Sailing along the Potomac, District residents celebrated the spring equinox and budding cherry blossom season aboard the Odyssey in a special event, as the D.C. Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) and City Cruises announced new programming that highlights the beauty and breadth of the District’s landscape and culture.
“Today, we officially launch the Capital Sound Series, a new partnership between the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment, City Cruises DC, along with Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID). Together, we are bringing D.C. culture to the river,” said LaToya Foster, director of OCTFME, during the afternoon event on March 20. “We are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country and the 50th anniversary of go-go, our homegrown, self-earned, cultural signature.”
The line to board the Odyssey served as a moment to enjoy live entertainment, with The Experience Band and Show kicking off the Capital Sound Series, playing exciting and dance-provoking renditions of diverse songs like Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly” (1973), The Gap Band’s “Yearning for Your Love” (1980) and Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning” (2002).
“We are ensuring that our artists are not only creating, but being seen, celebrated and supported,” Foster continued. “So the Capitol Sound Series is a powerful example of that commitment — bringing culture to the water, to The Wharf, and to the thousands of residents and visitors, who will experience our city … in a whole new way, throughout cherry blossom season and beyond.”
Chad Barth, vice president of City Cruises, said the partnership with OCTFME furthers the company’s mission of highlighting District culture, while aboard vessels like the Odyssey.
“As City Cruises celebrates the start of our busiest time of the year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, we wanted to further shine a spotlight on the people who make our city so special,” Barth said. “Our cruises during cherry blossom season are particularly special for all of us here, as it offers us all sweeping views of the blooms along the Potomac without the crowds.”
Further, as the nation celebrates 250 years, City Cruises provides views of some of the District’s top landmarks, while dining, drinking, dancing to sounds of DJs or live entertainers, and sailing in comfort.
“City Cruises has been serving guests on the Potomac for over 40 years, making us one of the oldest operations of dining and sightseeing cruises here in Washington, D.C. We provide our guests with a completely unique scene along historically important waterways, from iconic monuments, Georgetown, down in Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor, and all the way down to Mount Vernon,” Barth explained. “Washington, D.C., is the heart of our nation and the epicenter of history being made every single day. But it is the people who make it, both a top notch top destination for tourists and a desirable place for us to live.”
A Chance to Network, Celebrate District Artists, Look to the Future
As District business leaders, artists, cultural curators, legal experts, and media makers took in the sites while sailing on March 20, they also had the chance to engage with one another and make connections.
For Sharah Connor of Mahogany Yacht Charters, which was founded in 2022, building community in a familiar place — but different vessel — was a welcome opportunity.
“Being out here on the water — this is Mahogany’s home — being able to celebrate the start of [cherry blossom] and boat seasons with everyone that’s here today, that’s why I’m here,” Connor, Mahogany Yacht Charter’s chief operating officer and managing partner, told The Informer. “With this being our fifth season [on the Potomac], we’re so excited to bring on more partners. We’re hiring more first mates, and hopefully we’re looking at expansion of another vessel.”
While guests networked, enjoyed a three-course meal that included a refreshing spring salad, savory salmon entree and a variety of desserts, and sipped on drinks from the bar, they also got to witness a muralist in action as he provided cool souvenirs for those aboard the vessel.
“It’s great to give back and be a part of [the launch of Capital Sail Series],” said Kaliq Crosby, who designed and spray painted personalized hats for attendees during the two-hour cruise. “I wouldn’t be who I am today without support from people like [OCTFME and City Cruises].”
A D.C. native, Crosby understands the importance of providing opportunities for artists firsthand.
“It’s great for the groups that are involved and are willing to contribute to the artist scene and provide equity to the artists,” he continued.
Foster said that the Capital Sound Series was further proof of the District’s investment in creative economy and tourism, particularly touting D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s work to support and highlight local artists.
“In Washington, D.C., we know that the creative economy is a $15 billion engine, driving jobs, opportunity, and growth across the city,” she said.
With the Capital Sound Series already geared up to entertain crowds beyond cherry blossom season, the OCTFME director also teased an upcoming event celebrating District history and legacy.
“We are less than 30 days out from our big Emancipation Day Celebration. It’s coming up on Sunday, April 19, and that’s going to take place at Franklin Park,” she said, noting the celebration is not at its normal site of Freedom Plaza as it is under renovation. “[April 19] is exactly 160 years to the date of the very first Emancipation celebration. It’s going to be bigger, bolder, and I wish I could tell you the headliners names, but just know, you don’t want to miss it.”