The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC), in partnership with JS Brewery in Columbia, Md., is pleased to present a two-part talk and hands-on workshop exploring the rich tradition of Korean alcoholic beverages – known broadly as sool – and the famous rice-based makgeolli!   Discover the history, culture, and science of fermentation behind Korea's traditional drinks while enjoying a guided tasting and unique opportunity to make your own batch of sool. Join us for an immersive experience that offers a deeper appreciation of Korea's centuries-old brewing heritage.   Beyond the beverages themselves, participants will discover how Korean traditional alcohol has long been intertwined with family gatherings, seasonal celebrations, regional traditions, and everyday meals.   This event will occur in two different sessions on separate dates, each requiring registration. A nominal participation fee will apply for each session; participants can register for either one or both sessions for the full experience. Session 1 introduces the history and diverse varieties of Korean traditional alcohol, along with the fundamentals of fermentation. Participants will also enjoy a guided tasting of selected traditional beverages and discover a unique skincare experience inspired by natural ingredients traditionally used in Korean traditional liquor. Session 2 is a makgeolli brewing workshop where participants will learn the traditional brewing process and make their own batch of Korea's beloved rice wine.   Session 1 | The Beauty of Korean Traditional Alcohol (K-Sool) & Fermentation Monday, August 3, 6:00–8:30 PM (Participation fee: $20) Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.  Enjoy a lecture on Korean traditional alcohol culture, a guided tasting of five traditional beverages, and a unique skincare experience inspired by natural ingredients from Korean traditional liquor. Register for this event! (opens July 22 at 10:00 am)   Session 2 | Hands-on Makgeolli Brewing Workshop Monday, August 17, 6:00–8:30 PM (Participation fee: $25) Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.  Learn about Korean traditional alcohol and fermentation culture and then create your own batch of makgeolli through a hands-on brewing activity. Participants will take home their makgeolli batch to finish fermenting. Register for this event! (opens July 22 at 10:00 am)   Please Note: due to the inclusion of alcoholic beverages, participation in this program is restricted to individuals aged 21 and older. Participants must present a valid government-issued photo ID upon request.   About JS Brewery   JS Brewery brews fresh, unpasteurized makgeolli (생막걸리), a traditional Korean rice wine with centuries of brewing history. The handcrafted makgeolli contains naturally occurring living microorganisms produced during fermentation, with no artificial flavors or preservatives. JS Brewery opened its doors in August 2025, but its story began years earlier. Founded by a husband-and-wife team with a shared passion for traditional Korean Sool (술), the journey began in 2020 when they met in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and found it difficult to find the kind of makgeolli they loved. This inspired years of homebrewing, experimentation, and learning how to navigate U.S. brewing regulations.   Through visits to makgeolli breweries across Korea and the completion of makgeolli brewing courses, they gained practical knowledge and experience before bringing the tradition of fresh, unpasteurized makgeolli to Maryland in the United States. For more information or to plan a visit, visit their website at jsbrewery.com.   Jung-Sun Cho (조정선)   Jung-Sun Cho is a scientist, fermentation educator, and co-founder of JS Brewery. She holds a Ph.D. and brings nearly three decades of research experience in the biological sciences. She approaches makgeolli as both a living cultural heritage and a biological process, combining scientific understanding with Korea's traditional brewing heritage. She is certified in makgeolli brewing.   Rajiv Aggarwal (라지브)   Rajiv Aggarwal is a software engineer and co-founder of JS Brewery. His years living in Korea introduced him to the rich culture surrounding traditional Korean alcohol—from rainy days shared over makgeolli and jeon to mountain hikes where hikers celebrate with makgeolli at the summit. Inspired by these experiences, he began brewing makgeolli after returning to the United States, eventually co-founding JS Brewery.    Featured Korean Traditional Alcohol (K-Sool, 술)   Sun (막걸리) Makgeolli Fresh, roughly filtered Korean rice wine crafted through single-stage fermentation, celebrated for its creamy texture and lively character.   Joy (약주) Yakju A refined, crystal-clear rice wine traditionally enjoyed on special occasions and favored by royalty.   Secret (흑미주) Black Rice An elegant two-stage fermented rice wine brewed with black rice, offering a deep purple hue and rich, layered aromas.   Soul (탁주) Takju A traditional cloudy rice wine with a full-bodied texture, gentle sweetness, and the authentic taste of natural fermentation.   Samchon (삼촌) Samyangju A premium three-stage fermented rice wine, prized for its remarkable depth, complexity, and smooth finish.

