Park and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD

Paper Lotus Lantern Workshop
2026-05-09 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Artist Sookkyung Park will lead participants in creating small lamps inspired by the lotus flower. Participants will explore the cultural and historical significance of the lotus while learning craft skills. Attendees will make their lotus lamps, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. This experience offers a creative and therapeutic activity, providing time for personal reflection. The fee includes all materials.

Borderless - Artist & Curator Talk
2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:00
* This exhibition runs Apr. 6–May 30, with a public reception on Sat., Apr. 11 and an artist and curator talk on Sat., May 9. *

Curated by Akemi Maegawa in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Borderless explores themes of identity, migration, and cultural fluidity. Featuring Jeff Huntington (JAHRU), Mei Mei Chang, Tang, June Lee, and Julia Chon, this exhibition highlights the diverse artistic expressions of AAPI artists who challenge boundaries—both literal and conceptual. Through dynamic visual storytelling and innovative materials, Borderless reflects the interconnectedness of heritage and contemporary experience, embracing art as a space without limits.

Maurice Barnes & Nonja Tiller: Real Characters - Artists & Curator Talk
2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:00
An exhibition partnership with Art Enables

This exhibition runs Apr. 6-May 30, with an opening reception on Sat., Apr. 11 and an artist & curator talk on Sat., May 9.

Art Enables presents Maurice Barnes & Nonja Tiller: Real Characters for the first part of the Art Enables at Brentwood series. Barnes and Tiller, both prolific and long-time Art Enables resident artists, bring their unique illustrative work to life, filled with narrative depth, keen observation, and expressive characters. Barnes’ colored pencil drawings depict vibrant scenes from everyday life, evoking a wide range of emotions, from laughter to surprise, tension, and compassion. They create a complex emotional landscape that reflects a deep sensitivity to individual experiences. Tiller’s ink drawings, brimming with whimsical and surreal creatures, often merge the familiar with the fantastic. Her works are populated by relatable human figures and alien-like beings, exploring raw emotions and gritty storytelling.

Tribute to Roberta Flack
2026-05-09 20:00 - 21:30
Hailed as one of the greatest songstresses of our time, GRAMMY Award-winning Roberta Flack remains unparalleled in her ability to tell a story through her music. Her songs bring insight into our lives, love, culture, and politics, while effortlessly traversing a broad musical landscape from pop to soul to folk to jazz. Following her passing in February 2025, this tribute concert will honor her life and legacy by showcasing some of her most cherished music, thoughtfully curated by musical director and Roberta Flack band alumnus Daryl L.A. Hunt.

Tribute to the Music of Mary J. Blige
2026-05-09 20:00 - 22:00
Experience the soulful and powerful music of Mary J. Blige like never before with this tribute performance. This event celebrates the iconic career of the multi-award-winning artist, known for her groundbreaking contributions to R&B and Hip-Hop. Talented musicians and vocalists come together to deliver an unforgettable evening filled with Blige’s greatest hits. From her early classics to her recent chart-toppers, you’ll be immersed in the emotional depth and vibrant energy that defines her music. Join us for a night of live music that honors the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, capturing her artistry’s essence and impact on the music industry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this tribute promises to be a memorable celebration of Mary J. Blige’s legacy.

David Wright & The Wright Touch
2026-05-13 14:00 - 15:30
Instrumentalist, vocalist, bandleader, Master of Ceremonies, producer, and Harmony Hall favorite David Wright returns to Harmony Hall with his quartet of award-winning instrumentalists. As a member of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Wright performed during six Presidential administrations. Wright received his master’s degree in music performance on the bassoon and performed on that instrument in the Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra. His duties also included performing as jazz saxophonist and vocalist with the eight-member White House Dance Band. For his Harmony Hall appearance, Wright will offer stories about each song. A variety of popular musical styles will have you tapping your feet with a smile on your face.

Film Screening: Grandpa Was an Emperor (2021)
2026-05-14 11:00 - 12:30
This documentary follows Yeshi Kassa, great-granddaughter of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, as she embarks on a personal quest to discover what happened to her closest relatives during the coup of 1974. While Yeshi and her older sister were thousands of miles away in a British boarding school, her great-grandfather was deposed by a revolution, setting off a harrowing chain of events that would put her parents and siblings in grave danger. For the first time, the royal family examines the events that led to the collapse of a 3,000-year-old dynasty and reflects on how, against all odds, they survived this turbulent time in Ethiopian history.Not Rated | Run time: 1h 30m

Heavenly Blessed
2026-05-14 12:00 - 13:00
Male a cappella group Heavenly Blessed was formed in Baltimore 28 years ago. The five members blend their voices in perfect harmony to perform gospel-style music that will have you clapping your hands. The group’s current lineup features original founding member Elijah Williams, Larry Chew, Reggie Thomas, Sterling Finch, and Walter Davies.

