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>Thursday, Friday, Saturday
<cal2>Free Live Music. At the Beer Garden at Old Angler's Inn Restaurant all summer long. At 10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac. Call 301-299-9097.
<cal1>June 22 to Aug. 14
<cal2>"The Wind in the Willows." It's "COPS" for Kids at Imagination Stage. For ages 4 and up. Based on the book by Kenneth Grahame. Tuesdays thru Fridays at 10:30 a.m.; Additional weekday 1:30 p.m. matinees on July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3; Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Additional 11 a.m. performances on July 2 and 9. Special Friday night 7 p.m. performance on July 8. Tickets are $10 to $22 and may be purchased at www.imaginationstage.org or at 301-280-1660. At 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. Visit www.imaginationstage.org.
<cal1>Wednesday, June 29
<cal2>Rafi Malkiel Quintet. 7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo. Strathmore Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series. Composer, trombonist and euphonium player Rafi Malkiel, from Israel, has delighted audiences around the world. He brings a jazz sound infused with Klezmer, Latin and Caribbean influences. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
Family Fun Night. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Come to Har Shalom for an evening of family fun and learning. A great introduction to the religious school. Open to the community. Invite friends and neighbors. No fee. Learn to make challah and create a silk painted challah cover. At 11510 Falls Road, Potomac. Email Rabbi Deborah Cohen at rabbicohen@harshalom.org.
Safe Driving for Seniors. 1 to 2 p.m. A talk by Dr. Maryanne Scottino, associate chief of the Medical Advisory Board, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. At Leisure World Clubhouse I, 3700 Rossmoor Blvd. Cost is $6. Part of Coming of Age. For ages 60 and older. Call 301-348-3832.
<cal1>Thursday/June 30
<cal2>Music Inspired by Shakespeare. 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $150. With Maestro Lorin Maazel, Dame Helen Mirren, Jeremy Irons, The Castleton Festival Orchestra and Castleton Festival Chorus. At the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Visit www.strathmore.org or ticket office at 301-581-5100.
Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 9 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $8. With DJ Mike Marcotte and Guests. Slow blues lesson from 8:15 to 9 p.m.; dancing from 9 to 11:30 p.m. At the Back Room at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Call Donna Barker at 301-634-2231 or go to info@CapitalBlues.org or www.CapitalBlues.org.
<cal1>July 2 - 31
<cal2>"The Fifth Element: Stories in Wearable Art" Exhibition. Thursdays-Sundays, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. in the Popcorn Gallery. The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture and Silverworks present the exhibition "The Fifth Element: Stories in Wearable Art," the artwork of silversmith Blair Anderson. An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, July 2 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Visit www.silverworksglenechopark.com or call 301-634-5385.
<cal1>July 2, 9
<cal2>The Magic of Music "Percussion Party" 3 p.m.
Washington Conservatory of Music presents a new series of family music and magic shows. The Magic of Music, a fun introduction to music for the young (and the young at heart!), features Musico the Magnificent – aka Drew Owen, cellist and WCM faculty member – and musical guest artists. In Washington Conservatory’s recital hall. Tickets are $10 at www.WashingtonConservatory. Call 301-320-2770.
<cal1>Monday/July 4
<cal2>Autism Speaks 5K Run and One-Mile Walk. 7:30 a.m. Sponsored by BOWA. Meet at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac. Pre-race activities include food, music, prizes and fun activities. Visit www.autismspeaks5k.org. Online registration will close at 12 midnight on Saturday, July 2, but late registration will be available until Monday, July 4 between 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. There is an entry fee of $30 for adults and $15 for children under 14. Volunteers are needed and should contact autismspeaks5k@autismspeaks.org.
<cal1>Wednesday, July 6
<cal2>Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band. 7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo. This 14-piece orchestra based in D.C. combines West African music styles with American pop beats - hear modern jazz, Yoruba tribal music and Afrobeat all in one movement. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Thursday/July 7
<cal2>Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 9 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $8. With DJ Mike Marcotte and Guests. Slow blues lesson from 8:15 to 9 p.m. Dancing from 9 to 11:30 p.m. At the Back Room at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Call Donna Barker at 301-634-2231 or go to info@CapitalBlues.org or www.CapitalBlues.org.
