COLTONS POINT, Md. — For 25 years, the Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival has been more than an event — it’s been a Southern Maryland summertime tradition. The annual celebration serves as a soulful blend of music, food and waterfront charm, all in support of local heritage. This past weekend, from July 11 to 13, the iconic event hit a milestone — its silver anniversary.
Money raised from this event helps support the mission of the Friends of St. Clement’s Island & Piney Point Museums, a nonprofit that backs the museums and historic sites managed by the St. Mary’s County Museum Division.
Held on the banks of the beautiful Potomac River, the festival offered four days of high notes and heartfelt moments. Smooth jazz floated through the air, seafood was served by the plateful and the crowd — folding chairs and all — came ready to celebrate like family. And in many ways, it felt like just that.
“I felt like I was at a family reunion,” shared one attendee. “The music was spectacular, the food was amazing, and the weather was perfect. I was working — and somehow totally relaxed — all at the same time. I even spilled wine on my shirt and didn’t care — that’s how good the vibe was.”
The 2025 lineup featured powerhouse performances by Casual Groove, Rebecca Jade, Andrea Lisa and Chelsey Green. Each artist brought their own unique energy, from smooth guitar solos to crowd-moving grooves. The music hit deep, and the audience met it with joy — dancing, swaying and singing along under the open sky.
No jazz and seafood festival would be complete without the culinary soul of Southern Maryland. This year’s seafood buffet was a feast: the menu included shrimp, oysters, crab, fish and a standout potato salad that, for some, tasted like home. “It made me miss my uncle,” one guest recalled. “It tasted just like his.” From local wine to seasoned sides, every bite was made with care, and every vendor brought their A-game.
Adding a special touch to the weekend was the festival’s annual art raffle. This year, the lucky winner of an original piece was Regina Desire, who now holds a one-of-a-kind reminder of this landmark occasion.
Even as guests danced and dined, they also looked ahead. With the main museum building undergoing renovation, organizers acknowledged the change with transparency: “We know the main building isn’t looking its best, but we now have a construction contractor and a demolition date.” As one chapter ends, another begins.
While this was the festival’s swan song, it’s far from the end of the story. In its place, the First Landing Festival will debut next year — an event that promises to carry forward the spirit of celebration, culture and community that made this weekend so unforgettable.
As the final notes drifted across the river and the sun dipped low over the water, the Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival left behind more than full bellies and good memories — it left a legacy.
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