RM Cluster Emphasizes The Importance Of Music

Combined RMHS choruses

Last night for the first time, students from all of the schools in the Richard Montgomery Cluster performed in the annual RM Cluster Concert. The evening showcased every sort of musical endeavor available from a cappella groups to choruses to instrumental music. One of the objectives of the event is to give the kids a chance to see what you can move onto musically.

Ronald Frezzo, Director of the Richard Montgomery Choruses, explained why music is offered in schools. The reasons include math (counting), geography (musical heritage), civics (patriotic songs), discipline (listening and standing), teamwork, mutual respect, and even the health effects of breathing. Mr. Frezzo told the audience that more drama and music majors get into medical school than biology majors.

The evening kicked off unofficially with the three a cappella groups from Richard Montgomery High School (RMHS): the all-female Resonance, the coed In Tune, and the all-male T Tones. In Tune introduced themselves as the “Pokemon Trainers Association of America” but that must have been an attempt to get the attention of the elementary school kids in the audience. Billing themselves as the “funest” group, they covered the Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. The T Tones went with The Longest Time by Billy Joel.

Beall Elementary

The main performances of the evening were by the elementary school choruses. The Beall, College Gardens, Ritchie Park, and Twinbrook Choruses all bravely sung to a standing-room-only crowd.

College Gardens Elementary

Their sweet young voices were gently punctuated by the simple accompaniment of a piano.

Ritchie Park Elementary

Ritchie Park added some percussion to Blue Waters of the North.

Twinbrook Elementary

Since Julius West Middle School (JWMS) lost their chorus program due to budget cuts, Mr. Steve Cowan brought three instrumental groups to perform. Over 250 kids play instruments at JWMS. The short excerpts played gave a taste of what the school offers from jazzy brass Pink Panther to Bach on strings. Listen to what the Bach turned into:

The Combined Richard Montgomery Choruses brought the evening to a grand finale. During Dona Nobis Pacem all the elementary choruses joined in the singing the rounds. Since the younger students sat in the side rows, their voices surrounded the audience with a flowing embrace of Latin.

Then the audience stood and joined in with the first and fourth verses of America, the Beautiful so parents could show their support with their voices.

During the evening RMHS Principal Dr. Nelson McLeod, proved the value the school places on music by presenting $200 gifts to each of the music programs. Totaling over $1,000, these gifts are a tradition which acknowledges the important role each music program plays for the students.

During this tough budget situation, parents can also reach out to principals and the County Council to show their support for these thriving music programs. Kids who show commitment to choral and drama programs demonstrate their ability to succeed in college. Last night the students and faculty certainly demonstrated their passion for music.

Robins May Not Be Harbingers Of Spring

Although some people might think the marauding crowds of nosy robins are a sign of spring in Rockville, this might not be the case.

Each year my family looks for the arrival of the flock of robins in our front yard. These winged friends throw a loud and dirty party for a few days each February. Yesterday they arrived to celebrate Valentine’s Day and we all wished each other “Happy Robin Day!” This morning they ate with increased merriment and I caught part of the commotion on video.

Last month the Baltimore Sun Maryland Weather blog posted some information on these robins which we see in mid-winter.

Robins, it turns out, are strongly migratory birds, but they breed all over North America. So, there are populations that breed well to our north, for whom Maryland’s coastal plain is “South.” Those that breed here likely migrate in October to the southeastern states, and along the Gulf of Mexico. They return in March and April.

The article quoted David Cursom, director of bird conservation at Audubon Maryland DC:

The groups people are seeing now are part of the wintering population that are moving around. As the weather fluctuates between cold and mild, the robins move accordingly to find food.

I’ve written about the robins in the past for Rockville Central, but couldn’t resist reporting on their arrival in my garden again this year. The warm weather in the 60’s by the end of this week might not mean it’s officially spring yet, but together these occurrences give me hope that we are nearing the end of the cold spell.

Rockville Teen Will Be On Jeopardy. What’s The Best News We’ve Heard All Week?

Raynell Cooper With Alex Trebeck. Photo courtesy of Jeopardy Productions, Inc.

“I am beyond elated! It’s a dream come true,” said Raynell Cooper, a senior at Richard Montgomery High School who is one of the 15 players selected to compete in this year’s “Jeopardy!” Teen Tournament. The tournament will broadcast nationally beginning Thursday, Feb. 17 through Tuesday, March 2, 2011.

I first met Raynell when he was involved with the last Rockville City elections and the campaign of Waleed Ovase, a fellow high school student.

