Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival Returns November 6-15

The Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival returns for its fifth year, bringing an eclectic mix of music, art, poetry and history to eight venues throughout Annapolis. The festival spans two weekends: November 6-8 and November 13-15.

This year’s theme, “New World Music: Centuries of Sound,” explores the evolution of American music and culture through performances and educational programs featuring international and regional artists.

The festival opens on November 6 at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Eastport with the Muneer Nasser Band. The performance will honor jazz legends John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Randy Weston, all born in 1926.

On November 7, research archivist and historian William Kelly of the Maryland State Archives will discuss slavery and indenture in colonial Maryland at 11 a.m. at the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library. Afro-Peruvian band Perkutao will perform at the historic Peerless Rens Club at 4 and 6 p.m.

November 8 features colonial music performed on period instruments by David and Ginger Hildebrand at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis. At 7 p.m., drummer and composer Makaya McCraven will bring his blend of jazz, hip-hop and global musical traditions to Maryland Hall.

The festival’s second weekend begins November 13 at 7 p.m. with the U.S. Naval Academy Band’s Superintendent’s Combo performing a tribute to Miles Davis at Eastport United Methodist Church. The concert honors the late Annapolis musician and arts volunteer “TEA” Arthur.

On November 14, jazz vocalist Vanessa Racci will explore Italian contributions to American jazz at 11 a.m. at Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library.

At 2 p.m., vocalist Akua Allrich will perform at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, celebrating her 2026 album “Bonya” and honoring legendary singers and civil rights activists Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone. Visitors can also explore the museum’s exhibition, “She Speaks: Black Women Artists and the Power of Historical Memory.”

The festival concludes November 15 at 2 p.m. at Pip Moyer Recreation Center with Uhwachi-Reh, an Indigenous dance troupe led by Louis Campbell (Lumbee). The performance will feature traditional dancing, ceremonial regalia, live drumming and singing.

Some festival events are free and others require admission. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Most venues offer free onsite parking.

Annapolis Jazz & Roots is an affiliate of the Annapolis Community Foundation and receives support from state and local arts organizations.

For more information, reservations and ticket links, visit www.annapolisjazzandrootsfestival.com.