Onstage Korea 2026: Award-Winning Jazz Vocalist Maria Kim Live in Concert Celebrating Korean Jazz and Cultural Exchange in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Woolly Mammoth Theatre  641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Registration opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, July 27 (ET)! The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents Onstage Korea 2026: Jazz Vocalist Maria Kim Live in Concert featuring the acclaimed singer and pianist at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 for an intimate performance at DC’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre.   Maria Kim will be joined by four outstanding New York-based jazz musicians:bassist Ben Wolstein, drummer Aaron Seeber, and saxophonists Asaf Yuria and Pureum Jin. Together, the artists will present a dynamic program showcasing the expressive possibilities of contemporary jazz. The concert aims to introduce the sophistication, creativity, and emotional depth of Korean jazz while highlighting the unique artistic voices of Korean musicians active on the global stage.   The 60-minute concert will feature beloved jazz standards including “Misty,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Blue Bossa,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” along with original compositions by Kim. Through sophisticated arrangements and emotionally rich performances, this ensemble will present a musical journey that reflects both the universal language of jazz and the distinctive artistry of Korean musicians.   Onstage Korea is the KCCDC’s signature performing arts series dedicated to discovering exceptional Korean and Korean-inspired artists, providing opportunities to share their creativity with American audiences. Through live performances in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the series promotes cultural exchange by expanding the visibility of Korean performing arts and artists within the broader American arts community.   Since its launch, Onstage Korea has presented innovative Korean and Korean-inspired artists across diverse genres, from traditional Korean music and contemporary fusion performances to jazz and other forms of creative expression. Through collaborations with local cultural institutions, the program continues to connect Korean artists with diverse audiences in the United States.   Maria Kim is a celebrated jazz pianist and vocalist known for her distinctive musical expression and elegant interpretations of jazz standards. A graduate of both the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory, she has performed at influential jazz venues in New York and throughout Asia. Combining her artistry as a pianist with a captivating vocal style, Kim has developed a unique identity that bridges jazz tradition with contemporary sensibilities. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Best Jazz Vocal Album Award at the 2022 Korean Music Awards, the Jazz Audio Disc Award from Japan’s Jazz Critics Association, and the Jazz Artist Award at the 2023 Korean Entertainment Arts Awards.   This event is free with advance registration. Additional information regarding registration and event details will be available through the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. website and social media channels.   About OnStage Korea   Onstage Korea, presented by the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., is a performing arts series that introduces outstanding Korean and Korean-inspired artists from around the world to audiences in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The program discovers talented artists and ensembles across diverse genres and provides opportunities to share their creativity through live performances. By offering exceptional performances free to the public, Onstage Korea promotes international cultural exchange, expands the presence of Korean performing arts in the United States, and fosters meaningful connections between Korean artists and local communities.   Featuring a new selection of artists each year, Onstage Korea continues to serve as a platform for innovative performances that showcase the diversity, creativity, and global influence of Korean culture.   About the Artists   Maria Kim |  Jazz Vocalist & Pianist Maria Kim, a world-class jazz musician, is an outstanding jazz pianist and vocalist who has captivated audiences around the globe with her free spirited artistry. Having won Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2022 Korean Music Awards, received the Jazz Audio Disc Award selected by Japan's Jazz Hihyo (Jazz Critique) magazine, and earned the Jazz Artist Award at the 29th Korea Entertainment Arts Awards in 2023, Maria Kim has firmly established herself as one of Korea's leading jazz artists. With a recording contract from the U.S. based jazz label La Reserve, she released acclaimed studio albums such as Misty Blue and Love Letters, both of which reached No. 1 on jazz charts on platforms including Apple Music and Yes24. In this performance, Maria Kim will present a special collaboration with some of New York’s finest musicians: Ben Wolstein (bass), Aaron Seeber (drums), Asaf Yuria (saxophone), and Pureum Jin (saxophone).   