The 2nd annual Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 21–22 on the gorgeous eastern beach at Sandy Point State Park along Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, MD. Highlighting the finest in regional and national bluegrass, jamgrass, funkgrass, and Americana music, this conservation and community-focused musical event was listed as a “Don’t-Miss Bay Music Festival'' by Chesapeake Bay Magazine. A family-friendly festival, Annapolis Baygrass draws people from all over the country and the region to enjoy the unique beachfront destination.
Over the course of two days, Annapolis Baygrass will host 14 bands across two alternating stages with no overlapping music. Other activities include educational interactive workshops, beachside yoga, yard games, children’s activities in the KidZone, local craft vendors, and more!
Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival is thrilled to announce the 2024 daily lineup for the stages! Oteil & Friends headlines Saturday, September 21, with Oteil Burbridge and a stellar cast of musicians: Melvin Seals, Steve Kimock, Jason Crosby, Johnny Kimock, Tom Guarna, and Lamar Williams Jr.
Jam-packed with music, Saturday also hosts Leftover Salmon; Trouble No More (celebrating the iconic early catalogue of the Allman Brothers Band featuring Brandon “Taz” Niederaurer, Dylan Niederauer, and others to form an all star cast); Sam Bush; Sierra Hull; The Lil Smokies; and Baygrass House Band Geraldine.
Sunday, September 22 is equally as spellbinding with The Infamous Stringdusters; Kitchen Dwellers; Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country; Cris Jacobs & Friends; Brown Eyed Women (all female Grateful Dead tribute ensemble which features Joni Bottari, Dana Carroll, Caroline Killoh, and Jill Paone Simmons), Big Richard (Colorado-based, neo-acoustic supergroup consisting of Bonnie Sims, Joy Adams, Hazel Roye, and Eve Panning); and The Dirty Grass Players.
Ready to mix some funk and soul in with all the strings, Artists-at-Large throughout the weekend include trumpeter and vocalist Jennifer Hartswick and trombonist and vocalist Natalie Cressman (both of Trey Anastasio Band), along with saxophonist Ron Holloway (member of The Warren Haynes Band and frequent guest of Gov’t Mule, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and The Allman Brothers Band).
Hear music from all of the artists on the Annapolis Baygrass Spotify Playlist by FestyGoNuts.
More than a music festival, Annapolis Baygrass maintains its mission to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay. As part of this mission a portion of all proceeds from tickets, food, beverage, and merchandise sales will go to Maryland-based non-profit organizations including Watershed Stewards Academy, Oyster Recovery Partnership, and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
Baygrass features an elevated culinary experience, including Maryland crab cakes, roasted and raw oysters, gourmet BBQ, wood-fired pizzas, and other delicious vegan and vegetarian delicacies. Tasty beverage selections include microbrews, craft cocktails and wines, as well as delicious non-alcoholic beer and mocktails from Baygrass’ non-alcoholic beverage partner—Sobar.
Annapolis Baygrass Beer partners—Pherm Brewing Company and Idiom Brewing Company—will each have their own Baygrass branded beer: Pherm’s Baytoberfest and Idiom’s Troubled Waters. Both specialty beers will be sold at the festival as well as year round (while supplies last). #everycansavesthebay
For those looking to upgrade to the beach-front VIP Village, Baygrass offers an exceptional VIP Experience that includes daily chef-prepared hot meals—hosted by festival partner Chesapeake Chef Service—as well as fresh-shucked oysters and lump crab cakes, among other delicacies. Other perks include access to VIP viewing areas, VIP bars with discounted drinks and free samplings from local beer and spirits partners, air-conditioned bathrooms, and exclusive VIP onsite parking, as well as discounted massages, a commemorative stainless steel pint cup, and more.
Baygrass’ environmental ethos is evidenced in its adoption of the sustainability model, making it one of the only green festivals in Maryland. Actions to reduce the festival's environmental footprint include using local food vendors and ingredients, compostable plates and utensils, reusable metal cups, refillable water stations, and a “no single-use plastic water bottles” policy.
Baygrass recognizes that music is often an excellent means of healing and support in fostering an environment where community well-being is enhanced. Baygrass partner The VA Way, under the direction of festival co-founder John Way—an Army veteran, mental health advocate, Narcan trainer, and certified mental health first aid instructor—serves as a hub to bring together a variety of resources focused on mental health and overall well-being to Baygrass, including the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, the National Alliance on Mental Health, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, GrooveSafe, and the Call 988 initiative. The VA Way's sponsorship of a sober space within the festival emphasizes the alliance's dedication to promoting a culture of mindfulness and sobriety.
Sandy Point State Park is a 786-acre Maryland State Park located along the northwestern shore of Chesapeake Bay that provides a perfect backdrop for this one-of-a-kind festival with stunning views and ample space for attendees to spread out and enjoy themselves in comfort and style on the sandy beaches. The site is ADA accessible.
Annapolis Baygrass offers several local lodging partners and camping options nearby for a perfect weekend. These heavily discounted options are on a first-come, first-served basis and fit all budgets. Shuttle service will make the stay even easier, with Shuttle Passes serving partner lodging locations. Annapolis Baygrass is an official partner of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County.
Learn more about the Annapolis Baygrass Mission, green practices, VIP options, lodging and shuttles, and sign up to be a volunteer at www.baygrassfestival.com.
Festival co-founder and CEO Ron Peremel says, “Baygrass was born out of our team’s love of progressive bluegrass music, a desire to create a fun and unique community-oriented vibe, and a passion for protecting the Chesapeake Bay. The Baygrass philosophy is to help people learn about conservation, sustainability, and mental health—in a way that combines education with fun.”
Peremel continues, “We were overcome 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 universal feeling that we created something special, something truly joyful, and something that has a significant impact on people's lives and the Chesapeake Bay. I am so proud of our team and can't wait to do it even bigger and better this year!"
