Events

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as we pay homage to the iconic music of MAZE and Frankie Beverly, featuring their greatest hits including “Happy Feeling,” “Southern Girl,” “Before I Let Go,” and more. Spread the word and gather your friends for a night of great music and unforgettable memories. Secure your tickets now for what promises to be an evening of soulful tunes and celebration!

For over 15 years running, Akua Allrich has curated and performed a soul-stirring tribute presentation, honoring Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba. Akua Allrich pays homage to these two powerhouse artists, who have inspired her and millions of other jazz and music lovers around the globe. Allrich, whose own musical genesis comprises the blues, jazz, R&B, and pan-African music, features songs that Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba made their own. Join us in a musical experience based in freedom and self-expression, and particularly African expression. Allrich’s Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba tribute will leave you feeling both empowered and inspired!

Cybele is a Washington, DC-based jazz vocalist. She brings a cool, classic sound influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and the jazz greats with her fresh takes on the great American songbook. After getting her start at Moonlight DC, formerly the Green Island Cafe, Cybele has gone on to sing in jazz duos, trios, and larger bands in bars, restaurants, and music venues around the area, including Bukom Cafe, Marx Cafe, Sala Thai, Pearl Street Warehouse, and DC9, among others.

Join us for “A Tribute to the Music of the Isley Brothers.” Get ready for an unforgettable night as we pay homage to The Isley Brothers with hits like “Fight the Power,” “Choosey Lover,” “Footsteps in the Dark,” “Voyage to Atlantis,” and more. With hit after hit, the band will keep the music going all night long, so don’t miss out on the energy and powerful voices as we pay tribute to The Isley Brothers.

Don’t miss this sophisticated-yet-ridiculous, family-friendly, clown circus from Happenstance Theater! A quintet of charming vintage clowns become circus animals, transform into a human calliope, do the classic circus mirror routine with a twist, perform a several preposterous “entrées”, make live music and sound effects, and execute a very satisfying slow-motion number involving a pie! This show is recommended for children ages 3-12. Please note everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.

Renowned saxophonist Kevin Levi is set to unveil his debut solo project, “ATONE,” a vibrant fusion of hip hop, R&B, Neo-soul, and ballads infused with his signature melodic flair. “ATONE” ventures into uncharted creative territory, showcasing Levi’s boundless artistry and collaborative spirit. Each original composition reflects his personal inspiration and meticulous craftsmanship, highlighted by the talents of collaborator Leroy “Scooter” Taylor. With a storied history performing alongside luminaries like Wynton Marsalis and Marcus Miller, Kevin’s music transcends boundaries, inviting listeners to tap into their imagination and create their own narratives through his soul-stirring saxophone melodies.

Enjoy this concert version of the Broadway hit “Showboat” by composer Jerome Kern and lyrics by Rogers and Hammerstein, based on the ASALH 2025 theme of Blacks and Labor. Featuring Grammy award winning Black classical singers, chorus, and dancers, the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) production highlights hit musical selections including “Ol’ Man River” and “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man.” Also highlighted as a part of the show is CAAPA’s version of the famous “Cakewalk”…so remember to bring your own hat, bring your fans, and be a part of the fun!

Gladys Knight is a legendary singer known for her powerful vocals and captivating performances. Her music has touched the hearts of millions and has inspired countless artists across generations. This tribute to Gladys Knight highlights her incredible talent, her contributions to music, and her impact on the industry. Join us as we celebrate her iconic songs, her soulful voice, and her lasting influence on the world of music. Gladys Knight is a true icon, and this tribute honors her enduring legacy.

Join us for an unforgettable gathering of community, as we witness the power of dance to inspire and transform. The Uplift Dance Festival is more than just a performance; it’s an act of sharing and celebration, where each piece tells a story of resilience, hope, and joy. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a truly inspirational event that celebrates the best of local talent and the enduring power of dance to uplift our lives. Performers are selected by a distinguished panel of adjudicators from the DMV dance community.

Classical and jazz pianist and singer Hazel Scott (1920–1981) was the first person of African descent to host their own network TV show in America (The Hazel Scott Show). The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) explores Scott’s life, legacy, and music. Journey with curator Professor Nevilla Ottley as you hear songs played and loved by Scott, with narration exploring and highlighting the life of the musician, who was also an outspoken critic of racial discrimination and segregation.

