Former Obama speechwriter, comedian and Pod Save America co-host Jon Lovett takes the stage for a new season of the hit show that dared guests from Danny DeVito to Amy Klobuchar to ask “What is this?” and “Where am I?” Each week, Jon breaks down the biggest and dumbest stories in politics to help you keep up with and laugh at the news. And this season, stay tuned for big guests and surprising conversations you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes every Saturday morning on your podcast feed and on YouTube. Come see the show LIVE at the Lincoln Theatre on April 24th. You’ll be amazed by what we cut from the live show

Sounds of the Arab World: A Celebration from Taarab to Pop is a vibrant musical journey honoring the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world. Featuring acclaimed vocalist Nibal Malshi, this program showcases the diversity of Arab music, weaving together the timeless elegance of taarab with the infectious energy of contemporary pop.

Since its founding in 1975, hundreds of voices have joined together to share joyous music through UMD’s very own gospel choir. Committed to encouraging fellowship and community service, this group is composed of gospel music lovers across campus.

Windham Hill composer and pianist Liz Story presents a solo piano concert celebrating her forty-year career.

When musical historians look back on our current era, it's increasingly likely that they will consider Cécile McLorin Salvant to be one of the greatest vocalists of her generation. A winner of the prestigious MacArthur "Genius" Grant, Salvant has released seven highly acclaimed LPs before the age of 35, three of which have won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal album. Her latest release, 2023's Mélusine, truly a triumph, was presented primarily in French. Her fairy-tale theater work, Ogresse, has toured to The Kennedy Center and stages around the world. This May, Salvant will perform at Carnegie Hall but you can catch this singular artist at The Clarice first!

Explore the creativity of Terps and the local community on Maryland Day! This annual campus-wide open house features artistic and creative performances, experiences and activities at The Clarice, and across the University of Maryland campus. Bring your family and your friends for a day of fun and frolic!

Welcome spring and delight in the sights and sounds of nature, art, and history at this fun festival for the entire family, hosted by Montpelier House Museum. Visit with vendors on the grounds, relax to live music, attend gardening talks and workshops, tour the house museum, visit the Arts Center, and indulge in a Picnic Tea Box with finger sandwiches, pastries, and a scone inside (available to order after April 1).

Celebrate Earth Day all month long! Join us at Bladensburg Waterfront Park to celebrate and connect with the people, places, and natural resources that make Prince George’s County special. Come for free nature activities, arts & crafts, giveaways, and more!

Event dates: Apr 12 & 26, May 10 & 24.

Explore the lawn games of bygone days! These time-tested classics will bring lots of laughs and result in many high-fives. Each game will offer a different physical challenge that will delight athletes and non-athletes alike.

Celebrate Earth Day all month long! Join us at Patuxent River Park to celebrate and connect with the people, places, and natural resources that make Prince George’s County special. Come for free nature activities, arts & crafts, giveaways, and more!

Join us at Watkins Regional Park on April 26th for a day of live entertainment, games for all ages, train and carousel rides, hand-on nature activities, crafts, food vendors, and more!

Admissions:
$5 Wonder World of Watkins Limited Wristband: Unlimited access to train, mini golf, carousel, and face painters
$15 Kinderfest All-Access Wristband: Unlimited access to ALL Kinderfest amenities

* All wristbands must be purchased on-site. No online sales. Cash and card accepted *

We encourage you to keep your pets at home during Kinderfest for the safety of others and your pets.

ADA Accommodations will be available.

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.

Curated by Monica Sklar, Assistant Professor & Director/Coordinator of the Historic Clothing and Textiles Collection, University of Georgia, The Sound of DC: A Visual History of Fashion explores the layered influences of fashion in and from the Punk and Go-Go music scenes rooted in the DMV.

Vibe/Vibrance, a group exhibit featuring Chee Kung, Jenny Nordstrom, Sookkyung Park, Alexandra Sherman, and April Wright, will create a zestful and immersive environment – encompassing various disciplines and filling the main gallery with color and purpose. Kung’s geometrical assemblages provide structure and chaos, where Nordstrum’s photographs depict aged, but resonant structures from around the world. Park and Wright extend their artwork beyond the walls, creating an expansive viewing experience, while Sherman’s drawings bring an otherworldly, yet semi-historical perspective to the earth and what lies within. Together, these artists provide illustrious approaches to their craft that combine into a beautiful, yet unexplainable story.

