Events

Vocalist William “Smooth” Wardlaw breathes new life into the timeless love ballads of the legendary Luther Vandross. Smooth’s tribute perfectly captures Luther’s silky vocals and rich sound; you won’t want to miss this must-see performance! The band infuses the stage with vibrant energy and outstanding showmanship, ensuring you will be left wanting more.

Stunning songstress Hazel Mitchell-Bell is one of D.C.’s first ladies of jazz. Working closely with pianist and music director Vince Evans, she performs and records with orchestras, big bands, and smaller ensembles, stoking the fires of the D.C. jazz scene. Mitchell-Bell’s vocal influences include Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, and Phyllis Hyman.

Born in Uruguay, guitarist Magdalena Duhagon has performed around the world and been hailed for her “refined expressiveness” and “the enchantment of her phrasing and transparent sound” (El Día). She holds a Master’s degree in Music in Guitar Performance and Pedagogy and a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory and is a classical guitar professor at American University.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the soulful sounds of MiMi. A Baltimore native, Michele Bowman blends jazz, gospel, classical, Afro-Cuban, and Neo-Soul into a captivating musical experience. Inspired by Billie Holiday and Donnie Hathaway, MiMi has graced stages from the White House to Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, sharing the spotlight with Jeffrey Osborne, Maysa, and Take 6. With international radio airplay and a new album, Truth and Love, on the way, she’s bringing her artistry to the world. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of culture, rhythm, and soul.

Renowned saxophonist Kevin Levi has performed across the U.S. and worldwide for decades, honing his melodic, signature sound. He has appeared alongside luminaries including Wynton Marsalis, Lionel Hampton, Marcus Miller, and Ashanti. His debut solo project, ATONE, is a rich tapestry of original, rhythmically rooted hip hop, R&B, neo-soul, and ballads.

Accomplished singer/songwriter and master guitarist John Emil has performed across the U.S. and UK, equally adept with the acoustic Hawaiian lap steel guitar and Dobro. Fans hear haunting, subtle hints of Delta bluesmen Son House and Blind Willie Johnson, but Emil creates a unique style by integrating country blues, folk, and bluegrass sounds into his repertoire.

TEXTURES marks the premiere concert of Textures Dance Theatre, a bold, Black-led contemporary dance company. This debut work explores vulnerability, resilience, and self-actualization, offering a visceral, movement-driven journey through identity, societal expectations, and emotional transformation. Rooted in personal truth, TEXTURES draws from the lived experience. More than a performance, TEXTURES is an invitation to witness, to feel, and to rediscover the connective threads of our shared humanity.

Join us for a tribute celebrating the iconic King and Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor and BB King. Koko Taylor captivated audiences with her raw, powerful vocals. At the same time, BB King is revered as one of the most influential blues musicians ever, dedicating his life to sharing the soulful essence of music. This tribute will feature soul blues legend Ms. Zeno, The Mojo Queen, and Memphis Gold. Ms. Zeno earned her legendary title through her extensive career as a performer on the world-famous Beale Street, and Memphis Gold is a well-known DC-based blues artist. Don’t miss this tribute honoring the finest songs of these blues legends.

Get ready to Go-Go with Uncle Devin! Inspired by the official music of Washington, D.C., this interactive concert uses original tunes, funky grooves, and the DC style of African call-and-response to have children experience the infectious energy of a live Go-Go. This percussion-driven show will have you dancing and singing as you learn about the history of DC. Uncle Devin will explore the influences that African and Latin rhythms had on the creation of Go-Go music. “Uncle Devin” Walker is a celebrated children’s drummer and music educator. His dynamic shows inspire children by exploring the rich history of percussion through engaging rhythms. Please note, this show is recommended for ages 3-12, however, everyone must have a ticket to enter.

Philadelphia’s Ernesto’s Club brings a lively, improvisational sensibility to the Brazilian roots genres of choro and samba. Inspired by the work of Ernesto Nazareth, who could be considered Brazil’s Scott Joplin, the group explores classic 20th-century Brazilian repertoire with piano, drums, bass, and percussion. It features vocalist Fernanda Bravo, who hails from Rio de Janeiro.

Join us for a live tribute to Sly & The Family Stone, the iconic American funk band from the 1960s and 70s, renowned for their significant role in shaping the genres of funk, soul, R&B, and rock music. Their impact can still be felt in modern American funk, pop, soul, R&B, and hip-hop. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, they are celebrated as the 43rd most outstanding artist of all time by Rolling Stone. Enjoy classic hits like “I Want to Take You Higher,” “Everyday People,” and “Dance to the Music.” The Gold Soul Movement is a collective of DMV-based artists celebrating soul music’s timeless, genre-blending power, and they guarantee to have you dancing in your seat!

Prepare for an unforgettable night of soul-stirring music and timeless classics as vocalist Renée Georges and pianist Vince Evans reunite to honor the legendary Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. Experience the magic of “Tryin’ Times,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Compared to What,” “The Closer I Get to You,” “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” and more.