Ben Wolstein | Bass Ben Wolstein is a New York City–based jazz bassist whose expressive playing, deep sense of swing, and thoughtful musicianship have made him a sought-after collaborator on the city's vibrant jazz scene. Grounded in the tradition of the great bassists while bringing a fresh, modern voice to every performance, he is known for his warm tone, melodic improvisation, and intuitive accompaniment. Ben Wolstein has performed alongside acclaimed Johnny O'Neal, Samara Joy, Richard Cortez, collaborating with leading members of New York City's vibrant jazz community. His versatility allows him to move effortlessly between straight-ahead jazz, bebop, ballads, and contemporary styles, always providing a strong rhythmic foundation while contributing creatively to the music. Whether anchoring a trio, supporting vocalists, or performing in larger ensembles, Wolstein approaches every performance with sensitivity, musical integrity, and a deep commitment to communication through jazz. His growing presence in the New York jazz community reflects both his technical artistry and his dedication to the enduring tradition of improvised music.   Aaron Seebe | Drums Aaron Seeber a drummer living in Queens, NY is making his name as an emerging Jazz drummer in New York City. Aaron attended SUNY Purchase, where he studied Jazz Drums under the tutelage of renowned instructors Kenny Washington and John Riley. As a performer, Seeber has had the incredible opportunity to share the stage with greats Eric Reed,  Johnny O'Neal, Eric Alexander, Pete Malinverni, Warren Wolf, Grant Stewart, Jeremy Pelt, Tim Green, Ugonna Okegwo, Bruce Harris, Gary Smulyan,  Mike Ledonne, Freddie Redd, Butch Warren, Chuck Redd, and many others. He has performed internationally with The Warren Wolf Trio and nationally with the grammy award winning group, The New York Voices. Seeber recently recorded his debut record "First Move" featuring Warren Wolf, Tim Green, Sullivan Fortner, and Ugonna Okegwo. It will be released May 13th, 2022 on Cellar Live Records. Aaron endorses Murat-Diril Cymbals and Canopus Drums   Asaf Yuria | Saxophone Born in Tel Aviv, Israel in 1985, Yuria was raised on the recordings of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and countless others. By high school, he’d advanced to play alongside some of the top musicians in the capital’s close-knit jazz scene. However, the bright lights of New York City were always an aspiration for the young Yuria. He eventually moved to the US to follow his dreams, spending thirteen successful years playing in jazz clubs, jam sessions and music festivals around the world. Yuria soon enrolled at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in the late 2000’s where he came under the influence of close mentor Billy Harper, as well as George Cables, Reggie Workman, Billy Hart and Charles Tolliver. “The expression of study has to come out through the prism of my life experience and ideas,” he reflects. Yuria is bold with his goals, which shine through his highly intuitive charts steeped in detailed knowledge of great masters of the past.   Pureum Jin | Saxophone Pureum Jin is a South Korea-born, NYC-based award-winning saxophonist, arranger, and composer, establishing herself as one of the leading figures in the jazz world with her first studio album ‘The Real Blue’ released through Cellar Live in June 2019. Since its release, the album has been receiving rave reviews from prestige jazz magazines, such as a 4-star review from Downbeat on its September issue, being featured as one of the albums on Jazz at Lincoln Center blog’s June New Release Round-up, making a cover of Jazz People Magazine in Korea, etc. Pureum’s quickly establishing as a key figure in NYC jazz scene, as she quickly makes debuts on most notable jazz clubs in the city and getting rave reviews from prestige jazz magazines around the world, including Downbeat, New York City Jazz Magazine, Jazz People, MM Jazz, etc. She was selected as one of the finalists for the Made in New York jazz competition 2018, making on stage as one of the few selected finalists at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center with legends including Al Foster and John Lee for the competition’s awards ceremony. Pureum also has recently won ‘Best Alto Saxophone’, ‘Best Female Rising Star’, and ‘Jazz Artist of the Year’ categories of New York Readers Jazz Awards 2019 hosted by Hot House Jazz Magazine and JazzMobile. She was also selected as one of the nominees in Korean Music Awards 2020’s “The best Jazz/Crossover - The Best Performance” category.     Images (Full resolution available upon request)   ▲ Maria Kim – Jazz Vocalist / Jazz Pianist ▲  Ben Wolstein – Bassist ▲ Aaron Seeber – Drummer ▲ Asaf Yuria – Saxophonist ▲ Pureum Jin – Saxophonist <Photo Provided by Soundpuzzle>