<cal2>Sin Miedo. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Strathmore Backyard Theater Stage. "Sin Miedo is a truly international group that makes the Afro Cuban rhythms of Salsa jump into your blood stream and move your hips around. Music-loving tikes will want to bring maracas and shake to the infectious beat of this D.C.-based salsa band. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
Summer Concert Series: "Nobody's Business." 7:30 p.m. Free. Enjoy free music in the Park during the Summer Concert Series in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Call 301-634-2222.
<cal1>Friday/July 8
<cal2>Pizza and Play. 5 to 6:30 p.m. With The Great Zucchini at My Gym Potomac. Fun and food and a show by The Great Zucchini, specializing in preschool and kindergarten magic shows. Tickets are $10 each for members, $15 for non-members, space is limited. At My Gym Potomac, located in Cabin John Mall. Call to sign up at 301-983-5300
mygympotomac@verizon.net.
<cal1>Saturday/July 9
<cal2>Trick Training: A Fun and Practical Way to Engage Your Dog. 2 to 4 p.m. With Ann Melchior, Instructor of Puppy, Basic and Trick classes. Trick training engages your dog physically and mentally. A dog that knows tricks will not only amuse, he will be a better companion and may even bring you a tissue when you sneeze. The speaker will give an overview of how to get started with trick training in hopes of convincing you to add a few tricks to your dog's resume. Sponsored by Your Dog’s Friend at Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road, Potomac. To register: www.yourdogsfriend.info or 301-983-5913.
Bethesda Artist Market. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Enjoy original fine art and craft, as well as live entertainment. Shop for painting, jewelry, photography, wood, pottery, blown glass and more. Sponsored by: Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District as part of Bethesda Urban Partnership. Located in downtown Bethesda at Norfolk Avenue in between Fairmont and St. Elmo Avenues, Bethesda. Call 301-215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.
Used Book Sale. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Potomac Library used book sale. Most hardbacks and large paperbacks (trades) are $1 and all regular paperbacks are $.50. All the books are donated by the community for the benefit of the library and can be dropped off any time the library is open. At 10101 Glenolden Dr., Potomac.
Swing Dancing. 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $15. With the band, Blair Carman and the Belleview Boys. Drop-in beginner swing lesson from 8 to 9 p.m. At the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.
<cal1>Sunday/July 10
<cal2>Beethoven and Messiaen Concert. 3 p.m. Free. Chamber Music at Chevy Chase will present Beethoven’s "Ghost" Trio and Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time. The "Ghost" nickname of Opus 70, No. 1, comes from the eerie sound of the slow movement; and the music is performed by violin, cello, and piano. As for the Messiaen Quartet, it was created while the composer was interred in a German prison camp early in WWII and utilized the talents of a violinist, a cellist, and a clarinetist because those were the only professional musicians in the camp. Held in the sanctuary of Chevy Chase United Methodist Church, 7001 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase.
Canal Stewards Cleanup. 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 the River Center at Lock 8, 7906 Riverside Drive, Cabin John. Visit www.potomac.org/site/river-center-events/index.php.
<cal1>Tuesday/July 12
<cal2>Jonathan Byrd Performs. 8 p.m. Tickets are $18/door; $15/advance. Visit www.focusmusic.org. At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, 100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville. Contact David Spitzer at focusrockville@earthlink.net or 301-275-7459.
<cal1>Wednesday, July 13
<cal2>Armand Ntep. 7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo. A native of Cameroon, Armand Ntep adds African beats and traditional Lihongo dance from his native country to jazz, salsa and hip-hop for an eclectic performance. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Thursday/July 14
<cal2>Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 9 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $8. With DJ Mike Marcotte and Guests. Slow blues lesson from 8:15 to 9 p.m. Dancing from 9 to 11:30 p.m. At the Back Room at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Call Donna Barker at 301-634-2231 or go to info@CapitalBlues.org or www.CapitalBlues.org.
