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>Ongoing
<cal2>The Bethesda Farmers Market will be open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Veterans Park, corner of Norfold and Woodmont Avenues, through Oct. 31. Visit www.bethesda.org or 301-215-6660.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 26
<cal2>Greg Greenway with Special Guest Kate Klim. 8 p.m. At Branded '72 (formerly O’Brien’s BBQ), 387 E. Gude Dr. in Rockville, Md. $15/general, $12/members or in advance. Contact David at focusrockville@earthlink.net , 301-275-7459 or log onto www.focusmusic.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 27
<cal2>Blues Dance. 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. $8 admission. Beginner class from 8:15-9 p.m. Rotating DJs. At the Ballroom Annex of Glen Echo Park. Email: info@capitalblues.org.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 28
<cal2>Super Fiesta Latina Party. 8:15-midnight. $15 admission. Beginner lesson from 8:15-9 p.m. for Salsa beginners and up. Dancing from 9 p.m. - midnight with teacher and DJ Fabio Bonini playing the best of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Reggaeton and more! At the Ballroom Annex of Glen Echo Park. Email: Jennifer@ForeverDancing.com
Contra Dance. 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. $9 admission. 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. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park. Email: fndcontra@yahoo.com
Open House. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Stop by and meet the staff, play in the facility and learn what My Gym is all about. At My Gym Potomac, 11325 Seven Locks Road, in the Cabin John Mall, Potomac. Call 301-983-5300 or go to www.mygym.com.
Volunteer Day at Lock 8. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Conservancy and the National Park Service are working to improve the area around Lock 8. On Volunteer Day, volunteers will remove an old stairway down to the river and plant native shrubs in its place, as well as do trail maintenance. RSVP to Bridget. At the River Center at Lockhouse 8, 7906 Riverside Ave, Cabin John, MD. Contact Bridget Chapin, chapin@potomac.org, 301-608-1188, x206 or visit www.potomac.org/site/discover-rclh8/.
<cal1>Saturday, Aug. 29
<cal2>"Teddy Bears’ Picnic." 10 a.m. Part of the "Tiny Tots" program. Designed for the youngest theater patrons (ages 0 - 4). The shows are shorter, the lights stay on, the doors stay open and the show is set up on the floor! The performance begins at 10 a.m. before the regular main stage production. Tickets, $5, adults and children (including babies). Reservations strongly recommended. At Glen Echo Park. Call 301-634-5380 or visit www.thepuppetco.org.
Cajun/Zydeco Dance. 8 p.m. - Midnight. Admission includes an introductory Zydeco dance lesson at 8 p.m. with Michael and Sharon, followed by dancing from 9 p.m. until midnight. At the Spanish Ballroom. Email: Dancingbythebayou@verizon.net.
Montgomery County Public Schools will kick off the school year with a Back-to-School Fair at the school system’s central office location in Rockville. The event for MCPS families will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., on the grounds of Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 30
<cal2>River Center Dragon & Damselfly Walk with Kevin Munroe. 1-3 p.m. Join Kevin Munroe as he takes us on a journey along the C&O Canal towpath to explore the life of dragon and damselflies. At Lockhouse 8 at the River Center, 7906 Riverside Ave, Cabin John, MD. Contact Bridget Chapin, chapin@potomac.org, 301-608-1188, x206 or visit www.potomac.org/site/discover-rclh8/.
Contra and Square Dance. 7-10:30 p.m. $12 admission. Focus on New England style contra dances, including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. Newcomers' lesson at 7 p.m., followed by dances called by Ann Fallon and the band Twin Sisters from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. At the Bumper Car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park. Go to www.fsgw.org
Open House. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Stop by and meet the staff, play in the facility and learn what My Gym is all about. At My Gym Potomac, 11325 Seven Locks Road, in the Cabin John Mall, Potomac. Call 301-983-5300 or go to www.mygym.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 3
<cal2>African Heritage Celebration. 5-8:30 p.m. Features a reception hosted by members of Montgomery County's African Affairs Advisory group, musical entertainment and African cuisine. In the Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, in the lobby level auditorium. Call 240-777-2504.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 3
<cal2>Blues Dance. 8:15-11:30 p.m. Beginner workshop from 8:15-9 p.m. At the Ballroom Annex of Glen Echo Park. $8 admission. Email: info@capitalblues.org
Free Sample Classes. 6-8 p.m. Teens will be able to sample acting, musical theatre, and dance classes, watch student-made films and explore the Filmmaking/Digital Media studio, meet Imagination Stage's Director of Theatre Education, David Markey, and other faculty. At Imagination Stage. For Tweens/teens in grades 6-12. At Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD. 301-961-6060 http://www.imaginationstage.org/
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 4
<cal2>Contra Dance. 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. $9 admission. At the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Contra dance lesson from 7:30-8:15 p.m. This week Carol Ormand calls to Love Mongrels: Orrin Star on mandolin, guitar, and banjo, Danny Knicely on mandolin, guitar, and percussion, Alexander Mitchell on fiddle, and Ralph Gordon on bass.
