"Eats + Beats” is a show where chefs and music producers break bread and chop it up—literally. Featured guests find connection and commonality in how they move from inspiration to execution to final product.

Chef Kim Akers Thomas is the executive chef and owner of Hayward’s Private Chef & Catering. She studied culinary arts at Prince George’s Community College and has experience in food service and hospitality that spans over fifteen years. Throughout her culinary career, Thomas as always volunteered her time with nonprofit organizations such as the DC Central Kitchen and Martha’s Table and will continue to give back to her community.

Damu the Fudgemunk is a modern-day hip-hop renaissance man, DJ, producer, MC, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator. He has toured internationally, and as a recording artist he has published dozens of titles on vinyl. As he expands his catalog, a he focuses on showcasing his passion for storytelling through sound and preserving a legacy built with love, innovative ideas, and true artisanship.

This event will happen in-person, live on the National Mall, during the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on July 2-7, 2025. It will be livestreamed for online audiences and remain archived on our YouTube channel and website.