Free Banjo Music

All in the family: Busking Jasper siblings have talent to share

There's something different about the Jasper kids. Yes all four play instruments, most multiples, and three regularly busk, the fourth tagging along for support and the occasional soft shoe. But it's why they busk that makes them stand out, not to mention their individual aspirations.

According to mom, Beatrice (Bea) Weathersbee, Portsmouth, she and the kids' dad, Matthew Jasper, supported the idea of music because it has a positive effect on brain development "and it's fun and gives them something to feel confident about."

It seems to have panned out. While there's the occasional grumble regarding practice, each takes to their instrument, and busks of their own accord.

Albion Jasper, 9, attends fourth grade at Little Harbour School in Portsmouth. Bean, as he's known, chose the violin.

"My brother was playing and I was like 'looks like he's having fun," so I decided to play," he explains.

Bean, who studies with Louise Kandle of Durham, is candid about his relationship with the instrument. Seems Albion, one of the buskers, isn't partial to being "forced" to practice. "(Playing) is pretty fun. But I would like it more if I didn't feel like I had to do it," says Bean, who often busks solo.

Like his siblings, Bean is raising money for a cause, well "causes" in his case.

First, he plans to pitch in for a Christmas trip to mom's dad in Virginia. He also donates to stop whaling charities. "And I've saved up to buy this little hovercraft that can sit in the palm of your hand," he adds. "I haven't bought it yet."

As for music as a career, "not as a living," he says. "I want to make things, invent things to help people. I came up with a facemask that lets you breathe under water as long as you want. I just design things. And if I don't do that I'd like to be a pet keeper or something like that."

Eudora (Dora) Jasper, 12, attends Portsmouth Middle School. The sole sister, Dora, plays piano, (since age 4), cello, accordion, bass and viola. Cello is the focus, "because of the diversity you can play," and viola for busking. "My musical preference is 'fiddle style' on cello and viola ...; Celtic probably," says Dora. "But I just find music I like and I play it."

At one point in the conversation Dora remembers she also plays with the school band. "Oh, that's right," she says off-handedly. "I study sax at school." Weathersbee later adds banjo and clarinet to the mix, noting Dora has picked up and taught herself numerous instruments.

FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH BANJO MAN & BILL IN ROCK HALL ON AUGUST 6

Banjo Man & Bill, the duo of Mainstay founder and Executive Director Tom McHugh and Bill Matthews will give a free concert in the Music at Oyster Court series on Saturday August 6 at 7:00 p.m. They will be joined by bass player Tom Anthony. The concert will take place in Oyster Court, the open space behind the Mainstay in Rock Hall unless it rains or is too hot in which case it will move indoors to the Mainstay. Bring a comfortable chair. Information about this and other Mainstay concerts is available at the Mainstay’s website http://www.mainstayrockhall.org .

The four concerts in the series are sponsored by the Sener-Johnston Family Fund at Mid Shore Community Foundation, the Rock Hall Business Association, the Kent County Arts Council and the Mainstay.

Tom McHugh plays banjo, blues harmonica, kazoo and sings. He is the composer of a number of songs about life along the Chesapeake. Bill Matthews sings and plays a bluesy guitar. Both are experts on blues and old jazz tunes. Tom Anthony adds a fine upright bass to the mix. Their music is a blend of classic old jazz, some obscure blues, a sprinkling of folk classics and what have you. These old friends have been playing together for more than fifteen years and their performances are always entertaining.

Upcoming concerts in the Music at Oyster Court Series include The Obsoleets on September 17 and the US Naval Academy Commandant’s Combo on October 8.

The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street. It is a 501(c)(3), non profit dedicated to the arts, serving Rock Hall and the surrounding region and committed to presenting local, regional and national level talent, at a reasonable price, in an almost perfect acoustic setting. Wine, beer, sodas and snacks are available at the bar. The Mainstay is supported by ticket sales, fundraising including donations from friends and audience members and an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. . For information and reservations to the ticketed concerts call 410-639-9133. Reservations are not needed for the “Music at Oyster Court” series. More information is also available at the Mainstay’s website http://www.mainstayrockhall.org .

Upcoming Mainstay performances include:

Aug. 18                       Max’s Mainstay All-Stars featuring Sue Matthews

Aug.

Christmas Songs for 5-String Banjo

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