Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: A maestro, a yogi, and an orchestra walk into a tunnel. There’s no punchline, just an amazing and unique one-night experience awaiting fans of live music and yoga on Sunday, Oct. 21st, as the American Pops Orchestra and yogi Michael Peterson will host their first Music and Mindfulness practice and concert at Dupont Underground.
Here’s what to expect:
Will there really be a live orchestra at a yoga class?
Yes — the American Pops Orchestra is versatile and nimble in size and musical stylings. To fit the space and vibe of this event, APO Founder and Musical Director Luke Frazier will conduct and play piano along with the Pops’ Chamber Ensemble: four cellos and one percussionist. APO’s principal percussionist Jeremy Yaddaw co-wrote the original score of an interwoven soundscape of classic Broadway melodies arranged in an eastern meditative style. Playing this music live in Dupont Underground lends an acoustic sound similar to a cathedral or the Paris catacombs.
What’s it like to do yoga in Dupont Underground?
Instructor Michael Peterson will guide participants on a journey through mindfulness and flexibility as the orchestra plays. This practice is open to all, no matter their level of ability. At last year’s event, there were people doing yoga for the first time and some simply sitting to enjoy the music and meditation without being physically engaged. Seating will be available for those seeking a calming experience.
Dupont Underground is a 15,000 square foot space that can accommodate up to 250 people for this event. Previous shows have sold out, and tickets are available here. Water, tea, juice and other snacks will be available for purchase, and participants should bring their own mats and towels. It is advisable to dress in layers to keep warm during the relaxation part of the session. The session will last 75 minutes.
How did this collaboration happen?
Frazier began practicing yoga a few years ago and was instantly enamored with the focus, strength and meditation yoga brings.
“As I spent more time doing yoga, I also spent more time thinking about how live music would enhance the experience,” says Frazier. “So I decided to combine these two loves into something different and exciting that allows us to explore the parallels between yoga and live music in real time.”
Before finding his calling as a yoga teacher, Michael Peterson studied dance and theater, and even played the drums.
“Sometimes in yoga we get so focused on technique, we don’t really let it be a fun and creative process,” says Peterson. “The atmosphere of a yoga class is so central to the practice, and live music has a way of creating a more artistic and creative atmosphere that rejuvenates the soul. It’s this communal experience where we all come together to create and experience something that only happens right in that moment.”
The practice on October 21 is the first in a series. The other practices will take place at Dupont Underground on April 13 and May 8, 2019 at 6pm.
El Día de los Muertos Celebration
Thursday, Nov. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard
Join us for an evening of music, dancing and crafts in celebration of Latin American heritage, including special performances by the DC-based band Los Gallos Negros and dancers from the Maru Montero Dance Company.
Rise to the Roof for ‘Day of the Dead’ – Friday, November 2
Starting at 5:00 p.m., the Radiator team will rise up to the rooftop of the Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel to host an evening of Mexican-inspired traditions celebrating ‘Day of the Dead.’ A selection of taco specials from Executive Chef Jonathan Dearden will be available all night as an after-work snack or as a leisurely dinner where guests can graze on Chef Jonathan’s version of Al Pastor tacos, a Central Mexican favorite. To help guests toast to friends and family of the past, Lead Bartender Patrick Barrett has conjured up a menu of cocktails highlighting the nuances of tequila and mezcal, which include:
· Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire: mezcal, jalapeño, lime, and bitters
· The Salty Skeleton: tequila, aperol, watermelon, lemon, and salt
· Dia de Los Muertos: tequila, cilantro, basil, lime, and a jalapeño-cinnamon tincture
From 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., a sugar-skull artist will be on hand to face paint elaborate skeleton designs for anyone interested in partaking in the holiday ritual. All face paintings are compliments of the Radiator team.
‘Day of the Dead’ will take place on Friday, November 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on the rooftop at the Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel. No reservations or cover charge required. Rooftop seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of inclement weather, ‘Day of the Dead’ will be moved downstairs to Radiator. Guests must be 21+.
Honor Song for Returning Native American Women Warriors
Thursday, Nov. 8; 1:30 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian, Potomac Atrium, Washington, D.C.
In advance of Veterans Day, composer, singer and drummer Ralph Zotigh (Kiowa) will sing an honor song he composed for Native American women veterans. He will be joined by his son, Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa/San Juan Pueblo/Santee Dakota Indian). This song was sung publicly for the first time in Tuba City, Arizona, at the second anniversary memorial for Army Spc. Lori Piestewa (Hopi), the first American servicewoman killed in the Iraq War, who is believed to be the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military.
Thursday, Nov. 15; 6 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian, Rasmuson Theater, Washington, D.C.
Steve Inskeep, host of NPR’s Morning Edition, is also the author of “Jacksonland,” a history of President Andrew Jackson’s long-running conflict with John Ross, a Cherokee chief who resisted the removal of Indians from the eastern United States in the 1830s. Inskeep will join Kevin Gover (Pawnee), director of the National Museum of the American Indian, for a conversation about the museum’s newest exhibition, “Americans,” and the history of Indian Removal.
Hopi Tribal Festival
Saturday, Nov. 17, and Sunday, Nov. 18; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian, Potomac Atrium, Washington, D.C.
The Hopi Tribe is a sovereign nation located in northeastern Arizona. Their nation encompasses more than 1.5-million acres, and is made up of 12 villages on three mesas. Over the centuries, Hopi endures as a nation, retaining its culture, language and religion despite influences from the outside world.
During this all-day, two-day festival, the Hopi people share artist demonstrations, performances of music and dance, and a presentation of the history of the Hopi Code Talkers. The Hopi Youth Color Guard will present and retire the colors at the beginning and end of each day.
Hopi Tribal Festival
Saturday, Nov. 17, and Sunday, Nov. 18; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian, Potomac Atrium, Washington, D.C.
The Hopi Tribe is a sovereign nation located in northeastern Arizona. Their nation encompasses more than 1.5-million acres, and is made up of 12 villages on three mesas. Over the centuries, Hopi endures as a nation, retaining its culture, language and religion despite influences from the outside world.
During this all-day, two-day festival, the Hopi people share artist demonstrations, performances of music and dance, and a presentation of the history of the Hopi Code Talkers. The Hopi Youth Color Guard will present and retire the colors at the beginning and end of each day.
Native American Heritage Day: Family Fun Friday
Friday, Nov. 23; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.
This celebration of Native American Heritage Day features hands-on activities, “make-and-takes,” and music and interactive dance presentations.
When: Saturday, December 1, 6 to 8pm
Where: Soulex Float Spa, 1010 Massachussettes Avenue, NW
What: Celebrate the holiday season than with an evening of meditation, mindfulness, and creativity. In partnership with Mental Health America (MHA), SOULEX float spa is excited to host a DIY Bath Salts Charity Workshop. The evening will open with a discussion lead by a representative from Mental Health America. Then we will guide you through a brief meditation to set your mind into a state of calm. The remainder of our evening will be dedicated to creativity. We will provide all the attendees with a portion of bath salt and a myriad of dried herbs, florals, and essential oils to infuse into your very own take-home bath salts. Proceeds will go to help Mental Health America on their mission to spread mental health awareness and aid across the country. 100% of ticket sales will be donated to Mental Health America. Attendees will be able to purchase promotional pricing on float packages that evening in which 30% of the total sales will be donated to Mental Health America.
How: Tickets are $10 available here
