Musical Performances
In recent years–under the enthusiastic leadership of MPAartfest Music Curator Ken Avis–music has become an integral and much-loved part of MPAartfest. The 18th Annual MPAartfest continues this tradition with performances throughout the day by some of the DC-area’s most celebrated musicians. This year’s music is sponsored by:
Performance Schedule
10:00am: Blues Alley Youth Jazz Orchestra –This award-winning 15-piece youth swing big band, directed by renowned bassist Michael Bowie, performs musical selections by masterful jazz composers such as Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and others. Watch them here!
11:00am: Seth Kibel & The Kleztet — One of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier woodwind specialists, Seth Kibel specializes in fascinating, high-energy klezmer music (Eastern European Jewish folk music). The sounds of the European “fiddler on the roof” mixed with the sounds of early jazz, swing and Tin Pan Alley create a quintessentially American sound.
12:00pm: Valeria Stewart & Friends — A John Lennon Songwriting Contest winner and vocalist/guitarist with Crooked Sparrow, Argentinian-born and DC-raised Valeria Stewart celebrates the album release of her new, all-Spanish album with a debut at MPAartfest. Named one of Arlington Magazine’s “musicians to watch”, Valeria will perform original and classic songs in the American and folk tradition, with jazz and Latin influences.
1:00pm: The Porch Delights — The Porch Delights play front porch style Americana music–songs Andy Griffith would approve of! DC-area luminaries Ruthie Logsdon (rhythm guitar, Ruthie and the Wranglers); Arch Alcantara (lead guitar, Ruthie and the Wranglers, HalFSmokes and more); and Bill Williams (mandolin/harmonica, Jelly Roll Mortals, Last Train Home) are lighting up every stage they hit and rustling up down home fun with clever original tunes—country, bluegrass, Americana and other surprises.
2:00pm: I&I Riddim — Immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms and iconic melodies that have captivated audiences worldwide, as I&I Riddim bring the spirit of reggae to life. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration of love, unity, good vibes, and the power of music.
3:00pm: Surftrek — Surf’s up! The classic sounds of this 60’s instrumental music will have you believing it’s still summer in the city. Featuring the music of Dick Dale, the Ventures, the Shadows, Duane Eddy, and more, close out MPAartfest 2025 by doing the whatootsie with Surftrek!
