On Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., the Carver Recreation Center at 47382 Lincoln Ave, Lexington Park, MD 20653, will host a free musical performance by Dr. Ceylon Mitchell and his ensemble, Raíces Negras. Open to all ages, this event promises an engaging celebration of Black and Latine musical traditions, inviting Southern Maryland residents to experience a vibrant blend of chamber music, Afro-Brazilian rhythms, and Afro-Cuban jazz. For inquiries, contact St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks at 301-475-4200, extension 1800. The performance is sponsored by Music from Poplar Hill, St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks, and St. Mary’s County Arts Council.
Dr. Ceylon Mitchell, a flutist and educator, leads Raíces Negras, a collective dedicated to amplifying Black and Latine voices through music that spans the Americas. According to the ensemble’s website, their repertoire includes modern Pierrot ensemble works, characterized by rich timbral textures, alongside the lively swing of Afro-Brazilian choros and the intricate, polyphonic rhythms of Afro-Cuban jazz. The group is known for respecting traditional genres while innovating through improvisatory and cross-cultural blends, creating a sound that is both rooted and dynamic. This performance offers a rare opportunity for St. Mary’s County residents to engage with music that bridges cultural histories and contemporary artistry.
The Carver Recreation Center, a community hub in Lexington Park, provides an accessible venue for this family-friendly event. Located in the heart of St. Mary’s County, the center is known for hosting cultural and recreational activities that draw diverse audiences. The free admission ensures broad community access, aligning with the mission of St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks to foster inclusive cultural experiences. The event also reflects the St. Mary’s County Arts Council’s commitment to supporting local arts initiatives, as seen in their co-sponsorship alongside Music from Poplar Hill, an organization dedicated to promoting musical performances in Southern Maryland.
Raíces Negras’ performance is part of a broader weekend of music in St. Mary’s County. The following evening, Friday, September 26, 2025, the ensemble will perform a ticketed concert in Valley Lee, Maryland. Additional details and ticket information for the Valley Lee event are available through the ensemble’s website Music from Poplar Hill website. This second performance offers Southern Maryland audiences a chance to further explore the group’s repertoire in a different setting, building on the momentum of the free concert.
Dr. Mitchell’s leadership of Raíces Negras brings a scholarly and artistic depth to the ensemble. As a flutist, he has performed across diverse musical contexts, from classical to jazz, and his work with Raíces Negras emphasizes cultural storytelling through music. The ensemble’s performances often highlight the intersections of African, Latin American, and Caribbean musical traditions, making their work particularly resonant in a region like Southern Maryland, where community events frequently celebrate cultural diversity. The group’s ability to blend traditional forms with modern improvisation ensures a performance that appeals to both seasoned music enthusiasts and casual listeners.
The event at Carver Recreation Center also underscores the role of community spaces in fostering cultural engagement. Lexington Park, with its proximity to Patuxent River Naval Air Station and a population that includes a mix of military families, longtime residents, and newcomers, is an ideal setting for such a performance. The recreation center’s accessibility and the event’s free admission remove barriers, encouraging attendance from across the county’s diverse communities. St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks has a history of hosting events that strengthen community ties, such as summer concerts and arts programs, which align with the goals of this performance.
Music from Poplar Hill, one of the event’s sponsors, has been a key player in Southern Maryland’s cultural landscape, organizing concerts that bring high-caliber musicians to local audiences. Their collaboration with the St. Mary’s County Arts Council, which supports local artists through grants, exhibitions, and events, amplifies the impact of performances like this one. The Arts Council’s involvement highlights the region’s growing emphasis on arts as a means of community enrichment, a trend evident in initiatives like the annual St. Mary’s County ArtsFest, which showcases local talent.
For those attending the September 25 concert, expect an hour and a half of music that traverses cultural and stylistic boundaries. Raíces Negras’ performances are noted for their energy and accessibility, making them suitable for listeners of all ages and musical backgrounds. The ensemble’s focus on Black and Latine voices offers a meaningful contribution to the cultural dialogue in Southern Maryland, where events like this foster appreciation for diverse artistic traditions.
Residents interested in exploring more of Raíces Negras’ work can attend the ticketed concert in Valley Lee or visit the ensemble’s website for additional resources and performance schedules. The Carver Recreation Center event serves as an inviting entry point, offering a no-cost opportunity to experience world-class music in a local setting. As St. Mary’s County continues to grow as a hub for cultural activities, performances like this one highlight the region’s commitment to accessible, high-quality arts programming.
