Photo by Sebastian Smith
Creating His Own Legacy: Exclusive Interview with Musician A.J. Croce
By Nicole Gould
Not many artists have the opportunity to begin their career at the age of 18, specifically as the opening act for the brilliant blues singer, B.B. King. That was just the beginning for singer-songwriter A.J. Croce.
brbrAlthough subjected to a lifetime of comparison to his late father, guitarist and singer-songwriter Jim Croce, A.J. has taken his story and created his own legacy throughout his musical career. His last eight albums have charted 17 Top 20 singles including Top 40, Americana, Independent, and Blues and Jazz.
brbrReleasing his ninth album, A.J. takes to the set list and gives a soul enticing album filled with his experiences and lifes challenges through the years in Just Like Medicine. The album, co-written by Dan Penn, includes the track, “The Name of the Game,” which is an unreleased song by his father.
brbrDon’t miss the opportunity to hear an album solely recorded on tape as Just Like Medicine releases on Friday, August 11th. Catch A.J. Croce with alternative country singer-songwriter, Robbie Fulks, on Friday, August 18th, 8 p.m. at Rams Head On Stage. Tickets are $22.50 and the event is 21 and over.
READ THE INTERVIEW >>
The What's Up? Weekend Rundown
Annapolis
Mike McHenry at Tides & Tunes Summer Concert Series
brThursday, August 10th, 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.
Fine Wine and Finer Music
brThursday, August 10th, 6:30 p.m.
brEnjoy musical selections paired with wines curated by experts at Annapolis’ Bin 201. You will sip wine and relax in the Ballroom of the Hammond Harwood house while the artists of the Annapolis Chamber Music Festival perform works by Beethoven, Villa-Lobos, Telemann, and more. Each wine selection will be introduced by sommelier Steve Thursby, and each musical selection will be introduced by the musicians performing it. A post-concert reception will give you the chance to get to know the ACMF musicians better and to enjoy light refreshments.
Time and Tides Chesapeake Bay Benefit Cruise
Thursday, August 10th, 11 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
brThe Friends of the Rising Sun Inn is partnering with Cruises on the Bay™ by Watermark® to host an afternoon of fun, cruising on the Chesapeake Bay and listening to tales of times gone by. The event will raise money to support the ongoing preservation projects at the Historic Rising Sun Inn located on the famed Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route.
Dublin 5 at Annapolis Towne Centre Summer Concert Series
brThe Friends of the Rising Sun Inn is partnering with Cruises on the Bay™ by Watermark® to host an afternoon of fun, cruising on the Chesapeake Bay and listening to tales of times gone by. The event will raise money to support the ongoing preservation projects at the Historic Rising Sun Inn located on the famed Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route.
Dublin 5 at Annapolis Towne Centre Summer Concert Series
Friday, August 11th, 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! Dublin 5 is a Celtic rock band performing traditional Irish music and favorite rock! YWCA will also be in attendance creating awareness for domestic violence, so be sure to stop by.
U.S. Naval Academy’s Superintendent’s Combo at Quiet Waters Park Summer Concert Series
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! Dublin 5 is a Celtic rock band performing traditional Irish music and favorite rock! YWCA will also be in attendance creating awareness for domestic violence, so be sure to stop by.
U.S. Naval Academy’s Superintendent’s Combo at Quiet Waters Park Summer Concert Series
Saturday, August 12th, 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 Superintendent’s Combo is the United States Naval Academy Band's jazz combo designated to support the many social events hosted by the Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. The group regularly performs for local military officials and visiting dignitaries from around the globe.
Alice and the Book of Wonderland
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 Superintendent’s Combo is the United States Naval Academy Band's jazz combo designated to support the many social events hosted by the Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. The group regularly performs for local military officials and visiting dignitaries from around the globe.
Alice and the Book of Wonderland
Friday, August 11th, 8 p.m., Saturday, August 12th, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 13th, 3 p.m.
brA compelling new version of a beloved classic, Alice and the book of Wonderland is a bright and witty adaptation by Sally Boyett, Donald Hicken, and Tony Tsendeas with original music by James Fitzpatrick. ASC’s retelling reveals a fast-paced tale designed to delight young and old in an exciting new version of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in which an inquisitive young woman named Alive is drawn into a fantastical world where logic is illogical and the absurd makes sense. Through a series of dramatic vignettes creatively linked together by ASC, Alice makes her way through the fantastical terrain of Wonderland.
