Christmas Arrives Early if You Donate by September 24! Donors of $100 or more receive early ticket priority to the 2010 Christmas Revels and a discount on ticket fees. Donors of $500 or more receive top ticket priority, a waiver of all ticket fees, two complimentary tickets to the 2010 Christmas Revels, plus free admission to any other Revels program. Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, October 4 .Donate online »

September 4MUSICAL AMERICANA at the CORCORAN

Washington Revels celebrates the varied and diverse art of America at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

To complement the Corcoran Gallery's rich collection of American art, Washington Revels will present selections from the American songbook—spiritual songs, shouts, shape note tunes, Shaker melodies, and more.  From the haunting strains of “Steal Away” and “Cobham” to the majestic joy of “Emerald Stream” and “De Gospel Train,” this performance is sure to captivate listeners with familiar tunes—and some new favorites.

Date: Saturday, September 4, performances at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Cost: This program is a part of Free Summer Saturdays
Location: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St.,t NW, Washington, DC 20006 <view map>

September 6, 2010LABOR DAY PARADE IN KENSINGTON, MARYLAND

Adults and kids of all ages... come march (and sing, for those who wish) with Washington Revels!

Our hardy band of Revelers – adults, teens, and children – will dress in white bedecked with multi-colored sashes, arm ribbons and flower garlands (supplied by Revels). We will be accompanied by the Hobby Horse, Snap the Dragon, bright banners and ribbon sticks, and more! You may sing along (songsheets provided) or simply march – we also need adults to pass out flyers and children to help pass out candy. If you would like to participate, please send an email to parade@revelsdc.org with your name and the name(s) of anyone coming with you (plus the ages of anyone 18 and under), and we will email you the details.

September 10-12, 2010TEEN & CHILDREN'S AUDITIONS

Strong performers sought for 2010 Christmas Revels production.

For our 28th annual Christmas Revels in Washington, DC, we’ll celebrate an English Country Christmas of the nineteenth-century with traditional carols, anthems, rounds, country dancing, and a hilarious mummer’s play. Audition appointment required. Learn more about auditions and schedule an appointment »

Children’s Auditions: We seek strong performers entering grades 3-5 this Fall. Auditions take place on Friday, September 10 (late afternoon/evening) and Saturday, September 11 (morning). Callbacks are Sunday, September 12 (afternoon).

Teen Auditions: We seek strong singers and dancers entering grades 9-12 this Fall. Auditions take place on Saturday, September 11 in the afternoon.

September 11, 2010SANDY SPRING HISTORIC PICNIC and PARADE

Washington Revels’ Freedom Singers and the Sandy Spring Civic Association celebrate “Sandy Spring Then and Now.”

The parade will begin with Quakers, progress from agriculture to industry-based community, and march right into the current day. Freedom Singers will sing, along with guest appearances by historic characters Enoch George and Harriet Anne Howard (as portrayed by Harold and Andrea Blackford). Then join in an old-fashioned community picnic.

Date & Time: Saturday, September 11, parade at 1, picnic at 2:30
Location: Sharp Street United Methodist Church,
                  1310 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Sandy Spring, MD

September 15, 2010CHRISTMAS REVELS VOLUNTEER FAIR

Volunteers are a vital part of the Revels community!

A great way to get started is to come and meet with the cast to hear about this year’s Christmas Revels production from our directors and designers, and learn more about opportunities to volunteer in the Fall or during our performances at Lisner Auditorium in December. Learn more about volunteer opportunites and download our volunteer interest form by visiting our Backstage Revels page »

Date: Wednesday, September 15, 7:15 PM
Location: Revels office, 531 Dale Drive, Silver Spring. Please note these important parking instructions: <directions and parking information>

September 25, 2010WASHINGTON REVELS at POOLESVILLE DAY

Celebrate the 20th anniversity of this wonderful community tradition.