I’ve always been impressed with Raynell’s participation in our local civic life. He serves on Rockville’s Department of Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. Kate Savage, Chair of the Board describes his contributions:

Raynell is a great asset to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. He participates on every level from budget discussions to helping clean our “adopted” stream. It has been a tradition of our board for years to include a student member. Rec & Parks serves citizens of every age and having the younger perspective on our decisions is a benefit.

Readers may also recognize his name because of his frequent comments on Rockville Central. You won’t find many students as involved in our community as Raynell.

Before flying out to Culver City, California to compete on the show on December 6th & 7th, Raynell went through the application process. Here’s how he described his journey:

There is an online test which I took in March, and then high scorers are selected to go to an audition (my audition was in Philadelphia) and the contestant coordinators select 15 teenagers for the Jeopardy! Teen Tournament. I’ve watched Jeopardy! for years, and I love all forms of trivia competition, so I knew that I had to try out and I was very fortunate to make it on to the show.

When I asked him if he did anything special to prepare, he explained that in addition to talking to people about buzzer strategy, he studied up on certain subjects:

As for preparation, I felt pretty confident in my knowledge in academic areas, as I have been involved with Richard Montgomery’s It’s Academic team since freshman year, so I decided to study up on video games, popular music, young adult literature, and things I don’t usually pay as much attention to. I also pored over old questions from previous tournaments to get a better idea of the subject matter.

As we all know, he can’t reveal the results of the show until all the episodes of the tournament have aired. The grand prize is $75,000 with a minimum of $50,000 for second place and a minimum of $25,000 for third place. Semifinalists receive $10,000. Even if a contestant is eliminated in the first round, he or she still receives $5,000. Raynell would like to attend George Washington University and study geography, political science or urban planning. These are all fine prizes which will certainly help with his upcoming college expenses.

Since 1984 “Jeopardy!” has won 28 Emmy awards and been inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most awards won by a TV Game Show. Produced by Sony Pictures Television, the series is the #1-rated quiz show in syndication with nearly 9 million daily viewers. This is exciting!

The show broadcasts at 7:30 weeknights on WJLA-TV. Be sure to watch and root for our hometown favorite!

Celeste’s Journey Completes City Hall Artwork

Ali and Bonnie With Celeste. Photo by Stepanie Fitzgerald

The second part of Rockville’s newest work of art, the Spirit of Discovery, was installed on the lawn of City Hall last Thursday, December 16, 2010. The snow storm made the drive from Northern Virginia slightly precarious, but artists Bonnie Fitzgerald and Ali Mirsky carefully navigated the truck around the Beltway from Bonnie’s studio in Vienna to complete the artwork on schedule.

Celeste In Place For Transport. Photo by Stephanie Fitzgerald.

Celeste Being Carried. Photo by Stephanie Fitzgerald.

Celeste Arrives In Front of City Hall. Photo by Stephanie Fitzgerald

If you have seen the 170-square-foot glass mosaic depicting a spinning nebula on the facade of City Hall which was installed last month, you might not have realized the Spirit of Discovery was not complete. The artwork is comprised of two separate but connected pieces. In the garden area below the mosaic, a sculpture of a young girl now looks up at the nebula through a telescope. The artists named her “Celeste”. She weighs about 350 pounds and has a welded armature with a unique polystyrene sculpted base coated in several coats of concrete covered by pieces of glass. She looks to the future with an old-fashioned telescope - a salute to the past and discovery in the future.

Celeste Complete. Photo by Stephanie Fitzgerald.

Bonnie explains what the artists hope we will take away from viewing the artwork:

Rockville was founded and built in the spirit of discovery. Every time you look at the installation it looks different, always something new to discover about the artwork. Because of the materials we used the reflection will always be different. Hopefully Celeste inspires an interest in science and an interest in embracing discovery. Ideally a passerby would be able to admire the artwork solely based on the quality of the art, the colors and the sculptural form, which we feel is easily relatable. This is not conceptual art, the message is simple and the sculptural form really helps paint that picture, regardless if the viewer knows the mural is a nebula. It is contemporary art. There is a story; it speaks to the past and present, but regardless if you know the story or not, one will still be able to enjoy the intricate details and beautiful colors of the mosaic. We hope that our work will intrigue the viewer and cause them to take a moment to pause and absorb the artwork.

Celeste Standing. Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

When Ali and Bonnie originally presented the installation concept for Spirit of Discovery to the Art Commission they used the tag line:

Rockville: where opportunity and discovery intersect

Since the Spirit of Discovery was commissioned to commemorate all of the City’s 150 incorporated years, the artists took a thorough and creative look at Rockville, as Bonnie explains:

After a lot of research into Rockville’s past and present we learned Rockville has always been a place of great opportunity. And needless to say there are countless “things” to discover about Rockville, from interesting people to physical beauty, cultural activities, a commitment to education and community - just to name a few.

