Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival Returns Nov. 6-15
Annapolis Jazz & Roots is launching its fifth festival on the scenic shores of the Chesapeake. Events combine music, art, poetry and history on two weekends, November 6-15. Based in Eastport, the festival includes eight venues in nearby neighborhoods.
THEME AND HIGHLIGHTS
The 2026 theme “New World Music: Centuries of Sound” will be brought home by international and regional performers. An adventurous lineup includes programs rooted in history and culture from colonial days to modern times. Imagine the days Indigenous tribes walked the forests and rode the waters. Gain new insights into the history of slavery and indenture in Maryland and delve into the soulful roots of jazz.
Events are free or require modest admission, and all but two venues offer free onsite parking. Reservations are strongly advised for all events. Tickets are sold through instantseats.com.
WEEKEND ONE
Opening Night takes place Friday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Eastport. Jazz lovers will appreciate how the beautiful acoustics of the venue elevate the listening experience when the Muneer Nasser Band performs.
Trumpeter Muneer pays homage to three legendary musicians born in 1926: John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Randy Weston.
On Saturday at 11:00 a.m. visit Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library to gain new insights into slavery and indenture in colonial times. Lecturer William Kelly, Ph.D. is a research archivist and historian at the Maryland State Archives.
The second November 7 offering will be held nearby at Peerless Rens Club, an historic Black social club. Listeners will be blown away by Perkutao, a far traveled Afro Peruvian band formed in Lima, Peru! Catch shows at 4:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Food and bar beverages will be on sale.
Two amazing shows await music lovers on Sunday. At 2:00 p.m. David and Ginger Hildebrand will play a family friendly program of colonial music on period instruments at Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis. The richly entertaining concert pays tribute to General Lafayette, the French nobleman who won American hearts for his role in the American Revolutionary War.
At 7:00 p.m. the focus shifts to modern-day America when musician Makaya McCraven appears at Maryland Hall. The drummer and composer transforms jazz through a bold blend of improvisation, hip-hop production, and global musical traditions. Purchase tickets from the venue for this concert: https://my.marylandhall.org/makayamccraven.
WEEKEND TWO
On Friday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m., Eastport UM Church hosts the U.S.N.A. Band’s Superintendent’s Combo in a tribute to Miles Davis. The event is dedicated to the late Annapolis musician and lifelong arts volunteer “TEA” Arthur and concludes with a public reception.
Jazz fans may want to chug their Saturday morning coffee to reach Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library by 11:00 a.m. NY jazz vocalist Vanessa Racci will review Italian contributions to American jazz and she’s full of surprises. The award-winning artist has delivered her colorful presentation in many American cities.
A jazz artist of extraordinary talent and crowd-moving passion, Akua Allrich appears Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum. Rooted in blues, soul, and rhythm and blues, the D.C. vocalist has electrified international audiences through concerts and recordings. On November 14, she celebrates the release of her 2026 album Bonya and pays tribute to South Africa’s Miriam Makeba (1932-2008) and America’s Nina Simone (1933-2003). Visitors can view a related art exhibition before the show: “She Speaks: Black Women Artists and the Power of Historical Memory.”
Children and parents will be captivated by the closing event on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. features Uhwachi-Reh at Pip Moyer Recreation Center. Led by Louis Campbell (Lumbee), the Indigenous troupe performs traditional dance in ceremonial regalia with live drumming and singing. Also appearing are Denmi Whiteman (Lakota), Angela Miracle Gladue (Cree), and Keith Colston (Lumbee -Tuscarora). They’ve appeared at many community events, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Maryland Folklife Festival and The Kennedy Center.
Annapolis Jazz & Roots is an affiliate under the umbrella of the Annapolis Community Foundation. AJRF is grateful for support from the Maryland State Arts Council, Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, the Art in Public Places Commission of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County Library & Foundation and Jazz Beyond Borders. Visit annapolisjazzandrootsfestival.com for information and ticket links.
Annapolis Jazz & Roots aims to foster an appreciation for cultural diversity and artistic excellence in a cordial and inviting atmosphere by offering inspiring educational and fun activities to people of many ages, interests and backgrounds. The Advisory Board includes David Arthur, Kristoffer Belgica, Anne Heald, Sue Matthews, Theresa Sise, Della Sztuk and Eric Toney. Paula (Paulina) Phillips is artistic and executive director.
Visit: https://www.annapolisjazzandrootsfestival.com for information and ticket links.
