To have community events listed free in The Potomac Almanac, send mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, Va. 22102, e-mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com, or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Unless otherwise noted, all events are in Potomac. If you have any questions, call Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 1
<cal2>Wild Birds. Well-known artist and naturalist, Lois Auer, will introduce a few of her raptor friends at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 7 p.m. Learn all about these amazing birds. Register by calling 240-777-0690.
Little Bit of Blues. Celebrate the release of local blues band Little Bit of Blues new CD outdoors at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 7 p.m. Free. BBQ food available. Visit www.strathmore.org or call 301-581-5100.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 2
<cal2>Opera Night Live. Entertainment and four course Italian meal at Trattoria Sorrento, 4930 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 7-9pm. Cost is $48. Call 301-718-0344.
Mike Rose Magic. Enjoy an action-packed magic show at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 7 p.m. Fun for the whole family. Call 240-777-0970.
Family Films. Come watch films based on popular picture books at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 10:30 a.m. A librarian will read a story and do stretches with the children. No registration required. Call 240-777-0690.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 3
<cal2>Fun in the Sun. Color a beach ball and create magic noodles at Cabin John Mall Atrium, 11325 Seven Locks Road, Potomac. Enjoy story time with finger puppets with Perfect Parties by Terrye.
Contra Dance. The Friday Night Dancers presents traditional American dancing including contra dances, square dances, and several waltzes. Contra dance lesson from 7:30-8:15 p.m. Dance from 8:30-11:30 p.m. to the Glen Echo Open Band, $8, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Contact info@fridaynightdance.org, or visit www.fridaynightdance.org.
Swingin’ the Blues. The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture presents Swingin' the Blues for a soothing 'end of the work-week' dance in the Bumper Car Pavillion at Glen Echo Park. Choose either an introductory West Coast Swing lesson with Helen Tocco, or a slow Blues lesson with Mike and Donna, from 8-9 p.m. Then follow that with music from the Idle Americans till midnight. The $13 admission includes the lesson. Contact Donna Barker at 301-634-2231 or dbarker@glenechopark.org.
Dance Concerts. Enjoy swing, oldies and more in the outdoor plaza at 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, 6-9 p.m. Free. Call 301-652-4988.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 4
<cal2>Carousel Tours. 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Park Tours. Walking tours of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo begin at 2 p.m. A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Summer Celebration. Join the National Lutheran Home, 9701 Veirs Drive, Rockville, for a celebration of summer including an Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, Red Cross blood drive, local police and fire departments, food and fun, 8 a .m. – 1 p.m. Call 301-424-9560, ext. 207.
Weekend Nature Program. Come visit Discovery Creek Children's Museum Forest Tales exhibition. Spend quality time with the entire family while participating in engaging science and nature activities at the Stable at Glen Echo Park, located near the park entrance, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free for members and children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. Call 202-337-5111 to make arrangements or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
English Language Conversation Club. Join in practicing and improving your spoken English with the help of volunteers leading discussions at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 3 p.m. Call 240-777-0690.
Climb Wall Weekend. Get ready to climb at Discovery Creek Children’s Museum at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. View the Forest Tales exhibit, explore the trails that lead to the creek, and get crafty with arts and crafts. Members and children under 2 are free, $5 for nonmembers. Call 202-337-5111 or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
Swing Dance. The Washington Swing Dance Committee will present Jimmy & the Blue Dogs, 8 p.m. to midnight in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Contact Derek at 301-340-9732 or wsdcvolunteer@hotmail.com.
Bethesda Farmers Market. Fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and more for sale at Veterans Park, corner of Norfolk and Woodmont Avenues, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Free. Call 301-215-6660.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 5
<cal2>Summer Sounds in the Park. The David Bach Consort will perform at Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville, 7 p.m. Free. Call 301-777-6820.