<cal1>Sept. 5-7
<cal2>39th Annual Labor Day Art Show. Noon to 6 p.m. Featuring the work of 200 artists: sculpture, paintings, works on paper, ceramics, glass, jewelry, photography, furniture and more. Most art work will be for sale. Call 301-634-2222 or visit www.glenechopark.org. Admission is free. At Glen Echo Park takes place in the historic Spanish Ballroom.
Irish Festivities. 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and Monday, and noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday. A weekend of Irish music and dancing, featuring a wide variety of the area’s finest performers. At the Irish Inn at Glen Echo.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 5
<cal2>Free Sample Classes. 9:30 a.m. to noon. Children can try drama, music and dance classes including Imagination Stage favorites such as "Just Imagine: You and Me" (for child and parent/caregiver together), "Creative Movement," "Drama and Movement" and "Create a Story." At Imagination Stage. For families with children ages 1-pre-K. Also, from 1-4 p.m. for families with children in Kindergarten-grade 5. At Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD. 301-961-6060 http://www.imaginationstage.org/
Swing Dance. 8 p.m. - Midnight. At the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Beginner lesson starts at 8 p.m. Email: huh@thejamcellar.com.
Open House for Classes. Noon to 4 p.m. Visit Glen Echo Park for an Open House and explore the many classes and programs offered at the Park. Take a free workshop, meet instructors, tour the Park and try something new! Participate in an Art Walk and visit artists’ studios to create an original work of art. At the Cuddle Up Pavilion and throughout the Park. Call 301-634-2222 or visit www.glenechopark.org
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 6
<cal2>Waltz Dance. 3-3:30 p.m. $8 admission. Introductory Waltz Workshop. 3:30-6 p.m. Dance. With the band, The Latter Day Lizards, which provides a lively mix of folk waltzes with a few other couple dances, including Hambo, Schottische, Swing, Tango, and Polka. At the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Call Joan Koury at 202-238-0230 or Glen Echo Park at 301-634-2222, go to www.WaltzTimeDances.org or e-mail info@WaltzTimeDances.org. Glen Echo Park is at 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md.
Contra and Square Dance. 7-10:30 p.m. $12 admission. Focus on New England style contra dances, including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. Newcomer's lesson is at 7 p.m., followed by dances called by Carol Ormand with The Latter Day Lizards from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. At the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park.
Voices of the River: Knowing Native Waters, Abby Ybarra, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Abby Ybarra is an environmentalist who walks the spiritual Red Road of Native American culture which continues influence his view of — and commitment to — the environment and this earth we live on. He brings that Native outlook of stewardship and conservation to those he works with and those he teaches. He will talk about tribal relationships with water and compare to principles of water science. At the River Center at Lockhouse 8 at the River Center, 7906 Riverside Ave, Cabin John, MD. Contact Bridget Chapin, chapin@potomac.org, 301-608-1188, x206 or visit www.potomac.org/site/discover-rclh8/.
Voices of the River: The Irish Inn Mates. 1-2 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of the fiddle, banjo, guitar, flute, and more as The Irish Inn Mates give a taste of Ireland, play tunes, sing songs, and answer your questions about the music, the instruments and their passion for it all. At the River Center at Lockhouse 8 at the River Center, 7906 Riverside Ave, Cabin John, MD. Contact Bridget Chapin, chapin@potomac.org, 301-608-1188, x206 or visit www.potomac.org/site/discover-rclh8/.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 7
<cal2>Anat Fort Trio. 6:30 p.m. Presented by ParkinSong, which is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease research by presenting great music and artists. At the Ratner Museum in Bethesda.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 10
<cal2>Blues Dance. 8:15 -11:30 p.m. $8 admission. At The Ballroom Annex of Glen Echo Park. Beginner workshop from 8:15-9 p.m.
