To have community events listed free in The Potomac Almanac, send e-mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Call 703-778-9412.
<cal1>Every Saturday Night
<cal2>Live Standup Comedy. 8 to 10 p.m. Five local comics. At the Laugh Riot at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda Hotel, 7400 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. Call 301-657-1234 or visit www.Bethesda.Hyatt.com.
<cal1>Now Through Aug. 8
<cal2>"How I Became a Pirate." At Imagination Stage. Performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 and 4 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday at 10:30 a.m. Tickets from $10-$21. Visit http://www.imaginationstage.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/June 30
<cal2>Pistolera. 7 p.m. Free. Pistolera's accordion-driven melodies invite you to a dance party at the Brooklyn-Mexico border. At the Gudelsky Gazebo at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman lane, North Bethesda.
<cal1>Thursday/July 1
<cal2>Cajun and Zydeco Dance. 7:30 to 11 p.m. Admission is $15. Dancing by the Bayou presents a Cajun dance featuring wonderful live music with the Pine Leaf Boys. Cajun dance lesson with Michael and Sharon from 7:30 to 8 p.m. followed by dancing 8 to 11 p.m. At the Bumper Car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: dancingbythebayou@verizon.net.
Independence Blue Dance. 8:15 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $8. We'll be rotating DJs and instructors to inspire and challenge you. Beginner workshop runs from 8:15 to 9 p.m. followed by dancing. The lesson gives new dancers important partnering basics. Class is included in the $8 admission and no partner is necessary. We'll have an action-packed night for music with tunes from a variety of DJs. At the Ballroom annex of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: info@capitalblues.org
Mark Jaster in "The Maestro". 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tickets $7 (Strathmore Stars $6.30); age 2 and under free. An eccentric music conductor expects the audience to be his orchestra. Segments include comedy with sheet music and the music stand; audience conducted by guided volunteers to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and "The Alphabet Song;" "Pop Goes the Weasel" by a one-man band then conducted for humor with four volunteers; bowed musical saw; miniature concertina played atop a precarious pile of packages; conducted clapping routine; hat trick finale. At Backyard Theater Stage at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Friday/July 2
<cal2>Free Organ Concert. 7 p.m. Organist Julie Vidrick Evans will play the complete Trio Sonatas for Organ by J.S. Bach on the 50 rank Rieger Mechanical Action Organ. At the Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, One Chevy Chase Circle, NW, Washington. Call 202-363-2202, ext. 33.
Contra Dance. 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $9. The Friday Night Dancers present Contra dancing as well as some square dances and waltzes. There is a Contra dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. followed by the called dance to live music from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Beginners are always welcome. The lesson is included in the price of admission. This week, Laura Brown calls to Contra Rebels with Todd Clewell on fiddle, Henry Koretzky on guitar, Barb Schmid on fiddle, and Bruce Campbell on bass. At the Spanish ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: fndcontra@yahoo.com.
Swing Dance. 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Admission is $15. From Seattle, The Syncopators are a jazz band dedicated to the popular music of the 1930s and ’40's. Founded in 2007 by bandleader Glenn Crytzer, the group has become a favorite among dancers and jazz enthusiasts in the Seattle area. Influenced by greats like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Sidney Bechet, Benny Goodman, Fats Waller and many more, the Syncopators inspire dancers and excite listeners with driving rhythms, heart-wrenching blues and hot solos, all with high energy and a side of light humor. American Swing presents a swing dance with fabulous live music. A drop-in beginner swing lesson from 8:30 – 9 p.m. is followed by dancing from 9 p.m. - midnight. At the Bumper car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit americanswing.org.
<cal1>Saturday/July 3
<cal2>Swing Dance. 8 p.m.-midnight. Admission is $15. American Swing presents a swing dance with fabulous live music. A beginning Swing dance lesson from 8 - 9 p.m. is followed by dancing from 9 p.m. - midnight. With infectious energy and superior musicianship, Lady Luck and the Suicide Kings bring the best of jazz, swing and blues to modern audiences, making the most standard of standards feel entirely new again. Not content to just mimic the sounds of yesteryear, this band embodies all the excitement and classic glamour of the swing era with a repertoire that includes everything from Louis Jordan and Billie Holiday to delicious twists on contemporary artists. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit americanswing.org.
Eminence Dance of Potomac will perform 2 p.m. at the Revolution Talent Competition's National Championship at the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 8th St. NW, Washington D.C.
