From Gershwin and Hoagy Carmichael, to Carole King and Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Stevie Wonder, this “First Friday” show with Joe Holt will have something for everyone! Vocalist Sharon Sable & guitarist E. Shawn Qaissaunee will join Joe to present a concert of The Great Songwriters of The Twentieth Century.

Sharon Sable, based in Wilmington DE, performs regularly with the region’s finest jazz musicians. Her repertoire includes both popular and lesser known gems of the Great American Songbook and other timeless music from the 20th century. Her newest album, recorded with pianist Joe Holt (“Once Upon a Summertime, the Music of Blossom Dearie) has been called “mesmerizing” and “exquisite” by regional music critics, and has received  generous airplay on local and national jazz radio programs.

E. Shawn Qaissaunee has been in demand as a multi-instrumentalist and composer/arranger in the Delmarva area for over thirty years. Sought out for his talents on guitar, bass, piano, percussion and the rubab and dutar (two instruments from his native Afghanistan), Shawn is known for his musical virtuosity, sensitivity, lyricism and spirited creative energy in the jazz tradition.

Based in Philadelphia, the James Fernando Trio masterfully presents a refreshing take on the piano trio format. It delivers fresh interpretations of jazz standards in the tradition of jazz legends such as Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, and Thelonious Monk, alongside compelling original compositions. With a balance of playfulness and technical mastery, the trio brings the jazz genre into the present day through inventive improvisation, clever arrangements, captivating rhythms, and “downright fun.”

James Fernando has been hailed by World Music Report as a “prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist,” by Jazz Sensibilities as “limitless in his ability to articulate his ideas,” and by Contemporary Fusion Reviews as “creating one of the most amazing musical experiences you’ve ever had.” The trio also features Eliot Seppa on bass and Kyon Williams on drums.

After building an impressive career with international performances, collaborations with GRAMMY Award-winning artists, and five album releases, James formed the trio in 2023. Despite being relatively new to the scene, the trio has already established itself as one of the finest jazz groups active today. They have been headliners nationwide at leading venues such as The Kennedy Center, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and The Ravenscroft. 

This is the time of year when the big tents go up behind the Mainstay, when plans are made for an excellent dinner buffet and rounds of drinks, and great live music. This is the day when our closest friends and supporters celebrate what the Mainstay has delivered to our community for 28 years. This gathering is what it's all about.

Join us on Sunday, September 14th behind the Mainstay in Rock Hall. You'll be treated to a sumptuous meal prepared by Amuse Bouche, an open bar, raw oysters at the oyster bar, and an evening of amazing bossa nova music. Why bossa nova? Well, it just so happens that this weekend coincides with the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary guitarist Charlie Byrd, the musical celebrity who helped put the Mainstay on the map, Music for the Gala has been carefully curated and the leading names in Brazilian music will be there – Chuck Redd (Charlie's original drummer), Maucha Adnet, the female vocalist who recorded with Jobim, Duduka da Fonseca (often cited as the world's best Brazilian drummer), and Nate Najar, frequently cited as the heir apparent to Charlie Byrd on guitar.

Tickets for the event are $125 and this includes your $75 charitable tax-deductible contribution, the buffet, an open bar, all you can eat raw oysters, and this dazzling talent line-up.

The Gala also provides us with the opportunity to present our annual Silent Auction on display just inside the Mainstay. All kinds of marvelous items, artwork, and services will be available.

The event will take place under the tents rain or shine, and your ticket purchase is non-refundable.

Please join us. For more information or to make phone reservations call the Mainstay at (410) 639-9133.