Heritage Voices performs outdoors at historic sites, in small spaces like meeting rooms at local libraries, on stages with seating for hundreds, and everywhere in between. The ensemble uses concerts and interactive performances that blend music, history, and spoken word to present the richness and diversity of American song, with songs that commemorate events in American history. Currently, the group’s repertoire has expanded beyond the American Civil War period to include music from other events in American history, including the Civil Rights Movement.
16Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County https://www.creativemoco.comSuzan.Jenkins@creativemoco.com(301) 565-3805
801 Ellsworth Dr
Silver Spring, MD 20910
United States
Chika Enabuka Inc. is a family-centered creative organization based in Silver Spring, Maryland, with roots in Ethiopia. Founded by artists Hamere and Yoseph, the organization blends art, culture, and nature-based learning through festivals, workshops, summer camps, and children’s media. With a strong legacy of impact in Ethiopia and a growing presence in the U.S., Chika Enabuka brings immersive, playful, and educational experiences to communities, inspiring children and families to connect, create, and grow together.
Cole Larravide is a Maryland-based singer/songwriter. He has performed at many world-famous venues including Blues Alley (DC), The Cavern Club (Liverpool), Whisky A Go Go (LA), The Fillmore (Silver Spring), The Birchmere (Alexandira), The Hamilton Live (DC), and The Cobblestone (Dublin). Cole has also performed as an opening act for Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad, Tommy James & The Shondells, Ruthie Foster, 10cc, Hot 8 Brass Band, and The Beatles original drummer Pete Best. He recently recorded an upcoming album at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.
I am a freelance 2D illustrator and customer service associate with a marked interest in animals, folklore, and horror, though I will also illustrate other subjects! I am bilingual in Japanese and an avid reader of folklore/mythology/religion related books about Japan.
Violeta Barcenas |
Violeta Barcenas is a self-taught Nicaraguan mixed media artist and illustrator whose work is rooted in memory, and cultural identity.
As the founder of Violet Red Studio, Violeta creates bold, maximalist artwork that celebrates joy and connection.
Her work is shaped by the places she’s called home: Nicaragua, Bolivia, Honduras, Panama, Mexico, and now the D.C. metro area. Her work is alive with the rhythm, energy, and emotion of Latin America, drawing from the landscapes, stories, and cultures that have shaped her journey.
My work focuses on my concern with the damage humans are doing to the planet and where our culture is heading. I do acrylic paintings with collaged newspaper and maps on. I am doing a series of installations relating to plastic waste. The first was a 9x13 foot room at Artomatic DC, 2024, inspired by an installation I did in a Washington Project for the Arts show years ago. The second site specific installation was at the Crows Nest gallery in Baltimore MD, in 2025.
Zach Simms, 'Simba' as he is called by most close friends and peers, is based in the DMV and Eastern Shore of MD, where he grew up captivated by all things musical. While his prime instrument is Guitar, he performs and instructs on Mandolin, Electric Bass, Ukulele, and on the odd occasion, Banjo. While he spent his younger years focused on drinking in most genres, he spent his college years at Salisbury University studying under Master Guitarist Dr. Danielle Cumming, focusing on a more purist form of Classical guitar, and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sound Engineering.
I am a Colombian artist whose work is deeply rooted in heritage, memory, and transformation. Thirty years ago, I immigrated to the United States, a journey that profoundly shaped my identity and artistic voice. Since then, painting and creating have been constants in my life: a way to process change, preserve culture, and explore the evolving relationship between past and present.
Calyn Pickens is a cartoonist, video editor and general multimedia maker from Paris, France. Calyn created the cartoon character "Dill" at the age of six, developing a world of "dills" which continues to evolve to this day. She holds a BFA in Critical and Visual Studies from Pratt Institute and attended programming school during École 42's inaugural year. Through classes, editing and translating work, she aims to open access for any and all art forms.
Jeff Muller is a musician, songwriter, and producer living in Silver Spring, MD who has an abiding love of roots music, especially the variety coming out of New Orleans. His musical career has taken him from Annapolis to New Orleans to Silver Spring, having played guitar and/or bass around the US and in Europe with more than 100 different acts over 30+ years. Over his career he has appeared with many legendary artists including Allen Toussaint, Cyril Neville, and Eva Cassidy.