<cal1>Sunday/July 4
<cal2>10th Annual Autism Speaks 5K Run and One-Mile Walk. 7:30 a.m. Pre-race warm-up (with professional trainer Fred Foster). 8 a.m. 5K road race; 8:05 a.m. 1 mile walk. At Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Dr., Potomac. Sponsored by BOWA Builders. Registration information: Cost: $30 for adults, $15 for children under 14. Online registration will close at midnight June 30. Packet Pick-up and late registration: July 2 at Potomac River Running store, Rockville Town Center, 115 Gibbs St., 4-8 p.m., $35; July 3, Potomac United Methodist Church, corner of Falls Road and South Glen Road, 3-6 p.m., $35; July 4 at Potomac Library, $40. Website/Registration: www.autismspeaks5k.org. Contact: autismspeaks5k@autismspeaks.org. Or visit http://events.autismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=344807
Contra and Square Dance. 7-10:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for nonmembers and $9 for FSGW members. The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American contra dancing. The evening can include square dances, mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All Contras and Square dances are taught, no partner is necessary. Lesson at 7 p.m., followed by dances with the Too Hot Mamas from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. At the Bumper car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit fsgw.org.
Eminence Dance of Potomac will perform 10:50 a.m. at the Revolution Talent Competition's National Championship at the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 8th St. NW, Washington D.C.
<cal1>Monday/July 5
<cal2>Eminence Dance of Potomac will perform 10:20 a.m. at the Revolution Talent Competition's National Championship at the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 8th St. NW, Washington D.C.
<cal1>Wednesday/July 7
<cal2>Be’la Dona. 7 p.m. Free. Be'la Dona is an all female R&B. They have performed for Howard Hewitt, Chuck Brown, Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry, Case, Leigh Jones and Tony Terry. Be'la Dona has performed in venues such as the Carter Baron, Blues Alley, Fridays at Sunset in Richmond, Va. and performed as the opening act for Frankie Beverly & Maze, Chico DeBarge, Joe, and Heatwave. Recently, the Be'la Dona received an award for Best Upcoming Band at the 2009 WKYS GOGO Awards. They were also nominated for 2 WAMMIE Awards in 2010, and a DMV Award for Best R&B Band. At Gudelsky Gazebo at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Thursday/July 8
<cal2>Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 8:15 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $12. With the band Glenn Crytzer and His Syncopators. The beginner workshop runs from 8:15 - 9 p.m. followed by dancing. The lesson gives new dancers important partnering basics. As always, the class is included in the $12 admission and no partner is necessary. At the Back Room of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: info@capitalblues.org
SteveSongs. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tickets $7 (Strathmore Stars $6.30); age 2 and under are free. Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been writing and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past eleven years. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies. At Backyard Theater Stage at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Friday/July 9
<cal2>Benefit Swing Dance for Laurie Gilkenson. 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $15. Join dancers all over the DC Metro area as well as all over the country to this benefit dance for Laurie Gilkenson. Laurie recently underwent successful brain surgery but has found the medical bills overwhelming, so we are all helping her out with this benefit dance. Enjoy a dance lesson from 8 – 9 p.m. followed by dancing until with the Tom Cunningham Orchestra and Blue Sky 5. This promises to be a great dance for a great cause. All proceeds will be donated to the Gilkensons. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: grettathorn@gmail.com
Contra Dance. 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $9. The Friday Night Dancers present Contra dancing as well as some square dances and waltzes. There is a Contra dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. followed by the called dance to live music from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Beginners are always welcome. The lesson is included in the price of admission. This week Anna Rain calls to the fabulous Glen Echo Open Band. At the Spanish ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: fndcontra@yahoo.com.
Salsa Dance. 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission price TBD. High Energy Productions presents a Salsa Dance with a Salsa lesson from 8 - 9 p.m. taught by Keith Givens followed by dancing to recorded music until midnight. At Bumper Car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: searchernet@comcast.net.
<cal1>Saturday/July 10
<cal2>Potomac Used Book Sale. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Most hardback and large paperback books are $1 and regular paperbacks are $.50. At Potomac Library, 10101 Glenholden Dr. Potomac. All books are donated by the local community for the benefit of the library.
