Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival Offers Music, History and Culture November 6-15

This November, the city of Annapolis, Maryland, will once again host the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival, marking its fifth annual presentation with a program that intricately weaves music, history, and culture. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay and anchored in the maritime community of Eastport, the festival spans two weekends from November 6 through 15, inviting audiences to experience a rich tapestry of sound and heritage.

The festival utilizes eight distinct venues scattered across five neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere that enhances the immersive nature of the events. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore historic architecture, enjoy scenic waterfront views, and wander tree-lined streets, embedding the musical experience within the broader cultural fabric of Annapolis.

The 2026 festival theme, "New World Music: Centuries of Sound," highlights a multifaceted journey through the region's and nation's sonic history. This thematic framework facilitates a narrative that traces music's evolution from Indigenous origins through colonial times to contemporary expressions, emphasizing how diverse cultural influences have shaped the American soundscape.

Opening night on November 6 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church will feature the Muneer Nasser Band. This concert pays homage to seminal jazz figures born in 1926, including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Randy Weston, underscoring their enduring impact on global music. The choice of venue, noted for its intimate setting and superior acoustics, aims to deepen the listener's engagement with this tribute.

The festival’s programming also incorporates educational components, such as a November 7 lecture at the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library focusing on the complex histories of slavery and indenture in Maryland’s colonial period. Delivered by Dr. William Kelly, a research archivist and historian, the session includes a question-and-answer segment, facilitating public dialogue about this challenging chapter in American history.

Musical diversity is a hallmark of the festival, exemplified by performances like those of Perkutao, an Afro-Peruvian ensemble from Lima, Peru, appearing at the historic Peerless Rens Club. This venue itself holds cultural significance as a longstanding Black social club, enriching the context of their appearance. The festival also spotlights colonial-era music with a concert by David and Ginger Hildebrand at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, honoring General Lafayette's legacy through period instruments.

Contemporary jazz innovation is represented by drummer and composer Makaya McCraven, who brings a unique blend of improvisation, hip-hop, and global influences to Maryland Hall on November 7. This performance requires separate ticketing, reflecting its special stature within the festival lineup.

Further events delve into jazz history and cultural contributions, such as the U.S. Naval Academy Band's Superintendent's Combo tribute to Miles Davis on November 13 and vocalist Vanessa Racci’s exploration of Italian influences on American jazz on November 14 at the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library. Racci’s presentation draws on her extensive experience sharing this subject at various academic and cultural institutions.

Renowned D.C.-based singer Akua Allrich will perform at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, combining blues, soul, and R&B elements. Her concert coincides with the release of her 2026 album, "Bonya," and is part of a broader engagement with the exhibition "She Speaks: Black Women Artists and the Power of Historical Memory," which explores 250 years of American history through a Black Feminist perspective.

The festival concludes with a celebration of Indigenous music and dance featuring Uhwachi-Reh at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center. The group, led by Lumbee tribal member Louis Campbell, performs traditional regalia-clad dances accompanied by live drumming and vocals. Participating artists also represent Lakota and Cree nations, underscoring the festival's commitment to honoring America's diverse indigenous cultural heritage.

Annapolis Jazz & Roots operates under the auspices of the Annapolis Community Foundation and receives support from local and state arts organizations, as well as community partners. Its blend of free and modestly priced events, along with convenient parking options, aims to foster broad public participation in this dynamic celebration of music and history.

For those interested in attending, reservations are recommended due to anticipated demand, with tickets and additional information available through the festival’s official website. With its thoughtful curation and scenic setting, the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival continues to offer an enriching exploration of American musical traditions and their cultural contexts.