wednesday,july 3, 2013 - County Times - Southern Maryland Online

The County TimesCOUNTYNEWSBy Alex PanosStaff WriterWednesday, July 3, 2013 6Square to Host‘Clazzical’ MusicClazzical Jam group, described byLeonardtown Events Coordinator MariaFleming as a “unique combination of classicalmusic but with jazz arrangements,”are performing on Leonardtown’s townsquare Saturday.“The sound is a unique blend of timelessmusic fit to a modern ear with syncopatedrhythms, danceable beats andimproved riffs,” Fleming explained. “Enticingpeople who might normally writeoff classical music as stodgy or boring toreally listen to the classics in a new, oftentoe-tapping, way.”Band member Don Stapleson is the directorof the St. Mary’s College Jazz Band,and has performed with famous musiciansRay Charles, Dexter Gordon, Nancy Wilson,Wayne Newton and Martha Reeves.According to Fleming, he is a giftedflutist, accomplished saxophonist and iswell known locally and throughout theWashington metropolitan area.Fleming said Stapelson was recommendedby Jeffery Silberschlag and BarbaraBershon of the Chesapeake Orchesatra,and Clazzical Jam will feature somethinga little different than the originallyscheduled five-piece brass ensemble.The town strives to provide opportunitiesfor many styles of music to play onthe town square, Fleming continued, andtry to showcase professional musicianswhen possible.“Clazzical Jam fits the series perfectlyon all levels and should appeal to a varietyof musical tastes,” Fleming said.Stapleson will be joined by PeterFields and Fred Lieder.Fields repertoire includes classicalguitar, jazz and Latin compositions, Bclassics and interpretations of extraordinaryarrangements from various parts ofthe world, says Fleming.He has played for independent labelsand television programs including Fox, Na-Clazzical Jamtional Geographic and Discovery Channel.In 2003, he released an evocative collectionof compositions for classical guitar,titled “Stillness of the Heart,” which hasreceived rave reviews and airplay in thecountry.“Peter Fields has captivated audiencesin the U.S. and Europe with his mastery ofdiverse musical styles, and unique approachto his guitar techniques,” Fleming said.Lieder has been on the Washingtonarea music scene for 25 years, and playsclassical, jazz, blues, rock and even Celticon his cello.He has arranged rock tunes for solocello including works by The Beatles, JimiHendrix and Carlos Santana and also recentlyreleased a book that explains how toplay the blues on cello.Fleming is eager to see how the classicaltunes she is familiar with fit togetherwith the jazz vibe, and added the concertis a great follow-up to the Blues Jam whichwill be held on First Friday this month.“As the newly designated Arts andEntertainment District, Leonardtown ishappy to provide a home for as many localmusicians and musical genres as we can,”Fleming said. “And the holiday weekend isa perfect time to do that.”The concert will be held on Saturday,July 6, and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. intown square, and should come to a conclusionaround 8:30 p.m.alexpanos@countytimes.netMike Batson PhotographyFreelance PhotographersCHARLOTTE HALLCharlotte Hall True Value30314 Triangle DriveCharlotte, MD 20622LEONARDTOWNLeonardtown True Value40845 Merchants LaneLeonardtown, MD 20650Store Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7-7 • Sat. 7-7 • Sun. 8-5301-938-3692mikebatsonphotography@hotmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/mikebatsonphotography