The Ins and Outs of Puppy and Dog Socialization. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Misunderstandings about socializing a puppy or dog can cause your pup to develop lasting fears and anxieties, even aggression issues. Learn the facts about socialization: a puppy’s prime socialization period; the best and worst ways to socialize puppies and dogs. Speaker: Jeni Grant, CPDT – KA. Visit www.trainyourbestfriend.com. Sponsored by Your Dogs Friend. At the Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Rd, Potomac. Visit www.yourdogsfriend.info or call 301-983-5913.
Seller Seminar. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Why Your House Will Sell When Others Don’t. At the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Station, 8001 River Road, Bethesda. For seminar outlines, see www.HillSlowinski.com or call Hill Slowinski at 301-320-8430.
Swing Dance. 8 p.m.-midnight. Admission is $15. Flying Feet Enterprises presents a Swing dance with fabulous live music. Beginner Swing Dance lesson from 8 - 9 p.m. followed by dancing to the Boilermaker Jazz Band until midnight. Net proceeds will be donated to Laurie Gilkenson’s medical expense fund. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit dance@flyingfeet.org.
<cal1>Sunday/July 11
<cal2>Open Door Reading Series. 2 p.m. Free. Beltway 10th Anniversary and Full Moon on K Street Anthology. Featured authors will include Michelle Parkerson, Katy Richey, and Terence Winch reading from the new anthology Full Moon on K Street: Poems About Washington, D.C. At The Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda. Visit www.writer.org or call 301-654-8664.
Open House. 2 to 4 p.m. The Bethesda Chevy Chase Jewish Community Group is having an open house for its Judaic Learning Program. Next year's programs include Sunday classes for Kindergarten through third grade, family activities, Hebrew classes for ages 8-11, adult education, Israeli folk dancing, community service projects, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and open High Holiday Services. At the Jewish Community Center, 6125 Montrose Rd., Rockville. Call Celia Barash at 301-762-4188.
Canal Stewards Cleanup. 9 a.m. to noon. Help the Conservancy clean up and beautify the land and water surrounding Lock 8, and along miles 8 and 9 of the C&O Canal towpath. At River Center at Lock 8, 7906 Riverside Ave., Cabin John.
Voices of the River: Journey Down the Potomac. 5 to 8 p.m. Come to a River Center art opening, featuring the work of local photographer, Jonathan Weiner. A Washington native and photographic artist, Jonathan grew up fishing, boating and exploring the Potomac River. After completing his BFA, Jonathan embarked on a three-year-long project to document the length of the Potomac River. Refreshments are provided. RSVP to tricarico@potomac.org by July 8. Admission is Free! At River Center at Lock 8, 7906 Riverside Ave., Cabin John.
Cajun and Zydeco Dance Party. 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is $15. Dancing by the Bayou presents a Cajun dance featuring live music with Acadien Cajun Band — an aspiring young band, full of exuberance and a true love for what they do. Visit acadiencajunband.com for more information. Dance lesson at 3 p.m. taught by Michael Hart and Sharon Schiliro followed by dancing from 3:30 - 6 p.m. to live music. At the Bumper Car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: dancingbythebayou@verizon.net.
Contra and Square Dance. 7-10:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for nonmembers and $9 for FSGW members. The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American contra dancing. The evening can include square dances, mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All Contras and Square dances are taught--no partner is necessary. Lesson at 7 p.m., followed by dances with the Nor’Easter from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. At the Bumper car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit fsgw.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/July 14
<cal2>Milkshake. Mini street festival 5:30 p.m. Music at 7 p.m. Baltimore-based Milkshake is a band on a mission: to create great rock music for kids. Led by singer Lisa Mathews and guitarist Mikel Gehl, whose songs for grown-ups have been featured in movies and prime-time television, and whose indie rock group Love Riot garnered critical praise during its 10-year run, Milkshake has won over preschoolers without compromising songcraft, stagecraft or their authentic rock & roll spirit. Milkshake took another step forward with the August 2009 release of their fourth studio CD, Great Day, which was nominated for a Grammy. At Gudelsky Gazebo at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Thursday/July 15
<cal2>Battle of the Bands, A Fundraiser for Haiti Relief. 7:30 p.m. The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture brings live music to the Park. Bring your picnic blanket, kick off your shoes, and enjoy live music for a good cause with The Battle of the Bands, A Fundraiser for Haiti Relief. All concerts are in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. The Park’s Dentzel carousel will be open during the event. Call 301-634-2222 or visit www.glenechopark.org.
Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 8:15 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $8. With DJ Mike Marcotte and guests. The beginner workshop runs from 8:15 - 9 p.m. followed by dancing. The lesson gives new dancers important partnering basics. As always, the class is included in the $8 admission and no partner is necessary. We'll have an action-packed night for music with tunes from a variety of DJs. At the Ballroom annex of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: info@capitalblues.org
Hip-Hop Flip Flop with CityDance Conservatory. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tickets $7 (Strathmore Stars $6.30); age 2 and under are free. CityDance Conservatory dancers lead the audience through a high-energy dance performance that traces the development of hip hop steps through a variety of genres including Jazz, Afro-modern, break dance and Bollywood. Audience members enjoy the fun and "flip flop" created by the infusion of hip-hop. At Backyard Theater Stage at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Friday/July 16
<cal2>Contra Dance. 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $9. The Friday Night Dancers present Contra dancing as well as some square dances and waltzes. Contra dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. followed by called dance to live music from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Beginners are always welcome. This week Dave Colestock calls to Frigate with Steve Muise on fiddle/button accordion, Glen Loper on mandolin/banjo, and Fred White on guitar/percussion. At the Spanish ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: fndcontra@yahoo.com.
Blues Dance. 8 p.m.-midnight. Admission TBD. Capital Blues kicks off their Red Hot Blues & BBQ Blues Exchange! No partner required. Blues lesson from 8 - 9 p.m. followed by dance. At the Bumper Car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: info@capitalblues.org
Super Fiesta Latina Party. 8:15 p.m.-midnight. Admission is $15. Dance hosted by Fabio and Jennifer Bonini. Lesson from 8:15 – 9 p.m. for Salsa beginners and up followed by dancing with teacher and DJ Fabio Bonini playing the best of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Reggaeton and more! Admission includes lesson, dancing, beverages and sweets. At the Ballroom Annex of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: Jennifer@ForeverDancing.com
Flumpa and Friends LIVE! 10:30 a.m. Free. Music, science, fitness and fun are blended in a unique show perfect for the whole family, starring Wendy Whitten ‘The Singing Scientist’ and Flumpa the famous tree frog. At Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall, 11325 Seven Locks Road, Potomac. Call 240-779-8000.
<cal1>Saturday/July 17
<cal2>11th Annual Picnic on the Potomac. 4 to 7 p.m. At Carderock Pavilion in Carderock, Md. Bring the entire family to Potomac Conservancy's 11th annual Picnic on the Potomac. Meet other river lovers and listen to live music. They'll provide the grillers and drinks and you'll need to bring a potluck dish. Contact Deanna Tricarico, Outreach Coordinator, at tricarico@potomac.org or 301-608-1188 x.204.
Saturday Night Swing & Blues Dance. 8 p.m.-midnight. Admission TBD. Capital Blues proudly presents Red Hot Blues & BBQ – a weekend of blues and swing dances at Glen Echo Park. Swing dance lesson will be followed by dancing to fabulous live music, featuring tunes for slow blues dancing and uptempo swing. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: info@capitalblues.org
<cal1>July 17 to Aug. 21
<cal2>Young Modern Dance Workshop Series. 1 to 3 p.m. Level: 2 and 3 ballet, jazz and/or modern. Cost is $20/single workshop; $120 for all six workshops. At JOMDC Bethesda. For more information, visit www.joyofmotion.org
<cal1>Sunday/July 18
<cal2>Family Dance. 3-5 p.m. Admission is $5. Spend the afternoon dancing with your children. Each of the family dances features live music and dance. Bring your entire family, neighbors, church or synagogue group, birthday party, and girl or boy scout troop. At the Bumper Car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit fsgw.org.
Waltz Dance. 3-6 p.m. Admission is $8. Waltz Time presents a beginning waltz lesson from 3 to 3:30 p.m. followed by an afternoon of waltzes and other couples dances to the music of Rose by the Door with Andrea Hoag, Marty Taylor, Liz Donaldson and Ralph Gordon. These accomplished musicians are sure to provide a wonderful afternoon of waltz and other couples dances. No partner required. Email: info@waltztimedances.org. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit fsgw.org.
Contra and Square Dance. 7-10:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for nonmembers and $9 for FSGW members. The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American contra dancing. The evening can include square dances, mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All Contras and Square dances are taught--no partner is necessary. Lesson at 7 p.m., followed by dancing to the Love Mongrels from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. At the Bumper car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit fsgw.org.
