Crisfield, Maryland. Small, But Briming with Talent.

I wish I had time on my hands to do nothing but run around town highlighting all of the creative people who live in Crisfield. I have so many people on my list, and eventually, I want to cover everyone. The people that I do cover are people that I randomly run into. When I have time, I make the most of the opportunity. Anyone who wants to be featured should contact me. You know what they say about the "squeaky wheel."

Today, I am featuring Patrick Costello. He is a wonderful musician, and both he and his dad play the banjo like angels playing harps.

I don't have time to go into all the details but you can Google or YouTube "Patrick Costello+Crisfield+banjos" and come up with numerous web sites. You can also get picking lessons at YouTube.

To make a very long story shot, Patrick started losing his hearing when he was young. Now that is a story unto itself. He lived in Philly at the time, and he would skip high school and ride the subway to town to play his guitar on the streets. One day, he met a old blues musician on the subway, and that was the start of his story.

Patrick has written books about playing the banjo and also sells them through his websites. Every third Saturday, anyone in our area who wants to learn how to pick, is welcome to free lessons at a local church. I am going to be there this month for photos and picking lessons.

Patrick and his dad also hold a musicians retreat every year at Janes Island State park in Crisfield. They have people come for all over the world. This year, I had a little time to squeeze in a few photos.

This is Patrick, on right, teaching someone how to play the guitar.

Patrick has his hand cupped around his ear in order to better hear the student. Sadly, his hearing has become worse. But the good news is he having an operation in a few weeks, and hopefully he will be able to hear again.

The operation, which will be performed at Johns Hopkins, is very expensive, but part of it was made possible by his many students who sent money to help out. And folks, no one set out a donation jar. He is such a sweet person, people insisted on helping.











The 3 day retreat also allows students and professionals to pick and play on their own schedule.

Below are some random photos I took. As you can see, people bring multiple instruments.







And there is always time for a little R&R:



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Below is the main building at Janes State Park where the event was held.



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These 2 photos are what jogged my memory. I had actually taken the retreat photos a few weeks ago. I saw Pat Costello at a recent street fest showing this cute little kid how to play a banjo. He was intrigued.




Good luck with your operation, Patrick!