Southern Maryland Traditional Music and Dance HomeSpun CoffeeHouse presented The Martin Family Band in concert Friday, April 3 at Christ Church Parish Hall on Zach Fowler Road in Chaptico, MD.

The Martin family has been playing music together for over 15 years now and presents a very energetic assortment of Old Time and Irish tunes on traditional instruments including hammered dulcimer, banjo, fiddle, guitar, keyboard, Irish whistle and mandolin. 

During a short intermission TheBAYNET.com learned that the family plays in festivals and performances around the Washington DC metropolitan area as well as around the globe and that the younger generation has studied in Ireland four summers to assimilate the true Celtic style of music that they so aptly present for the audiences enjoyment. They have also produced two CDs of their music which is available through the Band’s website; http://www.themartinfamilyband.com/iWeb/MartinFamilyBand/Home.html

The vocal style of the two main singers, Emily and Lydia was reminiscent of the Carter Family. One song featured the youngest addition to the Band, Emily’s five year old daughter who exhibited the energy of her exuberant mother. Those in attendance thought it was great to observe three generations of this talented family performing together.

Jeanean Martin, mother of Emily, Lydia and Claude, who plays a mean fiddle, said when asked by TBN, that the children are so much into their music that she does not have to prod them to practice. Carl, who plays tenor banjo and mandolin, and the father of these dedicated musicians, appears to be relaxed in letting his off-spring run the show for the concert. At one point in the concert, Jeanean referred to her song list only to drop it and shrug her shoulders when Emily, Lydia and Claude decided to perform a different song. Later Jeanean stated to the audience that it was nice seeing them progress and form their own band but it was sad when they kicked their parents out of this new band.

The Martin Family Band also performs for weddings, at Festivals and in concerts on a regular basis besides being the “house band” at Mount Vernon for 10 years. For information about the band’s  schedule, go to their website http://www.themartinfamilyband.com/iWeb/MartinFamilyBand/Home.html or the SMTMD website, www.smtmd.org

The SMTMD presents a concert on alternate fourth Fridays of each month; alternating with an Open Mic for any local musician to share their musical styles. April 24 will be the next Open Mic. Go to www.smtmd.org for details about the Open Mic and to sign up to perform or a phone number to call if you have a question. The next Concert will be May 29,with Anne Hills performing.