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Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival Returns In November 2025



It is the luminosity of vocalist Alexis Tantau that lifts the music to the
proverbial heights of perfection.
—Raul Da Gama

The Chesapeake Bay and an historic city nestled along its shores form the perfect back drop for the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival held weekends November 7-16. Now in its fourth year, the musical feast was founded in the maritime neighborhood of Eastport. In 2025, the festival extends to surrounding areas and includes eight venues. Most events are free; two require admission. Reservations are strongly advised for all events.

This year’s theme is “World Travelers & Hometown Heroes.” Events celebrate the accomplishments of musicians, dancers, visual artists and others who have left an indelible mark on the map of Maryland’s cultural landscape. Some iconic figures, such as musician

Eva Cassidy
Eva Cassidy

vocals
1963 – 1996

”
data-original-title=”” title=””>Eva Cassidy and Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble founder Eileen Carson Schatz, are no longer with us, but left powerful and inspiring legacies around the globe. International and regional artists will help us tell their stories.

Weekend One

Opening Night on November 7 will be held at Peerless Rens, an historic Black social club in Eastport. The Tribute to Eva Cassidy features Alexis Tantau and Letitia VanSant with Rusty Sal. Tantau is the vocalist best known for putting

Hot Club of Baltimore
Hot Club of Baltimore

guitar

”
data-original-title=”” title=””>Hot Club of Baltimore on the map. Reviewing one of many recordings she made with that group, Raul da Gama penned, “it is the luminosity of vocalist Alexis Tantau that lifts the music to the proverbial heights of perfection.” Tantau and the other Baltimore based, genre crossing musicians joining her on Opening Night have been heard in many North American and European countries, receiving considerable critical praise for recordings and live performance. Attend shows at 6:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. Light meals and drinks will be on sale. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door.

On Saturday, view “Sacred Spaces,” an exhibition featuring paintings and mixed media art by Jabari Jefferson at Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum. At 1:00 p.m., he’ll take part in an interview and discussion with his musician father, well known Washington, D.C. drummer J.C. Jefferson. The topic: how music can inspire art! At 2:00 p.m., the J.C. Jefferson Quartet will salute incomparable producer, composer, director and musician Quincy Jones, one year after his passing.

Sunday affords rejuvenation. Get your groove back with soulful funk and rock trio Michael McHenry Tribe. They’ll appear at Pip Moyer Recreation Center from 3-5:00 PM. McHenry has worked with names like The Jacksons, Sheena Easton, George Clinton/P. Funk and La Toya Jackson.

Weekend Two

Weekend Two kicks off on Friday, November 14 with Unified Jazz Ensemble, a group that settled in Annapolis after a decade of national touring. Join them as they revisit the days when jazz conquered the nation via radio, television, film and live performance. Enjoy the priceless sounds of

Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington

piano
1899 – 1974



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