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with music, dancing, and excitement at the Disability Services Annual Spring Fling! This year’s dance features the theme of Spring Masquerade! Put on your mask and show off your dance moves, keeping everyone intrigued and guessing. The dress code is semi-formal attire. The night will include a DJ, light refreshments, door prizes, and a photo booth for capturing memories.

Direct supervision will not be provided at this event. Companions do not require separate registration.

Advanced registration is mandatory, and tickets will not be sold at the door.

SGGL – Speidel, Goodrich, Goggin & Lille – with Eddie Hartness (Eddie From Ohio) on drums and Chris Holden on piano.

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.

Embark on a musical journey across the Americas, featuring classic favorites and premieres of vibrant new works.

Directed by Yuriko Gandolfo, the UMD Japanese Koto Ensemble features elegant music played on the koto, a traditional Japanese 13-string instrument. Koto music reflects the quiet beauty, simplicity and harmonizing effect of Japanese nature. The concert will also feature the Washington Toho Koto Society.

Yunchan Lim is a classical pianist sensation and “one-in-a-million talent” (Dallas Morning News), growing to global stardom after becoming the youngest person to ever win gold at the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition at the age of 18.

Jason Max Ferdinand, music director
Kenneth Elpus, music director

An evening of eclectic repertoire presented by Tactus, the UMD Treble Choir and the University Chorale that will be sure to inspire choral lovers of all ages.

Experience the vibrant beat of samulnori under the direction of Sebastian Wang. This modern incarnation of traditional Korean folk music celebrates harvest time and provides a lively soundtrack to dancing. The ensemble is comprised of four types of percussion instruments—an hourglass drum, a barrel drum, a small gong and a large gong—each representing a natural element: rain, clouds, lightning and wind, respectively.

Sometimes a personal tragedy can be turned into a creative triumph. Such is the case with “Run Your Race“ the new song and album from jazz/soul diva Kandace Springs. She wrote the song as a tribute to her late father Kenneth “Scat” Springs, a great singer in his own right who passed away last year. “My dad was a track star in college. But he spent the last two years of his life in a wheelchair. After he passed away, I was inspired to write this song, to tell him that I know that he is free now, to run like he used to.” The resulting song is the most personal and heartfelt of Springs’ career, and a fitting centerpiece to her new album Run Your Race, which she says is “absolutely the most personal record I’ve ever made, or ever will make “

Join our Home-School Science Club and experience nature like never before! Through multimedia presentations, discussions, stories, hikes, and hands-on activities, children will explore a variety of nature science topics. Our naturalists tailor the topics, and you can even request specific ones to suit your homeschool needs by calling or emailing us at clearwaternaturecenter@pgparks.com.

The program is held at Clearwater Nature Center (301-297-4575). All children must be registered individually in advance through ParksDirect. Please note, the program will be canceled if there are insufficient registrations by the end of the day before the program.

Get ready for an exciting adventure in nature! 🌿📚✨

For children ages 9-14. The registration button will take you to Parks Direct. If a listed date is not yet available for registration, then check Parks Direct at a later time.

Upcoming Dates:

• March 7, 2025 from 1 – 2:30 pm

• April 4, 2025 from 1 – 2:30 pm

• May 2, 2025 from 1 – 2:30 pm

Members of the National Symphony Orchestra play an assortment of chamber music.

Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 40+ years. During his storied career, he’s written and recorded over 36 No. 1 songs, been bestowed with three GRAMMY®Awards, 45+ Dove Awards, one American Music Award, been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and has sold more than 15 million albums. More than just an outstanding songwriter and performer, Smith has given back to the global community throughout his career. He has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa, started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope, and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International.

With the American Contemporary Music Ensemble performing The Blue Notebooks and In A Landscape

Max Richter is one of the most acclaimed composers of his time. His fusion of classical technique and electronic technology, heard across genre-defying solo albums and countless scores for film, dance, art, and fashion, has won him legions of fans around the world and blazed a trail for a generation of musicians. 

