Nyl Medina is “La Primera Dama” or “First Lady” born in Washington, DC and bread in West Hyattsville, MD. Since a very young age, Nyl has been very passionate about music, striving to grow and perfect her craft. Over the years she has become known for her innovative and energetic musical style with friends and fans comparing her music to artist like Sade, Kelis, Nelly Furtado, Ivy Queen. Creating a musical gumbo with influences from reggeaton, R&B, hip-hop, merengue, salsas, dance and pop Nyl has created a style that really shows who she is as an artist.

La Primera Dama was born of music but made for the stage coming from a long line of musicians, songwriters and singers. Serving as a quadruple threat, Nyl writes her own lyrics, dances, sings, and raps in both English and Spanish. Having a deep passion for music and a want to grow, she collaborates with local, national and international artists to create good music. Her voice impacts the DMV and has rightly earned her title as “La Primera Dama.” A true artist in every sense of the word; representing her Hispanic heritage in the community to the fullest and striving to be heard in the music industry all over the world.

Here at the Bridge, our motto is simple, “Love God, Love Others, Make a Difference.” This year, we have paired with a local non-profit we feel embodies that mission in a big way.

Maryland based, Hearts & Homes for Youth helps abused, neglected, homeless and troubled children through a variety of residential and supportive programs. Their mission can be found in their motto, “As If They Were Our Own.”

Starting in 1964, HHY sheltered four boys in an attic, upstairs from a halfway house for psychiatric patients. Since that time, HHY has increased its services to meet the needs of more than 30,000 abused, neglected, homeless and troubled children, from newborns to 21 years of age, and from all parts of the state.

Read a story of what happens when love, boundaries and compassion, combined with the hard work of HHY volunteers and community members, impact one young man in a big way. Washingtonian Article (Feb 2010)
Want to make a difference? School supplies donated at Expression Live will go to youth enrolled in HHY programs.

Are you an artist who wants to make a lasting impression on the community? Do you know someone who loves to pull out a canvas, some brushes and transform the beauty, light and color that surround us into works of art?

Expression Live is seeking painters to perform at this year’s event. If you are a painter or know someone who might be interested in spending the greatest Sunday afternoon ever participating in live painting at Expression Live, have them contact us.

Expression Live brings together an eclectic mix of singers, dancers and performance artists from acrossthe D.C. Metro area to create a fantastically fun event for a great cause. This year EL will partner with Hearts and Homes for Youth, a Montgomery county non-profit helping troubled youth become productive adults. Learn More.

Find out how local community member Cristine Davis’ trip to the movies turned out to bless her world in unexpected ways.

Like Cristine, we hope you will take the time to come out to Expression Live, Sunday July 22 from 3pm -
7pm and see what the event is all about.

Learn more about Expression Live.

Learn more about The Bridge.

Through this adversity, Alex realized that his musical abilities were not given simply to impress people. His gift had much greater potential. The music that God gave him could mend broken hearts, encourage souls in despair, and change lives through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, starting with his own.

As a young child, Alex Williams would attend his Washington, D.C., church and sleep in his mother’s lap and wake up to the sound of the choir. To this day, music remains the vehicle by which Alex experiences some of his most intimate moments with God.

Born in Washington, D.C., to Fred and Linda Williams, Alex taught himself to play the piano at an early age. Recognizing his talent, Alex’s mother encouraged him to join his church’s youth choir, where he eventually served as the pianist. His skills were further honed while singing in his high school choir, where he was given the freedom to teach and direct music with his peers. Music had become Alex’s hobby, but it would soon become much more.

At the age of 19, Alex suffered the sudden and devastating loss of his mother. As he sat crying in the hospital, he affirmed his commitment to God, despite the tragic circumstances. In that dark time, when words couldn’t convey his pain and tears couldn’t wash it away, faith and music comforted him. Through this adversity, Alex realized that his musical abilities were not given simply to impress people. His gift had much greater potential. The music that God gave him could mend broken hearts, encourage souls in despair, and change lives through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, starting with his own.

He began writing songs consistently, often sharing them in his capacity as a worship leader at several D.C.-area churches. Today, Alex’s passion is wondrously fulfilled in his role as worship leader at The Bridge in downtown Silver Spring, Md., under the leadership of Pastor Jumaine Jones.

With its simple mission to “Love God, Love Others and Make a Difference,” the church presents a refreshingly radical approach to living a Christian life, bridging the gap between church and culture.

Alex loves the multicultural, multigenerational worship environment and seeks to connect with people of all different backgrounds. He believes that in Heaven, worship will have no prejudices. As he is being led through new terrain, Alex is humbled by the honor to serve God’s people.

Alex will be performing at Expression Live. Check out his music online or visit The Bridge any Sunday to join him in worship.

Who doesn’t love a perfect chocolate chip cookie every once in a while? Join us for a bake sale at The Bridge on Sunday, May 6, and you can satisfy your sweet tooth and help fill a need in the community.

This year, the Bridge is partnering with Hearts and Homes for Youth, a Montgomery county nonprofit whose mission is to help troubled youth become independent, productive adults. A portion of the proceeds of the bake sale will go toward helping HHY.

Can’t make it to the Bridge this Sunday? Join us for one of the many great fundraisers for Expression Live.

We would love it if you could lend a hand! Sign up to bake a treat or help out.

Sneak peek of the new EL12 flier