Arts Focus

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This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Get ready to dance in the streets — Music by the Metro: Clarendon Concert Series is back for spring 2025.

This free outdoor concert series takes place every Thursday evening in May at 6:00 p.m. at Clarendon Metro Park, located at 3100 Wilson Blvd. Presented by the Clarendon Alliance, the series is co-sponsored by Comcast and Arlington Arts.

The curatorial collaboration between Arlington Arts and the Clarendon Alliance is one of many partnerships between Arlington Cultural Affairs and community groups, associations and business improvement districts. From the Lubber Run Amphitheater Summer Concert Series to the Columbia Pike Blues Festival and the Rosslyn Jazz Festival, the artists you see on stage are curated and supported by Arlington Arts.

Here’s what’s in store for this season’s lineup:

Zedicus
Thursday, May 1
Zedicus brings a high-energy blend of world music, reggae and jam band grooves. Based in the Washington, D.C. area, the band’s sound defies borders, fusing reggae, rock, alternative and global influences into an infectious and vibrant experience.

Mama Moon and the Rump Shakers
Thursday, May 8
A six-piece blues fusion ensemble from D.C., Mama Moon and the Rump Shakers have been shaking up the scene since 2021. Led by the barefoot blues sensation Mama Moon, the band delivers soulful performances full of flair, personality and reverence for blues traditions.

Kiti Gartner and the Drifting Valentines
Thursday, May 15
With a sound rooted in western swing, rockabilly and classic country, Kiti Gartner and the Drifting Valentines channel the spirit of 1940s Nashville, Sun Records and Bakersfield. The D.C.-based group brings nostalgia and rhythm to every performance.

Veronneau
Thursday, May 22
Led by Québécoise vocalist Lynn Veronneau and UK guitarist Ken Avis, Veronneau’s music blends bossa nova, French chanson and swing, sung in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish. The internationally recognized group has three Top 10 charting albums, and more than a million Spotify streams.

A rain date is reserved for Thursday, May 29. For full event details, visit the official Music by the Metro page.

About Arlington Cultural Affairs

Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development, delivers public activities and programs that foster a creative environment, encourage collaboration and reflect the diverse voices of the community. To learn more about upcoming events, public art and artist opportunities, visit arts.arlingtonva.us.

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This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Genealogy has become a national pastime — fueled by online tools like Ancestry.com and shows like “Finding Your Roots.” Now, Arlingtonians can dive into their own family history in a creative, hands-on way.

The Arlington Art Truck returns this spring with its first activation: HAND LETTERING A FAMILY TREE, led by Arlington-based calligrapher Felicia Brice McFail. This interactive experience blends art, history, and storytelling — inviting you to explore your roots while learning the basics of calligraphy.

Choose from beautifully illustrated family tree templates by Arlington artists Melanie Kehoss and Christiann MacAuley. Add in your family name(s) using your handwriting or our beginner-friendly calligraphy guide. As the final touch, Felicia will hand-letter your family name at the top, transforming your piece into a personalized work of art.

Arlington Public Library is the community partner for this activation. Library staff will be onsite to introduce you to the Charlie Clark Center for Local History and demonstrate how to access free genealogical tools at the library. Need a library card? You can sign up on-site.

Upcoming Art Truck Activations:

*Update — the Green Valley Farmers Market is cancelled for Friday, April 11 due to inclement weather*

• Friday, April 11 | 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  Green Valley Farmers Market
  John Robinson Town Square, 2406 Shirlington Road

• Sunday, April 13 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  Columbia Pike Farmers Market
  2820 Columbia Pike

• Saturday, April 19 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  Arlington Farmers Market
  N. Uhle and 14th Street N., Courthouse Metro

The Arlington Art Truck will be popping up across the county through May 17, helping neighbors connect with their personal histories — and each other — through art and storytelling.

For updates and the full schedule, visit the Arlington Art Truck page on our website and follow along on Instagram.

