Family Fun this Weekend in Montgomery County
From Black Rock to Big Train, here are some fun things to do around the county with the family this weekend.
Cluster & Afro Blue Vocal Band
Where/When: Strathmore Music Center (5301 Tuckerman Ln., North Bethesda). Saturday, July 14, at 8 p.m.
Why go: Co-presented by CASA. After appearing on NBC's "The Sing Off," the Afro Blue Vocal Band returns to its home town.
First formed at Howard University, this 10-member vocal jazz a cappella ensemble has won multiple awards and performed alongside such names as Smokey Robinson, Geri Allen and Bobby McFerrin.
This a cappella evening also swings across the globe, bringing one of the best vocal groups in Italy—five young musicians who met at the Niccolai Paganini Conservatory of Music in Genoa. Cluster won millions of fans in its successful run on X Factor Italy.
Price: $18 to $38
Chautauqua 2012: Maryland and the War of 1812—Francis Scott Key
Where/When: Garrett College (687 Mosser Rd., McHenry). Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14. Music at 7 p.m. and a performance under the tent at 7:30 p.m. (In the case of severe weather, the program will be held indoors in Garrett College Auditorium.)
Why go: The Maryland Humanities Council presents its 17th annual Chautauqua, offering vibrant living history performances followed by a question-and-answer session with audience members. Chautauqua 2012 commemorates the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
Chautauqua is free and open to the public via the generous support of sponsors and donors. Please note that schedule details may be subject to change.
Price: Free.
Where/When: Norfolk Avenue, between Fairmont and St. Elmo avenues, Bethesda. Saturday, July 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why go: Enjoy the original fine arts and crafts of 25 local and regional artists at the Bethesda Artist Market. Shop for painting, jewelry, photography, wood, pottery, blown glass and more. Live entertainment is also featured throughout the day.
Free parking is available in the Woodmont Avenue/Old Georgetown Road parking garage.
Price: Free.
Where/When: Black Rock Center for the Arts (12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown). Saturday, July 14, at 7 p.m.
Why go: Enjoy an evening of rock/soul vocals. No tickets or reservations necessary; feel free to bring lawn chairs and non-alcoholic refreshment.
Price: Free.
Introduction to Tabletop Letterpress
Where/When: Pyramid Atlantic Art Center (8230 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring). Saturday, July 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why go: This workshop will cover the basics of letterpress printing with antique lead type on a Chandler & Price Pilot tabletop platen press.
Students will learn how to set lead type, operate the tabletop press, troubleshoot and clean and maintain the press. Each participant will set by hand a few lines of text of their own choosing and print a small edition (10 to 15 prints).
Price: $130 plus a $5 materials fee.
Where/When: F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center Park (603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville). Fridays, July 13 and 20, at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, July 14 and 21, at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, July 15 and 22, at 2 p.m.
Why go: Presented by Rockville Musical Theatre, the musical is about 17 dancers auditioning for a spot in a new Broadway play. The characters tell the director about themselves in song and dance in order to land one of eight roles.
Price: $20. Visit the theater's website for ticket information.