Blues Dance. 9 p.m.-midnight. Admission TBD. Capital Blues hosts the finale dance of their Red Hot Blues & BBQ Blues Exchange, featuring fabulous recorded music. No partner required. At the Ballroom Annex of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: info@capitalblues.org
<cal1>Wednesday/July 21
<cal2>Ben Williams & Sound Effect. Mini street festival 5:30 p.m. Music at 7 p.m. Free. Bassist Benjamin James Williams, the 2009 Thelonious Monk Award winner, is a native of Washington, D.C. His musical influence is rooted in various genres of music including jazz, hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and classical. Ben is a recent graduate of the Michigan State University School of Music where he majored in Music Education with an emphasis in Jazz, studying with Rodney Whitaker and Jack Budrow. He is pursuing a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies at Juilliard. At Gudelsky Gazebo at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Thursday/July 22
<cal2>Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 8:15 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $8. With DJ Mike Marcotte and guests. The beginner workshop runs from 8:15 - 9 p.m. followed by dancing. The lesson gives new dancers important partnering basics. As always, the class is included in the $8 admission and no partner is necessary. We'll have an action-packed night for music with tunes from a variety of DJs. At the Ballroom annex of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: info@capitalblues.org
Blue Sky Puppet Theatre in "The Barker of Seville".9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tickets $7 (Strathmore Stars $6.30); age 2 and under free.
A musical comedy about two aspiring young opera singers named Rufus Raindog and Rosa Bush. Rufus and Rosa work in a restaurant while auditioning and practicing; preparing themselves for a real opera role. The Barker of Seville features nine realistic, moving mouth rod puppets and two actors. There is regular, well-controlled audience participation throughout this production. At Backyard Theater Stage at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Friday/July 23
<cal2>Contra Dance. 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $9. The Friday Night Dancers present Contra dancing as well as some square dances and waltzes. Contra dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. followed by called dance to live music from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Beginners are always welcome. This week Robin Marcus calls to Waverly Station with David Knight on fiddle, Ralph Gordon on bass, and Liz Donaldson on piano. At the Spanish ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: fndcontra@yahoo.com.
La Divina Milonga Party. 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Admission is $15. Evening presented by Forever Dancing will include a lesson for Argentine Tango beginners and up from 8:30 to 9 p.m. followed by a Dance Party to recorded music with Teacher and DJ Fabio Bonini, playing Traditional Tango, Milongas, Waltz and Tango Nuevo. La Divina Milonga Party. At the Ball Room Annex of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: Jennifer@ForeverDancing.Org
<cal1>Saturday/July 24
<cal2>Buyer Seminar. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. How to Prepare For, Find, and get the Home You Want. At the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Station, 8001 River Road, Bethesda. For seminar outlines, see www.HillSlowinski.com or call Hill Slowinski at 301-320-8430.
Swing Dance. 8 p.m.-midnight. Admission is $15. On this special themed evening the Orchestra performs an evening of Artie Shaw big band music on the eve of Shaw's 100th birthday. They will play Shaw favorites and swing classics from the 30s and 40s, including S' Wonderful, Temptation, Begin the Beguine and more Shaw favorites. 21 performers including several vocalists--the Tom Cunningham Orchestra creates a lively evening for dancers and listeners. Beginning swing lesson at 8 p.m. is followed by the band from 9 p.m. to midnight. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit tom cunningham.com
<cal 1> Saturday-Sunday/July 24-25 <cal 2>21st Annual Farm Tour and Harvest 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Come celebrate Montgomery County’s agricultural heritage and help promote local farms. The Farm Tour provides residents with an opportunity to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants and other local products. Activities such as hayrides, pony rides, music, and demonstrations will be available for people of all ages. For more information go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/farmtour or call 301-590-2823.
<cal1>Sunday/July 25
<cal2>Ballroom Tea Dance. 3-6 p.m. Admission is $12. Join the Hot Society Orchestra of Washington for dancing, featuring music and dances from the 20s, 30s and 40s. Dancers will enjoy foxtrot, two-step, waltz, cha-cha, rumba, swing and more. A basic dance lesson at 3 p.m. for all levels is followed by dancing to wonderful live music from 3:30 – 6 p.m. Admission includes the lesson. No partner or prior experience needed. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: dave@hotsociety.net.
Contra and Square Dance. 7-10:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for nonmembers and $9 for FSGW members. The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American contra dancing. The evening can include square dances, mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All Contras and Square dances are taught--no partner is necessary. Lesson at 7 p.m., followed by dancing to Perpetual e-Motion from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. At the Bumper car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit fsgw.org.
