Piffaro: The Renaissance Band
“They are four brethren, all excellent and esteemed above all others in this city in their virtue,” was the report from King Henry VIII’s Venetian agent upon hearing the Bassanos. Not long after, many members of this family of wind players moved to Henry VIII’s court, while others remained in Italy as important players in the Venetian musical scene. Over the next few decades, this family extended the frontiers of instrumental music. The wind players of Piffaro, “the nation’s finest Renaissance wind band,” look at one of the most potent examples of musical immigration in 16th century Europe - the story of the Bassano family.

Amy McLelland, pianist and composer • Daniel Szasz, violin • Xi Yang, cello
We smile dozens, perhaps even hundreds of times per day, yet do all smiles result from a state of happiness? Indeed, all aspects of facial expressions are complex and can display mixed messages. Through original compositions for piano trio, mixed media, and collaborations with AI, join us for a musical tour of the many ways we communicate nonverbally.

Maggie Crosland, Birmingham Museum of Art, Curator of European Art
In this talk, Maggie Crosland, the curator of European art at the Birmingham Museum of Art, will explore the surprising role humorous images played in the medieval Christian church. From foxes preaching to chickens to toilet humor, religious objects made in the years between 1200 and 1500 AD included a wide range of strange imagery meant to invoke both laughter and devotional contemplation. If you have ever wondered why snails go to war, or why elephants hate dragons, this is your chance!

Dr. Jacob Myers, Associate Professor of Homiletics at Columbia Theological Seminary
Laughter and Christianity have been at odds for much of Church history. In this lecture, we’ll explore the untapped potential of laughter and comedy to forge deeper connections, and to mend social and political divisions. Looking through the lens of stand-up comedy, we’ll see how certain forms of humor and comedy stand ready to open our hearts and minds to the differences that divide us.

Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana, Associate Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon, VA.
Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit… perhaps the juiciest! Join us as we explore the world-changing power of joy in our families, communities, and the world at large. We’ll find joy in the biblical story, in real-world examples of movements for change, and in practical tools to improvise in the face of life’s most difficult challenges…together.

Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana
Join us an we cap our festival with an interactive “improv jam”—a series of games and exercises designed to put Wednesday night’s ideas into practice and get folks playing together. Whether you applaud appreciatively from the audience or feel moved to jump right into the action, we will build joy and share smiles together through the power of play and community.
Banquet cost: $25, Make reservations by Feb. 2