Each season, the Hylton Center invites artists and ensembles with distinctive and innovative artistic voices to make the Hylton their home for a residency, transforming our stages, studios, and labs into creative classrooms where artistic exploration is developed and nurtured. These Hylton Artists-in-Residence participate in a variety of activities, both on site and in the community, designed to engage, inspire, and welcome diverse audiences. The Hylton Center is excited to present two 2024–25 Artists-in-Residence: Villalobos Brothers and Elena Moon Park & Friends.
A virtuosic trio of fiddlers, singers, and songwriters, the Villalobos Brothers draw on their classical training from prestigious institutions nationwide and blend Mexican folk music with Latin, jazz, rock, and classical to create a fun-loving and cheerfully expressive sound. Brothers Alberto, Ernesto, and Luis hail from the culturally rich Mexican province of Veracruz and have shared the stage with the San Francisco Symphony and collaborated with such legendary artists as Bruce Springsteen, Dolly Parton, Antonio Sánchez, Regina Carter, Eduardo Magallanes, Dan Zanes, The Chieftains, and Ana Tijoux. This trio of endearing brothers with a commanding presence has delighted audiences across the U.S. and around the world, and now bring their wealth of knowledge and artistry to the Hylton Center on October 26. Prior to their Hylton Presents performance, they will lead workshops, masterclasses, lectures, and performances for learners of all ages, focusing on both their music and culture.
In February 2025, Elena Moon Park & Friends will be the first Artist-in-Residence to take place as part of the Hylton Family Series. This residency will celebrate folk and children’s music from around the globe. With an emphasis on East and Southeast Asia, plus original songs reimagined to mix musical traditions, languages, styles, and stories, Park celebrates learning about the world through music. Prior to her February 8 performance, Park will lead a variety of community activities. The group will also perform a schooltime matinee for local students.
The Artist-in-Residence program was launched in the 2019–2020 season as a means of connecting artists performing on series at the Hylton Performing Arts Center and at our sister venue, the Center for the Arts, with on-campus activities at George Mason University. The residency program also serves the local community through workshops, masterclasses, and other interactive opportunities for learners of all ages. “The Artist-in-Residence program allows us to extend programming into the community beyond the walls of the Hylton Center. We believe that the arts create community, and having the opportunity to engage with artists more directly offers community members a chance to learn more about the art and in many cases, participate themselves,” shared Marit Majeske, Hylton Center education coordinator.
Individual tickets for the Villalobos Brothers (10/26) and Elena Moon Park & Friends (Feb 8) go on sale August 1. Or, add them to your subscription of three or more shows today and save 15%.