Weekend to Weekend Pick: Chicago!

Photo by Steve Bailey. On left Veronika Gajer playing Velma Kelly, and Claire Ortuzar playing Roxie Hart.

Everyone’s talking about the Richard Montgomery High School Black Maskers production of Chicago which is opening this weekend! You’ll be sure to enjoy this wonderful production.

Give ‘em the old razzle dazzle. Razzle razzle ‘em. Give ‘em an act with lots of flash in it and the reaction will be passionate.

Chicago has everything that makes a musical shine: a “universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz”. You’ll recognize all the show-stopping songs. I hear these students can dance!

FRIDAY February 25
SATURDAY February 26
FRIDAY March 4
SATURDAY March 5

ALL PERFORMANCES AT 7:00 PM

SAVE WITH RESERVED TICKETS IN ADVANCE: ADULTS $13 STUDENTS $5
AT THE DOOR: ADULTS $14, STUDENTS $6

Weekend to Weekend Pick: Hakka

What Do You Know About Hakka? Learn all about the Hakka Culture of China this Saturday.

VisArts at Rockville
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Special Tung-Fa Music Performance: Noon - 3 PM
Lecture 2-3 PM
FREE

Discover the Hakka culture; who they are and their characteristics. Take part in a Hakka activity. This native Chinese culture migrated across Asia, learn about the immigration, as well as cuisines, architecture, and dance with Dr. Teresa Lee, Dr. Eugenia Shyu, & Dr. Leo Liu. Presented by the Hakka Association of Greater Washington DC.

See Rockville’s The Finest! In ‘A Change Gon’ Come’

Click for full size

Another wonderful note from Rockville Sister City Corporation’s Rotraut Bockstahler, who passed along this event notice for The Finest! She says: “The Mayor of Pinneberg, who visited in 2010 in honor of the 150th anniversary of Rockville was so taken by the performance of The Finest!, that we, the RSCC and our Sister City Pinneberg counterpart have the ambitious goal to bring The Finest! to Pinneberg.” What an awesome trip that will be!

Here are the details.

The Finest! Performance Troupe will be presenting its 16th annual African-American Heritage Production, “A Change Gon’ Come” in February at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre at the Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive. The show will be performed Friday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m.

The show is a creative telling of the life and struggle of Harriet Tubman, the show will entertain and educate. Through music, dance and storytelling, it explores the history of one of our most famous African Americans.

Kashi-Tara, an Actors’ Equity Association professional, along with Kelly Chauncey, has written this original work and provides artistic direction, and original choreography for the performance.

The Finest! Performance Troupe includes about 40 members ranging in age from 5 through adult. The troupe, founded in 1989, is comprised of actors, dancers and singers from Rockville and surrounding areas and performs shows throughout the year. This show features a cast of 25.

Tickets for the show are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors 60 and older and children 12 and younger.

To purchase tickets, call the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre Box Office at 240-314-8690 or visit in person 2-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets are also available online at www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre or from performers in the show.

Weekend to Weekend Pick: Big Saturday Events Galore

A lot is happening this Saturday in Rockville! Come out and experience the big events! A Winter Festival and Lunar New Year Celebration offer an extensive variety of entertainment and activities to enjoy. There’s no reason to stay home!

Rockville Town Square Winter Festival

There will be life-sized ice sculpture characters in Town Square! Are any of these a favorite of the little ones in your life?

• Rapunzel from Tangled
• Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story
• Ariel from The Little Mermaid
• Belle from Beauty and the Beast
• Mickey Mouse

Games will offer the chance for some active play on Gibbs Street:

• Snowboard Simulator
• Mickey Mouse Moonbounce
• Wintery Photo Booth
• Hose Hockey

Throughout the event, live music will add to the atmosphere:

Dan Haas (12-2 PM)
Leven Legs (2-4 PM)

You can register to Win Family 4-packs to Disney On Ice: Princess Wishes at the Verizon Center. I imagine some little girls would love it!

