Words Beats & Life, DC's longest standing Hip-Hop-based arts and educational nonprofit, is set to ignite the nation's capital with its annual Words Beats & Life Festival, taking place from April 1 to 7.

The festival promises a dynamic week packed with concerts, parties, poetry, storytelling, interactive workshops, panels, and culminates in its signature park jam, Jazz & Blossoms, on April 7, 2023 featuring Grammy-Award winning trio Digable Planets.

Words Beats & Life will also award Grammy-Award winning MC and The Roots co-founder Black Thought with the 2024 National Rap Laureate award, following in the footsteps of lastyear’s inaugural honoree, Lupe Fiasco.

"We're really excited about introducing fresh, innovative programming to our city, uniting individuals of diverse ages, backgrounds, and neighborhoods through a shared passion for the arts, remarked Mazi Mutafa, founder and executive director of Words Beats & Life. "The festival not only fosters a renewed and continued interest in jazz, hip-hop, and poetry but also underscores the core mission of our initiatives for youth in the city."

A diverse mix of paid and free programming will ensure something for everyone throughout the festival week, with events scattered across the city celebrating the arts and fostering creativity. Highlights include “An Evening with Saul Williams,” on April 5th, “The Combine Literary Decathlon Finals” on April 6th, and end with Jazz & Blossoms on April 7th.

The free outdoor extravaganza in Franklin Park, which is a highlight of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, features an impressive lineup including Sun Ra Arkestra (directed by Marshall Allen),Madison McFerrin, Kassa Overall, JoGo Project, and DJ John Murph.

Learn more about Words Beats & Life on the website: https://wblinc.org/