Press Release: ‘Annapolis Songwriters Festival’ Returns September 11 to 14, 2025

* PRESS RELEASE *

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724 or mwstephenson @annapolis.gov

'Annapolis Songwriters Festival' Returns September 11 to 14, 2025

Fourth Annual Event Features Scores of Artists and Bands
at Venues Large and Small

Annapolis, MD (September 2, 2025): The 4th Annapolis Songwriters Festival will be held September 11 to 14, 2025 at nearly two dozen venues around Annapolis, including Maryland Hall, Ram's Head, Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, Market Space, and Watermark Cruises.

The four-day event will feature nationally-known and acclaimed singers and songwriters at ticketed events as well as free music showcases. The event is modeled after the renowned Key West Songwriters Festival, in its 30th year in 2026.

Over four days in and around Annapolis, performers will include the following headliners:

• Steep Canyon Rangers at Maryland Hall on Sept. 11

• Dirty Heads on Calvert St. Stage on Sept. 12

• Songwriters in the Round (Jeff Middleton, Dylan Altman, Chris Canterbury, Ronnie Bowman, Anthony Smith, Hick Morman, and Jeffrey Steele) at Rams Head on Sept. 12

• Al Jardine and the Pet Sounds Band at Maryland Hall on Sept. 13

• 10,000 Maniacs at Rams Head on Stage on Sept. 13 and 14 (two shows)

• Songwriters in the Round II (Jesse Moody, Madison Bailey, Kane Comfort, Wordsmith, Rudy Amanda, Sam Ashworth, and Tommy Simms) at Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum on Sept 14.

"In four short years, this has become a showcase event for both performers and music lovers," said Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. "Whether you're headed to a ticketed showcase or a free songwriting workshop, there's a little something for everyone."

The event is presented by Rams Head, in conjunction with BMI, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, AM/FM (Annapolis Musicians Fund for Musicians), Maryland Sports Commission, HD Radio, and the City of Annapolis. The four days of music will include concerts featuring national headliners and many free showcases and concerts on docks and in hotels, parks, and bars. Tickets are on sale now through the official website: www.annapolissongwritersfestival.com .

There will be parking restrictions and road closures in the area of Calvert Street between Bladen and West Streets from Friday, Sept. 12 at 4 a.m until Saturday at 2 a.m. West Street between Calvert and Church Circle will be closed to parking and vehicle traffic from 4 p.m. until midnight on Saturday, Sept. 13 for Dinner Under the Stars. Singer Songwriter performances are scheduled during that road closure, weather permitting.

Free musician showcases are scheduled to take place in a walkable area, with unique stops along the way to feature all the extraordinary hidden gems of restaurants and shops in Annapolis.

The hugely successful Key West Songwriters Festival, which the Annapolis festival is modeled after, continues to be the largest festival of its kind in the world. Highlighting the specialized craft that is the essence of music, the Annapolis festival aims to give music lovers a chance to get to know the names and faces behind the songs in an up-close and personal setting while showcasing Annapolis as a destination for music lovers.

Facebook & Instagram: @annapolissongwritersfestival

ABOUT RAMS HEAD

Rams Head Group is a family owned & operated restaurant and entertainment company since 1989. Rams Head Group currently owns and operates four restaurant locations in Maryland: Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, MD; Rams Head Roadhouse in Crownsville, MD; Rams Head Shore House in Stevensville, MD; Rams Head Dockside in Glen Burnie, MD and a fifth location in Florida: Rams Head Southernmost in Key West, FL.

Additionally, Rams Head Presents owns and operates Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, Maryland which has been recognized as the Top Club under 500 seats in the world by Pollstar Magazine. Rams Head also provides programming for Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, Maryland and Key West Theater and The Key West Amphitheater in Key West, Florida.

Rams Head Presents purchased the Key West Songwriters Festival in 2021. For additional information visit ramsheadgroup.com / ramsheadpresents.com

ABOUT BMI

BMI was founded in 1939 by forward-thinkers who wanted to represent songwriters in emerging genres, like jazz, blues and country, and protect the public performances of their music. Operating on a non-profit-making basis, BMI is now the largest music rights organization in the U.S. and is still nurturing new talent and new music. Additional information at BMI.com.

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