You can get a free gift of Chocolate Covered Oreo with a $20 or more purchase at Town Square during the Winter Festival from 12-4 PM. (Limit one per customer, regardless of purchase amount. Quantities are limited, while supplies last. No rainchecks.)

Lunar New Year Celebration

The Rockville Mayor and Council and the City’s Asian Pacific American Task Force will host a New Year celebration Saturday, February 12, 2011 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM. The event is completely free in the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre and Social Hall.

Between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM

Bamboo Buffet at Twinbrook Shopping Center, Asia Taste, Seven Seas, Maria’s Bakery Café, Thai Pavilion and Ba Le Restaurant will be offering delicious samples of a variety of Asian foods.

Between 12:30 and 2:30 PM

Many groups will be offering some very special cultural entertainment:

• East Rising Lion Dance Troupe
• Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe
• Japanese Dance Sakura
• Silver Fashion Group
• Filmi Dance Performance by Shadiyah
• Jinling D.C. Chinese Dancing School
• Ella Wu Piano Studio
• Kicks Karate

Between 2:30 and 3:30 PM

You can try various crafts and activities, such as Chinese character writing, traditional paper folding, and clay sculpting techniques.

The Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, Asia Bank, Taiwanese Benevolent Association of Greater Washington and the Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington support the celebration.

So much is happening, it will be difficult to decide where to have some fun this Saturday.

What To Do For Valentine’s Day

You might enjoy staying in with a heart-shaped cake for Valentine’s Day but if you are looking for a night out or family-friendly activity, here’s a few to consider. If you know of something else special for Valentine’s Day, please let us know!

City of Rockville Events

A Heart to Heart Valentine’s Day Dance for families takes place Friday, February 11, 7-9 PM at Twinbrook Community Recreation Center. The event will feature a DJ and dancing, and supplies to make valentines. Cost is $2 per person. Refreshments will be available for purchase and sales will benefit the Parent Teacher Associations at Twinbrook and Maryvale elementary schools.

Cupid’s Red Hot Celebration will take place Saturday, February 12, from 7-9 PM at Thomas Farm Community Center. The family-friendly celebration will include a PG-rated movie on the big screen, a valentine creation station and a sweet refreshment. Cost is $3 per person for residents and $5 per person for nonresidents.

The Rockville Concert Band will perform a Lover’s Lane show, Sunday, February 13, at 3 PM at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre at Rockville Civic Center Park. The concert will feature romantic classics. No tickets are required. The concert is free, but a $5 donation is recommended.

Jewelry Sale

The Waygoose in Rockville Town Center is celebrating Valentine’s Day with an out-of-the-ordinary Jewelry Sale this coming weekend. From Friday, February 11th through Monday, February 14th, take 20% off ALL jewelry at The Waygoose in Rockville. The Waygoose also shared two love stories.

Some Valentine’s Day Specials From Rockville Town Square:

Oro Pomodoro. “Indulge in a romantic Italian meal with your Valentine! Oro Pomodoro is offering a prix-fixe menu for $80 per couple ($45/individual), and a beautiful rose for every woman who walks through the door.” (Dinner price does not include alcohol, gratuity, or taxes) (301) 251-1111

La Tasca. “Enjoy a romantic 3 course prix fixe menu for $45/person (includes drink of choice). An a la carte menu will be available as well. Celebrate all week with La Tasca’s four-course menu for $40/person. Choose from ten delicious tapas options. The full menu will also be available. Offer valid from February 10-20th (Offer does not include tax, gratuity, and alcohol). Call (301) 279-7011 for reservations.”

Gold’s Gym. “Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is Monday February 14th. All guests are invited to attend GGX classes FREE on this day. So, you can either make it a cheap date night or an anti-valentine’s day get together with friends. Bring a friend, co-worker, significant other, family member and share some love and some pain at the gym!” Call for Information: (301) 637-0030

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Weekend to Weekend Pick: Translations

Rockville Little Theatre presents Translations. Second and final week. Great reviews from last weekend!