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This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Many classic films originated on the stage — from William Inge’s “Picnic” and Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” to Jerome Robbins’ “West Side Story.” But the opposite is true for Synetic Theater’s new production of “The Immigrant”, running through March 23 at Arlington’s Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre.

Directed by Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, this new project is based on the classic 1918 silent comedy starring and produced by Charlie Chaplin. Centered on Chaplin’s iconic Little Tramp, it follows a newly arrived immigrant navigating the trials, adventures, mishaps, and high hopes of the American immigrant journey at the turn of the 20th century.

As a theater founded, led, and shaped by immigrant artists, Synetic sees this as the perfect opportunity to adapt, expand, and reimagine the story. With its signature blend of physical comedy, innovation, and heart, the company brings a fresh perspective to this cinematic classic.

“Our production goes beyond an adaptation of the 1917 film The Immigrant. It’s a theatrical love letter to Chaplin’s artistry, struggles, and humanity — a story of hope, disillusionment, and resilience, told through his signature lens of tragicomedy,” says Synetic’s artistic director Paata Tsikurishvili. “And in many ways, it feels like we are telling our own story. Like Chaplin’s immigrant, we arrived in a new country, faced uncertainty, and built something from nothing. His journey mirrors our own, making this production not just a tribute, but something deeply personal.”

Founded in 2001 by Georgian immigrants Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, Synetic Theater has redefined storytelling in the Washington, D.C., area. The duo, who emigrated from Georgia in 1995, blends dance, theater, and film with Caucasus traditions and distinctly American styles. Their work has earned more than 100 Helen Hayes Award nominations, accolades from the American Theatre Wing, and the title of “Washingtonians of the Year” from “Washingtonian” magazine.

This production is presented with support from Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development, which delivers public activities and programs as Arlington Arts. Our mission is to create, support, and promote the arts, connecting artists and community to reflect the diversity of Arlington. For an array of activities across the visual and performing arts, please visit the Arlington Arts webpage.

Arlington audiences will have the first opportunity to see “The Immigrant,” which runs through March 23 at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 South Old Glebe Road, in Arlington, Virginia.

A second staging will occur April 11–27 at Theater J in Washington, D.C. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Synetic Theater’s website.

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This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

The arts have long been a driving force behind vibrant and thriving commercial corridors. From captivating galleries and dynamic performances to inspiring public art, these creative experiences draw crowds that fill cafés, boutiques and restaurants with energy and life.

Now, Arlington Arts and the Arlington Commission for the Arts are launching an exciting new Creative Placemaking Grant, offering funding for two standout arts and culture projects designed to ignite creativity and attract people to Arlington’s commercial districts.

Two (2) $50,000 grants will be awarded to foster meaningful interactions among residents, workers and visitors.

By creating or activating spaces for shared arts and cultural experiences, these projects will deepen community connections, instill a sense of belonging and pride in Arlington, and strengthen the local arts ecosystem. They should promote cross-cultural engagement, cultivate an inclusive environment for all, and prioritize youth well-being.

Successful grant proposals may include the following:

• Temporary public art installation project
• Arts and cultural programming, events or festivals in outdoor spaces
• Adaptive reuse of vacant commercial space for the arts-based uses

The grant’s impact should extend beyond the arts, fueling Arlington County’s economic vitality by drawing visitors, boosting foot traffic and driving sales for local businesses. It will also generate direct investments in the creative economy, supporting local artists and arts-based organizations.

To amplify its reach, the program encourages applicants to forge dynamic partnerships with individual artists, arts organizations, nonprofits, higher education institutions, Arlington’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Neighborhood Partnership Organizations.

About the Arlington Arts Grants Program

The Arlington Commission for the Arts administers the grants program for Arlington County artists as well as arts and cultural organizations. The Arlington County Policy for the Support of Arts Organizations and Artists (as approved by the Arlington County Board in 1990) describes eligibility for the program, application procedures and criteria for evaluation.

The Arlington Arts Grants Program is one of the important ways Arlington addresses investment in our arts infrastructure. Those applying for funding should consider the ways in which their work helps to further the vision and values of Enriching Lives: Arlington Arts and Cultural Strategy.