Join us for a live tribute to Sly & The Family Stone, the iconic American funk band from the 1960s and 70s, renowned for their significant role in shaping the genres of funk, soul, R&B, and rock music. Their impact can still be felt in modern American funk, pop, soul, R&B, and hip-hop. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, they are celebrated as the 43rd most outstanding artist of all time by Rolling Stone. Enjoy classic hits like “I Want to Take You Higher,” “Everyday People,” and “Dance to the Music.” The Gold Soul Movement is a collective of DMV-based artists celebrating soul music’s timeless, genre-blending power, and they guarantee to have you dancing in your seat!

Music veteran Lady Mary is a powerful R&B, southern soul, Motown, and oldies singer whose stage presence and infectious personality grab the audience’s attention. After 25 years of performing with artists such as The Temptations, The Intruders, Betty Wright, Gwen McCrae, Clarence Carter, and more, she formed her band, the InDaHouse Band.

“Jazz Group of the Year” nominee The Lao Tizer Band returns to support their latest album, Amplify. Boulder native keyboardist and bandleader Lao Tizer embraces musical diversity; Amplify features flavors of jazz, R&B, funk, and world music. Enjoy a high-energy musical ride through a variety of tastes and styles with an all-star cast of musicians in this wonderfully intimate setting.

Join us for the 42nd Annual Choreographers’ Showcase, a prestigious event highlighting emerging and established talent. With a curated selection of innovative performances, this evening promises to captivate and inspire audiences with its artistry and creativity.

Experience the unstoppable groove of Stanley Cooper–Holiday Edition! D.C.’s own Stanley Cooper has rocked stages with legends like Jimmy Sommers, Bobby Lyle, Marcus Johnson, and Stephanie Mills—and now, he’s bringing his electrifying guitar skills to a holiday-themed celebration. Influenced by greats like Wes Montgomery and Wah Wah Watson, Stanley blends jazz, funk, and soul into a pure magic sound. Feel the festive spirit as he sets the stage on fire with his signature style and infectious energy. Don’t miss this soulful holiday concert—get ready to groove and celebrate the season in style.

Celebrate the holiday season with the spirited sounds of Veronneau, featuring Quebecoise vocalist Lynn Veronneau and British guitarist Ken Avis. The award-winning husband-and-wife duo presents seasonal tunes, including “Santa Baby,” “Winter Wonderland,” and other favorites, mixed with a few classic songs from their jazz and bossa nova repertoire.

Returning by popular demand! Enjoy a holiday-themed concert with the soulful music of Motown. The unforgettable tunes from legendary artists such as The Temptations, The Jackson 5, and more will have you dancing in your seat and singing along with the BRENCORE ALL STARS. Gather your friends and secure your tickets early—this show sells out quickly every year!

Step back in time and groove to the soulful sounds of the ’60s and ’70s! Join us for an unforgettable evening as our live band brings the magic from powerhouse labels like Motown, Stax, and others. Feel the rhythm, embrace the nostalgia, and celebrate the season with timeless tunes to warm your heart and get you dancing. Perfect for fans of artists like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding, this concert promises to bring classic holiday hits to life. A soulful holiday celebration you won’t want to miss!

Christmastime is here! Montpelier Arts Center and The Eric Byrd Trio celebrate the season with an afternoon filled with festive music from the Peanuts’ special. Comprised of pianist/vocalist Eric Byrd, bassist Bhagwan Khalsa, and drummer Alphonso Young, Jr., the Trio has traveled the world as enthusiastic ambassadors of jazz. Bringing fresh arrangements to these familiar songs, they are sure to put you in a holiday mood. “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!”

This riveting, narrated recital takes audience members back to America’s colonial period to explore the music, instruments, voices, and lives of enslaved Africans and forgotten patriots. The music will include period instruments, traditional folk songs, patriotic selections, and Negro spirituals performed by Black musicians. Produced by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA).

A live tribute to American singer and songwriter Frankie Beverly. He was best known for his recordings with the soul and funk band Maze and was a consistent hitmaker on the R&B charts for almost 50 years. His music is known for its authenticity and emotional depth. This concert highlights the early years of Maze and the transition to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. We Are One X-Perience performs all the hit songs that everyone knows and loves, including: “Back in Stride,” “Too Many Games,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “Before I Let Go, Running Away,” and many more. They pride themselves on giving the audience an incredibly high-energy performance each time they take the stage.

A live tribute to American singer and songwriter Frankie Beverly. He was best known for his recordings with the soul and funk band Maze and was a consistent hitmaker on the R&B charts for almost 50 years. His music is known for its authenticity and emotional depth. This concert highlights the early years of Maze and the transition to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. We Are One X-Perience performs all the hit songs that everyone knows and loves, including: “Back in Stride,” “Too Many Games,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “Before I Let Go, Running Away,” and many more. They pride themselves on giving the audience an incredibly high-energy performance each time they take the stage.

