Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival Brings Maryland’s Vibrant Music Scene to Life with World Travelers & Hometown Heroes

A Scenic Celebration of Jazz and Roots Music

Set along the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival lights up the historic city of Annapolis from November 7 to 16. Now entering its fourth year, this festival began in the charming maritime neighborhood of Eastport and is expanding to include eight venues across the surrounding areas by 2025. Many of the performances and exhibitions are free, but a couple require tickets, and it’s highly recommended to reserve your spot early.

Festival Theme: World Travelers & Hometown Heroes

This year’s theme pays tribute to the remarkable artists—musicians, dancers, visual artists—who have deeply influenced Maryland’s rich cultural tapestry. Some of these iconic figures, like musician Eva Cassidy and dance pioneer Eileen Carson Schatz, left legacies that resonate far beyond city limits. Both international and local talent take part in narrating their inspiring stories through performances and exhibits during the festival.

Weekend One Highlights (November 7-9)

The festival kicks off on November 7 with an intimate Tribute to Eva Cassidy at Peerless Rens, a historic Black social club in Eastport. Featuring Baltimore-based musicians Alexis Tantau, Letitia VanSant, and Rusty Sal, this night promises a soulful evening in genres that cross musical boundaries. There are two shows, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., with tickets priced from $25 to $35; light refreshments are available.

• Sâmbătă: Explore Sacred Spaces, an exhibition of paintings and mixed media by Jabari Jefferson at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum. Later, the J.C. Jefferson Quartet pays homage to celebrated producer and musician Quincy Jones in a 2 p.m. concert.
• Duminică: At Pip Moyer Recreation Center, funk and rock fans will enjoy Michael McHenry Tribe from 3 to 5 p.m., an act rooted in the sounds of legends like The Jacksons and George Clinton.

Weekend Two Highlights (November 14-16)

Friday night’s spotlight shines on the Unified Jazz Ensemble at Eastport U.M. Church, revisiting jazz classics from legends such as Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. Guests are encouraged to dress in jazz-era attire from the 1920s to 1940s to complete the immersive experience.

Saturday continues with morning concerts and lectures at Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library, featuring the Ed Hrybyk Trio’s deep dive into bass jazz traditions. Later, Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble delivers a heartfelt performance celebrating its founder, Eileen Carson Schatz, blending music and dance in Americana style at the Unitarian Universalist Church.

The festival finale on Sunday features The Freedom Choir performing world music at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, led by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Elizabeth Melvin. The night caps off with the Joshua Redman Quartet concert at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts—an unforgettable jazz experience with tickets ranging between $25 and $85.

Funding and Community Support

The Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival operates under the Annapolis Community Foundation and shines thanks to the generous backing from organizations like the Maryland State Arts Council, Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, and additional public and private partners. Artistic direction comes from Paula (Paulina) Phillips, maintaining the festival’s spirited vision and broad appeal.

Why This Matters For Your Next Trip

Gathering in a place as scenic and storied as Annapolis to celebrate such a vibrant cultural expression is more than a musical event—it’s a lively connection point between artists, locals, and visitors. For travelers planning their journey, knowing about these festival dates can be a game changer when booking transfers or taxis. Using services like GetTransfer.com gives the advantage of choosing the exact vehicle to fit your group’s style and size, along with transparent pricing upfront—right from airport arrival to the doorstep of your jazz venue or accommodation.

Important Highlights and Personal Experience

The festival showcases not only top-tier musical talent but weaves together art, dance, and storytelling, offering guests a richer cultural immersion. While reviews and social buzz can hint at the experience, there’s simply no substitute for being there live. With GetTransfer, you can hire cars with professional drivers from verified providers at reasonable fares, ensuring smooth rides between venues and your chosen hotels or local attractions. The platform’s extensive vehicle selection, affordable prices, and clear fare details empower you to book wisely without unnecessary hassles or surprises.

Rezervă-ți cursa pe GetTransfer.com for a seamless and personalized transfer experience during the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival.

Privind înainte

While this festival may be a regional highlight rather than a global pivot, it adds to the colorful mosaic of events enriching the tourism landscape every year. As travel keeps evolving, staying updated with events like this is part and parcel of planning smart and memorable trips. GetTransfer stays tuned to such developments, supporting travelers ready to explore music, culture, and history with confidence and ease.

Rezumat

The Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival is a compelling blend of music, art, and community spirit set against one of Maryland’s most historic backdrops. From tributes to revered hometown heroes to vibrant live performances across multiple venues, it offers a spirited slice of culture in November. For travelers, the festival’s schedule and venues highlight the importance of reliable, transparent transfer services to navigate event hubs comfortably and on time. Platforms like GetTransfer.com enrich this journey by offering detailed vehicle options, verified drivers, and upfront fares for booking rides at airports or into the city—making sure every guest experiences the festival’s magic without logistical worries. Whether coming for the music, the art, or the unique atmosphere, this festival presents a chance to immerse in local culture, enhanced by seamless, affordable transportation.