Washington Revels celebrates cultural traditions through festivals, concerts, theater, workshops, mu
Staged or informal, large or small, Revels celebrations involve people of all ages, mixing professionals and nonprofessionals alike as performers and production crew. Audience participation is a hallmark: whether singing, dancing or becoming part of the drama, Revels audiences are always an integral part of the community.
Operating as usual
It's Twelfth Night, and our Revelry continues! This evening is the perfect time to feast, offer a toast, and enjoy The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads On-Demand Video once again. Visit the link below for more about the show — and tips on refreshments for Revelers. Cheers!
Resources for on-demand viewing and recipes for at-home Revelry:
https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/-4
Photo by Becky Hale.
Only a few more days to enjoy a show that made audiences shout "Hooray Hooray"
On this Ninth Day of Christmas, we have ladies dancing and more merriment in store in The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads On-Demand Video. Dance on into the new year and keep the celebration going through January 6! Learn more here:
https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/
Christmas Revels photo by Becky Hale.
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
“For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.”
Happy New Year from Washington Revels!
Joyously bring in the new year with dance, laughter, song, and time-honored traditions—including, of course, the beloved "Auld Lang Syne"—with The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads On-Demand Video. This is one holiday celebration that can be shared across the miles!
https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/
During 2022, we've shared songs, stories, steps, and smiles, and we joyously anticipate new seasonal celebrations as we start 2023! Come join us as we revel on into a new year — and help make it possible to reach new audiences of all ages with your generous gift. Find out how to share your support here:
https://revelsdc.org/support-us/
"On the Fifth Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me..."
Gold rings are bright and shiny, but to truly give your heart a glow, experience an Appalachian holiday celebration in The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads On-Demand Video! Watch as many times as you like through the 12 Days of Christmas (through January 6), and remember that tickets make perfect presents for all your true loves. Learn more here:
https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/-1
Photo credit: Becky Hale
The celebration of Kwanzaa began on December 26 and continues through January 1! To celebrate the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture has created a wonderful array of resources, including children's activities, music, poetry, readings, and recipes. Explore them all here:
There are Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba, that help us to continue building and maintaining unified and empowered communities.
You can watch as often as you want until January 6th for one low price. Visit www.revelsdc.org for more information!
It's the Second Day of Christmas, and the joy and generosity of the season shine brightly! Delight your true love (or anyone who needs the gift of Reveling) with a ticket to The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads On-Demand Video. The virtual show is available to enjoy again and again all through the 12 Days of Christmas!
All about this year's show (including program notes):
https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/-1
Technical specifics for the on-demand video:
https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/-4
An established cultural institution in the greater Washington area for over 35 years, Washington Revels is dedicated to reviving, sustaining, expanding, and celebrating cultural traditions — in music, dance, storytelling, and drama — that bind people together in spirit and joy.
Happy Kwanzaa- the 7-day African American holiday celebrating the "First Fruits"-- with 7 ways of strengthening community...
As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans an...
Did you know this Christmas Eve marks 102 years since the founder of Revels was born? John Meredith “Jack” Langstaff (at lower left in the photo) was born on December 24, 1920, in Brooklyn Heights. Find out about Jack’s music-filled journey from that first Christmas Eve in this bio from The Revels:
https://revels.org/about/
Remember the excitement and delight of receiving a gift picked out specially for you? Throughout the 12 Days of Christmas, you can take joy AND share joy with a gift ticket for The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads On-Demand Video. It's a perfect present for the people you love, both far and near. Learn more and find tickets here:
https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/
In these final days of Chanukah, on this first weekend of winter, we're focusing on the warmth and joy of celebrations shared with family and friends, whether far or near. In this Season of Reveling video, Revelers Judy and David Ehrenstein guide us through the symbols and sensory elements of the beautiful ritual that marks the conclusion of Shabbat.
Learn more about "A Season of Reveling" at https://bit.ly/revels-seasonIn the Jewish tradition, Shabbat concludes with the Havdalah. Revelers Judy and David ...
