Meet our 2026 Celebration of Philanthropy Performers!
The 2026 Celebration of Philanthropy is just around the corner, and we couldn't be more excited to introduce the extraordinary performers who will make this year's event truly unforgettable. From the rhythm of traditional African dance to the soul-stirring sounds of jazz, R&B, and beyond, this year's lineup reflects the depth, diversity, and vibrancy of our region's artistic community. Get to know the talented groups and artists who will take the stage on Thursday, May 28th below.
Dr. Yew and Ni Dembaya
Ni Dembaya African dance collective
Brought to you by Creative Suitland, Ni Dembaya is a vibrant community dedicated to empowerment, healing, and self-awareness through the transformative power of traditional African and African-inspired music and dance. Rooted in the rich cultural traditions of the African diaspora, Ni Dembaya creates space for individuals to connect with ancestral rhythms, movement, and storytelling — fostering joy, resilience, and a deeper sense of belonging.
Through dynamic performances and community engagement, Ni Dembaya brings together artists, musicians, and dancers to celebrate the enduring spirit of African cultural heritage. Their work transcends the stage, offering audiences an immersive experience that honors the past while inspiring the present.
Washington Conservatory Jazz Players
Washington Conservatory Jazz Players
Brought to you by the Washington Conservatory, the Washington Conservatory Jazz Players, led by acclaimed saxophonist Marty Nau, bring vibrant energy and artistry to every stage they grace. This premier ensemble represents the jazz legacy of the Washington Conservatory of Music and has performed at distinguished venues and events including the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Glen Echo Park Art Walk, and the Washington Conservatory’s 40th Anniversary Gala. Their performances celebrate the spirit of jazz while connecting generations through rhythm, improvisation, and community.
Rayshun LaMarr
Brought to you by Mars Arts DC, Rayshun LaMarr was born in Chapel Hill, NC and discovered his gift for singing at just seven years old. After his family relocated to Washington, D.C., he attended the acclaimed Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia — laying the foundation for a remarkable career in music and performance.
Rayshun's journey is one of extraordinary talent and resilience. After battling lymphoma — during which he temporarily lost both his hearing and his voice — he returned to the stage with renewed purpose, earning a spot in the semi-finals of Season 14 of NBC's The Voice. He has since performed for the NBA and NFL, served as a featured soloist for Broadway in the Park at the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, and released five singles available on all major streaming platforms.
Dr. Ceylon Mitchell, Dr. Felipe Garibaldi
Dr. Ceylon Mitchell and Dr. Felipe Garibaldi
Brought to you by Strathmore, Dr. Ceylon Mitchell leads Raíces Negras, a music collective celebrating Black and Latine voices across the Americas with chamber music repertoire ranges from the rich timbral colors of modern Pierrot ensemble works, to the Afro-Brazilian swing of choros, to the polyphonic rhythmic framework of Afro-Cuban jazz, and everything in between.
The group respects traditional genres while also bending and blending them with improvisatory intersections. The collective consists of world-class musicians hailing from the United States, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Brazil, Bulgaria, Haiti, and beyond. Providing musical curiosity, virtuosity, and creativity to the collective, they each maintain busy schedules as sidemen and solo artists in their own right.
2026 Celebration of Philanthropy
We are deeply grateful to these remarkable artists and organizations for sharing their gifts with our community and helping make the 2026 Celebration of Philanthropy a night to remember. Their performances are a beautiful reflection of the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness that make our region so special. We hope you'll join us for what promises to be an extraordinary evening. Get your tickets here!