The Hyattsville Jazz Collective was founded in 2018 and calls Maryland Meadworks home. The group performs there once a month and has also been playing in Prince George’s County at various events and locations since. Comprised of 5 local musicians, the group performs new compositions as well as their own treatments of jazz standards. Each member lived in Philadelphia or New York City for years before relocating to the DMV and brings a wealth of experience to this band.

Join us at the Harmony Hall Arts Center for a spectacular tribute to the legends of music, including Ray Charles, Billy Preston, Otis Redding, Bill Withers, and more, presented by Bryan Fox and Friends. With roots in the church where he discovered his musical gift at the age of 13, Bryan Fox has become a dynamic force in the music scene. Renowned for his unique sound and electrifying performances, Fox and his band promise an unforgettable evening celebrating the timeless classics of legendary artists.

Montpelier Arts Center honors Aretha Franklin, a singer, songwriter, and pianist whose career spanned an incredible six decades. The reigning “Queen of Soul,” Franklin’s music has touched countless hearts and souls. This afternoon concert features one of the DMV’s most talented songbirds, R&B recording artist Ameya Taylor, who honors Franklin’s legacy by performing some of her greatest hits, including “Chain of Fools,” “Freeway of Love,” “Ain’t No Way,” and more.

Michael Hawkins is a charismatic bassist and composer currently heating up the jazz scene in the greater Richmond, VA, area with his band Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood (James “Saxsmo” Gates on alto sax, Dr. Weldon Hill on piano, and Billy Williams, Jr. on drums). The term brotherhood not only signifies the interpersonal relationships among the members of the band but also pays homage to jazz musicians from years past.

Dynamic and soothing four-piece vocal group Kings Return take pride in crafting a diverse yet supremely cohesive a cappella sound: The blend of their unique vocal timbres is so rich and so smooth that, at times, it sounds more like a full choir. Their sound has earned comparisons to iconic acts like Take 6 and Boyz II Men. Their brand of R&B is entwined with free moments of jazz, soulful bursts of gospel, and bright touches of pop—all built on a solid, classical foundation. Theirs is the kind of talent that makes virtuosic performance look (and sound) like sublime, effortless playtime, defying the constraints of any single genre to explore a myriad of sonic shades and textures.

Toronto-born pianist Naomi Wong is emerging as a compelling musical orator whose sincere and thoughtful artistry places human connection at the forefront of her performances. Active as both a solo and concerto performer, Wong began her piano studies at age six and is currently pursuing her master’s in Piano Performance on full scholarship at the Peabody Institute.

With a musical journey spanning over 50 years, Kevin Powe Sr, a seasoned guitarist, has graced the stage alongside an impressive array of National Performing Artists, including Marcus Miller, Melisa Morgan, Natalie Cole, and Terence Blanchard. Drawing inspiration from legendary figures like Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, and The Isley Brothers, Kevin’s eclectic style encompasses funk, rock, blues, jazz, and R&B. His debut project, “Loud Blues,” with his band Kev Powe Thang, showcases his versatile talent, while his compositions have left their mark on albums such as the Phaze II Jazz Band’s “No Cover Charge.” Don’t miss the chance to experience the soulful sounds of Kev Powe Sr. at Harmony Hall Arts Center.

Join us as national recording artist Jamar Dukes, Reggie Baker, and Bryan Fox will perform some of Bobby Womacks greatest hits such as: “If You Think You’re Lonely Now,” “Harry Hippie,” “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha,” “Woman’s Gotta Have It”, and many more. If you are a fan of Bobby Womack’s music, then this is a tribute you do not want to miss!

Led by baritone saxophonist Leigh Pilzer, Seven Pointed Star is one of the region’s hottest new jazz groups, featuring some of the most accomplished jazz women on the planet. The repertory features Pilzer’s arrangements of her own original songs and those of other band members, selections from the Great American Songbook, and jazz standards, all performed with electrifying energy, joy, and stellar musicianship.

With intriguing soundscapes and dazzling visuals, Sonic Frontiers presents eclectic, improvisatory experiences with live electronic music and projection art. With a focus on community engagement, members of The DC Modular Collective will host fall and spring mini-electronic music festivals at Brentwood Arts Exchange, presenting featured headliners, inviting drop-in performances, and offering hands-on education, demonstrations, and insight into this unique art form.

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to create your own miniature sculptures using various materials and techniques. Explore your creativity and bring tiny worlds to life in this engaging and interactive session suitable for all skill levels

An afternoon of entertainment with jazz and pop vocalist Janet Paulsen is always a joyful, swinging, and deeply thoughtful occasion. With her sparkling stage persona and warm, welcoming style, she brings her heart and soul to every performance. This show will feature beloved songs by Doris Day, Dinah Shore, and Ella Fitzgerald, from albums they recorded with conductor and pianist Andre Previn.