Please note: the NSO does not perform on this program.

Festival: May 3

Get a taste of DC’s global food and drink at the second annual International City Food Festival complementing the first weekend of Passport DC. The three-day event will include celebrations aimed at making culinary diplomacy accessible — with free admission — to all ages. The festival offers a timely launch point to travel the globe and understand other cultures, all in the heart of DC.

In this hour-and-a-half workshop, poet and yoga educator Yael Flusberg will guide students through breath work, poses, mindfulness techniques, and writing exercises to connect with their bodies, minds, and spirits. Bring a yoga mat, pen, and your favorite notebook. Wear comfortable clothing.

Join Marietta House Museum for our annual Community Day to celebrate and connect with the people and past that make Prince George’s County like no other.

Free activities include:

Curator Karen Holl talk on “Black Horsemen: Stronger Horse, Stronger Nation”, Poetry reading by Marcia E. Coles, Crafts for kids, Archaeological interactives, FREE professional portraits, Clearwater Nature Center Pop-up, Quilting Demos by the Uruhu Quilters Guild, Guided museum tours, Shopping at the Farmers’ Market

Dinosaur Park hosts free open house days every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month! Explore the grounds where dinosaur bones have been discovered! Learn about fossils and recent dinosaur bone findings.

Come celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities! Enjoy an afternoon of lively music, captivating dance performances, creative crafts, and delicious bites. Discover the beauty of AAPI traditions through hands-on activities, performances, and the chance to connect with local artists and performers. This vibrant event offers something for everyone – a perfect opportunity to experience the diversity, creativity, and spirit of AAPI culture!

You don’t need to be Dr. Dolittle to speak to the animals! Meet the nature center’s live animals including reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey! Interacting with animals can boost your mood and promote mental wellness. Learn more about them and their natural habitats. Our animal friends look forward to greeting you.

The registration button will take you to Parks Direct. If a listed date is not yet available for registration, then check Parks Direct at a later time.

Upcoming Dates:

• March 2, 2025 from 1 pm – 1:45 pm

• May 3, 2025 , 2025 from 1 pm – 1:45 pm

• June 7, 2025 from 1 pm – 1:45 pm

• July 6, 2025 from 1 pm – 1:45 pm

• August 16, 2025 from 1 pm – 1:45 pm

The Wharf celebrates Cinco de Mayo with this too-cute-to-be-true chihuahua race. Watch the little pups run their way to glory at one of the most exciting places in DC. You’ll also be able to enjoy a beer garden, a DJ, an adoptable pet parade and an all-breed costume contest.

History. The first party at the all-new Plaza Stage @ Nationals Park! We are so proud to present the DMV’s Authentic Multicultural Experience at our home team’s baseball stadium this May 3rd. Come enjoy DC’s best Day Party at Nats Park with music from Central & South America, The Caribbean, Africa, and DC/Maryland/Virginia..

DJ sets by Pedro Night. Hosted by Waltero.

For ages 21+

The Kennedy Center is proud to be a managing partner of the the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. We are proud to present The Duke Ellington Instrumental Music Department Honors Senior Recitals!

Featuring:

Elias Kurtz-Papadopoulos

Kidus Yohannes

These dynamic musicians will be performing works from Beethoven, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Bach, and Debussy.

You don’t want to miss these two days of outstanding performances on May 3 and May 24.

Grammy-winning artist Allison Russell is a weaver of stories and tales through the medium of music. Since the release of her first solo album three years ago, the self-taught singer, songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist has redefined what artistry means in the 21st century. From her devastatingly moving celebration of survivors' joy through Outside Child to the body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of Black liberation that is The Returner, Russell’s music exceeds all reasonable (and unreasonable) expectations and affirms her place among today’s most vital artists.

“LA-based vocal powerhouse Lady Blackbird has a new album on the way at long last,” declared KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic. “Entitled Slang Spirituals…the record promises to be a no-holds-barred collection of future gospel anthems which hold radical love, acceptance, and impermanence as their central tenets.”

