Weekend Concert

Weekends are for fun events, even better when they are no cost and include wonderful musical entertainment. That describes the event we attended this weekend in neighboring Onancock, VA just across the highway from here (literally)when Ker Place  hosted a FREE concert as part of a Farming on the Eastern Shore program.

While the concert had nothing to do with the topic, it was great way to spend a summer evening outdoors in a small town. There was picnicking al fresco, toe tapping tunes, lawn dancing, and even an engagement announcement (John & Lisa) in the lower left below.

Ker Place, former Kerr Place, has served as headquarters of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society since 1960. This Federal period Georgian style house was built in 1799-1803 for a wealthy merchant-farmer, John Shepherd Kerr. 

Considered one of the area's major architectural landmarks, it has been described by the Virginia Historical Landmarks Committee as the finest and most elaborate mansion of its type on the VA Eastern Shore. It currently operates as museum with guided tours of the restored interior. It also provides gallery space for Eastern Shore artwork and for programs and rotating exhibits.

And, this weekend the museum ground was rocking with Big Band sounds of the 30's and 40's performed by the 18-member Delmarva Big Band. The band includes four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, a full rhythm section of piano, bass, guitar, and drums and a vocalist. 

The Delmarva Big Band presented a 2-hour concert that featured legacy and contemporary arrangements of tunes popularized by Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie among others. Many band members are professional musicians and educators.

And, they were darn good.