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) invites you to an interactive talk, demonstration, and hands-on workshop exploring the art and craft of traditional hanji paper and joomchi blending technique, with interdisciplinary artist Esther Jihye Cho!   Cho will introduce hanji as a versatile and practical material with many craft applications, followed by a demonstration of basic techniques and a hands-on workshop session in which guests can create their own simple hanji craft. Participants will also learn about joomchi, a traditional technique to fuse together segments of hanji by hand into a durable, leather-like material that opens up further artistic and craft possibilities from fashion accessories to sculpture. Both hanji and joomchi have been iconic parts of Korean cultural and artistic heritage for centuries.   A selection of diverse hanji artwork created by Cho will also be on display to view after the workshop. Join us to appreciate these unique pieces and experience the beauty and charm of traditional Korean hanji crafts up close! K-Culture Talk & Workshop: Exploring Hanji and Joomchi Crafts Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW) Two Sessions: Thursday, July 9 (6-8 PM) & Friday, July 10 (2-4 pm)   PLEASE NOTE: An RSVP is required for each session, and space is limited. Participants are kindly asked to register for only one session, as both sessions offer the same program.   RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!  (Opens June 29 at 10:00 AM EDT)   Session 1: Thursday, July 9 (6-8 PM) Session 2: Friday, July 10 (2-4 pm)   Hanji is Korea’s traditional handmade paper, made from the inner bark fibers of the paper mulberry tree through a traditional manual process. Thanks to its long and strong fiber structure, hanji exhibits excellent durability and flexibility, and has been used for centuries to produce high quality books, calligraphy, painting, traditional window panes, and various crafts.   Within Korean cultural heritage, hanji also embodies the skill of artisans and the wisdom of communities passed down for generations. It continues to be highly valued today in diverse new fields of art, design, and the conservation and restoration of archival materials.   Joomchi is a traditional Korean papermaking technique in which multiple sheets of hanji are soaked in water and repeatedly rubbed, kneaded, crumpled, and pounded together by hand. Through this process, the fibers become interlocked, forming physical and chemical bonds that fuse the sheets into a single, durable material without the use of adhesives.   This technique is possible because the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree yields exceptionally long and strong fibers. While ordinary paper would tear easily when wet, hanji retains its strength akin to a textile, and becomes even more cohesive as the fibers intertwine through repeated handling and friction.   Those who experience making joomchi discover how paper can be transformed into a flexible, fabric-like material and gain a profound appreciation for the remarkable strength, texture, and beauty of traditional Korean hanji.     Esther Jihye Cho is an interdisciplinary artist and designer working in wood, paper, and performance. Her practice focuses on preserving traditional Korean craft techniques while reinterpreting them through a contemporary lens. Central to her work are meticulous and labor-intensive processes such as joomchi (paper felting) and jiseung (paper weaving), which serve as both inspiration and a means of creative expression. The time and effort Cho invests in these techniques shape her ideas and reflect her commitment to merging tradition with contemporary artistic practices as she explores themes of identity, storytelling, and materiality.   Cho is the recipient of various awards and recognitions, including the Windgate-Lamar Fellowship from the Center for Craft, the ALL Prize from Art + Literature Laboratory, the Caxton Club Grant, and the Creative Arts Award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds two MFAs from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Woodworking and Furniture Design as well as Design Studies, in addition to two BFAs in Interior Design and Craft/Material Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University.   In addition to her studio practice, Cho is an experienced educator, teaching courses in design and craft that help students develop their technical skills and creative voices. She has exhibited her work widely and conducted workshops on Korean papermaking techniques. For more, visit the artist's website at www.estherjihyecho.com.  self  2024  corded and twined hanji 6"w x 6"h x 2.5"d  Secrets from Room 2103  2024  corded and twined hanji 5"w x 10"h x 5"d 3 hours  2023  joomchi, handmade mulberry paper by Nicholas Cladis 30.5"w x 60"h

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents the Korean Women in Jazz Series in collaboration with DC’s historic Blues Alley Jazz club, July 6 – 8, highlighting exceptional New York-based Korean talent in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.   Aimed at broadening cultural ties between Korea and the United States by spotlighting one of the two countries’ most longstanding and influential genres of artistic exchange – jazz music – this series presents exceptional Korean talent currently performing at the top of their game in the United States. Jazz pianists Dabin Ryu, Hayoung Lyou, and Jihee Heo have each embraced their unique artistic voice within the contemporary jazz scene and will present music from their latest individual albums, each in a unique piano-drums-bass trio format, in DC’s most storied and revered Jazz club: Blues Alley.   