Orianthi, a master blues and rock guitarist, returned to Annapolis once again for what is hopefully becoming an annual appearance at Rams Head On Stage. The show gave fans an opportunity to dine while watching some of the world’s premier musicians perform in an intimate setting.
I had the opportunity to catch Orianthi’s Annapolis show two years ago and was excited to see her latest performance, as she never disappoints. Her history of playing alongside musical greats is second to none, having shared stages with legends such as Michael Jackson and Santana.
Orianthi played select dates across the United States this summer, and Annapolis always seemed to bring out her best. The fans were especially supportive, helping create a welcoming atmosphere. When I arrived on June 11, I did not know that Paul Reed Smith would be in attendance, but seeing him outside the venue immediately confirmed that I was in for another memorable evening. Orianthi has a knack for bringing guest musicians into her performances, and the results are consistently impressive.
Two of the guests who joined Orianthi onstage two years ago — Paul Reed Smith and Aiden Adams — also appeared at this year’s event.
Paul Reed Smith, the renowned guitar maker whose company was founded in Annapolis during the 1980s, has long been a friend of Orianthi and her family. Orianthi primarily uses his guitars in concert, and Smith is also an accomplished guitarist in his own right. He played a significant role in helping Orianthi establish herself in the United States years ago.
Orianthi walked onto the stage and immediately launched into a jam, opening the night with several energetic performances. After a fantastic blues number, she continued playing before addressing the audience. She remained talkative throughout the evening, displaying a warm personality and an infectious smile. The rapport she established with fans felt genuine and heartfelt.
Watch the official music video for “Some Kind of Feeling” by Orianthi on YouTube:
At one point, Orianthi introduced Paul Reed Smith by telling the audience, “We’re going to play some blues for y’all.”
About 30 minutes into the set, Smith joined her onstage and shared the story of how he first discovered Orianthi. Hearing exceptional guitar playing coming from an office, he initially assumed it was Santana. When he asked where the old Santana recordings had come from, he was surprised to learn the guitarist was actually a 13-year-old girl named Orianthi. Smith recalled discussing her talent with Santana, who later invited Orianthi to join him for a performance in Adelaide, Australia.
Orianthi returned the praise by telling the audience that Smith makes the best guitars in the world.
She also revealed that a new album, produced by Eddie Kramer, is on the way, giving fans something exciting to anticipate in 2026.
Halfway through the set, Orianthi welcomed Aiden Adams to the stage for a song that the audience thoroughly enjoyed. The chemistry between the two musicians was evident, and their performance together has become a favorite part of Orianthi’s Annapolis appearances. Hopefully, fans will get to see them share the stage again the next time she returns.
Later in the evening, Orianthi asked the crowd if they wanted to hear a cover before launching into a fantastic rendition of ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man.” She further demonstrated her guitar virtuosity with performances of Keith Urban’s “Somebody Like You,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child,” and Eric Clapton’s “Before You Accuse Me.”
Watch Orianthi join Billy Gibbons for “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZTop on YouTube:
Overall, the show was stunning and delivered exactly what audiences have come to expect from Orianthi: exceptional guitar work across a variety of styles. Fans responded with numerous standing ovations and crowded the front of the stage after the encore in hopes of securing photos and autographs. Orianthi graciously accommodated every request, much to the delight of those in attendance.
I look forward to hearing the new album and to seeing this extraordinary guitarist perform again wherever she appears next.
Here are some photos of Orianthi performing live at Rams Head on Stage on June 11, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