Enriching Lives also aligns with the following goals set forth in the Policy for the Support of Arts Organizations and Artists:

• To create a climate within the County that is conducive to the growth and development of Arlington’s artists and arts organizations through public and private support.
• To foster the development of excellence and diversity in the arts, ensuring that a varied program of cultural activities is available to satisfy the interests of Arlington’s citizens.
• To guarantee to all Arlington artists and arts organizations an open and fair policy which assures equal access to County arts resources.
• To encourage development of public/private partnerships in support of the arts.

Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of the Arlington County Government’s Arlington Economic Development (AED), department. Our mission is to create, support and promote the arts, connecting artists and community to reflect the diversity of Arlington. We do this by providing material support to artists and arts organizations in the form of grants, facilities and theater technology; integrating award-winning public art into our built environment; and presenting high quality performing, literary, visual and new media programs across the County.

Two (2) $50,000 grants will be awarded. Application closes on March 21. For detailed information about the grant, the guidelines and how to apply, visit the Arlington Arts grants webpage.

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This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington’s visual arts scene is thriving, with a growing array of galleries, maker spaces and museums showcasing diverse and thought-provoking works. From sculptural movement pieces and historical photography to a tribute to a pioneering fashion designer, local exhibitions reflect Arlington’s dynamic arts landscape.

Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington County’s Arlington Economic Development Department, delivers unparalleled public arts programming for Arlingtonians, visitors and beyond. Our mission is to create, support and promote the arts, connecting artists and the community to reflect Arlington’s diversity.

Current Exhibitions

Nothing Personal: A Collaboration in Black and White 

January 31-May 3 | Mason Exhibitions Arlington | Virginia Square

This exhibition explores Nothing Personal (1964), a book collaboration between writer and Civil Rights activist James Baldwin and photographer Richard Avedon. The work juxtaposes celebrity culture with capitalism and racism’s corrosive effects.

Patrick Kelly: Nothing is Impossible 

Now through March 8 | Cody Gallery | Virginia Square

This exhibition celebrates Patrick Kelly, the late 1980s designer known for joyful, boundary-pushing fashion. Dubbed the “male Black Lucille Ball,” Kelly infused humor and playfulness into his work. The Cody Gallery presents more than 20 of his creations, courtesy of the Shaw-Holmes Collection.

Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington: Come Together in Movement and Light

Wednesday, February 12 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Innovation Studio + Store | National Landing

During her residency, Negar Ahkami will develop Y’All Go Rhythm!, an interactive installation inspired by Persian architectural patterns and the exuberant dance traditions of Iranian-American gatherings. Visitors are invited to move and dance within the space.

Bennie Herron: All of the Pieces Are Women 

Through March 1 | Fred Schnider Gallery | Virginia Square

Poet, painter and social advocate Bennie Herron explores identity and emotion through bold, fractured busts in his latest work. His paintings serve as an extension of his poetry, reflecting on the paradoxes of existence.

Explore Arlington’s galleries and experience the power of visual storytelling. For a full calendar of visual and performing arts events, visit arlingtonarts.org.

This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Each year, Arlington comes together to honor the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a heartfelt tribute that celebrates his enduring impact.

The 2025 MLK Tribute, themed “Dreams, Faith, and Justice in Action,” continues this meaningful tradition with an inspiring program on Sunday, January 19 at Wakefield High School.

This year’s production showcases performances by an array of regional musicians, dancers, actors and spoken word artists, while also highlighting local organizations that live out the importance of Dr. King’s work right here in Arlington.

Arlington Arts has long provided both technical and programming assistance to support this beloved community tradition. This year’s performers include WAMMIE-winning R&B vocalist Carly Harvey, who is familiar to Arlingtonians, thanks to the Summer Concerts at Lubber Run Amphitheater and the Columbia Pike Blues Fest, as well as Encore Stage & Studio.

