ANNAPOLIS, Md.-- Annapolitans and visitors won’t want to miss this year’s two nights of Midnight Madness in downtown Annapolis Thursday, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. The town will be full of holiday music and cheer with opportunities to win gifts and prizes, visit Santa, take holiday photos and shop special sale prices at retail shops, which will each remain open until midnight for holiday shopping and festivities.
The Annapolis Business Association recently announced the music line-up for the events, to include local favorite, The Old Mill High School Steel Drum Band, who will perform Thursday, Dec. 8, on the corner of Main and Francis streets.
"We are thrilled to again welcome the Steel Drum Band. Under the direction of their amazing music teacher, Mike Miller, they have performed at Midnight Madness for more than dozen years and are a very special part of this event," Said Judy Buddensick, Midnight Madness Event Coordinator. “It’s also exciting to welcome several new musical acts to the events,” Buddensick continued.
Additional performances Thursday, Dec. 8 will include the Pride of Baltimore Chorus, featured in the new holiday pocket park on Main Street; singer-songwriter Michael K live in the window of Hats in the Belfry; the Sons of the Severn Quartet serenading outside of Stan and Joe's Saloon and in strolling duos and trios throughout downtown; the Strings of the Chesapeake will perform on Maryland Avenue; and the Wiley H Bates Performing Arts Chorus will be perched on the porch at The Maryland Inn.
The Salvation Army Band will be next to their bell ringer at Main Street and Market Space; and radio stations WRNR and WNAV will be oadcasting live from City Dock. The music sets are staggered and begin at 6 p.m. Green Drinks Annapolis will also hold their annual Christmas party at the Maryland Inn.
The musical line-up for Thursday, Dec.15 will include the Annapolis School of Rock in concert at the Rams Head Tavern; the Pride of Baltimore Chorus in the new holiday pocket park on Main Street singer-songwriter; Michael K live in the window of Hats in the Belfry; the Sons of the Severn Quartet serenading outside of Stan and Joe's Saloon, and in strolling duos and trios throughout downtown; the Strings of the Chesapeake will perform on Maryland Avenue; and the Wiley H Bates Performing Arts Chorus will sing from the steps of the Calvert House on State Circle. The Salvation Army Band will be next to their bell ringer at Main Street and Market Space, and radio stations WRNR and WNAV will be oadcasting live from City Dock. The music sets are staggered and begin at 6 p.m.
For those who still need the perfect photo for holiday cards, some fun holiday photo opportunities were also added to the Midnight Madness calendar.
Santa Claus will be in the Market House both Thursday evenings to hear what’s on everyone’s wish list and snap photos with children.
At Stan & Joe's, two of "Annapolis' 40 Finest Under 40" will provide everything needed for the perfect holiday photo: a backdrop, a terribly tacky holiday sweater, holiday themed props, a professional photographer, and if needed, even a “date” to pose with, to help keep inquisitive relatives at bay this season. Everyone is welcome to participate in this new event and money raised will be donated to the Maryland Chapter of the Cystic Fi osis Foundation.
Downtown will be aglow with beautiful holiday decorations thanks to Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, who is co-sponsoring this year’s holiday decorations downtown. This is the first time a donor has offered such support for the lighting of Annapolis. The program, which provides most of the financial support for downtown decorations, is funded by contributions from businesses and other community partners.
“We are so pleased to align ourselves with the ABA during this holiday season. We see this as a fantastic opportunity to support all of the local businesses throughout the Annapolis community,” said Paul LaRochelle of Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis.
President of the ABA Sean O’Neill said, “We appreciate the support of Sheehy
Lexus of Annapolis in helping us continue this ABA tradition. We want to draw residents and visitors downtown to enjoy the unique festive atmosphere of downtown Annapolis during the holiday season.”
There are plenty of free and discounted parking options downtown to attend the events. Metered spaces are free for two hours (from Thanksgiving through New Year's), and the E-Cruisers will be on-hand offering free shuttle rides so that shoppers can hit every shop in town. Knighton and Park Place Garages will offer $5 parking with free circulator rides during Midnight Madness.
For more information or questions about the event, visit http://www.annapolisbusinessassoc.com/index.html.
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CONTACT: Judy Buddensick, Annapolis Business Association, Marketing Director
Email: judybudd@me.com, ph: 443-994-2511