Idol Beings is the musical partnership of vocalist Akua Allrich and bassist/producer Kris Funn. Born and raised in the DMV, the two have a philosophy about their creative process: “It is in moments of idleness that nodes of the brain that don’t usually communicate with each other spark connections. We created this project to express our art outside of our normal thought process — not for the sake of not being idle, but to become idols.”

An ex-pageant queen fronts a rock ‘n’ roll band? Cinema Hearts has a pulsing passion for days gone by. It’s the sparkling indie rock project of Washington, D.C. singer-songwriter and former Miss America contender Caroline Weinroth, whose music captivates audiences around the world with playful lyricism, moody guitar riffs, retro song references, and dramatic pageantry. Cinema Hearts has shared the stage with Hozier, Bartees Strange, La Luz, The Ventures, Dengue Fever, and more.  While husband and wife bluegrass duo Gabby & Nick each have their own unique creative songwriting projects, the pair unites in performance for deep love and reverence for bluegrass songs. The folk duo interprets traditional bluegrass songs through contemporary folk harmonies and feel. The couple joins forces in song to celebrate the rich canons of Standard American Vernacular music.

L.T.D. (which stands for Love, Togetherness, and Devotion) was formed in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1968, and is best known for hits like “Back in Love Again” and “Holding On,” as well as their soulful ballads such as “Love Ballad” and “Where Did We Go Wrong.” This tribute promises to take you back to the days of sweet love ballads with the music of Jeffrey Osborne and L.T.D.

Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar’s captivating Bossa Nova performances have resonated in jazz-loving capitals like Paris and London, blending English and Portuguese songs with tender beauty and syncopated rhythms. Rooted in a pandemic-era livestream series, their repertoire spans generations, showcasing Daniela’s Brazilian music heritage and celebrating the genre romantically. With Soledade’s soulful vocals and Najar’s guitar virtuosity, their performance promises an unforgettable journey into love and tradition. It’s a unique fusion of irresistible voice, guitar prowess, and deep affection—an homage to venerable music.

Are you musically curious? Musicians and those who are interested in listening are invited to BAE’s monthly Curiosity Jam! We welcome singers and instrumentalists from any culture in the world. Our goal is to share music and encourage cross-cultural collaboration. World music band Kundalika is the house backing band, with sitar-guitar, acoustic guitar, upright bass and djembe on hand. In addition to “open mic” time, each monthly jam will also feature a special segment, the world music group jam. We will teach folks how to play the basic outline of an Indian classical music scale on their own instrument (or sing it vocally). Then we’ll lay down a groove and do a jam will all the musicians there playing together! No knowledge of Indian music required; we will have handouts in Western notation.

Immerse yourself in dialogue-turned-poetry and step into a world where words wield power and conscience finds voice. Join us as J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford, Sylvia Dianne “Ladi Di” Beverly, Billye Okera, and Brenardo Taylor take the stage. These poets, rooted in Washington, DC, deliver unapologetically powerful messages, addressing societal divides with hope and unity. Through original poetry, they navigate themes of social consciousness, empowerment, and faith.

Dancers learn a mixture of regional dances of Africa from the professionals of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Women/girls can wear a “lappa” (2 yards of African print fabric to be wrapped around the waist). Spaces are limited; advance registration is recommended. For ages 15 and up.

Dancers learn praise choreography from the professionals of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Spaces are limited; advance registration is recommended. For ages 15 and up.

Penelope Shvarts has played both classical and flamenco guitar since she was five years old and is currently studying at the Peabody Institute, where she was given an award to continue her research into non-male composers and their works for guitar. She hopes to diversify the standard classical guitar repertoire and make music more inclusive.

Join us for an electrifying Tribute Concert celebrating the timeless hits of two iconic R&B groups: Switch and DeBarge. From the infectious grooves of Switch to the soulful melodies of DeBarge, this event promises an unforgettable journey through decades of classic music. From chart-topping hits like “There’ll Never Be,” “I Call Your Name,” and “Rhythm of the Night” to romantic ballads such as “All This Love,” their music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. This tribute promises to transport you back in time.

