Happenings June 21 - 28

                                                               

Choreographed by visionary Alonzo King, the story of "One Thousand and One Nights” comes to life with “Scheherazade,” the tale of the Persian princess who used her gift of storytelling to stop a king from going on a murderous spree and saving her own life in the process. On June 22^nd at 8pm AARP presents “Scheherazade” the ballet that blends Middle Eastern dance and modern ballet taking audiences on a journey through time.  To register for the online event go to aarp.org.

If you need a reprieve from Juneteenth and FIFA World Cup festivities visit the Salamander Hotel in Washington, DC for a Floating Sound Bath Series to get grounded and bring you back to center. The series takes place in the indoor pool space and is guided by Natalie Ngounou from Sounds of Gratitude. The one-hour session includes crystal vibrations, Tibetan sound bowls, flutes, drums, rain sticks and more. The next session is on June 22 at 5pm and includes wellness beverages, fresh season fruit and gift provided by the Salamander Hotel. To sign up for a session go to https://www.salamanderdc.com.

                                                                                    

Walk into the entire color spectrum at Edge NYC Observatory at Hudson Yards at the
kaleidoscope installation. Designed in collaboration with moment factory, soft lab and journey dot world, the installation is made to be viewed in seven segments. The journey starts on level four with Prism then an interactive light installation with Skyrise, Reflections is a two level space with spinning mirror panels, in  Kaleidoscope move through four kaleidoscope zones in an immersive room and then move on to  Crystal Cave where visitors walk beneath a 25 Ft canopy of oversized crystals, and finally Infinite City – 18 illuminated columns inspired by the skyscrapers of New York City. For more information go to edgenyc.com

                                                 

If you’re in Dallas for the World Cup Check out Mandela: The Official Exhibition at the African American Museum Dallas. The exhibit is presented by the Mandela Family and the Royal House of Mandela. The exhibition features more than 150 artifacts and personal items from the former President of South Africa who sacrificed his life spending 27 years in prison for fighting against apartheid to then rise to become South Africa’s first Black President. The exhibition runs through November 1, 2026. To find out more information go to aamdallas.org.

During the FIFA World Cup The City of Atlanta is honoring the people and places that have shaped its cultural and artistic fabric with the Atlanta Cultural Exchange, a platform that introduces Atlanta to the World. On Tuesday, June 23^rd join AEC at The Center for a live podcast with the Congolese Consulate, a panel discussion with the Russell Innovation Center, The Atlanta Opera and much more, the Atlanta Cultural Exchange is the gateway to collaboration between art, Africa and the US during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The program runs through July 14 and is free. For more information go to www.atlculturalexchange.com.

                                                                

Afro Puerto Rican artist Roberto Lugo is highlighting Puerto Rican identity heritage and the inequality they experience with his latest installation “Alfarero del Barrio" or “Village Potter.” The installation is on view in Madison Square Park and The Hugh Bridge through December 6^th, 2026, and features two monumental hand-painted foam sculptures - a 20-foot-high traditional urn and a 15-foot-high fire hydrant. The urn features an archway visitors can walk through with portraits of public figures like Roberto Clemente, Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Lugo’s parents. For more information go to madisonsquarepark.org.

On Wednesday June 24, visit the Grammy Museum for “Bust A Move,” – a panel conversation celebrating the music of Young MC, Mellow Man Ace, B Real with Delicious Vinyl co-founder Mike Ross, and Author Peter Relic. The panel starts at 7:30 pm. For more information go to grammymuseum.org

                                                            

If you’re in London stop by the V&A East in London for “The Story of Black Arsenal” – an exhibition that celebrates the club’s long-standing relationship with Black British culture, music and community. Integrated into “The Music is Black: A British Story,” the exhibition comes just after Arsenal won its first Premier League Championship in 22 years with the club’s matches being a safe space for Black football fans in London who faced racial discrimination and harassment while supporting other clubs.  The exhibition features historical player shirts, memorabilia, a mural originally displayed at the Emirates and multimedia storytelling. To learn more about the history and exhibition go to arsenal.com.

                                                                            

Celebrate the FIFA World Cup at Marina del Rey on Mother’s Beach in California with the
Sand & Soccer Experience featuring larger-than-life soccer installations and sand sculptures. The beach is activated during World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium between now and July 15^th with the next activation happening on Tuesday, July 25. The program is free and features a 7-foot Soccer installation by artist Kiel Johnson with a dedicated selfie station. For more information go to visitmdr.com.

Atlantic Park Surf in Virginia Beach is also activating their space with Soundwaves - a music programming series featuring local bands and DJs. The first set with with DJ Mike Goombas on Friday, June 26 from 6-9pm. Then Saturday, June 27 from 11am - 3pm Atlantic Park Surf is hosting an art market featuring food, music and artists from Virginia Beach to the Outer Banks. For more information go to atlanticparksurf.com.