“Translations takes place in late August 1833 at a hedge-school in the townland of Baile Beag, an Irish-speaking community in County Donegal. In a nearby field camps a recently arrived detachment of the Royal Engineers, making the first Ordnance Survey. For the purposes of cartography, the local Gaelic place names have to be recorded and rendered into English.

Brian Friel’s hauntingly lyrical script draws upon the rich traditions of Irish theater in examining the effects of the Survey on one small community, and confronts questions of culture and identity that have echoed through the years and across borders.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater, 603 Edmonston Drive
February 4, 5 at 8pm
February 6 at 2pm
$16 Adult, $14 Senior (62+), $14 Student (with ID)
For tickets, call 240-314-8690 or go to the box office at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater, open Tuesday - Saturday from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Weekend to Weekend Pick: Tales Of A Fourth Grade Nothing

Two Beans Productions Presents Tales Of A Fourth Grade Nothing
A TheatreworksUSA Presentation

Saturday, January 29, 2011
11 AM
Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College Rockville Campus
Recommended for ages 6 and up - Tickets are $7 Adults, $6 Seniors, Students & Children

“Peter Hatcher’s life would be great if it weren’t for his toddler terror of a brother Fudge. For an end-of-school essay about his fourth grade year, the subject turns out to be Fudge, not Peter. Peter writes about his little brother’s refusal to eat or to open his mouth at the dentist, a catastrophic third birthday party, and getting blamed for Fudge knocking out his two front teeth. In addition to helping out with Fudge, who gets all the attention, Peter gets blamed for everything. It’s enough to make a kid feel like a fourth grade nothing. Don’t miss this hilarious musical about sibling rivalry based on Judy Blume’s classic children’s novel.”

Lunar New Year Family Day At VisArts (Jan. 29)

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a family event and reception at VisArts during a day to celebrate Asian art and culture. They’ll be professional Chinese Lion Dance performances, free cultural foods, a Curator’s Gallery Talk, and art demonstrations.

Saturday, January 29, 2011
10:30 AM till 2:30 PM
Ceremony at 11 AM (in English and Mandarin)
VisArts Rockville, 155 Gibbs Street

VisArts currently has three exhibitions with the theme Looking East: A Celebration of Asian Culture which include many special lectures and events (through February 20, 2011).

1. Retracing Our Steps: A Journey Through 100 Years of the ROC, including photographs never-before exhibited in the United States. Sponsored by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S.
2. Fused Identity: Contemporary Asian Artists currated by Komelia H. Okim, Professor of Art/Metal and Coordinator of Crafts at Montgomery College.
3. Dancing Rabbit: Youth Artists Interpretations of a New Year, which is a youth competition with awards sponsored by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S.

The event is free. You won’t want to miss it this year!

Strathmore’s Friday Night Eclectic Returns Tonight (Jan. 21)

The Friday night Eclectic series, a music and art mash up featuring local bands, displays by visual artists, and a Pabst’s Blue Ribbon happy hour, returns to the Mansion at Strathmore tonight, January 21, 2011. Last year the series was named the “best reason to trek out of the District” by the Express newspaper and they want to keep up their rep. I heard rave reviews last year and with the $10 admission price (in advance) or $12 at the door (Stars price: $9), this is affordable nightlife right here in Rockville.

Here’s the Friday night lineup for the season:

Jan. 21 — Rhree of Washington’s most popular MCs: X.O., RAtheMC, and AB the Pro.
“A powerhouse of MCs inaugurates the new season of Friday Night Eclectic. The 24-year old, Petworth-raised X.O. joins forces with the DC rapper/singer RAtheMC, a 2009 MTV VMA Breakout Artist nominee who has toured alongside Wale, The Clipse and Afrika Bambaataa, for an evening of hook-ridden melodies, hard beats and hip hop artistry. AB the Pro, the mastermind behind X.O. andRAtheMC’s mix-tapes, opens the show, demonstrating what makes him one of the most sought-after producers in the DMV.”

