11-09-2026 10:05am

Hometown Hero

Annapolis Jazz & Roots to Honor Late Musician TEA Arthur With Hometown Hero Award

Annapolis Jazz & Roots will posthumously honor longtime Annapolis musician and cultural leader Thomas “TEA” Arthur with its 2026 Hometown Hero Award on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m. at Eastport United Methodist Church. Arthur, who died in August 2026, will be recognized for more than five decades of contributions to music, the arts, and community service throughout the Annapolis and Baltimore-Washington regions.

The free ceremony will feature Annapolis Alderman Frank Thorp as master of ceremonies, followed by a concert from the U.S. Naval Academy Band’s Superintendent’s Combo performing music by jazz legend Miles Davis. A public reception will follow.

The Hometown Hero Award recognizes Anne Arundel County residents whose volunteer service has helped make arts and culture more accessible to the community.

A Lifetime Dedicated to Music and the Arts

Born in Annapolis in 1941, Arthur graduated from Wiley H. Bates High School in 1959, where he met his future wife, Barbara Lee. They married in 1965 and raised two children, Phyllis and Steven.

Arthur earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Morgan State University and master’s degrees from Loyola College and George Washington University.

His musical career began in high school when he formed the R&B group The La Vanos. He later led the Morgan State Marching Band and performed as a flutist and alto saxophonist with regional groups including Harmonic Fifth and Jazz Mosaic.

His performances took him to notable Washington, D.C., jazz venues, including Twins Jazz and Mr. Henry’s. He also volunteered his musical talents for community causes, including the Annapolis Rising Benefit following the Capital Gazette shooting.

Arthur was equally influential behind the scenes. In the 1970s, he and Barbara helped establish Rafiki, an African American theater group supporting Black playwrights and performers.

He served on the boards of Annapolis Opera and the Annapolis Fine Arts Festival and chaired Kunta Kinte Celebrations, Inc., helping sustain the annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival.

In 1992, while serving as director of Changing Directions in Baltimore, Arthur launched the Blazz Festival, which featured nationally recognized performers including Grover Washington Jr., Cassandra Wilson, and Lou Rawls.

Contributions Beyond Music

Arthur also devoted decades to improving mental health services, beginning his career at Crownsville Hospital Center in 1963.

He later directed rehabilitation and counseling programs, advocated for culturally competent mental health care, and helped establish Maryland’s Anti Stigma Project. He also contributed to the first U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health in 1999.

Arthur taught art therapy and mental health administration at Baltimore City Community College and Goucher College.

A longtime member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, he supported church programs and helped present community concerts. His additional civic work included service with the Jaycees and numerous cultural initiatives.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Phyllis and Steven; and brothers, Gregory and David.

Free Concert Part of Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival

The tribute is part of the fifth annual Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival, running through November 15.

This year’s theme, “New World Music: Centuries of Sound,” explores the development of music and culture through performances and programs at eight venues in and around Eastport.

The November 13 Hometown Hero ceremony and concert are free, but seating is limited and advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Additional information and reservation links are available at:

https://annapolisjazzandrootsfestival.com