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, 2024. Each year, Annapolis Jazz & Roots explores new facets of the colorful pieces that form our cultural mosaic.
—Annapolis Jazz and Roots Festival
The Setting
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. In 2024, the festival will treat residents and tourists to a thrilling lineup of musicians representing many countries and cultures performed by international and regional artists. 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.With sweeping views of the Chesapeake, Eastport has a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Charming homes are nestled alongside boatyards and sailing schools. The neighborhood has many inviting restaurants, and on weekends tourists and “townies” are seen walking across the Spa Creek Bridge, passing the U.S. Naval Academy on their way to and from downtown Annapolis.
Deep Roots
Since indigenous tribes first inhabited the area, the State of 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 have traced 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 award-winning international band Veronneau. Hear global jazz with a French twist at a hip location. The historic Peerless Rens Club in Eastport is a great spot for listening and dancing. The group has built a devoted following. Since their 2011 debut album Joie De Vivre/Joy of Living, they've released three Top 10 studio albums, two acclaimed live albums and additional singles. They appear widely in North America and Europe.Led by Lynn Veronneau and Ken Avis, they create a fresh and appealing sound. Their opening shows include French classics such as “La Mer” and “La Vie en rose,” Brazilian hits such as “Samba Saravah” as well as American jazz from their popular albums. Missed the Summer Olympics in Paris this year? No worries. The Peerless Rens audience will be transported to the banks of the Seine and far beyond. Shows are at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Enjoy the advance admission of $25 until November 1, when it is raised to $30. Students under 18 are admitted free.
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 award winning percussionist and distinguished educator Fran Vielma. Titled “Afro-Diasporic Music Traditions in Jazz," the Concert/Lecture explores the enormous and foundational contributions of African cultures to the jazz music we enjoy today. Vielma’s training began with El Sistema in Venezuela, continued at the prestigious Berklee College of Music and culminated in a master’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. He performs globally and has shared the stage with many of the biggest names in jazz. He is on the Jazz Department Faculty of Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.
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 music has been heard widely in South Korea and at many concerts and festivals in the Mid-Atlantic. Yun was honored to be named an Artist in Residence by the Music Center at Strathmore in the 2023-2024 program year. His trio makes their Annapolis debut on November 3 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Titled “The Magic of Monk,” the concert features music by legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk and Yun originals.
Weekend Two: November 8-10, 2024
Weekend Two blasts off on November 8 with The JoGo Project, a WAMMIE Award-winning Jazz and Go-Go band originating in Washington, D.C. They'll 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. His band has toured internationally in countries such as Japan, Russia, the UK and Qatar.On Saturday, November 9, Annapolis Jazz & Roots brings Rumba Club to Pip Moyer Recreation Center from 4 PM. Whether you love listening or dancing to Latin Jazz and Salsa, you won't want to miss this free event. The hugely popular East Coast ensemble has performed, recorded and toured extensively with jazz and Latin greats such as Tito Puente, Lionel Hampton and Monguito Santamaria. Their four recordings on the prestigious Palmetto record label were produced by late Latin Jazz luminary Andy Gonzalez and the music is heard around the world. Their work has been lauded by DownBeat, Jazz Times, Washington Post and La Press and they were chosen Best Latin Music Group by the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) 15 times! Join us for what Latin Beat magazine has called “the finest dancing and listening music possible."
The finale event takes place at 2:00 p.m. on November 10. In honor of Veteran’s Day, the varietal American jazz concert pays tribute to the men and women of the armed services. Beloved and far touring Maryland vocalist Sue Matthews will be featured with popular DMV ensemble Theresa Sise & Sweet Tea. The relaxed and family friendly salute to Veterans will take place at Eastport UM 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. AJRF is grateful for support from the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Maryland State Arts Council, 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 annapolisjazzandrootsfestival.com for information about artists, music and venues.
