Jan 2, 2025
25 SHOWS WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2025
With so many shows to choose from this upcoming year, we wanted to give you a rundown of some truly epic shows you won’t want to miss. From jazz to hard rock to blues and folk, there’s a show for everyone to see. Get your tickets and come enjoy a relaxing night of tunes!
1. January 30th & 31st - G. Love & Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce is an alternative hip-hop and blues group celebrated for its eclectic fusion of hip-hop, funk, blues, and soul, creating a distinctive laid-back sound. Known for hits like "Cold Beverage" and "Baby's Got Sauce," their music is characterized by Dutton's signature vocals, harmonica skills, and clever, conversational lyrics.
2. July 25th - Hiroshima: The Farewell Tour
Hiroshima is a pioneering jazz fusion band formed in 1974, blending traditional Japanese instruments like the koto and taiko with contemporary jazz, R&B, and pop elements. Over the decades, Hiroshima has released numerous acclaimed albums, including Odori and Go, and has earned Grammy nominations for their genre-defying work. Known for their cultural fusion and rich musical storytelling, Hiroshima continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
3. February 6th - Joy Oladokun: The Blackbird Tour
Joy Oladokun is a Nigerian-American singer-songwriter known for her poignant lyrics, soulful voice, and genre-blending sound that fuses folk, R&B, and pop influences. Her critically acclaimed albums, such as In Defense of My Own Happiness, showcase her ability to craft introspective and uplifting songs. With hits like "Sunday" and "Breathe Again," Oladokun has earned a growing fanbase and accolades for her authenticity and storytelling, establishing herself as a powerful voice in contemporary music.
4. May 17th - Howie Mandel at Maryland Hall
Howie Mandel is a comedian, actor, television host, and producer known for his versatile career spanning decades. Rising to fame in the 1980s with his role on the medical drama St. Elsewhere, Mandel became a household name through his stand-up comedy and his popular animated series Bobby’s World. He is also widely recognized as the host of the game show Deal or No Deal and as a longtime judge on America's Got Talent. Known for his high-energy humor and unique perspective, Mandel has cemented his place as a beloved figure in entertainment.
5. April 16th - Brad Tursi of Old Dominion
Brad Tursi is an accomplished songwriter, guitarist, and member of the award-winning country band Old Dominion. Tursi has become a key figure in the country music scene, contributing his songwriting talents to numerous chart-topping hits for artists like Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, and Tyler Farr. As the lead guitarist for Old Dominion, he has helped shape the band's signature sound, blending country, pop, and rock influences. Known for his melodic sensibilities and lyrical depth, Tursi has earned widespread recognition as both a performer and songwriter in contemporary country music.
6. February 20th - Gary Gulman: Misfit Stand Up Tour
Gary Gulman is a comedian known for his sharp wit, observational humor, and introspective storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, Gulman has earned acclaim for his clever and relatable stand-up, tackling topics ranging from everyday life to personal experiences with mental health. His specials, including The Great Depresh and Gary Gulman: Nice Try, the Devil, showcase his ability to blend humor with vulnerability. This will be his first time in the room!
7. May 14th - Ally Venable: Money & Power Tour
Ally Venable is a blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for her powerful vocals and fiery guitar playing. Her music blends traditional blues with elements of rock, funk, and soul, with albums like Puppet Show and Texas Honey showcasing her unique style. Venable has earned acclaim for her dynamic live performances and her ability to convey raw emotion through her music, making her one of the most exciting young talents in contemporary blues.
8. April 7th - Damien Escobar: Gemini Tour
Damien Escobar is an award-winning violinist, composer, and entrepreneur renowned for his genre-defying style that blends classical, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Escobar first gained recognition as part of the duo Nuttin' But Stringz, which achieved success on America’s Got Talent. Since launching his solo career, he has released acclaimed albums like Boundless and Elements, captivating audiences with his emotional performances and innovative approach to the violin.