It's looking to be a cold and frosty weekend, but it's also Chanukah, which means it's the perfect time to step into a nice warm kitchen and create your own chocolate gelt for the holiday! In this Season of Reveling video, Elle, a member of the Solstice Revels Children, has a step-by-step demonstration and expert advice on how to make these tasty treats. Enjoy!
Learn more about "A Season of Reveling" at: https://bit.ly/revels-seasonElle, a member of our Solstice Revels Children, teaches us how to make chocolate gelt...
We're now at the heart of the eight-night celebration of Chanukah, the festival of lights. As you make ready to gather with family and friends this holiday season, visit with Reveler Rowyn Peel in this Season of Reveling video and learn the practical steps and deeper significance of preparing the challah that will be shared at the Shabbat table.
Learn more about "A Season of Reveling" at: https://bit.ly/revels-seasonThis weekend we continue exploring the rituals of hearth, home, and family in the Was...
Winter has arrived, and The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads On-Demand Video is right behind it! From December 23 at 3pm through January 6 at 11:59pm, you can enjoy every tuneful and colorful moment in this year's show. Treat yourself to an exuberant holiday tradition — and remember that tickets make great gifts for friends and family everywhere!
https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/
As we end this "shortest day" and enter the first night of winter, listen as Morgan Duncan captures the spirit of Susan Cooper's poem in this moment at the conclusion of The Christmas Revels: Echoes of Thrace in 2013.
Video editing by Will Wurzel.
"So the shortest day came..."
We hear Susan Cooper's beautiful poem of the Winter Solstice each year at The Christmas Revels. Here is Emma Jaster in the gloriously colorful and vibrant 2009 Italian Christmas Revels.
Video editing by Will Wurzel.
Didn’t get to see Christmas Revels in person? Do you want to give the gift of Revelry to your loved ones for the holidays? We’ve got you covered! Visit https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/-2 and click on “Purchase On-Demand Tickets” to see it again or share with a friend. Streaming from Dec 23-Jan 6!
Sunset on Sunday marked the beginning of Chanukah, an eight-night festival of lights commemorating the victory of the Maccabees and their reclamation/rededication of the temple. At this joyous time, join Reveler Jonathan Mulberg for a family-friendly Season of Reveling tutorial on how to prepare the latkes that have a traditional place on the holiday table.
Learn more about "A Season of Reveling" at: https://bit.ly/revels-seasonReveler Jonathan Mulberg teaches us how to make latkes in preparation for the 8 night...
The days grow shorter, the Winter Solstice approaches, and myriad traditions invite us to mark the occasion. In this Season of Reveling video, Reveler Jenny Corbett and her family demonstrate how to prepare a Yule log for your household and blend traditional practices with personal touches.
Learn more about "A Season of Reveling" at: https://bit.ly/revels-seasonReveler Jenny Corbett and her family share their tradition of decorating the Yule Log...
As night falls on this final day of live performances of The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads, we're grateful for all who made this production possible: our guest artists, cast, crew, volunteers, and supporters—and especially the audience members who sang and danced with us. And we promise to continue reveling with you in the coming days. Watch this space for more ways we share traditions and celebrations as a community during this festive season!
Photo credits: Becky Hale
Time to put on your most festive attire and head to Lisner Auditorium for the final performance of The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads. And if you're not able to attend a live performance this year, don't fret. You can revel cozily at home from December 23 through January 6 with The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads On-Demand Video! Learn more about the show, tickets, and technical specifics here: https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/
Photo credit: Becky Hale
Time to rise, shine, and revel! We're just hours from our FINAL live performance of The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads — and as always, community is right at the heart of our celebration! Will you be there to welcome Yule?
https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/
Photo credits: Becky Hale
We're looking for YOU to join us this weekend at Lisner Auditorium for The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads—two shows today, one on Sunday. And for family and friends near and far, watch for The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads On-Demand Video, starting December 23 and running through January 6!
https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/
Another awesome review! We're delighted with this Falls Church News-Press look at both The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads and the spirit that informs our year-round reveling. And we're delighted that Reveler Marissa Maley shared her own story.
