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Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival: A Celebration of Music and History

The Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival, now in its fifth iteration, invites music enthusiasts and cultural aficionados to gather along the captivating shores of the Chesapeake Bay from November 6 to 15. This year, the festival showcases a medley of music, art, poetry, and historical reflections, spread across two weekends and eight unique venues in five distinct neighborhoods of Eastport. Each venue captures its own character, with historic architecture and stunning views of the bay.

The festival aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of music history and culture, with its 2026 theme, "New World Music: Centuries of Sound." This theme promises a charged atmosphere where attendees can experience the evolution of music shaped by centuries of history—from Indigenous roots to contemporary sounds.

Festival Highlights and Events

The opening night is set for Friday, November 6, at 7:00 PM at the historic St. Luke's Episcopal Church. This intimate venue will set the stage for the Muneer Nasser Band, who will resonate with the spirit of jazz legends John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Randy Weston, all of whom were born in 1926. This concert is anticipated to be an exceptional audio experience, enhanced by the church’s remarkable acoustics.

Saturday morning beckons jazz fans as Vanessa Racci, an acclaimed jazz vocalist from New York, takes the stage at Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library at 11:00 AM. Her presentation will explore the profound impact of Italian musicians on the American jazz scene over the past century, promising an engaging dialogue punctuated by audience interaction.

The festival continues with a series of remarkable events throughout the two weekends. On Saturday, November 7, listeners will have the opportunity to engage with a lecture by Dr. William Kelly, a historian from the Maryland State Archives, discussing slavery and indenture practices in colonial Maryland. Later in the day, Perkutao, an Afro-Peruvian band, will perform at the Peerless Rens Club, adding global rhythms to the festival’s offerings.

Sunday will feature a musical journey through colonial times with a performance by David and Ginger Hildebrand at 2:00 PM, followed by an invigorating evening show by Makaya McCraven at Maryland Hall. This drummer's unique blend of improvisational jazz, hip-hop, and global music is sure to be a highlight of the festival.

The second weekend kicks off with another tribute concert on Friday, November 13, where the U.S.N.A. Band's Superintendent's Combo will honor Miles Davis. The evening will conclude with a reception celebrating the contributions of local artists to the jazz scene.

On Saturday, November 14, Akua Allrich will captivate audiences at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, celebrating her new album while paying tribute to civil rights icons Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone. This evening promises deep historical reflections through music, complemented by a related art exhibition focusing on Black women artists through an important historical lens.

Culminating the festival on Sunday, November 15, will be a performance by Uhwachi-Reh at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center, featuring traditional Indigenous dance and live music, immersing attendees in the rich cultural narratives of the Native American experience.

The Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival warmly welcomes all music lovers and history buffs, with most events being free or requiring a minimal admission fee. Reservations are highly recommended due to the popularity of the performances, and festival-goers are advised to check for parking at each venue. To stay informed about event details, ticketing, and more, visit annapolisjazzandrootsfestival.com.

Experience musical history and cultural dialogue in this scenic Maryland setting this November. The Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival promises to be a unique gathering, replete with harmonious sounds and profound stories that resonate through time.