Sonic Frontiers Jam Session - May
2026-05-14 19:00 - 21:00
Brentwood Arts Exchange is excited to host ongoing jam sessions featuring a unique, original synth and modular music style. Drop-in musicians of every genre are invited to join and contribute. Bring your instrument, plug in, and be part of the sound!

Hubby Jenkins
2026-05-15 20:00 - 22:00
Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music, following the thread of African American history in traditional music forms. As a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and later Rhiannon Giddens’ band, he has performed worldwide, earning both Grammy and Americana award nominations.

Lion (2016)
2026-05-16 14:00 - 16:00
Lion is a 2016 biographical drama film directed by Garth Davis, based on the true story of Saroo Brierley. The film stars Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, and Nicole Kidman. The story follows a five-year-old Indian boy named Saroo who gets lost on a train that takes him thousands of kilometers away from his home and family. After surviving on the streets of Calcutta, he is eventually adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, Saroo, now an adult, embarks on a journey to find his lost family using memories and Google Earth.

Michael Manganiello and Stephanie Baird
2026-05-17 15:00 - 16:00
Founding members of the CERBERUS Chamber Ensemble, Michael Manganiello (voice) and Stephanie Baird (piano) perform together regularly, showcasing innovative and thought-provoking recital programs. Michael is on the faculty at the Peabody Institute in both Vocal and Professional Studies and is a doctoral candidate. Stephanie received her Master of Music in Vocal Accompanying from the Peabody Institute.

International Dance Experience
2026-05-17 16:00 - 17:30
Dancers representing countries from across the globe get together to showcase their talent in this interactive and immersive dance experience. Enjoy a live DJ spinning the latest international dance tracks and learning a few new moves to celebrate diversity in our community.

Veterans Book Group
2026-05-19 19:00 - 21:00
Active service members and veterans of all eras are invited to join this free, monthly small group reading and discussion dinner series centered around books which relate to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective. Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and presented locally in partnership with Montpelier Arts Center. Discussions are led by Dr. Karen Arnold, former poet-in-residence at the Arts Center and discussion moderator for multiple literature groups in Baltimore. Dinner and reading materials are provided. Call 301-377-7800 for more information and to register. Spaces are limited; registration is required by Jan. 6, 2026.

Ages 18 & up; FREE; registration required

Belly Dance for Fitness Month: Embrace the Rhythm of Health and Wellness
2026-05-21 13:00 - 14:30
Belly Dance for Fitness Month: Embrace the Rhythm of Health and Wellness! Join us this month to celebrate the mesmerizing art of belly dance as a powerful fitness routine. Discover the enchanting fusion of cultural expression and physical movement that tones muscles, improves flexibility, and boosts confidence. Experience the joy of dance while reaping the benefits of a full-body workout. Let music guide you on a journey towards strength, grace, and vitality. Unleash your inner dancer this Fitness Month with the ancient art of belly dancing!

Yoga & Jazz
2026-05-22 19:00 - 20:00
Breathe in, breathe out! Relax and find your center at a yoga class featuring live jazz music in Montpelier Arts Center’s Main Gallery. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.

Melissa Burley
2026-05-23 10:00 - 2026-06-21 17:00
* This exhibition runs May 23–Jun. 21, with a public reception on Fri., Jun. 12. *

Melissa Burley combines reclaimed and found objects from the past to create illuminated sculptures that may include glass, test tubes, furniture parts, clocks, bicycle components, and resin. She sees the primary focus of her work as bringing life back into the things people once cherished and utilized, thereby communicating a strong sense of the past.

Sonic Frontiers Experimental Electronic Music Festival
2026-05-23 17:00 - 22:00
With intriguing soundscapes and dazzling visuals, Sonic Frontiers curates eclectic, improvisatory experiences with live electronic music and projection art. With a focus on community engagement, The DC Modular Collective members will host fall and spring mini-electronic music festivals at Brentwood Arts Exchange, presenting featured headliners, inviting drop-in performances, and offering hands-on education, demonstrations, and insight into this unique art form.

The Black Art Today Foundation: Ascension: A BIPOC Exhibition
2026-05-26 - 2026-07-18
* This exhibition runs May 26–Jul. 18, with a public reception on Sat., May 30. *

Ascension is a transformation journey, a testament to the human spirit’s unwavering capacity to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. This exhibition, featuring the works of BIPOC artists, delves into the lives of individuals who have defied limitations, challenged norms, and ultimately ascended to leave an enduring legacy. Each artwork is a visual biography, capturing the essence of the subject’s unique path toward transcendence. The exhibition explores the multifaceted nature of ascension through diverse artistic mediums, from the literal ascent of physical challenges to the metaphorical rise of social and personal triumphs.

