72 HOURS April 18, 2024

Everyone’s a

Six karaoke spots where you can sing your heart out STAR

A NEW “BLAIR WITCH” MOVIE IS IN THE WORKS

On April 10, The Associated Press released a story that locals might say buried the lede. Amid news of Margot Robbie making a “Monopoly” movie were details about a new “Blair Witch Project” movie, spearheaded by Lionsgate and Blumhouse, the studio behind “The Purge” and “M3GAN.” No further details have been announced, so until then, we will be on the edge of our seats just like we were while watching the original cult classic released back in ’99.

CELEBRATE OUR LOCAL INDIE RECORD STORE

Get in line Saturday morning at The Record Exchange, now at 410 N. Market St. in Frederick, for those who haven’t been there recently. The store will open at 10 a.m. for Record Store Day. This year’s poster was designed by Frederick artist Stephen Blickenstaff, and the store will give away free 11x17 posters to the first 70 customers they ring up. Plus, peruse all the usual special releases and limited editions that makes Record Store Day one of our favorite international holidays. And post-Record Store Day, stop by for a concert from 2 to 4 p.m. April 21 featuring saxophonist Darryl Brenzel and his Invention Trio on the store’s stage (free of charge, but donations will be accepted).

EVER BEEN TO A KITTEN SHOWER?

Tiplings, a subsidiary of Tip Me Frederick, will host a kitten shower from 1 to 3 p.m. April 20 at Zi Pani Cafe and Bistro on Thomas Johnson Drive in Frederick. Important to note: There will be no kittens at this event (sorry). But you can meet other kitten fosters, win door prizes, eat cake and get some temporary cat tattoos while you’re there. Bring an item from the Tiplings Wishlist to help the local organization prepare for 2024’s kitten season … which is fast approaching.

PACK YOURSELF A PICNIC

We think any excuse to have a picnic is a good one, so here is your excuse: April 23 is National Picnic Day! Pack a picnic and celebrate the return of spring, because there is undoubtedly something magical and connected about eating al fresco with friends, and Frederick County and the surrounding area has no shortage of beautiful locations to do so.

ARTS AND CULTURE PICKS

This week, check out Quentin Walston’s new vinyl LP release recorded with his trio, and order a copy of “Retro Future” through quentinwalston.com to hear what the Brunswick artist is up to. Also on our radar is the triumphant return of “Gutenberg! The Musical!” from Landless Theatre Co. after its run on Broadway. You can catch the show at New Spire Arts this weekend. Lastly, if you are a fan of Apple TV’s “Manhunt,” check out what Frederick’s National Museum of Civil War Medicine had to say about the show before watching its Season 1 finale on April 18.

BY KSENIA PRINTS FOOD DRINK LIFE

Non-alcoholic spirits are leading the no-proof revolution

You’ve swapped your winter coat for a light jacket, changed your clocks by an hour and maybe even replaced your snow tires with the all-weather kind. So why haven’t you exchanged your non-alcoholic glass of wine for a fresh and fun spring mocktail?

When it comes to the world of non-alcoholic beverages, Sober October and Dry January seem to get all the attention. But spring, with its sunny days and warmer temperatures, is the perfect time to adopt new and healthy habits. After a long winter, you might feel ready to relax in the sun with a mocktail in hand — especially if you aren’t a fan of alcohol-free beer or wine. Luckily, the recent wave of new zero-proof spirits has made it easier than ever to enjoy delicious mixed drinks this spring.

UNDERSTANDING WHY ALCOHOL-FREE SPIRITS ARE SOARING IN POPULARITY

According to Nielsen IQ, while sales of alcoholic beer, wine and spirits have dropped since 2019, sales of non-alcoholic beverages are rapidly growing. In 2023 alone, Americans spent over 500 million dollars on non-alcoholic wine, beer and spirits, reflecting a broader movement towards wellness and moderation. Sales of non-alcoholic spirits have also taken off in recent years, growing by 88.4% between 2021 and 2022, outpacing alcohol-free beer and wine.

The reasons to go alcohol-free are as varied as the many alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. Sobriety, religion, convenience, health, taste and curiosity are just a few potential motivations. Thanks to this growing interest, you won’t have to search far to track down non-alcoholic alternatives. Today, zero-proof spirits can be found everywhere from your liquor store to your local bar or even your nearest Walmart.

THE ART OF ZERO-PROOF MIXOLOGY

Zero-proof spirits are beverages that contain very little alcohol or no alcohol at all. Generally, these drinks range from 0% to 0.5% alcohol by

earth. Herbs and flowers can be frozen into fancy ice cubes, capturing that feeling of new growth in a frozen environment. Use edible violets, thyme, lavender or other spring herbs or flowers for your floral ice cubes. Don’t forget to boil the water and let it cool for crystal-clear ice.

