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 16th Annual MPAartfest continues this tradition with performances throughout the day by some of the DC-area’s most celebrated musicians.
Performance Schedule
10:00am: Blues Alley Youth Jazz Orchestra — Premier youth Big Band Swing orchestra and long-time MPAartfest favorites. Watch them here!
11:00am: Alison Crockett — The quintessential nu jazz/progressive soul singer of her generation, Alison has a voice dripping soul with generous helpings of jazz, gospel, and blues. Video link.
12:00pm: Bobby Thompson — Find out why Blues Blast Magazine said “Bobby Thompson’s talent fills one’s ears and heart with the vigor and camaraderie that only comes in the midst of an appreciative audience.” Video link.
1:00pm: Little Red and the Renegades –Combining blues, zydeco, funk, gospel, this is party music, best served with good friends, food, drink, and lots of dancing to the accordion and steel pan driven sounds of Little Red and the Renegades! Watch them here.
2:00pm: Ruthie and the Wranglers — A fearless, vulnerable, and timeless r&b/classic rock singer and songwriter. Video link.
3:00pm: Taisha Estrada — Having been born in Puerto Rico, the rhythms of La Patria courses through Taisha Estrada’s veins. Her easy-going, sultry vocals reminisce of r&b, while her chord progressions pull heavily from jazz. All of these stylistic inspirations come together to form songs that are balanced and carry a quiet intensity and intrigue. Video link.
