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Deemed by media queen Wendy Williams as one of “Big R&B’s, Best Kept Secrets", Dwele (pronounced dwell-l?) hails from the legendary music mecca of Detroit and lives a life in song. As a multiple GRAMMY® Award Nominee and a shared win with legendary rap icon Kanye West for "Flashing Lights,” Dwele has blazed a trail for this generation’s newfound Soul/R&B era. From stirring melodies composed on piano keys, he writes poignant music, performs with natural grace and captivates with his clear, silky tone. He carries on a Motown-inspired tradition instilled in another era. His hits include “Find A Way,” “I’m Cheatin,” “I Think I Love You,” “What’s Not To Love,” and many more.

Keystone Kards are not applicable for this show.

When was the last time you unplugged?

Disconnect, slow down, and rediscover what it means to be present inside the BMA’s historic Spring House, where acclaimed American conceptual artist Rachel Lee Hovnanian presents the Nature Deficit Disorder immersion room this spring. The powerful installation challenges our digital dependence and rekindles our connection to the natural world.

Inspired by journalist Richard Louv’s term “nature deficit disorder,” described as a growing disconnection from nature, often linked to diminished focus and negative moods, Hovnanian transforms the Spring House into a simulated nighttime forest.

“My work has long explored how technology shapes attention, mental health, and human connection. This installation emerged from my observations of society’s growing digital dependence, alongside my own experience of it.” –Rachel Lee Hovnanian
Away from the constant ping of notifications and endless scrolling, surrender your phone, surround yourself with fir trees, and let lantern light guide you. Hear the crunch of leaves beneath your feet and watch the flicker of a campfire casting shadows across the room.

In a world where we check our phones every other minute, Hovnanian invites you to linger for at least five minutes in the immersion room and consider what is lost when we give our attention to apps and devices rather than real-life experiences.

“What do we lose when our lives are constantly mediated by screens? I hope to offer a pause—an invitation to rediscover how it feels to be fully present.” –Rachel Lee Hovnanian

Known as the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson was a 13-time Grammy Award winner, American singer, songwriter, and dancer. As a child, Jackson became the lead singer of his family’s popular Motown group, the Jackson 5. He went on to a solo career of astonishing worldwide success, delivering No. 1 hits from the albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Thriller remains one of the best-selling albums in history.

R&B singer and pop artist Usher is an eight-time Grammy winner best known for his best-selling album Confessions as well as the songs “Yeah!,” “Nice & Slow,” “U Remind Me,” and “My Boo,” a duet with Alicia Keys. Usher released his first album in 1994, at age 15, and began dominating airwaves later that decade. In 2004, Confessions brought even greater success; his first No. 1 album sold more than 1 million copies in its first week and led to three Grammy Awards.

Kenny Sway is known as “DC’s Best Male Vocalist,” coming from Seat Pleasant, Maryland, best known for the viral videos of his street performances in Washington DC. Kenny is a very genuine artist, who became a real advocate for the black community in the aftermath of Floyd’s death, leading almost daily peaceful protests dominated by love, peace, unity and his music. He started out as a street artist years ago, serenading the streets of Maryland and DC, but he is still going out in the streets to perform for the people who can’t afford to buy tickets to his concerts.

At VLP, we honor lifelong learning and understand the importance of starting early and making it fun. We hope you join us for our return to in-person Tots Tuesday Storytime for toddlers & preschoolers!