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Queen Anne’s County 4-H Fair
brA compelling new version of a beloved classic, Alice and the book of Wonderland is a bright and witty adaptation by Sally Boyett, Donald Hicken, and Tony Tsendeas with original music by James Fitzpatrick. ASC’s retelling reveals a fast-paced tale designed to delight young and old in an exciting new version of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in which an inquisitive young woman named Alive is drawn into a fantastical world where logic is illogical and the absurd makes sense. Through a series of dramatic vignettes creatively linked together by ASC, Alice makes her way through the fantastical terrain of Wonderland.
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Eastern Shore
Queen Anne’s County 4-H Fair
Thursday, August 10th through Saturday, August 12th, 9 a.m.—10 p.m.
brGet the family together and head over to the 75th annual Queen Anne’s County 4-H Fair! Enjoy a variety of livestock shows, contests, food vendors, live entertainment, carnival rides, and of course, tons of fun!
44th Annual White Marlin Open
brGet the family together and head over to the 75th annual Queen Anne’s County 4-H Fair! Enjoy a variety of livestock shows, contests, food vendors, live entertainment, carnival rides, and of course, tons of fun!
44th Annual White Marlin Open
Thursday, August 10th through Saturday, August 11th, times vary
brThe 44th annual White Marlin Open, scheduled for Monday, August 7th through Friday, August 11th at the Harbour Island Marina in Ocean City, is the world’s largest Billfish tournament. For the past 44 years, anglers from all over the world have competed to catch the heaviest White Marlin. In 2016. There was a record $4,450,000 in prize money. Nightly weigh-ins will take place 4–9 p.m. With over 2,0000 participants, families, and thousands of spectators, the White Marlin Open is the premier event of the summer!
Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend
brThe 44th annual White Marlin Open, scheduled for Monday, August 7th through Friday, August 11th at the Harbour Island Marina in Ocean City, is the world’s largest Billfish tournament. For the past 44 years, anglers from all over the world have competed to catch the heaviest White Marlin. In 2016. There was a record $4,450,000 in prize money. Nightly weigh-ins will take place 4–9 p.m. With over 2,0000 participants, families, and thousands of spectators, the White Marlin Open is the premier event of the summer!
Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend
Friday, August 11th through Sunday, August 13th, times vary
brCome by land or come by sea for a town wide piratical theme party celebrating 10 years of mayhem at the Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend on the Isla of Delmarva! Jump start the weekend with a Friday evening Rum Tasting or Sea Shanty Sing a Long. On Saturday, visit the harbor for the Decorated Dinghy Flotilla and Pirate Dinghy Run. The beach sets the stage for a Caribbean Beach Bash and later the Buccaneer’s Ball gets underway with live music and contests. There is more fun on Sunday with a 5K Race, Treasure Hunt and Kids and Pets Costume Contest. All weekend, Main Street will be alive with entertainment, shopping, and plenty of grub and grog. This is an event that you don’t want to miss!
16th Annual Preston Peach Festival
brCome by land or come by sea for a town wide piratical theme party celebrating 10 years of mayhem at the Pirates & Wenches Fantasy Weekend on the Isla of Delmarva! Jump start the weekend with a Friday evening Rum Tasting or Sea Shanty Sing a Long. On Saturday, visit the harbor for the Decorated Dinghy Flotilla and Pirate Dinghy Run. The beach sets the stage for a Caribbean Beach Bash and later the Buccaneer’s Ball gets underway with live music and contests. There is more fun on Sunday with a 5K Race, Treasure Hunt and Kids and Pets Costume Contest. All weekend, Main Street will be alive with entertainment, shopping, and plenty of grub and grog. This is an event that you don’t want to miss!
16th Annual Preston Peach Festival
Saturday, August 12th, 9 a.m.—2 p.m.
brPreston Bethesda United Methodist Church holds its 16th Annual Peach Festival, featuring local peaches, craft vendors, barbecue chicken platters, scrapple, soft crab sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, face painting, children's activities, and more!