Blues Alley Jazz, established in 1965, is one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic jazz clubs with a 60-year history and is widely recognized as a landmark venue that has hosted numerous world-renowned jazz musicians. Known for its intimate performance setting and excellent acoustics, the venue offers audiences a distinctive live music experience in close proximity to the artists. Since 2025, the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) has partnered with Blues Alley Jazz to regularly present Korean jazz artists to local audiences. This series continues that cultural exchange and collaboration between the two institutions with deep local roots.   On Monday, July 6 award-winning pianist Dabin Ryu presents selections from her latest album Trio! that showcase her refined and intricate sound in a contemporary jazz piano trio format. She will be joined by acclaimed drummer Jimmy Macbride and bassist Walter Stinson.   On Tuesday, July 7 internationally recognized jazz pianist and composer Hayoung Lyou performs works from her album The Myth of Katabasis, exploring a musical journey that bridges classical sensibilities and modern jazz expression. She will be joined by drummer Steven Crammer and bassist Walter Stinson as part of a trio.   On Wednesday, July 8 acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Jihee Heo concludes the series with a trio performance that highlights the intersection of Korean musical sensibility and jazz tradition, inviting listeners into a narrative and expressive musical world. She will perform with renowned bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Chris Beck as part of her trio ensemble.   Each evening features two performances, at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per show, available through the Blues Alley Jazz website. For more information, visit the websites of the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. and Blues Alley Jazz.   TICKETS AVAILABLE VIA BLUES ALLEY JAZZ:  Monday, July 6: Dabin Ryu Tuesday, July 7: Hayoung Lyou Wednesday, July 8: Jihee Heo About the Artists   Dabin Ryu Trio Dabin Ryu | Jazz Pianist Dabin Ryu is an award-winning jazz pianist and composer from Seoul, South Korea, currently based in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music, a Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music, and an Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School. She has collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists including Ralph Peterson, Billy Harper, Randy Brecker, Johnathan Blake, Joe Martin, Anat Cohen, David Virelles, Godwin Louis, Rodney Jones, and Jaleel Shaw, among others. As a versatile performer, she has led her own ensembles and participated in projects such as Ralph Peterson’s Next Generation Big Band and David Virelles’ Nosotros Ensemble. Ryu is the winner of the 15th UNISA International Piano Competition and the 2025 Jazz Gallery Residency Commission. She currently serves as an associate professor at Berklee College of Music.   Walter Stinson | Bass Walter Stinson is a bassist, educator and composer currently based between Brooklyn, NY and Montréal, QC. After graduating from Purchase College in 2012, he moved to New York City where he has been working steadily ever since. Some of his most frequent collaborators include Adam O’Farrill, Kevin Sun, Max Light and Aaron Quinn. He has shared stages all over the world with Billy Hart, John Hollenbeck, Caroline Davis, Kenny Werner, Roy Nathanson, Arturo O’Farrill, Anna Webber, David Binney and Jean-Michel Pilc. In 2025, Stinson, along with pianist Evan Main and drummer Steven Crammer, released their eponymous collaboratively-led piano trio “Prawntail” on Endectomorph Records. Originally from Ithaca, NY, Stinson began studying the upright bass at the age of 10. His first exposure to music came from his mother, a pianist who would sing and play jazz standards. While growing up in Ithaca, he also had the good fortune of being mentored by two unsung heroes of the New York City jazz scene, bassist Bernie Upson and drummer George Reed as well as being under the tutelage of Nicholas Walker, a protégé of Francois Rabbath. Along his educational journey, Stinson also studied privately with Doug Weiss, Todd Coolman, Kermit Driscoll, Scott Colley, Stephan Crump, Greg August, and William Parker. Walter continues to tour worldwide, devoting himself to a variety of improvised and creative music.   