Karen Somerville & Sombarkin
With Special Guests
A Celebration of Black History Month in Kent County

The Mainstay is proud to present an extraordinary evening featuring the incomparable Karen Somerville and Sombarkin, joined by special guests, in a powerful musical tribute honoring Black History Month in Kent County.

This uplifting program celebrates the deep and enduring contributions of African American artists, leaders, and community members to the history and culture of Kent County. With rich harmonies, soulful vocals, and the signature artistry that has made Sombarkin a regional treasure, this performance promises to be both inspiring and unforgettable.

The concert begins at 7:30 PM, and tickets are $25 in advance. Early reservations are strongly encouraged, as this show is expected to draw a large and enthusiastic audience.

Karen Somerville is widely recognized as one of the Eastern Shore’s most renowned vocal artists, known for her powerful interpretations of gospel, spirituals, jazz, and blues, as well as her work preserving and sharing African American cultural heritage. Sombarkin’s signature three-part harmonies and dynamic performance style have captivated audiences throughout the region, bringing both historical depth and contemporary energy to the stage.

Their performances have been described as “deeply moving and musically stunning,” praised for their emotional resonance, historical storytelling, and vocal excellence.

By attending this concert, you are not only enjoying a terrific night of music and celebration, you are also supporting The Mainstay’s mission to bring diverse, high-quality programming to our region, expand cultural access, and strengthen community through the arts.

Join us for a remarkable evening of music, history, and community as we celebrate the legacy and spirit that define Kent County.

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Celebrate Valentine’s Evening this year with Mainstay favorite, Deanna Bogart, as she returns to The Mainstay on Saturday, February 14 for a night of soulful, high-energy music. Known for her dazzling piano work, smoky sax lines, and warm stage presence, Deanna brings the perfect blend of sparkle and heart for a romantic night out or a lively evening with friends. With over 40 years of captivating audiences worldwide, 

Known for her electrifying blend of blues, jazz, and boogie woogie, Deanna's performances have lit up legendary venues like Blues Alley and Marians Jazzroom, alongside major festivals such as Tremblant International Blues Festival, Blues to Bop, and Rio Das Ostras Jazz and Blues Festival.

Sharing the stage with icons like Jimmy Buffett, B.B. King, James Brown, and Ray Charles, Deanna's spellbinding performances showcase her signature style — dazzling on the keyboards, soul-stirring on the saxophone, and mesmerizing with her smoky vocals and powerful songwriting.

Tickets are $30 in advance and are expected to sell quickly. Reserve yours early and enjoy an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration with one of our most requested performers.

Celebrate Mardi Gras Mainstay-style on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with the highly anticipated return of Philip Dutton and the Alligators. This crowd-pleasing band channels the spirit of Louisiana with a vibrant mix of New Orleans R&B, zydeco, swamp-pop, and boogie-driven grooves that turn every show into a party.

Philip and the Alligators bring irresistible rhythms, infectious energy, and that unmistakable Gulf Coast feel that keeps audiences coming back for more. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a night of beads, masks, and true Mardi Gras magic at The Mainstay.

Join us for an evening guaranteed to lift your spirits and get you moving as we bring a slice of Louisiana right to Rock Hall. Mark your calendar. You won’t want to miss this celebration.

Get your tickets early. They will go fast!  $25.00 in advance.

Get ready for a special evening at The Mainstay as we welcome The Black-Eyed Suzies, Maryland’s all-female bluegrass powerhouse, for their debut performance at The Mainstay

Hailing from the Maryland - Pennsylvania region, The Black-Eyed Suzies are led by award-winning fiddler Sarah Larsen and known for their tight harmonies, driving rhythms, and playful energy. Their signature blend of traditional bluegrass instrumentation, three-finger banjo, fiddle, acoustic guitar, combined with vibrant vocals and a fresh spirit brings the genre to life in a bold and welcoming way. 

Join us for an unforgettable evening of dynamic musicianship and bluegrass joy as The Black-Eyed Suzies bring their spirited sound to The Mainstay stage.

