SUMMER PASSPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL

​Sponsored by
​Local Thrift & Falls Church News Press

Featuring some of the most talented and diverse musicians in the metro area and beyond, this annual series, now in its 14th year, is one of the most popular events of the Creative Cauldron season. The concert series offers musical styles for every taste: latin, jazz, blues, folk and world music. Presented in a cozy club format that has been described by one of our frequent performers musicians as “one of the best listening venues in the DMV.”
Want to purchase a table(s) with an All Access Pass?? Contact the Box Office (703) 436-9948

Tickets on Sale Now!

Tier One $30, Tier Two $25, Live Stream $15
Table for Two (Includes two cups of wine) $90
Table for Four (Includes bottle of wine) $180
Seán Heely: Òrain na Grèine – A Celtic Celebration of the Summer Solstice
Friday June 20 at 7:30pm
Award-winning fiddler, Gaelic singer, and composer Seán Heely returns to the Creative Cauldron with a vibrant and soul-stirring performance honoring the Summer Solstice, one of the most luminous spokes on the ancient Celtic Wheel of the Year.
Through powerful melodies, evocative storytelling, and timeless Gaelic songs--Òrain na Grèine, the songs of the sun—Seán guides audiences into the heart of midsummer: a time when the light is at its zenith, the veil between worlds thins, and transformation is ripe.
The group will weave together traditional Celtic tunes, original compositions, and mythic narratives that celebrate abundance, radiance, and the turning of the seasons.Step into a glowing realm of music, magic, and meaning—where fiddle meets fire, voice meets vision, and the old ways find new life.
 https://www.seanheely.com/ ​
Stephen Carter-Hicks "One Last Step into My Parlor"
Friday June 27 at 7:30pm
Stephen Carter-Hicks is returning to Creative Cauldron to celebrate its new space and to make one last visit to his parlor. The ravages of pulmonary arterial hypertension, an incurable and ever-progressing disease, have taken their toll on his airways, reducing his ability to perform this repertoire. Nevertheless, he persists...! Do step into his parlor and take one last journey into this forgotten music from a time when things were simpler. Be dazzled and amazed by the incredible Howard Breitbart, whose imaginative and glorious skills on the piano will help transport you to a time long ago. A duo of renowned collaboration of over 40 years, this is their 6th year at the Cauldron! In addition to being his heart-warming, entertaining, and amusing self, he will generously donate all proceeds to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) once again. If you can't make the show, but would like to donate to PHA, please CLICK HERE. Donations in any amount are gratefully appreciated!​
Ayreheart
Friday July 11 at 7:30pm
A progressive, renaissance-folk quartet founded by GRAMMY nominated lutenist Ronn McFarlane, restore the lute to its former glory - but in a modern context. With backgrounds in rock, folk and jazz, the members of Ayreheart, with vocalist Heather Aubrey Lloyd (of iLy Amy...you saw her at the Passport Music Fest's Simon & Garfunkel show) bring fresh energy to old traditions. https://ayreheart.com/​
The Guitar Renegades
Saturday July 12 at 7:30pm
DC's greatest (and only!) guitar "orchestra" - jazz, world, classical and more. From "Smells Like Teen Spirit", to the Brandenburg Concerto; from gypsy jazz to Simon & Garfunkel. All guitar, all the time with 5 of the DC area's finest guitarists, including Cristian Perez and Jan Knutson.
http://www.cristianperezguitar.com/the-guitar-renegades.html​
The Flybirds
Friday July 18 at 7:30pm
This award winning musical embodiment of Alternative Bluegrass & Appalachia based out of Winchester, Virginia, have migrated through the music industry for 8 years, their voices and melodies soaring to new heights together. This unique and original band is comprised of Elizabeth Baker on banjo, and fiddle, Mary Dunlap on bass, Sarah Twigg on guitar. Their first full length original album "The Band is Causing Problems" released in 2020 and they've just released their second album "The Band is Playing Covers" in 2023. 
Seth Kibel & The Kleztet
Saturday July 19 at 7:30pm
You saw him at the Cauldron with Daryl Davis, Seth's back with a program of klezmer (Eastern-European Jewish folk music) with musical detours into Yiddish folk-song, and a smattering of jazz and swing. The sounds of the European "fiddler on the roof" mixed with the sounds of early jazz and Tin Pan Alley create a quintessentially American sound. https://sethkibel.com/​
Sahel
Friday July 25 at 7:30pm
Created by Jean-Francis Varre - you saw him perform his AFROCIDADE show at the Cauldron - the Sahel band interprets musical genres influenced by African culture around the world. Reggae, Samba, Funana, Salsa, Zouk are all woven into Sahel's canvas of African rhythms. Inspired by tradition and delivered to move your feet, your heart and your voices. Born to Senegalese and Cape Verdean parents, Jean-Francis performs in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Wolof, the language of Senegal. 
https://www.sahelofficial.com/​
Valeria Stewart and Friends
