Pet Names is a Maryland-based duo playing folk, rock, and beyond. Partners in both music and in life, Camila (guitar) and Maggie (bass) co-write all of their original music. Their sound is rooted in rich vocal harmonies and lively instrumentals, with lyrics that range from thoughtful to tongue-in-cheek. They draw inspiration across decades and genres—Washington City Paper wrote that their debut EP, Hey Hi Hello, “effortlessly pair[s] early aughts indie sensibilities with classic rock.”
Mark H Rooney practices, teaches and performs taiko - the Japanese word for "drum" which is synonymous with the art form. Inspired by festival and folk traditions from Japan, this dynamic performance art pays homage its traditional roots while still evolving with a contemporary sensibility. Mark's performances and classes reflect cultural context for taiko in both Japan and the U.S. while emphasizing Connection, Community and Cultural Relevance.
Michael Thomas (Las Vegas, NV) a multi-faceted performer, attended Grambling State University where he majored in music performance. Michael‘s interest in Jazz developed in the latter years at Grambling and really came into fruition when he moved to New York State. While in New York, he met Bill Saxton and Hugh Brodie, who were both instrumental in his development process in terms of encouragement and advice. Michael relocated to the DC area, where he has become an ardent participant on the DC’s jazz scene.
Artist and musician Shawn Siochain from Maryland makes paintings, digital art, kinetic sculptures, and other creations from the studio and at mural sites and festival locations. His handmade acrylic shadowboxes are 3D canvases that incorporate multiple layers and LED lights. His large scale kinetic interactive sculptures have captivated people at dozens of festivals and at Burning Man. As a former humanitarian worker with USAID, his work incorporates themes of empathy, compassion, and global connectedness.
Born in Washington, D.C., raised in Oxon Hill, MD. Karen Culi is a Filipino-American singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and producer. Performing original music as well as covers from 1980s to Today's Hits, her dynamic voice range and songwriting gives a fresh take to rock as well as nostalgia. See her acting in films, commercials, and movies both locally and nationally.
Born in Kita, Mali, Cheick Hamala Diabaté is recognized as one of the world’s masters of ngoni, a Malian traditional instrument, and a West African historian in the Griot tradition. A sought-after performer, lecturer, storyteller, and choreographer throughout Africa, Europe, Asia, and Canada, Cheick Hamala began touring in the U.S. in 1995. He has performed at venues such as the Krannert Center, the Smithsonian Institution and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.