Taikoza. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Strathmore Backyard Theater Stage. Taikoza combines traditional costumes, dynamic motion and the colossal sounds of the magnificent Japanese taiko drums. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Friday/July 15
<cal2>Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $14. With the Memphis Gold Band. Slow blues lesson from 8 to 9 p.m.; dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight. At the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Call Donna Barker at 301-634-2231 or Glen Echo Park at 301-634-2222.
<cal1>Saturday/July 16
<cal2>Bike Donations. Noon to 3 p.m. Put your old bike to good use by donating it to Bikes for the World on Saturday, July 16, from 12 noon – 3 p.m., at the Potomac Swim and Tennis Club, 10531 Oaklyn Dr, Potomac. Contact: Kirsten Quigley, brett_and_kirsten@msn.com, 301-802-9390. A donation of $10 per bike is suggested to defray a share of expenses in shipping and handling; a receipt good for tax purposes is available. Visit www.bikesfortheworld.org.
Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $15. With the Kim Massie and the Solid Senders Band. Slow blues lesson from 8 to 9 p.m.; dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight. At the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Call Donna Barker at 301-634-2231 or go to info@CapitalBlues.org or www.CapitalBlues.org.
Pizza and Play with Groovy Nate. 1 to 2:30 p.m. At My Gym Bethesda. Fun and food and a show by Groovy Nate – children’s entertainer, musician and song-writer. Tickets are $10 each for members, $15 for non-members, space is limited. At My Gym Bethesda, located across from the Whole Foods on River Road. Call 301-652-2800 or visit mygymbethesda@verizon.net.
<cal1>July 16, 23
<cal2>The Magic of Music. "Sensational Saxophone". 3 p.m. Washington Conservatory of Music presents a new series of family music and magic shows. The Magic of Music, a fun introduction to music for the young (and the young at heart!), features Musico the Magnificent – aka Drew Owen, cellist and WCM faculty member – and musical guest artists. In Washington Conservatory’s recital hall. Tickets are $10 at www.WashingtonConservatory. Call 301-320-2770.
<cal1>Sunday/July 17
<cal2>Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $12. With the Stacy Brooks Band. Slow blues lesson from 8 to 9 p.m.; dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight. This event is the finale of the Red Hot Blues n’ BBQ Blues Weekend. At the Back Room at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Call Donna Barker at 301.634.2231 or go to info@CapitalBlues.org or www.CapitalBlues.org.
<cal1>Wednesday, July 20
<cal2>Andes Manta. 7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo. Four brothers comprise Andes Manta: Fernando, Luis, Bolivar and Jorge Lopez. These natives of Ecuador perform true South American music, drawing on more than 35 instruments and centuries of tradition. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
PJ Story Time. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come to Har Shalom for an evening of family fun! Dress in your PJ’s and bring your pillow. Hear a bed time story, do a simple craft & of course, have some milk and cookies. Open to all. Invite your friends and neighbors! No fee. At 11510 Falls Road, Potomac. Email Rabbi Deborah Cohen at rabbicohen@harshalom.org
<cal1>Thursday/July 21
<cal2>Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 9 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $8. With DJ Mike Marcotte and Guests. Slow blues lesson from 8:15 to 9 p.m. Dancing from 9 to 11:30 p.m. At the Back Room at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Call Donna Barker at 301-634-2231 or go to info@CapitalBlues.org or www.CapitalBlues.org.
Citydance In. The Warrior Princess of Manipur. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Strathmore Backyard Theater Stage. Balinese, Manipuri, and Bollywood dance come together in a pan-Indian celebration of life, love and transformation. Noopur Singha and Vishal Kanoi, CityDance’s international dance artists, are joined by young dancers from CityDance Conservatory/Select to re-imagine a Tagore tale of an Indian princess from Manipur. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
Summer Concert Series: Veronneau. 7:30 p.m. Free. Verroneau is an acoustic, song-based group playing Latin Jazz, Gypsy Swing. Enjoy free music in the Park during the Summer Concert Series in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Call 301-634-2222.
<cal1>Sunday/July 24
<cal2>Verdi's "La Traviata." 4 p.m. Presented by Opera International. The opera will be sung in Italian, fully staged, with orchestra, chorus and surtitles, with Soprano Jessica Stecklein, tenor, Yingxi Zhang and baritone Chen-Ye Yuan. Tickets are $50; $40; $30; $20. Call 301-365-3479. At Strathmore Hall, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, N. Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100.