With this tag line, these artists might have solved our branding quandary which they couldn’t help but notice and would like to help resolve.

Telescope. Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths.

Now that the installation is complete, Bonnie admits to missing the work. Perhaps this is why the artists are toying with the idea of continuing their work with Celeste by creating an interactive social media presence so that Celeste could give science lessons or talk about outer space. If such a project involved local schools, kids could be inspired beyond her physical space at City Hall. In my mind, I could see such a project involving the Science Café and the effort to build a Science Center in Rockville. If Rockville Central can help, we’d be all over it!

Celeste Finally At Home. Photo by Stephanie Fitzgerald.

Celeste is certainly a welcome addition to the City of Rockville and I look forward to discovering with her in the future.

Roller Derby Jams In Rockville [Updated]

The Jammer has a star on her helmet. Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths.

If you’ve seen the 2009 movie Whip It (the directorial debut of Drew Barrymore staring the ever intriguing Ellen Page), you know all about roller derby bouts. What you might not know is that Rockville has its own roller girls.

In November 2009 Keightasorass Rex formed Free State Roller Derby (FSRD) using her father’s Fast Pitch location in Rockville as a practice facility. Since then she’s left to work with the Park Service, but the team jams on. Update: she will be returning to scrimmage in December.

In case you’re wondering about this founder, derby skaters have alter-ego names and FSRD is no exception with Brusie Q, CINder BLOCK, Crum N’ Punishment, Evil Stitch, Melony Conviction, Psyche Drama, Scarlet Cleaver, Ta Ra Boom D A, Tawna Brixx, Tiffany Twisted, and Unablonder, Only a killer sport requires such epic handles.

Jammers start at the back. Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths.

Free State Roller Derby practices every Wednesday and Sunday on quad skates with sturdy knee pads. During a roller derby bout, a team tries to make it difficult for one skater from the other team (“the jammer”) to advance through the pack of skaters (“the blockers”) led by a “pivot” who sets the speed. The jammers from both teams score points for passing members of the opposing team. Since teams skate in a pack while the two jammers dodge and glide through the crowd at the same time, the sport involves extensive strategy by the inside, outside, and power blockers.

Jammers moving through the blockers. Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths.

A definite camaraderie has grown among the skaters who range from 20 to 50 years old. This spread in years proves age and experience don’t matter when you’re having fun. B-Knock-Ya is about to become a grandmother. Most haven’t skated since they were young girls. Some never skated in their lives before lacing on a pair to join Free State.

Mothra Stewart found the time to join and is glad she did:

I spent a long time thinking about doing derby and not doing anything about it. A friend of mine joined a drumming group called Batala which requires a lot of practice time and physical effort. I thought, “Well, if she can find the time for that then I can find time for derby.” Derby is amazingly fun and unlike anything else I’ve ever done. I feel like an athlete and part of a community. I only wish I had started playing earlier.

Co-Captain Slaughter Lily is also new to the sport without any experience skating:

I actually got started after watching Whip It five times and finally saying to myself that I have got to do that, no matter what it takes. I had no skating experience of any kind when I started, unless you count one miserable night in college of wobbling around an ice rink. I literally was unable to skate — I had to be held up to stay vertical for my first month of practices. It’s really hard to start from zero as an adult, and not a particularly athletic one, either. I’m still one of our weakest skaters, but I have made so much progress in the year I’ve been doing this and I’m pretty proud of myself. It’s the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life.

I think I was elected as a co-captain because, though I am not a good skater yet(!), I have a single-minded obsession with derby. I really appreciate that people saw me as a person who’d commit the time and effort to keep the team thriving, and I hope that I’ve been living up to those expectations. And I could never have come this far without my teammates, who are all incredibly supportive and just great people. I feel really, really lucky to be a part of this team.

Jammer sizes up the situation. Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths.

Although Co-Captain Trips Ahoy was never on a roller derby team either before joining FSRD, she leads practice with the help of solid online resources and a committed roller derby community which is extremely supportive and encouraging to newcomers. Guest coaches, especially advanced skaters who have retired, stop by to teach others about the sport they love. Former FSRD member, Crowella De Vil, a very talented jammer who was chosen to join the Baltimore Charm City Roller Girls, also brings it back to coach her friends.

