Celebrate Summer with SoulJourners at Eastport UM Church

SoulJourners Jazz

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), for the annual Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival fundraiser. The ever-popular SoulJourners band will entertain in shows at 4 and 6 PM. Complimentary drinks and birthday cake will be served commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.  

For four years, the two groups have worked to bring jazz and roots music to Annapolis residents and visitors as part of the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival (AJRF) in November. The July 26 affair will help fund even more free and low-cost events this fall. Other festival Venue Partners will also be on hand to meet and greet attendees and join in the fun.

One of the city’s most in-demand groups, the SoulJourners will feature David Arthur on bass, Carl Corse on tenor saxophone, Charlotte Kuethe on vocals, Jim Stivers on guitar and Brad Strader on drums. Known for their engaging sound and dynamic stage presence, the band serves up a rich repertoire of jazz, funk, Latin and blues tunes. 

The set list includes groundbreaking tunes that made music history such as “Blue Bossa.” The innovative blend of hard bop and bossa nova was ritten by trumpeter Kenny Dorham in 1963. Another favorite is “Mister Magic,” written by Ralph MacDonald and William Salter in 1974. The song was a breakout hit for saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. in 1975. His fusion of jazz funk with smooth jazz earned new respect and appreciation for the smooth jazz genre. Enjoy the compelling sounds of “I Want You Back,” released in 1969. That mega hit heralded the album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5. 

SoulJourners leader David Arthur has performed in many popular jazz groups including Jazz Mosaic and Harmonic Fifth. The latter jazz outfit appeared in the Baltimore area and at historic venues in the nation’s capital such as Mr. Henry’s, Twins Jazz and Westminster Presbyterian Church. 

AJRF has presented international and regional artists from many countries since 2022. The festival's adventurous programming has attracted media attention across the U.S. Events explore different cultures and musical traditions such as sounds from India, Spain, West Africa, Brazil, Venezuela and Korea. Attendees come from many states.

In 2026, festival events will be held in Eastport and nearby neighborhoods, weekends November 6-15. Venue Partners include Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library, Eastport UM Church, Peerless Rens, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, Pip Moyer Recreation Center, Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis and Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.  

Eastport UM Church is a beautiful, welcoming location at 926 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis, MD 21403.The concert is suitable for adults and teens. Admission is $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Most events sell out. Early ticket purchase is advised. 

Note: Annapolis Jazz & Roots originally planned to hold this event at Peerless Rens where exciting improvements are being made. The Club will be open to the public for the festival and other events in the fall. Stay tuned for exciting news about plans for that historic property. Visit: https://www.peerlessrensclub.com