<lst>To have community events listed free in The Potomac Almanac, send mail to 10220 River Road, Suite 303, Potomac, MD 27854, 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/Jan. 10
<cal2>Storytime: The Lorax. Join Locust Grove Nature Center, 7801 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, for a reading of this classic environmental story from Dr. Seuss, followed by a hike and simple craft, 11 a.m. to noon. Ages 2-5. Cost is $4. To register go to www.parkpass.org or call 301-299-1990.
Focus Music. Peter Mayer will perform at O'Briens BBQ, 387 East Gude Drive, Rockville, 8 p.m. Call 301-275-7459.
Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a cup of tea at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Behtesda, 1 p.m. A light lunch is served witht he special Strathmore Blen Tea and the sounds of local musicians. Tea is $18. Call 301-581-5108 or visit www.strathmore.org.
A Capella Music. Almost Recess, an a capella band from the DC area will perform at the Mansion at Strathmore, 7:30 p.m. This performance features the world premiere of a new piece commissioned by Strathmore. Cost is $10. Visit www.strathmore.org or call 301-581-5108.
Shoe Therapy. Transform shoes into art sculptures. Little City Art Studio, 4808 Auburn Ave., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $125 (includes materials). Ages 18 and up. RSVP to 301-718-9644.
Conversation Club. This English language conversation club is conducted by an ESOL teacher and will run from 2-4 p.m. in the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, meeting room. It is designed for non-native speakers of English at every skill level. This is a drop-in program, pre-registration is not required. Call 240-777-0970.
<cal1>Thursday/Jan. 11
<cal2>Winter White. What else is white besides snow and ice? Explore the colors and shades of winter in Locust Grove's, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, indoor discovery class and short outdoor hike, 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Ages: 1-2. Cost: $4. To register go to www.parkpass.org or call at 301-299-1990.
Shoe Therapy. Transform shoes into art sculptures. Little City Art Studio, 4808 Auburn Ave., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $125 (includes materials). Ages 18 and up. RSVP to 301-718-9644.
<cal1>Friday/Jan. 12
<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.
Artists Reception. Creative Partners Gallery, 4600 East-West Highway, Bethesda is one of the host galleries for Artomatic and will be featuring the work of performing and visual artists participating in Artomatic. Gallery Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 12-6 p.m. Exhibit runs through Feb. 3 with performing arts on Saturdays. Opening reception runs 6-9 p.m. Call 301-951-9441. See www.artomatic.org for further information on artists and show details.
<cal1>Saturday/Jan. 13
<cal2>Theater. "Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business," at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, 12:30, 3:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets $10-$20. Visit www.ImaginationStage.org or call 301-280-1660.
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.
Puppet Theater. Puppet Co. presents "Peter and the Wolf," at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Half life-sized marionettes tell this popular tale of good versus evil based on Prokovief's children's classic. An introduction to the instruments in the orchestra, and to the musical themes in the work precede, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Recommended for pre-K through grade 6. Cost is $8. Call 301-320-6668 or visit www.thepuppetco.org.
Swing Dance. Flying Feet Enterprises presents a Swing dance featuring the best live music in the DC area! Beginning Swing lesson from 8-9 p.m. with Marc Shepanek and Ellen Engle is followed by dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight in the Spanish Ballroom, at Glen Echo Park. Call 301-299-8728 or 202-244-2787 or visit www.flyingfeet.org.
Birds And Morning Tea. The feeders outside Locust Grove's, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, window are as popular as Dunkin Donuts on a Sunday morning, but the clientele is avian and more finely feathered. Observe and identify birds in comfort while sipping fine teas or hot cocoa and munching on refined delicacies, 9-10 a.m. Ages 12 and up. Cost $9. To register go to www.parkpass.org or call 301-299-1990.
Craftsmens Guild. Dancing and Magic: The Art of Design, with Elaine Robnett Moore. Elaine Robnett Moore, president of the Washington Bead Society, believes that any piece of art must possess rhythm and a dash of magic. Join her as she expands the boundaries of design elements and techniques, learn the techniques she employs that enable unexpected elements to lead the design dance, develop your unique design rhythm, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Sponsored by Potomac Craftsmen Guild. Located at Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts (VisArts), 9300 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg. Free. Visit www.potomaccraftsmenguild.org.
