Northwood News ♦ February 2020
Family Music and Arts Calendar
By Carolyn Ross
February 8–March 22
Zomo The Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth
Imagination Stage (Bethesda), Saturdays and Sundays only, 1:30pm or 4:00pm
patrons.imaginationstage.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=6511
High-energy hip-hop adaptation of a Nigerian folktale (Helen Hayes-Nominated Outstanding Production-Theatre for Young Audiences), puts a local spin and lots of silly humor on the global tradition of trickster tales. Ages 4+.
February 14–April 5
The Snowy Day and Other Stories
Adventure Theater (Glen Echo), Morning and Afternoon Shows
my.adventuretheatre-mtc.org/overview/snowyday
Follow the character of Peter and his friend Archie around the neighborhood in four of Ezra Jack Keats’ beloved tales: The Snowy Day, Whistle for Willie, Goggles!, and A Letter to Amy.
February 15
John Henry the Guitar Playing Man’s President’s Day Celebration
Avalon Theatre (D.C.), 10:00am
www.theavalon.org/films/john-henry/
John Henry is known for performing music and movement programs for children of all ages. This interactive program will engage children as they dance and sing during this concert.
February 15
Obata Teen Arts Workshop
Smithsonian American Art Museum (D.C.), 1pm
americanart.si.edu/events/obata-teen-arts-workshop-February-15-2020
In this hands-on workshop, learn about teacher and modernist artist Chiura Obata, who, as a Japanese American, played an important role in creating a cross-cultural dialogue despite widespread prejudice against Asian Americans. Ages 12–16.
February 15–April 5
Thumbelina
Imagination Stage (Bethesda)
patrons.imaginationstage.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=6515
Adapted from the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Ages 4+.
February 16
American Ballet Theatre Family Workshop
Kennedy Center (D.C.), 11am
www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/ballet/2019-2020/family-dance-workshop-american-ballet-theatre/
Free. 45-minute workshop led by artists from ABT designed for families with children age 10 and under. The workshop explores music, movement, and/or themes of a ballet while taking families through learning simple ballet steps or choreography. Children must participate with an adult.
February 16
NSO Family Concert: Girl Power! Celebrating Women in Music
Kennedy Center (D.C.), 2pm/4pm
www.kennedy-center.org/nso/home/2019-2020/nso-fam-girl-power/
A special showcase of female composers, conductors, and performers to mark 100 years since the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. Ages 5+.
February 20–23
5th Annual Mother Tongue Film Festival
Smithsonian (Various venues in D.C.), FREE!
mothertongue.si.edu
The Festival celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity by showcasing films and filmmakers from around the world over four days of free screenings in D.C.
February 22
Mark Nitzer 4D
Black Rock Center for the Arts (Germantown)
www.blackrockcenter.org/event/mark-nizer-4d
This world-champion juggler uses lights, music, special effects and his own incredible skill to put on a dazzling performance with thrills and outrageous laughs.
February 22
Imagination Stage: Down by the Station
Avalon Theatre (D.C.), 10am
www.theavalon.org/films/imagination-stage
In this workshop, an Early Childhood Teaching Artist accompanied by a live percussionist guides you through a musical exploration of the classic children’s tale. Ages 1–5.
February 22–23
NSO for Young Audiences: Mozart Mash-Up
Kennedy Center (D.C.)
www.kennedy-center.org/nso/home/20 19-2020/mya-mozart-mash-up-69550
Share the magic and music of Mozart in a special family concert when members of the NSO play favorites from the prolific composer. Age 7+.
February 29
Wow in the World Pop-Up Party
Strathmore (Bethesda), 1pm/5pm
www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/wow-in-the-world
Sketches and games are inspired by topics from Wow in the World podcast with Mindy Thomas, and bring Wowzers from the audience on stage to be lab assistants and game show contestants.
February 29
Family Jam Session: Discover Folk Music with The Sweater Set
Strathmore Mansion (Bethesda), 10:15am
www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/saturday-family-jam-sessions
Raise your voice and sing! Maureen Andary and Sara Curtin of the soprano-alto duo “The Sweater Set” treat kids to a smorgasbord of sound with classic folk and original songs. Ages 4–8.
February 29–March 1
Family Theatre: Yao Yao
Kennedy Center (D.C.), Morning and Afternoon shows
www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/young-audiences/ 2019-2020/YAO-YAO_69366/
Yao accidentally pulls a thread that leads to a magical world blending reality and imagination. South Korea’s Brush Theatre uses interactive screen technology and live music to capture the whimsical adventure that follows. Ages 3–7. [Sat., Feb.. 29 at 11 a.m. is a sensory-friendly performance.]