KICK UP THE FLAVOR WITH INFUSED SPIRITS

Although non-alcoholic spirits are becoming increasingly popular, there still isn’t the widespread flavor variety you might find in your local liquor store’s tequila or vodka sections. Not to worry — infusing zero-proof spirits allows you to replicate your favorite vanilla vodka or spicy tequila. For a spring mocktail, pair these zero-proof beverages with seasonal flavors such as citrus, strawberry or mint.

Not your grandmother’s rhubarb

volume or ABV and are considered non-alcoholic. Many zero-proof spirits are designed to emulate classic types of alcohol, such as gin, tequila and whiskey, without any of the alcohol. You can also use them to make your own unique non-alcoholic cocktails. Here are some things to consider when mixing drinks with zero-proof spirits.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Sure, you can make it work with a mason jar and a whisk. But if you’re serious about taking your mixed drinks to the next level, consider investing in a cocktail kit. The flavors in this virgin lychee mojito mocktail, for example, will stand out all the more with the help of a muddler.

ICE, ICE, BABY

There’s nothing worse than a warm drink that’s supposed to be chilled. Specialty ice cube trays, like the ones that produce perfect spheres or dramatic pyramids, are a simple way to add some pizzazz to your glass.

SET THE BAR HIGH

When you’re creating your home bar, don’t overlook garnishes like dried fruit slices, non-alcoholic bitters, maraschino cherries and all the oth-

er little touches that make a drink feel fancy. Plus, most of these ingredients are shelf-stable, so you won’t have to worry about them going bad if you don’t drink much.

RAISE YOUR GLASS

OK, so this one doesn’t have much to do with the taste, but your drink will feel all the more special served in a unique glass. Your local thrift store is a great place to find exciting glassware at an affordable price.

SPRING-INSPIRED NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS AND INGREDIENTS

Summer evokes sangria, fall is inseparable from pumpkin spice, and winter is the best time to enjoy eggnog — but what are the flavors of spring? Delicate flowers, tangy citrus and gentle herbs are all excellent ways to capture this season’s magic. Spring drinks should be fizzy, playful and exciting, like the first touch of the sun after a span of gray days.

Decorative ice cubes with spring flowers

Yes, florals for spring are no longer groundbreaking, but there’s still something magical about seeing those first flowers emerge out of the thawing

Rhubarb is one of the earliest plants to become available in the spring, and its eye-catching pastel pink color looks gorgeous in a mocktail. Plus, its taste works well with a wide range of zero-proof spirits.

Lemons, limes and grapefruit

If you’re lucky enough to live in a warmer climate, then you’ll know that citrus fruits remain in season throughout early spring. The tangy, zesty flavors are a much-needed change from the decadent and hearty beverages traditionally associated with winter. A non-alcoholic Aperol spritz, for example, is the perfect reminder that sunny days are around the corner.

SPRING INTO THE WORLD OF MOCKTAILS

Maybe you’re hosting a spring fling, or maybe you just want to enjoy a sunny 5 o’clock after a long, dark winter. Either way, don’t overlook the power of zero-proof spirits this spring. Gathering the proper tools and garnishes, thinking carefully about spring flavors and embracing your creative side are all great ways to enjoy spring.

Ksenia Prints is a writer, blogger, photographer and recipe developer from Montreal, Canada. She blogs at Spirited Sip, a food blog showcasing non-alcoholic drinks. She believes that any well-crafted drink can be fun, feisty and invigorating for our health, our bodies and our souls.

Food Drink Life/Associated Press

Mocktails take center stage this spring.

China Sea offers wide variety of Chinese, Thai dishes

Since 2015, China Sea Restaurant has been a staple in Frederick’s Crestwood Plaza shopping c enter.

Owner Jessie Zhang came to the U.S. from China in 2008 when she was 18.

When they opened the store, her husband had worked in the food industry for more than 20 years, but Zhang had no experience.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of appetizers, soups, fried rice and lo mein, and entrees include various types of chicken, beef, seafood and pork.

While China Sea has an expansive menu of Chinese and Thai food, one of their most popular dishes is General Tso’s Chicken, Zhang said.

Lightly-breaded chicken with broccoli in a sweet and spicy brown sauce, it’s a “well-rounded” dish, said Danalyn Damaska, who has worked at the restaurant for about two years.

