Colin Carr, cello; Wan-Chi Su, piano

Celebrated British cellist Colin Carr joins pianist Wan-Chi Su for an afternoon of music by Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms. Set amid the luminous surroundings of Tashiding, this program traces a rich Romantic lineage—from Beethoven’s youthful brilliance to Schumann’s lyric imagination and Brahms’s profound warmth.

Program:
Robert Schumann: Fantasiestücke, Op. 73
Ludwig van Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 1 in F major, Op. 5, No. 1
Johannes Brahms: Cello Sonata No. 1 in E minor, Op. 38

Craig Bickhardt is a veteran singer-songwriter whose five-decade career began with his first record deal at age 19. He has released 11 albums on Capitol-Liberty, Warner Brothers, MTM Records, and his own Stone Barn Records. His 2023 release Outpourings reached #2 on the Folk/Americana Chart.

Widely respected for his emotional depth and literary lyricism, Bickhardt has written more than 800 songs. His work has been recorded by Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Alison Krauss, Kathy Mattea, Art Garfunkel, the Judds, and B.B. King. He also wrote and performed the closing theme for the Academy Award–winning film Tender Mercies.

A compelling live performer, Bickhardt is known for his intricate acoustic guitar work and soulful voice. He has appeared at the Grand Ole Opry, Austin City Limits, Mountain Stage, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and The Bluebird Cafe, and has shared stages with Bruce Springsteen, Judy Collins, Harry Chapin, and Stephen Stills.

“Craig Bickhardt is the American counterpart to Richard Thompson… stylistic, original, creative and daring.” – John Apice, No Depression.

Marc Douglas Berardo is a thoughtful songwriter and engaging performer who blends humor, storytelling, and masterful guitar work into a powerful live experience. Over a 35-year career, he has earned recognition at festivals including Rocky Mountain Folks, Telluride, Kerrville New Folk, Suwanee, and Wildflower. No Depression calls him “sincere, fluid, charming, and above all gripping.”

In 2025, Berardo was featured in Ink Magazine and headlined the 40th Tucson Folk Festival with dobro player Abbie Gardner. His 2024 album The Beauty of This Now, recorded in Austin and produced by Ron Flynt and Walt Wilkins, further cemented his reputation as a serious and compelling voice in Americana.

“Berardo takes you to a place within yourself to make changes you want to see in the world.” — Mary Jane Twohy, SiriusXM.

ALBUM RELEASE CELEBRATION!

The Old Part of Town return to Manor Mill for a third time, with another special performance. This time they're celebrating the release of their brand new live double-album, "A Night On The Town" ꟷ some of which was recorded right here! Playing their eclectic blend of roots-Americana, folk-rock, country-blues, and bluegrass, and showcasing tight harmonies, tasteful musicianship, and standout songwriting, the band features singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Matt Douglass and Sam Nitzberg, Lynn Kasdorf on pedal steel, Dave Frieman on upright bass, and Steve Raskin on drums.

They'll have plenty of copies of the new album for sale (along with their other four), and a few guests sitting in, including Talbot Mayo, Tom Chalkley, and Seth Kibel.

Their first show here was sold out, and the second one was just shy of that, so reserve your seats early.

Slap Dragon was born in 2023 when bassist Scott Mulvahill and vocalist Laura Berens began writing together and quickly stumbled into a sound that felt both fresh and familiar. Backed by some of Nashville’s finest session musicians, the band fuses soulful vocals, acoustic textures, and groove-heavy arrangements—a sound that blends bluegrass, disco, funk, and R&B into something unmistakably their own. Their music is crafted with intention, yet their live performances always leave room for improvisation, surprise, and play.

The band made its live debut on June 1, 2024 in Nashville, followed shortly by a performance at Bonnaroo, where their infectious energy and musicianship helped them stand out. Their first singles, “Girl Dinner” and “Already Won,” introduced listeners to their signature mix of tight arrangements and joyful spontaneity. On social media, Slap Dragon has begun building notable momentum, with steady growth on TikTok and Instagram—including an Instagram video of “Already Won” surpassing 260,000 views.

Community is at the core of Slap Dragon’s identity. Scott and Laura aim to create spaces where audiences feel free to move, laugh, and connect— shows that feel more like shared celebrations than performances. Their blend of groove, humor, and musical depth attracts listeners across genres and generations.

In October 2025, Slap Dragon surpassed their Kickstarter fundraising goals, paving the way for their debut full-length album, set for release in 2026. With growing online traction, an engaged fanbase, and a dynamic live show, Slap Dragon continues to expand their presence onstage and online—offering a musical experience rooted in community, musicianship, and pure fun.

With more than 80 years of combined experience in the acoustic music scene around Baltimore, Mark Henkelman, his brother Paul, and their longtime friend Jeff Christopher have spent a lifetime trading songs, stages, and stories. After years of playing everything from barroom favorites to deep‑cut folk tunes, the trio made a heartfelt decision: to focus their talents on sharing the timeless music of John Prine.

