Athletes for the Arts Encore

If you missed our special Athletes for the Arts celebration in January, you are in for a real treat! We are airing an encore presentation of the event for all to experience. The pre-recorded event will stream on our facebook page on February 10 at 7 pm.

Featuring performances and inspiring stories by Aaron Maybin, Eric Kettani, Nnenna Freelon, local students and host Julie Donaldson, the event was covered by The Capital and Eye on Annapolis Daily News Brief podcast and Annapolis Discovered among others. 

Featuring:

Eric Kettani

Lieutenant Eric Kettani is an American football fullback who played 5 seasons in the NFL including stints with the New England Patriots and Washington Football Team. He played college football at the United States Naval Academy and was named the MVP for the first win against Notre Dame in 43 years and never lost to Army or Air Force. Eric is a self-taught artist who has always had a great appreciation for the arts. While in the Navy, Eric had the opportunity to visit many different and unique countries throughout the world. The inspiration that Eric draws is derived from his many travels, time spent in the Navy and NFL, as well as his natural creative imagination. In his career, he has sold and donated numerous pieces. Some of his notable clients include Robert Kraft, Owner of the New England Patriots and Country Music Legends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

Aaron Maybin

Aaron Maybin is an Art-Activist and former professional football player from Baltimore City, Maryland. Selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills as a former All-American defensive end at Penn State University. Aaron went on to play in the NFL for the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals in a 5-year career before making the decision to walk away from football to pursue a career as a professional artist, activist, author, educator and community organizer. In 2009, Aaron established Project Mayhem to provide aid, both personal and economic, to help underprivileged and at risk youth excel beyond their current conditions.

Nnenna Freelon

Six-time GRAMMY® Award nominee Nnenna Freelon has earned a well-deserved reputation as a compelling and captivating live performer. Well known for her inventive tributes to greats like Lena Horne and Ray Charles (with whom she toured), she is also a celebrated recording artist, actor, theater writer and producer, and all-around inspiration. Freelon has performed everywhere from the White House to the Kennedy Center and the Apollo. Nnenna has always been respected as an artist and for her passion for education. The White House asked Freelon to headline the Asia Pacific Economic Summit for 300 Presidents, Premiers and Heads of State from around the world. Freelon has dedicated herself to educating young people, both musicians and non-musicians, and students of all ages. She toured the United States for four years as the National Spokesperson for Partners in Education.

Hosted by Julie Donaldson

Julie Donaldson is entering her first season as the Washington Football Team’s Senior Vice President of Media & Content. Donaldson oversees the entire broadcast operation along with being a permanent member of the game day radio broadcast, making her the first female regular on-air member of an NFL radio broadcast booth. As a reporter, anchor and host for NBC Sports Washington, Julie has covered nearly every team, athlete and major sports story in the DMV region, as well as across national and international sporting events. Donaldson has also frequently held on-air roles for NBC Sports and NBC Olympics. 

With special appearances by Executive Director of the Professional Athletes Foundation at NFLPA and former NFL linebacker Andre Collins, Senior Director of the Washington Football Team Malcolm Blacken and students who’ve been positively impacted by Maryland Hall’s Outreach work.