Also joining the performance are Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music. Renowned for their work across gospel and secular music, the group has performed at prestigious venues such as the White House, the Washington National Cathedral, the Kennedy Center, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial dedication on the National Mall. The event will also feature lyrical dancer Trinity Mayes, tap dancer Christian Bean, the Patterson Elementary School Choir and the Gunston Middle School Step Team.

Additionally, the program will highlight local organizations that exemplify Dr. King’s principles of equality, justice, and service, showcasing how his vision is realized daily in Arlington. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) to support the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) and community members in need.

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we reflect, celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to Dr. King’s dream.

Join Arlington County as our community honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 2025 MLK Tribute event on Sunday, January 19, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Wakefield High School auditorium (1325 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington, VA 22206). For the full schedule and detailed information, click here.

Arlington Cultural Affairs is a division of Arlington Economic Development which delivers public activities and programs as Arlington Arts. Our mission is to create, support, and promote the arts, connecting artists and community to reflect the diversity of Arlington. For an array of activities across the visual and performing arts, please visit our website at arlingtonarts.org .

This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Looking for a family-friendly outing this holiday season?

Synetic Theater’s “Little Comedies” offers a delightful escape. Performed in an intimate black box setting, this reimagined version of Synetic’s beloved “The Music Box” features enchanting, wordless vignettes brought to life through pantomime, masks and choreography — all set to mesmerizing music.

Audiences of all ages will be captivated by imaginative tales, including a janitor and a businessperson whose lives are transformed by a magical mask and two cowboys in the Wild West hilariously attempting to wrangle a loose bull. This unique production blends physical theater, dance and mime to create an unforgettable journey through comedy and fantasy.

Synetic Theater, founded in 2001 by Georgian immigrants Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, has redefined storytelling in the Washington, D.C., area. The duo, who emigrated from Georgia in 1995, combines dance, theater and film with Caucasus traditions and distinctly American styles.

Synetic has earned more than 100 Helen Hayes Award nominations, accolades from the American Theatre Wing and the title of “Washingtonians of the Year” from “Washingtonian” magazine for its founders.

This production is presented with support from Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development which delivers public activities and programs as Arlington Arts. Our mission is to create, support, and promote the arts, connecting artists and community to reflect the diversity of Arlington. For an array of activities across the visual and performing arts, please visit our Winter Arts Highlights page.

Directed by Irina Tsikurishvili, “Little Comedies” runs December 20, 2024, through January 4, 2025 at Theatre on the Run, located at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Synetic Theater’s website.

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This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season?

The studio artists of Arlington’s LAC Studios will hold their Annual Holiday Fine Crafts Show and Sale on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the LAC Studios, 5722 Langston Boulevard in Arlington.

Shop local this holiday season and let Arlington’s extraordinary community of artists help you find that unique gift you’ve been looking for. The annual show and sale features ceramics, pottery and hand-pulled prints for sale by member-artists of LAC Studios (formerly Lee Arts Center), a program of the Arlington Cultural Affairs Division.

Participating artists include Amit Jalan, Cinda Berry, Claudia Vess, Cora Olson, Dana Lehrer Danze, Emily Shepardson, Gayle Weiss, J. S. Herbert, Julie Buyon, Laura J Fall, Nancy Quirolo, Susan Elliot, Susanne Seefeldt and other talented resident artists.

This is just one of the many opportunities to engage with Arlington’s arts and culture community this winter. For an array of activities across the visual and performing arts, please visit the Winter Arts Highlights page.

LAC Studios is a program of Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development which delivers public activities and programs as Arlington Arts. Our mission is to create, support, and promote the arts, connecting artists and community to reflect the diversity of Arlington.

We do this by: providing material support to artists and arts organizations in the form of grants, facilities and theater technology; integrating award-winning public art into our built environment; and presenting high quality performing, literary, visual and new media programs across the County.

For information on the Annual LAC Show and Sale, call LAC Studios at 703-228-0560 or visit arlingtonarts.org.

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This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

’Tis the season for gathering with family and friends!