Besides Charm City, our area is home to several DC teams including the DC Rollergirls whose motto is “With Liberty And Justice To Brawl”. These teams compete as part of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (Real. Strong. Athletic. Revolutionary.)

Although the roller derby scene has been described as “aggression on wheels”, FSRD concentrates on communication and strategy by leaning and blocking, although they do sometimes practice hip checking. After each scrimmage the group discusses what worked and what didn’t.

How'd we do? Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

When asked about the aggressive reputation of roller derby, Slaughter Lily provided an overview of the current roller derby world:

Although we are just a small start-up league and not a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), we do play by their rules, as do most flat track leagues. Using elbows and hands is strictly prohibited — if you elbow someone, even accidentally, you will get called for a minor penalty; if you do it hard enough to affect their game play, that’s a major and you’re in the box for a minute. Tripping, kicking, and any blocking to or using the head are also not allowed. Punching will get you tossed from the game, no questions. There are several pages of rules detailing how to hit legally. The idea with the 2000s revival of roller derby is to combine a full-contact, fairly aggressive spectacle with real athleticism and camaraderie. I’ve heard that there are some teams in the West (where the sport was reborn) that still play derby the way it used to be on TV in the 1980s — brawling on the track and all — but that is definitely not what the vast majority of leagues are doing. As for Free State, we’re still learning a lot about how to play this sport, including the contact aspect of it and how to, say, control where our elbows go, but we are definitely interested in playing fair, playing safe, and playing hard.

The action comes from behind so communication is key. Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths.

For those who want to try recreational roller derby, Free State welcomes new skaters. Don’t worry, the first lessons include two extremely important skills (1.) how to stop and (2.) how to fall down. After the basics are out of the way, the fun is learning about this all-female, up-and-coming sport. Plus, they’ve found the training to be great exercise.

If you want to try the roller derby scene, e-mail Free State for the details: [email protected] or check out their Facebook page. All you need is a desire to learn and a pair of skates. Dues are minimal and not necessary until you’re really sure you want to commit and have bought your first pair of rad skates.

Weekend to Weekend Pick: The Nutcracker

Three years ago I featured the Nutcracker in my post The Nutcracker Ballet Spreads Joy On Stage And Off. The dancer, Paige Washington, still performs and she joins the troupe again this year for a terrific performance complete with their elaborate handmade costumes and unbridled enthusiasm. Don’t miss the last weekend of this annual Rockville tradition.

The Nutcracker performed by the Rockville Civic Ballet
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre
Saturday, December 11, 2010 2 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 12, 2010 2 PM
Tickets: $16 Adult, $12 Senior (60+), $12 Child (12 & under), Group rates available.

Stop by the craft & gift table and bake sale to help support the Rockville Civic Ballet.

Big Crowd And Countdown At The Rockville Town Center Tree Lighting

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Last night Rockville Town Square filled with people and holiday cheer as the tree was illuminated during a festive ceremony. I overheard one person say he “didn’t know there were this many kids in Rockville.” With Santa and Mrs. Claus, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman visiting, families turned out in droves on the cold, clear evening.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

The crowd joined together for a robust countdown before the big switch was flipped by a resident of the Housing Opportunities Commission, Samantha Clark, along with her kids andNBC 4′s Lindsay Czarniak. A canon shot confetti and streamers into the air which floated down over the crowd for a couple of minutes. Take a quick look if you missed it:

Decked out in red hats, the Walter Johnson High School Choir sang before, during, and after the ceremony. After arriving in a horse drawn carriage, Santa had some advice about being good, “What’s important is that you try hard.” Families did try to do good by making toy and gift donations for the residents of HOC’s programs. They were rewarded with a horse and carriage rides on the streets around the square.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Sue Richards also performed in The Waygoose, where a warm, light-filled shop was the perfect stop for some holiday gift buying. The Town Center garages, shops, and restaurants were all bustling. Rockville’s off to a wonderful start to this holiday season.

Photo of Sue Richards by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

City Hall Dons New Artwork

Spirit of Discovery Installation photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

When the artists competing for the bid to commemorate the City’s 150th Anniversary at City Hall were given two potential locations for the artwork, Bonnie Fitzgerald and Ali Mirsky knew they could create art for both spaces and stay within the project’s $75,000 budget. They won and now we are all winners too.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Today the artists and their helpers installed the first part of the Spirit of Discovery. Even before it was completed, this glistening, shining mosaic was already bringing the building to life. Depicting a spinning nebula, the final frontier, it will never look the same twice. The dynamic interplay of the stained glass, glass tiles, recycled bottle glass, and fused glass will reflect light differently at different times. As the artists described, “The artwork will cast shadows and reflect brilliantly depending on the weather, position of the sun and moon and of course the time of day.” The iridescent coating on the black glass also adds to the changing color scheme to create movement and energy.

