Wytold writes original music on the six-string electric cello inspired by outdoor rock climbing trips, world travel, his background studying philosophy of physics, and his experiences leading music workshops in military hospitals and Veteran populations. Using electronic edge alongside acoustic harmonies and double-stop grit, his electrified-chamber feels equally at home in rock clubs, art galleries, and concert halls.

Growing up in northern Virginia with interweaving passions for youth orchestra, powerful guitar solos, Bach cello suites, and rock and pop songs, Wytold’s original music celebrates classical technique hand-in-hand with modern grooves, improv, and rhythms of pop, rock, jazz, and world styles.

Find Wytold online at wytoldmusic.com and join him on the first Monday of each month for Intro to Music, a Mission Belonging online workshop open to everyone— beginners and beyond.

Christylez Bacon (pronounced: chris-styles) is a Grammy Nominated Progressive Hip-Hop artist and multi-instrumentalist from Southeast, Washington, DC. As a performer, Christylez multi-tasks between various instruments such as the West African djembe drum, acoustic guitar, and the human beat-box (oral percussion), all while continuing the oral tradition of storytelling through his lyrics.

With a mission towards cultural acceptance and unification through music, Christylez is constantly pushing the envelope – from performances at the National Cathedral, to becoming the first Hip-Hop artist to be featured at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, composing and performing with the National Symphony Orchestra, and Princeton Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and Wheeling Symphony Orchestra on multiple occasions; collaborating with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and creating an intentional culture exchange project and subsequent documentary between Washington, DC and Brasilía, Brazil.

In Washington, DC, Christylez began a cross-cultural collaborative concert series, “Washington Sound Museum” (WSM). WSM is a monthly intimate celebration of music featuring guest artists from diverse musical genres with Christylez Bacon and his progressive hip-hop orchestra. Since WSM’s inception, Christylez has collaborated with artists from various cultural backgrounds, ranging from the Hindustani & Carnatic music of India, the contemporary Arabic music of Egypt, and the music of Brazil.

At the beginning for the pandemic, Christylez saw this socially-distant period as an opportunity to bring international artists and audiences together in an online video series titled, Beatbox Remix Series, which can be seen on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook Watch.

Learn the basics of wood burning. Participants will explore each step from design to final product as they create a wooden pendant.

Learn how to create a small sculpture using paper clay. In this beginner-friendly, hands-on activity participants will explore texture, shape, and creativity while making a unique piece to take home.

Artist Trading Cards are tiny artworks made to trade, not sell. Sign, date, and title the back; decorate the front in any medium. Create cards with collage and doodling using repurposed papers and markers. It’s a quick, approachable way to try something new and connect with other attendees. Trade a card, share a story.

Experience the art of handmade papermaking by pulling your own sheet of paper from pulp created from military uniforms. This hands-on activity offers a meaningful way to transform materials with a rich history into something new.

Discover the magic of cyanotype, a historic sun-powered printing process. Create your own one-of-a-kind blue print using natural objects and simple materials in this hands-on activity.

Take a moment to step out of doing and into being through a gentle guided meditation rooted in awareness and presence. Together we'll cultivate equanimity, reconnect with the quiet clarity that's already here, and remember the peace that never left.

Join comedian Chris Ulrich for an afternoon of laughter and creativity! In this lively improv workshop, participants will dive into theater games and playful exercises designed to spark their imagination. Improv offers a welcoming, supportive space where they can be silly, spontaneous, and inventive.

Join acclaimed musicians Wytold and Christylez Bacon for an engaging, interactive music experience that blends creativity, connection, and participation.