Events

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.

* 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.

* 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.

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 “70’s Soul Jam Tour”.

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.

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.

Take your creative practice to the next level by learning business strategies, marketing, and growth techniques to expand your artistic brand and maximize success.

* 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.