Measuring approximately 170 square feet, the artwork is dimensional and layered. The mosaics were mounted on a new material used for airplane and marble construction so the lightweight panels allowed the grouting of the mosaic on a flat surface in the studio. This morning the panels were bolted and attached to the building with ease.

The second part of the Spirit of Discovery is a sculpture of a young girl looking at the nebula through a telescope. Bonnie calls her “Celeste” and she’ll look to the future while her telescope acknowledges the past with an old-fashioned design. She’ll be installed on a cement platform by the City of Rockville sign on Maryland Avenue in a couple of weeks.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

The artists interviewed city officials and local merchants then researched city history to create the design.

Bonnie previously designed and installed the popular fish fountain in Rockville Town Square at the corner of Maryland Avenue and Middle Lane outside Gordon Biersch. Her warm and welcoming spirit brings a conversation and her artwork into full color. She explained that as soon as she met Ali, she recognized her talent for mosaics and knew they needed to collaborate. Both believe that working together as a team has brought out the best in them. You can tell when you see the Spirit of Discovery.

Art Thrives With New Galleries And Exhibits At VisArts

Glass Box Gallery Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

What if it’s 3 o’clock in the morning and you want to visit a gallery exhibition in Rockville? You can!

Last week VisArts opened three new spaces including the Glass Box Gallery, located in the window of the VisArts TOO shop facing Gibbs Street. Visitors can peer at the large screen 24 hours a day and experience a silent video production. Although VisArts always presents a cosmopolitan vibe, this never-ending tech exhibit brings a very urban feel down to the street. The current exhibit, Mascara, focuses on one eye as makeup is rubbed away. We couldn’t help but watch more than one loop while trying to understand the circumstances.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Every month the new Spotlight Gallery will display the work of a different Montgomery County Public School Art Teacher. VisArts carved this special gallery out of the space in the back of the VisArts TOO shop. The Spotlight provides a wonderful opportunity for teachers to share their work and encourage the pursuit of art. This incredibly public space provides an opportunity for all of us to view and purchase artwork from these educators, but in particular it provides a rare opportunity for students to appreciate the display and sale of art by someone they know. The first exhibit features Angela White’s oils on canvas and cigar boxes in a series entitled Sea Over Land. Described as “Inspiration beyond the classroom”, the monthly shows will inevitably inspire us all.

Family Gallery by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

The second floor family studio has moved down the hall which opened up its former space to some fresh possibilities as an exhibit area called the Portfolio Gallery. To celebrate the opening, Mariah Anne Johnson created a site-responsive installation using the colors of the room and inspiration from the season. The use of fabric in her artwork began almost by accident after she continually combed through thrift stores purchasing fabrics with diverse patterns. Instead of cutting the fabric, the folds and combinations became whole in her projects. With a background as a painter, Mariah uses fabric to replicate the layering which occurs in the painting process to create abstract art designs. Her delightful personality shines through every piece.

Mariah Anne Johnson Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

“As you look around the room, there is just one story after another about both the people and the photographs,” explained the Carl D Brandt about the Best of the Silver Spring Camera Club exhibit presented by the Washington School of Photography in the main Kaplan Gallery. He trusted us with his tender story and enthralling photography descriptions. When he met his wife in a photography club in 1963, he asked her to marry him six weeks later. Together they shared a lifetime of photography until her passing unexpectedly during surgery last year. The exhibit includes some of Carl’s best photographs from across all the years. While catching Lightening in 1950, he ran the risk of being electrocuted. Meanwhile his Chinese Dragon displays the performers in bright sunlight in DC with the background digitally pasted out to black for an amazing contrast.

Carl D Brandt Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

This exhibit includes vibrantly uplifting colors, captured expressions, and nature’s moments. Douglas Walters’ close ups of morning lotus and dancing leaves transform these natural objects into flowing objects reminiscent of imaginary playgrounds. Carolina Simon’s close ups bring you to the surface of another planet, especially with Spiny Menace. Twilight Pleated Wave also embraces roller coaster movement and waves. Although their close-ups masterfully elevate objects to artwork, many of the photographs from the DC area also bring a different perspective to everyday places. If you have any interest in photography, this exhibit is for you.

VisArts TOO Shop Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

All of the VisArt galleries bring innovation and community alive. Now there are even more reasons to go down to the end of Gibbs Street. Remember the VisArts TOO Shop for your holiday shopping, including animal ornaments.

