The 2nd Annual Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 21st and 22nd on the beautiful East Beach of Sandy Point State Park on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, MD. This conservation and community-focused music event showcases the best of regional and national bluegrass, jamgrass, funkgrass and Americana music and was listed as a “Don’t Miss Bay Music Festival” by Chesapeake Bay Magazine. A family-friendly festival, Annapolis Baygrass draws people from across the country and region to enjoy this unique beach destination. Tickets are on sale NOW!
Over two days, Annapolis Baygrass will host 14 bands on two rotating stages and an interactive workshop pavilion.
Participating in the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival 2024 are: Oteil & Friends (Oteil Burbridge with Melvin Seals, Steve Kimock, Jason Crosby, Johnny Kimock, Tom Guarna, Lamar Williams Jr.), The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon, Sam Bush, Kitchen Dwellers, Sierra Hull, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Cris Jacobs & Friends, Trouble No More, The Lil Smokies, The Dirty Grass Players, Big Richard, Brown Eyed Women and Geraldine (Baygrass House Band) as well as the following Artists-at-Large: Jennifer Hartswick , Natalie Cressman and Ron Holloway.
Baygrass offers an upscale dining experience including Maryland crab cakes, roasted and raw oysters, gourmet BBQ, wood-fired pizza, and other delicious vegan and vegetarian delights. Tasty beverage selections include microbrews, craft cocktails and wines, mocktails, and soft drinks. Yoga, music and educational workshops, beach and garden games, children’s activities, local arts and crafts vendors, and more are offered at the festival.
For those who wish to upgrade to the beachfront VIP Village, Baygrass offers an exceptional VIP experience that includes chef-prepared hot meals daily – presented by festival partner Chesapeake Chef Service – as well as freshly shucked oysters, crab cakes and other delicacies. Other perks include access to VIP spectator areas, VIP bars with discounted drinks and complimentary samples from local beer and spirits partners, air-conditioned bathrooms and exclusive on-site VIP parking, as well as discounted massages, a commemorative stainless steel pint cup and more.
“The Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival was born out of our team’s love of progressive bluegrass music, desire to create a fun, community-focused atmosphere, and passion for protecting the Chesapeake Bay,” says festival co-founder and CEO Ron Peremel. “The Baygrass philosophy is to help people learn about conservation, sustainability, and mental health in a way that combines education with fun. ‘Every jam session helps a mind’ and ‘Every jam session saves the Bay,’ as we like to say!”
More than just a music festival, Annapolis Baygrass is on a mission to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay. As part of that mission, a portion of all proceeds from ticket, food, beverage and merchandise sales goes to Maryland-based nonprofits, including the Watershed Stewards Academy, the Oyster Recovery Partnership and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
Peremel continues, “We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of positive feedback we received during and after last year’s inaugural festival. From the musicians to the attendees, partners, sponsors, volunteers and staff, there was a sense across the board that we were creating something special, something truly joyful and something that was making a significant impact on people’s lives and the Chesapeake Bay. I am so proud of our team and can’t wait to make it even bigger and better this year!”
The Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival was founded in 2022 by Peremel, John Way and Ron Katz, who share a passion for music, a love of the region and a desire to give back to the community by creating a music festival with a purpose.
Baygrass’ environmental ethos is evident in its adoption of the sustainability model, making it one of the few green festivals in Maryland. Measures to reduce the festival’s environmental footprint include the use of local food vendors and ingredients, compostable plates and cutlery, reusable metal cups, refillable water stations, and a “no single-use plastic water bottles” policy.
Baygrass recognizes that music is often a great tool for healing and support when it comes to creating an environment that fosters community wellness. The festival partners with organizations that raise awareness and support the importance of mental health, led by The VA Way, led by festival co-founder John Way – an Army veteran, mental health advocate, Narcan trainer, and certified Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Annapolis Baygrass offers several local lodging partners and nearby camping options to make festival-goers’ weekend perfect. These deeply discounted options are on a first-come, first-served basis and offer options for every budget. Shuttle service makes the stay even easier, with shuttle passes for the partner lodgings going on sale soon. For more information, visit www.baygrassfestival.com/lodging.
By celebrating the region, giving back to the community, and putting together a fantastic lineup of musicians, the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival aims to be a mainstay of the local and national music scene and become an annual music festival tradition for years to come!
Learn about the Annapolis Baygrass Mission, eco-friendly practices, VIP options, accommodations and shuttles, view the festival map and sign up to volunteer on the festival’s redesigned website.
And while you’re there, sign up for the Baygrass Beacon’s NEW e-newsletter to be among the first to hear about exciting announcements, including festival updates including schedules, monthly mental health tips, bay protection education, special events, partner news and more.
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