• John A. Wilson Building (map)
  • 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
  • Washington, DC, 20004
  • United States
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Politics & Art is an annual FREE PUBLIC event presented by Washington Performing Arts' Mars Urban Arts Initiative and D.C. Councilmember David Grosso. This year’s theme will be District Vox—a celebration of voice—from song to spoken word. Politics & Art: District Vox spotlights D.C.-based artists who use the power of their voices to inspire, entertain, and empower in showcase performances on three stages. The evening provides a snapshot of the vibrant artistry that exists throughout the entire District.

This year’s lineup features performances by over 20 acts, including a wide range of singers, songwriters, spoken word artists, actors, vocal ensembles, and bands. The artists come from all eight wards of the District, reflecting the important role of the performing arts throughout the community. Audiences can enjoy music ranging from go-go and R&B to opera and folk. Visual artworks by students from DC Public Schools, including third graders from the Takoma Educational Campus and students from Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School, will be on display in the performance spaces.

Lineup of performers:

  • ACHORD (Members of the Washington Performing Arts Men & Women of the Gospel Choir)

  • Adejoké

  • Anne Thomas

  • Ayanna Lee & Philippe the Haitian of Devine Nature

  • The BlakGold Ensemble

  • The Capital Hearings

  • Cody Valentine of Allthebestkids

  • Copper Rose & Bone

  • The Darrell Johnson Group

  • ENTATY Trio

  • Flo Anito & Seth Kibel

  • Fly By Light Performance Troupe

  • Hannah Jaye and the Hideaways

  • Heather Frank and Jeff Hamlin

  • iMusical: The Improvised Musical

  • Melanie Edwards

  • Natalie E. Illum

  • The Philosopher

  • Purify Love

  • SongRise

  • Songs for a City

  • Split This Rock

  • Stories by Carlos Rosario School Students

  • Students from KIPP DC

  • Victoria I. Williams

Event attendees are subject to building security procedures. Please review policies here.


Politics & Art is made possible in part by the generous support of Washington Gas. Washington Performing Arts’ Mars Urban Arts Initiative is generously supported by Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated.