Enter Drawing for Hubcaps Memorabilia in Information Tent at River Artsfest

Downloadable Flyer to Help Promote River Artsfest 2008

For Exhibitors/Artists/Entertainers:

Click here for your 2008 Information Packet!

Registration Form for Visual, Literary, and Performing Artists as well as Environmental and Historic Organizations  

Food Vendor Registration Form

River Artsfest 2008 artwork design by Pat Lally

The Fabulous Hubcaps

What began thirty-three years ago as "Harvey Hubcap and the Do Ron Ron" has evolved into The Fabulous Hubcaps, one of the nation's most sought after oldies show bands. Their career has been as diverse and colorful as the bowling shirts they wear. On any given month, their schedule may take them from Miami to Pittsburgh, Atlanta to Detroit, or Albany to Washington, DC. 

The band has performed on the South Lawn of The White House and sang The National Anthem in Orioles Park at Camden Yards. They have performed at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio and were mentioned in the 2003 Collector's Calendar Issue of Street Rodder Magazine. The group has performed at Inaugurations for Governors as well as being invited to appear at The Kentucky Derby.  Their national popularity has gained them the Key to the City of Frankenmuth, Michigan, in addition to a Proclamation by the City honoring The Hubcaps for 18 consecutive years of drawing record crowds to the annual Music Festival there.  In 2005, The Hubcaps proudly were inducted into The Southern Legends Entertainment and Performing Arts Hall of Fame. This great honor was presented by Sun Record Recording Artist, Vernon Taylor.

Since their first 45 record in 1982, The Hubcaps have released 15 recordings, from cassette tapes to compact discs. Performing together since 1974, this seven-piece band shows no signs of slowing down. The Hubcaps continue to captivate audiences with their high energy tributes to original artists like Little Richard, Elvis, James Brown, Tina Turner, The Flamingos, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Janis Joplin, The Shirelles, The Beach Boys and Willie Nelson just to name a few. With an extensive repertoire of do-wop group harmony, classic rock and roll, Rock-A-Billy, Motown, and R & B music, The Fabulous Hubcaps are heralded as one of the best oldies show bands in the country.  The Fabulous Hubcaps look forward to having you share a magical evening of entertainment with them as they continue to prove that "Rock and Roll is Alive and Well"!

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St. Charles Brass

The St Charles Brass is based in Southern Maryland and consists of five musicians who have diverse musical backgrounds.  The ensemble has performed recitals at local colleges, churches, and arts festivals.

Tony Kirkland, trumpet, performed in The United States Air Force Band’s Ceremonial Brass for over 20 years.  He recently became a music educator in the Charles County Md school system.  Tony attended Troy State University , Florida State University, and earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland .  

Jess Lightner is a tubist with The United States Air Force Ceremonial Brass, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington , D.C.   He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in tuba performance from the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 2001. He furthered his studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he earned a Master of Music degree in tuba performance in 2003. 

David C. Monk holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha . Currently the Director of Instrumental Music Teacher at Piccowaxen Middle School , Mr. Monk holds an Advanced Teaching Certificate from the State of Maryland and continues to perform throughout the Southern Maryland region. 

Steve Moyer has been a music educator in the Southern Maryland area for 24 years.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from Frostburg State University .  Mr. Moyer has also completed extensive graduate work at the University of Maryland , McDaniel College and Shenandoah College .  He is currently teaching at Theodore Davis Middle School in Charles County . 

Joel Brian Wealer is a horn player with The United States Air Force Band in  Washington , D.C. Joel earned a Bachelor of Music degree in horn performance from Missouri State University . He then attended the University of Michigan , where he received his Masters Degree in horn performance in 2001.  Some of the ensembles he has performed with include the Motor City Brass Quintet, the Ann Arbor Symphony, and the Windsor Symphony.

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The Wise Guys

Style: Classic Rock and Rockabilly Blues  

Band Members:       

Background: The "Wise Guys", a newly formed band, comes with members boasting a wealth of musical talents. Robby Webb, the lead singer, has been named one of the Top Five vocalists in the South East Competition by the Gospel Music Association. He also has been recognized by the State of Maryland , and received a Maryland Arts Citation signed by then Governor Glendening. Robby has performed in the U.S. State Chapel and is featured on three Nashville produced CDs, "Refuge"; "Stronger Man Than I"; and "Robby Webb Hymns". Robby is currently working on his fourth CD. Robby was rewarded by being selected as the Top Artist by the Maryland Arts Society for his efforts on "Robby Webb Hymns".  His CD, "Stronger Man Than I", has received radio air play. The other band members have performed in various bands throughout Southern Maryland and the Washington Area starting in high school and college, and continuing to the present day.  Troy , when he is not honing his skills with intricate guitar licks, acts a local DJ.  Dorian, George and Will spend their spare time performing in another local band called "Jimmy Rhythm and the Rhythm Breakers".

