Two weeks into the new year and Annapolis is still going strong with plenty of fun events for families, adults, and youth. Follow the trend and get out and about in Annapolis this week.

Annapolis Entertainment

Held not too far from Annapolis, the Towson University Jazz Festival features a local act: the USNA Band. The Naval Academy Band’s Next Wave Jazz Ensemble is set to perform at the Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall in Towson on Saturday, January 19, at 7 p.m. Make the drive to Towson to support one integral part of Annapolis–the USNA Band. The music selection will be contemporary and classic jazz. The cost of this show is $10, and is paid at the door. For more information on the event, call 410-293-1262 or visit the USNA Band’s web page on www.usna.edu.

On the more whimsical and child-friendly side of things, the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis performance, Legally Blonde, is still available for viewing. The musical puts a kid-friendly spin on the American movie, Legally Blonde. Enjoy the show through this Sunday, January 20. Head to http://www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.com to learn about showtimes, tickets, and upcoming events.

Shipwrecked, by The Colonial Players, is another children’s play/musical that is showing this week. The performance features the explorer Louis de Rougemount and his tales of discoveries and stories of the scary dangers of traveling. If the adventurous storyline and cast aren’t perfect enough for children, the fact that youth in the audience have the chance to get on stage with de Rougemount is certainly ideal. Join in on the fun with your kids or friends’ kids this week. The show ends on Saturday, January 26. To purchase tickets, head to http://tickets.thecolonialplayers.org.

A little bit pop, a lot of rock, and some country comprise the musical lineup this week at Ram’s Head on Stage in downtown Annapolis. First, American Idol Winner Kris Allen serenades the crowd with pop/rock on Monday at 8 p.m. This show costs $19.50. On Friday, Ted Vigil pays tribute to John Denver. This folk/pop show begins at 8 p.m. and costs $23.50. On Saturday, yet another tribute, this time to Journey, comes to Ram’s Head. The performance by Voyage features Hugo, a Steve Perry look-alike. This unforgettable journey takes off at 8 p.m. and costs $29.50 to see. Sunday, Savoy Brown hits the stage with Kim Simmonds for a blues/rock show. The group begins at 7:30 p.m. and performs for a price of $28.50. Also on Sunday, Soul Serenaders, a blues music group comprised of two, comes to Ram’s Head. The show is appropriate for all ages and in turn, encourages the youth to appreciate beautiful jazz music. The show begins at 12:30 p.m. and costs $20 to watch. Learn more about these shows at http://tickets.ramsheadonstage.com.

At 49 West Coffeehouse, a short walk up the street from Ram’s Head, the jazz music and local talent never cease. On Monday, the venue showcases the talent of songwriter/singers in the area from 7 to 10 p.m. The cover charge for this original show is $6. Tuesday, Unified Jazz Ensemble performs with a bold sound in a fun-loving atmosphere at 8 p.m. This show costs $6. Wednesday, there is another installment of Starr’s Jazz Jam at 7 p.m. for $10. Thursday, The Dan Ryan Trio performs at 8 p.m. on guitars for $8. Friday, 49 West gets a dose of bluegrass music with Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition. The group begins at 8 p.m. and performs for $10. Saturday brings John Jensen again at 5 p.m. for a blues show. See Jensen for free. Also on Saturday is another roots performance: by Dean Rosenthal. Rosenthal performs for $10 at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jonathan Stone sings smooth melodies at 10 a.m. for free; Jenn, Larry & Pete play easy-going music for free at 4 p.m. for free; and Sunday Supper Jazz returns at 7 p.m. with Gail Marten for $20. For more information about these shows and 49 West, head to http://49westcoffeehouse.com.

One feature of Annapolis that is so integral to its beauty and popularity is the water that surrounds it. Celebrate the lovely Chesapeake Bay waters and various rivers in the area with a cruise by Watermark. Watermark Cruises run year-round and are varied in type and length. While no specialty cruises are scheduled until April, the ninety minute cruises around Annapolis and Baltimore are still available now. Head to http://www.watermarkcruises.com/cruises90min.htm.

The Captain Avery Museum in Shady Side (not too far from Annapolis) hosts the 2013 Winter Luncheon Lecture Series in conjunction with Four Rivers: The Heritage Area of Annapolis, London Town and South County. Though this is labeled as a lecture, this event offers guests the chance to learn about upcoming educational and fun events put on by Four Rivers. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 16 with guest speaker Tom Marquardt. Learn more information at www.fourriversheritage.org.

Annapolis Art

Perhaps your New Year’s Resolution includes becoming more in-tune with nature, or appreciating the finer things in life. If so, perusing local art galleries and investing your time in simple but educational events like art exhibits is the way to go. At St. John’s College, the Mitchell Gallery hosts art exhibits quite frequently. The show available from now until February 17 focuses on the sculptor David Hayes. Hayes is known for his colorful steel sculptures. View the work of Hayes in accordance with the Mitchell Gallery hours of operation and also attend the reception for the exhibit on Sunday, January 20. The reception will feature a tour of the exhibit and a workshop from 3:30 to 5 p.m. that allows attendees to get hands-on with art. Obtain more information about the exhibit and the reception at http://www.stjohnscollege.edu/events/AN/art/exhibits.shtml.