9. May 17th - Josh Radnor: The Euology II Tour (All Ages Matinee)
Josh Radnor is an actor, director, writer, and musician, best known for his iconic role as Ted Mosby on the hit TV series How I Met Your Mother. Outside of acting/directing he is the lead singer and guitarist for the indie folk band Radnor & Lee, formed alongside guitarist and songwriter Ben Lee. The band’s music blends folk, rock, and Americana influences, with thoughtful lyrics and melodic storytelling. Josh Radnor’s solo debut Eulogy: Volume I + II, a double-album full of minimal, meditative, and stirring folk-Americana tracks.
10. April 18th & 19th - Valerie June: Owls, Omens, & Oracles Tour
Valerie June is a singer-songwriter and musician known for her unique blend of folk, blues, soul, and Appalachian influences. Her music is marked by her distinctive, ethereal voice and evocative storytelling. June gained widespread recognition with her breakthrough album Pushin' Against a Stone (2013), which earned critical acclaim for its raw emotion and genre-defying sound. June is a captivating artist who blends tradition with innovation, earning praise for her soulful, genre-crossing approach to music.
11. February 11th - Dom Flemons of Carolina Chocolate Drops
Dom Flemons is known as one of the leading figures in contemporary folk and traditional American music. Often referred to as the "American Songster," Flemons draws from a wide range of musical styles, including blues, country, folk, and old-time music. He is a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning band The Carolina Chocolate Drops, with whom he helped revive and celebrate African-American folk traditions. As a solo artist, Flemons has released albums like Prospect Hill and Black Cowboys, continuing to honor the history of American roots music while blending it with his own unique style and storytelling.
12. January 29th - Jarrod Lawson
Jarrod Lawson is a singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer renowned for his soulful blend of R&B, jazz, and neo-soul. Lawson gained international recognition with his self-titled debut album in 2014, showcasing his powerful vocals, intricate piano work, and socially conscious lyrics. Influenced by artists like Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, his music explores themes of love, unity, and self-awareness. Lawson's dynamic performances and musicianship have earned him a devoted global fanbase and critical acclaim as a standout talent in contemporary soul music.
13. March 18th - ZZ Ward: The Dirty Sun Tour w/ Liam St. John at Maryland Hall
ZZ Ward is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her dynamic blend of blues, rock, and hip-hop influences. She began her musical journey by performing blues standards before crafting her own unique style. Ward's debut album, Til the Casket Drops (2012), introduced hits like "Put the Gun Down" and "365 Days," showcasing her powerful vocals and raw storytelling. With subsequent albums like The Storm, she continues to captivate audiences with her genre-defying sound, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying live performances.
14. March 6th - James McMurtry w/ BettySoo
James McMurtry is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his vivid storytelling and incisive social commentary. As the son of novelist Larry McMurtry, he inherited a talent for weaving compelling narratives. McMurtry's debut album, Too Long in the Wasteland (1989), produced by John Mellencamp, showcased his distinctive voice and lyrical prowess. Over the decades, albums like Just Us Kids and Complicated Game have solidified his reputation as a master of Americana music. Known for his sharp observations and engaging live performances, McMurtry continues to be a respected figure in modern songwriting.
15. January 16th - Comedian Jessimae Peluso
Jessimae Peluso is a stand-up comedian, actress, and podcaster known for her sharp wit, relatable humor, and infectious energy. She gained national attention as a cast member on MTV's Girl Code. Peluso has since made numerous appearances on popular shows and podcasts, including Chelsea Lately and Joe Rogan Experience. She is also the host of the podcasts Sharp Tongue and Broad Topix, where she explores comedy, pop culture, and personal stories. With her bold and unfiltered style, Peluso continues to delight audiences on stage and through her growing media presence.
16. June 20thth - Stacey Kent
Stacey Kent is a jazz singer known for her smooth, velvety voice and sophisticated style. With a career that spans over two decades, Kent has become renowned for her interpretations of classic jazz standards, as well as her ability to blend elements of bossa nova, blues, and French chanson into her music. Her breakthrough came with the album The Tender Trap in 2000, and she has since released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including Breakfast on the Morning Tram and I Know I Dream.