Saturday July 26 at 7:30pm
John Lennon song contest winner and vocalist/guitarist with Crooked Sparrow, Argentinian born and DC raised, Valeria celebrates the album release of her new all-Spanish album, plus original and classic songs in the Americana and folk tradition, with jazz and latin influences. Arlington Magazine "musicians to watch". https://www.valeriastewart.com/​
Matt Trimboli's Big Night Out
Friday Aug. 1 at 7:30pm
Swing the night away with a 10 piece big band featuring vocalist Jason Paul Curtis. Expect classics of the Big Band era, and the swooning sound of Sinatra, Tony Bennet and Ella, plus a few surprises from the Latin repertoire and beyond. 
https://www.facebook.com/bignightmusic/?locale=mt_MT​
Griefcat
Saturday Aug. 2 at 7:30pm
The wittiest, wisest, wise-cracking-ist songwriting duo return! Irreverent, poignant, spirited, stylish, glamorous…oh the adjectives! Griefcat's songs range from hilarious to sincere with a unique sound akin to Flight of the Conchords, mixed with a little Dolly Parton and an indie flair.  Griefcat entertains with music about the trials, joys, and tribulations of modern life. Their recent song Revolution (Poop at Work) is currently blowing up Instagram with thousands of views and likes. Cauldron favorites! Learn more: www.griefcat.com
Lena Seikaly "Ella Sings Duke"
Friday Aug. 8 at 7:30pm
A celebration of two of the greatest artists of the jazz age Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. DC native Duke Ellington is considered "America's Beethoven" for his timeless compositions; Ella is the incomparable vocalist of the 20th Century. Lena Seikaly is the master jazz vocalist bringing to life the music of the greats. www.LenaSeikaly.com
The Rock-a-Sonics
Saturday Aug. 9 at 7:30pm
Atomic-age rock 'n' roll, classic country, rockabilly and rhythm & blues, led by Willie Barry, who you might remember performing at a Previous Passport Music Festival's Patsy Cline show. Just back from their West Coast tour, the band are rockabilly festival regulars playing events in Las Vegas, Spain, New England, Florida and Nashville. https://www.facebook.com/Rockasonics​
Quintango
Friday Aug. 15 at 7:30pm
Passport favorites whose distinctive "contemporary chamber tango" style blends intimacy and bravado with passion and precision. Tango like you've never witnessed before, performed by top-flight classical musicians with a flair for the rhythm and drama of Argentina's signature sound.
https://www.quintango.com/​
Dave Kline's Acoustic Global Ensemble
Saturday Aug. 16 at 7:30pm
Dave has been wowing audiences at the Creative Cauldron, Blues Alley and beyond with his high energy, rocking, soulful, virtuoso violin performances with Veronneau and with his own band. He returns with his Global Ensemble featuring Chinese hammered dulcimer player Chao Tian, and special guests. Dave has performed alongside such diverse and luminary artists as Chick Corea and Dwight Yoakum. 
https://daveklineband.com/​​​
IO the Singer "The Art & Soul of Nina Simone"
Friday Aug. 22 at 7:30pm
Jazz, soul, rock vocalist iO, does it all, singer, songwriter, and vocal arranger with a voice and style often compared to legends like Tina Turner, Tracy Chapman, Joni Mitchell, Whitney Houston, and Sarah Vaughan. Her career spans sold-out solo performances across Europe and iconic stages like the Tate Modern in London and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. https://www.instagram.com/iothesinger/​
Veronneau and Friends
​Saturday Aug. 23 at 7:30pm
Passport Music Festival favorites are excited to return to the Cauldron following their Canadian Summer tour of Quebec, with new songs, and old favorites. Quebecoise award-winning vocalist Lynn Veronneau and her British guitarist partner Ken Avis bring warmth, musicianship and a beautiful voice, performing their multilingual mix of music with mojo, from an eclectic repertoire of world, folk, jazz, blues and chamber pop influences. https://veronneaumusic.com/​
Wesley Diener
​Saturday Sept. 13 at 7:30pm
Wesley Diener is an opera and musical theater performer based out of Chicago and Washington D.C. He has performed across the United States and internationally with companies such as Teatro Nuovo, Charlottesville Opera, and the Shakespeare Opera Theatre. Quickly gaining recognition as a cabaret performer, Wesley has performed several sold-out solo concerts at Creative Cauldron and Washington D.C. Off the stage, Wesley manages his business WD Studio, is a leading voice instructor for professional singers, and is a voice and communication coach for business professionals.
Shenandoah Run
​Sunday Sept. 14 at 2:00pm
Bob Melissinos, the founder of Shenandoah Run, was determined to put together a group that could perform his favorite folk songs, especially "Today" by Randy sparks.  In 2011, Bob could say "Mission accomplished".  It" been 14 years and  Shenandoah Run is still going strong.  The nine-person band performs all around D.C., Maryland and Virginia.  Wherever we are, chances are we're enjoying performing as much as our audiences are enjoying the show. We appreciate the support we receive from the DC area music community and we feel honored at the reception from our live audiences.  Thank you.