Get ready for a special event in the maritime heart of Annapolis. On Sunday, July 26, Annapolis Jazz & Roots will invite music loving residents and visitors to Eastport United Methodist Church (EUMC), to attend the annual Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival fundraiser.

 

The ever-popular SoulJourners band will entertain in shows at 4 PM and 6 PM. Relax and chill out in your seat or get out on the dance floor if the spirit moves you. Complimentary drinks and birthday cake will be served commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, and who knows, you might buy a winning raffle ticket!

 

EUMC and other valued Venue Partners help bring jazz and roots music to Annapolis residents and visitors each November as part of the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival. Several festival partners will be on hand on July 26 to meet and greet attendees and join in the fun.

 

The SoulJourners features award winning, seasoned musicians who perform widely in the DMV. Known for their engaging sound and dynamic stage presence, they offer a rich repertoire of jazz, Latin jazz, funk, pop and blues. 

 

Their well-crafted set list will include ground breaking tunes such as the innovative “Blue Bossa,” written by trumpeter Kenny Dorham in 1963 and “I Want You Back" released in 1969. The hit single heralded the album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5. Music buffs will also appreciate hearing "Mr. Magic," a breakout hit for saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. in 1974 fusing jazz funk and smooth jazz.

 

Bandleader and bassist David Arthur has performed in many popular groups including Jazz Mosaic and Harmonic Fifth. The latter jazz outfit played the Baltimore region and historic venues in the nation’s capital such as Mr. Henry’s, Twins Jazz and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Along with Arthur, the band features Carl Corse on tenor saxophone, Charlotte Kuethe on vocals, Jim Stivers on guitar and Brad Strader on drums.

 

In addition to EUMC, festival Venue Partners include Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library, Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, St. Luke's Church, Pip Moyer Recreation Center, Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts and Peerless Rens Club.

 

The 2026 festival will be held weekends, November 6-15. Stay tuned for the lineup! Attendees come from many states and the July 26 affair will help fund some of the free and low-cost events to be offered.