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Raptor Conservation Program

This barred owl will be part of the Raptor Conservation Program presented at 10:30 am by Laura and Heather of the Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center.

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Port Tobacco Players' ENCORE KIDS

The Encore Kids is an outreach performing group of the Port Tobacco Players, comprised of kids, ages 6 - 12, formed through an annual audition process.  The group's purpose is two-fold:  to teach youngsters with a love for performing the tools and teamwork required to "put on a show" and to bring quality performances out to the broader community, thereby providing the "kids" with opportunities to perform, the public with quality entertainment, and the Port Tobacco Players with young ambassadors in the community. 

At River Artsfest this year, the Encore Kids will present, "The Unity Tree," a 20-minute performance in which a kitten and puppy teach the residents of Dogburg and Catville that everyone can get along, regardless of their differences.

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Judy's Studio of Dance

Judy's Studio of Dance has been organized for the purpose of teaching the love of dancing and performing to all students, young and old.  Students gain pride and confidence in their ability to perform and create graceful, beautiful movement to music at their own individual level.  This includes all students from age 3 years to 83 years.  A variety of dance forms are taught, including ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, hip hop, belly dance, Irish, and more.

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Chesapeake Choral Arts Society

Enjoy a musical journey through the late 1800's presented by the Chesapeake Choral Arts Society (CCAS), which is pleased to be performing at River Artsfest once again.  CCAS's 2007-2008 season focused on the music of the Romantic period worldwide.  Its Christmas Concert – A Dickens Christmas – included many familiar Christmas Carols as well as a look at changing styles of traditional works through the period.  Its Pops concert – Pop Goes the Music – focused on American Popular music of the time, and it is selections from this concert that CCAS is bringing to River Artsfest.  Many familiar folk songs, from Oh! Susanna to Shenandoah, will be included.  Arrangements by Aaron Copland and Moses Hogan of traditional folk songs and spirituals will be performed along with a medley of Civil War songs.   The Chesapeake Choral Arts Society looks forward to bringing you some “toe-tappers” and “knee-slappers” to start your day at River Artsfest this year.

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Blue Sky Puppet Theater

presents

The Barker of Seville

THE BARKER OF SEVILE is a musical comedy about 2 aspiring young opera singers named Rufus Raindog and Rosa Bush.  Rufus and Rosa work in a restaurant while auditioning and practicing; preparing themselves for a real opera role.  At one audition Rosa gets a small part while Rufus runs afoul of the melodramatically sinister Leonardo Vespucci Provologni Hold the Mustard Fulla Bologna, the self proclaimed “World’s Greatest Opera Singer.”  Rufus begins to doubt his abilities. 

Through the help of his teacher, the delightfully wacky Dr. Bonehead, Rufus regains his confidence, and in spite of Leonardo’s devious plot, Rufus prevails and realizes his dreams.   

THE BARKER OF SEVILLE features 9 realistic, moving mouth rod puppets and 2 actors.  Due to the melodramatic nature of Leonardo, the puppeteers encourage booing of his bad guy antics.  There is regular, well controlled audience participation throughout this production.

This production introduces children to a dramatic theatre presentation using puppets as an aesthetic art form, while introducing an opera singer as a positive and identifiable role model, all the time stressing the social value of hard work, self discipline, and perseverance in goal completion.

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Sam Grow

Twenty One-year-old Sam Grow is a musician, singer and songwriter whose soulful acoustic performances and emotionally crafted songs capture audiences of all ages.  Born and raised in Southern MD , Sam's love of performing and connection with his fans continue to fill various venues, often leaving standing room only. Sam's powerful vocals and highly personal lyrics draw you into his songs as he tells stories of love, heartbreak, and his views on life in general.  

Sam latest release "Ignition," is an infusion of Rock, Pop, and Soul that creates an enticing, new listening experience sure to satisfy the ear of a wide range audience. The first cut "Oh So Jaded," has become a crowd favorite.  "Work In Progress," Sam's first CD release is a five song EP full of Sam’s soulful, bluesy sound. The single "Meant to Be," was the featured Track of the Day of September 28, 2006 on GarageBand.com and the song peaked at 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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Sin Miedo

"Sin Miedo" is Spanish for fearless, and it's also the name of one of the best Salsa bands in Washington .  The repertoire itself is fearless as it includes the Classic salsa hits from the 70s to today as well as Chacha Bolero and original music with a French twist. Because of its versatility, the band can switch from dance music to listening music with a large repertoire of Latin-Jazz.   A truly international group, Sin Miedo plays the Afro-Cuban rhythms of Salsa and Mambo that will have you up and dancing!