Jan. 28 — Washington’s premiere alt-classical group Great Noise Ensemble
“Created in 2005 through a listing placed on Craigslist by composer and conductor Armando Bayolo, Great Noise Ensemble has become one of the most important ensembles in DC’s bourgeoning new music scene, winning The Washington Area Music Association’s 2007 WAMMIE Award for Best Chamber Ensemble. Their Friday Night Eclectic program celebrates the music of Baltimore-based composer Marc Mellits whose works encompass an eclectic combination of driving rhythms, soaring lyricism, and colorful orchestrations.”

Feb. 4 — Dance rockers Ra Ra Rasputin
“…a live act that reliably can get asses not only in the door, but shaking on the floor with their infectious dance punk” (dcist.com), Ra Ra Rasputin’s Strathmore debut is a night you won’t want to miss. Combining dance beats over high-energy electronica, this band’s showmanship and nuanced sound attracts audiences from all over Washington, D.C. Hume is a genre busting D.C. classical/experimental/folk 4 piece band influenced by the Smashing Pumpkins, Morton Feldman and Mustapha Tettey Addy.

Feb. 11 — A benefit concert for the Washington Animal Rescue League with Joseph, Bellflur and Screen Vinyl Image
“Three of D.C.’s premiere indie bands join forces to raise money for the Washington Animal Rescue League.”

Feb. 18 — Hip hop artist Incwell
“This genre-busting D.C. hip hop artist and his 8-piece band push the limits with such far-flung influences as Al Green, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and Janis Joplin.”

Feb. 25 — Big band funk act Funk Ark
“The D.C.-based world funk ensemble Funk Ark draws on influences from African and Latin funk/dance music scenes of the 1960s and 70s. Their concerts are a gritty and soulful mix of inspired Afrobeat and big bang funk.”

Mar. 4 — Alt-bluegrass darlings Junior League Band,
“The Junior League Band is an old-time inspired rock band fronted by the Georgia grown banjo, vocalist, Lissy Rosemont. Based out of Washington, D.C., this nationally touring band has been compared to “Alison Krauss and the Band” by the Washington Post, and touts Levon Helm’s own horn players on their catchy single “South Carolina Blues.” The 5 instrumentalists merge these influences with delta blues and pop rock (50′s to Indie Rock) to make for an energetic, sing-song, string heavy, danceable yet mesmerizing live performance. Expect a show ripe with catchy melodies, toe tapping beats, sweet vocals, and some of the country’s most talented up and coming players.”

Mar. 11 — Rappers First Name Basis with Bo Jankans and Educated Consumers
“A night of hip hop when First Name Basis teams up with lyrical gymnast Seez Mics of College Park (aka Cole Policy) and Baltimore-based mix-master t.E.C.K! (aka Jason Fields) of Educated Consumers and the twenty two year-old Bo Jankans, whose music focuses on rhyme and message with compositions full of weaving hooks and catchy choruses.”

Mar. 18 — Sub-Continental Drift’s Fourth Stream and U.S. Department of Bhangra
“Established in January 2007, Subcontinental Drift is a collective of D.C. based artists and organizers who came together to foster and provide a supportive and collaborative South Asian American community for creative expression, encourage the sharing and involvement of community events, and expose people to new mind food. Tonight’s show features the funky jazz trio Fourth Stream, DJs U.S. Department of Bhangra, interactive art exhibitions and bhangra dance classes.”

Mar 25 — Nationally known folk rock group Scrapomatic
“As vocalists and songwriters, Derek Trucks Band’s lead singer Mike Mattison and his longtime partner, guitarist and vocalist Paul Olsen, break new ground with Sidewalk Caesers, an album that infuses the heart and soul of roots music with modern topics and incisive lyrics. The recording, enriched with themes that reverberate from urban to rural and back, showcases the duo’s breathtaking ability to mesh Mattison’s stirring vocal machinations with Olsen’s heartfelt tenor.”