Seafood Feast-I-Val
brSaturday, August 12th, 1 p.m.—6 p.m.
brEnjoy an all-you-can-eat feast on the shores of the Choptank River! The Seafood Feast-I-Val is held annually at Governor’s Hall at Sailwinds Park. The menu includes steamed crabs, fried fish, crab soup, fried clams, BBQ chicken, sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, cake, and much more. Soft drinks are included in the price, and beer is sold by the cup. The 38th annual festival also includes live music by Golden Touch, a car show, historic town tours, craft sales, and entertainment for the children.
First Annual CBEC Little Bobbers Fishing Derby
brPreston Bethesda United Methodist Church holds its 16th Annual Peach Festival, featuring local peaches, craft vendors, barbecue chicken platters, scrapple, soft crab sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, face painting, children's activities, and more!
Seafood Feast-I-Val
brSaturday, August 12th, 1 p.m.—6 p.m.
brEnjoy an all-you-can-eat feast on the shores of the Choptank River! The Seafood Feast-I-Val is held annually at Governor’s Hall at Sailwinds Park. The menu includes steamed crabs, fried fish, crab soup, fried clams, BBQ chicken, sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, cake, and much more. Soft drinks are included in the price, and beer is sold by the cup. The 38th annual festival also includes live music by Golden Touch, a car show, historic town tours, craft sales, and entertainment for the children.
First Annual CBEC Little Bobbers Fishing Derby
Saturday, August 12th, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
brThe CBEC Little Bobbers Fishing Derby will raise money for creating and expanding fishing refs and oyster beds adjacent to CBEC in Prospect Bay. All children will receive a goody bag, lunch, snacks, T-shirt, and a chance to win awards and prizes. Awards will be given for each age group to the girl and boy who catch the biggest fish of the Largemouth Bass and Bluegill species.
12th Annual MSSA Youth Fishing Derby
brThe CBEC Little Bobbers Fishing Derby will raise money for creating and expanding fishing refs and oyster beds adjacent to CBEC in Prospect Bay. All children will receive a goody bag, lunch, snacks, T-shirt, and a chance to win awards and prizes. Awards will be given for each age group to the girl and boy who catch the biggest fish of the Largemouth Bass and Bluegill species.
12th Annual MSSA Youth Fishing Derby
Saturday, August 12th, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
brHead over to the Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday at Romancoke pier in Kent Island. All participants must be accompanied by a parent or adult. Please bring your own rods. Bait will be provided. Registration starts at 8 a.m. There will be prizes and refreshments. Prizes for largest fish, smallest fish, most unique fish, most fish caught in age group (3–16 years old).
Watermen’s Appreciation Day – Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels
brSunday, August 13th, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
brWatermen’s Appreciation Day celebrates Chesapeake watermen and their heritage. Set for Sunday, August 13th, at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the event includes a “watermen’s rodeo” boat docking contest, live music, celebrity appearances, family activities, and more! Steamed crabs, beer, and other foods and beverages will be available for purchase.
Wheels for Wags Car Show and Adoption Event
brHead over to the Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday at Romancoke pier in Kent Island. All participants must be accompanied by a parent or adult. Please bring your own rods. Bait will be provided. Registration starts at 8 a.m. There will be prizes and refreshments. Prizes for largest fish, smallest fish, most unique fish, most fish caught in age group (3–16 years old).
Watermen’s Appreciation Day – Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels
brSunday, August 13th, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
brWatermen’s Appreciation Day celebrates Chesapeake watermen and their heritage. Set for Sunday, August 13th, at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the event includes a “watermen’s rodeo” boat docking contest, live music, celebrity appearances, family activities, and more! Steamed crabs, beer, and other foods and beverages will be available for purchase.
Western Shore
Wheels for Wags Car Show and Adoption Event
Saturday, August 12th, 10 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
brCome out to see the cars of your dreams! Even better, meet dogs, cats, and other little critters available for adoption. There will be food vendors, plus activities and treats for the kids! Enter in the raffle which benefits Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Control.
Kegs and Corks Craft Beer and Wine Festival
brCome out to see the cars of your dreams! Even better, meet dogs, cats, and other little critters available for adoption. There will be food vendors, plus activities and treats for the kids! Enter in the raffle which benefits Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Control.
Kegs and Corks Craft Beer and Wine Festival
Saturday, August 12th, 1–7 p.m.
brDon’t miss the sixth annual Kegs and Corks Festival! It will feature 40 craft brews and over 80 Maryland wines with unlimited samples, delicious food vendors, awesome live bands, and a variety of arts/crafts vendors. There will be live music by Hot Tub Limo, Sly 45, and Bushmasters Featuring Gary Brown!