Tree ID Walk. 9 – 10:30 am
Join Laura Miller on a morning walk around the C&O Canal as she identifies some common tree species found in the Potomac River watershed. River Center at Lock 8, 7906 Riverside Dr. Cabin John, MD
Voices of the River: Cabin John Legends and Life 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. Join Author Judy Welles as she talks about her book Voices of the River: Cabin John Legends and Life. Her talk will give a glimpse of the mystery, legends about lost lovers, ghosts, pirates, hermits and buried treasure of Canal life in Cabin John. River Center at Lock 8, 7906 Riverside Dr., Cabin John, MD
<cal1>July 26 to Aug. 16
<cal2>Lamaze Classes. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $25/members; $50/general public. L'Amazing Baby: Childbirth Preparation with a Jewish Twist. At the JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Rd, Rockville. For more information and to register, visit www.jccgw.org or contact Julie Margel at jmargel@jccgw.org. 301-348-3837
<cal>Wednesday/July 28
<cal2>The Crawdaddies. Mini street festival 5:30 p.m. Music at 7 p.m. Free. Based in Baltimore, Md., The Crawdaddies infuse Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Ska, Roots, Rock and Reggae into an incomparable, groove-laden sound that is unquestionably its own. At Gudelsky Gazebo at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Thursday/July 29
<cal2>Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 8:15 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $8. With DJ Mike Marcotte and guests. The beginner workshop runs from 8:15 - 9 p.m. followed by dancing. The lesson gives new dancers important partnering basics. As always, the class is included in the $8 admission and no partner is necessary. We'll have an action-packed night for music with tunes from a variety of DJs. At the Ballroom annex of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: info@capitalblues.org.
Banjo to Beatbox with Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer Christylez Bacon. 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tickets $7 (Strathmore Stars $6.30); age 2 and under free. The Grammy-nominated album, Banjo to Beatbox, features Children’s Music Grammy Award winners Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer and Washington, D.C.’s hip-hop sensation Christylez Bacon in a fresh new recording for kids and families. In this concert, Beatbox (mouth drums) meets the banjo, nursery rhyme meets the hip-hop fractured fairy tale and tradition meets the next generation of contemporary "hip." With nods to folk, rap and imagination, these artists show us that through music, our different neighborhoods (and musical styles) can come together. At Backyard Theater Stage at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Friday/July 30
<cal2>Contra Dance. 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $9. The Friday Night Dancers present Contra dancing as well as some square dances and waltzes. Contra dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. followed by called dance to live music from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Beginners are always welcome. This week Janine Smith calls to Love Mongrels with Orrin Star on mandolin, guitar, and banjo, Danny Knicely on mandolin, guitar, and percussion, Alexander Mitchell on fiddle, and Ralph Gordon on bass. At the Spanish ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Email: fndcontra@yahoo.com.
Swing Dance. 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Admission is $15. This primo jump blues band has it all—an amazing rhythm section, awesome sax playing, fabulous guitar, a killer front man, and fantastic songs. And more than all that, these guys have the ability to cross over from jump blues to swing to rock and back again, often within the same song. Formed in 2002, the Gas House Gorillas draws from the well of such greats as Wynonie Harris, Gene Autry, Sam Cooke, Cab Calloway and Elvis Presley as they move effortlessly between jump blues, gypsy swing, and classic rock. Beginner swing lesson at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight. At Bumper Car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit americanswing.org.
<cal1>Saturday/July 31
<cal2>Red Cross Pet First Aid Class. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Using video, lecture, discussion and practice, this course addresses giving temporary care to your dog or cat in an emergency. No animals are permitted in class. Presenter: Lynne Bettinger, certified American Red Cross pet first aid instructor (www.sundownridge.com). Note: There is a $60 fee, which includes a manual, DVD and Red Cross certificate. Register online and send check, payable to Your Dog’s Friend: 11401 S. Glen Rd, Potomac, MD 20854.