Classical Music. Fourteen-year-old cellist Alan Toda-Ambaras from North Carolina and twenty-one-year-old violinist Daniel Austrich will perform classical selections at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 7:30 p.m. Visit www.strathmore.org or call 301-581-5108.
Classical Saturdays. "Music Springs Eternal" by the BSO at the Music Center at Strathmore, 8 p.m. The BSO’s new Music Director Marin Alsop leads this very special performance in celebration of the Peabody Institute’s 150th anniversary featuring Strauss’ colossal Alpine Symphony, and a hallmark of the Alsop repertoire, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, in an expanded festival orchestra with the BSO and members of the Peabody Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $43-$80. Visit www.strathmore.org or call 301-581-5108.
Book Sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Potomac Library. Most hardbacks $1 and paperbacks $.50. 4 hours, from 11:24 a.m. at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac. Call 240-777-0690.
English Language Conversation Club. Join in practicing and improving your spoken English with the help of volunteers leading discussions at the the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 3 p.m. 2 hours.
Magic. The Magic of Joe Romano at the BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets $5-$10. Call 301-528-2260 or visit www.blackrockcenter.org.
Opening Reception. Potomac Artists in touch will hold an opening reception for their Art Show and Sale, Jan. 12-30, from 6-8 p.m at Behnke's Greenhouse, 9545 River Road, Potomac.
Canal Music. During the Canal Era Music program join park rangers to experience songs that would have been common to the people who lived and worked on the C & O Canal during the 19th century. Meet inside the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center or temporary visitor contact station near the snack bar at 2 p.m. for this 1 hour program. Call 301-767-3714
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 14
<cal2> Theater. "Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business," at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Tickets $10-$20. Visit www.ImaginationStage.org or call 301-280-1660.
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.
Movie. Cinema Art Bethesda will show "Cache," a Paris family's reactions to a disturbing videotape. The doors to the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema, 7235 Woodmont Avenue, will open at 9:30 a.m. and the film will begin promptly at 10 a.m. A discussion led by a local film expert will follow the film. Tickets $14. Visit our web site at http://cinemaartbethesda.org/ or call 301-365-3679.
Puppet Theater. Puppet Co. presents "Peter and the Wolf," at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Half life-sized marionettes tell this popular tale of good versus evil based on Prokovief's children's classic. An introduction to the instruments in the orchestra, and to the musical themes in the work precede, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Recommended for pre-K through grade 6. Cost is $8. Call 301-320-6668 or visit www.thepuppetco.org.
Ballroom Tea Dance. The La Salle Dance Orchestra invites you to enjoy an afternoon dancing to the popular music of the 1920's and 30's in 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. They play three sets of great music until 6 p.m. The cost is $8. Call 703-425-7926 or visit www.lasalledanceorchestra.com.
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. The newcomers' welcome lesson, 7 p.m., followed by called dances from 7:30-10:30 p.m. $10 nonmembers/$8 FSGW members, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park.. Call 202-518-1299 or visit www.fsgw.org.
Theosophical Society. "Buddha's Life and Work" at 4865-A Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 3-4 p.m. Tuncay Dantzler, a long-time student of Theosophy, will continues her discussion of the example of an enlightened being that is the life of the historical Buddha. Call 202-237-2372 or email theosophycaldc@aol.com.
<cal1>Monday/Jan. 15
<cal2>MLK Tribute. “Honor the Dream: Live the Legacy,” an evening tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held at The Music Center at Strathmore from 4-6 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., the first African American to walk in space. The evening event will also feature Montgomery County historic church Gospel Choirs and Praise Teams and the presentation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award and the Children of the Dream Award. Free. Tickets are available online at www.strathmore.org, and in person or by mail request at the Strathmore Ticket Office only.
MLK Celbration. Commemorate what would have the been King's 77th birthday with a free program of speeches and entertainment at Rockville High School, 2100 Baltimore Road,12 p.m. Rockville High School is located at. The keynote speaker will be Emmy Award-winning journalist and former WJLA-TV news anchor Paul Berry. He will present an interpretation of King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail." Berry also will discuss education and being a change agent. The Musical Theater Center's "Singular Sensations," Rockville High School Jazz Combo, Richard Montgomery High School Jazz Ensemble, Mount Calvary Baptist Church Puppet Ministry and "Soul in Motion Players" will dazzle, uplift and inspire those attending. In addition, the Cityís Martin Luther King, Jr., Youth Award and the F. Michael Taff Award will be presented to a student and an adult, respectively, who have made a significant difference for human rights in the City. Call 240-314-8316.