Ramy Youssef is an award-winning Egyptian American creator, actor, producer, director, and comedian who brings his unique voice and perspective to his storytelling. Youssef created, produces, directs and stars in the hit Hulu show “Ramy,” inspired by his own experiences centering around a first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim on a spiritual journey in his politically divided New Jersey neighborhood.

Devo is an American new wave band from Akron, Ohio, formed in 1973. Their classic line-up consisted of two sets of brothers, the Mothersbaughs and the Casales, along with Alan Myers. The band had a No. 14 Billboard chart hit in 1980 with the single "Whip It", the song that gave the band mainstream popularity (Wikipedia)

Looking for the heart of America? Take a closer look at American opera—where every note captures the joys, struggles, and dreams of our nation.

Join us as soprano Renée Fleming, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, and baritone Thomas Hampson led by conductor Marin Alsop take the stage to celebrate the heart and soul of American composers and their beloved works, weaving tales of struggle, triumph, and everything in between.

With works by Samuel Barber to Leonard Bernstein to Margaret Bonds and more, this concert is a lively homage to the music that captures the American spirit. The evening also features a solo piece from WNO’s forthcoming Treemonisha, played on the piano by composer Damien Sneed.

With this concert, WNO continues its commitment to celebrating opera’s past and building its future.

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes is one of the most successful stand-up comedians today with six comedy specials streaming on various platforms and selling out theaters across the world.  Her most recent special, Say I Won’t, debuted on YouTube with over 3.8M views. Anjelah published her first memoir titled, Who Do I Think I Am?: Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams, in March 2022.   Born and raised in San Jose, California, and of Mexican and Native American descent, Anjelah has guest starred on shows such as Life & Beth, Superstore, The Shield, Ugly Betty, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Her film roles include Enough Said, Our Family Wedding, and Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.   Most recently, Anjelah joined Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross in the Amazon Prime feature, Candy Cane Lane.  In February, she returns for the second season of the Hulu original series, Life & Beth, and will be the host of the Tubi original series, My Crazy Quince, which will be out in April.   

Ms. Lisa Fischer in concert is addictive. Every performance is so enriching, so exciting, so transcendent that you want more. With remarkable vocal range and vocabulary, Fischer can sing soul, jazz, rock, gospel, pop, folk and classical with equal facility and authority. She often mixes styles in the same song, sometimes in the same vocal line. Her approach tends to be intimate, artful and almost meditative, accompanied by her interpretive dancing, but she also can cut loose and funk with fierceness and rock with abandon.” – (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

The Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex serves the southernmost region of Prince George’s County with engaging, top-notch experiences for residents and visitors alike. As the first multi-generational recreation complex in the county, the arts programming follows suit by presenting arts events for all ages. Offerings include jazz, blues, R&B and oldies concerts, comedy, senior events, exhibits, children’s events, artist talks, and heritage events celebrating Native American History Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and much more. There’s an arts event for everyone at SAARC!

View the schedule of events.

La Manga is a cultural identity laboratory that is inspired by the spirit and ancestry of cultural manifestations from the Caribbean coast in Colombia, such as bullerengue, cumbia, and tambora.

Formed in 2021, the Hannah Marks Quartet features a group of edgy, young NYC-based jazz musicians: Hannah Marks as bassist and bandleader, Nathan Reising on alto saxophone, Lex Korten on piano, and Steven Crammer on drums.

For over 25 years, O.A.R. has embodied the kind of joyfully communal spirit that’s transcendent for both artist and audience alike. Since forming in Maryland in 1996, the multi-platinum-selling band have merged their musical DNA into a free-flowing sound and exhilarating live show, repeatedly selling out legendary venues like Madison Square Garden thanks to their massively devoted community of fans.

For O.A.R., the work of endlessly uplifting their followers is equal parts charmed responsibility and immense privilege—a dynamic that singer/guitarist, Marc Roberge considers essential to the band’s remarkable longevity.

Countess Luann de Lesseps is an original cast member of one of the most successful franchises in television history, The Real Housewives of New York City. She was ranked the #1 Housewife by TV Guide, topping all 46 Housewives across all franchised cities, and starred in The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, a spin-off featuring top talent from across The Real Housewives franchises. 