Carousel Tours. 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Park Tours. Walking tours of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo begin at 2 p.m. A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Weekend Nature Program. Come visit Discovery Creek Children's Museum Forest Tales exhibition. Spend quality time with the entire family while participating in engaging science and nature activities at the Stable at Glen Echo Park, located near the park entrance, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free for members and children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. Call 202-337-5111 to make arrangements or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
Climb Wall Weekend. Get ready to climb at Discovery Creek Children’s Museum at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. View the Forest Tales exhibit, explore the trails that lead to the creek, and get crafty with arts and crafts. Members and children under 2 are free, $5 for nonmembers. Call 202-337-5111 or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
Waltz. Waltz Time presents a beginning waltz lesson from 3-3:30 p.m., followed by an afternoon of waltzes and other couples dances in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Dancing from 3:30-6 p.m. to the music of Crowfoot. Cost is $8. Contact 202-238-0230 or info@waltztimedances.org.
Contra and Square Dance. The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American dancing with a focus on New England style contra dances, and including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All dances are taught, and no partner is necessary. The newcomers' welcome lesson is at 7 p.m., followed by called dances from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Cost is $12 nonmembers/$9 FSGW members. Contact 202-518-1299 or www.fsgw.org.
Voices of the River. Join the fiddle-guitar duo Kitchen Gorilla for some fiddlin' on the porch, 4-5 p.m. At the River Center at Lockhouse 8, C&O Canal National Historical Park, Cabin John. To RSVP for this free event, contact Judy Welles at welles@potomac.org or 301-608-1188.
Opera International. Opera International presents an Operatic Vocal Gala Concert featuring a multitude of operatic singers and styles at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, 4 p.m. Tickets are $40-$50. Tickets are available at the Strathmore Box Office or through Opera International at 301-365-3479.
<cal1>Monday/Aug. 6
Storytime. Enjoy Monday morning story time at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 11 a.m. For toddlers ages 3 and under. Call 301-986-1761.
Three Generations Concert. Anthony Bianco, George Vance and Ted Botsford, double bassists with Elizabeth Azcona-Hartmark, piano performing works of Bach, Vivaldi, Rabbath, Faure, 7 p.m., at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda. Free. Call 301-588-9275 or visit www.slavapub.net.
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 7
<cal2>Wee Travellers. Stories, songs, Games, and DVDs for the youngest travelers on the Reading Road Trip at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road Bethesda, 10:30 a.m. Call 240-777-0970.
Bethesda Farmers Market. Fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and more for sale at Veterans Park, corner of Norfolk and Woodmont Avenues, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Free. Call 301-215-6660.
Chinese Book Discussion. Chinese book discussion in Chinese language at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 7 p.m. This months book will be "Love Story of Yu Dafu and Wang Yingxia." Ask for the book at the Circulation Desk. Two hours. Call 240-777-0690.
Singing Tree. Lloyd Goldstein, double bass and Ray Belanger, hammered dulcimer will perform folk songs and music for healing and transition at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, 7 p.m. Free. Call 301-588-9275 or visit www.slavapub.net.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 8
<cal2>Focus Music. The Cyd Cassone Band and Siobhan Quinn & Michael Bowers will perform at O’Brien’s BBQ, 387 East Gude Drive, Rockville, 8 p.m. Tickets $15/general, $12/member. Call 703-380-3151.
Yardley the Dog. Learn about guiding eye dogs and meet, Yardley, a dog-in-training at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 7 p.m. Register calling 240-777-0690.
Fiction Book Group. Discuss fiction literature at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda, Ave., Bethesda, 7:30 p.m. Call 301-986-1761.
The Bach Sinfonia. Join Strathmore at a program of delightful summer entertainment in a charming 18th century concert designed for pleasant enjoyment of the outdoors, 7 p.m. Free. BBQ ribs, pulled pork, veggie burgers, hot dogs, side dishes, desserts, soda, water, beer and wine are available for purchase at Bruce’s BBQ Shack during Strathmore’s Free Outdoor Concert Series. Visit www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 9
<cal2>Family Films. Come watch films based on popular picture books at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 10:30 a.m. A librarian will read a story and do stretches with the children. No registration required. Call 240-777-0690.
