Celebrate the International Day of Music with an awards presentation that showers praise upon some of America's best music schools, and features two awe-inspiring musical performances by Washington-based artists!

7pm
Deseo Carmine: Paraguayan star, Stella Rossi, performs with highly-acclaimed guitarist, Andrei Stomma. Hailing from Asunción, Paraguay, Stella Rossi, the driving force behind Deseo Carmin, is a multi-faceted artist. Formal training at one of Paraguay's most prestigious art and dance institutions solidified her foundation, propelling her into a world of artistic expression.  As a principal dancer with the National Ballet Folklorico Municipal of Asunción, Rossi became a cultural ambassador, sharing Paraguay's vibrant spirit on international stages. In 2012, Stella was selected by the Paraguayan government to be the Show Director for massive productions in America celebrating the country’s bicentennial. For this, Stella Rossi collaborated with many artists. These shows were seen by thousands at locations such as Queens College and the Philadelphia Kimmel Center. Deseo Carmin emerged as an outlet for Rossi’s boundless creativity, blending Latin rhythms, Jazz-Funk soul, and the fiery passion of Flamenco. Rossi's music is a celebration of her Paraguayan heritage, infused with a contemporary edge. Beyond her musical prowess, Rossi is a dedicated advocate for women's rights and social justice. A master of both Flamenco and electric guitar, Andrei Stomma is a virtuoso whose musical journey spans continents. Rooted in the rich musical tradition of Saint Petersburg, Russia, he honed his craft through rigorous classical and jazz training. For years, Stomma navigated the vibrant punk and rock scenes of Russia and Scandinavia, honing his skills as a performer and arranger. Since relocating to the United States in 1993, his talent has expanded into the realm of commissioned works, collaborating with prestigious organizations like the Bolshoi Ballet and the Moscow Circus. As a founding member of Deseo Carmin, Stomma infuses the band's sound with his unique blend of technical brilliance and fiery passion.

8:30pm
Vocalist, songwriter, engineer, co-producer, and multi-instrumentalist Brittany Davis brought an inner world to life with Images Issues, a full-length debut album and the very first as a solo artist. The album arrived right on the heels of 2022's I Choose to Live — an introductory EP that was championed by outlets like NPR (who hosted Davis on their Tiny Desk Concert series) and SPIN Magazine (who praised Davis' "intuitive virtuosity across deeply-felt rock, funk, and R&B"). Black Thunder is the newest studio album by the highly acclaimed Seattle-based artist. Arriving on Loosegroove Records, a label founded by Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard, the profound, fully improvised, fully realized collection recalls artists like Nina Simone, Roberta Flack and Rahsaan Roland Kirk in its immersive, incantatory spirit. Produced by Josh Evans, it features Davis on keys and vocals, Evan Flory-Barnes on bass, and D’Vonne Lewis on drums. Serving us music just as diverse as the artist who created it, Davis’ brings audiences a wide mix of gospel piano, hip-hop grooves, house beats, jazz chords, self-made samples, and everything in between. Davis will perform an intense collection of her original masterpieces. Work by Brittany paints new revelations that come from a mind who has learned the deepest form of connection through song. Every show by Davis is completely unique, and they are all filled with her glorious heart and soul that shines in every note making every show is a once-in-a-lifetime musical event.