The Washington Revels Freedom Singers will perform songs and stories of African American history as part of this 20th anniversary event -- plus, see a special appearance by Enoch George Howard, as portrayed by Harold Blackford. Mr. Howard was born into slavery, purchased freedom for himself and his family, and became the largest African-American landowner in Montgomery County. Poolesville Day is an all-day festival which includes a town parade with marching band, 5K Run, moon bounce for the kids, pony rides, car/motorcycle show, arts & crafts, food, beverages, and more!

Date & Time: Saturday, September 25, starting at 8:00 AM and continuing all day
Cost: FREE!
Location: Whalen Commons Park, 19701 Fisher Ave., Poolesville, MD 20837
Event website: Poolesville Day 20th Annual Festival and Celebration

September 25, 2010HARVEST DANCE & DINNER at GLEN ECHO PARK

Kick Up Your Heels at Our 5th Annual Dance! Celebrate the bounty of the season and the joys of community. Anticipating this year’s English country Christmas Revels set inThomas Hardy’s beloved Wessex, our event begins with a rustic buffet dinner followed by 19th- and 20th-century English village dances with nationally renowned caller Brad Foster* and The Serpentine Band.** No partner or prior experience is necessary – learning new dances is part of the fun. You’re welcome to invite friends or bring the entire family – kids can join the dance, with special activities for the younger set.

Date/Time: Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 6:30 – 10:30pm
Location: Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD 20812  <directions>
Tickets: Advance ticket purchase required (Adults $40, Youth (18 and under) $15)
<order tickets online (no service fees)>

*Brad Foster from Amherst, MA, has been dancing and teaching English country, contras and squares, and morris and sword for over 40 years. He is well known for sharing the joy found in dance, and has taught throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, including at Berea, Pinewoods, Mendocino, John C. Campbell Folk School and Augusta. He is Executive and Artistic Director of the Country Dance and Song Society, a post he has held for over 25 years. He is also a founder of the Bay Area Country Dance Society as well as co-founder of their Mendocino English and American dance weeks. **The Serpentine Band features award-winning musicians – and local favorites – Andrea Hoag (fiddle), Leigh Pilzer (soprano sax, bass clarinet, cello) and Charlie Pilzer (bass, piano).

October 4, 2010TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE CHRISTMAS REVELS

Get Your Tickets for Christmas Revels Shows December 4-5 & 10-12!

For our 28th annual Christmas Revels in Washington, DC, we travel to novelist Thomas Hardy’s beloved “Wessex” to the little town of Mellstock in the countryside of nineteenth-century England. We’ll celebrate an English Country Christmas with traditional carols, anthems, rounds, country dancing, and a hilarious mummer’s play. This year’s guest artists, The Mellstock Band, come from England with a wonderful collection of string and wind instruments, including the haunting ”serpent,” a snake-like ancestor of the tuba.

All performances take place at Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC. Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, October 4 – but you can order early if you donate by September 24 – Donors of $100 or more receive early ticket priority to the 2010 Christmas Revels and a discount on ticket fees. Donors of $500 or more receive top ticket priority, a waiver of all ticket fees, two complimentary tickets to the 2010 Christmas Revels, plus free admission to any other Revels program. Donate online

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Plan now for a year filled with Revels' music, dance, and drama ... Take Joy!

• November 7 - Fall Pub Sing
• December 4-5 and 10-12 - The 2010 Christmas Revels

PAST EVENTS

August 11, 2010SONGS of the SEA and SHORE at FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS

The Washington Revels company presents "Songs of the Sea and Shore" at the Village of Friendship Heights outdoor summer concert series.

This program of nautical song, dance, and ritual celebrates the men who manned the great sailing ships and the women who sustained the life of the seafaring communities ashore, highlighting the role of maritime music and tradition in life aboard ship and in the ports.

Date: Wednesday, August 11, 7-8 PM, rain or shine
Cost: Free
Location: Village of Friendship Heights – Hubert Humphrey Park, in front of the Village Center (in the event of inclement weather, moved indoors to Huntley Hall); 4433 South Park Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 <view map/directions>

You are advised to use Metro, since parking is scarce. The site is within two blocks of the Friendship Heights station.

