By Cate Reynolds
The summer is slowly wrapping up, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Make the most of the last few weeks of summer by checking out some of the great bands and musicians headed our way. For a full list of concerts coming to Maryland in August, check out our online calendar at Whatsupmag.com. In the meantime, here are a few great shows coming to the area this month:
Jason Mraz: Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, August 10th
Since releasing his debut album Waiting For My Rocket To Come in 2002, Jason Mraz’s folk-pop sound, coupled with his uplifting and positive lyrics, has earned him an international fan base. Best known for his hit singles “I Won’t Give Up,” “Lucky,” and “I’m Yours,” the songwriter’s sixth album, Know, is set to release Friday, August 10th. Mraz will be performing at Merriweather Post Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. that evening. Ticket prices range from $45–75 and are available here.
Aaron Neville: Rams Head on Stage, Annapolis, August 12th
Aaron Neville has been bringing audiences his New Orleans soul sound for over five decades. He’s earned four Platinum-certified albums and four Top 10 hits in the United States, three of which went #1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. His newest solo album, Apache, which was released in 2016, gives listeners a glimpse into Neville’s social and spiritual concerns with lyrics taken directly from his poetry journal. Aaron Neville returns to Rams Head on Stage for an all-ages matinee performance on Sunday, August 12th, 1 p.m. Tickets are $87.50 and available here.
Brad Paisley: Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, August 23rd
Brad Paisley has quickly become a modern-country legend. The critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist, and entertainer has earned himself three Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, and a membership to the Grand Ole Opry. Coming off the heels of his wildly successful 11th studio album, Love and War, Paisley is bringing his tour to the Calvert Marine Museum on Thursday, August 23rd, 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary and are available here.
Phish: Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, August 11th & 12th
During the early ‘90s, Phish emerged onto the music scene with their groovy and genre-blending Grateful Dead-esque sound. During live shows, Phish has a reputation for their improvisation and jam-band performance style, which has gained them a large and loyal fan base. Phish will be performing at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Saturday, August 11th and Sunday, August 12th, 7 p.m. Ticket prices range from $45–80 and are available here.
Michael Bolton: Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis, August 21st
Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Michael Bolton has sold over 65 million albums and singles worldwide. Know for the hits “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay,” “How and I Supposed to Live Without You,” and “When a Man Loves a Woman,” Bolton continues to captivate audiences with his pop-rock ballads. Michael Bolton will be performing at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts on Tuesday, August 21st, 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $75–100 and are available here.
Stevie Wonder: MGM National Harbor, National Harbor, August 29th & 30th
Stevie Wonder is one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. He has recorded over 30 U.S. Top 10 songs, has received 25 Grammy Awards, and has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Earlier this summer, Wonder announced his limited-engagement concert series, “Stevie Wonder Song Party: A Celebration of Life, Love and Music.” The 10-show tour will spend two nights at MGM National Harbor on Wednesday, August 29th and Thursday, August 30th, 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased here.
Patty Griffin: Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis, August 16th
Over the course of 20 years, two-time Grammy Award winner Patty Griffin had released nine studio albums and two live collections. Her stripped-down songwriting style, which often explores the moments and emotions that connect us, has made her one of the most significant singer-songwriters of her generation. Griffin will be performing at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts on Thursday, August 16th, 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $53–65 and are available here.
Be sure to check out the July Music Preview playlist, featuring music by several artists coming the area this month. Click here for the Spotify version, and here for the Apple Music version.