<cal1>Tuesday/Jan. 16
<cal2>Children's Theater. Adventure Theatre and the Clara Barton House present "Clara Barton: The Courage Within." Clara's life is portrayed on stage at Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park, followed by a National Park Service tour of her historic home. Performances at 11 a.m. Cost is $8 for children and adults, grade three through six. Call 301-320-5331 or visit www.adventuretheatre.org.
Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a cup of tea at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Behtesda, 1 p.m. A light lunch is served witht he special Strathmore Blen Tea and the sounds of local musicians. Tea is $18. Call 301-581-5108 or visit www.strathmore.org.
Book Group. Join 19th Century literature aficionado, Michael Bevel for discussion, 7:15 p.m. This month’s selection is Jane Austen’s "Northanger Abbey Books" will be available at the Bethesda library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, starting four weeks in advance. Parasols optional. Visit http://bustlesandbeaux.blogspot.com or call 240-657-0840.
<cal1>Wednesday/Jan. 17
<cal2>Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a cup of tea at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Behtesda, 1 p.m. A light lunch is served witht he special Strathmore Blen Tea and the sounds of local musicians. Tea is $18. Call 301-581-5108 or visit www.strathmore.org.
Shoe Therapy. Transform shoes into art sculptures. Little City Art Studio, 4808 Auburn Ave., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $125 (includes materials). Ages 18 and up. RSVP to 301-718-9644.
Conversation Club. This English language conversation club is conducted by an ESOL teacher and will run from 2-4 p.m. in the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, meeting room. It is designed for non-native speakers of English at every skill level. This is a drop-in program, pre-registration is not required. Call 240-777-0970.
Potomac Book Club. Adult book discussion, 1 p.m. "Where I Was From." Ask for the book at the Circulation Desk at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac. No registration required. Call 240-777-0690.
<cal1>Thursday/Jan. 18
<cal2>Shoe Therapy. Transform shoes into art sculptures. Little City Art Studio, 4808 Auburn Ave., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $125 (includes materials). Ages 18 and up. RSVP to 301-718-9644.
Fun With Toddlers. Join the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, for a storytime perfect for new walkers. This program is designed for toddlers (13 - 24 months) and includes lots of movement, songs, action rhymes, and puppet plays. Registration required. Call 240-777-0690 (TTY 301-765-4083).
Music. Maureen McGovern with the BSO SuperPops presents "With a Song in My Heart at the Music Center at Strathmore, 8 p.m. Featuring music from "South Pacific," "Carousel," "The King and I," and much more. Tickets $43-$80. Visit www.strathmore.org of call 301-581-5100.
Theater. "Jane Eyre" will be presented by The Acting Company at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville. Tickets $30, $28 seniors and students. Call 301-279-5301.
<cal1>Friday/Jan. 19
<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.
Music 101. This “Music Listening 101” series seeks music lovers who want to learn more about the music they love. Offered in conjunction with concerts in the “Strathmore Presents” series, these pre-concert lectures reveal the history of the music. At the Music Center at Strathmore, 6:30 p.m. Tickets $10. Visit www.strathmore.org of call 301-581-5100.
Jazz Music. The Ramsey Lewis Trio featuring WPAS Men and Women of the Gospel Choir at the Music Center at Strathmore, 8 p.m. Tickets $18-$45. Visit www.strathmore.org of call 301-581-5100.
<cal1>Saturday/Jan. 20
<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.
Children's Theater. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse at Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets $8. Call 301-320-5331 or visit www.adventuretheatre.org.
Gallery Exhibit. The Yellow Barn Studio and Gallery at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo features Ann Oman, 12-5 p.m. Call 301-371-5593 or visit www.yellowbarnstudio.com.
Puppet Theater. Puppet Co. presents "Peter and the Wolf," at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Half life-sized marionettes tell this popular tale of good versus evil based on Prokovief's children's classic. An introduction to the instruments in the orchestra, and to the musical themes in the work precede, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Recommended for pre-K through grade 6. Cost is $8. Call 301-320-6668 or visit www.thepuppetco.org.
Swing Dance. The Jam Cellar presents a swing dance for one and all. Dancing to the Boilermaker Jazz Band. Beginner lesson from 8-9 p.m., included in the price of admission. $13, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Visit www.thejamcellar.com.