July 24, 2010WASHINGTON REVELS at the BETHESDA BIG TRAIN!

Washington Revels will be entertaining the fans before and during a Bethesda Big Train baseball game. Come out and sing along with Revels, and enjoy great baseball in a great setting!

The Big Train, named for Washington Senators pitcher Walter Johnson, is a summer, collegiate, wooden-bat team playing in the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League. Their home games are played at Shirley Povich Field in Cabin John Park (near Montgomery Mall). Povich Field is a wonderful ball park that makes fans feel they are back in small-town America. The Washington Post has called it "the ultimate small town fantasy." The baseball is high-quality, with numerous "graduates" from the team now in professional baseball, including the Major Leagues. The park seats 850 and for most games the stands are full.

The July 24th game is with arch-rival Youse Orioles for the last game of the season (which decided the league championship last year). Starting at about 7pm, while the teams are warming up, a group of Revels singers will serenade the fans as they enter the field. Prior to the first pitch at 7:30, the singers will go out to the pitcher's mound and lead the fans in singing the National Anthem. After the second or third inning, they will sing another song or two as the teams are changing the field. Then, at the 7th inning stretch, Revels will lead the crowd in singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and urge everyone to "Root, root, root, for the Big Train!"

Cost (for Game): Adults: $7; Kids (6-12): $3; 5 and under: free (payable at stadium)
Location: Shirley Povich Field, 10600 Westlake Drive in Cabin John Regional Park, Bethesda, MD <view map>
Date: Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 7:00pm until game ends

July 11, 2010COMMUNITY SING in SILVER SPRING

Come and join in the singing at Dale Drive Neighborhood Park!

Washington Revels will hold our annual Community Sing in Silver Spring on Sunday, July 11 at the Dale Drive Neighborhood Park!  Bring your picnic supper and blanket and join us for group singing (with leaders and songbooks provided) and a dance or two! Community sings are fun for the whole family – younger children will even learn and perform a song or two of their own. No reservations are required – just come and enjoy! Please, no pets – you can teach them the songs when you get home!

Cost: Nothing!
Location: 125 Dale Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910 <view map>
Date: Sunday, July 11, 2010 from 5:00 to 8:00pm

July 8, 2010SONGS of the SEA at the SILVER SPRING CIVIC BUILDING

Come and celebrate the grand opening of the new Silver Spring Civic Building!

Washington Revels has been invited to join Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett for the Grand Opening of the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza. Our sea troupe will offer a 30-minute set just prior to the official ribbon cutting at 6:30pm. Following the ceremony, the public is invited to come inside the building and experience this wonderful new community space. The evening includes the first “Silver Spring Swings Summer Concert” featuring a performance by the Fabulous Bel Airs from 7-9 pm.

Cost: Nothing!
Location: Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza (at the intersection of Fenton and Ellsworth), parking is available at the Town Square Garage on Ellsworth Drive. The Silver Spring Metro is three blocks away.
Date/Time: Thursday July 8 -- the festivities and entertainment begin at 4:00pm; Washington Revels performs at 6:00pm

July 4, 2010TAKOMA PARK 4th of JULY PARADE

Come join Washington Revels (or cheer from the curbs) as we march in the 121st annual (wow, that’s tradition!) Takoma Park Independence Day Parade!

Spectators at this event number in the thousands, so it is great exposure for Revels, and it’s a lot of fun. Our hardy band of Revelers – adults, teens, and children – dress in white. Revels supplies multi-colored sashes, wreaths and flower garlands. We will be accompanied by the Green Man, Hobby Horse, bright banners and ribbon sticks, and more! Kids are welcome and will help hand out candy and flyers to spectators. We need some adult flyer-hander-outers, too, so non-singers are very welcome! Also, if you play an instrument that can be easily carried and you would like to be in the band, let us know that as well.

If you would like to march with us, please send an email by July 2nd to parade@revelsdc.org with your name and the name(s) of anyone coming with you (plus the ages of anyone 13 and under), and we will email you the details (including a song sheet with words and links to the music).

