Events

Musical instruments have helped us communicate and express ourselves since the dawn of human culture. Learning about the musical instruments of the ancient Americas and building and playing our own unique instruments helps us to awaken the memory of our connection to nature, cultivate presence through working with clay, and experience joy through sound and music-making. In this hands-on workshop we will learn about ceramic musical instruments that have been made across Central and South America for thousands of years and learn to build and tune our own working clay flutes. Guided by the expert instruction of teaching artist, Melissa Hyatt Foss, you’ll learn about the history and significance of these ancient instruments! All materials, supplies and firing are included. No previous experience with clay, instruments, or music is needed!

This celebration of the life and work of one of the greatest musical vocalists and performers of all time explores not just his musical talent but also his character, style, humor, relationship with family, friends, fans, and the incredible artists he collaborated with, including Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, David Bowie, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, and more!

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.

Award-winning group VERONNEAU delights audiences with their eclectic repertoire, featuring songs in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Their vibrant musical world spans samba, bossa nova, swing, and French chanson, with original compositions. Based in Washington, D.C., VERONNEAU draws capacity crowds at major venues like Blues Alley, Strathmore Main Hall, and the Kennedy Center. They headline U.S. festivals such as the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival, DC Jazz Festival, and Alexandria Jazz Fest, as well as the UK’s Beat Herder festival. Honored with multiple awards, their album Love & Surrender reached the Top 5 and stayed for four months.

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.