VisArts at Rockville directions and hours are available here.

Veterans Day Ceremony And Closings

Steve Cromwell Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Two years ago, I wrote a piece, Voices of Our Veterans, which included Steve Cromwell’s story from World War II. Now he’s the speaker at the Veterans Day Ceremony this Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 11 AM in Veterans Park which is located at the intersection of Rockville Pike and Veirs Mill Road . Parking is available at St. Mary’s Catholic Church or at the Sandy Spring Bank building located between Fleet Street and Route 355.

Although I shared narratives from four veterans about their service in the piece, Mr. Cromwell’s story also depicts a small piece of Rockville’s history:

Since he is the last living survivor of the first wave on Omaha Beach, Steve Cromwell received a gold medal of honor from the U.S. Congress. Even so, he admitted that his own kids never knew of his experiences in World War II because he would never speak about it. He still has the piece of shrapnel that ripped his pants but left him unharmed as he ran across the beach during the Normandy Landing that day. Although people expected the Allied Forces to attack, they didn’t know when D-Day would occur. News of the offensive reached our City at about 11 a.m. The minister at Christ Episcopal Church started to ring the church bell. The courts and businesses closed. People knew something was happening and by 11:30 a.m. they gathered at the church to pray. All of Rockville’s soldiers survived the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944.

Mr. Cromwell served in five campaigns including the first wave at Omaha Beach in Normandy, the China Seas, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. As I’m sure you can tell, you don’t want to miss his words on Veteran’s Day.

The ceremony is always filled with energy and respect. American Legion Post 86 will lead the wreath-laying ceremony and give a 21-gun salute.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Here’s all the schedule and closings for Veteran’s Day:
Recycling and refuse will be collected on regular schedules.
All city-owned parking meters and garages are free. Parking at Montgomery County public garages, lots, and curbside meters is free.

CLOSED:

City Hall will be closed.
County Offices are closed.
Libraries are closed.
State offices & courts are closed.
Glenview Mansion will be closed and the Rockville Civic Center Park offices will be closed.
The Glenview Mansion Art Gallery will be closed.
Rockville Senior Center will be closed.

OPEN:

The Rockville Swim and Fitness Center will be open on its regular schedule.
RedGate Municipal Golf Course will be open. The course will operate under winter hours (first tee time at 9 AM).
Twinbrook Community Recreation Center will be open regular hours (6 AM- 9:30 PM).
Lincoln Park Community Center will be open regular hours (9 AM -9:30 PM).
Thomas Farm Community Center will be open regular hours (6 AM-9:30 PM).
The Croydon Creek Nature Center will be open regular hours (9 AM-5 PM).
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre Box Office will be open 2-7 PM.
After school and teen programs will operate on their regular schedule.
County liquor stores are open for regular hours.
Ride On has the special modified holiday schedule.
Metrobus has special service.
Metrorail is open 5 AM to midnight.
Transfer Station is open.
MCPS Administrative Offices are open.

Music Review: Billy Coulter’s Live Verve

Photo from Billy Coulter

“I loved live albums growing up because of the excitement and exhilaration,” shared Billy Coulter during my interview. With the release of his new CD, Trace, he now has one of his own. His band recorded the entire album in one session last May with Goose Creek Entertainment where producer, Mike Pugh, and managing partner, Stuart Martin, specialize in live CD/DVD projects.

Fans have been calling out the names of the songs during his recent shows. Billy credits this enthusiasm to the album’s lighthearted and positive tone:

My first album was deep emotional thinking and feeling but these are a lot of fun and really positive songs. We’re getting great feedback.

Billy credits the quality of the album to the fine musicians playing with him rather than “studio magic”. The CD is a testament to his band and “what they sound like for real”. Although they were nervous to record and also videotape the session, they had a terrific time that night. Their spirit and enthusiasm shined through while playing their road-tested favorites along with five brand-new songs. Since the recording spans a range of influences that include rockabilly, Celtic, country and pop, the album is a slight departure from their usual classic roots rock.

“I’m very fortunate to have success at my age,” admits Billy. Of course, success is how you measure it. He has always had two simple goals: to play regularly and to earn the respect of his peers. With shows every month at locales such as Rams Head, Birchmere, Strathmore, Barns of Wolf Trap, and IOTA, he certainly plays regularly. Having been nominated for more than 30 WAMMIEs since 2004, his fellow musicians do affirm his talent.