Success: The Beauty Among Us
2026-05-26 - 2026-07-18
* This exhibition runs May 26–Jul. 18, with a public reception on Sat., May 30. *

Success is a self-taught, mixed-media artist born in Baltimore, Maryland. Their artistic journey commenced at age eight and has steadily grown into a passionate exploration of various creative mediums. Now a new but prominent voice in contemporary art, Success has developed a diverse portfolio encompassing digital photography, photo manipulation, and acrylic paintings. Success is a graduate of Howard University. They created a bridge between local D.C. photographers and the Howard photography community by organizing lectures, workshops, and collaboration opportunities among students. Characterized by a keen ability to transform aspects of the ordinary into extraordinary narratives, Success’s work expresses complex human emotions through vivid colors, dynamic forms, and exaggerated color palettes.

Davey Yarborough and Esther Williams: A Beautiful Friendship
2026-05-29 20:00 - 22:00
Husband-and-wife duo Davey Yarborough and Esther Williams thrill audiences with their soulful jazz and original songwriting. Esther (vocals) has an extensive repertoire in jazz, R&B, pop, and gospel; Davey (saxophone) is an accomplished performer, bandleader, composer, arranger, and educator. They have performed together for decades and co-founded the Washington Jazz Arts Institute.

Success: The Beauty Among Us - Public Reception
2026-05-30 14:00 - 16:00

The Black Art Today Foundation: Ascension: A BIPOC Exhibition - Public Reception
2026-05-30 14:00 - 16:00

Take 6
2026-05-30 20:00 - 21:30, 2026-05-31 16:00 - 17:30
The most awarded a cappella group in history, heralded by Quincy Jones as the “Baddest vocal cats on the planet!” is the quintessential a cappella model for vocal genius. With 10 Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards, 2 NAACP Image Awards, a Soul Train Award, and more, Take 6 continues to bring extraordinary vocals to their worldwide audiences. From jazz to pop, adult R&B, doo wop and blues, they admirably and adeptly cross most musical genres. Like a fine-tuned vocal orchestra, the group continues pushing the boundaries of creativity and musical genius with every new release and their ever-evolving live performances.

Sat., May 30, 8 pm Tickets

Sun., May 31, 4 pm Tickets

Soul Generation featuring Cliff Perkins
2026-05-30 20:00 - 21:30
Soul Generation, out of Jersey City, New Jersey, is led by original member and founder Cliff Perkins. Known as one of the supergroups of the 1970s with chart-busting hits such as “Body and Soul,” “Million Dollars,” and “I Wonder What She’s Doin’.” Cliff Perkins’ smooth tenor voice is legendary among the singers of an era known for great lead singers. They continue to perform worldwide and are a staple on the “’70s Soul Jam Tour.”

Lunchtime Listening with Sweet Storm
2026-06-03 11:00 - 13:00
Experience the rhythm, culture, and soul of D.C.’s blues scene. Sweet Storm delivers soulful, heartfelt blues, blending traditional and contemporary styles. Stormi Weaver (vocals, guitar) and Willie Leebel (vocals, guitar) have performed together at bars, clubs, art openings, and private events for three years. Their collaboration also led to the formation of Stormi and the Blue Skies, a five-piece acoustic group. They met through the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation and call each other music spouses. Celebrate the legacy of Archie Edwards with a powerful blues concert, honoring African American music history and the Piedmont blues tradition.

Miss Gayle’s Clean Comedy
2026-06-04 11:00 - 12:00
Hailed as bright, energetic, absolutely captivating, and outrageously funny, Miss Gayle will keep an audience in stitches. She is an explosively talented individual who lights up the stage for sold-out audiences nationwide. Since the age of six, people have demanded amusement from the comedienne, actress, and entertainer who successfully lifted their spirits. Miss Gayle can put life in perspective through her down-home humor.

Creative Entrepreneurship & Scaling Your Business
2026-06-06 13:00 - 16:00
Take your creative practice to the next level by learning business strategies, marketing, and growth techniques to expand your artistic brand and maximize success.

Art Exhibit: Rosana Azar
2026-06-08 - 2026-07-26
* This exhibition runs Jun. 8–Jul. 26, with a public reception on Thu., Jun. 18. *

Rosana is an Argentinian artist that explores Surrealism. She sees the universe as a powerful, vivid place of continual transformation, and her works attempt to capture glimpses of it. Every brushstroke, color, and shape gives insight into her heart and is a window to her soul.

This exhibit will be on display at the Publick Playhouse from June 8-July 26, 2026, and can be viewed during regular facility hours (M-F, 9 am-5 pm). Please note that exhibits cannot be viewed when a performance or event is in progress. Before viewing an exhibit, please call the Box Office at 301-277-1710 to check the performance schedule.