Legendary musician and Washington, D.C., native Ignatius is an artist, songwriter, vocalist, music producer, and renowned drummer whose musical journey spans five decades — and counting! The former lead vocalist of the internationally known funk band Heatwave has also performed with The Stylistics, The Delfonics, RCA recording group Destiny, and The Voices Tribute to Motown.

Grammy nominee Jazzmeia Horn released her fourth album, Messages, in 2024. The New York Times raves, “Horn is among the most exciting young vocalists in jazz, with a proud traditionalism that keeps her tightly linked to the sound of classic figures like Nancy Wilson and Betty Carter, but a vivacity of spirit and conviction that places her firmly in the present.”

Regarding innovative takes on R&B, you can’t go wrong with Zo! and Tall Black Guy. The set showcases the undeniable chemistry between the musicians and features vocalist Debórah Bond. Zo, a keyboardist and producer, draws inspiration from ’70s and ’80s soul and jazz-R&B. Lead singles “Talkin’ To Myself” and “Hold My Hand” incorporate downtempo house elements, enriched with keys, warm synths, and elastic bass lines, leaving listeners wanting more.

Jazz artist Halley Shoenberg has been a dynamic presence in the D.C. area for decades, composing, arranging, and performing on saxophone and clarinet. This captivating concert features Shoenberg’s compositions and original arrangements of standards covering 100 years of jazz. The sounds of Chick Corea, Weather Report, Pat Metheny, and Branford Marsalis influence several of her originals.

The Chuck Brown Band honors the “Godfather of Go-Go” by continuing his legacy, touring with his classics and new material from the band. Led by Chuck’s son, Wiley, and featuring his daughter, KK, they embody the “Family Affair” vibe. Don’t miss this uplifting, non-stop performance that blends jazz, funk, and soul while engaging the audience. The Godfather may be gone, but his legacy continues as The Chuck Brown Band carries his funky groove forward without missing a B-E-A-T. Wind Us Up, Chuck!

National recording artist Kevin Howard is an award-winning keyboardist, writer, composer, and producer. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he was named Jazz Artist of the Year in 2018 by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He and his band of world-class musicians will tantalize and delight you with their energy, charisma, and smooth, dynamic sounds.

Jonathan “Juanito” Pascual is an internationally recognized guitarist and “flamenco phenom” (The Boston Globe). The Trio creates a sound that seamlessly merges flamenco with elements of jazz, world music, rock, pop, and soul. This performance features exciting new music, including arrangements of Jimi Hendrix and other pop and jazz icons.

Pianist, composer, arranger, and author Sharp Radway is a protégé of jazz legend Dr. Randy Weston. With deep roots in the church, his debut album of gospel jazz is Hymns and Things. His latest endeavor, Black Woman—A Conversation, combines Latin jazz, spoken word, ensemble pieces, pocket grooves, and more in tribute to Black women.

Hailed as one of the greatest songstresses of our time, GRAMMY Award-winning Roberta Flack remains unparalleled in her ability to tell a story through her music. Her songs bring insight into our lives, love, culture, and politics, while effortlessly traversing a broad musical landscape from pop to soul to folk to jazz. Following her passing in February 2025, this tribute concert will honor her life and legacy by showcasing some of her most cherished music, thoughtfully curated by musical director and Roberta Flack band alumnus Daryl L.A. Hunt.

Hailed as one of the greatest songstresses of our time, GRAMMY Award-winning Roberta Flack remains unparalleled in her ability to tell a story through her music. Her songs bring insight into our lives, love, culture, and politics, while effortlessly traversing a broad musical landscape from pop to soul to folk to jazz. Following her passing in February 2025, this tribute concert will honor her life and legacy by showcasing some of her most cherished music, thoughtfully curated by musical director and Roberta Flack band alumnus Daryl L.A. Hunt.

Male a cappella group Heavenly Blessed was formed in Baltimore 28 years ago. The five members blend their voices in perfect harmony to perform gospel-style music that will have you clapping your hands. The group’s current lineup features original founding member Elijah Williams, Larry Chew, Reggie Thomas, Sterling Finch, and Walter Davies.

Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music, following the thread of African American history in traditional music forms. As a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and later Rhiannon Giddens’ band, he has performed worldwide, earning both Grammy and Americana award nominations.

Husband-and-wife duo Davey Yarborough and Esther Williams thrill audiences with their soulful jazz and original songwriting. Esther (vocals) has an extensive repertoire in jazz, R&B, pop, and gospel; Davey (saxophone) is an accomplished performer, bandleader, composer, arranger, and educator. They have performed together for decades and co-founded the Washington Jazz Arts Institute.

Hailed as bright, energetic, absolutely captivating, and outrageously funny, Miss Gayle will keep an audience in stitches. She is an explosively talented individual who lights up the stage for sold-out audiences nationwide. Since the age of six, people have demanded amusement from the comedienne, actress, and entertainer who successfully lifted their spirits. Miss Gayle can put life in perspective through her down-home humor.