Apr. 1 — Hard rockers ilyAIMY with the heavy metal cello quartet Primitivity
“Percussive, finger-style acoustic guitar, tribal percussion and lush male-female harmonies are the signature sound of ilyAIMY. The songs, a modern take on folk and roots music that includes elements of alternative rock, metal, country and R&B, have been recognized by the nation’s most prestigious festivals and contests. Primitivity is a cello and percussion ensemble that blends elements of classical and heavy metal music into a new genre called cello rock. Cellist Loren Westbrook-Fritts, former Strathmore Artist in Residence, composes the music and provides the leads, while cellists David Teie of the National Symphony, Kristin Ostling of the Baltimore Symphony, and Mauricio Betanzo of the Maryland Symphony all shred out intense riffs and harmonies. Specializing in the music of Megadeth, Apocalyptica, and Metallica, Primitivity also performs its own original compositions.”

Apr. 8 — The 8-piece Salsa band Sin Miedo
“ ‘Sin Miedo’ is Spanish for ‘Fearless’, and it’s also the name of one the best Salsa bands in Washington” (Washington Post). Led by French pianist Didier Prossaird, Sin Miedo’s 8-piece orchestra performs original music with Spanish and French lyrics and salsa hits from the ‘70s to today.”

The concerts are standing room only (with the exception of Great Noise Ensemble on January 28 and Scrapomatic on March 25).

All performances take place in the Mansion at Strathmore. Doors open at 8 PM and the concerts begin at 9 PM. To purchase tickets, call (301) 581-5100 or go to Strathmore.org.

Pabst’s Blue Ribbon supports the series with a pre-concert happy hour from 8-9 PM with 16 oz. PBR’s for only $2. Restaurant Associates is open all night with a cash bar plus chips, cookies, brownies and other light snacks.

Parking & General Information: Take Metro to the Grosvenor-Strathmore station on the Red Line. Parking is available on-site on a space available basis in the Mansion parking lot. Enter at 10701 Rockville Pike

Rockville’s The Digits To Play Potomac Grill

The Digits

Here’s a note from Rockville Central friend Tom Miner:

January 29th, 2010, The Digits will be playing at The Potomac Grill in Rockville. The Digits’ blend of classic rock, blues, and R&B cover tunes will start at 9 PM. Plus, it’s free music!

The Digits band is composed of local Rockville-area musicians who started informally in 2002. The band now plays locally about 6 to 8 times per year, including events outdoors for fundraisers at Woodley Gardens Swim Club and an annual street party at Hard Times Cafe.

The Potomac Grill offers a varied lunch and dining menu as well as a full service bar. The large portions, great prices and homemade chips make it an easy place to frequent. The Potomac Grill also supports the local music community by hosting live music every Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday’s brunch.

Visit The Digits for more information on the January 29th performance or contact Tom Miner ([email protected]).

Weekend to Weekend Pick: Trio Galilei

Concert to benefit Fisher House, which provides housing for families of hospitalized soldiers.

Trio Galilei features Susan Richards on harp, Carolyn Surrick on viola de gamba, and Ginder Hildebrand on guitar. They’ll be playing Celtic and Swedish selections along with their own original tunes.

Sunday, January 23, 2011
4 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville at 100 Welsh Drive
$15 suggested contribution for Fisher House.

During the Rockville Town Square tree lighting, Sue Richards brought her festive and uplifting music to the Waygoose shop. Her beautiful music has become a community tradition. Warm your spirit with this upbeat performance for a great cause this Sunday.

A Fisher House™ is “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 53 Fisher Houses located on 18 military installations and 15 VA medical centers. The Fisher House Foundation offices are located in Rockville. 96% of the contributions go to support military families. “Because a Family’s Love Is Good Medicine”

Info For Martin Luther King Jr. Day

This Monday commemorates what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 82nd birthday. Here’s the rundown on closings, celebrations, and volunteer opportunities.

Saturday, January 15 and Sunday, January 16, 2011

Food Collection Drive from 11 AM to 5 PM
Food being collected for Manna Food Center at all 28 Giant Food Stores across Montgomery County. If you are shopping at Giant on Saturday and Sunday, donate a can! Non-perishable food items can also be donated at any one of the volunteer sites or the musical tribute at Strathmore.