With a career spanning decades, Dan Navarro is perhaps best known as a songwriter for artists as diverse as Jackson Browne, Keb’ Mo’, and Pat Benatar (Grammy-nominated classic “We Belong”). A multi-talented performer, Dan is a singer, a songwriter, and a voice actor in TV, commercials, and major motion pictures, including Disney’s Encanto.

Dan’s songs are rich with insight and life experience, delivered in his moving and expressive baritone voice with honesty, grace, and heart. Having released more than a dozen albums with his former acoustic duo Lowen & Navarro, Dan released his first solo album, Shed My Skin, in 2019. Horizon Line, his most recent album, was produced by multiple Grammy-winner Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Wilco, Dixie Chicks, and first five Lowen & Navarro albums).

Dan Navarro’s music probes life at its most resonant. His songs are soulful tales from a long road well-traveled. He’s the proud father of a filmmaker son and believes art is food, music is love, and sleep is for babies.

Thee Phantom combines the energy and passion of hip-hop, with the beautiful, sweeping sounds of live orchestration.

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.

Event dates: Apr 12 & 26, May 10 & 24.

Explore the lawn games of bygone days! These time-tested classics will bring lots of laughs and result in many high-fives. Each game will offer a different physical challenge that will delight athletes and non-athletes alike.

Mary Lou Williams became one of the most influential pianists and composers in jazz history, whose work encompassed all eras and styles of jazz. Poet Fabu Phillis Carter and pianist Jane Reynolds share her story, from child prodigy to the “first lady of jazz.”

Part of the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival

BoDeans is an American rock band formed in Waukesha, Wisconsin who came to prominence in the 1980s. The band's sound encompasses multiple rock genres, including roots rock, heartland rock, and alternative rock.

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.

Having set two Guinness World Records with his previous sell-outWorld Tour,Professor Brian Cox is back in the U.S.with his sell-out tour HORIZONS. Horizons has taken over 250,000 people across three continents on a dazzling journey; a story of how we came to be and what we can become. Using state of the art screen technology, venues across the world from New Zealand to the Arctic Circle have been filled with images of far-away galaxies, alien worlds, supermassive black holes and the latest theories of the origin of the Universe. What is the nature of space and time? How did life begin, how rare might it be and what is the significance of life in the Cosmos?What does it mean to live a small, finite life in a vast, eternal Universe?Having travelled the world, it’s now time to bring Horizons back home to the UK for a final journey around our magnificent and baffling Universe. Horizons is a celebration of our civilization, of our music, art, philosophy and science; an optimistic vision of our future if we continue to explore Nature with humility and to value ourselves and our fellow human beings. 

Recommended for ages 16+

Comprising titled musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, this acclaimed ensemble presents chamber music classics.

For decades, Frankie Beverly and Maze have been the soundtrack to our lives. Their music, a timeless blend of soulful grooves, uplifting messages, and undeniable funk, has carried us through "Joy and Pain," given us "Happy Feelin's," and reminded us that "We Are One." But as one chapter closes, another begins.

Though the iconic Frankie Beverly has taken his well-deserved final bow, the music must live on.  And that's where ATOM comes in.

We are more than just a band; we are a continuation of a legacy.  We are a group of dedicated musicians, singers, and performers, united by a shared love for the music that has shaped our lives. We've poured over every note, every lyric, every soaring vocal, capturing the essence of Maze and channeling it into a fresh, vibrant experience.

Peter Cat Recording Co. was formed in 2010. Imagined as a radio station from the near future or a vinyl from the distant past, their true identity transcends any single genre or classification. The music speaks for itself, and each song lives in its own universe.

Having built a loyal fan base worldwide with their critically acclaimed albums, Portrait of a Time and Bismillah, they have performed across multiple continents, with groundbreaking sold-out tours in North America, U.K., Europe, Australia & India.

AC/DC, the legendary rock icons with 22 studio albums and over 200 million records sold worldwide, have electrified fans for decades with timeless hits like Back in Black, Highway to Hell, and Thunderstruck. AC/DC brings the POWER UP TOUR to Northwest Stadium on May 12, 2025!

