COLTONS POINT, Md. — The Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival wrapped up its 25th anniversary celebration on July 13, 2025, after four days of live music, local seafood and cultural activities along the Potomac River in St. Marys County. The event drew nearly 1,000 jazz enthusiasts from across the Mid-Atlantic region, highlighting national jazz talent and Southern Marylands maritime heritage. Proceeds from the festival supported the Friends of St. Clements Island & Piney Point Museums, contributing to the preservation of historic sites managed by the St. Marys County Museum Division.
Opening with Sunset Jazz
The Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival opened on July 10 with the Jazz at Sunset Affair on the Potomac at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., attendees enjoyed live performances by Higher Standards, accompanied by seafood hors doeuvres, wines from local wineries and handcrafted cocktails. The setting at the 1836-built lighthouse provided panoramic river views, with the grounds illuminated in silver to mark the anniversary. The event set a relaxed yet festive tone for the weekend, blending music with the areas natural beauty.
Art and Military Band Performance
On July 11, the Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival continued with Artful Harmonies: A Plein Air Celebration at St. Clements Island Museum, running from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Artists captured the riverside landscape and festival preparations in real time, adding an artistic layer to the event. The day concluded with a free concert by the U.S. Navy Band Commodores from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., joined by the St. Marys Ryken Jazz Band. Artworks were later displayed for public voting during the main event. A representative from the St. Marys County Museum Division noted, The Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival is a celebration of music, food, and community, and this plein air event adds a unique artistic dimension.
Main Event Draws Crowds
The heart of the Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival took place on July 12 at St. Clements Island Museum from noon to 7 p.m. Performers included Casual Groove, who opened with a mix of jazz, neo-soul and R&B; Rebecca Jade with her soulful interpretations; Andrea Lisa delivering energetic sets; and Chelsey Green closing with The Green Project, fusing jazz, R&B, funk, violin and viola. Vendors offered regional specialties such as crab cakes, oysters, shrimp and rockfish, alongside artisan goods. Free water taxi rides ferried visitors to St. Clements Island, site of Marylands first English settlement in 1634, with complimentary museum access. A museum division representative described the gathering: This isnt just a festival; its a silver jubilee celebration of music, community, and the stunning beauty of the Potomac River.
Closing with Brunch, Golf and Cruises
The Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival concluded on July 13 with a jazz brunch at Riverview Restaurant at Wicomico Shores Golf Course, starting at 11 a.m. The Sweet Potatoes band provided the soundtrack for a buffet featuring local flavors. Participants also had the option to play golf at the course, with tee times available throughout the morning and afternoon. Additionally, jazz cruises on the Potomac offered early bird, seafood and evening options, featuring Sax Appeal and including pastries, mimosas, charcuterie and other treats.
Festival Legacy and Community Impact
Founded in 1999, the Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival has grown into a signature event, expanding to a multi-day format in 2019 for its 20th anniversary. That year, it received the Maryland Office of Tourisms Maximizing Opportunities Award, the only such honor in the state. Partners including the St. Marys County Arts Council and Visit St. Marys MD helped curate the experience, blending music, cuisine and history. More on the festivals schedule and heritage can be found on its official website and the Visit St. Marys MD page. The event prohibited smoking, vaping and outside food to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, with beer and wine available on-site.
As a Mid-Atlantic tradition, the Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival not only showcased diverse jazz genres but also promoted local tourism and preservation efforts. Organizers expressed gratitude for the communitys participation, noting the silver anniversary as a milestone in fostering cultural connections along the Potomac.