<cal1>Tuesday/July 26
<cal2>Gathering Time. 8 p.m. Tickets are $18/door; $15/advance. At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, 100 Welsh Park Dr., Rockville. Visit www.focusmusic.org. Contact David Spitzer at focusrockville@earthlink.net or 301-275-7459.
<cal1>Wednesday, July 27
<cal2>Oli Brown Band. 7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo. Nineteen year old guitar phenom Oli Brown, the 2010 British Blues Awards Male Vocalist of the Year and Young Artist of the Year. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
Family Fun Night. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Come to Har Shalom for an evening of family fun and learning. A great introduction to the religious school. Open to the community. Invite friends and neighbors. No fee. Hebrew fun games and make Hebrew name necklaces. At 11510 Falls Road, Potomac. Email Rabbi Deborah Cohen at rabbicohen@harshalom.org.
<cal1>Thursday/July 28
<cal2>Slow Blues and Swing Dance. 9 to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $8. With DJ Mike Marcotte and Guests. Slow blues lesson from 8:15 to 9 p.m. Dancing from 9 to 11:30 p.m. At the Back Room at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Call Donna Barker at 301-634-2231 or go to info@CapitalBlues.org or www.CapitalBlues.org.
Barynya. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Strathmore Backyard Theater Stage. This internationally-acclaimed Russian dance ensemble brings the whimsy and wonder of Russian folk and fairytales straight to Strathmore's backyard. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 2
<cal2>Gillian Welch Performs. 8 p.m. Will perform songs from her new CD The Harrow & The Harvest. Tickets are $29.70. At the Music Center at Strathmore. Call 301- 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Wednesday, Aug. 3
<cal2>Edwin Ortiz Y Su Orquesta La Romana. 7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo. After 20 years experience in the D.C. salsa scene, Edwin Ortiz and his Orquesta La Romana know how to get a crowd dancing to an addictive beat. The salsa dura offers hard-charging percussive rhythms and vibrant musical energy. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Wednesday, Aug. 10
<cal2>Red Baraat. 7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo. Baraat is Hindi for a marriage procession and the joyous dancing and singing that ensues. Hear the infectious North Indian rhythm Bhangra meet the sound of a funky brass band, complete with a dhol, drumset, percussion, sousaphone and horns in a tantalizing mix of fresh originals and Bollywood favorites. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 11
<cal2>Summer Concert Series: "U.S. Navy Band Cruisers." 7:30 p.m. Free. Enjoy free music in the Park during the Summer Concert Series in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Call 301-634-2222.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 17
<cal2>PJ Story Time. 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Come to Har Shalom for an evening of family fun! Dress in your PJ’s and bring your pillow. Hear a bed time story, do a simple craft and of course, have some milk & cookies. Open to all. Invite your friends and neighbors! No fee. At 11510 Falls Road, Potomac. Email Rabbi Deborah Cohen at rabbicohen@harshalom.org
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 24
<cal2>Ukefest 2011. Put Up Your Ukes. 7 p.m., Gudelsky Concert Gazebo. Strathmore has a passion for the uke - and has made the UkeFest an annual occasion. Grammy winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer highlight the festival, bringing with them a merry assortment of uke soloists and uke bands including Gerald Ross, Victoria Vox and the Sweater Set, plus The Riders, The Piney Branch Kids Ukulele Ensemble and the Washington Ukulele Orchestra. At 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.
Family Fun Night. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Come to Har Shalom for an evening of family fun and learning. A great introduction to the religious school. Open to the community. Invite friends and neighbors! No fee! Learn to make challah and create a silk painted challah cover. At 11510 Falls Road, Potomac. Email Rabbi Deborah Cohen at rabbicohen@harshalom.org
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 25
<cal2>Summer Concert Series: "U.S. Army Blues." 7:30 p.m. Free. Enjoy free music in the Park during the Summer Concert Series in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Call 301-634-2222.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 1
<cal2>Summer Concert Series: "Crimestoppers." 7:30 p.m. Free. Enjoy free music in the Park during the Summer Concert Series in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Call 301-634-2222.