“It’s sweet, but it’s also spicy at the same time,” she said, adding that sometimes people will order two or three dishes of it in one order.

— Ryan Marshall

General Tso’s Chicken, the signature dish of China Sea in Frederick, is shown at the restaurant on March 25.

CHINA SEA RESTAURANT

6944 Crestwood Blvd., Frederick 301-682-2519

chinasea-md.com

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesday

Prices: Fried rice and lo mein are $10 to $11.55, and entrees are $12 to 20.

Owner Jessie Zhang

recommends: General Tso’s Chicken

Staff photos by Katina Zentz

The interior of China Sea on March 25.

MUSICIAN TO MUSICIAN

Quentin Walston, a pianist, composer and educator based in Brunswick

BY COLIN MCGUIRE Special to The News-Post

After years of honing his craft as a jazz artist, Quentin Walston is set to release his first vinyl LP, “Retro Future,” on April 19. Currently living in Brunswick, he initially found his love for music as a teenager in Loudoun County.

72 Hours caught up with Walston to talk about the new record, how he’s made a career out of music after majoring in it in college, the difference between teaching and performing and his love for both Thelonious Monk and Jason Moran.

So, you’re from Brunswick?

Yes, my family and I moved there a little over a year ago from Virginia.

Did you grow up in Virginia?

I did. I grew up in Loudoun County.

Growing up, what turned you on to music to begin with? How did you decide to become a player yourself?

I started in a bluegrass band in high school and really fell in love with the improvisation of bluegrass — trading off solos and everything. I had already been taking piano lessons and saw that jazz was the next logical step. I enjoyed the sounds of jazz and blues piano. I was familiar with improvisation and with the help of a close friend who played jazz bass — that really sparked a love for that music. In high school was when I really started to pursue jazz, and by my junior year, that’s what I wanted to pursue professionally.

So you never wanted to see what college was like? It was right on into the fire?

I did go to James Madison and studied music in college, but it was in that jazz concentration. By high school, I was ready to dive in, and that’s what I studied for my undergrad. When I graduated in 2015, I became a full-time jazz musician and have been ever since.

You know, I’ve always wondered about this. When you went to college strictly for music, what was that like? Did you plan on teaching or performing when you got out? Was it just rehearsals all day?

Yeah, that’s a good question. In my experience, it was very much saturated in making and crafting the music and less regarding the actual industry and putting it into practice as a career. When I was there, I was aware that just having a degree wouldn’t guarantee my success, so I was bound and determined to practice and be as strong of

a player as possible. That meant being in the practice room upwards of five hours a day trying to hone my craft. It was a little difficult after school because as I mentioned my degree was mostly centered around performance and composition. I had to figure out the industry as I went. That’s not trying to put down college — I think it’s really tough for colleges to teach the industry, too, because it’s rapidly changing. When I was in college, Spotify was really picking up, but CDs were still really popular, too. Now, CDs are all but gone and everything is streaming. The current musician just kind of has to figure out the industry themselves.

Especially in the jazz world, though, because that can be tough. If you’re not playing all the time, what is your source of income? Nobody makes money off streaming. Do you have to stay busy five, seven nights a week just to make ends meet?

I found that really diversifying what I do as a musician helped. I have a wife and two kids, so I feel that pressure to provide not only for myself but my family. That looks like a combination of playing private events, weddings, corporate events and booking my own concerts. I’m affiliated with multiple arts councils, so I can do grant-funded opportunities. This week, I’m at the Potomac Elementary School, where I’ve been blessed to take over their music

classroom. I’m giving jazz music education, and we try out different forms of improvisation. It’s really been a multiple-income-streams approach to music.

Can you talk a little about the difference between teaching and performing, how they compare and contrast?

I love teaching. There’s been a teaching portion of my career ever since I got out of school — whether that’s one-on-one lessons or teaching music theory classes to adults. I love the part of teaching that uses my brain in a different way and allows me to connect to people. In the performing part, I feel like I can’t help but teach. I’m a big history and music theory fan, so when I have concerts, that comes out organically. If I’m doing a big Duke Ellington piece, I can’t help but share something about the Duke. My greatest passion is the performance model where I get to sprinkle in education.

You have some new material, correct?

Yes, on the 19th, my LP is coming out with my jazz trio — piano, bass and drum set. It’s eight tracks. Six of them are originals. It’s going to be really cool. We printed it on vinyl. It’s been a dream of mine for over 10 years now to have an album released on vinyl. I’ve been collecting vinyl since I was in high school. It’s been a cool moment and a culmination of years of work.

Is this your first LP?