Cost: Nothing!
Location: Takoma Park, Maryland
Event Web Site: http://www.takomapark4th.org/sitecode.fol/pages.fol/tpidcwhenandwhere.aspx
Date/Time: Sunday, July 4th, 9am-11:45am (parade begins at 10am)

June 14-28WASHINGTON REVELS ONLINE AUCTION

Don’t miss a minute of the Auction action – there are incredible items, one-of-a-kind experiences, and valuable services in all price ranges!

Your auction bids provide invaluable support for Revels performances and community events, as well as for our many <outreach endeavors. Bid by bid, you make an investment in the civic and cultural life of metropolitan DC. Thanks to your generosity, Washington Revels can actively promote cultural enrichment and arts education across the Washington area, building connections between youth and adults and across cultural boundaries through participatory community celebrations.

When: Bidding opens June 14 at 9:00 AM, ends June 28 at 9:00 PM
Where: Revels Online Auction Site http://www.biddingforgood.com/revelsdc

June 26-27, 2010MONTGOMERY COUNTY HERITAGE DAYS

Washington Revels will be the featured presenters at several heritage sites throughout the weekend.

The 13th annual Heritage Days Celebration produced by the Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery County. The celebration will feature approximately 40 sites located throughout Montgomery County representing the history and natural beauty of the area.

Event website: http://www.heritagemontgomery.org/content/heritage-days-0
Cost: All events are family-friendly and open free to the public
Date and Time: Saturday and Sunday, June 26 & 27

Saturday, June 26, noon to 1 PM: Revels bring their special touch of MOOsic for a CoMOOnity Sing at the grand opening of the King Barn Dairy MOOseum. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on and enjoy this very special sing-along, filled with songs of country life and a few special tunes about cows!

Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27 (throughout the day: Meet characters right out of history. Drawn from primary sources, and brought to dramatic life through Roberta Gasbarre’s research into local lore and family legacies, these characters embody the struggles and triumphs of life during the Civil War era.

St. Paul Community Church plays host to two special guests: Quaker widow Johanna Plummer, struggling with the ethical and economic aspects of freeing the enslaved people she inherited from her husband; and Phillip Johnson, a former slave turned preacher and community leader. Saturday, June 26, 1-4 PM. You may also meet Johanna Plummer at the Sandy Spring Museum on Saturday, June 26, 2-4 PM.

Meet Enoch George Howard at Button Farm Living History Center on Sunday, June 27. Born into slavery, he purchased freedom for himself and his family, and became the largest African-American landowner in the County. After the Civil War, he founded a school.

These performances are supported by Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery County.

June 20, 2010REVELS SUNFEST

Join Washington Revels for a multi-cultural performing arts festival in celebration of the Summer Solstice.

The day will feature a wide variety of traditional performing arts, with an emphasis on sun, summer, and solstice celebrations from around the world – Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Nepal, Peru, South Africa and West Africa! Ellsworth Street will be closed to vehicular traffic and we’ll party in the plaza. Revels will lead a procession and a “raising the Sun” ceremony, joined by 8-10 other performing arts groups on two stages, plus cameo performances by other singers and instrumentalists. There will be artisan handicrafts displays and sales and activities for kids. » Learn More | Read about the performers | Volunteer (we need you!)

Cost: Free!
Date and Time: Sunday, June 20, from 1:00-5:00pm
Location: Downtown Silver Spring, MD (Ellsworth Street between Georgia and Fenton)

SunFest is supported by Downtown Silver Spring (the Peterson Companies)

May 28-29, 2010ADULT CHORUS AUDITIONS

For three productions in the 2010-2011 season: The Christmas Revels, ‘Songs of the Sea and Shore,’ and new Civil War-era (including African-American) programs

View the Audition Page for more information and to schedule a time

View Video Highlights of The Christmas Revels (2008 production)

May 16, 2010REVELS FESTIVAL DAY AT RACHEL CARSON MEADOW

Picnic and perform with Washington Revels in the midst of this celebration of the benefits of a neighborhood park.