Swing Dance. 8 p.m.-midnight. Admission is $15. Along with the Rocket 88s, Mitch Woods has been the torchbearer of a great American blues musical heritage for two decades. Taking his inspiration from the great jump and boogie outfits of the late 40s and early 50s, Mitch breathes fresh life into the music that gave birth to rock and roll. The Rocket 88s are styled after the jumping and jiving, shouting and honking, pumping and pounding bands of Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris, Joe and Jimmy Liggins, Amos Milburn, and Roy Milton. Adding a healthy dose of New Orleans rhythm and blues, pile-driving piano, and some of his own contemporary playful lyrics, Mitch forges his own style of music he calls "rock-a-boogie." American Swing presents a swing dance with fabulous live music. A beginning Swing dance lesson from 8 - 9 p.m. is followed by dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo. Visit americanswing.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 4
<cal2>Elikeh. Mini street festival 5:30 p.m. Music at 7 p.m. Free. Elikeh is a band that performs its own brand of African Roots music. The material is a combination of traditional rhythms from Togo and 70's Afrofunk. At Gudelsky Gazebo at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Aug. 11-Aug. 12
<cal2>Tribute to the British Invasion. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $19-$22 (Strathmore Stars $17.10-$19.80). Focusing on the years 1964-1966 and featuring well-loved songs by the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Petula Clark, The Who, The Hollies, Dusty Springfield, The Kinks, The Animals, The Zombies, Peter and Gordon, Tom Jones, The Yardbirds and many more, the concert brings together 60 of the areas finest performers to honor the music that changed a generation and dominated the pop charts in America and around the world. At Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 25
<cal2>Ukefest 2010: The Ladies of the Uke! Mini street festival 5:30 p.m. Music at 7 p.m. (features special 6 p.m. audience strum along). Free. This event highlights the ladies of the ukulele: The Sweater Set, Victoria Vox, The Hula Honeys, The Riders, D.C.’s own local ukulele orchestra, and Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer. At Gudelsky Gazebo at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 26
<cal2>Intro to Hula Dancing with the Hula Honeys. 6-7:30 p.m. Tuition is $10 (Strathmore Stars $9) The Hula Honeys present an introductory hula dancing workshop for all ages. At Backyard Stage Theater at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org
Intermediate/Advanced Ukulele Workshop with the Hula Honeys. 8-9:15 p.m. Tuition is $20 (Strathmore Stars $18). The Hula Honeys present a workshop for all age intermediate and advance players. At Music Center Room 402 at Strathmore, Education Center, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit
Beginner Ukulele Workshop with Maureen Andary from The Sweater Set. 8-9:15 p.m. Tuition is $20 (Strathmore Stars $18). Maureen Andary from The Sweater Set teaches newcomers of all ages the basics of ukulele. At Music Center Room 405 at Strathmore, Education Center, 10701 Rockville Pike, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 28
<cal2>"Louis" — A Silent Film. 8 p.m. With live musical performances by Wynton Marsalis and Cecile Licad. At the Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. Visit www.Strathmore.org or call 301-581-5100.
<cal1>Sept. 11
<cal2>Seller Seminar. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Why Your House Will Sell When Others Don’t. At the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Station, 8001 River Road, Bethesda. For seminar outlines, see www.HillSlowinski.com or call Hill Slowinski at 301-320-8430.
<cal1>Sept. 25
<cal2>Buyer Seminar. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. How to Prepare For, Find, and get the Home You Want. At the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Station, 8001 River Road, Bethesda. For seminar outlines, see www.HillSlowinski.com or call Hill Slowinski at 301-320-8430.
<cal1>Sept. 25-Oct. 31
<cal2>Bunnicula. Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Some Saturday 11 a.m. performances. Single ticket prices range from $10-$22, with group rates available. It is a dark and stormy night at the Monroe house when family pets Harold the dog and Chester the cat are confronted by a mysterious new addition to the family: small, furry with long ears and fangs. Bunnicula! Soon the carrots in the kitchen are left drained of juice and with suspicious teeth-marks. First the veggies, next…the Monroes? Chester and Harold try to thwart the vampire bunny before it is too late! This musical adaptation of the book is a hugely imaginative tale full of belly laughs and suspense. At Imagination Stage 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD Imagination Stage offers discount ticket packages with benefits that emphasize the flexibility that parents and grandparents value, as well as significant savings. Details are on the website, www.imaginationstage.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 2
<cal2>Taste of Bethesda. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food and music festival featuring 50 restaurants and four stages of entertainment, as well as a children's area. Sponsored by the Bethesda Urban Partnership Inc. and Bethesda Arts and Entertainment District.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 9
<cal2>Seller Seminar. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Why Your House Will Sell When Others Don’t. At the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Station, 8001 River Road, Bethesda. For seminar outlines, see www.HillSlowinski.com or call Hill Slowinski at 301-320-8430.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 23
<cal2>Buyer Seminar. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. How to Prepare For, Find, and get the Home You Want. At the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Station, 8001 River Road, Bethesda. For seminar outlines, see www.HillSlowinski.com or call Hill Slowinski at 301-320-8430.