Looking back, Billy’s career started with some success too. When he graduated from Wootton High School, he learned 40 songs in two weeks to play guitar with his older sister’s New Wave band, Insert. Then they won the Rising Stars of Washington contest on Channel 9. For 19-to-20 year olds, the experience was very exciting. He started to write songs and play in college, but then his adult life and career took over and he stopped for a long time.

In 2000 he started writing songs again and met Steve Thoma (Fleetwood Mac, Glenn Frey) when he was on vacation. Steve invited him to come to California and worked with him to produce a seven-song demo. The trip gave him confidence and courage to pursue his music. In 2003 the songs were remixed and produced in part by WAMMIE-winner Marco Delmar. In 2008, Billy also released a 10-song CD titled Dose which was produced by Delmar.

At the beginning of next year, he’ll have a formal CD Release Party. Right now he’s selling them at shows and, of course, you can buy the CDs online.

Since the band has played on the Rooftop and at Hometown Holidays, we’ll probably have to wait until warmer weather to hear him play in Rockville, which Billy describes as “a wonderful place to grow up and still a great city.”

If you are interested in hearing the band locally, their annual Christmas Show will be at the Café in Damascus on December 11, 2010 from 7 – 10 PM.

We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in or about Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Keegan Corbey Makes A Move

Singer/songwriter Keegan Corbey celebrated the release of his first CD tonight at Austin Grill Rockville. Navigators was recorded at Asparagus Media Studios in Takoma Park and tonight was the big debut in his hometown. Of course, Dave Speake joined him on rhythm acoustic guitar.

The dinner crowd still filled the restaurant when his friends and family came out in the early evening hours to wish him well. He’s leaving his native Rockville to embark on his musical dream of moving to Nashville this Monday.

Priding himself on the passion of his lyrics, Keegan’s first attempt at capturing the spirit of his words succeeds. Clear and sweet, his mellow voice roams across the album accompanied by pure and simple guitar strumming. After hearing him perform so many times, the songs are like an old friend who stops by for a spell. He describes his music as “Neo-Celtic Americana folk rock”.

In Pretty Good Year, Keegan sings “I’m already missing every moment I made here.” Let’s hope he creates even better memories pursuing his musical career down south.

Keegan’s CD is now available for purchase on cdbaby.

Rockville Car Show Overflows With Enthusiasts

The big crowd.

Saturday was a beautiful day to take a stroll down motor memory lane at Rockville’s annual Antique and Classic Car Show. Over 600 entries crowded every corner of the field at Rockville Civic Center Park.

Let’s face it, they just don’t make ‘em like they used to. Small children marveled at the colors and shapes, while those of us with a few years under our belts remembered vehicles from our pasts. Most of all, people enjoyed talking with the owners.

Terry Benson showing his Super Clipper.

Terry Benson has been coming down from Hagerstown for eight years now with different cars. He was one of several from Hagerstown who lined up for a day of socializing. His 1956 Packard Super Clipper has shiny upholstery and was in perfect condition inside and out. When you talk to these car owners you get the car’s history along with a lesson in economics. These Packards were like Cadillacs then the company was bought by Studebaker and went bankrupt. Expansion can be a disaster.

Robert Phillips in the People's Choice Award winning Ferrari racer!

When you see a classic car in a museum, it’s more of an object. But when they are still on the road, each is a marvel to behold. Robert Phillips of Arlington, the recipient of the People’s Choice Award at the show, epitomized the concept. He still races his 1955 blue SF Ferrari Mondial Series II 500. He raced it back in the 60’s and two weeks ago he raced it in New Jersey. He’s also driven it from San Francisco to New York City on the highways. Although it doesn’t have a heater, he’s also driven it in a blizzard. You could tell he’s a daring man!

Even though he loses his voice from speaking too much, he explained why he enjoys coming to the Car Show:

The best part is I get to talk to people and tell them about these race cars. I’m glad that other people like my little blue car!”

Motorcycles!

This year the car show featured Italian vehicles and the display included motorcycles, some old and some new, but they all looked fast.

Julius West Middle School Assistant Principal, Dudley Davidson's '71 Honda AZ 600. People commented it was the original smart car.

The first Rockville Car Show was held in 1962, as George Hamlin from Mid-Atlantic Packards, details in this year’s program:

The original inspiration for Rockville to have its own car show came from Barney Welsh, lawyer, raconteur, Rockvillian, newspaper columnist, auto hobbyist and all-around bon vivant. Barney loved Montgomery County. He generally referred to it in print at Mungummery and sang its praises regularly through his column in the local paper, a piece featuring Monty Gopher and a cast of colorful characters (many of whom were suspected of being thinly disguised members of the Welsh family).

