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Culinary arts is a form of fine art that brings people together around food and culture. Sharing a meal or trying out a new recipe is a daily ritual by many in which we unknowingly experience other cultures and learn from one another. Who we are and what we eat can often help to define our place in this world and how we relate to others. Just Arts is a one day festival that seeks to explore how to make the world a better place. This year's focus is on culinary art. 

All types of arts serve a purpose in society, some more explicitly leaning towards social justice. The ones that take place in everyday lives and permeate into the psyche without calling for attention are the most powerful. 

Here in America, we often say we have a vast melting pot of cultures. We want to use this festival to deconstruct the melting pot and showcase the cuisine of different cultures individually to celebrate the culinary tapestry of the United States. This will give us an opportunity to highlight the narratives about a culture through the origins of their cuisine and the people who identify with it. Food is a cultural storyteller! 

Through the sharing of food, song and dance, Just Arts aims to change the world by bringing people together from all walks of life to share their pride, their culture and most importantly, their sense of self. We hope you will join us.

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Schedule
 

1:00pm

Caribbean

Food Demonstration
Anegada Delights Caribbean Cuisine

Performance
I&I RIDDIM

2:00pm

Indian

Food Demonstration
Woodlands Pure Vegetarian Indian Cuisine

Performance
Hip Hop Meets the Music of India: Featuring Nistha Raj & Christylez Baco

3:00pm

Middle Eastern

Food Demonstration
Salat Middle Eastern Comfort Food

Performance
Kamyar Arsani

4:00pm

Nigerian

Food Demonstration
Adonais Kitchen

Performance
Ayo

5:00pm

Focus on Community Partner Program

2021-2022 Season
Part of the 2021-2022 Season

1:00pm: Caribbean

  • I&I RIDDIM

    Music

    I&I RIDDIM

    I&I Riddim is Washington DC's THREE TIME award winning reggae band!  The name captures the spirit of this band's music: “riddim” is reggae’s irresistible upbeat dance rhythm, and "I&I" expresses Bob Marley’s “One Love” equality for all people.  I&I Riddim thrills audiences with an arsenal of your favorite reggae standards, the best modern reggae, and a few reggae-style pop-rock and calypso/soca tunes.  I&I Riddim is known for its exciting performance style and has shared the stage with some of the reggae greats including Bunny Wailer and Junior Marvin both from Bob Marley's Wailers.   This band is well-equipped to transform any stage into a true Caribbean party experience!  The band features the energetic vocal stylings of Nickoli Andrews and an array of talented and electrifying musicians.  SO hold on because -- HERE COMES I&I Riddim!!!!!

2:00pm: Indian

  • Woodlands

    Food Demonstration

    Woodlands Pure Vegetarian Indian Cuisine

  • Nistha Raj & Christylez Bacon

    Music

    Hip Hop Meets the Music of India: Featuring Nistha Raj & Christylez Bacon

    When you think of Indian classical music, you probably don't expect to hear beat box, or strains of jazz, and even rock. But that's exactly what the collaboration between Nistha Raj and Christylez Bacon is all about. Raj is mixing classical Hindustani music with Bacon’s beat box and hip hop to bring fresh sounds to a new generation of music lovers.

     

3:00pm: Middle Eastern

  • Salat

    Food Demonstration

    Salat Middle Eastern Comfort Food

  • Kamyar Arsani

    Music

    Kamyar Arsani

    Kamyar Arsani is an Iranian multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter based in Washington DC. Through his solo work and numerous collaborations, Arsani creates music across an array of styles, ranging from classical Persian music to genre-defying electronic experimentation. A teacher, performer and scholar of the daf _ the Iranian frame drum _ Arsani has been a featured artist at the Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, Voice of America, Georgetown University and numerous other stages throughout the region.

     

4:00pm: Nigerian

  • Adonais

    Food Demonstration

    Adonais Kitchen

  • Ayo

    Music

    AYO

    Born in Atlanta, and raised in Nigeria, AYO is a singer and songwriter who has shared the stage with Chance the Rapper, Andra Day, Common and MORE. Despite her challenges navigating life as a young Nigerian-American woman in today’s society, AYO has chosen to use her experiences to define her music. AYO’s smooth pop vocals channel messages of empowerment and even address important political issues of the times. 

5:00pm: Focus on Community Partner Program

  • Sandy Spring Slave Museum

    The museum is a private non-profit organization located in historic Sandy Spring, MD in the “Freedman's Settlement” on Brooke Road. The museum does not receive local, state, or federal funding. The museum is a labor of love run 100% by volunteers. The Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery, Inc. (SSSM) was founded in 1988 by Dr. Winston Anderson, Ph.D., Presidential Award for Excellence recipient

     

  • Identity Inc.

    Like an extended family, Identity teaches and models for young people, ages 7-25, the social-emotional, academic, workforce and life skills they need to thrive in the modern world. All programs are provided after school, in the community and on playing fields and are complemented by family case management, mental health and substance abuse counseling, non-clinical emotional support, and recreation. With a two-generation approach, we also work to empower parents to engage in their child’s education and be a champion for their success and the success of the community. Like family, we celebrate their victories and offer help when something extra is needed.

     

Seating

All seating for Olney Outdoors is general admission and will be available on a first-come first-served basis. The venue opens approximately ½ hour prior to performance time except where noted. There will be several seating options available including:

  • A dedicated area for blankets
  • Seats provided by Olney Theatre
  • Bleachers provided by Olney Theatre
  • A dedicated area for those who bring their own seats
  • At heavily attended events, additional benches will be available on the plaza, along with picnic tables, and space to set up your own chairs

Spaces may not be reserved in advance. Please visit our accessibility page if you have special seating needs.

 

Just Arts 2022

Saturday July 30th 2022 at 1:00pm

Box Office: 301.924.3400

Open Wednesday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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