City Cruises and OCTFME Celebrate District Culture with Capital Sound Series

March 23, 2026

The D.C. Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) partnered with City Cruises and the Anacostia Business Improvement District to launch the Capital Sound Series, a new cultural program featuring live entertainment on Potomac River cruises. The inaugural event took place on March 20 during the spring equinox and cherry blossom season, bringing together District business leaders, artists, and community members for a celebration aboard the Odyssey vessel. The initiative aims to showcase local artists and D.C.'s cultural heritage while providing unique views of the city's landmarks, coinciding with celebrations of the nation's 250th anniversary and go-go music's 50th anniversary.

Who is affected

D.C. residents and tourists who will experience the Capital Sound Series cruises
Local artists and musicians, including The Experience Band and Show and muralist Kaliq Crosby
OCTFME (Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment)
City Cruises DC
Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID)
Mahogany Yacht Charters
District business leaders, artists, cultural curators, legal experts, and media makers who attended the launch event

What action is being taken

The Capital Sound Series is being launched with live entertainment on City Cruises vessels along the Potomac River
City Cruises is providing dining, sightseeing, and entertainment experiences during cherry blossom season
Mahogany Yacht Charters is hiring more first mates
OCTFME is ensuring artists are being seen, celebrated, and supported through programming
The D.C. government is investing in the creative economy and tourism

Why it matters

The Capital Sound Series represents a significant investment in D.C.'s $15 billion creative economy, providing performance and employment opportunities for local artists while promoting the District's cultural heritage. It demonstrates the city's commitment to supporting its homegrown artistic community, particularly celebrating go-go music's 50th anniversary alongside the nation's 250th anniversary. The program makes D.C.'s culture more accessible to both residents and the thousands of visitors who come during cherry blossom season, while offering artists visibility and financial support. The initiative also strengthens partnerships between government, private enterprise, and community organizations to elevate the city's cultural landscape.

What's next

The Capital Sound Series will continue programming beyond cherry blossom season
An Emancipation Day Celebration will take place on Sunday, April 19 at Franklin Park (not Freedom Plaza due to renovations), marking exactly 160 years since the first Emancipation celebration
Mahogany Yacht Charters is looking at potential expansion of another vessel

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer