The Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons announced on December 15, 2025, that tickets are now available for the 16th Annual Maritime Performance Series scheduled for 2026. The series features four concerts showcasing acoustic roots, bluegrass, Chesapeake folk, and early American music in the museum’s Harms Gallery.
Performances run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Beer, wine, soda, and water will be available for purchase. Advance tickets cost $20 online until one day before each event, while day-of tickets are $25 online or at the door. The lineup includes acts tied to traditional and historical themes aligning with the museum’s focus on regional maritime heritage.
The series opens on Friday, January 30, with the Ken Kolodner Quartet. The father-son duo of Ken and Brad Kolodner, from Baltimore, perform on hammered dulcimer and clawhammer banjo, joined by bassist Alex Lacquement and multi-instrumentalist Rachel Eddy. Their sound blends old-time bluegrass and American roots music, earning recognition for innovative acoustic arrangements.
On Friday, February 27, the Burnett Sisters Band takes the stage. The group features siblings Anissa, Sophia, and Anneli Burnett from Boone, North Carolina, along with Geary Allen from Minster, England. As multi-instrumentalists, they draw from bluegrass, old-time fiddle tunes, classic country, originals, and gospel, often incorporating flatfooting dance. The band has received nominations for awards in traditional music categories and performs internationally.
Friday, March 27, brings Janie Meneely and Rob van Sante. Maryland native Meneely, known for nautical-themed folk songs about Chesapeake Bay traditions, partners with Dutch-born guitarist and singer van Sante. Their performances include original compositions, traditional ballads from the Bay and beyond, and encourage audience sing-alongs, blending storytelling with maritime perspectives.
The series concludes on Friday, April 18, with David and Ginger Hildebrand. The music historians perform period music from the American Revolution in celebration of the 250th anniversary of independence. In period attire, they present patriotic songs, ballads, dance tunes, and theater pieces associated with figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Demonstrations include instruments such as hammered dulcimer, violin, and early guitars, highlighting formal and folk traditions of early America.
Similar series in prior years have featured artists rooted in traditional styles, supporting the museum’s educational mission. For details or tickets, visit the museum’s official events page https://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/231/Maritime-Performance-Series. Contact Rachelle.Green@calvertcountymd.gov for additional information.
The museum operates daily, providing context for events like this through displays on local watermen, fossils, and bay ecology. Attendees can explore these exhibits before or after concerts, enhancing understanding of the musical ties to regional history.