Veterans and the Arts initiative Nov. 11 at Hylton Center in Manassas

As part of the George Mason University’s Veterans and the Arts Initiative, the Hylton Performing Arts Center will present a day of music and art experiences for veterans, service members and their families.

The event features performances from local community music groups, an art exhibition, music lessons and demonstrations and much more, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

This day of artistic expression encourages participation among the audience.

Participants of all skill levels are invited to bring along their own instruments to join in with freestyle ensembles. Additional instruments will be available at the event.

A musical instrument “petting zoo” will welcome young audiences to explore their musical interests.

Community musical ensembles will present short vocal and instrumental performances throughout the event.

In addition to musical expression, participants will interact with the visual arts through an exhibition created by veterans.

A group of veterans, who are now students at George Mason University, will lead participants through the art of papermaking.

Local arts groups will provide information about resources and opportunities for service members, veterans and military families. 

Refreshments will be provided by Giorgio’s Family Restaurant. 

The Veterans and the Arts Initiative is being made possible by a grant from Azalea Charities, Inc., Frank E. Lasch, Sr., Chairman and Founder.

The Veterans in the Arts Initiative is led by a group of arts, military, business and community leaders who seek to provide opportunities for veterans to use the arts for expression and camaraderie.

The committee is co-chaired by Penny Barrows, executive assistant and board liaison for the Hylton Performing Arts Center, and Niyati Dhokai, PhD, ethnomusicologist and affiliate faculty at the George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. Additional support will be provided by Youth for Tomorrow and Giorgio’s Family Restaurant.

Detailed event schedule is at HyltonCenter.org. This event is free and open to the public.

Hylton Performing Arts Center is located on George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus at 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, Va., 20110. Free parking is available in the lot next to the Hylton Center.  For more information, go to HyltonCenter.org. Like the Hylton Center on Facebook at Facebook.com/HyltonCenter and follow on Twitter and Instagram at @Hylton_PAC.