Music is something that unites all people of all regions and beliefs. Some people need music to function, while others just enjoy listening to it in the background of their lives. Here in Annapolis, music takes on a new level of significance as it’s performed by great people for free, and oftentimes, at scenic venues. Additionally, free music performances are the perfect way to round out summer–it’s (often outdoorsy) entertainment that’s simple, leisurely, and invites you to slow down a bit. Below, we provide a catalog of free music close to you.
The USNA Band puts on some of the best performances in Annapolis. These run mostly throughout the year, but are more frequent in summer. The next two upcoming Tuesdays (August 6 and 13), The USNA’s Navy’s Oldest and Finest group performs at the Susan Campbell Park located at 1 City Dock. The music is mostly instrumental and lasts from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This Saturday, USNA provides another free concert at Quiet Waters Park from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Ample parking should be available downtown as the concerts start after the business hours. Quiet Waters also has plenty of parking, though there is a $6 charge to get in. To learn more about these events and other seasonal ones, head to www.usna.edu/USNABand/events.htm.
Sachs Memorial Series is a free concert series put on by Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. The next free performance is scheduled for Thursday, August 22. Mary Ann Redmond will entertain with soulful jazz tunes at 6 p.m. These concerts take place outside on the lawn at Maryland Hall, where coolers packed with food and drinks are welcome. Learn more about this summertime concert at www.marylandhall.org. Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts is located on Taylor Avenue and features plenty of parking.
49 West Coffeehouse is known for both their cool location on West Street and the great music provided there. Many of the performances have a cheap cover charge, but there are some free ones too. Celebrate the last bits of summer with music by the Swing Brothers this Sunday, August 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. The Swing Brothers play jazzy and energetic tunes. This group supplies another free performance on August 25 too. Also, on most Sundays, Brazilian singer Jonathan Stone entertains with the soothing sounds of international lyrics and guitar music. Stone’s performance on Sundays always begins at 10 a.m. and lasts a few hours. Wednesday, August 14, instrumental duo Pam and Paula visit 49 West for a free violin concert at 5 p.m. The third Saturday of every month, John Jensen performs blues hits from 4 to 6 p.m. for free. Every so often on Sundays, Jenn and Larry take to 49 West to play free music, as they do on August 18. Read more about these can’t-miss events on www.49westcoffeehouse.com. Parking is best at Gotts Garage.
The Annapolis Maritime Museum in Eastport provides all kinds of community events throughout the year but also entertains with free music concerts. This Thursday, August 8, Raw Hands, a folk-blues band, plays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. outside at the museum. Alcohol and food will be available to buy. Bring a chair to recline on. Learn more about this event by going to www.amaritime.org.
The Free Friday Night Concert Series at Annapolis Towne Centre continue through the end of August. Up next, on August 9, the Dublin 5 perform. This Annapolis group brings Celtic sounds fused with modern ones. August 16, Blue Suede Bop teams up with Dean Rosenthal for a show that celebrates the music of the 50s. August 23, The Kelly Bell Band takes to the stage with jazz, groove, and funk sounds. The last free friday night concert comes on August 30, when Misspent Youth with perform acoustics. All these concerts begin at 7 p.m. and last until 8:30 p.m. Park in the garages at the Towne Centre or along the storefronts. Learn more via the following link: www.visitatc.com.
So, whatever type of music is your preference, know you can listen to it for free around Annapolis. Take a friend, child, parent, or neighbor to any of these performances and revel in summery moments.
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