As a music festival expert and long-time resident of Southern Maryland, I have witnessed the evolution of these events in our region. From the early years of small gatherings to the modern-day festivals that draw in crowds from all over, the music festival scene in Southern Maryland has come a long way.
The Early Years
The 1960s marked a cultural revolution in Southern Maryland, with the youth seeking new forms of expression. Music became a powerful medium for this generation, and it was only natural that music festivals would start popping up. The first one was the "Be-In" held at St.Mary's College of Maryland in 1967. It was a small gathering of local musicians and artists celebrating peace, love, and music. As the counterculture movement gained momentum, more music festivals started appearing in Southern Maryland. In 1969, the "Aquarian Exposition" at the Charles County Fairgrounds attracted over 10,000 attendees and featured performances by popular bands like Jefferson Airplane and The Grateful Dead.
The Rise of Bluegrass
The 1970s saw the rise of bluegrass music in Southern Maryland, thanks to the annual Bluegrass Festival at the Calvert County Fairgrounds. This event brought together some of the best bluegrass musicians from around the country and became a must-attend for bluegrass enthusiasts. One significant development during this time was the creation of the Southern Maryland Bluegrass Festival Association (SMBFA) in 1973. This organization aimed to promote and preserve bluegrass music in the region and has been instrumental in organizing various bluegrass festivals over the years.The 80s and 90s
The 1980s and 1990s saw a decline in the number of music festivals in Southern Maryland. However, the ones that did take place were significant in shaping the music scene in the region.The Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival, which started in 1998, became a popular event that attracted blues lovers from all over the country. It featured performances by renowned artists like B. B. King, Bonnie Raitt, and Buddy Guy. Another notable festival during this time was the Southern Maryland Celtic Festival, celebrating Irish and Scottish culture through music, dance, and food.
This event brought together people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the rich traditions of Celtic music.
The Revival
In the early 2000s, there was a resurgence of music festivals in Southern Maryland. The Calvert Marine Museum's Maritime Festival, which started in 2003, became a popular event celebrating the region's maritime heritage through music and other activities. One of the most significant developments during this time was the creation of the Southern Maryland Music Festival (SMMF) in 2006. This festival aimed to showcase local talent and promote original music from the region. It also provided a platform for emerging artists to gain exposure and connect with industry professionals.Modern Day Music Festivals
Today, Southern Maryland is home to a diverse range of music festivals catering to different genres and audiences. The SMMF has grown into a three-day event featuring over 50 bands from various genres like rock, country, and hip hop.It has become a significant event for the local music community and has helped put Southern Maryland on the map as a hub for original music. The Chesapeake Bay Reggae Festival, which started in 2010, has become a popular event celebrating Caribbean culture through music, food, and art. It has attracted renowned reggae artists like Ziggy Marley and Shaggy, making it a must-attend for reggae fans. Another notable festival is the Southern Maryland Wine, Jazz, R&B, and Funk Festival, which started in 2015. This event combines great music with delicious food and wine from local wineries, making it a unique experience for attendees.
