Annapolis Songwriters Festival Brings New Experience To Anne Arundel County

Based on the Key West Songwriters Festival that has entertained music lovers for 26 years, the Annapolis Songwriters Festival is coming to Anne Arundel County from September 15-17. This festival aims to give music lovers a chance to get to know the names and faces behind the industry’s biggest and most famous songs in an up-close and personal setting.

Laura Price from Rams Head On Stage previewed the event, which will feature Jake Owen, Amos Lee and songwriters behind the hits of Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks and many more. Several Anne Arundel County musicians will also perform.

Q: The Annapolis Songwriters Festival is different because of the focus on the faces and stories behind songs. Can you elaborate on that vision and how it makes for a unique experience?

A: The Key West Songwriters Festival was the brainchild of our partner, Charlie Bauer, a pal of our owner Bill Muehlhauser, who now resides in Key West. After more than 25 years of success, in 2021, we had the unique opportunity to purchase the Key West Songwriters Festival, which then allowed us to create our sister festival, the inaugural Annapolis Songwriters Festival.

Q: The Key West festival started 26 years ago, so it has some history. How did you take that model and adapt it for Annapolis? In other words, what are the differences between the two festivals?

A: For one, the Key West Songwriters Festival does not include their local songwriters. From the beginning of planning the Annapolis Songwriters Festival, we knew it was crucial for us to showcase our local talent here in Annapolis. We are lucky to live in such a music town.

Q: When booking artists, what were you looking for?

A: Variety for sure, as you might notice from our lineup!

Q: Is there anything else you want people to know about the event?

A: We’re bringing over 70 hours of free music to downtown Annapolis. We want to be sure that people know that most of the festival is free. The ticketed events take place at our City Dock stage downtown, Maryland Hall, Rams Head On Stage, and we have fun a ticketed show on a Watermark cruise on Saturday evening. We also have several VIP package options. For more information, visit www.annapolissongwritersfestival.com.