Metro Motor is helping Washington ring in the New Year like never before by becoming a Carillon-level sponsor of the first National Bell Festival (BellFest), taking place this New Year’s Day. BellFest will present a full day of programming which celebrates the history of our nation through the lens of D.C.’s often-overlooked bells and bell towers: the jubilation of independence, the pain of civil war, the sacredness of community, and the resounding hope of tomorrow.
The festival is designed to reignite an appreciation for bell towers as sentinels of our city, to bring the community together around exclusive events and programming, and to raise critical funding for the care and restoration of historic bells.
Hamood Abutaa, founder and president of Metro Motor and Metro Motor Towing, said: “As we ring in the New Year, we are reminded of what unites us and what drives us forward: the betterment of our city and its people. This sponsorship reflects our service to the neighborhoods and communities that make Washington strong.”
Paul Ashe, founding director of the National Bell Festival, said: “I am thrilled to have the support of community leaders like Hamood. His generosity, commitment to Washington, and vision for its future are drivers of positive change – and BellFest would not be possible without it.”
The Metro Motor sponsorship supports a range of special events and programming, most of which are free, open to the public, and across D.C.’s 8 Wards. Washingtonians and visitors of the city are invited to:
- Countdown to 2020 at the much-anticipated Ringin’ New Year’s Eve party at the District Architecture Center
- Visit the Resound: Ancient Bells of China exhibit at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
- Reflect during a meditation walk at Washington National Cathedral as bells echo across the grand stone arches and tessellations of stained glass
- Escape into the enchanting lyricism of Brahms and Shostakovich at a chamber music recital
- Bask in a 20-minute city-wide bell ringing, including the Bell of Peace and Harmony
- Enjoy a community carillon recital from the soaring Knights' Tower at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
- Experience the lighthearted fun of bells on wheels as the Virginia Bronze handbell ensemble perform roving pop-up concerts throughout the afternoon from the back of a Big Bus
- Gain a fresh new perspective, clarify the mind, and channel happy new beginnings with a group yoga class, open to all levels
- Learn about campanology from bellmaker, Benjamin Sunderlin
- Luxuriate in lush harmonies and heartfelt lyrics during a live performance by local favorite duo, Griefcat
- …and more!
A full list of programming is available on the BellFest website.
About National Bell Festival
The National Bell Festival Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, presents the annual New Year’s Day celebration in Washington, DC. On the first day of the year, bells in towers across the nation’s capital ring out together and unite the community around listening parties, eclectic events, and special programming. BellFest also works throughout the year to restore historic bells and bell towers to their former thundering glory.
About Metro Motor
From oil changes and transmission flushes to brake repair and engine overhauls, turn to Metro Motor. Metro Motor has established a tradition of top-quality auto repair across a network of friendly, trustworthy, and experienced locations. For every kind of old, new, foreign or domestic vehicle on the road, Metro Motor delivers top quality, same-day, AAA-approved auto repair by a team of ASE-certified professionals. There is no higher industry standard. Each employee is extensively trained and certified, and then equipped with the best tools in the industry to ensure every car, truck, or van leaves the shop in tip-top shape. Metro Motor takes pride in its outstanding reputation for everyday fueling and vehicle maintenance. They go the extra mile so your car can, too.
