Annapolis To Host Global Rhythm And Groove In November

Maryland's historic capital on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay will be the scenic home of the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival held on weekends from November 1-10. The festival will treat residents and tourists to a lineup of musicians representing many countries and cultures. Some events require admission; many are free and family friendly. They are held at five sites in Eastport, a hip neighborhood in the maritime heart of Annapolis.

DEEP ROOTS

Since indigenous tribes first inhabited the area, Maryland has been home to an increasingly diverse population. The festival reflects this diversity with offerings of jazz and roots music delivered in historical context. Concerts and lectures trace the African roots of jazz and subsequent contributions from North American, European, South American and Asian cultures. Each year, Annapolis Jazz & Roots explores new facets of the colorful pieces that form our cultural mosaic.

WEEKEND ONE: NOVEMBER 1-3

The Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival opens on November 1 with international band Veronneau. Hear global jazz with a French twist at the Peerless Rens Club in Eastport. The group has built a devoted following since their 2011 debut album, “Joie De Vivre/Joy of Living.” They have released three top-10 studio albums, two acclaimed live albums and additional singles, and they appear widely in North America and Europe. Shows are at 6:00pm and 8:00pm. Admission is $25 until November 1 (when it becomes $30).

Concerts and lectures blending history, culture and music have been a hit since the festival’s inception. On November 2, the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library will host a program led by percussionist and distinguished educator Fran Vielma. Titled “Afro-Diasporic Music Traditions in Jazz,” the concert and lecture will explore the contributions of African cultures to the jazz music enjoyed today.

Alfred Yun is a Korean-American jazz pianist and composer whose music reflects influences ranging from jazz, hip hop and K-Pop to traditional Korean music. His trio will make their Annapolis debut on November 3 at 4:00pm at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Yun’s music has been heard widely in South Korea and at many concerts and festivals in the mid-Atlantic. Titled “The Magic of Monk,” his concert features music by legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk and Yun originals.

WEEKEND TWO: NOVEMBER 8-10

Weekend two will blast off on November 8 with The JoGo Project, a WAMMIE Award-winning jazz and go-go band originating in Washington, D.C. They will perform at Peerless Rens Club in Eastport. Founded in 2014 by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed, the band emerged from his performances with the legendary Chuck Brown, the godfather of go-go. Balbed created the band to merge the two quintessential D.C. musical styles he loves, creating an irresistible, innovative sound.

On November 9 from 4:00pm-6:00pm, Annapolis Jazz & Roots will bring Rumba Club to Pip Moyer Recreation Center. The East Coast ensemble has performed, recorded and toured extensively with Latin greats such as Tito Puente and Monguito Santamaria.

The finale event takes place at 3:00pm on November 10. In honor of Veteran’s Day, the varietal American jazz concert will pay tribute to the men and women of the armed services. Maryland vocalist Sue Matthews will be featured with Theresa Sise & Sweet Tea. The relaxed, family friendly salute to veterans will take place at Eastport United Methodist Church. Matthews and Sise will perform individually and together with the Sweet Tea trio: pianist Darius Scott, bassist Mike Graham, Jr. and drummer Nick Costa.

FUNDING

Annapolis Jazz & Roots is an affiliate under the umbrella of the Annapolis Community Foundation. The festival is grateful for support from the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Maryland State Arts Council, Anne Arundel County Public Library and Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation, Art in Public Places Commission, Wimsey Cove Framing & Fine Art Printing and in-kind contributors KSP Communications and Jazz Beyond Borders. “Good Neighbor” supporters for 2024 include Boatyard Bar & Grill, Capital Sup, Chick & Ruth’s, Davis’ Pub, Eastport Kitchen, K&B True Value, Nam’s Pho and Old Fox Books.

Reservations are required for all events. Visit www.annapolisjazzandrootsfestival.com for information about artists, music and venues.