Monday, January 17, 2011

CLOSINGS FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

The following will be closed:

Rockville City Hall
The Rockville Senior Center
Rockville Civic Center Park
The Glenview Mansion and the Glenview Mansion Art Gallery
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre and Box Office
Twinbrook Renaissance and Beall Kidz Clubs after-school programs

Parking fees at meters and in City-owned garages will be suspended.

All residents will have their recycling and refuse collection day shifted to the following day. (Friday collection will be made on Saturday.)

All City of Rockville sports practices and programs held in Montgomery County Public Schools facilities are canceled.

The Twinbrook Community Recreation Center will be open 6 AM-9:30PM

The Lincoln Park Community Center will be open 9 AM-9:30 PM

Thomas Farm Community Center is open 6 AM-9:30 PM

Croydon Creek Nature Center will be open 10 AM-2 PM

The Rockville Swim and Fitness Center will be open regular hours.

RedGate Municipal Golf Course will be open, weather permitting.

For more information about schedules for specific facilities or programs: www.rockvillemd.gov.

CITY OF ROCKVILLE CELEBRATION

One of the largest celebrations in the Washington D.C area, free program and reception at noon at Richard Montgomery High School.

Maureen Bunyan, news broadcaster and anchor for ABC 7, will host the event which is made possible by the Mayor and Council and the Rockville Human Rights Commission. The program will include performances by vocalist Desiree Ellis, Urban Artistry, Soul in Motion and Body Moves Contemporary Dance Company, Capital Focus Jazz Band, Yellow River Art Ensemble and Soulfuldisiac.

The Martin Luther King Jr., Youth Award and the F. Michael Taff Award will also be presented during the program. The Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Award is given to a high school student who has promoted the dreams and goals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The F. Michael Taff Award honors an individual, business or organization that has made a contribution to improving the lives of people in Rockville with disabilities.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY CELEBRATION

Tribute and Musical Celebration from 4 to 6 PM at The Music Center at Strathmore.

This year’s theme, “Continuing the Legacy…How will YOU Serve?” pays tribute to the life and works of Dr. King and its present day impact. County Executive Ike Leggett’s remarks will include a challenge to boost volunteer activity addressing poverty and need in Montgomery County. The two-hour musical celebration will feature jazz performer, Marcus Johnson; the 2010 winners of “How Sweet the Sound,” Men of Valor; Gospel jazz saxophonist, Brian Lenair; and a host of other performers from diverse backgrounds.

Advanced Tickets are Sold Out. STAND-BY LINE: For individuals unable to secure advanced tickets, a stand-by line begins at 3 PM, outside the Music Center, where noted, the evening of the performance. No lines may form before the designated time. At 3:45 PM all tickets are null and void and patrons in the stand-by line will be allowed entry subject to available seating.

VOLUNTEER

(1.) Clean Lake Needwood

Combined Stream Team Action! Everyone is invited to Lake Needwood on Monday to clear gobs of trash from the dredged lakebed. This is a unique chance to improve the health of this crucial element of Rock Creek. Wear hat & warm layers, sturdy boots and prepare to get wet! 10 AM - 1 PM. Meet in parking lot at 6700 Needwood Road, Derwood. They can use 50 volunteers and groups are welcome. Coffee & bagels will be provided. In order to participate email.

(2.) Attend A Volunteer Event and Fair

Volunteer Projects organized by Montgomery County’s Volunteer Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at:

Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road, North Bethesda, 1 to 3:30 PM.
This event is free for all participants with free parking. Activities include decorating bookmarks and cards for children with cancer and other terminal illnesses; packing snow day baskets for county-wide Meals on Wheels programs; learning how to register as a bone marrow donor and attending sessions by the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County. There will also be a Volunteer Fair with many nonprofit organizations throughout the County to share information about how to get involved with them throughout the year. There are projects for all ages and ability levels and groups are welcome.