Jimmy Macbride | Drums Since moving to New York in 2009, drummer Jimmy Macbride has established himself as one of the most exciting and creative young voices on his instrument. Named as one of “25 For the Future” by Downbeat Magazine, Macbride is an extremely in-demand and highly regarded sideman, valued for his musicality, versatility, and adept touch on his instrument. Coming from an artistic family (his father was a composer and mother is a visual artist), Jimmy began playing drums at age 3 and gravitated toward jazz music at an equally young age. He is a graduate of the Juilliard School, where he studied with Carl Allen, Billy Drummond, and Kenny Washington. Since finishing his studies, Macbride has worked some of the most important voices in jazz, including Terence Blanchard, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jimmy Greene, Kevin Hays, and Steve Nelson. He regularly performs throughout New York City, at venues such as Dizzy’s Club, Smalls, The Jazz Gallery, and The Blue Note. In addition, Jimmy’s musical skills have also taken him worldwide, affording him the opportunity to perform at clubs and festivals on five continents, including the Newport Jazz Festival, North Sea Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival. A testament to his artistic range and willingness to be part of any musical situation, Jimmy can be seen performing and touring regularly with a wide variety of artists and groups, encompassing a vast array of styles. Some of these include Manuel Valera, Samuel Torres, Troy Roberts, Michael Rodriguez, Marshall Gilkes, Mike Moreno, Dave Kikoski, Nir Felder, Eldar Djangirov, and his wife and frequent collaborator Miki Yamanaka, among many others. He is also noted for his powerful and supportive drumming in a big band setting, appearing with the Mingus Big Band, Ryan Keberle’s All Ears Orchestra, and the Terraza 7 Big Band regularly. An active recording artist, Macbride has appeared on over 70 albums as a sideman to date.   Hayoung Lyou Trio   Hayoung Lyou | Jazz Pianist Hayoung Lyou (b. 1992, Seoul, South Korea) is a pianist and composer based in New York City. Her latest album, The Myth of Katabasis (Endectomorph Music), featuring Thomas Morgan and Steven Crammer, has received critical acclaim from publications including DownBeat and Il Manifesto. Her music explores the intersections of bebop, free improvisation, and modern classical idioms, creating a sonic language that expresses the complexity of human emotion beyond words. She performs actively across the New York and New England regions and is also a member of Elijah Shiffer’s Dada bebop ensemble featuring James Paul Nadien and Dmitry Shenko/Anna Abondolo.   Steven Crammer | Drums Steven Crammer is an in-demand drummer based in Brooklyn, NY. His uniquely flexible musicianship has led to a rising stature on the jazz scene, since moving to NYC in 2018. Steven has released two albums, both with co-led projects. His debut album Nortonk was released on Biophilia Records in 2021. The album received praise in multiple publications including Pop Matters, Jazz Trail, Jazzwise, and All About Jazz. In November 2025, his piano trio Prawntail released their first record on Endectomorph Music. He is also a highly active sideman, having performed and/or recorded with a broad range of artists including Max Light, Cecil Alexander, Marty Ehrlich, Brian Krock, Matt Pavolka, Chris McCarthy, and many more. You can catch Steven regularly playing in NYC in a wide variety of settings as well as on tour across the US, Canada, and Europe.   Walter Stinson | Bass See artist biography above.   Jihee Heo Trio   Jihee Heo | Jazz Pianist Jihee Heo is a South Korean pianist and composer based in New York City, recognized as a distinctive voice in the contemporary jazz scene. Over the past 15 years, she has developed a unique musical identity that bridges Korean musical sensibility with the traditions of jazz, soul, and gospel, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and forward-looking. Heo has performed at major venues and festivals including Smalls, Mezzrow, Birdland, the Guggenheim Museum, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Zinc Bar, The Django, and Sunset Sunside in Paris. She has been praised by saxophonist Vincent Herring as “a promising voice at the piano, pointing to the future of jazz.” She studied in Amsterdam before earning her Master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Her work explores themes of identity, migration, and artistic evolution, offering emotionally rich and narrative-driven musical expression.     Boris Kozlov | Bass Moscow born, three-time Grammy Award winning acoustic and electric bassist, composer and arranger Boris Kozlov has been on the New York & international jazz scene for the past 35 years. In addition to his own projects and co-leading OPUS 5, he has been serving as a bassist, arranger & musical director for the Mingus Big Band, Mingus Dynasty and The Orchestra for 22 years, winning a Grammy in 2011 for their Live at The Jazz Standard album. Boris has also been a first-call bassist for the likes of Michael Brecker, John Blake, Ray Barretto’s New World Spirit, Lew Tabackin, David Kikoski, Alex Sipiagin, Jean-Michel Pilc, John DiMartino, The Manhattan Transfer and many others. His playing & arranging can be heard on nine Grammy nominated albums plus Eddie Palmieri’s Grammy-winning Simpatico (in addition to 160+ other albums). In 2019 he recorded on another Grammy winning album, Brian Lynch’s The Omni-American Book Club. Boris also performs solo bass and teaches masterclasses around the world.   