Being a car collector of some renown, he woke up one morning and thought, “Why don’t we have a big car show right here? We could use that grassy area known as the Civic Center and get the City of Rockville to support it through its Recreation and Parks budget.”

It didn’t take long to interest several local clubs in assuming sponsorship, in which they served on the planning committee, provided a significant amount of the manpower, publicized the event to their membership and rallied people to turn out.

Attendance rallied this year too. Although the crowd wasn’t officially counted, it appeared to be record breaking. Traffic was congested on Baltimore Road during the afternoon peak.

Baltimore Road

Rockville certainly appreciates the efforts of all these fine car owners who travel and give us the opportunity to dream about driving their rare wheels.

Force Major Upgrades The Local Music Scene

Austin Grill Rockville transformed into a downtown DC club last Friday night when Force Major, a local Rockville “jazz punk” band took the stage after another local band, Chute.

First and foremost when Force Major plays – it’s a PARTY. And believe me, they know how to throw one.

In LOL they sing “Let’s have some fun tonight and drink and dance until your eyes can blink. Let’s be as loud as we can” so the fans know they’re included. You realize the guys of Force Major would be disappointed if the audience didn’t join in with the music. One fan even jumped on stage, had them slow down the beat, and hip hopped his way through some lyrics.

Kirill Romanov (vocals, guitar, cello) is a true showman with the facial expressions to prove it. He voice bears witness to punk legends with an added smooth Russian accent. He fingers the guitar strings like he’s playing a classical instrument while ramming the punk riffs out of the speakers. Meanwhile Mike Rivin (bass, back vocals) joins him to turn the show into an athletic event by jumping and landing the songs together. Behind them Alex Polyakov (drums) never slows down for a second to keep heads nodding and bodies thumping. The physical force of their performance pounds every beat from their muscles through the audience leaving one to wonder how they can thrash so much and continue playing.

Inviting everyone to join them for a night out for a good cause, Austin Grill is trying to raise $5,000 this month for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, which never turns a family away even if they don’t have health insurance. As they did on Friday night, they’re taking up collections during shows.

If you missed this show, the bands will be playing Austin Grill regularly every month. Chute has been receiving some local radio airtime and the talent in both these bands is obviously breaking through.

As Kirill said, “Who wants to dance? Let’s pretend this is a club!” With the right band and crowd at Austin Grill, you don’t have to pretend. Take a look:

If you want to hear more, Force Major has released two CDs:
Turbulence in Russian and English on June 11, 2010, and Two Extremes November 28, 2008.

Contributor Review by Janet Wilson: Jackie’s Wine Club

Off the beaten path of Rockville’s Town Square proper is an obscure gem of a meeting place, Jackie’s Wine Club. Located at 12 North Washington Street in the storefront that was Temptations Ice Cream Shop in a previous life, Jackie’s is a welcome addition to the neighborhood with incredibly affordable prices.

Jackie’s features “a distinct selection of wines from Argentina, Chile, France Italy and Spain” according to their menu, along with a tapas menu with options that hail from the same countries. You can purchase wine to go and by design, their pricing is more like a retail store than a wine bar. But why not stay and enjoy the minimalist, contemporary atmosphere where you can listen to music, catch a football or soccer game on the flat screen tv or just people watch.

In recent weeks, we’ve enjoyed a full body 2007 Cantele Primitivo from Italy for $21 a bottle, a medium body 2009 Santa Julia Pinot Noir from Argentina for $16 a bottle and tasted a fantastic Aqua de Piedra Malbec, also from Argentina, that sells for $15 a bottle. Where else other than home can you sip this quality of wine for the equivalent of $4 a glass.? Leftovers? No worries; Maryland State Law allows you to take the remainder home.

With a broad selection of tapas, you can pair that wine with a snack or make an entire meal. In addition to the cheese plate where you choose the number and types of cheeses, there are empanadas from Argentina ($3.95); pizzetas from Italy with your choice of white or red sauce ($7.50); Spanish tapas that include the homey & satisfying tortilla de patata (egg and potato pie $3.95), colossal shrimp sautéed in garlic ($7.95) and chorizo sausage ($3.95). Other options range from ceviche ($5.59) to Pate de Campagne ($5.00) to the ham and cheese sandwich traditional to Argentina (get it lightly toasted $4.00).

With the unfortunate demise of Bobby’s Crabcakes, we’re doubly committed to patronize the local restaurants especially the small, independently-owned options such as Jackie’s Wine Club.

Janet Wilson

This is a contributor review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!