× Geoff Downes talks YEStival
brKeyboardist Geoff Downes joined the group for a short stint in 1980, before rejoining in 2011. Born in Stockport, England, Downes grew up in a musical family—his father an organist and choirmaster at the local church. He joined his first real band, She’s French, in college. The band’s eclectic sound was focused on experimental, jazz-fusion mixed with pop and rock influences, which, ironically, included YES.
brCatch YES on the YEStival Tour with Todd Rundgren and Carl Palmer on Monday, August 7th, at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore.
READ THE INTERVIEW >>
Compass Rose Artistic Director Leads Theater with Passion and Vision
Acting began as a fun activity for Lucinda Merry-Browne at only eight years old, but eventually it developed into a life-long passion. The actress has directed over 300 shows and is the founder of five theater companies.
brLater in her career, Merry-Browne moved to Annapolis where she founded the drama program at Archbishop Spalding High School, called the Spalding Theater. She developed Round House Theater, The Bay Theater Company, and The Compass Rose Theater.
brHead out to The Compass Rose Theater for a night of entertainment. The Liar plays Friday, September 8th through Sunday, October 8th, and Inherit the Wind plays Friday, October 27th through Sunday, November 26th.
READ THE INTERVIEW >>
Sean Hetrick & the Leftovers at Tides & Tunes Summer Concert Series
brThursday, August 3rd, 7–8:30 p.m.
brEnjoy 10 weeks of folk, classic rock, soul, swing, Celtic, island rhythm, jazzy, bluesy, randomly surprising music on the beach! Live music by local bands against the scenic back-drop of the Chesapeake Bay. Beer, wine, signature cocktails, and food available for purchase. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for seating during the concert.
Women Who Wine
Geoff Downes talks YEStival
By Becca Newell
brFounded in 1968 by Chris Squire and Jon Anderson, YES is among the world’s most influential, ground-breaking, and respected progressive rock bands—renowned for iconic pieces, like “Roundabout,” “Close to the Edge,” “Starship Trooper,” and countless others. brbrKeyboardist Geoff Downes joined the group for a short stint in 1980, before rejoining in 2011. Born in Stockport, England, Downes grew up in a musical family—his father an organist and choirmaster at the local church. He joined his first real band, She’s French, in college. The band’s eclectic sound was focused on experimental, jazz-fusion mixed with pop and rock influences, which, ironically, included YES.
brCatch YES on the YEStival Tour with Todd Rundgren and Carl Palmer on Monday, August 7th, at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore.
READ THE INTERVIEW >>
Compass Rose Artistic Director Leads Theater with Passion and Vision
By Sabrina Jordan
brLater in her career, Merry-Browne moved to Annapolis where she founded the drama program at Archbishop Spalding High School, called the Spalding Theater. She developed Round House Theater, The Bay Theater Company, and The Compass Rose Theater.
brHead out to The Compass Rose Theater for a night of entertainment. The Liar plays Friday, September 8th through Sunday, October 8th, and Inherit the Wind plays Friday, October 27th through Sunday, November 26th.
READ THE INTERVIEW >>
The What's Up? Weekend Rundown
Annapolis
Sean Hetrick & the Leftovers at Tides & Tunes Summer Concert Series
brThursday, August 3rd, 7–8:30 p.m.
brEnjoy 10 weeks of folk, classic rock, soul, swing, Celtic, island rhythm, jazzy, bluesy, randomly surprising music on the beach! Live music by local bands against the scenic back-drop of the Chesapeake Bay. Beer, wine, signature cocktails, and food available for purchase. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for seating during the concert.
Women Who Wine
Thursday, August 3rd, 7:30–10 p.m.
brCome join the Chesapeake Bayhawks for their wine tasting night at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium hosted by Clovelly Vineyards. Your $40 ticket includes: entrance to our game against the Denver Outlaws, complimentary customized Bayhawks logo wine glasses, 10% off Bayhawks merchandise, light hors d'oeuvre, and wine (of course). Use Promo Code: WINE then click General Admission.
The 72nd Annual Rotary Club Crab Feast
brCome join the Chesapeake Bayhawks for their wine tasting night at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium hosted by Clovelly Vineyards. Your $40 ticket includes: entrance to our game against the Denver Outlaws, complimentary customized Bayhawks logo wine glasses, 10% off Bayhawks merchandise, light hors d'oeuvre, and wine (of course). Use Promo Code: WINE then click General Admission.
