A family-friendly free event closing the 8-month "Fortune's Bones" project, curated by Dr. Ysaye Barnwell (of "Sweet Honey and the Rock").

For the past 8 months, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center has presented a series of events inspired by the compelling story of Fortune, an enslaved African whose life--and death--is the center of a project sponsored by the University of Maryland and several community partners. A repast, a celebration, a resolution, a sending forth... the Fortune's Bones Closure Event will include performances by Nolan Williams, Jr. and Voices of Inspiration; Dr. Ysaye Barnwell; Washington Revels Jubilee Voices (who will perform spirituals and lead community singing); and others.

Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 3:00 pm. Free and open to the public, but reservations are required! 

» Learn more and reserve a place now 

Celebrate Spring at the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) Garden Fair and Plant Sale!

 

The Washington Revels Gallery Voices will entertain with madrigals and traditional Revels songs, for a day of merriment. We will dance the Maypole several times throughout the day and invite fairgoers to come and join us in more Maypole dancing. The Arlington Northwest Morris will be on hand to "dance in the Spring" with style. While you are there, pick up some wonderful green stuff for your garden.

 

Saturday, April 28 (various times during the morning and early afternoon). Free and open to the public! 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002. 

 

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Celebrate May with Washington Revels at the 2012 Flower Mart at the National Cathedral.

Once again we bring in the May at the annual All Hallows Guild Flower Mart --a popular two-day festival since 1939. Recognized throughout the metropolitan area as Washington's favorite spring outdoor family festival, the event features plants, herbs, food, puppet shows, carousel rides, boutiques and entertainment for the whole family.  

Washington Revels will present a one-hour show celebrating Spring with song, dance, and other traditional activities, like crowning the May Queen, children's singing games, a mummer's play, Morris dancing, and an audience-participation Maypole dance!

Saturday, May 5 (May Revels performance at Noon -- Fair hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm). Free and open to the public! Corner of Wisconsin & Massachusetts Aves, NW Washington, DC. 

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Be part a spectacular holiday tradition!

 

While Revels uses a number of professional performers in its productions, its volunteer choruses - adults, teens and children - are at its core. We value the presence of new faces in our choruses every year. We also look for a variety of ages, ancestries, sizes and personalities to create a realistic "village" on stage. People of diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to audition. The ability to read music is helpful but not required.

 

For our 30th annual celebration of the Winter Solstice, we will summon the ghosts of Christmas Revels past. Joined by world-renowned Piffaro: The Renaissance Band, this year's cast will perform music from England's medieval and Renaissance eras, the same periods that inspired the very first Christmas Revels in 1957. Iconic Revels music, dance and drama will abound!

 

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Picnic and perform with Washington Revels!

 

We gather, rehearse, and perform a "mini-Revels" all in one day - no auditions or experience necessary! Come by yourself, with a friend, or bring the whole family - all ages welcome. Register by May 15 to select your performance or production activity. Everyone 13 and older can choose to sing in the chorus, dance English country-style, act in the Mummer's play, play in the band, craft props and decorations, help with setup/sign-in/organization, serve as photographers/videographers, or lend a hand with schlepping/assembling large props, etc. Children ages 6-12 may either learn and perform their own set, or work on props and decorations.  

 

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Discover the Civil War from a different historical perspective, in music and spoken word!

Enjoy an evening performance of song, old-time string band and spoken word from the Civil War era in the Fort Ward Park Amphitheater. Washington Revels Heritage Voices and Roustabout Band celebrate the history and cultural traditions of the Washington area and beyond through the revival and presentation of traditional musical and dramatic material, engaging participants of all ages. Be on the lookout for President Lincoln, who is rumored to be in attendance! Sponsored by the Office of Historic Alexandria. Rain date May 31.

American Music

of the Civil War Era 

featuring Bruce Molsky, Jacqueline Schwab, Magpie, Federal City Brass, Pete Cooper, and Douglas Jimerson. 
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French Canadian Music  

in celebration of the  

Winter Solstice 

featuring Riki Schneyer, Steven Winick, Washington Revels Children, and more.  

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Selected by the 2010-11 Catalogue for Philanthropy
"One of Greater Washington's best small charities."