We gather, rehearse, and perform a “mini-Revels” all in one day – no auditions or experience necessary! Come by yourself, with a friend, or bring the whole family – all ages welcome. Register in advance to select your performance or production activity. Everyone 13 and older can choose to sing in the chorus, dance English country-style, act in the Mummer’s play, play in the band, craft props and decorations, help with setup/sign-in/organization, serve as photographers/videographers, or lend a hand with schlepping/assembling large props, etc. Children ages 6-12 may either learn and perform their own set, or work on props and decorations. A parent must accompany children ages 6-7 during activities, and parents are responsible for supervising children ages 5 and under. We hope to be able to accommodate all who register, but space is limited, particularly for those who want to dance.

At 1:00pm, all learn 2-3 songs that everyone may sing. We then separate into activity groups to prepare. After a snack break, we review everything and put it all together. At 4:00pm, we have the Grand Procession and perform our mini-Revels.

Can’t come for the full afternoon? Then join the audience at 4:00pm, when we share our performance with local residents at the Rachel Carson Meadow Festival.

Cost: Free! Advance registration required: Register using our online form
Time: 1:00-5:00pm (informal picnic at noon; public performance at 4:00pm)
Event Web Site: Rachel Carson Meadow Festival
Location: North Four Corners Park, 211 Southwood Avenue, Silver Spring, MD <view map>

May 2, 2010MAY REVELS at the AUDUBON NATURE FAIR

Celebrate May Day with Washington Revels!

We will once again bring in the May as part of the annual Nature Fair at the Audubon Society’s beautiful Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD. Beginning with the traditional procession, the early show (1:30pm) will celebrate the greening of the year with song, dance, the crowning of the May Queen, children’s singing games, and Revels’ traditional audience participation. The Foggy Bottom Morris Men will dance. The later (4:00pm), somewhat shorter, show will feature a procession with the Padstow May ‘Oss and a full audience-participation Maypole Dance!

Cost: Kids Free! Adults $5 (Fair Hours: 11:00am - 5:00pm)
Event Web Site: Audubon Nature Fair
Location: 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815 <view directions>

April 24, 2010MADRIGALS, MORRIS and MAYPOLE

Celebrate Spring at the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) Garden Fair and Plant Sale

The Washington Revels Singers will entertain with madrigals and some traditional Revels songs, for a day of merriment. We will dance the Maypole several times throughout the day and invite fairgoers to come and join us in more Maypole dancing. The Rock Creek Morris Women will also be there to dance the morris throughout the day. While you are there, pick up some wonderful green stuff for your garden.

Cost: Free
Date & Time: Saturday, April 24, various times between 10:00am - 1:30pm
Event Web Site: FONA Annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale
Location: 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002 <view directions>

April 21, 2010HAPPENINGS AT THE HARMAN

Celebrate Shakespeare with the Washington Revels Singers

The Washington Revels Singers present music from the time of Shakespeare, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, in celebration of the Bard's birthday (April 23, 1564). In addition to part songs and madrigals by Cornysh, Morley, Weelkes, Wilbye, and Dowland, featured soloists will present settings of Shakepeare's texts by the English composer, Roger Quilter. Bring your lunch and join us at this FREE noontime event!

Cost: Free
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 21, 12:00 Noon
Event Web Site: Happenings at the Harman
Location: Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. <view directions/map>

REGISTRATION OPEN for AFTER-SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

Play Through the Ages!

Teaching artists guide youth in grades K-4 to discover the joys of seasonal celebrations, cultural heritage, and collaborative endeavors.

Registration is open for the spring term (April 5-May 28) on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn more about our educational philosophy and teaching artists

Read course descriptions (spring term) and learn how to register

March 21, 2010WASHINGTON REVELS OPEN HOUSE

Washington Revels moved into the wonderful new 8,200-sq.ft. Ritchie Building last Fall, and now it’s time for a housewarming party!

Please join us on Sunday, March 21 – the first full day of Spring! – any time between 1 and 5 p.m. for an Open House filled with family-friendly fun (all free, of course).

