Beginning at 6pm on Tuesday, June 4, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels, MD is hosting the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Band’s The Commandant’s Combo for a free concert at the Tolchester Beach Bandstand.
The concert is open to the public, with guests encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Boaters are also welcome, with limited docking available for CBMM members.
During the concert, CBMM’s 18-acre waterfront campus and the historic 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse will remain open. Concert-goers can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a scenic view of St. Michaels Harbor and the Miles River.
CBMM’s Rosie’s Tavern will be back serving a signature drink, wine, and beer—including Fordham’s Beach House and Wisteria Wheat. Water and other non-alcoholic beverages, as well as other foods will be available for purchase, including Justine’s ice cream treats. Carry-on alcohol is strictly prohibited for this event.
“We wanted to host an event that supports our community,” said CBMM’s Vice President of Constituent Services René Stevenson. “The Naval Academy’s bands are terrific, and we’re pleased to open our campus for everyone to enjoy this free concert along the beautiful Miles River.”
The Commandant’s Combo has become one of the most active groups the USNA Band offers. Originally created to support official events for the Commandant of Midshipmen, this versatile group is also called upon to perform for traditional Navy functions, including Navy and Marine Corps Balls, command social functions, public concerts, and educational workshops.
Led by Senior Chief Musician Blake Cramer, the four-piece ensemble’s trademark performances feature modern arrangements of well-known patriotic melodies. Diverse musical backgrounds combine with the sounds of the saxophone, vibraphone, drums, and bass to create a palette of contemporary harmonies and global rhythms. The Commandant’s Combo is popular with Midshipmen, military, and civilian audiences alike, with its dynamic stage presence and explosive synergy.
The USNA Band has been providing music for the Brigade of Midshipmen and surrounding community since 1852. Located at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the band is comprised of 68 professional, Navy musicians, who have studied at some of the best music schools and conservatories in the country, and who have extensive resumes in performance and teaching.
Plenty of parking will be available for the concert. For more information, call CBMM at 410-745-2916 or visit www.cbmm.org.