Ray “Apollo” Allen is a songwriter, composer, and powerhouse performer who masters the genres of blues, R&B, and gospel. Formerly of the Apollo Brothers, a group Ray formed with his brother Butch and friend Jackie Love in the 1960s, Allen went solo in 1985. He has shared the stage with legends such as The Drifters, The Teenagers, The Chantels, Sam & Dave, The Jones Girls, Chuck Brown, and Motown’s The Funk Brothers, and performed at The Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and Constitution Hall.

Dan Navarro’s eclectic, 40-year career as a songwriter, artist, singer, and voice actor spans 17 acclaimed albums; thousands of concerts; films like Coco and Happy Feet; and writing songs for Pat Benatar (Grammy-nominated “We Belong”), The Bangles, and more. In early 2019, after 20+ years with Lowen & Navarro, he released his solo album Shed My Skin to rave reviews. An engaged Renaissance artist, Navarro believes that art is food, music is love, and sleep is for babies.

Zawadi Elaine Carroll is a singer, songwriter, and creative director from Washington, DC. Zawadi’s music is a reflection of her life’s vast experiences. Her lyrics embrace the power of feminine energy, and her music possesses a calm and glamorous aura. Zawadi began her journey as a musician while attending The University of Wisconsin-Madison on a full tuition scholarship. From there she brought her creative talents back to the East Coast where she built the House of Ethereal Realness, a femme-based arts collective committed to providing intentional and safe spaces that foster radical joy and love.

Shelton Cornelius Price, a phenomenal male artist, hails from Washington, DC. As a dedicated healthcare provider and military veteran, he discovered his passion for singing during active duty. Inspired by Motown legends like Marvin Gaye, Shelton’s silky-smooth voice has taken him worldwide. His sold-out shows, including performances at The Blue Dolphin Seafood Bar & Grill, Bethesda Blues, and Jazz Supper Club, and City Winery Philadelphia, offer an unforgettable “REMEMBERING MARVIN” experience. With a unique ability to captivate audiences, especially the ladies, Shelton’s artistry ensures lasting memories.

Drawing inspiration from legends like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae, as well as modern greats such as Anita O’Day and Annie Ross, Christina Drapkin delivers soulful ballads and scat improvisations with unparalleled depth and artistry. Her rich tradition of jazz standards, honed in New Orleans and New York, showcases improvisation and harmonic development reminiscent of bebop legends like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. With multiple acclaimed albums, including “Songs About You,” Drapkin continues to captivate audiences with her enchanting voice and innovative vision.

Hsiang-Hsin Ching is a passionate and committed Taiwanese violist and recording engineer currently attending the Peabody Institute and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Recording Arts and Viola Performance. Dedicated to her craft, Hsiang-Hsin has played viola since age 13 and graced stages across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. with chamber music and orchestra performances.

Dancers representing countries from across the globe get together to showcase their talent in this interactive and immersive dance experience. Enjoy a live DJ spinning the latest international dance tracks and learn a few new moves to celebrate diversity in our community. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended.

Hiroya Tsukamoto’s blend of masterful fingerstyle guitar and evocative storytelling transcends cultural barriers. Recognized for his soulful performances that create an orchestra at his fingertips, Tsukamoto draws audiences into his world of musical exploration. This is a rare opportunity to witness a performer celebrated for his ability to take listeners on an “impressionistic journey” (Boston Herald) that will resonate long after the final note is played.

Grammy Award winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer are master musicians whose superb harmonies are backed by instrumental virtuosity on the guitar, five-string banjo, ukulele, mandolin, cello-banjo, and more. Cathy & Marcy’s Old Time Coalition, featuring Rachel Eddy (fiddle) and Becky Hill (percussive dancer), has grown out of a mutual love of Appalachian music and dance. They take the passion of a late-night porch jam session and put it on stage.

Pedrito Martinez is a Cuban percussionist, drummer, singer, songwriter, and composer originally from Havana, Cuba. A consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum, he is also the world’s first call rumbero—playing, singing, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups. Pedrito was a founding member of the highly successful, Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band, Yerba Buena, with which he recorded two albums and toured the world in the mid- to late-90’s. “The Pedrito Martinez Group is writing a new chapter in Cuban music history.” -NPR All Things Considered

Sy Smith is heralded as one of the hardest working women in soul music. But she’s also one of the smartest… She has a career that spans two decades and now has 6 albums under her belt. She’s toured with some of the heaviest hitters in the industry (Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, and Chris Botti, to name a few). If you’ve never been to a Sy Smith show, prepare to be entertained – not only by her multi-layered vocal virtuosity, but also by her storytelling. Funk, glamour, soul, and jams. Sy brings it all to the stage and leaves it there.