Chris Beck | Drums With the release of his debut album, The Journey, Chris Beck is making a name for himself on the New York scene as a hard-swinging, powerhouse drummer and composer. Beck’s refreshing and soulful vision as an artist is on full display, as is his unique ability to pay homage to the classic straight-ahead style of jazz while infusing elements of his African roots and Gospel upbringing. Born into a musical family, Chris Beck, a native of Philadelphia, PA has been exposed to music from a young age. Deciding to make music a career, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Temple University in 2004. In 2006, Beck moved to New York City to establish himself on the jazz scene. After settling in New York, he began studying with highly esteemed master drum teacher, Michael Carvin. In 2010, Beck graduated with a Master’s Degree in Music from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he studied with Victor Lewis. Chris Beck currently performs with talented musicians such as Cyrus Chestnut, Oliver Lake, and Grammy nominated Rufus Reid. He has also been blessed to share the stage with renowned musicians such as McCoy Tyner, legendary Motown recording artist Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, James “Blood” Ulmer, The Mingus Big Band, David Murray, Billy Harper, Curtis Fuller, James Spaulding, Harold Mabern, Charles Fambrough, Mulgrew Miller, Wynton Marsalis, Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield Jr., Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Wycliffe Gordon, Orrin Evans, Bruce Barth, Nicole Henry, Jennifer Holliday, Macy Gray, Mark Whitfield, Derrick Hodge, Ralph Bowen, Joanna Pascale, Joe Locke, Duane Eubanks, Eric Lewis, and many others around the world.  

2026 K-Pop Academy – Apply to join the FREE two-week intensive class or try a special one-day class!  Calling all K-Pop fans! Ready to dance like your favorite idols? Join the 2026 K-Pop Academy and bring your stage dreams to life! This year, we are offering both a two-week intensive course and several one-day classes to make the program even more accessible to all. Please choose the option that best fits your interests. Please note: applicants may apply to only one program option! Duplicate applications may be disqualified.  There is no cost to apply or participate, but space is highly limited for all program options. The application process is competitive for the two-week intensive program, and participants will be selected based on their application; the one-day K-Pop dance programs are not competitive, but participants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please see below for full details and application instructions. Inquiries: For more information, please visit the KCCDC website for updates or email us at soh24@mofa.or.kr. Two-Week Intensive Dance Class Applications Open June 10 at 10:00 AM!  Two-Week Intensive Dance Class Application Link  ●Dates/Schedule: July 20 – August 1, 2026 (6 two-hour sessions plus a final showcase on Saturday, August 1) ●Application Period: June 10 - June 17 ●Selection Results Announced: June 23 ●Location: Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (2370 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008) ●Participants: 20 participants will be selected each for the Beginner Class and Intermediate Class ●Eligibility: Open to K-Pop fans ages 15 and older. Participants must be able to attend all class sessions in person in Washington, D.C. ●Fee: Free to apply and participate!  ●Language: All classes will be conducted in English. Korean language ability is not required. Instructor & Class Format   A professional K-Pop dance choreographer from Korea with experience training well-known K-Pop idol groups will lead the program, providing high-quality instruction tailored to participants' levels across two groups. This year’s academy will focus on dance training without a separate vocal training group.   [Beginner] ●For those who are interested in K-Pop but have little or no dance experience ●Focuses on basic choreography, performance understanding, teamwork building [Intermediate] ●For those with prior experience in K-Pop dance at an intermediate level ●Focuses on choreography creation, effective practice techniques, role sharing, and leadership skills Not sure which level to choose? No worries! Just upload a 1-minute dance video in the application form, and our instructor will help determine the best level for you.   One-day K-Pop Dance Classes Applications Open June 10 at 10:00 AM! (first-come, first-served)  One-day Dance Class Application Link  July 21, 7PM July 28, 7 PM July 30, 7 PM ●Dates: July 21, July 28, July 30 (7 - 9 PM) Please choose just one date option! ●Location: Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (2370 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008) ●Participants: 20 participants for each class ●Eligibility: Open to K-Pop fans ages 15 and older. Participants must be able to attend all class sessions in person in Washington, D.C. ●Fee: Free to apply and participate! ●Language: All classes will be conducted in English. Korean language ability is not required. Participants can select only one class from the three options below. The choreography will be original choreography created by the instructor. ●July 21, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM Dance Song: Love, Maybe by MeloMance (멜로망스), Beginner Level ●July 28, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM Dance Song: Free from KPop Demon Hunters, Intemediate Level and up ●July 30, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM Dance Song: Heaven by Taemin (태민), Intermediate Level and up