Living Colour is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1984. Stylistically, the band's music is a creative fusion influenced by heavy metal, jazz, funk and hip-hop. Their lyrics range from the personal to the political, in some of the latter cases attacking Eurocentrism and racism in America.

Diving in Deep with Sara Evans is a head-first plunge into the life of a true country music visionary. Come along with us as Sara makes sense of the world and how she fits in it.

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.

The Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC) Music Department is proud to showcase its comprehensive arts programming featuring performances by our middle school choir, flamenco ensemble, honors instrumental ensemble, high school orchestra, and jazz ensemble.

Known for her crossover mix of smooth jazz, fusion, and new age music, Japan's Keiko Matsui is an internationally acclaimed pianist and composer.

Formed by lead vocalists and songwriters Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, acclaimed indie band Lucius is best known for their sinuous harmonies and highly-original, pop-noir musical artistry. The group, which includes multi-instrumentalists Peter Lalish and Dan Molad, have released three albums, and toured the globe, cultivating a passionate following for their ingenious art-pop creations and exhilarating live performances. The gifted melodicists and songwriters bring a startling level of musicianship to Lucius — which is evident in the astounding talent they’ve collaborated with over the course of their prolific 16-year career.

Dinosaur Park hosts free open house days every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month! Explore the grounds where dinosaur bones have been discovered! Learn about fossils and recent dinosaur bone findings.

Guitarist and composer Hasan Imam Hamdani leads a dynamic ensemble in an evening of original works that explore the intersection of global music traditions. Featuring a string quartet performing arrangement by Spanish composer Daniel Osiewala and sitar virtuoso Snehesh Nag, this performance celebrates the power of cross-cultural collaboration.  

Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups in the comedy world. A relative latecomer to the scene, Pat began stand up at the age of 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of 3 young children, Pat’s appeal stems from his quick wit & relatable take on family life & marriage.

Reimagined: Celebrating 20 Years

Join us at the iconic Lincoln Theatre on May 17th for an unforgettable night celebrating our 20th anniversary through dance.

Following her debut with The Philadelphia Orchestra at age 16, Indonesian pianist Janice Carissa has embarked on a whirlwind career, garnering praise at renowned concert halls and performing alongside some of the most distinguished musicians of today.

Norman Brown (born December 18, 1970) is an American smooth jazz guitarist and singer. (Wikipedia)

Widely regarded as one of the major music influences of our generation, Emmy-nominated composer and singer-songwriter Ben Folds joins the Howard County Youth Orchestra for a special live performance of songs from Folds’ enormous body of genre-bending work. Having performed with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras over the last two decades, Folds currently serves as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra, and he is a dedicated advocate for arts education. His performance with HCYO is one-night-only, and promises to be an unforgettable experience!

Father Mike Schmitz is the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth as well as the Chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The Duluth Newman Center focuses on being fed through the Sacraments as well as study and knowledge of the Church and has thrived under his humble and Spirit-filled guidance. He has preached to thousands locally and nationally. He is the host of the widely popular podcasts, “Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year” produced by Ascension. Father Mike also offers weekly homilies on iTunes, Hallow, and bulldogCatholic.org and has appeared in programs for youth and young adults through Ascension Press, as well as through regular short video messages on Ascension Presents.

Active service members and veterans of all eras are invited to join this free, monthly small group reading and discussion dinner series centered around books which relate to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective. Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and presented locally in partnership with Montpelier Arts Center. Discussions are led by Dr. Karen Arnold, former poet-in-residence at the Arts Center and discussion moderator for multiple literature groups in Baltimore. Dinner and reading materials are provided. Call 301-377-7800 for more information and to register.

Five For Fighting (aka John Ondrasik) kicks off a series of special string quartet shows. Ondrasik brings top musicians, including String Quartet and Lace & Lee.

The unique nature of the shows allows Ondrasik to go behind the music and tell stories while the format allows for a deeper dive into the catalog, while there is always a surprise or two in store. Lace & Lee, who opened some dates on last year’s string quartet tour will be this years’ opening act. The folk rock duo of Caroline Lace and Olivia Lee, features ethereal vocals heavily influenced by the mystical wisdom of ’60s and ’70s storytelling with a twist of humor and bard-like prose.

