Art In The Park Returns September 18

A new event debuted in Severna Park last year as Art in the Park brought live music, fine art and good vibes to Cafe Mezzanotte. The festival will return this year on September 18 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

During the festival, attendees can view and purchase fine art and gift selections from Benfield Gallery, Gallery 564 and Side Street Framers & gift gallery. Delicious Mediterranean food and a vast selection of beverages will be on sale. Attendees will be comfortably seated at socially distanced tables and can stroll the grounds and get up to dance when the spirit moves them.

Music will begin with the Alex Lacquement Trio, featuring Lacquement on upright bass and vocals, Lucas Choahny on electric guitar and EJ Shaull-Thompson on drums. Their pleasing and often rousing sound is at the confluence of bluegrass and jazz music. Enjoy Lacquement originals along with works by Bill Monroe and Bill Frisell and other greats.

If guests haven't got up to dance at that point, the mid-afternoon set should get them going. A quartet led by vocalist Rose Moraes and bassist Leonardo Lucini will introduce a variety of captivating styles and sounds in their performance: samba, bossa nova, Baiao, samba partida and samba funk. The afternoon will wind down with a performance by Ravita Jazz, led by bassist Phil Ravita. This set highlights the music of legendary performers such as Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker.

Art in the Park is sponsored by the Severna Park Voice and presented in partnership with Jazz Beyond Borders. The event is also supported in part with grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and Arts Council of Anne Arundel County.

Cafe Mezzanotte is located at 760 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park. Parking is free and plentiful. A rain date is set for September 25.

Admission is $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Tickets are available from www.instantseats.com. Select Cafe Mezzanotte as the venue.