This will be my first LP on this format. I’ve released a couple other albums. In 2021, I released something that was short for an LP or long for an EP. I wrote a suite, inspired by Duke Ellington. I was inspired by the way he would write and compose musical works that were movement-based like classical music, so I took a stab at writing connecting material and then rather than writing more songs to fill it out, I just released the four tracks as an album.

How long did it take to print the vinyl? I’ve heard it can take eight to 10 months or so.

We were in the studio over a year ago. I got all of the masters and artwork in the fall, probably late October, and I just picked up the albums the last week of March. It’s been a really long process, but it’s been worth it. I’ve learned a lot along the way. That’s one of the blessings of being an indie artist. You get to have involvement in every part of the process. I wrote the songs, rehearsed the songs, recorded the songs and was there for the mixing process, the mastering process. I got to listen to the test pressings. I hired the photographer for the album art shoot. It’s been cool being involved in every last bit of it, so I’m confident that the album people hear is exactly what I’d hoped for. I think we achieved that because we modeled the sound that I’ve been after for years now.

With the new stuff, do you swing or is it more free? How would you describe your sound?

It swings. I feel heavily inspired by Thelonious Monk, so it can have some of that quirkiness. I titled the album “RetroFuture” because I had this idea of what if we take some of the more traditional formats of jazz like swing but modernize it with maybe some up-todate improvisation techniques. It’s rooted in the swing tradition — it has the foot-tapping, finger-snapping type of sound that you would expect from any jazz album you’d get in the ‘40s or ‘50s, but it has something new to it where it doesn’t sound like we’re making a carbon copy of a Blue Note album from the ‘50s. It has a fun, modern twist. I tell people it’s like Thelonious Monk mixed with The Bad Plus.

I’m interested in hearing it. You mentioned Monk; how about some modern players today? Is there a cur-

(See WALSTON 25)

Staff photo by Katina Zentz

Musician Quentin Walston stands for a portrait in Brunswick on March 20.

The Everly Brothers Experience brings the nostalgia and harmonies of the famed duo to Frederick

BY GARY BENNETT Special to The News-Post

Since 2016, brothers Zachary and Dylan Zmed, along with their partner and drummer Burleigh Drummond, have celebrated the pivotal music of the Everly Brothers with a heartfelt tribute.

That tribute, the Everly Brothers Experience, featuring the Zmed Brothers as the Everlys, plays at the Weinberg Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. April 20.

Presented by Key West Productions, the Everly Brothers Experience promises to be a trip down memory lane, revisiting the rich vocals and gorgeous harmonies popularized by the Everlys in the late ’50s and early ’60s.

“The music of the ’50s and ’60s are nostalgic for us,” they said in a press release. “Our parents raised us on it, and we feel that the Everlys’ contribution is greatly overlooked, especially by younger generations.”

The Zmed brothers do not try to impersonate the Everlys but honor their iconic sound by recreating the music as close to the original as possible.

I’m a little too young to remember the heyday of the Everly Brothers and other founders of rock ‘n roll as they came on the scene in the 1950s. However, it is no secret, for my generation at least, that the Everly Brothers had an outsized influence on the Beatles and

many other iconic acts that came later. John Lennon and Paul McCartney made no secret of their admiration, patterning their unmistakable harmonies on the ones from “Don And Phil.”

FREDERICK SPEAKER SERIES PRESENTS CHUCK D

THURSDAY, APRIL 18 • 7:30 PM

Public Enemy Frontman and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer

KEY WEST PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS EVERLY BROTHERS EXPERIENCE

FEATURING THE ZMED BROTHERS

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 • 8:00 PM

An entertaining, brotherly revival of America’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll singing-sibling duo.

STEP AFRIKA!

FRIDAY, APRIL 26 • 8:00 PM

High-energy percussive step dance and traditional African dance with riveting songs and compelling storytelling.

PLUS UPCOMING FILMS...

Before the Beatles, Lennon and McCartney referred to themselves as “the British Everly Brothers” when hitchhiking to talent contests in England.

Other super groups, like the Beach Boys, Bee Gees, and Simon and Garfunkel, credit the Everlys as having a huge influence on their music.

I vividly remember my father was an avid Everly Brothers fan. He mostly enjoyed country music, especially Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, but he made an exception for the Everlys.

It was no wonder. The Everlys embraced elements of country in their music with some twangy vocals and steelstring acoustic guitars. Today, their music might be categorized as country rock. Along with Elvis, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and others, the Everly Brothers were among the pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll.

