Poly Arts for Youth (PAFY) 2025/26 Season

Jake Shimabukuro
Oct
1

Jake Shimabukuro

Grades K-12 | 1 Hr. | In-School Performance

Jake Shimabukuro represents a rare combination of artistic renegade and musical ambassador. His passion for the ukulele is as equally evident when he stretches the instrument’s technical boundaries as when he teaches basic chords to a roomful.  Shimabukuro’s captivating passion will inspire students at this in-school performance to learn more about — and maybe even pick up — the ukulele.

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Story Pirates
Oct
10

Story Pirates

Grades K-5 | 1 Hr. | In-School Performance

Story Pirates is an award-winning media company known for hilarious, kid-inspired entertainment, including their hit podcast with over 85 million downloads. Their in-school program, Story Creation Zone, is a fully improvised assembly where performers collaborate with students to create and act out an original story on the spot—sparking laughter, creativity, and a love for writing.

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Pablo Sainz-Villegas
Nov
1

Pablo Sainz-Villegas

Grades 6-12 | 45 Min. | In-School Performance

Pablo Sainz-Villegas, a world-renowned Spanish classical guitarist and modern heir to Andrés Segovia, has performed at top venues like Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Philharmonic. Known for his “irresistible exuberance,” Pablo brings the expressive, multicultural soul of the guitar to life. In this school program, he shares musical stories, gives a short performance, and engages students in a Q&A. Teachers are encouraged to explore his career and videos with students beforehand to prepare thoughtful questions.

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Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande
Dec
16

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande

Grades K-5 | 45 Min. | In-School Performance

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande deliver a vibrant in-school performance celebrating the music and dance of Mexico. Featuring five mariachi musicians and two folklorico dancers, the show captures the spirit and richness of Mexican culture through a lively, traditional performance that both educates and inspires.

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The String Queens
Feb
12

The String Queens

Grades 6-12 | 45 Min. | In-School Performance

The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic Washington, D.C.-based trio known for their soulful sound, diverse repertoire, and engaging educational concerts. Blending storytelling, sing-alongs, improvisation, and social-emotional learning, TSQ creates powerful musical experiences that inspire audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine. The performance ends with a Q&A to deepen the connection between artists and students.

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Cirque Kalabanté
Mar
20

Cirque Kalabanté

Grades K-12 | 45 Min. | In-School Performance

Kalabanté Productions, founded by Guinean artist Yamoussa Bangoura, brings African culture to life through breathtaking circus arts. Their in-school show, Afrique en Cirque, features high-energy acrobatics, live Afro-Jazz, percussion, and the kora, all inspired by daily life in Guinea. The performance celebrates West African youth, resilience, and creativity in a vibrant, unforgettable experience.

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Kattam and his Tam-Tams
Mar
30

Kattam and his Tam-Tams

Grades 5 - 6 | 50 Min. | In-School Workshop

“Your Passport to the Cultures of the World” invites students on a vibrant musical journey with percussionist Kattam - introducing rhythms from Africa, the Middle East, and India. Students explore drumming techniques on the djembe, engage in fun rhythm activities using everyday objects, and perform along with music tracks—experiencing the excitement of playing in a band!

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