Almost like a light switch, July 4, 2023 shooed out the cold, fog and rain and eased in sun and a a gentle warm breeze. Summer finally arrived, and Camden opened its doors, with slow jazz and smiles.

From noon until well into the night, musicians were gathered, first on the Village Green and then later in the day, at the Camden Library Amphitheatre. The Camden Rotary had organized, as it has done for every Independence Day in Camden for the past 27 years, an afternoon schedule of different area musicians and bands. 

The concerts were all free, and by the end of the evening, there was a lot of dancing at the amphitheatre.

The threat of an afternoon thunderstorm kept the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra from playing, but the others — Bay Chamber Concerts Jazz Ensemble, Folk Duo Elsie & Ethan and the Right Track R&B/Soul/Funk — kept to their schedules.

As the day progressed, more visitors arrived in Camden, visiting the waterfront, strolling along the streets, eating and shopping, or just relaxing on the broad sweep of lawn at park.

And there was no rain, just tremendous and dramatic clouds adding dimension to summer sky.

The Bay Chamber Jazz Ensemble featured faculty members and students performing jazz favorites and original arrangements – a mellow start to an afternoon and evening of fine music. 

Folk duo Elsie Gawler and Ethan Stokes Tischler performed original and traditional songs, mixing vocal harmonies and multiple instruments. 

The Right Track is a classic 11-member R&B/Soul/Funk band with a full horn section playing all dance music all the time. 

David Butler (bass), Jen Feldman (vocals), John Gass (trombone), Justin Milliken (guitar), Kristi Kalajian (vocals), Lincoln Blake (keys), Pete Kalajian (live sound), Peter Stuart (trumpet), Scott Kessel (sax), Tom Gray (vocals), Tom Oldakowski (drums/percussion), and Tom Rodman (drums/percussion) will bring an energetic close to Music by the Sea 2023.