The Annapolis Maritime Museum is a treasured establishment among the local community. It offers art and virtual exhibits, education programs and camps as well as various special events. One of these events that has become increasingly popular throughout the years is the Tides and Tunes Summer Concerts Series. These concerts take place every Thursday night throughout the summer for a total of ten weeks and are free to the public. Each week a different local band plays live music along the stunning shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay.
This Thursday, August 17th is the last concert of the season with Pressing Strings.
The concerts provide a very relaxed and laid back atmosphere that is appealing to people of all ages who can socialize with one another while enjoying a signature cocktail, beer or wine and local food. The museum’s remarkable beachside location lends itself to welcome multigenerational families where children can play in the sand while the tide water laps up the shoreline and parents and grandparents are able to lounge in chairs or dance to the various genres of music that are played each week.
Within the last couple of years, a bit of younger population has started to admire the weekly concerts as well. Whether it’s college students home for the summer or young professionals exploring the town for an entertaining night out there truly is a special attraction to these concerts. The warm summer nights during sunset with a scenic overlook of the sailboats floating along the bay and a cool breeze fanning up from the water seems to captivate and connect the entire community in such a positive way.
Inside the museum visitors can find virtual exhibits and collections where they can learn about the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay and the maritime history of Annapolis. The museum had once been the McNasby Oyster Company building, which was the last historic oyster packing plant in the Annapolis area. Due to the museum’s special connection with the oyster, there are interactive touch screens, an 850-gallon aquatic tank and a locally built dead rise workboat on display all highlighting the history and maritime background of Annapolis. The museum also hosts art exhibits and is currently displaying photographs from local photographer, Jay Fleming. This art exhibit features exclusive shots from his book “Working the Water” and is available for viewing through September 20, 2017.
The special events presented by the Annapolis Maritime Museum act as an anchor and a true connection of the Annapolis area. Some other events offered at the museum include the Boatyard Beach Bash, which takes place in September as well as the Annual Oyster Roast and Sock Burning, which is typically hosted in the springtime. The Tides and Tunes concerts have grown to be a beloved summertime tradition on the shores of the Chesapeake. The museum’s unique location provides a special connection and exposure to the bay where people can experience the true sense and significance of coastal living.
Author: Erin Hayes is a volunteer with the Annapolis Maritime Museum.
