Kent County Maryland, where I live, is the least inhabited county in the state. The center of gravity (and county seat) is Chestertown, with a population of just over 5,000. Leave town and you travel through miles of farmland. Enter town and you almost enter another world, where an entire downtown is designated as a Maryland State Arts and entertainment District, and artists of all stripes have a home, and a community. Perhaps the single event that most drives this home is the annual Women Helping Women fundraising concert. Originally established to support the work of Dr. Maria Boria to provide medical services to area migrant workers, the charitable outreach has expanded to included support services for the local opioid addiction epidemic, among others. Now in it's 13th year, this event has become a showcase for locally based performing artists, and seems to find a way to raise the bar every year. I'm privileged to serve as musical director each year, and accompany nearly every wonderful performer. This show is worth the trip to Chestertown and an overnight stay to see. Do it next year.

Welcome to Mainstay Monday!

Thanks for clicking on the link to visit Mainstay Monday artist websites. This list will be periodically updated.
Mainstay Monday is a unique weekly performance collaboration between myself and a guest artist. Learn more about Mainstay Monday performers (note - performers without a website will have a link to a video, relevant article or bio, if available):   

My website - http://www.joeholtsnotes.com
Guest artist websites/links:

Jan. 21    - Karen Somerville
Jan. 28    - The High and Wides
Feb. 4      - Tom Lagana
Feb. 11    - Sue Matthews
Feb. 18    - Barbara Parker
Feb. 25    - Paul Midiri
Mar. 4      - Lynn Henderson/Ed Klein
Mar. 11    - Steve Abshire/Amy Shook
Mar. 18    - John Schratwieser
Mar. 25    - Dick Durham

Find complete show information here.

Thanks for visiting. See you at the show!