If you’re looking for ways to entertain your guests or explore Arlington’s vibrant arts scene this holiday season, we’ve got you covered. With events running through December, Arlington’s Winter Arts Highlights offers a comprehensive guide to arts and cultural happenings across the county, ensuring you’ll find something for everyone.

Arlington, together with D.C. and Alexandria, ranks third among the most arts-vibrant communities in the U.S. as evaluated by the National Center for Arts Research’s Arts Vibrancy Index. This ranking assesses vibrancy by analyzing supply, demand, and government support for the arts across 900+ communities. Since the index’s debut in 2015, Arlington has remained a top-ranked community for the arts, bolstered by a creative mix of visual and performing artists.

This high ranking was achieved because of Arlington’s exceedingly talented and creative array of visual and performing artists.

This winter, their offerings include soulful cabaret evenings at the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre (through November 24); an opportunity to shop local at LAC Studios Holiday Show and Sale (December 7); holiday performances by The Arlington Philharmonic Brass Quintet (December 7-8; 14-15); Encore Stage & Studio’s staging of Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. (through November 24); Jane Franklin Dance’s performances of “December at TOTR” (December 14-15); and an Artist Talk and Tour of current exhibits at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (November 22).

This winter, Arlington’s vibrant cultural calendar includes unique events for all ages. Below are some featured highlights, with a full schedule available on the Arlington Arts’ Winter Arts Highlights page.

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This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of celebration and culture at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington on Friday, November 1, with an outdoor picnic in honor of Día de los Muertos. Set against the backdrop of crisp fall weather in Virginia Square, this family-friendly event promises art, music, performances, and delicious food for all ages.

Spread out your blanket and partake in activities like interactive art projects, live performances, and games of lotería. Savor the flavors of tacos and craft espresso drinks from local food trucks such as Little Miner Taco, Salteñas Camila and Rossana.

A cherished Arlington tradition, the event is co-sponsored by the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington and Arlington Arts, celebrating the Mexican holiday dedicated to remembering loved ones with joy and festivity. National Geographic notes, Día de los Muertos blends ancient Aztec rituals with Spanish customs brought to Mexico in the early 1500s, honoring the dead through colorful and lively celebrations.

Arlington-based artist David Amoroso will create a large-scale altar on the museum’s front portico. Attendees are invited to bring a photo of a deceased loved one to include in the ofrenda, making the altar a collective tribute.

The evening will be filled with music and dance, including a performance by Mariachi Los Amigos. Founded in 1978 by Dr. Daniel Sheehy, the ensemble has graced stages from the Kennedy Center to The White House. Dance enthusiasts will also be captivated by the folkloric Mexican dance group Los Quetzales, known for their vibrant performances over the past 25 years. Poetry readings by Bolivian artist Edith Graciela Sanabria will add a lyrical touch to the evening.

While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to take a selfie with the popular Reclining Liberty sculpture by Zaq Landsberg. This striking, 25-foot installation juxtaposes the Statue of Liberty with a traditional Buddhist reclining pose, encouraging reflection on the ideals the iconic statue represents. The installation, co-sponsored by Arlington Public Art and MoCA Arlington, has been extended through 2025.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (formerly Arlington Arts Center) has been a key collaborator with Arlington County Government for decades. Housed in the historic Clarendon School building, the museum is part of Arlington’s cultural legacy, operating under a long-term lease with the County. The building, designed in 1910 and renovated in 2004, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mark your calendar for this vibrant celebration! The Día de los Muertos event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 1, at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, 3550 Wilson Boulevard. Visit the Arlington Cultural Affairs website for more details and to explore Arlington’s exciting public art and cultural programs.

Don’t miss out — join us to honor tradition, celebrate culture, and experience the arts in Arlington!

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Ten talented student poets from Arlington Public Schools have been chosen as winners of the Moving Words Student Competition in 2024!

Out of 415 submissions from 266 students, these standout poems will soon be seen by thousands of Arlington commuters as they grace ART buses across the county from October 2024 through March 2025.  