Todd Rundgren in Concert. 8 p.m. Performs from his album, "A Wizard, A True Star." At the Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. Tickets on sale now at www.Strathmore.org or call 301-581-5100
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 11
<cal2>Super Fiesta Latina Party. 8:15 p.m. - Midnight. At the Ballroom Annex of Glen Echo Park. Admission: $15. The dance is hosted by Fabio and Jennifer Bonini. The evening will include a lesson from 8:15-9 p.m. for Salsa beginners and up. The lesson is followed by dancing from 9 PM - Midnight with teacher and DJ Fabio Bonini playing the best of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Reggaeton and more! The $15 admission includes the lesson, dancing and complimentary drinks and sweets. Contact Email: Jennifer@ForeverDancing.com
Contra Dance. 7:30-11:30 p.m. $9 admission. At the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Beginner lesson from 7:30-8:15 p.m. Featuring the fabulous Glen Echo Open Band. Email: fndcontra@yahoo.com
Glen Echo Fire Department Bingo Night. 6:30-10 p.m. The fire department has held its fund-raiser at Glen Echo Park since the 1930s. Silent Auction from 6:30-10:20 p.m. Food and drinks available. At the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Call 301-634-2222 or visit www.glenechopark.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 12
<cal2>Swing Dance. 8 p.m. - Midnight. $15 admission. Join American Swing for their annual Groovie Movie weekend featuring Jean Veloz, star of MGM swing movies of the 1940s. Band to be announced. Beginning swing lesson with Tom and Debra at 8 p.m. is followed by the band from 9 p.m. to midnight. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park. Contact Email: info@AmericanSwing.org
Wine, Women and Song Fund-Raiser. 6:30 p.m. An evening of martinis, wine, fine cuisine, jazz music and live and silent auctions to benefit Strathmore arts education and community programs. Tickets are $125/person, $500 for guests who wish to contribute at the patron level. Visit www.strathmore.org; to receive a formal invitation, call 301-581-5135 or e-mail bcarey@strathmore.org. The Music Center at Strathmore is at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda.
Jacquard Hand Loom: History, Operation and Restoration. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Richard Jeryan will give a presentation on the restoration of the Jacquard loom that is located in the Henry Ford Museum. Sponsored by Potomac Fiber Arts Guild. At the Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road, Potomac. Free. Go to www.potomaccraftsmenguild.org
Children's Clothing & Equipment Sale. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Clothing (Preemie to Size 7+, outerwear, shoes and boots, Halloween costumes), childproofing, strollers, high chairs, playpens, bathtubs, cribs and furniture, toys, supplies and more. Cash and checks accepted. $2/person admission charge at door. Sponsored by Montgomery County Parents of Multiples. Most items half price 11:30-12:30 p.m. At Julius West Middle School, 651 Great Falls Road, Rockville (1 block east of 270 at Falls Road). Go to www.mcpom.org/saleinstructions.php. Call 301-419-8008 or send an email to sale@mcpom.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 13
<cal2>Contra and Square Dance. 7 - 10:30 p.m. $12 admission. Focus on New England style contra dances, and including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. Lesson is at 7 p.m. followed by dances called by Robert Cromartie to Contrazz from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
At the Bumper Car Pavilion. Go to www.fsgw.org
Cajun/Zydeco Dance. 3 - 6 p.m. $20. At the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Dancing by the Bayou presents a Cajun/Zydeco dance with live music by Lil' Malcolm and the House Rockers. A beginner lesson at 3:00 p.m. is followed by dancing from 3:30 - 6 p.m. Cost of admission includes the lesson. Contact Email: information@DancingbytheBayou.com. At 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md.
Argentine Tango/Milonga. 3-6 p.m. $10 admission. Tango lesson at 3 p.m. About the workshops: Sharna Fabiano and Issac Oboka will be teaching three workshops in a day-long Tango Boot Camp: 12 p.m.: Tango Basics, 1 p.m.: Bells & Whistles, 2 p.m.: Milonga Basics. Contact Email: dance@flyingfeet.org. Purchase a day pass for all workshops and the dance/mini-lesson for $35 or register for the workshops and dance a-la-carte ($10 each). At the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park.