Meet the Author. Meet Katherine C. Grier author of "Pets in America: A History" at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 7:30 p.m. Call 301-986-1761.
Double Bassist. Double Bassist Francois Rabbath will perform repertoire for solo bass which reflects influences from Bach to jazz by way of the Middle East at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, 8 p.m. Free. Call 301-588-9275 or visit www.slavapub.net.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 10
<cal2>Contra Dance. The Friday Night Dancers presents traditional American dancing including contra dances, square dances, and several waltzes. Contra dance lesson from 7:30-8:15 p.m. Dance from 8:30-11:30 p.m. to the Glen Echo Open Band, $8, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Contact info@fridaynightdance.org, or visit www.fridaynightdance.org.
Salsa Dance. High Energy Productions presents a Salsa Dance with a Salsa lesson from 8-9 p.m., taught by Keith Givens, followed by dancing to incredible live music until midnight by a Salsa band in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Cost is $12. Visit www.oohsalsa.com. Contact Keith Givens at searchernet@comcast.net.
Bethesda Art Walk. The Art Walk runs from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Bethesda and features 13 galleries and studios open late. Free. Call 301-215-6660.
Dance Concerts. Enjoy swing, oldies and more in the outdoor plaza at 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, 6-9 p.m. Free. Call 301-652-4988.
Summer Bass Finale Concert. The Summer Bass Workshop Finale Concert will feature thirty bassists playing en masse at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, 7 p.m. Free.
Outdoor Film. Watch "Night at the Museum" outdoors at Strathmore at the 11th Annual Comcast Outdoor Film Festival Benefitting NIH Charities. Grounds open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8:30 p.m. Various foods available. Bring a blanket or low beach chair. Visit www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 11
<cal2> Carousel Tours. 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Park Tours. Walking tours of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo begin at 2 p.m. A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Weekend Nature Program. Come visit Discovery Creek Children's Museum Forest Tales exhibition. Spend quality time with the entire family while participating in engaging science and nature activities at the Stable at Glen Echo Park, located near the park entrance, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free for members and children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. Call 202-337-5111 to make arrangements or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
English Language Conversation Club. Join in practicing and improving your spoken English with the help of volunteers leading discussions at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 3 p.m. Call 240-777-0690.
Swing Dance. The Blasters will perform with a special guest in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Beginner swing lesson, 8-9 p.m.; dance, 9 p.m. - midnight. Cost is $18.
Book Sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Potomac Chapter. Most hardbacks $1 and paperbacks $.50, at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 9 a.m. Four hours. Call 240-777-0690.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 12
<cal2>Carousel Tours. 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Park Tours. Walking tours of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo begin at 2 p.m. A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Weekend Nature Program. Come visit Discovery Creek Children's Museum Forest Tales exhibition. Spend quality time with the entire family while participating in engaging science and nature activities at the Stable at Glen Echo Park, located near the park entrance, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free for members and children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. Call 202-337-5111 to make arrangements or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
Contra and Square Dance. The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American dancing with a focus on New England style contra dances, and including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All dances are taught, and no partner is necessary. The newcomers' welcome lesson is at 7 p.m., followed by called dances from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Cost is $12 nonmembers/$9 FSGW members. Contact 202-518-1299 or www.fsgw.org.
Ballroom Tea Dance. The La Salle Dance Orchestra invites the public to enjoy an afternoon of dancing to the popular music of the 1920s and ’30s in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Marc and Ellen are always on hand to teach a class at 3 p.m. and downbeat for the orchestra is 3:30 p.m. Cost is $8. They play three sets of music until 6 p.m. Contact 703-425-7926.
Sunday Blues. The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a mostly Blues Dance with ACME Blues Company, playing a mix of traditional and contemporary blues music in Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. For dancers who want to learn more about slow blues dancing, there are blues lesson from 7-8:30 p.m. Dancing runs until 11:30 p.m. Cost is $12 dance only/$17 lesson and dance. Contact Donna Barker at 301-634-2231 or dbarker@glenechopark.org.
