An exciting mix of performers joins the Mason District Art Festival

By James Albright, chair of the Mason District Arts Advisory Council 

Under the guidance of Bharati Soman, local producer, performer, and member of the Mason Arts Advisory Council, nine performances will take place at the Mason District Art Festival on Oct. 11.

Performances will include a wide variety of music, dance, theater, and poetry from local and regional artists. This dynamic list of local performers offers a range of styles and art forms reflecting our community. The performances will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m.

The Art Festival is a locally produced event, designed to attract exciting artists and share them with the Mason District community.

The festival opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, located at 7200 Columbia Pike in Annandale.

Here is the schedule:

11 a.m. – Opening remarks: Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez and Del. Vivian Watts (39th District).

11:05 a.m. – Angelique Palmer, Fairfax County’s 2024-27 Poet Laureate, appears courtesy of ArtsFairfax.

11:20 a.m. – Parklawn Ramblers, a supergroup of bluegrass performers, pulled together from other groups.

11:40 a.m. – Instrumental music by the Reunion Music Society, comprised of classical performers from the NOVA Symphony Orchestra.

12 p.m. – Raging Grandmas, a new choral group that promises some spicy tunes.

12:20 p.m. – Tap dancer Sam Heimowitz, a young performer who has been dancing for most of his life.

12:40 p.m. – Timbre Trio, a women’s ensemble formed in 2024, will perform vocal, classical, and folk music.

1 p.m.  – Classical Indian and Bollywood dance performed by Sumona Apsara Parii.

1:20 p.m. – Atoms Busking, Annandale High School students hit the stage for a busking performance.

1:40 p.m. – Sopranessence, a vocal ensemble known for powerful performances.

Related story: Meet local artists Saturday at the Mason District Art Festival

In its first year, the Mason District Art Festival has brought together our local and regional art communities – representing a variety of mediums and art forms – to share what unites us. 

Sponsors include ArtsFairfax, Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez, former Mason Supervisor Penny Gross, Celebrate Fairfax, Beanetics Coffee Roasters, and the Providence Players. 

We hope you will join us this Saturday to inaugurate the first of many Mason District Art Festivals!