Next date: September TBD, 2024
The 18th Annual Boatyard Beach Bash to benefit the Annapolis Maritime Museum returned on September 9, 2023! Boatyard owner, Dick Franyo is on the Board of the Annapolis Maritime Museum and had a vision for a fund/fun raiser with a Jimmy Buffett/Parrot Head theme. Dick is a Parrot Head and looked hard at the Jimmy Buffett's model of selling a lifestyle/entertainment/escapism venue when he started the Boatyard. He felt that this event could be different than other local musical fundraisers and that Parrot Heads would be enthusiastic supporters.
Outgrowing the Boatyard parking lot after three years, the event was moved to the newly renovated Annapolis Maritime Museum waterfront facility in Eastport.
With the help of singer/songwriter John Frinzi from Florida, musical guests have included long time Coral Reefer Doyle Grisham on pedal steel guitar, the Musical Director of the Coral Reefers, Michael Utley, plus Jim Mayer, Peter Mayer, Brendan Mayer (all touring & recording members of the Jimmy Buffett Band), and singer-songwriters Scott Kirby, Aaron Scherz and James White. We also have had Radio Margaritaville DJ JD Spradlin and songwriter/author Tom Corcoran. Extensive grilled buffet dinner by the Boatyard and signature cocktails are offered in a beachside setting.
This event raises over $100,000 net of expenses for the Annapolis Maritime Museum. The mission of the AMM is to educate children and adults on the area's rich maritime heritage and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. The Education Center provides over 15,000 hours of hands-on educational programs.
There is a VIP party with special cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before the main event with an opportunity to meet the artists.
This year the title sponsor was Annapolis Subaru whose support along with the other sponsors is greatly appreciated!