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A large crowd gathered on the green of the St. Mary's College of Maryland to attend a patriotic concert despite the dire predictions of 100 degree plus temperatures at 8 p. m. Friday, July 6th. The heat wasn't nearly as unpleasant as expected and the River Concert proceeded as planned. After music director Jeffrey Silberschlag was introduced by the College President Joe Urgo, he jestingly explained that he was "protecting his true identity" as he revealed his black T-shirt with a large "S" emblem under his formal white jacket and white shirt.

Then the concert began with a rousing version of the "Star Spangled Banner" by the Chesapeake Orchestra. John Williams' popular work, "Superman" energetically followed as the second musical piece. Another work by John Williams immediately followed, the theme from "The Patriot". The music was warm with lots of bass, drums and soaring strings. Mr. Silberschlag commented something like "As Superman has aged, the stand needs to be adjusted, so he can see through his glasses to see the super notes."

Morton Gould's "The Hosedown" was performed once again featuring Fire Chief Bruce Raley and some Ridge Volunteer firemen (hose and fire siren included, of course) and narrator, Debbie Greitzer. We all listened carefully for the actual Dalmatian barking as instructed by Jeffrey Silberschlag, and were amused as he imitated the dog himself. Each section of the orchestra played a different part, including the crackling fire by percussion, the ambulance and the firefighter fanfare.   

After intermission, the talented and beautiful Hilary Kole, described as a "hot performer" by the Maestro, took to the stage in a fabulous gown with winking sequined inlays. (pictured) She has performed in many locales including the Rainbow room, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Birdland Jazz Club in New York City. Ms. Kole teasingly stated that the music director, still in his Superman t-shirt, was "best dressed". In a jazzy sentimental style with great emotion, she sang "They Can't Take That Away from Me", "Misty", Gershwin's "The Man I Love" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" to name a few of the enchanting songs in her repertoire. The highly successful River Concert ended on an enthusiastic note with Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture", Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever", and a burst of fireworks.