Music
Creative Cauldron's "Passport Music Festival" Returns for the 14th Year
2024-12-19
Creative Cauldron's popular "Passport Music Festival" concert series is back and better than ever. Spanning from January 10 to February 1, 2025, this festival showcases the incredible talent of musicians from the DMV and beyond. With a diverse range of musical styles including folk, Latin, jazz, soul, blues, and world music, there's something for every music lover.

Unlock the World of Music with Creative Cauldron's Passport Festival

Daniela Soledade & Nate Najar in "Love & Bossa Nova"

Two of the leading lights of bossa nova take the stage on Friday, Jan 10 at 7:30pm. Florida-based duo Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar create an enchanting soundscape with irresistible Brazilian rhythms. Soledade, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, has family roots deeply steeped in Bossa Nova's inception. Her grandfather, Paulo Soledade, composed with renowned Bossa Nova founders. Guitarist Nate Najar has a string of gorgeous guitar albums and received the stamp of approval from Byrd's widow, who said, "There is no doubt that there is a piece of Charlie's soul in Nate's mind, heart and fingers."

This performance is a true homage to the late great Bossa Nova jazz musician Charlie Byrd and is not to be missed.

The Kennedys

DC's legendary folk-pop duo, Pete & Maura Kennedy, return from New York City for a special show on Saturday, Jan 11 at 7:30pm. After years of touring and performing with Nanci Griffith, their music remains as uplifting as ever. The Kennedys have become Creative Cauldron favorites, and it's a pleasure to welcome them back.

Their unique sound and heartfelt performances have won the hearts of audiences across the country.

"Celebrating Simon & Garfunkel" presented by Newmyer Flyer

The most successful music duo of all time takes the stage on Sunday, Jan 12 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm. Achingly beautiful songs and vocal harmonies soothe the soul with classics like 'Mrs Robinson', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Homeward Bound', and 'The Sound Of Silence'. Presented by Newmyer Flyer with Kipyn Martin, Heather Lloyd, Mark & Tom Lofgren, Thomas Fridrich & Ron Newmyer.

This is a must-see event for fans of Simon & Garfunkel and anyone who loves great music.

Cecily in "Soul Music for a Better World"

DC's soul songstress, Cecily, conjures dreams of a better world through her original compositions and a repertoire of classics by Donny Hathaway, Phyllis Hyman, The Isley Brothers, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Minnie Ripperton & Stevie Wonder on Friday, Jan 17 at 7:30pm.

Her powerful voice and soulful performances touch the hearts of listeners and leave them inspired.

Project Locrea

Stunning arrangements and musicianship from Passport Music Festival favorites on Saturday, Jan 18 at 7:30pm. Led by Yana Nikol (Bulgaria), the band features musicians from Ethiopia, Argentina, China, Brazil and the US, performing a boundary-less, magical fusion of music from around the world.

This is a unique musical experience that combines the best of different cultures and styles.

Shenandoah Run

Shenandoah Run, a nine-member folk ensemble from the Washington, DC area, takes the stage on Sunday, Jan 19 at 2:00pm. Formed in 2011, the band performs traditional and contemporary folk music that delights audiences of all ages. Showcasing the spirited sounds of Americana, along with occasional country or bluegrass tunes, they deliver a rousing mix of music and styles.

Their passion for folk music is evident in every note they play.

DC Great Guitars

Three of DC's jazz guitar greats, Jan Knutson, Steve Abshire & Steve Herberman, come together again on Sunday, Jan 19 at 7:30pm for a night of jazz guitar. Acclaimed musicians in their own right, when they perform together, this trio sparks with energy as they tackle swing, jazz and blues like you've never heard before.

Get ready to be blown away by their incredible guitar skills.

Cathy & Marcy with Chao Tian & Snehesh Neg in "From China to Appalachia"

GRAMMY Award winning artists Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer join with Chinese classical hammered dulcimer player Chao Tian, combining music from China to Appalachia and beyond on Saturday, Jan 25 at 7:30pm. Instrumentation includes yangqin (Chinese hammered dulcimer), gourd banjo, five-string banjo, ukulele, guitars, dumbek, cello-banjo and mandolin. The trio will be joined by sitar player Snehesh Nag, trained in Hindustani classical music.

This is a musical journey that crosses continents and cultures.

RAYMI

This DC based band led by Juan Cayrampoma brings the hunting sounds and mystic power from The Andes to the rest of the Americas and the world on Sunday Jan 26 at 2:00pm. RAYMI uses traditional instruments such as Zampoñas and Quenas while also exploring the possibilities that the bass, guitars and drums can have together with the Andes tradition. Their passion for their roots is reflected in every note they play.

Experience the beauty and power of Andean music with RAYMI.

Brad & Ken Kolodner

This renowned, dynamic father-son team weaves together a captivating soundscape on hammered dulcimer and clawhammer banjo on Sunday, Jan 26 at 7:30pm. Blurring the lines of Old-Time, Bluegrass and American Roots music, they've sculpted their own brand of driving, innovative, tasteful acoustic roots music. Ken & Brad will be joined by bassist Alex Lacquement and fiddler/guitarist Rachel Eddy.

Prepare to be immersed in the rich sounds of American roots music.

Veronneau

For the closing weekend of Passport to the World, Veronneau celebrates the new Cauldron space with the full band on Friday, Jan 31 at 7:30pm. French chanson, bossa nova and acoustic soul from award-winning, multilingual Quebecoise vocalist Lynn Veronneau. In 2024, the band won new fans with tours in Spain, France, Portugal and Switzerland, and now they're back at the Cauldron playing favorites and new songs.

End the festival on a high note with Veronneau's amazing performances.

Little Red & The Renegades Mardi Gras Passport Finale Party

Squeeze Box Rock & Roll, Zydeco, Blues, and New Orleans R&B – high energy grooves from DC's one and only Little Red on Saturday, Feb 1 at 7:30pm. With accordion, steel pan, a dynamic rhythm section, and great songs, this is a party you won't want to miss. Little Red were the Kennedy Center's New Years Eve band, and if it's good enough for the Kennedy Center, it's good enough for the Cauldron!

Get ready to dance the night away at this Mardi Gras finale party.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703- 436-9948. Don't miss out on this amazing music festival!

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