English Language Conversation Club. Join in practicing and improving your spoken English with the help of volunteers leading discussions at the the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 3 p.m. 2 hours.
Meet the Mule. During the Meet a Mule program learn about mules and how the canal boat families depended on them for their economic livelihood. Meet outside the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center or temporary visitor contact station near the snack bar at 2 p.m. for this 1 hour program. Call 301-767-3714.
Classical Music. National Philharmonic Ganz and Gekker Play Shostakovich at the Music Center at Strathmore, 8 p.m. Pianist Brian Ganz is joined by National Philharmonic Principal Trumpeter Chris Gekker for Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1 as part of an evening that celebrates the 150th anniversary of Sir Edward Elgar, the 100th anniversary of Russia’s Shostakovich and the 70th birthday of Maryland native Philip Glass. Tickets $25-$79. Visit www.strathmore.org of call 301-581-5100.
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 21
<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.
Children's Theater. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse at Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets $8. Call 301-320-5331 or visit www.adventuretheatre.org.
Gallery Exhibit. The Yellow Barn Studio and Gallery at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo features Ann Oman, 12-5 p.m. Call 301-371-5593 or visit www.yellowbarnstudio.com.
Puppet Theater. Puppet Co. presents "Peter and the Wolf," at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Half life-sized marionettes tell this popular tale of good versus evil based on Prokovief's children's classic. An introduction to the instruments in the orchestra, and to the musical themes in the work precede, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Recommended for pre-K through grade 6. Cost is $8. Call 301-320-6668 or visit www.thepuppetco.org.
Waltz Dance. Waltz Time presents a beginning Waltz lesson from 3-3:30 p.m., followed by an afternoon of waltzes with Rhapsody Dance Band. The dancing runs from 3:30-6 p.m., and admission for the whole afternoon is $8, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, no partner required. Visit www.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. The newcomers' welcome lesson, 7 p.m., followed by called dances from 7:30-10:30 p.m. $10 nonmembers/$8 FSGW members, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Call 202-518-1299 or visit www.fsgw.org.
Canal History. When the boats aren't running there is still a lot of work to do on the canal. Join a park ranger and see what sort of work boatmen and locktenders did in their spare time during the "A Canaller's Work in Never Done" program. Meet inside the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center or temporary visitor contact station near the snack bar at 2 p.m. for this 1 hour presentation. Call 301-767-3714.
Musica Pacifica. "Dancin in the Isles!," will be performed at the Mansion at Strathmore, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Discover enchanting and seldom heard music performed by this acclaimed, San Francisco-based ensemble. Tickets $26. Visit www.strathmore.org of call 301-581-5100.
<cal1>Tuesday/Jan. 23
<cal2>Children's Theater. Adventure Theatre and the Clara Barton House present "Clara Barton: The Courage Within." Clara's life is portrayed on stage at Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park, followed by a National Park Service tour of her historic home. Performances at 11 a.m. Cost is $8 for children and adults, grade three through six. Call 301-320-5331 or visit www.adventuretheatre.org.
Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a cup of tea at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Behtesda, 1 p.m. A light lunch is served witht he special Strathmore Blen Tea and the sounds of local musicians. Tea is $18. Call 301-581-5108 or visit www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/Jan. 24
<cal2>Puppet Theater. Puppet Co. presents "Peter and the Wolf," at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Half life-sized marionettes tell this popular tale of good versus evil based on Prokovief's children's classic. An introduction to the instruments in the orchestra, and to the musical themes in the work precede, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Recommended for pre-K through grade 6. Cost is $8. Call 301-320-6668 or visit www.thepuppetco.org.
Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a cup of tea at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Behtesda, 1 p.m. A light lunch is served witht he special Strathmore Blen Tea and the sounds of local musicians. Tea is $18. Call 301-581-5108 or visit www.strathmore.org.
Shoe Therapy. Transform shoes into art sculptures. Little City Art Studio, 4808 Auburn Ave., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $125 (includes materials). Ages 18 and up. RSVP to 301-718-9644.
Conversation Club. This English language conversation club is conducted by an ESOL teacher and will run from 2-4 p.m. in the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, meeting room. It is designed for non-native speakers of English at every skill level. This is a drop-in program, pre-registration is not required. Call 240-777-0970.
Focus Music. Jonathan Byrd and Karen Mal will perform at O'Briens BBQ, 387 East Gude Drive, Rockville, 8 p.m. Call 301-275-7459.