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James Fernando Trio, Philly 3 Release Celebration
Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Join us at The Mainstay for a special evening with the James Fernando Trio as they celebrate the release of their new recording, Philly 3. James Fernando has been praised as a “prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist,” and his trio brings a vibrant, contemporary energy to the jazz piano trio tradition. Their music blends deep musical chemistry, spontaneous interplay, and a sound that is both familiar and fresh.

Philly 3 marks James’s debut trio recording and features standout Philadelphia musicians Kyon Williams on drums and bassist Dan McCain. The trio first came together in 2023 when James assembled the group for a performance at The Kennedy Center. Since then, they have performed across the country, developing a distinctive voice shaped by collaboration and a shared sense of musical adventure. The album includes eight of Fernando’s original compositions along with a reimagined version of Erroll Garner’s “Like It Is.” 

At this special release event, audiences will hear two full live sets from the trio, along with stories about the creation of the new album and James’s artistic process. After the performance, guests are invited to stay for a short Q and A and an autograph session.

Tickets are 25 dollars and advance purchase is encouraged. This promises to be a unique opportunity to experience a rising artist and his dynamic trio up close in The Mainstay’s intimate listening environment.

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Mike Agranoff comes to The Mainstay on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM, promising an evening of unforgettable folk artistry. A well-known figure in the folk world, Agranoff is known for a repertoire that spans traditional and contemporary material, skillful fingerstyle guitar, expressive concertina work and a storytelling style that keeps audiences fully engaged. His performances blend humor and musical craftsmanship delivered with a warmth that makes listeners feel personally invited into the music. With deep roots in folk-music circles and storytelling communities, he has long been praised for holding audiences “spellbound” through his songs, tunes, spoken-word pieces, and original compositions.

The evening at The Mainstay will feature two full sets, creating a rich  concert experience that suits both long-time folk enthusiasts and those simply looking for a great night out. Tickets are just 25 dollars, an exceptional value for a performer of his caliber. With its welcoming atmosphere and reputation for presenting top-tier live music, The Mainstay provides the perfect setting for Mike Agranoff’s blend of folk music mastery, storytelling, and heart. Join us on March 14 for an evening that promises a truly memorable musical journey.

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Tracy Grammer makes her highly anticipated Mainstay debut on Saturday, April 4, bringing her luminous voice, masterful storytelling, and beautifully crafted songs to Rock Hall for the first time. Long celebrated as one of modern folk’s most expressive and emotionally resonant performers, Grammer has earned praise from audiences and artists alike. 
With a repertoire that spans original songs, beloved material from her years performing with the late Dave Carter, and thoughtfully chosen contemporary folk gems, Tracy Grammer creates concerts that feel both intimate and deeply moving. Tickets are available now! 
Reserve yours early for this special debut at The Mainstay.

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The Mainstay is delighted to welcome back vocalist Daniela Soledade and guitarist Nate Najar for their internationally acclaimed “Love and Bossa Nova” concert on Saturday, April 11, a perennial Mainstay favorite and consistent fast sellout. Soledade, born in Rio de Janeiro and descended from one of Brazil’s notable musical families, carries the legacy of bossa nova in her blood; her grandfather Paulo Soledade worked alongside many of the genre’s early architects. Daniela and Nate continue that lineage with a style often compared to the timeless elegance of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Gilberto, and other great Brazilian composers and performers. She and Najar tour internationally, bringing their intimate, expressive approach to audiences throughout the United States, Europe, and South America. Najar’s warm, classical influenced guitar style, deeply inspired by Jobim’s collaborator Charlie Byrd, provides a rich and natural foundation for Soledade’s luminous and understated vocals. Together, the duo creates an atmosphere of refined Brazilian charm, blending bossa nova, samba, and acoustic jazz into a performance that feels both authentically Brazilian and uniquely their own. Their Love and Bossa Nova show is known for its romantic energy, world class musicianship, and a remarkable ability to transport listeners to the beaches and nightclubs of Rio, making it one of The Mainstay’s most requested returning concerts.

Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo

GET READY for an unforgettable night of world-class guitar music at The Mainstay on Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 PM. Guitar virtuosos Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo will take the stage for a special duo performance that showcases their remarkable technical skill, seamless musical rapport, and wide-ranging repertoire. Known for their vibrant interplay and effortless command of swing, gypsy-jazz, and contemporary styles, the two longtime collaborators create an experience that is both thrilling for devoted jazz listeners and welcoming for anyone who simply loves exceptional live music.

Frank Vignola has built an international reputation as one of the leading guitarists in jazz and swing, performing with legends from Bucky Pizzarelli to Wynton Marsalis. Vinny Raniolo, his longtime musical partner, brings a warm, inventive energy that perfectly complements Vignola’s electrifying virtuosity. Together, their performances blend dazzling technique with musical storytelling, creating a sense of intimacy and excitement that thrives in The Mainstay’s close-up setting.

Join us on May 9 at 7:30 PM for a full evening of inspired guitar duets, inventive arrangements, and the kind of spontaneous musical conversation that happens only when two master musicians share a stage. Tickets are $25 in advance, and early purchase is recommended due to limited seating. This concert promises to be one of the highlights of the season, offering a rare opportunity to experience two of today’s finest guitarists in an intimate venue where every note can be heard, felt, and appreciated.

Save the date, spread the word, and plan to be part of a remarkable night of music at The Mainstay.

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ANNOUNCEMENT!

We are thrilled to welcome Hilary Gardner and The Lonesome Pines to The Mainstay on Saturday, May 30. Hilary and The Pines will be performing songs from their multi award winning album On the Trail, which has just been named the 2025 Album of the Year by the International Western Music Association. We will be celebrating the enormous success of this musical masterpiece as it continues to earn recognition and admiration across the country.

This acclaimed recording has received praise for its rich storytelling, its connection to the musical traditions of the American West, and its blend of warmth, authenticity, and exceptional musicianship. When Hilary Gardner brings these songs to our stage, audiences can expect an evening filled with vivid imagery, heartfelt vocals, and the timeless beauty that defines her work.

Hilary will be joined by the musicians who make up The Lonesome Pines. Sasha Papernik on accordion and backup vocals, Justin Poindexter brings his distinctive guitar work and harmony vocals. Noah Garabedian provides the bass. Aaron Thurston completes the ensemble with tasteful percussion.

We invite you to join us for this special performance as Hilary Gardner returns to The Mainstay and shares the music that is capturing the attention of listeners everywhere. Tickets are now available, and we look forward to welcoming you for a memorable night of music.

The record, “On the Trail” won the 2025 Western Heritage Award for Outstanding Traditional Western Album as well as the International Western Music Association's award for 2025 Western Album of the Year. On the Trail was in the top 10 of The Times of London's 20 Best Jazz Albums of 2024.

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The Mainstay is honored to present - all the way from Nashville, The Larry Stephenson Band on Saturday, June 13th under the stars on our outdoor stage. Join us for an evening of outstanding bluegrass from one of the genre’s most respected and enduring artists. With more than 20 album releases to his credit, Larry Stephenson has spent over four decades shaping the sound of modern bluegrass through his signature high tenor voice, expressive mandolin playing, and a repertoire that blends tradition with fresh, contemporary energy.

Larry is a multi-IBMA and SPBGMA award-winner, renowned for his warm stage presence, crystal-clear phrasing, and timeless repertoire that blends classic bluegrass with new, original material. Audiences can expect an evening filled with driving instrumentation, close harmonies, heartfelt ballads, and the polished craftsmanship that has earned the band a loyal following across the country.

The Mainstay’s intimate setting offers a rare opportunity to experience this music up close, creating an atmosphere that highlights every note and nuance. Whether you are a dedicated bluegrass fan or simply someone who enjoys finely crafted live music, this concert promises a memorable night of artistry and authentic musical expression.

Join us on Saturday, June 13, 2026, as The Larry Stephenson Band brings world-class bluegrass to Rock Hall.

This program is made possible by The Hedgelawn Foundation.