Karen Somerville with Donnie T/. Smith

The Mainstay Celebrates the Harlem Renaissance!

The Mainstay will step back into one of the most exciting and influential periods in American cultural history on Saturday, November 7, with a special Harlem Renaissance Centennial Celebration beginning at 7:30 PM.

Featuring Kent County’s own Karensomerville Band with New York City jazz and soul vocalist Donnie T. Smith, the evening will celebrate the music, energy, elegance and creative spirit of the Jazz Age. Guests are encouraged to join the fun by dressing in their finest 1920s or 1930s-inspired attire.

The Harlem Renaissance was a remarkable period of cultural growth and innovation that flourished during the 1920s and 1930s. African American writers, musicians, artists and dancers created work that transformed American culture. Jazz and blues were at the heart of the movement, as Harlem clubs, ballrooms and speakeasies became gathering places for new music, dancing and creative expression.

The program follows a successful Harlem Renaissance-inspired celebration held in Caroline County last April. Presented as the Riverside Speakeasy at the Market Street Public House in Denton, the event brought Karen Somerville and Donnie T. Smith together for an evening of live music, conversation and vintage elegance. The enthusiastic response inspired this presentation on The Mainstay stage.

A native of Worton Point, Karen Somerville is a vocalist, songwriter, producer and arranger whose music encompasses jazz, gospel, blues, folk and a cappella singing. She is known throughout the region for her work with the Karensomerville Band and the acclaimed vocal ensemble Sombarkin’.

Somerville is also a local historian dedicated to preserving Kent County’s African American heritage. Her work includes “A Legacy of Praise and Worship in the African American Church,” a documentary exploring the history and influence of African American churches in the region.

Donnie T. Smith is a New York City-based vocalist and songwriter known for his powerful baritone voice and expressive performances. His music blends jazz, R&B, soul, gospel and contemporary influences. Smith studied jazz and contemporary music at The New School’s College of Performing Arts, where he now teaches.

Smith has appeared with artists including Andrea Bocelli, The Eagles, Kenny Loggins and Gavin DeGraw. He has performed at Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, City Winery and other major New York venues, as well as on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” and “Good Day New York.”

The musicians planned for the evening include:

• Karen Somerville, vocals
• Donnie T. Smith, vocals and emcee
• Gerry Werner, piano
• Jeff Davis, bass
• Greg Burrows, drums
• Rob Diener, trumpet

Together, the ensemble will revisit the swing, sophistication and soulful expression associated with the Harlem Renaissance while celebrating the movement’s lasting influence.

The evening is generously sponsored by the Durham Family, whose support helps The Mainstay continue presenting outstanding jazz and culturally significant programming.

Period attire is encouraged but not required. Flapper dresses, beads, cloche hats, pinstriped suits, suspenders, bow ties and other vintage touches are welcome.

The Harlem Renaissance Centennial Celebration begins at 7:30 PM on Saturday, November 7. Tickets are $30 and are available at www.mainstayrockhall.org or by calling 410-639-9133.

Come step into the bold elegance of Harlem’s golden age for an evening when the music swings, the room sparkles and history comes alive.