2025 Chestertown Jazz Festival

This is the place to get your early bird tickets for this year's Jazz Festival

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.

HENDRIK MEURKENS – Harmonica & Vibraphone

Performing on both chromatic harmonica as well as the vibraphone, Hendrik Meurkins, virtuoso player and composer, brings his love of all types of music, including Brazilian Jazz. He is considered the first major new voice on the harmonica since Toots Thielemans. This, as well as his immersion into the music and culture of Brazil, has repeatedly earned him accolades in the Downbeat and Jazziz Polls.

GENERATIONS BANDING TOGETHER – Emerging & Established Talent

A musical collaboration between Kent County High School students and professional musicians. This dynamic ensemble blends youthful talent with seasoned guidance to create an inspiring intergenerational sound.

Producers include: Philip Dutton – Community musician/activist, Jodi Bortz – Kent County High School Music Director, and Judi O’Brien – KCHS band parent/community member.

Mentors and local musicians include: Dave James (band leader, trumpet), Nevin Dawson (viola), Marc Quigley (guitar), Sem Ortiz (vocals), Frank Gerber (drums), Dave Sharp (bass), and more.

With support from John Schratwieser and Hester Sachse of Kent Cultural Alliance and KCHS Band Booster president Krista Lamoreaux.

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.

Host or Publisher Chestertown Jazz Festival