17. February 22nd - Liliac w/ special guest Amber Wild
Liliac is a rock band known for their energetic performances and classic rock sound, with influences ranging from heavy metal to hard rock. Their unique blend of old-school rock and contemporary influences has earned them a dedicated fan base and critical attention, especially for their high-octane live shows and standout original songs like "Queen of the Night" and "We Are the Chosen."
18. March 30th - Donna the Buffalo w/ Brett Bigelow
Donna the Buffalo is a roots rock band formed in 1989, known for their eclectic mix of folk, bluegrass, rock, and cajun influences. The band, fronted by Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear, blends traditional Americana with danceable grooves and socially conscious lyrics. Their live performances are a hallmark of their sound, often featuring extended jams and a passionate connection with their audience.
19. April 29th - L.A. Guns
L.A. Guns is a rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983, known for their hard-hitting blend of glam metal, hard rock, and sleaze. The band was founded by guitarist Tracii Guns and features a rotating lineup over the years, with key members including vocalist Phil Lewis. L.A. Guns rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like "The Ballad of Jayne" and "Sex Action." Their raw, high-energy sound, combined with catchy hooks and rebellious lyrics, made them a staple of the L.A. glam rock scene. Despite lineup changes, L.A. Guns continues to tour and release music, maintaining a loyal fan base.
20. May 2nd - Martha Wainwright 20th Anniversary Tour
Martha Wainwright is a singer-songwriter known for her powerful, emotive voice and deeply personal lyrics. Born into a musical family, she is the daughter of folk icons Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle. Wainwright’s music blends elements of folk, rock, and pop, often addressing themes of love, loss, and identity. Her debut album, Martha Wainwright (2005), earned critical acclaim, and she has since released several albums, including I Know You’re Married But I’ve Got Feelings Too and Goodnight City. Wainwright’s distinctive voice and raw, confessional style have made her a standout figure in contemporary singer-songwriter circles.
21. February 16th - Emmaline: Be My Valentine Tour
Emmaline is a jazz-inspired singer, songwriter, and violinist known for her velvety voice and timeless sound. Combining elements of jazz, soul, and pop, she creates music that feels both classic and contemporary. Emmaline gained widespread attention through her captivating online performances and original songs. Her elegant artistry and intimate live performances have made her a standout talent in modern music, earning her a devoted following and critical acclaim.
22. March 2nd - Chatham Rabbits & East Nash Grass
Chatham Rabbits is a folk duo consisting of Sarah and Austin McCombie, known for their heartfelt harmonies and acoustic instrumentation. They blend traditional Appalachian sounds with contemporary folk influences. East Nash Grass is a bluegrass band based in Nashville, Tennessee, known for their tight harmonies, virtuosic musicianship, and a mix of traditional and contemporary bluegrass influences.
23. April 13th - Eilen Jewell Band (All Ages Matinee)
Eilen Jewell is a singer-songwriter known for her captivating blend of Americana, country, blues, and folk music. Jewell's soulful voice and storytelling ability have earned her critical acclaim, with albums like Shadows of the Dying Sun and Gypsy showcasing her unique sound.
24. June 8th - The Smithereens w/ guest vocalist John Cowsill
The Smithereens are an American rock band formed in 1980, known for their catchy melodies and powerful, guitar-driven sound that blends elements of pop, rock, and new wave. The band gained prominence in the late 1980s with hits like "Blood and Roses" and "A Girl Like You." With a distinctive style influenced by 1960s rock, The Smithereens built a loyal following and earned critical acclaim for their strong songwriting and energetic live performances. Over the years, they have released several albums and continue to be celebrated for their timeless contributions to alternative rock.
25. September 11th to 15th - Annapolis Songwriters Festival
The Annapolis Songwriters Festival is an annual event that celebrates the art of songwriting, bringing together talented songwriters, musicians, and music fans in the heart of Annapolis, Maryland. The festival features intimate showcases and larger scale shows at venues like Maryland Hall, Rams Head On Stage, Red Red Wine Bar, Galway Bay and many more. We’re working on getting our 2025 line-up solidified and can’t wait to share it with you!