Come celebrate community and tradition with us, both this weekend and throughout the holiday season!
Christmas Revels is a forty-year Christmas tradition in Washington, with the Washington Revels (the performance group) dedicated to fostering community through the celebration of a variety of cultural traditions. Although there is another like event in May, and throughout the year classes for ch ...
Photos from Washington Revels's post
'Tis the season to be jolly! This weekend at The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads, make merry with our large and lively cast at one of our four final shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And after the last note sounds on Sunday, don't fret — the show will go to on-demand video from December 23 to January 6! https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/
All photo credits: Becky Hale
It's a hit with audience members and reviewers! And you can still revel with us! Tickets are available for this final weekend - Friday Dec. 16 7:30pm, Saturday Dec. 17 2pm & 7:30pm, and Sunday Dec. 18 2pm.
Can't travel to DC, no problem. We are also selling On Demand video access to the show. To learn more about our On Demand Christmas Revels (and purchasing in person tickets), visit www.revelsdc.org
Executive Director, Tamara C. Williams, shares what she loves most about working with Washington Revels with Patch in Washington, D.C.
Washington Revels is a nearly 40-year old cultural institution in the greater DC area.
It's National Violin Day, and we're showcasing the fiddler at the center of the toe-tapping tunes in The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads. Be sure to catch the Whiskey Before Breakfast Band and our colorful and lively company of musicians and singers this weekend at Lisner Auditorium or via on-demand video through the 12 Days of Christmas! https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/
Photo credits: Becky Hale
Sharing the joy of Christmas! Cast and Audience dance and sing to Lord of the Dance right out of the theater and into the lobby for intermission. You can still revel with us! Tickets are available for this final weekend - Friday Dec. 16 7:30pm, Saturday Dec. 17 2pm & 7:30pm, and Sunday Dec. 18 2pm.
Can't travel to DC, no problem. We are also selling On Demand video access to the show. To learn more about our On Demand Christmas Revels (and purchasing in person tickets), visit www.revelsdc.org
What a wonderful review!
The production warms with tradition and traces the origins of American holiday music to its Appalachian origins.
More show feedback for audience members. We are delighted it is being so well received!
View from the Director's seat: Artistic and Stage Director Roberta Gasbarre likes to watch the show from the top row, getting a clear view of both the performance and our wonderful Revels audiences. From Roberta: "I thought I would share it with you. "
What do you think? Pretty good for a $17 seat!
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Nearly all our performers are volunteers - both adults and children. This Series of videos, What Does Washington Revels Mean to You?, represents their authentic voices and the importance of reveling.
Nearly all our performers are volunteers - both adults and children. This Series of videos, What Does Washington Revels Mean to You?, represents their authentic voices and the importance of reveling.
Nearly all our performers are volunteers - both adults and children. This Series of videos, What Does Washington Revels Mean to You?, represents their authentic voices and the importance of reveling.
Nearly all our performers are volunteers - both adults and children. This Series of videos, What Does Washington Revels Mean to You?, represents their authentic voices and the importance of reveling.
Behind The Scenes of Christmas Revels - The Children's Chorus rehearsing on of the show's songs
A Christmas Revels Love Story. How two people met on stage, fell in love, and married (now for 28 years).