Meet the Artist Reception. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Exhibit with Marit Gretz, Sandra McKeehan, Karen Norman, Harold Walpert and Patricia Zannie. At the Dennis and Phillip Ratner Museum, 10001 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda. Call 301-897-1518.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 14
<cal2>Old Blind Dogs. 7:30 p.m. $20/advance, $25/door. Part of the Institute of Musical Traditions. Band on the cutting edge of Scotland’s roots revival. At Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville. Call 301-754-3611 and visit www.imtfolk.org
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 17
<cal2>Blues Dance. 8:15 - 11:30 p.m. $8 admission. At the
Ballroom Annex of Glen Echo Park. Beginner class 8:15-9 p.m. Rotating DJs. Email: info@capitalblues.org
<cal1>Friday, Sept. 18
<cal1>Salsa Dance. 8 p.m. to Midnight. $12 admission. Salsa lesson from 8-9 p.m., taught by Keith Givens, followed by dancing to recorded music. At the Bumper Car Pavilion of Glen Echo Park. Email: searchernet@comcast.net
Contra Dance. 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. $9 admission. 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. This week Susan Petrick calls to the OpporTunists with Erik Hoffman on Guitar, Fiddle, Percussion; Alan Snyder on Fiddle, Piano; and Topher Gayle on Bass, Mandolin, Mandola, Guitar, and Percussion. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park. Contact Email: fndcontra@yahoo.com
La Divina Milonga Party. 8:30 p.m. to midnight. $15 admission. In addition to a warm-up time from 8:30 - 9 p.m., the evening will include two lessons from 9 - 9:30 p.m.: 1. Argentine Tango beginner and above - brush up exploring the foundation. 2. Absolute beginner's helper - learn and dance tonight! The lessons are followed by dancing to recorded music from 9:30 p.m. - Midnight with Teacher and DJ Fabio Bonini, playing Traditional Tango, Milongas, Waltz and Tango Nuevo. The $15 admission includes the warm-up, lessons and dancing. At the Ballroom Annex of Glen Echo Park. Email: Jennifer@foreverdancing.com
<cal1>Saturday, Sept. 19
<cal2>Swing Dance. 8 p.m. - Midnight. $14 admission. With Big Joe and the Dynaflows. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park. Email: wsdcvolunteer@hotmail.com
Minnie's Island Canoe Camping Trip. 4 p.m. through Sunday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. Enjoy the great outdoors with a canoe trip and a night of camping under the stars and wake up on this island in the Potomac. Outfitter Byron Bradley will lead the Saturday afternoon canoe trip that will start at Carderock Picnic Area and end on Minnie's Island (near Lock 8 on the C&O Canal). Bring your own camping gear, food, and water. Must RSVP to tricarico@potomac.org by Sept. 16. Bring your own canoe or if one is needed reserve one in your RSVP. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. At the River Center at Lockhouse 8 at the River Center, 7906 Riverside Ave, Cabin John, MD. Contact Bridget Chapin, chapin@potomac.org, 301-608-1188, x206 or visit www.potomac.org/site/discover-rclh8/.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 20
<cal2>Waltz Dance. 3-6 p.m. $8 admission. Beginner waltz lesson 3-3:30 p.m. Dancing from 3:30-6 p.m. to the music of Cabaret Sauvignon with Andrea Hoag (fiddle), Paul Oorts (everything from mandolin, bouzouki, or banjo to accordion), composer Dave Wiesler (piano, guitar) and Karen Ashbrook (hammered dulcimer, flute). At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park. Email: info@waltztimedances.org
Family Dance. 3-5 p.m. $5 admission. Spend the afternoon dancing with your children. Each of the family dances features live music and dance calling from 3-5 p.m. in the Bumper Car Pavilion, Glen Echo Park.
Sunday Blues. 7-11 p.m. $12/dance only, $17/lesson and dance. Lesson from 7-8:30 p.m. Dance only from 8:15-11 p.m. The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a Blues Dance with the Jamie Lynch Band playing a mix of traditional and contemporary blues music, including classic cover tunes going back through the history of blues music. At the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park.
Contra & Square Dance. 7-10:30 p.m. Welcome lesson at 7 p.m. followed by dances called by Susan Petrick with The Opportunists from 7:30-10:30 p.m. $12. Traditional American dancing with a focus on New England style contra dances, and including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. At the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 21
<cal2>Swedish Folk Band, Vasen. 7:30 p.m. $20/advance, $25/door. Part of the Institute of Musical Traditions. At Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville. Call 301-754-3611 and visit www.imtfolk.org
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 26
<cal2>Evening Open House. At Clara Barton National Historic Site. With the lights turned down low for period ambiance, visitors may explore the home’s open hallways, hidden closets, and "bandage material" construction. Learn how Miss Barton used this structure as her home, warehouse, and the first permanent headquarters of the American Red Cross. Free. Call 301-320-1410 or visit www.nps.gov/clba
<cal1>Sept. 26-Nov. 1
<cal2>Ferdinand the Bull. Performances are 1:30 and 4 p.m. Cost: $10-$21. Charming musical based on the book and lyrics by Karen Zacarias, music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, based on the story by Munro Leaf. At Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. Go to www.imaginationstage.org or call 301-280-1660 for complete schedule and to purchase tickets.