The Seldom Scene, a bluegrass band with more than 50 years of history, will open the Southern Maryland Bluegrass Concert Series on Oct. 5, 2025, at the Calvert Elks Lodge in Prince Frederick. The event marks the start of the series’ fourth year, featuring seven acts at the venue on Dares Beach Road. Tickets for the 2 p.m. show cost $40 and are available through the series website or by phone.
Organizers expect a sellout for the performance by The Seldom Scene, known for blending traditional bluegrass with influences from country and folk artists. The band’s current lineup includes guitarist and mandolinist Lou Reid, bassist Ronnie Simpkins, banjoist and fiddler Ron Stewart, dobro player Fred Travers and guitarist Clay Hess, who joined after vocalist Dudley Connell’s retirement. Travers, a native of Calvert County, adds a local connection to the Southern Maryland Bluegrass Concert Series, drawing residents familiar with the region’s music heritage.
Formed in 1971 in Bethesda, The Seldom Scene began as informal jam sessions in the basement of banjo player Ben Eldridge. Original members included John Duffey on mandolin, John Starling on guitar, Mike Auldridge on dobro and Tom Gray on bass, many of whom had ties to Washington-area groups like The Country Gentlemen. The name stemmed from their infrequent public appearances, as noted by fellow musician Charlie Waller. Over decades, the band evolved, incorporating songs by Merle Haggard and James Taylor while maintaining a progressive sound that expanded bluegrass boundaries.
The group’s latest album, “Remains to Be Scene,” released on Smithsonian Folkways, showcases their enduring style through originals and covers. Available on CD, vinyl and digital formats, it reflects the band’s adaptability amid lineup changes. This performance aligns with the Southern Maryland Bluegrass Concert Series’ focus on top acts, following a tradition of hosting performers like Larry Sparks and The Gibson Brothers in prior venues.
The Southern Maryland Bluegrass Concert Series originated in the 1990s at Ye Ole Restaurant in Leonardtown, holding winter monthly shows before relocating to the American Legion in Hughesville for 15 years. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a move to the Calvert Elks Lodge #2620 at 1015 Dares Beach Road, where it rebranded as “Bluegrass Comeback to Southern Maryland” before settling into its current format. The lodge provides cushioned seating and a family-friendly space, accommodating fans from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
This season’s lineup beyond The Seldom Scene includes Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, with Moore recently touring with Alison Krauss & Union Station; High Fidelity, known for traditional sounds; The Kody Norris Show, blending vintage styles; The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, emphasizing authentic bluegrass; The Country Gentlemen Show featuring Calvert County’s Mike Phipps; and Special Consensus, a Grammy-nominated ensemble. Shows run monthly through April 2026, building on past events that featured artists like Missy Raines & Allegheny and Donna Ulisse & the Poor Mountain Boys.
Hosted by Jay Armsworthy, the Southern Maryland Bluegrass Concert Series has grown into a key venue for the genre in the region, attracting attendees from as far as New York and Tennessee in earlier iterations. Bluegrass in Southern Maryland ties into broader state traditions, with events like the annual Delfest in Cumberland drawing national crowds since its start by musician Del McCoury. Local groups and jams, such as those in Frederick, contribute to the scene, though Southern Maryland’s series stands out for its indoor, seasonal focus.
Advance tickets for the Oct. 5 show and the full Southern Maryland Bluegrass Concert Series are recommended, available at www.somdbluegrass.com or by calling 301-737-3004. The venue’s location in Prince Frederick offers easy access for residents along Route 4, near landmarks like the Calvert Marine Museum.
As the series enters its fourth year at the Elks Lodge, it remains a staple for winter entertainment in Southern Maryland, with doors opening at 1 p.m. for the Oct. 5 event. Fans can expect a two-hour set from The Seldom Scene, highlighting their signature harmonies and solos.
The Southern Maryland Bluegrass Concert Series not only preserves bluegrass traditions but also introduces new listeners through diverse lineups. With The Seldom Scene leading off, the season promises continued growth in regional interest.
