Annapolis Jazz & Roots is launching its fifth festival on the scenic shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Events combine music, art, poetry and history on two weekends, November 6-15. Based in the maritime community of Eastport, the festival includes eight venues in nearby neighborhoods. Each has its own distinct character and charm. Festival goers can visit centuries old buildings, take in restorative bay views and stroll the tree-lined streets of the historic Maryland city.

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 at Rutgers University, The Generoso Pope Italian American Cultural Center and The Italian American Museum of NYC.

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 two legendary artists and civil rights activists: 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 examines 250 years of American history through a Black Feminist lens.

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.