March 1
Family Series: Hot Peas ’n’ Butter
George Mason University Center for the Arts (Fairfax), 1pm and 4pm
cfa.calendar.gmu.edu/hot-peas-39-n-butter
Family music ensemble blends traditional Latin music, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz, bluegrass, country, and rock. Ages 2–6.
March 7–8
NSO Music for Young Audiences: 1-2-3 Andrés
Kennedy Center (D.C.), Morning and Afternoon
culturecapital.com/event/71213/nso-music-for-young-audiences-1-2-3-andrs
Children’s Latin Grammy winner Andrés Salguero and Christina on a cultural exploration of Latin America. Families sing, shake, and sound out. Ages 3–6.
March 7
Holi Festival of Color
Black Rock Performing Arts Center (Germantown), 2pm
www.blackrockcenter.org/event/
kuchipudi-holi
A traditional Indian spring festival open to one and all! The biggest outdoor paint fight in Montgomery County. Come dressed to play!
March 7
Family Jam Session: Discover Go-Go Music with Elijah Balbed
Strathmore (Bethesda), 10:15am
www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/saturday-family-jam-sessions
In this family-friendly go-go (official music of D.C.) workshop and jam session you’ll learn about Chuck Brown, the “go-go swing” feel, and how the original go-go beats were created. Ages 4–8.
March 14–28
Rigoberta, ¿Dónde Estás? A Journey Through Guatemala
GALA Hispanic Theatre (D.C.), 10:30am/3pm
en.galatheatre.org/2019/07/rigoberta-donde-estas-journey-through.html
10-year old Pilar travels to Guatemala City in search of her idol Rigoberta Menchú; villagers along the way suggest questions she should ask the Nobel Peace Prize winner. A bilingual journey of self-discovery filled with stories, song, and dance.
March 21
Family Jam Session: Discover Classical Music with Piotr Pakhomkin
Strathmore Mansion, 10:15am
www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/saturday-family-jam-sessions
Unlock your child’s inner Mozart with classical guitarist Pakhomkin. In this interactive performance, you’ll learn the basics of improvisation by clapping rhythms and compose original melodies using the musical alphabet. Ages 4–8.
March 22
Marsha and the Positrons
The Avalon Theatre (D.C.), 10am
www.theavalon.org/films/marsha-and-the-positrons-2
Fun songs about science and how the world works are playful, educational, and entertaining for kids and grown-ups.
April 4
Capital City Symphony — Meet the Orchestra
Atlas Center for Performing Arts (D.C.), 10am and 11:30am
www.capitalcitysymphony.org/upcoming-events/2020/4/4/atlas-arts-for-young-audiences-presents-meet-the-orchestra
An engaging and educational intimate program for young people to meet the musicians and see their instruments up close at an instrument petting zoo. Ages 3–8.
April 11
Family Fun Series: Dance of Hope
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse (Cheverly), 2pm
culturecapital.com/event/73319/family-fun-series-dance-of-hope
Dance of Hope brings Uganda’s cultural experience to global audiences of all ages. Experience passionate rhythms, sensational sounds, and exhilarating and colorful choreography.
April 11
Family Jam Session: Discover Bluegrass Music with Brad Kolodner
Strathmore Mansion (Bethesda), 10:15am, Sensory-Friendly
www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/saturday-family-jam-sessions
Multi-instrumentalist Brad Kolodner takes families on an Appalachian music journey. From toe-tapping fiddle tunes to groovy banjo melodies and jubilant sing-alongs, explore the vibrant and rich tradition of bluegrass and old-time music. Sensory-friendly. Ages 4–8.
April 19
NSO Family Concert: Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
Kennedy Center Concert Hall (D.C.), 2pm/4pm
www.kennedy-center.org/nso/home/2019-2020/nso-fam-family3
Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur… and a Dinosaur visiting from Norway! A hilarious take on a classic, retold by Mo Willems with music by Ben Folds. Ages 5+. (2pm show is a sensory-friendly performance.)
April 25
Family Jam Session: Discover Soul Music with Cecily
Strathmore Mansion (Bethesda), 10:15am, Sensory-Friendly
www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/saturday-family-jam-sessions
Join singer-songwriter Cecily to explore soul music. Experiment with elements like call-and-response; learn about influences such as gospel, blues, and rock; and celebrate the sounds of Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Art Blakey, and more. Sensory-friendly. Ages 4–8.
April 26
Day of the Book Street Festival
Kensington, 11am-4pm
dayofthebook.com
A version of a Catalan tradition from the North of Spain called the Festival of the Rose. Children’s stage, book readings, music, and food.
[Compiled by Carolyn Ross on Lombardy Road. Follow her on Twitter @kindiemusicdc or at familymusicnarts.tumblr.com.] ■
