTON....8pm - $15.
Local faves Bitter Creek return to the Avalon for an evening of great bluegrass. Bitter Creek performs various flavors of bluegrass music, ranging from the traditional - like the Stanley Brothers "How Mountain Girls Can Love" to "Eastbound and Down" from the Smokey and the Bandit movie, to "Caravan", a Duke Ellington tune, as well as assorted banjo and fiddle tunes and songs.

www.bittercreekbluegrass.com

ANNAPOLIS.... Cruise across the bay to St. Michael's for the St. Michael's Food and Wine Festival. Observe gourmet chefs giving recipe demonstrations, attend wine seminars, and wine and spirits tastings. Ticket includes round-trip transportation and admission to the festival, as well as admission to all exhibits at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Guests must be 21 or older to enter Food & Wine Festival tents.

9:30am-5:30pm aboard Lady Sarah
$110 per person
Departure Location: Annapolis City Dock

OXFORD....Oxford Community Center.

For more information, please call 410-226-5904.

EASTON....In culmination of the 50th anniversary year, the Academy Art Museum will celebrate their Annual Spring Gala on Friday, May 1, 2009 - with the famed Alex Donner Orchestra. The youngest of a small coterie of America`s most popular bandleaders, Alex Donner is a native New Yorker who performs with his own orchestra from New York to San Francisco to London to Palm Beach.

For additional information, call 410-822-2787

TILGHMAN ISLAND....The Lady Patty is a canoe stern ketch designed by Philip L. Rhodes in 1931 and built at the M.M. Davis shipyard in Solomon’s Island, Md. in 1935. Only the finest materials were used in her construction and her approximate cost was $15,000 , no small sum in that year. The Lady Patty was sailed to Tampa Florida which became her homeport until 1994 when she came back to the Chesapeake Bay and Tilghman Island. The Lady Patty was sailed extensively throughout the Gulf of Mexico and The Caribbean Sea winning her share of club races. She entered the St. Petersburg, Fl. To Havana , Cuba race in 1938 and again in 1951 winning the latter.

The entire yacht, from the rub rail up is the original Lady Patty. Her Sitka Spruce masts soar to 56’ above the water and are supported by numerous hand-spliced stays and shrouds. The original teak decks have been splendidly restored including refastening with over 1400 bronze screws and 2200 feet of caulking. The original bronze hardware is in place and serving well. On a normal sailing day we carry about 1000 sq. ft. of sail and our guests are treated to an experience which cannot be duplicated on a modern yacht.

The Lady Patty is USCG inspected to carry 16 passengers and is equipped with state of the art safety equipment. Her Captain has over 26 years sailing experience not including 4 years as a USN officer on a Destroyer.

TILGHMAN ISLAND....Sails every Friday Sunday & Monday.
Embark on a voyage aboard the M/V SHARPS ISLAND, on excurisons that take you back through the history of the Chesapeake Bay and its lighthouses. Captain Mike Richards hosts your trip. He has 31 years of experience of the Chesapeake Bay and provides an exciting view of five of the finest lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay.

Traveling by FML (fast motor launch), The Passage sails every Friday, Sunday, and Monday, departing 12:30 pm and returning at 4:30 pm.

Soft drinks provided.

TILGHMAN ISLAND....Sails daily.
Embark on a voyage aboard the M/V SHARPS ISLAND and view two lighthouses of the Chesapeake Bay.

Captain Mike Richards is your host, whose 31 years of experience on the Chesapeake Bay provides you with a unique perspective of this beautiful body of water and its history. You will depart 2 hours before sunset and complimentary champagne is served.

All trips depart from historic Tilghman Island.

TILGHMAN ISLAND....Sails every Wednesday & Saturday.
Embark on a voyage of discovery aboard the M/V SHARPS ISLAND, on excursions that take you back through the storied history of the Chesapeake Bay and its lighthouses. Your trip is hosted by Captain Mike Richards whose 31 years on the Chesapeake Bay gives him a unique perspective to share with the passengers.

He provides an exciting view of some of the finest lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay. Traveling by FML (fast motor launch) their full day trips provide an opportunity to view up close 12 lighthouses with great photo ops at each one. Thier half-day trips give a close up view of five major lighthouses.

All trips depart from the Easter Shore's historic Tilghman Island.

Sails every Wednesday and Satruday departing at 9:00 am and returning at 5:30 pm.

Lunch and soft drinks provided.

ST. MICHAELS....Sail on an authentic working Skipjack. One of the newer vessels to be built for the rigors of Maryland's wintertime commercial oyster dredging fishery. She was launched in 1966 in Harry Hogan, Virginia, by the Krentz Shipyard for Captian David Lewis of Wingate, MD.

The H.M. Krentz is 49 feet in length on her deck, 70 feet overall in length, a 15.5 feet beam, draws 4 feet/ 10 inches with the centerboard up and carries amost 2000 square feet of sail.

The open deck, so necessary for oyster dredging under sail, creates a very stable ride. It is a perfect setting for social gatherings or business meetings and makes a great outdoor classroom for educational groups of all ages.

The H.M. Krentz is U.S.Coast Guard certified to carry 32 passengers. Private charters are perfect for "Corporate" groups, cocktail parties, birthday and family outings, weddings and anniversary parties, and any occasion.

Daily 2 hour sailing schedule....10:30a.m. - 12:30p.m. ; 2:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. and evening to sunset.

Departure is from the Crab Claw Restaurant in St. Michaels. $

ST. MICHAELS....Selina II's season will be through October 31, sailing from the St. Michaels Harbour Inn & Marina.

Enjoy a day or sunset sail on a beautiful vintage cat boat on the Chesapeake Bay. Selina II is docked in St. Michaels, Maryland, a quaint Eastern Shore town known for its' wonderful seafood and quaint small town feel. You will be treated to an unforgettable sailing trip with Captain Iris Clarke, the owner of the sailing yacht. We also offer overnight sails and honeymoon getaways for those who want to spend more time on the water.

Designed after the classic New England Crosby cat Designed boats, The Selina II was built in 1926 at Sweets Shipyard in Greenport, NY. At 41'6" overall length and 16' beam. She is the largest of the surviving vintage catboats. She is gaffed rigged, with a 48' mast and a 35' boom.

On a normal sailing day we carry about 1000 sq. ft. of canvas and our guests are treated to an old fashioned sailing experience. In the fall of 1980, an extensive restoration was begun to keep the Selina II in sailing condition. Fifty-five new white oak ribs had to be fashioned, bent and installed. Additional flooring timbers were required, and then a replacement of the cockpit and cabin interior which had been removed to reveal the ribs. Except for some changes in the galley and storage areas, as well as accommodations for navigational and safety aids, the Selina II has been kept as nearly possible true to her original design, including a full 6'2" headroom in the open saloon. In 1976, Selina II was among 90 US ships invited to participate in the Parade of Operation Sail in New York Harbor on the July 4th Bicentennial celebration. Since then she has been in the New York Harbor Festival in 1977, Boston's 350th anniversary in 1980, Norfolk, VA's Portfest in 1983, the Parade Of Ships in celebration of the Constitution's 200th anniversary in 1986, Albany's Portfest in 1989, Columbus's famous voyage parades in 1992, and OP Sail 2000 in New York and Boston.

Her ship's compliment has included children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of her original owners. After seventy-five years of plying the waters of Long Island, the Selina II came to her new home on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. She sails in and around the St. Michaels area of the Eastern Shore. Raised on and around the Selina II, her current Coast Guard Licensed Captain, Iris Clarke is a grand daughter of her original owners.

The Selina II limits her passengers to just 6 guests for an intimate taste of the history of sail.

TILGHMAN ISLAND....Climb aboard history. Sailing into her 3rd century, REBECCA welcomes you to sail back in time. She is one of 17 newly designated National Historic Landmarks, and is the oldest working skipjack of a vanishing fleet that is declared one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

Sail with 5-th generation Tilghman Island skipper Capt. Wade Murphy, Jr., for a hands-on sailing experience while hearing stories of Chesapeake ecology, maritime history, nautical anecdotes, and even dredge for oysters. USCG certified for 49 passengers.

In the late 1890s hundreds of skipjacks plied the Chesapeake Bay to dredge for oysters. Today only a dozen working boats remain. Now, 116 years since the planks were cut for REBECCA, she carries passengers to bring alive maritime history and waterman culture, and to portray the present ecology of the Chesapeake.

Walk ons, buses, families, weddings, and beautiful sunsets. BYOB or catering available.

Sails....Sunday thru Friday, 11am to 1pm / 5pm to 7pm.
Saturdays, 11am to 1pm / 1pm to 3pm / 3pm to 5pm / 5pm to 7pm.

ROYAL OAK....The James M. Bryan, Jr. Building Dreams For Youth Foundation is holding its Sixth Annual Spring Event on Saturday, May 2, 2009.

6 - 10pm at The Oaks.

Silent and Live Auction, Full Open Bar, Great Food and Music.

$100 per person.

Call to reserve your tickets.

For more information, please call 410-819-3780.

OXFORD....Spring 2009 - “Born Yesterday,” by Garson Kanin. A barely literate big time junk dealer comes to Washington to put through an unscrupulous deal, accompanied by his wide-eyed, street-wise blonde “companion.” He makes the mistake of hiring a journalist to give her some “couth” and she turns into a willing student of the way American democracy (and real love) is supposed to work. One of the funniest scripts ever written with a vital civics lesson along the way.

Friday & Saturday, May 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 & 23 at 8 pm;
Sunday matinees, May 10, 17 & 24 at 2 pm;
Thrifty Thursday Early Bird, May 21 at 7 pm.

Oxford Community Center, Oxford.

WYE MILLS....The Rufus M. and Loraine Hall Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College is celebrating its 12th season with the innovative 2008-2009 Theatre for Young People Family Series.

Each season cons