LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival, a leading Mid-Atlantic jazz event, will launch its 25th anniversary with “A Jazz at Sunset Affair on the Potomac” on July 10, 2025, at Piney Point Lighthouse. The four-day festival, running through July 13, features live jazz, seafood, and cultural events across Southern Maryland, supporting St. Mary’s County Museums.
The kickoff event invites guests to an elegant evening at Piney Point Lighthouse, featuring live jazz by Higher Standards. Attendees can stroll the beach at sunset, sip handcrafted cocktails at the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters, or climb the lighthouse for panoramic views. The grounds, adorned with silver and candlelight, will offer seafood and heavy hors d’oeuvres, paired with complimentary wine from local wineries. Tickets for this 21-and-older fundraiser are $85 per person or $160 per couple, including food, music, and two wine glasses. Proceeds support local history preservation and educational programs.
The festival continues with diverse events. On July 11, “Artful Harmonies: A Plein Air Celebration” at St. Clement’s Island Museum allows artists to paint the grounds for $10. That evening, a free “Jazz in the Neighborhood” concert on the museum lawn will feature the U.S. Navy Band, The Commodores, with an opening act by the St. Mary’s Ryken Jazz Band. Food trucks and vendors will be available.
On July 12, the main event at St. Clement’s Island Museum runs from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., showcasing performances by Casual Groove, Rebecca Jade, Andréa Lisa, and Chelsey Green. Guests can enjoy seafood, Southern Maryland cuisine, and vendor booths, with free water taxi rides to St. Clement’s Island and museum admission. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $95 for VIP.
On July 13, a jazz brunch at Riverview Restaurant at Wicomico Shores Golf Course from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. offers live music and dining for $50 per person or $90 per couple. Later, three exclusive two-hour jazz cruises on the Potomac depart from St. Clement’s Island Museum, featuring Sax Appeal, food, and beverages. Each cruise, limited to 15 guests, costs $85 per person.
Tickets for all events, including general admission, VIP, and jazz cruises, are available at Potomac JazzFest. Updates can be found on the festival’s Facebook page. The festival’s fundraiser supports St. Mary’s County Museums, which preserve local heritage and provide educational outreach.
Since its inception, the Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival has drawn visitors to Southern Maryland, blending cultural experiences with the region’s waterfront charm. The 25th anniversary celebrates this legacy, offering intimate and large-scale events that highlight jazz talent and local cuisine. Organizers encourage early ticket purchases, as events like the Piney Point fundraiser and jazz cruises are expected to sell out quickly.