Open to students of all ages, the competition invited submissions of short poems, 10 lines or fewer. Juror Simon Shieh handpicked the winners, whose poems will brighten the daily commutes with vibrant placards featured aboard local buses. The winning works will also be showcased on ArlingtonArts.org and archived on Arlington County’s CommuterPage.com.

This annual event, held each spring, is a collaboration between Arlington Cultural Affairs and the Arlington Public Schools Humanities Project, with support from Arlington Transit. The competition aligns with the Humanities Project’s Pick A Poet program, where professional poets visit APS classrooms to inspire students.

These visiting poets spark creativity, ignite intellectual curiosity, and encourage students to explore their own voices through poetry — culminating in the chance to be part of the Moving Words competition and have their work displayed all around the county.  

This is a celebration of local creativity and a unique way to make poetry a part of everyday life in Arlington! The main Moving Words Poetry Competition will be open for submissions during the month of November, with the winning poems installed from April through September. Bookmark the Moving Words page on the ArlingtonArts website and follow us on social media to get the latest updates!

Read the 2024 winning poems and honorable mentions.

2024 Moving Words Student Competition Winners 

• “A Deer in Spring” by Hattie Montague (2nd Grade, Montessori Public School of Arlington) 
• “Untitled” by Dhalia (5th Grade, Arlington Traditional School) 
• “Untitled” by Juliette Ponteuf Warner (2nd Grade, Glebe Elementary School) 
• “Untitled” by Lillian Brinkman (5th Grade, Arlington Traditional School) 
• “Untitled” by Jimmy Daley (8th Grade, Dorothy Hamm Middle School) 
• “Untitled” by Nina Jaeckel (8th Grade, Dorothy Hamm Middle School) 
• “please leave a message after the tone” by Blue (8th Grade, Dorothy Hamm Middle School) 
• “Untitled” by Ambika S. (8th Grade, Dorothy Hamm Middle School) 
• “For the postponed” by Julian Osmanov-Fitzgerald (12th Grade, Wakefield High School) 
• “Public Transit” by Samantha Phipps (10th Grade, Wakefield High School) 

2024 Moving Words Student Competition Honorable Mentions 

• “London” by Alina Ahmad (2nd Grade, Campbell Elementary School) 
• “Summer Stream” by Liana Mitchell (2nd Grade, Montessori Public School of Arlington) 
• “Untitled” by Lucas Young (8th Grade, Dorothy Hamm Middle School) 
• “Untitled” by Susannah Holt (8th Grade, Dorothy Hamm Middle School) 
• “Untitled” by Marwa Marhrim (8th Grade, Dorothy Hamm Middle School) 
• “Untitled” by Ella Schaufelberger (8th Grade, Dorothy Hamm Middle School) 
• “Untitled” by Kira Kettler (10th Grade, Washington-Liberty High School) 
• “Untitled” by Julian Osmanov-Fitzgerald (12th Grade, Wakefield High School) 
• “Untitled” by Mauro Fonseca Urrutia (10th Grade, Wakefield High School) 

About Juror Simon Shieh

Simon Shieh is a poet, writer, and educator, and the author of Master (Sarabande Books, 2023). His poems and essays are published in Poetry, American Poetry Review, Best New Poets, Guernica, and The Yale Review, among others, and have been recognized with a National Endowment for the Arts Literature fellowship and a Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Fellowship from the Poetry Foundation. 

About Arlington Cultural Affairs

Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development, delivers public activities and programs as Arlington Arts. The division’s mission is to create, support, and promote the arts, connecting artists and community to reflect the diversity of Arlington.

Cultural Affairs provides material support to artists and arts organizations in the form of grants, facilities and theater technology; integrates award-winning public art into the County’s built environment; and presents high-quality performing, literary, visual and new media programs across the County. 