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The Stageworks Festival PROGRAM is among the largest Young Artist Festivals in North America, with over 100 participants from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia uniting to present 17 consecutive evenings of performances in opera (The Magic Flute, Pagliacci & Suor Angelica), musical theater (Ragtime), jazz (with highlights from Porgy and Bess), Big Band, choral works (Carmina Burana) chamber works (Mostly Mozart), cabarets and more!  All this with Grammy-Award winning conductors, Broadway veterans, a music director from LA Opera, faculty from The Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Kennedy Center, NYC Opera and leading universities and conservatories throughout the world, and world-class guest artists, Michael Maniaci, Rebecca Turner, and Stephen Reid.

The PERFORMANCES are on the Village Green in Indian Head, MD, just 15 miles south of Washington and economical with ticket prices ranging from $5-10.  

The PARTICIPANTS include youth, adults, faculty, students, technicians, paid staff, and volunteers.

 The PROMISE is one of world-class professional entertainment for our community while promoting, encouraging, and training emerging young artists!

At River Artsfest, enjoy a preview of performances that will commence on this same Village Green, a mere week away, and run for 17 consecutive evenings.

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Southern Maryland Concert Band

Based in Charles County since its inception, the Southern Maryland Concert Band (SMCB) has performed many formal and community concerts over the years. The SMCB is the only community-based instrumental ensemble dedicated to providing quality, yet affordable music to families in Southern Maryland . Each year, the SMCB presents at least three formal concerts throughout Southern Maryland . Additionally, 8 - 10 informal community concerts are given annually in Southern Maryland at fairs, festivals, historic occasions and special events.

The SMCB is committed to performing a challenging quality music repertoire and rehearsing diligently from January through the end of October each year to ensure the finest musical product possible from its members. With no audition requirement, the SMCB brings together all levels of musicians - from high school age with little performing experience to retirees who have performed with the military bands. This mix of experience levels makes for exciting learning experiences and enhances the overall musicianship of all those involved.

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Higher Hands

Funk / Nu-Jazz / Hip Hop

Higher Hands (not to be confused with hired hands or helping hands) started as a side project for a collective of Maryland based musicians thriving on spontaneity and funky/soul music, but pushing the project to the forefront has led the group to emerge with some original soul music they can now call their own. Paying tribute to their musical ancestors, they cover a vast range of flavors spanning from hip hop, afro-beat, funk, blues, world music, and even rock n roll stylings. The debut album entitled "Grab Hold" will be released in August of '08 , so keep your eyes and ears open and get that funky leg warmed up. Higher Hands continue to funk outside the box in downtown Annapolis every Thursday night at Armadillo's Bar and Grill. They also host monthly "Soulfull" parties. Soulfull features the Higher Hands and DJ's Jason Joseph and J Mack who spin a vicious mix of rare grooves, latin-soul, deep funk revival, and house. Catch them while you can, as they embark on an oddysey...in the present tense...art made for the moment...forward to the future.

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Capital Quicksteps

The Capital Quicksteps will perform a program of English and American Country Dance Music from the founding of Charles County in 1658 to the present time. Guest artists from The Ballet Arts Academy at Old Waldorf School in Waldorf, Maryland will be performing traditional dances to the Quicksteps' music.
The Capital Quicksteps are musicians from the Washington metropolitan area who play for traditional balls, contradances, social, ballroom, irish ceili, and historical dance events. They have performed together
for over 25 years.  Come celebrate 350 years of music and dance in honor of Charles County's 350th Anniversary Year!

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Schubert Singers

Schubert Singers, a concert choir for children, is open by audition in the fall and spring to boys and girls entering 3rd through 8th grades who like to sing beautiful music. The singers learn and perform folk songs,
spirituals, rounds, and music by classical and contemporary composers that is especially suited to the young voice. They are taught how to sing with a lovely tone, to read music, and to work together to create musical beauty. The three-year-old ensemble of about fourteen choristers is directed by Angela Garvey and Kathy Doyle of Charles County. The directors believe that singing and making music is very important to the human spirit!

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God's Inspiration

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Healing Sounds

Mark Giuffrida plays a variety of instruments, using music to calm, soothe, and heal.  For the past two River Artsfests, Mark showed people how to create bamboo flutes and allowed people to make them on site.  Due to popular demand, Mark is returning to make flutes again this year.  He warns that these are made by using a hot metal stick, and are made to each person's own hands and likes, so they cannot be played with band instruments because the tuning will be rough.  Be prepared to devote about 45 minutes to creating a flute.  At times throughout the day, Mark will stop creating flutes in order to  provide strolling, healing music on a variety of his unusual instruments. 

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