Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival Set to Transform City November 7-16

The Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival will return to the Maryland capital November 7-16, bringing ten days of performances across eight venues and celebrating both internationally renowned artists and local talent.

This year’s festival, themed “World Travelers & Hometown Heroes,” will feature a diverse lineup including tributes to Eva Cassidy and Eileen Carson Schatz, alongside performances by the Unified Jazz Ensemble and the Joshua Redman Quartet. Opening night, November 7th, will be held at Peerless Rens, a historic Black social club in Eastport, with Alexis Tantau, Letitia VanSant, and Rusty Sal performing Cassidy’s work. The festival will also include a visual exhibit, “Sacred Spaces,” by Jabari Jefferson at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, accompanied by a discussion with his father, musician J.C. Jefferson. The event is expected to draw significant tourism to the region, boosting the local economy.

Weekend events include funk and groove performances by Michael McHenry Tribe at Pip Moyer Recreation Center, a big band revival at Eastport U.M. Church encouraging 1920s-1940s attire, and a presentation by the Ed Hrybyk Trio at the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library exploring bass traditions. The festival will culminate with the Joshua Redman Quartet at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts on November 16th. Annapolis, known as the U.S. Sailing Capital, offers visitors a rich historical experience alongside its vibrant waterfront culture; learn more about Annapolis attractions.

Most festival shows are free, though tickets are required for the opening night and the Joshua Redman Quartet concert, and reservations are recommended even for free events. Organizers encourage attendees to explore nearby attractions like the Maryland State House and the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park. Festival officials stated that they anticipate a strong turnout and encourage visitors to utilize the city’s walkable streets and public transportation options.