This year the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices added two new members: banjo player Byron Thomas and his brother, drummer Korey London. Enjoy this clip of the brothers jamming with Jubilee Voices veteran and storyteller David Fakunle in a session filmed at Button Farm Living History Center earlier this summer. Video credit: Keith Moore
Did you know that it's National Volunteer Week? Revels volunteers do so much, mostly behind the scenes — until a WRC-TV crew shows up! Watch as a reporter drops in on the April 3 crochet party Reveler Helen Fields set up, and get a first look at the colorful crocheted flowers Revelers are making for the May 1 Magic Garden Flower Bloom at Glen Echo Park! 🌸 Find out more here: https://glenechopark.org/flowerbloom
Thanks to our supporters, 2021 was a year of reveling — including a return to in-person performances like The Christmas Revels! Thanks to all whose support made our Solstice Celebration possible. If you haven't had a chance to give, today is your last chance to make a tax deductible year-end donation. Donating online is easy at https://bit.ly/revels-gift
H.R.'s Own Parlor Band will raise spirits and set toes tapping in The 2021 Christmas Revels: An American Celebration of the Winter Solstice! That's Rebekah Givens on fiddle, Robert LaRose playing mandolin, Abbie Desrosiers Mulberg at the piano, and Jackie Desrosiers Owen on guitar. See them onstage starting TONIGHT and get a taste of their music in this #ChristmasRevels profile video.Learn more + buy tickets: https://bit.ly/2021-revels
For more than 10 years Jubilee Voices has presented traditional African American music and traditions in the DC region — and this year they are featured in The #ChristmasRevels! Meet the ensemble in this video, and see them onstage starting this weekend: https://bit.ly/2021-revels
The sound in Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture's Spanish Ballroom is beautiful — heavenly, in fact! Listen as the chorus sings "Angels Hov'ring Round," and make plans to enjoy The 2021 Christmas Revels: An American Celebration of the Winter Solstice! Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2021-revels
A #ChristmasRevels dance with a twist and a turn! Watch as our rehearsals get rolling, with a waltz just made for social distancing. Find out more about The 2021 Christmas Revels here: https://bit.ly/2021-revels
What's the rule on carols before Thanksgiving? Well, our #ChristmasRevels Chorus just can't wait — and we can't either! Sample this sneak preview of The 2021 Christmas Revels as you plan your Turkey Day feast. Tickets are on sale NOW! Find out more here: https://bit.ly/2021-revels
Artistic Director Roberta Gasbarre takes you inside #ChristmasRevels choreography! Walk with Roberta through the Revels Chorus as they rehearse a dance you can see onstage or online this December! Christmas Revels tickets go on sale November 15. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2021-revels
Some of the first #ChristmasRevels notes of the Fall last night as Greg McGruder leads the chorus in “How Do You Do Everybody” at Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture. Learn more about our 2021 show here: https://revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/
On this final day of #JubileeJuly2021, we share a special spotlight in memory of Reveler and Jubilee Voices member Arthuretta Holmes Martin, who passed away earlier this month. Arthuretta, you will be sorely missed.
Only 2 days left in #JubileeJuly2021! Today see highlights from the heartfelt birthday tribute for Jubilee Voices founding member James Harkless, organized earlier this month by fellow member Keith Moore. Get to know Jim and experience powerful tributes from friends and Revelers! And thank you Jim, for all you contribute to Washington Revels. Learn more about Jubilee July: https://revelsdc.org/2021/jv-july-2021/
As we continue celebrating Jubilee Voices' #JubileeJuly2021 anniversary month, here's a joyful moment from the ensemble's recent #Juneteenth performance "Our People," presented by the Alexandria Black History Museum! Relive "Daniel in the Lion's Den" 🦁 and then watch the full video for free on the Historic Alexandria, VA, YouTube channel: https://revelsdc.org/2021/june19-juneteenth/
Gallery Voices gather to sing with joy after a year apart, and a madrigal never sounded merrier! And as we follow safety precautions, we look forward to more vaccinated Revelers making music together in person this Summer. Join our e-news for announcements about in-person Revelry in our future: http://bit.ly/revelsdc-enews
#JubileeJuly2021 continues as Gregory McGruder shares the experience of singing with Jubilee Voices on the portico of Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, which recently re-opened with exhibits remembering the lives of those enslaved. Hear Greg's story and learn more about the new exhibits: https://www.npr.org/2021/06/08/1004433194/arlington-house-the-robert-e-lee-memorial-reckons-with-its-history-of-slavery