The 72nd Annual Rotary Club Crab Feast
Friday, August 4th, 5–8 p.m.
brThe Rotary Club of Annapolis is gearing up for its annual Crab Feast! This special event is not only the world’s largest crab feast, but also a major fund-raiser benefiting local community and cultural organizations. The feast is all-you-can-eat-and-drink, including large #1 male crabs plus Maryland vegetable crab soup, sweet Maryland corn on the cob, beef barbeque sandwiches, watermelon, and draft beer.
Blue Suede Bop at Annapolis Towne Centre Summer Concert Series
brThe Rotary Club of Annapolis is gearing up for its annual Crab Feast! This special event is not only the world’s largest crab feast, but also a major fund-raiser benefiting local community and cultural organizations. The feast is all-you-can-eat-and-drink, including large #1 male crabs plus Maryland vegetable crab soup, sweet Maryland corn on the cob, beef barbeque sandwiches, watermelon, and draft beer.
Blue Suede Bop at Annapolis Towne Centre Summer Concert Series
Friday, August 4th, 7–8:30 p.m.
brGrab your blankets, chairs, and your favorite dance partner for a relaxing summer evening at the Annapolis Towne Centre during their Friday Night Summer Concert Series featuring a rockin’ beer and wine garden, visits from participating restaurants and retailers, and so much more! Blue Suede Bop is a rockabilly, honky-tonk and Americana band that performs hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s!
The 42nd Annual Peach Festival
brGrab your blankets, chairs, and your favorite dance partner for a relaxing summer evening at the Annapolis Towne Centre during their Friday Night Summer Concert Series featuring a rockin’ beer and wine garden, visits from participating restaurants and retailers, and so much more! Blue Suede Bop is a rockabilly, honky-tonk and Americana band that performs hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s!
The 42nd Annual Peach Festival
Saturday, August 5th, 12–5 p.m.
brThis event takes place on the first Saturday of August each year. It draws a sell-out crowd! It features a sit-down or carry-out, barbecue or oven-bake chicken dinner, with all the trimmings, including some peachy dessert items. There is always a bountiful bake table filled with homemade items, traditional peach cakes, famous pickled beets, and real peach jelly and jam.
Kelly Bell Band at Quiet Waters Park Summer Concert Series
brThis event takes place on the first Saturday of August each year. It draws a sell-out crowd! It features a sit-down or carry-out, barbecue or oven-bake chicken dinner, with all the trimmings, including some peachy dessert items. There is always a bountiful bake table filled with homemade items, traditional peach cakes, famous pickled beets, and real peach jelly and jam.
Kelly Bell Band at Quiet Waters Park Summer Concert Series
Saturday, August 5th, 6–8 p.m.
brJoin the Friends of Quiet Waters Park this summer for a fantastic line up of performing artists at the annual Summer Outdoor Concert Series. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs for an enjoyable evening at the parks outdoor concert venue. The Kelly Bell Band combines elements of hip-hop, funk, and blues!
First Sunday Arts Festival
brJoin the Friends of Quiet Waters Park this summer for a fantastic line up of performing artists at the annual Summer Outdoor Concert Series. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs for an enjoyable evening at the parks outdoor concert venue. The Kelly Bell Band combines elements of hip-hop, funk, and blues!
First Sunday Arts Festival
Sunday, August 5th, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
brFirst Sunday Arts, Annapolis' premier arts festival, will take place on the first several blocks of West Street and Whitmore Park in the Annapolis Arts District. With over 130 local and regional artists filling the streets, parks selling a wide range of handcrafted items and art including jewelry, glass, wood turnings, pottery, clothing, books, decorative items, photography and fine art, this is a not-to-be-missed event! Adding to the art scene and fun, there will be cafe dining, wine tastings, food trucks, live music, and artist demonstrations throughout. This monthly arts festival brings thousands of locals and tourists each month to downtown Annapolis to mingle and shop with the artisans on the first Sunday of each month.
Chesapeake Bay Balloon and Wine Festival
brFirst Sunday Arts, Annapolis' premier arts festival, will take place on the first several blocks of West Street and Whitmore Park in the Annapolis Arts District. With over 130 local and regional artists filling the streets, parks selling a wide range of handcrafted items and art including jewelry, glass, wood turnings, pottery, clothing, books, decorative items, photography and fine art, this is a not-to-be-missed event! Adding to the art scene and fun, there will be cafe dining, wine tastings, food trucks, live music, and artist demonstrations throughout. This monthly arts festival brings thousands of locals and tourists each month to downtown Annapolis to mingle and shop with the artisans on the first Sunday of each month.
