Unbroken Circle
THURSDAYS, 6 – 8 pm
A heritage-driven exploration of the arts
For anyone with a curious mind and a love of arts and music.
Unbroken Circle is back!
Spend time with expert culture bearers as we take deep dives into the living traditions of American folk art. These classes are more than lessons — they’re shared experiences rooted in the values of connection, resilience, and creativity that have shaped communities for generations. In American folk traditions, art has never been separate from community; it is the gathering place, the shared language, and the bridge between past and present.
Together, we will explore the soulful power of the Blues, the communal joy of Dance, the regional richness of Pacific Northwest folk music, the timeless craft of Storytelling, and the improvisational spirit that ties them all together. Each session invites you to learn directly from tradition keepers, participate in hands-on experiences, and reflect on how these forms continue to inspire belonging and mutual care today. Whether you are a musician, dancer, storyteller, or simply curious, this is a chance to be part of a living continuum — learning, creating, and building community side by side.
The Kelp Forest Experience: Communal Tapestry Making
Katana will guide us in a mindful sewing activity, show some notable textile artists and their works, and speak on the salish seas and the kelp below the depths. Come learn about hand-sewing, participate in a community art-making exercise, and mend anything you may have that has little rips.
September 18th, 6-8 pm
About Katana
I am a storyteller, oral historian, and world-builder specializing in the ability to create emotion and depth through my songwriting and expression. As a teaching artist in the Seattle Arts and Music scene for three years, I bring into the classroom joy and patience, you are just being yourself and developing a skill.
Blockprinting Bonanza
See how block-printing works and explore making a design for yourself, either using a template pre-made or carving your own design. We will talk about Blockprint being a tool of storytelling, and how leaders use them to convey messages of actualization and power.
Students are recommended to bring an article of clothing that they would like to have stamped with a design. Alternately, you can print on a fabric patch we provide.
September 26th, 6-8 pm
About Katana
I am a storyteller, oral historian, and world-builder specializing in the ability to create emotion and depth through my songwriting and expression. As a teaching artist in the Seattle Arts and Music scene for three years, I bring into the classroom joy and patience, you are just being yourself and developing a skill.
Grounded in Blues: Solo Fundamentals
Build confidence and ease in your Blues dancing by starting with yourself. In this solo-focused class, Lila Faria and Briar will break down key fundamentals—such as posture, pulse, and the concept of groundedness—that make Blues different from other dance styles. Whether you’re brand new or looking to refine your foundation, this class will help you move with clarity and musicality on your own. No partner required. Drop-in students are welcome, no prior dance experience necessary!
Please bring a water bottle and wear clothes you can move around in. Shoes that are comfortable are necessary; bonus points if they have a smooth sole that can slide on the ground are helpful, but not necessary.
October 2nd, 6-8 pm
About Briar
Briar is a singer and ukulele player who grew in Chimacum, Washington. She has been leading and working to grow The Rhapsody Project since 2017 while teaching singers and grade schoolers. She performs and teaches at events and festivals across the United States.
About Lila Faria (she/her)
Lila Faria is a Seattle-based blues dance instructor and organizer with over a decade of experience dancing across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. She began her movement training as an ice skater in 2004, but transitioned to blues dancing in 2015. Her work incorporates elements from her bachelor’s degree in alternative education (NYU) as well as from her time working with Montessori schools, non-violent communication, CMX community building, positive discipline and more. Through her pedagogy, she hopes to provide her students with informative dance history while simultaneously empowering them to be their true, authentic selves.
Connecting in Blues: Partnership Essentials
Discover the joy of Blues dancing with another person. In this class, Robin Chow and Briar will guide you through the fundamentals of partnership—embraces, connection, and lead/follow dynamics—that will empower you to build playful, shared dance conversations. Ideal for beginners or experienced dancers who want to revisit their fundamentals, this class will give you the tools to feel comfortable and creative in partnership. No prior class attendance needed.
Drop-in students are welcome, no prior dance experience (or attendance in the first class) necessary!
Please bring a water bottle and wear clothes you can move around in. Please wear comfortable footwear; bonus points if they have a smooth sole that can slide on the ground, though this is not necessary.
October 9th, 6-8 pm
About Briar
Briar is a singer and ukulele player who grew in Chimacum, Washington. She has been leading and working to grow The Rhapsody Project since 2017 while teaching singers and grade schoolers. She performs and teaches at events and festivals across the United States.
About Robin Chow (he/him)
From hip hop beginnings to Lindy Hop and Balboa, Robin discovered Blues in 2018 and has been a passionate student and practitioner ever since. His teaching centers on the belief that dance lives in everyone, and is always pushing for self-expression along with respect, curiosity and humility for the culture and aesthetics of the many dance styles in the world.
Bomba and Pleno: Bomba cómo vehículo de Liberación
Los estudiantes viajaran al pasado con imágenes para construir el presente. Explorarán con los cuás el patrón del cuembé y el paso básico. Ejecutarán de manera simultánea la maraca y paso básico creando una rotación de instrumentos.