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This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

A two-time Grammy Award winner, a 2024 Grammy nominee, and this year’s NPR Tiny Desk sensations are among the stars of the 32nd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest, taking place on Saturday, September 7 from 1-7 p.m. at Gateway Park, 1300 Langston Boulevard, in Arlington, Virginia.

globalFEST and Tiny Desk break-out stars El Laberinto Del Coco come directly from Puerto Rico with their unique blend of jazz improvisation with the insistent and irresistible Bomba rhythm. Led by former D.C.-based percussionist Hector Barez of Bio Ritmo, the band features Puerto Rico’s legendary trumpeter and vocalist Jerry Medina, known for his work with salsa icons such as Eddie Palmieri, Ismael Miranda, and Tito Puente.

“Laberinto De Coco makes tradition both fun and important,” says Felix Contreras, co-host of NPR Music’s Alt. Latino. “Your hips move while your soul is enriched with history and joy!”

The stellar lineup continues with New Orleans’ 2024 Grammy nominees, The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux, Jr. (formerly of the multi-Grammy nominated Cha Wa); the Gullah-jazz roots music of two-time Grammy winners Ranky Tank; and D.C. singer-songwriter Cecily. This diverse lineup of innovative heavy hitters will have you on your feet all day long! Read more about the artists below, and click here to sample the Spotify playlist.

Now in its 32nd year, Rosslyn Jazz Fest has become a staple in Arlington’s cultural calendar, attracting attendees from near and far. As Arlington’s largest free outdoor music festival, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience innovative artists who infuse inspiration from many cultures in an expression of the area’s diversity. The event is co-presented by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) and Arlington Arts.

Rosslyn Jazz Fest is FREE and registration is not required, but encouraged as there are capacity limits at Gateway Park. To register for Rosslyn Jazz Fest on Saturday, September 7, click here!

About the Artists

Cecily (1 p.m.)

D.C.-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily, (pronounced ses-suh-lee), is known for her agile soprano and honest lyrics. Her sound, as soothing as it is rich, is rooted in a deep appreciation for mid-century soul and jazz, 90s R&B, and re-imagined folk music. Her debut album Songs of Love and Freedom garnered her a 2019 Wammie Award for Best Soul Album and was named “Best New Soul on Bandcamp” by the Bandcamp editorial team, who described the project as “stirringly timeless and modern.”

Ranky Tanky (2:20 p.m.)

This two-time Grammy award-winning Charleston, SC-based quintet performs timeless music born from the Gullah culture of the southeastern Sea Islands. Their debut album was featured on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross and the TODAY Show. It also soared to the #1 position on the Billboard, Amazon and iTunes Jazz Charts. Playful game songs, ecstatic shouts and heartbreaking spirituals can all be found on their latest release Good Time, which also offers the group’s first original songs inspired by Gullah tradition.

The Rumble (3:45 p.m.)

This 2024 Grammy-nominated band (“Best Regional Roots Album”) was created in 2021 by seven members of the multi-Grammy-nominated band Cha Wa. After its mass exodus, the collective vowed to both preserve and further a musical vision that blends New Orleans culture from the past, present and future. Fronted by Second Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. of the legendary Golden Eagles Indian tribe, The Rumble boasts some of the next generation’s most prolific artists.

El Laberinto Del Coco (5:30 p.m.)

Fresh from their appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk, 2024 looks to be the year of El Laberinto del Coco — a dynamic Bomba Fusion band hailing from Puerto Rico with roots in Washington, D.C. Combining traditional Afro-Puerto Rican rhythms with contemporary genres, the band recently tore the roof off Lincoln Center as the explosive headliner for the prestigious annual globalFEST showcase in New York. “With their sprawling presentation and big, percussion driven sound […they] had the crowd in rapture,” exclaimed Afropop Worldwide magazine, calling them a “…fitting finale for what is now New York’s premier global music showcase.” Since their 2017 founding by former D.C. percussionist Hector Barez, El Laberinto del Coco has released a critically acclaimed self-titled album, an EP entitled El Laberinto del Coco Virtual, and six new singles. This fast-rising ensemble has captivated audiences at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage in Washington, D.C.; SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas; globalFEST at Lincoln Center; Drom NYC; and Chicago’s Summer Concert Series at Millennium Park, among others.