Carr's Beach in Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Chitlin' Circuit
Annapolis
The "Chitlin' Circuit" was circuit of one-nighter venues where black artists could perform during the era of Jim Crow.
While singer Lou Rawls is widely credited with coining the term, he may have been passing along what was an informal name for the juke joints and bars that were small and paid performers poorly.
For many, the Chitlin' Circuit was African-Americans making something beautiful out of something ugly, whether that is making cuisine (Chitterlings or Chitlins') from hog intestines - or providing world-class entertainment despite being excluded from world-class venues.
Some known to play include: Jackie Wilson, Stevie Wonder, The Marvelettes, Otis Redding, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Ike and Tina Turner, Percy Sledge, Patty LaBelle, Jr. Walker and the All-Stars, and Sam & Dave (and more!).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 38° 57.719′ N, 76° 28.466′ W. Marker is in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. It is in Carr's Beach. It can be reached
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Carr's and Sparrow's Beach (here, next to this marker); Hoppy Adams & WANN (a few steps from this marker); A History of 'The Beach' (within shouting distance of this marker); CBOS Buoy - Smart Buoys to Save the Bay (approx. 0.2 miles away); Skipjack Lydia D (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carr's Beach (approx. half a mile away); From this spot, you can see 1998 - Annapolis: America's Sailing Capital (approx. half a mile away); Oysters: Vital to the Lifeline of the Chesapeake
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 16, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
