Words Beats & Life, DC's longest-standing hip-hop-based arts educational nonprofit, will take over the National Mall on July 27th with its inaugural DMV Made festival.

This one-day extravaganza promises an exciting mix of music performances, dance, poetry, storytelling, interactive workshops, art, and health and wellness activities. Part of the national Arts for EveryBody campaign, DMV Made will showcase diverse musical acts like The Blackbyrds, The Chuck Brown Band, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Dupont Brass, Be'la Donna, Substantial, and Cryptid Summer, spanning genres from punk and go-go to rap, R&B, and choral.

DMV Made celebrates the creative contributions of natives from the Washington region and explores the area’s history and future. Through stages including a Performance Stage, Producer Stage, Family stage, Dance stage, and Storytelling & Poetry Pavillion, the audience can learn break dancing, experience African drumming, catch a puppet show, or watch six world-renowned muralists create live art.

“This festival is a testament to the art, music, and talent born out of this region, from the pioneering go-go rhythms of Chuck Brown to the profound poetry and storytelling that have shaped our culture, the DMV area has always been a wellspring of creativity and innovation," says Mazi Mutafa, Founder and Executive Director of Words Beats & Life. "We're excited to spend the day celebrating and educating festival-goers, igniting the spirit of creativity and wellness for everyone who joins us. This event is not just about showcasing our local talent; it’s about honoring the history and cultural significance of the DMV, and inspiring a renewed sense of local pride and community.”

The Dance stage includes acts like The Lion’s Den, Step Afrika!, Miss Chief Rocka, and the National Hand Dancers Association. The Family stage includes puppet shows, face painting, African drums, and juggling. World-renowned muralists Greg Deal, Cita Sadeli, Coby Kennedy, REI21, and Jamila Okubo will work on six live mural paintings on temporary walls to be donated to DC schools.

A diverse mix of paid and free programming will ensure something for everyone throughout the day, with events scattered across the lawn. The day will be filled with music thanks to house and hip-hop acts DJ Vico Vibes and DJ Rita Burns.

What an exceptional line-up that goes from 1 PM to 7:30 PM at the National Mall at 14th St SW & Jefferson Drive SW.

Lineup

DMV Made is part of a larger national campaign called Arts for EveryBody. Across the country, on this day in 17 other big cities and rural counties, thousands will gather for large-scale participatory art projects to spotlight that arts participation in all its brilliant forms, is good for the health of individuals and communities. 

To learn more about Words Beats & Life and DMV Made, please see the following web resources:

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