30th Annual Chestertown Jazz Festival Presents
Jazz by the River in Wilmer Park
Saturday, September 12, 2026
12pm noon to 6pm
Celebrating 30 Years of Extraordinary Jazz By The River
Come celebrate 30 years of music by the river with us in Wilmer Park for the 30th & Final Chestertown Jazz Festival
We will see you there Rain or Shine
- NO PETS ALLOWED ON SITE
- NO COOLERS ALLOWED ON SITE
- NO OUTSIDE CONTAINERS ON SITE
- NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR ALCOHOL
Seating will be available under the tent, but feel free to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets
2026 Saturday Festival Lineup
- Marcus Roberts Trio
- Champian Fulton
- James Fernando
- Karensomerville Band & Sombarkin’
- Sue Matthews, Dick Durham & Stefan Scaggiari Reunion Ensemble
JAZZ FEST TICKETS
Early Bird Tickets $40*
Door Tickets $50
Under 21 $15 | 12 and under FREE
*online early bird sales end at 5pm on 09/11
JAZZ CRUISE TICKETS
The Mainstay | Thursday 410-639-9133 www.mainstayrockhall.orgMAKE A DONATION TO THE CHESTERTOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL!
Marcus Roberts Trio
Marcus Roberts, piano
Rodney Jordan, bass
Jason Marsalis, drums
The Marcus Roberts Trio - a long-term musical partnership between pianist, Marcus Roberts, the phenomenal drummer Jason Marsalis, and gifted bassist Rodney Jordan
The Marcus Roberts Trio is known for its virtuosic style and entirely new approach to jazz trio performance. While most jazz trios have the piano front and center, all members of the Marcus Roberts Trio share equally in shaping the direction of the music by changing its tempo, mood, texture, or form at any time. And they do this with lightning quick musical reflexes and creative imagination. The trio is known for having almost telepathic communication on the stage. And more than a few concert goers have been heard to say that it sounds like a lot more than three people up there on the stage!
The Marcus Roberts Trio believes in 'letting the music take over' and the result is a powerfully rhythmic and melodic sound that is filled with rhythmic, harmonic, and dynamic contrast. One of the most enjoyable aspects of watching this trio perform is that it is so evident that these three musicians are really having fun playing together and listening to each other.
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Champian Fulton
Champian began her career at the age of 10, performing for Jazz legend and family friend Clark Terry’s 75th Birthday Party. Since then she has appeared on stage with Jazz royalty such as Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Scott Hamilton, Nicholas Payton, the WDR Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Buster Williams, Jimmy Cobb and Louis Hayes, who performed with Champian in a tribute to Horace Silver for her senior recital upon graduation from SUNY Purchase in 2006. After moving to New York in 2003, she began performing at Birdland, the Jazz Corner of the World, where she has regularly appeared for over 20 years.
“Every song is a work of art in Champian’s hands and voice” (the Aboslute Sound). Her “galvanizing presence” (the New Yorker) and her alluring musical presentation have made her “a charming young steward of the mainstream Jazz tradition.” (The New York Times)
James Fernando Trio
The James Fernando Trio has been praised for the “swinging within an inch of its ever-loving life” by DownBeat and called “one of the most rewarding discoveries in recent years” by Paris Move. Philadelphia-based pianist James Fernando formed the trio in 2023 after being invited to fill an open performance slot at the Kennedy Center on just three days’ notice. The group’s immediate chemistry led to ongoing performances at leading venues and universities across the United States, where they have become known for a joyful, forward-thinking approach to the piano trio tradition. In 2026, they released their debut album, Philly 3 visit website
Sombarkin’ is an a cappella trio known for their intricate vocal harmonies and powerful sound.
Their unique vocal instrumentation is both beautiful and soul-stirring in Negro Spiritual, blues, and jazz genres, it is a delight to discover who is singing which part. Get ready for an experience!
Sombarkin’ (sum-bar-kin)
Karen Somerville, Lester Barrett, Jr., and Jerome McKinney form a dynamic a cappella trio known for their intricate vocal harmonies and polyphonic techniques. Delivering explosive performances across various genres—from Negro Spirituals to contemporary jazz—the trio never fails to move their audience. Somerville founded the group in 2002 with her two lifelong friends.
We all were there to perform for the first festival, and are very happy to be the representatives of all who have performed at this festival over these 30 years. Stefan, Dick and Sue will be bringing some of their favorites from the Great American Songbook, as well as those from more contemporary writers.
Jazz by the River: Chestertown Jazz Festival 2025
Saturday, September 6 | 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
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
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).
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 or by phone at 410-810-2060.
Come for the music. Stay for the magic. Join us for a celebration of rhythm, soul, and community—Jazz by the River.