Weekend to Weekend Pick: Austin Palooza

Hours and hours and hours of local live music in the heart of Rockville!

First Annual Austin Palooza
This Saturday Janaury 15, 2011 12 PM until Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 2 AM.
Main Stage - Rockville Austin Grill, 36-A Maryland Avenue

Take a look at the lineup for “one of the freshest live music events to hit the Rockville Town Square”:

MAIN STAGE

12 – 12:45 String Theory
2:05 – 3:20 Soular Power
4:05 – 5:2 0 Redline Addiction
6:30 – 7:30 The Fisherman Band
9:15 – 10:15 Yellow Dubmarines
11:00 – Close – Jamison And Double O Soul

SIDE STAGE

12:50 – 2:00 Mike/Mindy
3:25 – 4:00 The Hemlock Society
5:25 – 6:25 Force Major
7:35 – 9:10 Love Lucy
10:20 – 11:00 DJ Garret spinning for T.O.N.

Yes, one of my absolute favorite bands which leaves a smile on my face FOR DAYS is playing – that’s Force Major! I don’t know how they are fitting all these bands into one cold winter weekend but we can certainly use the heat!

Tickets are already on sale so get them now. Pre-Sale are only $10 and available at the Rockville Austin Grill or by phone at 301-838-4281. Tickets will be available at the door for $15.

Event information from Austin Grill Rockville on Facebook is here.

Learn How To Advocate For Wind Power In Maryland

Photo from the CCAN website

“The wind blowing off Maryland’s Atlantic coast is a vast, untapped energy source.” - CCAN

On Sunday, January 16, 2011 the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville’s Environmental Action Group will host Keith Harrington from the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) from 11:45 AM till 12:30 PM.

Keith’s will talk about CCAN’s activities to advocate for Wind Power in Maryland, as well as the role Maryland’s religious communities can play in this effort.

Maryland has set a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) pledge stating that 20 percent of the state’s electricity needs will be met by renewable energy sources including both wind and solar power by year 2022. CCAN believes the state is in danger of failing to meet this goal without harnessing offshore wind.

On December 4th a coalition of environment, business, and labor groups came together to talk about how to make offshore wind a reality in Maryland. Below are some video highlights:

Light refreshments will be served after the talk. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville is located at 100 Welsh Park Drive, off Mannakee Street.

You may also want to participate in Maryland: Got Wind? campaign by submitting a photo of you with the slogan somewhere in the state.

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the first grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to fighting global warming in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Our mission is to amass undeniable grassroots power in this unique region surrounding our nation’s capital to call for state, national, and international policies that will put us on a path to climate stability.

They envision a country where clean energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are prioritized and dirty fossil fuels are phased out; where our world is on a path to 350 ppm CO2 in the atmosphere, creating a stable, sustainable climate.

Edison / Wheaton High Modernization Meeting

Rockville Central reader Theresa Defino passed along this meeting notice that may be of interest to those in Rockville whose children attend Edison / Wheaton high programs.

Public Information meeting
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Wheaton High School Auditorium

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) staff will make a presentation and answer questions concerning the program and facility approaches that were developed by the Thomas Edison High School of Technology and Wheaton High School Roundtable Advisory Committee (Roundtable).

These schools, which are located on the same site and share one facility, are scheduled for a modernization with a completion date of August 2015. The Roundtable has guided staff in developing a wide range of program and facility approaches that will define the relationship between Thomas Edison High School of Technology and Wheaton High School. Staff will present the approaches developed by the committee that include a one school model, a model that creates two independent programs, and hybrid models.

The primary role of the Roundtable is to advise the superintendent of schools as he prepares to make his recommendation for Board of Education action. The Roundtable will submit a summary report to the superintendent for his review and consideration. The report will include individual Roundtable member analyses of the approaches that were developed during the process. The superintendent’s recommendation will be released on February 8, 2011 with Board of Education action scheduled for March 28, 2011.

All information developed during the process is posted on the MCPS website.