This week brings new live performances, crafting, racing, learning, and touring to the greater Annapolis area.

Annapolis Entertainment

USNA’s Music Department wows again with a performance in the Alumni Hall for the “Distinguished Artist Series.” Happening on Tuesday, February 4, the concert is by the Verein Orchestra. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available on USNA Music Department online.

Pirates of the Chesapeake, a ballet performance by Ballet Theatre of Maryland, opens at the Bowie Centre for the Performing Arts on February 8. The show starts at 7 p.m. and takes viewers on a wild but choreographed journey through pirated lands and waters. Tickets are available on Ballet Theatre of Maryland online.

Dan Kamin has made a living acting, miming, and entertaining for years. He brings his comedic show, The Lost Elephant, to Maryland Hall this Saturday at 2 and 3:30 p.m. Enjoy great music, great comedy, and great entertainment with this one. Tickets cost $15. Head to Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts to read the full performance synopsis.

Rams Head always provides exceptional music and this week, the venue starts with Beth Orton and The Murphy Beds at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The show is part folk, part pop, and costs $39.50. Wednesday, James McMurtry visits the stage with Curtis McMurtry for a performance that’s heavy on guitar. The show begins at 8 p.m. and costs $25. Marcia Ball, a pianist, visits Rams Head on Thursday at 8 p.m. for a show that costs $39.50. The Next Best Thing performs a tribute to Bruce Springsteen on Friday at 8 p.m. Admission costs $29.50. Tommy Castro & The Painkillers perform on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Finally, Sunday brings Yuna with Jarrell Perry at 7:30 p.m. This show costs $20. To obtain tickets for any of these shows, go to Rams Head.

Valentine’s Day is fast-approaching, which means the pressure to create tangible heartfelt mementos is mounting. Let the “Valentine Crafting” workshop at Annapolis Historic Foundation relieve some of this pressure. The workshop on February 8 at 10 a.m. provides attendees with materials needed to make exquisite cards. The price is $25 for the general public. Visit Annapolis Historic Foundation to learn more.

Speaking of Valentine’s, Annapolis Striders has announced a Valentine’s 5k to take place at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville on February 8 at 10 a.m. This is the 32nd year of the Valentine’s 5k. The registration for the general public is $10. To register for this 5k, go to Annapolis Striders online.

Annapolis History

This month is Black History Month and as such, Annapolis Historic Foundation hosts an event part of their “Freedom Bound Lecture Series” that highlights the Underground Railroad. Anthony Cohen, a local historian, retraces the steps, so to speak, of those brave souls who trekked across dangerous terrain to gain freedom. The lecture is scheduled for Thursday, February 6, at 5 p.m. The admission fee is $10. Visit Annapolis Historic Foundation for additional info.

Tours of the Chesapeake, Spa Creek, and Severn River are some of the most anticipated tours in the area. However, the walking tours by Watermark are not to be glossed over. This Saturday, the “Four Centuries Walking Tour” takes place from the info booth at City Dock at 1:30 p.m. The colonial tour guide will take participants through historic sites around the city for approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. Go to Watermark online to learn more about this tour and upcoming ones.