It’s not just any music festival: it’s supported by award-winning nonprofit theater and educational arts organization Creative Cauldron. Creative Cauldron offers its stage every year to various talented musicians from here, there… almost anywhere in the world. From the Metro DC area to Brazil and France to the Andes and beyond, the audience is exposed to various genres that appeal to any type of music lover. Thanks to WAMMY award-winning artists Ken Avis and Lynn Veronneau, who curated the series, this is a charming festival in a welcoming and intimate environment. The festival plays through February 2, 2025. DC Theater Arts will be covering many, if not all the shows, and a list of the full schedule is below. In-person and virtual tickets for each show can be purchased online. Running time varies by performance. Daniela Soledade & Nate Najar in “Love & Bossa Nova” Friday, Jan 10 at 7:30pm Florida-based musicians Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar were the first to stamp this year’s “Passport to the World of Music.” It was a cold night in the DMV, but this duo warmed up the crowd with songs of Bossa Nova jazz, Samba, and other Brazilian music. Najar was on guitar while Soledade, who’s originally from Rio de Janeiro, provided vocals and rhythm by tapping the head of a tambourine. However, a few songs later she gave the audience a delightful surprise during an instrumental performance where she played a flute and also during a heartfelt solo performance of her singing while playing the guitar. Their setlist — sung in a mix of English and Portuguese — included original songs and beloved, well-known classics like “Doralice” and “The Girl From Ipanema.” The entire time, the two were natural storytellers providing chemistry, love, passion, humor, and fun facts about a few songs to help the audience learn more about Brazilian culture throughout the show. The Kennedys, Saturday, January 11 at 7:30pm “Celebrating Simon & Garfunkel” presented by Newmyer Flyer, Sunday, January 12 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm Cecily in “Soul Music for a Better World” Friday, January 17 at 7:30pm NEW DC-based singer and songwriter Cecily poured out her heart and soul during her performance. With an ethereal voice that’s as smooth as honey, backed by an energetic band, it felt as though Cecily filled the entire room with joy as soon as while singing the first song of the night, “The Edge of a Dream.” The singer took the crowd on a heartwarming emotional journey with songs of love, hope, anti-war, empowerment, and freedom. Soul music can be considered timeless, and Cecily proved that by mentioning current events while singing nostalgic classics by legendary artists like Minnie Ripperton, Phyllis Hyman, and Stevie Wonder. The setlist also included songs on the funkier side from groups like Earth, Wind & Fire — which got the audience out of their seats to dance. Cecily also performed some of her original songs, including “Acceptance,” which, while listening to it, felt like a warm hug from your favorite person. Project Locrea, Saturday, January 18 at 7:30pm Shenandoah Run, Sunday, January 19 at 2:00pm DC Great Guitars, Sunday, January 19 at 7:30pm Cathy & Marcy with Chao Tian & Snehesh Nag in “From China to Appalachia” Saturday, January 25 at 7:30pm RAYMI, Sunday, January 26 at 2:00pm Brad & Ken Kolodner, Sunday, January 26 at 7:30pm Veronneau, Friday, January 31 at 7:30pm Little Red & The Renegades Mardi Gras Passport Finale Party, Saturday, February 1 at 7:30pm SEE ALSO: Creative Cauldron to welcome the new year with ‘Passport Music Festival’  (news story, December 19, 2024)