Eastern Shore
Chesapeake Bay Balloon and Wine Festival
Friday, August 4th and Saturday, August 5th, 12 p.m.
brHead out to the second annual Great Chesapeake Bay Balloon & Wine! It has expanded to a two-day festival at Triple Creek Winery. There will be over 15 hot air balloons, tethered balloon rides and flights throughout this picturesque country setting. Each day the festival will close with a “balloon glow” when 12 or more balloons will light up the evening sky. Enjoy live entertainment, an expanded kids zone, a petting zoo, over 50 handmade crafts and boutique vendors, 20 food vendors, and of course, plenty of Triple Creek wine available for sale!
57th Annual Wheat Threshing Steam & Gas Engine Show
brHead out to the second annual Great Chesapeake Bay Balloon & Wine! It has expanded to a two-day festival at Triple Creek Winery. There will be over 15 hot air balloons, tethered balloon rides and flights throughout this picturesque country setting. Each day the festival will close with a “balloon glow” when 12 or more balloons will light up the evening sky. Enjoy live entertainment, an expanded kids zone, a petting zoo, over 50 handmade crafts and boutique vendors, 20 food vendors, and of course, plenty of Triple Creek wine available for sale!
57th Annual Wheat Threshing Steam & Gas Engine Show
Friday, August 4th through Sunday, August 6th, 10 a.m.
brThe Eastern Shore Threshermen & Collectors Assoc., Inc. will be holding their 57th annual Wheat Threshing, Steam & Gas Engine Show at their showgrounds. There will be steam engines, antique tractors, gas engines, antique cars and steam models in operation. Among the demonstrations will be wheat threshing, shingle sawing, sawing with a miniature and full-size sawmill, and rock crushing. Kids of all ages enjoy riding “Smokey Joe”, a miniature steam train which is a replica of the Civil War era “General” locomotive. There will be something for everyone in the large flea market with over 125 dealers. There will also be plenty of good food with fried chicken dinners, crab cakes, hamburgers and hot dogs.
Summer of Love
brThe Eastern Shore Threshermen & Collectors Assoc., Inc. will be holding their 57th annual Wheat Threshing, Steam & Gas Engine Show at their showgrounds. There will be steam engines, antique tractors, gas engines, antique cars and steam models in operation. Among the demonstrations will be wheat threshing, shingle sawing, sawing with a miniature and full-size sawmill, and rock crushing. Kids of all ages enjoy riding “Smokey Joe”, a miniature steam train which is a replica of the Civil War era “General” locomotive. There will be something for everyone in the large flea market with over 125 dealers. There will also be plenty of good food with fried chicken dinners, crab cakes, hamburgers and hot dogs.
Summer of Love
Friday, August 4th, 7:30–10:30 p.m.
brThe Summer of Love was a social phenomenon during the summer of 1967. About 100,000 hippies converged in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, which at the time was the most publicized location for hippie culture. Brookletts Place-Talbot Senior Center is organizing a Summer of Love 50th Anniversary. The event will have 1960s "fun food," music provided by popular DJ Steve Moody, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and plenty of tie-dye t-shirts that would make Wavy Gravy proud! After covering the expenses for the event, all funds raised from ticket sales, sponsorships, 50/50 raffle, and the silent auction will be dedicated to needed programs and services at Brookletts Place.
Rock the Dock Concert Series
brThe Summer of Love was a social phenomenon during the summer of 1967. About 100,000 hippies converged in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, which at the time was the most publicized location for hippie culture. Brookletts Place-Talbot Senior Center is organizing a Summer of Love 50th Anniversary. The event will have 1960s "fun food," music provided by popular DJ Steve Moody, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and plenty of tie-dye t-shirts that would make Wavy Gravy proud! After covering the expenses for the event, all funds raised from ticket sales, sponsorships, 50/50 raffle, and the silent auction will be dedicated to needed programs and services at Brookletts Place.
Western Shore
Rock the Dock Concert Series
Thursday, August 3rd–Sunday, August 6th, times vary.
brEnjoy music on the bay with great food and drinks! Bring your friends and sit on the beach and relax at the Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa. Enjoy live music by Bruce in the USA, Big T (DJ), John Luskey, and The Blue Notes.
Casey Cares Foundation 5K Run/Walk
brEnjoy music on the bay with great food and drinks! Bring your friends and sit on the beach and relax at the Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa. Enjoy live music by Bruce in the USA, Big T (DJ), John Luskey, and The Blue Notes.
