BARSTOW, Md. — Over 3,000 music lovers gathered at the second annual Southern Maryland Wine, Jazz, R&B and Funk Festival at Calvert County Fairgrounds Saturday, Aug. 20.
Hosted by CeCe Peniston, the festival featured wine tastings, local artisans and great performances by regional jazz, rhythm and blues and funk musicians, said Onix Linthicum Jr., founder of the festival.
“A portion of the proceeds fund The Sharper Minds Empowerment Program, a Maryland based non-profit organization that is developing vocational training program for high school students,” said Linthicum.
“The event draws thousands of residents and dozens of businesses to Southern Maryland from the greater metropolitan Washington, DC area that love music and want to enjoy a great experience in their own backyard of Calvert County,” said Linthicum.
Local radio personalities Tony Richards and Angela Stribling also took the stage to announce performers such as We Are One Tribute Band, Tom Newman Project, David Bach Consort, Earl Carter, Paula Atherton, David Dyson, Art Sherrod, Jr., Anthony Walker and Brencore Allstars.
“We want this festival to be a safe, fun and locally produced event that showcases the talents and products of Maryland based wineries local business owners and regional musicians. A goal for next year’s event includes gathering more Calvert County vendors,” said Linthicum.
Another goal for the festival is to expand beyond the state of Maryland, said Linthicum. “We’ve had a request to start something in the Bahamas! So we might go international before we go national.”
When asked about the wine sampling offered at the festival, Linthincum implied that it was a special treat to pair with the music the people were enjoying.
“It’s almost like the cherry on top,” said Linthincum.
The festival was sponsored by the Carolina Kitchen, Game Truck, East Coast Drums, and Big Mike’s Cornhole.
Vendors and other festival sponsors represented at the festival include: Cove Point Winery, Romano Vineyard and Winery, Knob Hall Winery, Friday’s Creek Winery, Dragonfly Farms/Love Happiness Sangria, Running Hare Vineyard, Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery, Great Shoals Winery, The Winery at Olney, St. Michaels Winery, Charis Winery, Far Eastern Shore Winery, Great Frogs, The Urban Winery, Port of Leonardtown Winery, Harford Vineyard, Flo Wine, LLC, Real Time Pain Relief, WineShop at Home, Dolls With a Scent, TC’s Cozy Corner Boutique, Four Seasons Travel LLC, Exclusive Accessories, Youngevity/Soul Purpose, Calero Cigars, Shin Diggs Arts & Entert., Lovewinx by Shannon, Amina Shani Gifts, It Works, Marlon Green Entertainment, Andrea’s Fine Hats, Traci Lynn, Premiere Print & Design, Simple Desires & Gifts, Infused Cigars, Lula Roe, Designs by Madeline, Total Life Changes, Scentsy, Pat’s Exclusive Gifts, 410 Boutiqe, Author Hattye Knight, NSA, African Creations, Koolgirl Handmade Soap, TimeAway LLC, Furthermore Designs LLC, Hero Heads, Neckties and More!, Verizon Wireless, Enticing Laces LLC, EXP Realty , Champion Windows, TNT Unique Designs, Accolade Celebration, DC Sweet Potato Cake, Bijoux Blancs , Recherche Jewels, Princess of Wine, Good-N-Twisted , From Momma’s Kitchen, Framed Leather, Sassi GiGi, Crylittle Designs, Brenda’s Scarves, Solar City, Passanante’s Home Food Services, The Carolina Kitchen, Myra’s New Orleans Style, Food & Snowballs, LLC, Large Brothers Catering, Dolce Italian Ice, Grub Rub LLC, Cutty’s Rock N Ribs, LLC, Lattimore’s Funnel Cakes, Jazzy-Z-Bones LLC, The Tender Rib, Sara Festivals…A Taste of the Mediterranean, and Huffman Catering.
For more information about the festival, check out their website.
Contact Jacqui Atkielski at j.atkielski@thebaynet.com.