Performing under the name Peaceful Waters, the band brings Prine’s catalog to life with the kind of authenticity that only comes from decades of playing together. From the aching beauty of Angel From Montgomery to the grit and truth of Sam Stone, from the rolling nostalgia of Paradise to the wry humor tucked into so many of Prine’s gems, Peaceful Waters delivers each song with love, warmth, and the quiet devotion these stories deserve.

For newcomers, it’s a chance to hear Prine’s songs the way they were meant to be played—up close, honest, and full of heart. For longtime fans, it’s a reminder of why these songs stay with us. And for Mark, Paul, and Jeff, it’s simply the greatest joy they know: honoring a songwriter who shaped their lives, one tune at a time.

Mark Taylor, 26, is bringing that feel-good 90's country sound back to Nashville with his smooth vocals and soulful melodies. He's opened for stars like Big & Rich, Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean, Jon Pardi, and Zach Top, as well as members of R.E.M. and The Doobie Brothers.

As a songwriter, Mark's song "End This Way," recorded by Braden Hull, was second most added at country radio in June 2026 and climbing. His songs have also been cut by Whey Jennings, Amii Stewart, and Carson Beyer.

His single "Dust Off That Dirt" earned nearly 250,000 streams, national and international radio play, and ASCAP's 2023 Harold Adamson Country Lyric Award. Another cut, "Just Before the Dawn," hit Top 40 on iTunes Country and appeared in the award-winning film "American Outlaws."

Mark recently launched his own honey bourbon whiskey, Steel String Signature, with CALI Distillery, available online and in select Total Wine stores.

Ahmed Warshanna Presents...Ishta! Experience modern jazz in an intimate setting with Ahmed Warshanna's Ishta! in The Loft. With a sound that bridges post-bop, Afro-Cuban grooves, hip hop, rock, Egyptian classical melodies, and more, Ahmed Warshanna is redefining the modern jazz landscape. A Baltimore-based guitarist, composer, and arranger, he leads the dynamic sextet Ishta!, known for its fiery interplay and genre-defying sound. Whether performing with his band or composing new works, Ahmed consistently transcends musical boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in jazz traditions.

His artistic vision is that of an impressionist painter: through his compositions, he creates vivid sonic scenes that conjure images of places, colors, and moments in the listener’s mind. Each performance offers a unique journey, an experience shaped by the evolving chemistry of the band and the energy of the room. This approach is never static; instead, Ahmed treats each show as an opportunity to paint new landscapes in sound, encouraging listeners to immerse themselves fully and let their imaginations wander. No two performances are ever the same, making every concert with Ishta! a singular, unrepeatable experience.

Beyond his work on stage and in the studio, Ahmed founded The Backwater Sessions in Ellicott City, a weekly music series that has become a cornerstone of Baltimore’s jazz and improvisational music scene. Originally an intimate gathering of musicians, it has evolved into a vibrant venue showcasing a diverse range of artists, fostering collaboration, and pushing creative boundaries. Ahmed has shared the stage with Brandon Woody, Allison Miller, Clarence Ward III, Ted Baker, Ephraim Dorsey, Obasi Akoto, Elijah Jamal Balbed, Jo Palmer, Justin Mendez, and Ryan Hanseler. Through his compositions, performances, and curatorial work, he continues to bridge cultures and traditions, shaping the future of jazz in bold and unexpected ways.

Whiskey Feathers is a rising, indie rock band from Baltimore, blending rock, americana, and alternative rock into an immersive sound rooted in positivity, togetherness, and shared human experience. Their music feels handmade by design, timeless rock with a modern edge, reflective lyrics, layered textures, and a dreamlike energy that moves both the heart and the hips.

Led by vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Brittain Duckworth, the band features Jenny Fitchett (vocals/keys), Luke Chohany (lead guitar/maestro), Jon “Bass Lord of Baltimore” Schroeder, and Andrew Young (drums/percussion). Together, they form a creative collective known for emotionally resonant performances and messages centered on connection, creativity, and community.

True makers at heart, Whiskey Feathers extends their artistry beyond the stage guided by their motto, “Handmade Music & Handmade Merch”. Brittain and his wife Kim (tour manager) are the experienced potters behind the band’s handmade ceramics, while family in New Hampshire develop and hand-screen the band’s unique shirts and tote bags, and sister/sister-in-law Lisa (merch manager) designs and crafts feather jewelry, making it a true family affair. Every piece is created with the same care and intention as their songs, blurring the lines between music, craft, and visual art.

Known for powerful live shows and crowd-shaped setlists, every performance becomes a shared journey. Performance highlights include Meyerhoff Symphony Hall for United Way of Central Maryland’s Centennial Benefit Concert featuring Common, WTMD First Thursday Festival, Ramble Festival, Kipona Fest, and Monkton Music Festival. Whiskey Feathers has opened for Eddie 9V, Parker Barrow, Eric Hutchinson, Joe P, Pressing Strings, Sam Morrow, The Young Dubliners, Hackensaw Boys, and a growing roster of artists making waves.

With new singles and a sophomore album arriving in 2026, Whiskey Feathers continues to build a world where music, art, and human connection grow together.