<cal1>Nov. 24-Jan. 9
<cal2> Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Some Saturday 11 a.m. performances. Single ticket prices range from $10-$22, with group rates available. It’s holiday time in Room One and that means drama! Tattletale May keeps picking on Junie B., and things get even worse when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa. She hatches a plan to give May a lump of coal, while getting an awesome Squeeze-A-Burp for herself. Will Junie B. have a last-minute change of heart and show her true holiday spirit? Just like its heroine, the show has laughs, verve and energy to spare! At Imagination Stage 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD Imagination Stage offers discount ticket packages with benefits that emphasize the flexibility that parents and grandparents value, as well as significant savings. Details are on the website, www.imaginationstage.org.
<cal1>Feb. 6-Mar. 13
<cal2> Perseus Bayou. Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Some Saturday 11 a.m. performances. Single ticket prices range from $10-$22, with group rates available. This award-winning musical sets the classic Greek myth of Perseus and his quest for the snake-headed Medusa in post-Civil War Louisiana. To save the bayou from the evil Polydectes, Percy must journey to the edge of the human world with the help of a conjure woman, Miss Athena, a spirit-cat, Panther Hermes, and a tomboy named Andromeda. Percy's coming-of-age is vividly told in this epic and magical theatrical work. Imagination Stage is delighted to welcome back Mary Hall Surface, whose The Hundred Dresses and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice played here in prior seasons. At Imagination Stage 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD Imagination Stage offers discount ticket packages with benefits that emphasize the flexibility that parents and grandparents value, as well as significant savings. Details are on the website, www.imaginationstage.org.
<cal1>April 9-May 29
<cal2> George & Martha: Tons of Fun! Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Some Saturday 11 a.m. performances. Single ticket prices range from $10-$22, with group rates available. The two endearing hippos from the James Marshall picture books stomp onto stage in this warm and funny musical adaptation. George and Martha are best friends. They play music together and share meals, presents, picnics, and exciting adventures like flying a balloon. Sometimes they have differences as all friends do. But it cannot last. Like all good friends, George and Martha just can’t stay angry for long! This simple story says much about our relationships at any age. Geared for our youngest theatre-goers but enjoyable for all, this new musical by Joan Cushing sparkles with clever lyrics and laughter. At Imagination Stage 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD Imagination Stage offers discount ticket packages with benefits that emphasize the flexibility that parents and grandparents value, as well as significant savings. Details are on the website, www.imaginationstage.org.
<cal1>Apr. 16-May 21
<cal2> The Day John Henry Came to School. Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Some Saturday 11 a.m. performances. Single ticket prices range from $10-$22, with group rates available. Johnny is a typical 5th grader, way into video games and not especially motivated at school. Imagine his surprise one night when there’s a loud knock at the door and his ancestor John Henry bursts into his bedroom, wielding a 12 lb. hammer and insisting that he will visit Johnny’s class the next day for "Show & Tell." At first unimpressed by John Henry’s tragic tale about his race with the steam engine, the kids in Johnny’s class come to appreciate the importance of his ultimate sacrifice. The award-winning playwright of Lost & Foundling has created another witty and insightful contemporary comedy. At Imagination Stage in the Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre. At Imagination Stage 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD Imagination Stage offers discount ticket packages with benefits that emphasize the flexibility that parents and grandparents value, as well as significant savings. Details are on the website, www.imaginationstage.org.
<cal1>July 22-Aug. 14
<cal2> The Wind in the Willows. Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Some Saturday 11 a.m. performances. Single ticket prices range from $10-$22, with group rates available. This musical retelling of the classic is faithful to the novel and features the beloved characters Mr. Toad, Mole, Ratty and Mr. Badger. It is early in the twentieth century and Mr. Toad falls hard for the charms of the motor car. His reckless driving results in his being thrown into prison, but, dressed as a laundry lady, he manages to escape. But will Mr. Toad be able to expel the Wild Wood squatters from Toad Hall and reclaim his home? Prepare to be enchanted by this irresistible mix of adventure and camaraderie. At Imagination Stage 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD Imagination Stage offers discount ticket packages with benefits that emphasize the flexibility that parents and grandparents value, as well as significant savings. Details are on the website, www.imaginationstage.org.