Members of the Recording Academy's Washington D.C. Chapter gathered to celebrate the unique artistry of the DMV music community at the annual Block Party on June 6.

Passionate energy filled the walls of Sycamore & Oak, a vibrant community center located five miles from the heart of D.C., where guests enjoyed powerful conversations about the future of the industry and live music from Foggieraw, Huntley, and Be'la Dona accompanied by The Amours and Taisha Estrada. With the sounds of DJ Face welcoming attendees as they entered, the party was ready to begin. 

The night's celebrations started as attendees gathered into the venue's Creator Lounge. Between cocktails and conversations, guests could be found reminiscing with colleagues about moments and memories that took place throughout the year. A retail village of local businesses provided the perfect opportunity for attendees to shop and get acquainted with the space before the night's festivities began. 

Opening up the night was the evening's host, TeezySoDope, an instrumental artist central to the DMV community. From Virginia Beach, Teezy proudly uplifts and represents the place she calls home. 

"I know the sense of pride, literally, that the DMV carries about making sure we represent it. That we stand by [the community], and we push it," Teezy said in conversation right before hitting the stage.  

Hip-hop and R&B artist Foggieraw, a Virginia native, captivated the crowd with a powerful set that beautifully blended the raw power of spoken word poetry with the artistic sounds of hip-hop and R&B. Crediting the roots of his artistry to the DMV, he hopes to inspire other local artists to pour into their passions.

"A kid like I was, just out there, they are going to feel that [becoming a professional artist] is so hard to do. Just the same way it felt for me." said Foggieraw. "I want them to see: 'Oh, he did it,' so it's possible to do it." He described the feeling of the Block Party as "being right back at home." 

Rising rock 'n roll sensation Huntley blended his authentic American blues sound to perform a cover of Ben E. Kings's "Stand By Me", as well as his original unreleased song, "Tell Me When It’s Over". Just a few months ago, Huntley, accompanied by his coach Niall Horan, was crowned the Season 24 winner of "The Voice." Since then, he has secured a core audience and a recording contract from Republic Records.

"We're touring the world and we're flattered to be representing the DMV," Huntley said. Touching on what the moment means to him as a parent, he continued, "This is for moms and dads out there still trying to make a dream come true." 

Artist, educator, and incoming D.C. Chapter President Deborah Bond echoed Huntley, recognizing the family that lies within this community. "The Block Party feels like I can really give everyone a big individual hug. I can make you feel seen, I can come to you, and touch you, and say I'm here," she said.

The Amours, sister duo Jakiya Ayanna and Shania Aisha, brought their sensual sound to the stage in perfect harmony. They noted how events such as the Block Party allow them to give back to the place that raised them. 

"We're a product of the D.C. arts community. We're a product of Bohemian Cavern, Duke Ellington School of The Arts, and are a product of D.C. directly when it comes to the creative arts family and community," Jakiya said. Shania added, "It's amazing to see the growth, the change, and to be a part of that.”

As the sun came shining down on an unforgettable evening, the sensational sounds of Be'la Dona, an all-women D.C.-based go-go band, brought everyone to the dance floor with their "Sensual Crank" fusion of rock, R&B, gospel, pop, and jazz — an undeniably electric sound.

Accompanied by the enchanting multi-genre sound of Taisha Estrada and the soulful sound of The Amours, friends turned into family as they celebrated the end to yet another outstanding Block Party. 

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