Arts at SAARC

Exterior of SAARC facility building

The Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC) opened in February, 2020 as the first Multi-Generational recreation complex in Prince George’s County. This simply means that SAARC was designed with every member of the family in mind from the preschoolers to the grandparents! It is a place where all members of the family can participate in activities together, including great visual and performing arts.

For more information on SAARC, including the impressive public art in and around the building, please visit the SAARC websiteSee below for information on upcoming concerts and exhibitions.

  1. Performances
  2. Exhibitions
Man in a patterned outfit sitting and clapping outside

Anansegro of Ghana: African Drum, Songs, Stories, and Games

Saturday, January 28

Kofi Dennis brings the vibrant rhythms of a West African village to life though music, storytelling, drumming, and dance. Using authentic instruments, the Ghanaian native leads lively call-and-response songs, games, and movement that gets audiences on their feet in a high-energy exploration of African cultural traditions.

$5 Residents / $7 Non-Residents
Tickets on Parks Direct

Man in black and white suit dancing

Lunchtime Listening Series: Paul Spires

Wednesday, February 1, 11 am

Paul “JusPaul” Spires. Currently serving as lead vocalist for the world-famous funk/jazz band, The Blackbyrds, DC native Paul Spires is a multitalented singer-songwriter and performer. He is an award-winning songwriter, is a sought-after collaborator, and has successfully placed his music and production work in various mediums. His eclectic energy organic talent has earned him an appropriate stage moniker - it’s “JusPaul!”

All Ages
Tickets on Parks Direct

Woman in red singing

Arts and Activism Series: A Conversation with Lea Gilmore – Vocalist and Social Justice Warrior

Saturday, February 18, 4 pm

Join us for a conversation with artist and activist Lea Gilmore. Named by “Essence Magazine” as one of “25 Women Shaping the World”, Gilmore is founder and director of Umoja Musica, an international effort promoting non-violence, peace, and human rights through music. Gilmore will share her journey from a political science student at Morgan State University, to performing and leading choirs all over the world. She will also share her triumphs over personal tragedy, and her current position as the director of the racial justice ministry at Govans Presbyterian Church in Baltimore.

Presented Virtually on Microsoft TEAMS
Ages 12 & Up
FREE
Tickets on Parks Direct

Man with a guitar in front of a colorfully painted wall

Chrystylez Bacon: Progressive Hop-Hop

Saturday, February 28, 2 pm

Grammy-nominated artist Chrystylez Bacon brings a new flavor to the progressive hip hop movement by blending musical genres from around the world in a muti-instrumental exploration of the beat box (oral percussion), rap, go-go, classical music and beyond. Chrystylez delights audiences of all ages!

All Ages
$10 Residents / $15 Non-Residents
Tickets on Parks Direct

Man in a hat holding three different instruments

Arab History Month Karim Nagi: Arabiqa!

 Saturday March 18, 2 pm

Join Egyptian-American musician and dancer Karim Nagi for an engaging, witty performance spotlighting Arabic music, dance, and culture.

All ages
$5 Residents / $7 Non-Residents 
Tickets on Parks Direct

Smiling man in a blue suit

Lunchtime Listening with Elliott Jefferson

Wednesday, April 5, 11 am

You’ll be uplifted and regenerated after having lunch with pianist, composer and producer Elliot Jefferson. Having worked with dozens of artists including Dru Hill, Kim Burrell, and J. Moss, this former music ministry director easily straddles the genres of R&B and gospel to create a soothing and engaging sound.

All ages 
FREE

Reserve your seats on Parks Direct

Motown band in white and red smiling together

Going to a GoGo at the Motown GetDown

Thursday, May 18, 11 am

It's back! Join us and celebrate the musical magic of the Motown era at the Motown, Get Down! Enjoy the smooth voices and high-stepping choreography of the Brencore All-Star Band as they perform some of Motown’s iconic hit songs. After the show and lunch, hop on the dance floor as the band continues to crank out more memorable Motown tunes. Don’t miss the fun!

Ages 60 and better 
$20 Residents / $27 Non-Residents

Tickets on Parks Direct

Smiling woman with braids

Lunchtime Listening with Brigette Johnson

Wednesday, June 7, 11 am

Since 2003 Brigette Johnson has been making a name for herself in the DMV. She has performed with saxophonists Ronnie Laws and the late Wilton Felder of the Crusaders, as well as in several local DC area R&B, jazz, and neo soul bands. Johnson brings down the house when she covers artist such as Chaka Khan, Teena Marie, and Aretha Franklin. 

FREE
Reserve your seats on Parks Direct