Villa Family Festival: Ancient Egypt

Celebrate the stories, symbols, and spirit of ancient Egypt at this lively, family-friendly festival. Enjoy live Egyptian music that evokes the sounds of historic Cairo, alongside DJ sets, hands-on art workshops, and interactive experiences that bring the past to life in creative and unexpected ways. From crafting your own “Book of Life” to weighing your "heart" on a larger-than-life scale, visitors of all ages are invited to explore, create, and discover together in a day filled with music, imagination, and fun. SCHEDULE Performances Maqam Band 11am, 12:25pm, 1:50pm, and 3:15pm 45-minute performances This Los Angeles–based Egyptian ensemble, led by keyboardist and vocalist Raafat Boushra, performs music rooted in the maqam tradition—the melodic framework of much Middle Eastern music. Featuring qanun, riq, vocals, and keys, the ensemble brings the sounds of historic Cairo to life while celebrating the rich musical traditions of the Nile Valley. Sounds of Egypt with DJ Passionfruit 10:15am, 11:45pm, 1:10pm, 2:35pm, and 4pm 40- and 45-minute performances DJ Passionfruit presents a curated mix inspired by ancient and modern Egypt, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary beats. Drawing from a wide-ranging record collection, she creates an inviting soundscape that moves across time—easy to drop into, listen, and enjoy. Hands-On Workshops Drop in anytime from 10am to 5pm Write Your Story in Symbols with Marianne Sadowski Inspired by The Egyptian Book of the Dead exhibition, create a personal “Book of Life” using hieroglyphic imagery and simple printmaking techniques. Fold, stamp, and layer your own accordion-style book—filling it with stories, memories, and imagination. Symbols & Secrets: Create a Duat Box with Marcus Kuiland Nazario Design and decorate a small wooden Duat Box—named for the ancient Egyptian underworld—drawing on imagery such as papyrus scrolls and mummy wrappings. Add a scarab and feather to your finished box, inspired by ancient ideas about the heart and its journey—symbols of balance, truth, and care. Make a Heart with Ana Sanchez Create a heart that reflects who you are. Using cardboard, colorful paper, and markers, design something bold, playful, or intricate. Guided by artist Ana Sanchez, this all-ages workshop invites creativity, self-expression, and a little bit of fun. The Weighing of the Heart Bring your handmade heart to a monumental scale inspired by a famous scene in the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Created by artist Kiel Johnson, the six-foot installation reimagines the ancient ritual of weighing a heart against a feather belonging to the goddess Ma’at, who symbolized truth and balance. Place your heart on the scale, see how it measures up, and capture the moment—a playful way to reflect on what matters most.