You can tour our home and see the rehearsal/performance space and remarkable costume and prop shops. Our no-longer-bare walls will be decorated with photos, banners, and props of past Revels productions. Join in group singing (songbooks provided) at 2pm and 4pm, a community ritual to dedicate the space at 3pm, and even Maypole dancing (weather permitting). There will be kid-friendly activities and light refreshments. We’ll be giving away Revels t-shirts from past productions – first come, first served.

Throughout the afternoon, enjoy brief performances by our Sea Revels troupe, Doug Baumgardt (hammered dulcimer), Diana Lewis-Chun (flute), Mike Matheson (concertina), Oran and Jamie Sandel (guitar and fiddle), Jim Voorhees (accordion), and other special guests.

Cost: Free
Date/Time: Sunday, March 21, 1:00 - 5:00pm
Location: 531 Dale Drive, Silver Spring, MD <view directions/map>

January 24, 2010PUB SING AT MCGINTY'S

Come raise your glass, lift your voice and enjoy [fill in your favorite pub food] at the 2010 Washington Revels Pub Sing!

We will once again gather at McGinty's Public House in Silver Spring, MD. Revels will have the entire second floor bar area - wheelchair accessible, with seats available for all! Good food, good drink, good company, and great singing! The only missing ingredient will be you, if you miss out on the event!

Food and drinks can be ordered beginning at 6pm. Singing will start at 7pm and formally end at 9pm, with a brief intermission. All songs will be SING-ALONGS, with songbooks and songleaders provided. Kids and teens are always welcome -– there will be a few songs that celebrate the virtue of drink (it is a pub sing, after all), but not many. If you would like to lead a song, email pubsing@revelsdc.org.

Given the strong response to last year’s inaugural mini- “Burns Supper,” honoring the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns, the Pub Sing will again include a shortened, 20-minute version of the traditional celebration held on January 25th, including a few songs, the entrance of (and "Address" to) the haggis, and bagpiper, ending with a rousing 'Auld Lang Syne' as written by Burns himself!

Tickets: Admission may be available at the door, but we strongly recommend that you purchase your tickets in advance because seating is limited to 150 people. Last year we sold out two days before the event! Ticket proceeds go to Washington Revels; food and beverage from McGinty’s regular menu at your expense.

In advance: Adults - $16.50; Youth (18 and under) - $11.50
At the door (space permitting): Adults - $20; Youth (18 and under) - $15

Order tickets online through TIX.COM, or mail a check to Washington Revels, 531 Dale Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Location: McGinty's Public House, 911 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring, MD, (301) 587-1270
     [view directions/map]  [closest metro stop: Silver Spring ... about a 4-block walk]
     Parking is available in the Wayne Avenue garage between Georgia Avenue and Fenton Street,
     and also at the garage on the corner of Ellsworth and Fenton.
Date/Time: Sunday, January 24, 6:00 - 9:00pm

December 5-6 & 11-13, 2009THE CHRISTMAS REVELS

Washington Revels’ 27th annual celebration of the Winter Solstice transports us to Italy at the end of the 15th century. Maestro Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance man, has invited the Doge of Venice, nobles from the courts of Italy, craftsmen, townspeople, and all their children to celebrate the turning of the year. Enjoy Leonardo’s art and inventions, Italian holiday traditions, a Roman Saturnalia, and the magic of the season with glorious music, rousing dance—and an eclipse of the sun!

Join the acclaimed Revels company (over 75 performers, ages 8-80) on this colorful journey to seasons past with special guests Piffaro the Renaissance Band, Revels favorites Oran Sandel as Leonardo and Morgan Duncan as the Doge, as well as Emma Jaster—daughter of Revels’ beloved fool Mark Jaster—in the role of the Doge's comic servant, Smeraldina. You and your family are invited! The Maestro awaits…

8 Performances: See details below.
Location: Lisner Auditorium of The George Washington University
                  21st and H Streets NW, Washington, D.C (view location and parking information)

Washington Revels thanks NIAF, the National Italian American Foundation, for its support as a publicity sponsor for this production.