In this hands-on journey into Puerto Rican music, you’ll travel back in time with images to build the present. Explore the Cuembé rhythm by learning the basic dance steps while simultaneously playing the maracas.
Wear clothes that allow you to dance. If you have any type of conga, or djembe type drum, drumsticks, or maracas, bring them! But if you don’t, that’s okay — you’re still welcome!
October 16th, 6-8 pm
About Otoqui Reyes
Born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, Otoqui Reyes has over 30 years of experience in the Bomba genre and grew up with two of the most important Afro-Puerto Rican families in the genre: the Ayala family and La Cepeda. He has over 25 years of experience as an educator and multidisciplinary artist in Puerto Rico and internationally.
From the Soberao to the Coliseum: The Evolution of Puerto Rican Popular Music as a Medium for Protest and Resistance.
During the summer of 2025, Bad Bunny hosted a concert residency that featured his latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos. Unlike previous work, this album centers the Puerto Rican musical tradition in the compositions as well as addresses as the current situation in his home country. In this talk, we will chronicle the evolution of Puerto Rican music as a popular genre, their comments on Puerto Rico’s colonial conditioning, and intend to tie this long tradition to the music and actions of the island’s premier musical exponent.
Bring hand drums if you have them.
October 23rd, 6-8 pm
About Francisco Reyes
From Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Francisco Reyes is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Washington. Francisco has taught music in Puerto Rico, Canada, and the United States, published in several peer reviewed music education journals, and given conferences internationally.
Woody Gutherie and the PNW
Details coming soon!
October 30th, 6-8 pm
About Joe Seamons
Joe Seamons is a musician and educator based in Seattle and dedicated to helping people connect with their heritage through music and storytelling. As co-founder of The Rhapsody Project, he builds communities that serve and center young people while establishing cultural equity. Alongside non-profit partners Totem Star and Red Eagle Soaring, Joe helped establish The Station Space, a new youth arts hub. As part of the leadership team of Black & Tan Hall, Joe has worked since 2016 to establish the Black-led, multi-cultural cooperative that now stewards a 3,000 square foot performance venue in South Seattle.
Bob Dylan's Blues Influences
Details coming soon!
November 6th, 6-8 pm
About Joe Seamons
Joe Seamons is a musician and educator based in Seattle and dedicated to helping people connect with their heritage through music and storytelling. As co-founder of The Rhapsody Project, he builds communities that serve and center young people while establishing cultural equity. Alongside non-profit partners Totem Star and Red Eagle Soaring, Joe helped establish The Station Space, a new youth arts hub. As part of the leadership team of Black & Tan Hall, Joe has worked since 2016 to establish the Black-led, multi-cultural cooperative that now stewards a 3,000 square foot performance venue in South Seattle.
Unbroken Circle with Jesse Hagopian
Details coming soon!
November 13th, 6-8 pm
About Jesse
Jesse has been a culture bearer for our Unbroken Circle several times. More details on his story soon!
Unbroken Circle with Jesse Hagopian
More details coming soon!
November 20th, 6-8 pm
About Jesse Hagopian
Jesse has been a culture bearer for our Unbroken Circle several times. More details on his story soon!
Unbroken Circle
Program Details
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Ages: |
All are welcome. Focus is on Youth (ages 10 – 25). |
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Enrollment: |
Please register in advance; drop in or attend the whole series. |
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Day & Time: |
Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:00 pm |
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Fall Semester |
September 18th – November 20th, 2025 |
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Location: |
King Street Station |
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Sliding Scale: |
Scholarships available. Full semester: $100 for youth. $400 for Adults. |
An excellent entry point for anyone aged 10 – 25 to start their work with The Rhapsody Project
Need an instrument?
Don’t worry, we can provide you with one!
This open-level class is for anyone, regardless of skill or experience, to explore and experience a heritage-based art form.
In the spring, students who wish to perform will showcase what they’ve learned in the Rhapsody Showcase at the NW Folklife Festival.
About the Curator
Jed Crisologo makes it possible for our culture bearers to be able to step in and share their powerful stories at Unbroken Circle.
Jed Crisologo is a soulful singer-songwriter whose music blends the warmth of folk, the grit of Blues, and the heartfelt storytelling of classic singer-songwriters. Known for his rich voice and honest, emotionally charged performances, Jed writes songs that resonate with authenticity, drawing listeners into moments of reflection, hope, and connection. Beyond the stage, Jed is a dedicated teaching artist and community builder, committed to using music as a tool for self-expression and collaboration. He has worked with musicians of all ages and skill levels, leading workshops, songwriting sessions, and performance coaching that inspire creativity and confidence. Whether performing solo, with a band, or guiding others in their musical journeys, Jed approaches every note with intention and heart — creating spaces where music can truly bring people together.
Other tRp programs
Yiddish Music & Heritage
Immerse yourself in the expressive heritage of Yiddish music.
Blues Camp
Every summer, spend five days and nights with culture bearers in Port Townsend, WA.
Professional Development
Self-awareness programs for teachers and facilitators.
