The River Concert Series runs through the summer each year, typically on Friday evenings in June and July, with varying concerts set on the St. Mary’s College townhouse green. Their rather spectacular stage features a variety of acts; classical concert music, jazz, and choral arrangements, with a few surprises each year. The musicians are a mix of college faculty from SMCM and other local institutions, alumni, and current students, as well as featured professional soloists. The venue on the river is always beautiful, and while it’s a ways out, it’s directly on Route 5 and not difficult to find by car, and you won’t be bothered by traffic for most of the way. Definitely reachable from DC or Annapolis or various suburbs. Parking is ample. Seats are not provided, but the area is grassy; this is the sort of scenario where towels and lawn chairs might be advised. Being a summer event, it is subject to thunderstorms. More frequently, however, it is subject to gorgeous sunsets in the background. The crowd is always at least close to full and blends county locals and people connected with the college, though it will depend on weather and the program for the night. The college does very little in the way of summer school, and thus there aren’t generally a lot of residents around(a good thing for them, given that the festival is on their lawn). Various food and art vendors congregate next to the townhouse green, and sometimes local political campaigns. The concert itself and the parking are free. This is a great opportunity to see the college and the area and to experience musical performances which are worthy of a major urban venue, but welcome in this remote but special setting.
