Charles County is getting a new rhythm this summer. On June 21st, the inaugural Jazz in the Country: Jazz & Wine Festival will make its debut in Indian Head—and behind this cultural moment is a team driven not just by music, but by mission.
In an exclusive interview with the Charles County Journal, founding board members Joan Waters and Randy Pryor, along with new team member Adrienne Mathis, sat down to share the story behind the festival—and why it represents more than just a day of music.
This is exactly the kind of initiative Charles County needs right now.
Who They Are: More Than Event Planners
The Jazz in the Country team isn’t a group of hobbyists hosting a one-off event. They’re community-driven professionals who understand how the arts, local enterprise, and public engagement can intersect to drive economic growth.
Joan Waters, the powerhouse behind event planning and programming, shared how a love for jazz and a history of volunteering at local music festivals evolved into a vision. “I’ve had this name, ‘Jazz in the Country,’ in my head for over a decade,” Waters explained. “I never knew when or how it would come to life. But when the opportunity came in 2018, I said yes immediately.”
The nonprofit originally took root in King George County, Virginia, where the team has spent five years building a sustainable, community-centered music festival. “Our goal was always to bring more people to the Mount Bethel Retreat Center,” Waters said. “Since we began, their patronage has increased over 60%.” Randy Pryor, one of the original board members, echoed this community-first mindset. “We’re not just about jazz,” he said. “We’re about bringing people together, creating joy, and giving visibility to talent and businesses that otherwise go unnoticed.”
The Spark: How Charles County Got on the Map
The idea to bring the festival to Charles County wasn’t in the original blueprint. But a chance meeting with a county commissioner at another event changed everything.
“He saw our booth and said, ‘You’ve got to bring this to Charles County,’” Waters recalled. “We hadn’t planned to expand, but I believe when the door opens, you walk through.”
Joan Waters
That spark turned into a strategy. After meetings with the tourism office and exploratory conversations with town officials, Jazz in the Country secured public support, sponsorship, and excitement from across the region.
What to Expect: A Festival Built on Intention
Set on nine acres of lush green space at Indian Head Park, the event has been carefully curated.
- Three jazz performances, featuring regional talent including a Latin jazz ensemble and student-led group from a local college
- Local wineries and food trucks, selected to showcase the best of Southern Maryland’s flavor
- Retail and nonprofit vendors, including several Black-owned businesses and community resource groups
- Volunteer-powered execution, blending new recruits with veterans from the King George event
Waters noted that while this event is 21+ due to alcohol sales, the team is already exploring family-friendly and youth-focused programming for the future—including music workshops in schools.
Local Impact: Public-Private Support in Motion
The response from Charles County stakeholders has been overwhelming.
- County Commissioners: Provided funding and logistical support
- Town of Indian Head & La Plata: Offered space and promotional partnerships
- Charles County Chamber of Commerce: Became a key connector for local business engagement
“We’ve never felt this kind of energy from government and civic leaders,” said Mathis. “You can feel the support. It’s real. And it’s what makes this event possible.”
Joan Waters
Looking Ahead: More Than One Day of Jazz
While June 21st is just the beginning, the team is already thinking bigger.
Future plans include:
- Quarterly mini-concerts in Charles County venues
- Local school partnerships for jazz education
- Business networking events tied to music and culture
- Collaboration with tourism campaigns and arts initiatives
“We’re not putting this in a box,” Waters emphasized. “We’re here to grow with the county.”
To put it plainly: “You don’t want to miss the first. You want to be part of history.”
Tickets are still available at www.jazzinthecountry.com. The gates open on June 21st. Bring a lawn chair, leave the tent and wagons at home, and prepare to be part of something that’s about much more than music.
This isn’t just a festival—it’s an investment in the cultural and economic future of Charles County.
For More Information:
Visit www.jazzinthecountry.com to purchase tickets, view performer bios, or sign up to volunteer.
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