How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before? "Fun and all over the place, like a mixtape. Our live shows jump between styles, which keeps the crowd on their toes." Favorite venue in Annapolis? "Back in the day, The Whiskey was our home base. Now? We love anywhere that embraces original music, but Eastport- a-Rockin' is a favorite for sure." Best memory of performing in Annapolis? "Last year at Eastport-a-Rockin', we invited musicians from other bands— Mike McHenry, Marty Bouchard, and more— to finish out our set with us. It was one of those full-circle moments where community and creativity came together." A local act you’d love to collaborate with? "We already collaborate a ton! It’s part of our DNA. We’re always jumping in with friends at shows, and that kind of open collaboration is what makes the scene here so special." What do you love most about the Annapolis music scene? "Everyone shows up for each other. Bands support each other, pass gigs around, and bring each other up. There’s no ego—it’s just love for the music." How did you get involved in the Annapolis music scene? "Most of us came from Salisbury and leaned on Annapolis as one of our core spots. We’d drive up every Sunday to play gigs and then head home after 2 a.m. It was a grind— but worth every mile." What’s your goal with your music? "These days, it’s about balance. We all have families and full lives, so we play once or twice a month. Music is our outlet, our way of staying connected and creative." DAVONNE D’NEIL: SOULFUL STORIES AND FEEL-GOOD FUNK About the Artist Davonne D’Neil creates music that makes you feel. Her R&B and soul-infused sound is made of funk, gospel, and emotion-driven lyrics, delivered with warmth and authenticity. Whether she’s performing at a packed venue or a quiet listening room, she’s all about connection and community. How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before? “I make R&B and soul, but more than that, my music is a feeling. If you walk away having felt something, I did a good thing.” Favorite venue in Annapolis? “I miss The Whiskey so much! That’s where I started after college, but I also love 49 West.”
Best memory of performing in Annapolis? “A sold-out live recording at Metropolitan—shoulder-to- shoulder crowd, such a good time.” A local act you’d love to collaborate with? “KoJo Snowden for sure—we’ve worked together a lot. And huge shout out to the Songbird Collective for expanding my audience and lifting up women artists in the scene.” What do you love most about the Annapolis music scene? “The diversity. A lot of different pockets of musicians and different types and styles of music.” How did you get involved in the Annapolis music scene? “Started singing in church and at weddings. Then came a talent show at [Anne Arundel Community College], more “It changes. Sometimes I want to tour, other times I’m content with music being my outlet. As long as it’s real and resonates, I’m good.” DEAN ROSENTHAL: AMERICAN ROOTS, STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART About the Artist Dean has been playing music in Annapolis for over 50 years, blending blues, country, rockabilly, and classic American songwriting into what he calls “American roots.” gigs, and it all snowballed from there.” What’s your goal with your music? Davonne D'Neil. Photo Credit: Danielle Lawrance of DANIE Photography
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