Rock the Dock Concert Series
brDon’t miss the sixth annual Kegs and Corks Festival! It will feature 40 craft brews and over 80 Maryland wines with unlimited samples, delicious food vendors, awesome live bands, and a variety of arts/crafts vendors. There will be live music by Hot Tub Limo, Sly 45, and Bushmasters Featuring Gary Brown!
Rock the Dock Concert Series
Thursday, August 10th–Sunday, August 13th, 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 2nd Hand News, Big T (DJ), Chyp and Andi, and New Censation.
Bubble Run
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 2nd Hand News, Big T (DJ), Chyp and Andi, and New Censation.
Bubble Run
Saturday, August 12th, 8 a.m.
brThis event will feel like a giant, bubbly party. The race itself is amazing. But, once you cross the finish line, there’s still plenty of excitement and activity. Jam out and dance to the DJ’s, have some free swag, and get ready for a serious dose of extra foam! Strut around like a peacock sporting your boss finisher’s status. Or perhaps you simply want to chill and take in the sight.
Higher Hands at Waugh Chapel Towne Centre Summer Concert Series
brThis event will feel like a giant, bubbly party. The race itself is amazing. But, once you cross the finish line, there’s still plenty of excitement and activity. Jam out and dance to the DJ’s, have some free swag, and get ready for a serious dose of extra foam! Strut around like a peacock sporting your boss finisher’s status. Or perhaps you simply want to chill and take in the sight.
Higher Hands at Waugh Chapel Towne Centre Summer Concert Series
Saturday, August 12th, 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! Higher Hands performs vintage funk and soul with a touch of rhyme.
Scottish Weekend
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! Higher Hands performs vintage funk and soul with a touch of rhyme.
Scottish Weekend
Saturday, August 12th and Sunday, August 13th, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
brColonial London Town was dominated by Scottish merchants and landowners, tradespeople, tavern keepers, and even a significant portion of the laboring class. They were the biggest cultural group at London Town after those who were enslaved. Explore Scottish heritage and history with the Appin Regiment, an experienced group of reenactors who portray the Scottish women of the mid-eighteenth century. Hearth cooking, sewing, and hands on demonstrations all weekend long.
Lady Antebellum w/ Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young
brColonial London Town was dominated by Scottish merchants and landowners, tradespeople, tavern keepers, and even a significant portion of the laboring class. They were the biggest cultural group at London Town after those who were enslaved. Explore Scottish heritage and history with the Appin Regiment, an experienced group of reenactors who portray the Scottish women of the mid-eighteenth century. Hearth cooking, sewing, and hands on demonstrations all weekend long.
Lady Antebellum w/ Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young
Sunday, August 13th, 7:30 p.m.
brWith more than 18 million album sales worldwide, seven-time Grammy award winning group Lady Antebellum has earned six Platinum singles, nine chart topping hits, countless other awards including Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Teen Choice Awards. Dubbed “Country’s Next Queen” by Billboard, Kelsea Ballerini continues to blaze her own trail to superstardom as she is the only female artist in country music history, including female duos and groups, to go #1 with her first three consecutive singles from a debut album. Brett Young has captured the hearts of fans everywhere through his honest lyrics and West Coast-meets-Southern sound, aptly dubbed “Caliville” style.
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 >>
"Humans" Meet the Artist Reception
RSVP NOW >>
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.
brWith more than 18 million album sales worldwide, seven-time Grammy award winning group Lady Antebellum has earned six Platinum singles, nine chart topping hits, countless other awards including Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Teen Choice Awards. Dubbed “Country’s Next Queen” by Billboard, Kelsea Ballerini continues to blaze her own trail to superstardom as she is the only female artist in country music history, including female duos and groups, to go #1 with her first three consecutive singles from a debut album. Brett Young has captured the hearts of fans everywhere through his honest lyrics and West Coast-meets-Southern sound, aptly dubbed “Caliville” style.
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 >>
"Humans" Meet the Artist Reception
Save the date for our Meet the Artists Reception on September 19th at the What's Up? Media Gallery.
RSVP NOW >>
Brought to you by What's Up? Media and Arts Council of Anne Arundel County.
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.
