(Washington, DC) – On Thursday, September 25, Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME), and the Creative Affairs Office (CAO) will host the 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards, honoring the District’s vibrant arts, humanities, and creative communities.
This milestone year promises an unforgettable evening filled with elegance, inspiration, and powerful performances that celebrate four decades of artistic excellence in the District of Columbia. Hosted by DC’s own Tommy McFly (NBC4), the event will feature performances by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eric Roberson, celebrated soprano Symone Harcum, DC’s own Black Alley, and more. The red carpet will be co-hosted by Kyle On The Mic, NBC 4’s Justin Stewart, and DCN’s Cecily Fernandez, with DJ Chris Styles on the turntables and veteran broadcaster Adimu Colón serving as the official announcer.
This year’s award presentations will feature the prestigious Mayor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement, honoring local jazz club Blues Alley. Now celebrating its 60th Anniversary, Blues Alley has been a cornerstone of Washington, DC’s cultural life, shaping the city’s identity as a global music capital and nurturing generations of jazz legends and audiences alike.
In addition, the coveted Mayor’s Arts Award for Distinguished Honor will be presented to Gretchen Wharton. A lifelong Washingtonian and visionary leader, Wharton was instrumental in expanding Art All Night from a neighborhood festival in Shaw into a free, citywide celebration across all eight wards that has drawn hundreds of thousands of attendees and generated tens of millions of dollars for DC businesses. For decades, she has been a driving force in advancing the District’s arts and cultural landscape, supporting artists, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that Washington, DC continues to be a place where creativity and innovation flourish.
Produced by the award-winning OCTFME and CAO, the Mayor’s Arts Awards are the District’s highest recognition of excellence in the arts, honoring local artists, arts educators, nonprofit organizations, creative industries, and patrons of the arts across all eight wards.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, and to RSVP, visit dcmayorsartsawards.com.
When:
Thursday, September 25
Red Carpet at 6 pm
Awards Show at 7 pm
Who:
Mayor Muriel Bowser
LaToya Foster, Director, Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment
Tommy McFly, NBC4, Host
Eric Roberson, Grammy-nominated Jazz Singer, Producer, and Composer
Symone Harcum, Renowned Opera Vocalist
The Washington Ballet
Crush Funk Brass Band
Black Alley, Go-Go Music Sensation
Sandy Choi, Violinist
Susanna Mendlow, Cellist
Malik DOPE, Nationally Acclaimed Percussionist (Former America’s Got Talent Contestant)
DJ Chris Styles, DJ
Adimu Colón, Veteran Broadcaster and Announcer
Where
The National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
*Closest Metro Stations: Metro Center or Federal Triangle*
*Closest Bikeshare Station: 15th St & Pennsylvania Ave NW*
Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP to [email protected].
Mayor Bowser X: @MayorBowser
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Mayor Bowser LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mayorbowser