Jay Shetty is a global bestselling author, award-winning podcast host of On Purpose, Chief Purpose Officer of Calm, purpose-driven entrepreneur, and former monk who has made an indelible impact on hearts and minds worldwide. With an astounding following of over 50 million across social media platforms, Jay Shetty possesses a talent for making purpose and ancient wisdom not only relatable but also practical and easily accessible. His journey of transformation and inspiration has touched the lives of millions across the globe.

This concert takes the audience on an emotional ride through love, ambition, heartbreak, and resilience. Each song represents a different facet of the human experience—whether it’s the excitement of new love, the pain of loss, or the triumph of self-discovery.

Performances: 7 pm & 9:30 pm

A rising comedy star arrives for one night only! Vanessa Gonzalez was recently named in Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch list. You might recognize her as the incredible opening act for Chelsea Handler’s 2023 Kennedy Center show—now see more jokes from this acclaimed comedian!

Please note: Recommended for mature audiences.

As any R&B enthusiast will attest, the name Gerald Alston has always been synonymous with soul, elegance and sophistication. The one voice you never get tired of.

Alston took over as the lead singer of The Manhattans in 1970. The group enjoyed enormous success in the 70s and 80s. Their 1976 single “Kiss and Say Goodbye” was both a number one R&B and Pop hit. The Manhattans won a Grammy in 1980 for the big hit “Shining Star”.

Alston is looking forward to a continued singing career and bringing joy, happiness and heart felt soul to his many fans around the world.

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.

Event dates: Apr 12 & 26, May 10 & 24.

Explore the lawn games of bygone days! These time-tested classics will bring lots of laughs and result in many high-fives. Each game will offer a different physical challenge that will delight athletes and non-athletes alike.

The Kennedy Center is proud to be a managing partner of the the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. We are proud to present The Duke Ellington Instrumental Music Department Honors Senior Recitals!

Featuring:

Elias Kurtz-Papadopoulos

Kidus Yohannes

These dynamic musicians will be performing works from Beethoven, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Bach, and Debussy.

You don’t want to miss these two days of outstanding performances on May 3 and May 24.

"How Sweet The Sound" is a national gospel music competition tour that celebrates the sound of gospel music across American communities.

Chrisette Michele Payne is an American R&B and soul singer. She won a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2009 for her song "Be OK". (Wikipedia)

The highly anticipated release of Passage Du Desir in 2024 marked the beginning of a new era for Johnny Blue Skies – after promising to release only five studio albums under the name Sturgill Simpson. The album has received the most glowing reviews of Simpson's already widely lauded career—including from Rolling Stone who calls the album "brilliant" and GQ who describes it as an "instant classic"—and was produced by Johnny Blue Skies and David Ferguson and recorded at Clement House Recording Studio in Nashville, TN and Abbey Road Studios in London, England.

Music Celebrations International partners with the Capital Wind Symphony and the American Veteran’s Center to present the 15th Annual Memorial Day Choral Festival.

Free Concert, Tickets Required

Corinne Jacqueline Bailey Rae is a British singer and songwriter. She is best known for her 2006 single "Put Your Records On". Bailey Rae was named the number-one predicted breakthrough act of 2006 in an annual BBC poll of music critics, Sound of 2006. (Wikipedia)

Wide-ranging in its themes, Black Rainbows' (her latest album) subjects are drawn from encounters with objects in the Arts Bank. Taking us from the rock-hewn churches of Ethiopia, to the journeys of Black Pioneers Westward, from Miss New York Transit 1957, to how the sunset appears from Harriet Jacobs' loophole. Black Rainbows explores Black femininity, Spell Work, Inner Space/Outer Space, time collapse, and ancestors, the erasure of Black childhood, and music as a vessel for transcendence.

Minty Fresh Circus is a U.S.-based circus show celebrating the healing power of Black music and movement in a time-bending journey of redemption.

Founded in 2013 at the Mozarteum University Salzburg, the accio piano trio has been making music together for more than a decade, performing in Austria, Europe, and Asia.

Breathe in, breathe out! Relax and find your center at a yoga class featuring live jazz music, held in Montpelier Arts Center’s Main Gallery. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.

Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the dynamic duo from TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?," take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show, Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble.    

Armed with their lightning-fast wits, Mochrie & Sherwood transform the audience’s suggestions into an unpredictable evening of non-stop comedy gold. No script? No problem! “Asking For Trouble” is a wild rollercoaster ride of hilarity, where two improv legends prove they are still the best in the business.

Ben Harper is one of the premiere songwriters of his generation. He is also one of the most versatile and brave songwriters, fearlessly working in a cross-section of genres, ranging from pop, reggae and soul, to blues, rock, funk and folk. He has recorded 18 studio albums and amassed a worldwide following having sold over 16 million records worldwide and 3 Grammy Awards.

Founded in Cleveland, Ohio, Mourning [A] BLKstar is an Afrofuturist collective dedicated to sharing songs and stories of America’s cultural paradox, melding live soul instrumentation and three harmonizing vocalists with hip-hop production—creating sonic frequencies to illuminate the African Diaspora.

The KaptureCon 2025 Concert will feature live performances from K-pop artists, a night of music and energy.

Lineup: Hohyun, Blackswan, Ampers&One

Over the past three decades, saxophonist, Walter Beasley, has artfully and dynamically redefined the phrase “musical Renaissance Man” for the modern generation. Considered by fans and critics alike as the “heir to Grover Washington, Jr.’s Throne,” Beasley is the acclaimed saxophonist, vocalist, educator, and entrepreneur of the decade. As the highest selling full-time Professor / Recording Artist in history, the Boston-based musician has long mastered an exhilarating high wire act of balancing a successful career as a contemporary jazz recording artist and performer with an equally thriving presence in the field of music education.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Dave Matthews Band is one of the most influential bands in rock history. In 1991, vocalist/guitarist Dave Matthews decided to put some songs he had written on tape and sought the assistance of drummer Carter Beauford and saxophonist LeRoi Moore, who were both accomplished jazz musicians in the local Charlottesville, VA music scene. 16-year-old bassist Stefan Lessard came on board shortly thereafter. Their infectious, distinctive sound garnered lots of early attention and a die-hard loyal fan base, catapulting the band into one of the most successful touring acts of the past three decades.  The band has sold more than 25 million tickets since its inception, making them the second largest ticket-seller in history.

The Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is the seventh ongoing concert tour by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, in support of her twelfth studio album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (2024).

The New York Times says “Stanley Clarke’s prolific output can soothe you with a gentle bow of the bass… or launch you into an interplanetary future. His playing holds a reckless abandon, clarity, and facility rarely heard on the low end.” Witness the NEA Jazz Master and five-time Grammy winner on tour celebrating his jazz-fusion legacy and the music that made him a major star. Joining Clarke, 4EVER’s young band members bring a sensational combination of harmony and fierce improvisation encompassing rock, funk, R&B, hip hop, and

The Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex serves the southernmost region of Prince George’s County with engaging, top-notch experiences for residents and visitors alike. As the first multi-generational recreation complex in the county, the arts programming follows suit by presenting arts events for all ages. Offerings include jazz, blues, R&B and oldies concerts, comedy, senior events, exhibits, children’s events, artist talks, and heritage events celebrating Native American History Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and much more. There’s an arts event for everyone at SAARC!

View the schedule of events.

Dinosaur Park hosts free open house days every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month! Explore the grounds where dinosaur bones have been discovered! Learn about fossils and recent dinosaur bone findings.

You don’t need to be Dr. Dolittle to speak to the animals! Meet the nature center’s live animals including reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey! Interacting with animals can boost your mood and promote mental wellness. Learn more about them and their natural habitats. Our animal friends look forward to greeting you.

The registration button will take you to Parks Direct. If a listed date is not yet available for registration, then check Parks Direct at a later time.

Upcoming Dates:

• March 2, 2025 from 1 pm – 1:45 pm

• May 3, 2025 , 2025 from 1 pm – 1:45 pm

• June 7, 2025 from 1 pm – 1:45 pm

• July 6, 2025 from 1 pm – 1:45 pm

• August 16, 2025 from 1 pm – 1:45 pm