Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
Center for the Arts Family Series: Saturday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Hylton Family Series: Saturday, Feb. 20, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Direct from the Vegas Strip, it’s Popovich Comedy Pet Theater! The whole family will be awestruck by the juggling feats of Gregory Popovich, along with the circus tricks of his adorable and spotlight-stealing furry and feathered friends. Voted the “Best Family Attraction in Las Vegas,” it’s absolute circus fun. Recommended for all ages. Note: Face coverings are required indoors for patrons ages 2 and up.
Ballet Hispánico
Saturday, Feb. 19, at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Founded by National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramírez, Ballet Hispánico is a renowned Latinx dance organization, recently recognized by the Ford Foundation as one of America’s Cultural Treasures. Ballet Hispánico brings communities together to celebrate and explore Latinx cultures through innovative dance performances, transformative dance training, and enduring community engagement experiences.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: Jason Vieaux and Aaron Clay
Saturday, Feb. 19, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Grammy winner Jason Vieaux is “among the elite of today’s classical guitarists” (Gramophone). NPR wrote Vieaux is “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation.” Mr. Vieaux joins Aaron Clay in a performance of the U.S. premiere of “Bruromano,” by Czech composer Sylvie Bodorová. Clay serves as principal bassist for “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. He commands great respect as a performer in both the classical and jazz worlds.
Pilobolus: BIG FIVE-OH!
Sunday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m.
Center for the Arts
In their 50th anniversary celebration, Pilobolus turns their traditions sideways in a thoroughly engaging new way. Pilobolus puts the “Oh!” in BIG FIVE-OH!, as they continue to morph into audiences’ hearts and minds. From the vintage and visionary to the recent and electrifying, Pilobolus continues to wow audiences with its irresistible mix of wit, sensuality, and stunning physical acumen. This performance contains partial nudity.
Mason Jazz Festival
Saturday, Feb. 26
Fairfax Campus (multiple locations)
The Mason Jazz Festival is an invitational event open to middle school, high school, collegiate, and community jazz ensembles. This festival will take place Saturday, Feb. 26, on the Fairfax Campus. Sponsored by Mason Jazz Studies and the Jazz Education Network, participating groups will perform a 20- to 30-minute set, followed by a clinic by Mason Jazz faculty and special guests. The closing festival performance ensemble will be the United States Army Blues Jazz Ensemble at 7 p.m. in Harris Theatre. All performances are free and open to the public.
Mark Morris Dance Group
Saturday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Featuring the MMDG Music Ensemble, the ever innovative and compelling Mark Morris Dance Group is on every arts lover’s must-see list. They return to the Center with a medley of lively works with an exuberant evening of dance created by “the most successful and influential choreographer alive” (New York Times).
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Sunday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Sharing a heartfelt message of love, peace, and harmony, Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs an uplifting concert showcasing traditional South African vocal styles. Grammy-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s richly harmonious vocals take inspiration from isicathamiya, a traditional music that developed in the mines of South Africa. This performance is family friendly.
Matinee Idylls: Lena Seikaly Trio
Tuesday, March 1, at 1:30 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Called “one of Washington’s preeminent jazz singers” and “brightest voices in jazz” (Washington Post), jazz vocalist and Washington, D.C.-area native Lena Seikaly performs a sumptuous afternoon of jazz standards. Her rich mezzo-soprano voice is not only making waves locally, but Seikaly is also growing a following outside the Beltway.
Dewberry School of Music: Mason Wind Symphony
Tuesday, March 1, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Come watch the Wind Symphony and the Symphonic Band present their winter concert, conducted by Professor Mark Camphouse and doctoral student Samantha Clarke. The George Mason University Wind Symphony, led by composer-conductor Mark Camphouse, is comprised of outstanding wind, brass, and percussion players.
Studio Series: Eurydice
Mason School of Theater
March 3–6, multiple performances
Center for the Arts, Theater Space
Eurydice reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, not through Orpheus’s infamous pilgrimage to retrieve his bride but through the eyes of its heroine. Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she begins to discover that the cost of living again can sometimes exceed the cost of staying dead. Full of dark humor, lyrical beauty, and wit, Sarah Ruhl’s play transforms a traditional myth into a visceral, contemporary meditation on love worth grieving for.
Velocity Irish Dance
Sunday, March 6, at 4 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Get ready for Velocity Irish Dance, a high-octane celebration of the past, the present, and—most especially—the future of Irish dance. In their exhilarating performance, it features dance at lightning-fast speeds and nearly impossible scuffles and shuffles. It’s heart-pounding entertainment, with an extra helping of soul. This performance is family friendly.