Know Before You Go
Admissions and Reservations ~ School age children, high school and college students can attend Mainstay shows for free. We recommend that you reserve these seats in advance by phone.
~ Please be mindful that show times and ticket prices may vary from one event to another.
~ Tickets can be purchased on this website, and at the door on the night of the show if still available. Phone reservations are also accepted by calling ” (410) 639-9133 (tickets reserved by phone incur an additional $5 fee payable at the door).
~ Some shows will be staged (seasonally) on our handsome backyard covered stage. Our plans to do so for certain shows are dependent on cooperative weather conditions and are usually confirmed 48 hours prior to the show date based on the forecast.
~ We are pleased to offer our “Datebook” coupon card of tickets. The Datebook consists of 10 tickets that can be used for any concerts of your choice (just call ahead to reserve your seats) It’s ideal to bring your date to five shows (or just bring yourself to ten shows).
The Datebook is priced at $200. That’s the usual advance ticket price without any fees. It also entitles you to purchase any cocktail of your choice for $5
Along the Way...
1995
The first “pre-Mainstay” concerts are held at the America’s Cup Café, adjacent to the current Mainstay.
1997
The first floor of a storefront building on Main Street in Rock Hall is rented as concert space and named The Mainstay. There is no stage at first.
1998
Charlie Byrd performs at The Mainstay, the first of several concerts there before his death. The relationship with Charlie Byrd is the beginning of an enduring Mainstay jazz legacy.
1999
The Mainstay is organized as a 501(c)3 corporation to facilitate fundraising.
The Mainstay joins the North American Folk Alliance.
Volunteers build a stage with lights and a basic sound system.
2000
New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Jazz Band performs at The Mainstay, the first of several engagements at The Mainstay.
2001
The “Charlie Byrd Jazz Series” is established at The Mainstay.
2002
The Mainstay building is purchased after a fundraising campaign.
2003
The Mainstay receives an NEA grant for nonprofit administrative study. Maryland Citizens for the Arts recognizes The Mainstay for community development.
2004
The “Kids Are First” grant program is established to support local children’s programs and activities.
The first of several forums about Rock Hall History is held.
Tom McHugh, Mainstay Executive Director, accepts the Kent County Volunteer of the Year award.
Volunteers raise $40,000 in a single dinner and auction event for The Mainstay and its community programs.
A lounge/refreshment area (The Byrd Room) and a deck are added to The Mainstay.
2005
A “Burn the Mortgage” concert is held to celebrate the payoff of the entire mortgage on The Mainstay building.
The “Hedgelawn Classical Music Series” is established.
2006
Max n’ Friends” Thursday night jazz series begins.
2007
Contract staff is hired to assist with booking and marketing.
2008
A significant bequest from Lillian B. Fairall Foundation is received.
The 10th annual Rock Hall FallFest is celebrated.
A major investment in improved stage lighting and sound system is made.
2009
The Mainstay receives its first annual Maryland State Arts Council Operations Grant.
A free outdoor summer concert series “Music in Oyster Court” is initiated.
Our Mainstay Family
Matt Mielnick
Executive Director
Clark Bjorke
Sound Engineer
Jacqui Caine
Board Assistant
Matt Mielnick
Clark Bjorke
Jacqui Caine
Joe Holt
Mainstay Mondays
Danny Palmatary
Bob Kuiper
Keith Walbert
Jacqui &
Tom Caine
Daphne Howarth
Becky Byrd
Byrd Room