Casey Cares Foundation 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, August 5th, 8 a.m.
brFor the second consecutive year, Orioles first basemen Chris Davis and his wife, Jill, will serve as race ambassadors for the eighth annual Casey Cares 5K Run/Walk! The 3.1-mile run/one-mile walk starts at 8 a.m. beginning at Oriole Park and ending on the field. Participants will partake in a pre-race warmup with the Oriole Bird, music, and other entertainment.
“Pouring for Paws” Wine Tour
brSaturday, August 5th, 1—7 p.m.
brIt’s “wine o’clock” somewhere, and this tour will make sure you get there! There will be roundtrip transportation for you to visit Romano Vineyard & Winery, Gemeny Winery and Vineyards, and Janemark Winery & Vineyard. There will be private vineyard and wine production tours, wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and silent auction items. Pick up and drop off location is at the Waldorf Park & Ride.
2017 Summer Spirit Festival
brFor the second consecutive year, Orioles first basemen Chris Davis and his wife, Jill, will serve as race ambassadors for the eighth annual Casey Cares 5K Run/Walk! The 3.1-mile run/one-mile walk starts at 8 a.m. beginning at Oriole Park and ending on the field. Participants will partake in a pre-race warmup with the Oriole Bird, music, and other entertainment.
“Pouring for Paws” Wine Tour
brSaturday, August 5th, 1—7 p.m.
brIt’s “wine o’clock” somewhere, and this tour will make sure you get there! There will be roundtrip transportation for you to visit Romano Vineyard & Winery, Gemeny Winery and Vineyards, and Janemark Winery & Vineyard. There will be private vineyard and wine production tours, wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and silent auction items. Pick up and drop off location is at the Waldorf Park & Ride.
2017 Summer Spirit Festival
Saturday, August 5th, 2 p.m.
brNo summer is complete without the sonic adventure that is the Summer Spirit Festival. Returning for its 12th anniversary with a monster two-day event, this year’s line-up will once again blend the best of soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and GO-GO. Featuring stars Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Bell Biv DeVoe, Fantasia, and many more. Grab your hot tickets today for this stacked lineup.
The Eric Scott Band at Waugh Chapel Towne Centre Summer Concert Series
brSaturday, August 5th, 7—8:30 p.m.
brGrab your blankets, chairs, and your favorite dance partner for a relaxing summer evening at the Waugh Chapel Towne Centre during their Saturday Night Summer Concert Series featuring a wonderful beer and wine garden! The Eric Scott Band performs a unique and soulful voice blending pop, soul, and funk.
What’s Up? Spirit Festival
What’s Up? Media will host their first Spirits Festival at Annapolis Maritime Museum on Thursday, October 26th, 2017 from 6-9 p.m.. Guests will enjoy entertainment, delectable fare, and sip premium whiskey, scotch, malts, bourbon, rum, vodka, gin and much more. Early bird prices end August 31st. GET TICKETS >>
What's Up? Media Promotions
brWhat’s Up? Media loves our community and wants to give back. Check out our promotions page for opportunities to win amazing giveaways such as tickets to the most happening local events around, gift cards to your favorite local restaurants, and more! More details here.
brNo summer is complete without the sonic adventure that is the Summer Spirit Festival. Returning for its 12th anniversary with a monster two-day event, this year’s line-up will once again blend the best of soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and GO-GO. Featuring stars Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Bell Biv DeVoe, Fantasia, and many more. Grab your hot tickets today for this stacked lineup.
The Eric Scott Band at Waugh Chapel Towne Centre Summer Concert Series
brSaturday, August 5th, 7—8:30 p.m.
brGrab your blankets, chairs, and your favorite dance partner for a relaxing summer evening at the Waugh Chapel Towne Centre during their Saturday Night Summer Concert Series featuring a wonderful beer and wine garden! The Eric Scott Band performs a unique and soulful voice blending pop, soul, and funk.
What’s Up? Spirit Festival
What’s Up? Media will host their first Spirits Festival at Annapolis Maritime Museum on Thursday, October 26th, 2017 from 6-9 p.m.. Guests will enjoy entertainment, delectable fare, and sip premium whiskey, scotch, malts, bourbon, rum, vodka, gin and much more. Early bird prices end August 31st. GET TICKETS >>
What's Up? Media Promotions
brWhat’s Up? Media loves our community and wants to give back. Check out our promotions page for opportunities to win amazing giveaways such as tickets to the most happening local events around, gift cards to your favorite local restaurants, and more! More details here.