Meet the Author. Meet Peter Yarrow author of "Puff the Magic Dragon" at Barnes & Noble Bethesda, 4801 Bethesda, Ave., Bethesda, 7 p.m. Call 301-986-1761.
<cal1>Monday/Aug. 13
<cal2>Storytime. Enjoy Monday morning story time at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 11 a.m. For toddlers ages 3 and under. Call 301-986-1761.
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 14
<cal2>Wee Travellers. Stories, songs, Games, and DVDs for the youngest travelers on the Reading Road Trip at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road Bethesda, 10:30 a.m. Call 240-777-0970.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 16
<cal2>Family Films. Come watch films based on popular picture books at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 10:30 a.m. A librarian will read a story and do stretches with the children. No registration required. Call 240-777-0690.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 17
<cal2>Contra Dance. The Friday Night Dancers presents traditional American dancing including contra dances, square dances, and several waltzes. Contra dance lesson from 7:30-8:15 p.m. Dance from 8:30-11:30 p.m. to the Glen Echo Open Band, $8, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Contact info@fridaynightdance.org, or visit www.fridaynightdance.org.
Teddy Bear Picnic. Enjoy a musical variety show by Carousel Puppets at the Cabin John Mall Atrium, 11325, Seven Locks Road, Potomac, 9:30 a.m.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 18
<cal2>Carousel Tours. 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Park Tours. Walking tours of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo begin at 2 p.m. A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Weekend Nature Program. Come visit Discovery Creek Children's Museum Forest Tales exhibition. Spend quality time with the entire family while participating in engaging science and nature activities at the Stable at Glen Echo Park, located near the park entrance, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free for members and children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. Call 202-337-5111 to make arrangements or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
English Language Conversation Club. Join in practicing and improving your spoken English with the help of volunteers leading discussions at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 3 p.m. Call 240-777-0690.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 19
<cal2>Carousel Tours. 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Park Tours. Walking tours of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo begin at 2 p.m. A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Weekend Nature Program. Come visit Discovery Creek Children's Museum Forest Tales exhibition. Spend quality time with the entire family while participating in engaging science and nature activities at the Stable at Glen Echo Park, located near the park entrance, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free for members and children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. Call 202-337-5111 to make arrangements or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 22
<cal2>Focus Music. Dave Nachmanoff will perform at O’Brien’s BBQ, 387 East Gude Drive, Rockville, 8 p.m. Tickets $15/general, $12/member. Call 703-380-3151.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 23
<cal2>Family Films. Come watch films based on popular picture books at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 10:30 a.m. A librarian will read a story and do stretches with the children. No registration required. Call 240-777-0690.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 25
<cal2>Carousel Tours. 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Park Tours. Walking tours of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo begin at 2 p.m. A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Weekend Nature Program. Come visit Discovery Creek Children's Museum Forest Tales exhibition. Spend quality time with the entire family while participating in engaging science and nature activities at the Stable at Glen Echo Park, located near the park entrance, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free for members and children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. Call 202-337-5111 to make arrangements or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 26
<cal2>Carousel Tours. 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Park Tours. Walking tours of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo begin at 2 p.m. A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Weekend Nature Program. Come visit Discovery Creek Children's Museum Forest Tales exhibition. Spend quality time with the entire family while participating in engaging science and nature activities at the Stable at Glen Echo Park, located near the park entrance, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free for members and children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. Call 202-337-5111 to make arrangements or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
Summer Sounds in the Park. Speed and Thro will perform at Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville, 7 p.m. Free. Call 301-777-6820.
Open House Party. The International School of Music is hosting an Open House and Anniversary Party from 1-4 p.m. at the International School of Music, 5110 Ridgefield Road, Bethesda. It is free and it will have a lot of fun activities for the whole family: live music, refreshments, "petting zoo" (trying music instruments), magic, free raffle, caricature artist, seated massage, hair braids, jewelry making, and much more. Call 301-657-0763 or visit www.ismw.org.