Go by boat, or go by car, but don’t let the summer slip by without attending at least one outdoor waterfront concert. Here are just a few of the many around the Bay.
Annapolis Maritime Museum Concert Series: The Tides & Tunes Summer Concert Series offers 10 weeks of popular music, from rock to folk to jazz, with the Chesapeake Bay as a stunning backdrop. Concerts start at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights. Admission is free; however, donations are gratefully accepted. Food and spirits will be available for purchase. Bring a chair or blanket.
Music on the Nanticoke: Enjoy a free waterfront concert in historic Vienna, MD. Boat ramp and overnight dockage are free. Concert series runs from 4 to7 p.m. on the third Saturdays of July and September at the waterfront park on Water Street. Food will be available from the Vienna Volunteer Fire Company. Details can be found on the Music on the Nanticoke Free Summer Concert series Facebook page or by calling (443) 239-0813.
Potomac Jazz Fest and Seafood Festival: Relax riverside July 12-14 on the St. Clement’s Island Museum lawn and enjoy jazz artists, delicious seafood, and the gorgeous view. In downtown Leonardtown, MD, a special free Friday concert celebration and Sunday jazz brunch will celebrate the Jazz Fest’s 20th year. Saturday’s ticket price includes a boat ride around the island, as well as admission to the museum.
The Shanty Beach Bar at Tolchester Marina is the place to be for live entertainment and famous Mudslides. Open during the season every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Enjoy casual Friday night music and full concert events featuring nationally known artists in the summer concert series. Put your toes in the sand and enjoy the venue’s beautiful view, especially at sunset.
The St. Mary's College of Maryland River Concert Series runs through July 19. Concerts are free and open to the public, beginning at 7 p.m. on the Townhouse Green. Grounds open at 5 p.m. Vendors for food and drink are on-site. July 5's concerts will feature soundtrack favorites from Star Wars, Superman, Batman, and more, and will include a fireworks celebration. The final two concerts will be on July 12 and July 19.
Yorktown’s Sounds of Summer at Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown. This series is held Thursday nights from 7 to 9:30 p.m. through the end of August with one break on July 4. Free parking is available throughout town. The Yorktown trolley will run on a modified route from 5 to 10 p.m. during every concert.