As with many stars, the Everlys were raised in a musical family. They sang with their parents on the radio during their high school years. As they gained attention, they began writing and recording their own music. Their first hit

SILENT FILM SERIES

THE BIG PARADE (1925)

NEW DATE: FRIDAY, MAY 3 • 8:00 PM

WONDER BOOK CLASSIC FILM SERIES SEABISCUIT (2003)

Courtesy photo

Brothers Zachary and Dylan Zmed will perform The Everly Brothers Experience in Frederick. (See

Jazz saxophonist Darryl Brenzel to perform at The Record Exchange

The Record Exchange will keep the National Record Store Day celebration going for an extra day, when saxophonist Darryl Brenzel brings his Invention Trio to the store’s stage from 2 to 4 p.m. April 21.

The performance will feature original compositions by Brenzel for his trio, which features Todd Harrison on drums and Dave Foster on upright bass.

The name Invention Trio comes from the concept of twopart inventions, such as those written by Bach. These inventions are two independent melody lines that, when played together, convey an entire harmonic framework without the use of an instrument playing chords. In this case, the sax and bass are those two melodies that are then joined by drums to give it a unique jazz feel.

All three members of the trio are former members of the military’s premiere bands in Washington, D.C. Foster was a member of The US Air Force Band, and Brenzel and Harrison were members of The Army Jazz Ambassadors.

In addition to his military career, Brenzel has performed with Chris Isaak, Dan Akroyd, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Ben E King, The National Symphony Orchestra, The Boston Pops, The Nelson Riddle Orchestra and many more. He is also on the jazz faculty at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia.

The performance is free of charge, but donations will be accepted. The Record Exchange is at 410 N. Market St., Frederick. Call 301-644-1166 for details.

Indulge yourself with homecooked goodness from our locally owned restaurants & enjoy their Thurmont Restaurant Week featured menus April 19 - April 26

Show your appetite by supporting our locally owned restaurants during Thurmont Restaurant Week & their delicious specials or try something else while there.

You may pick your Restaurant Week card up at all Participating Restaurants, Cousins Ace Hardware, The Dirty Dawg, and The Thurmont Town Office.

Courtesy photo

Darryl Brenzel

FAMILY

Arbor Day Tree Cookie Workshop

Tree rings show patterns of change in a tree’s life, as well as changes in the area where it grows.

Retired Frederick County Public Schools biology teacher Shelley S. Miller will lead an Arbor Day Tree Cookie Workshop from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Arbor Day, April 26, for grades 3 through 12, with after-school refreshments.

Participants will examine environmental and historical changes using a cross section of a tree, or “tree cookie.”

Classic ’50s musical ‘Grease’ onstage in Hagerstown

Back by popular demand, Th e Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater will remount its second MainStage play of the season, “Grease,” from April 19 to May 25.

Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: ducktailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gumsnapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy

Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’”and “It’s Raining on Prom Night,” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation.

An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals place “Grease” among the world’s most popular musicals.

This show is preceded by dinner. A cash bar is

available (bar tab and gratuity not included). Because “Grease” contains adult language and themes, children under age 5 will not be admitted.

The Washington County Playhouse is at 44 N. Potomac St., Hagerstown.

Tickets (includes dinner and show) cost $65 for adults, $59 for active military and first responders, and $55 for ages 5 to 12. Tickets can be purchased at washingtoncountyplayhouse. com or by calling 301-7397469.

The MET’s FUNCo tells a big tale in a tiny world:

Image provided by USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, State and Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection Cross section of tree showing growth rings.

Participants will trace the life of a tree by examining a “tree cookie” and end the workshop by making a decorative tree cookie, which can be made into a necklace, bracelet or key ring, if desired.

Hosted by the Carrollton Manor Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the workshop will be held at the Community Room, 5800 Genesis Lane, Frederick (parking available in any space without a reserved sign posted).

Participants are limited to 25. Students in grades 3 to 8 must have an adult co-registrant. Adults may also attend without students. Students in grades 9 to 12 may register as adults. Cost is $5 per person for workshop materials, which must be paid in cash at the door. Any remainder proceeds will be donated to the Catoctin Forest Alliance.

Preregistration is required by April 19. Call or email Judy I. Thompson, 301-371-5729 or middletownlady@ gmail.com.

Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s Fun Company, under the artistic direction of Julie Herber, will present a devised retelling of “The Borrowers” based on the book by Mary Norton.

Opening Saturday, April 20, “The Borrowers” is for all ages but is particularly geared toward children ages 5 to 12.

“The Borrowers” follows the adventures of a family of tiny people who live beneath the floorboards of a human household, surviving by “borrowing” items from the unsuspecting human inhabitants.

“Our magical re-telling of this classic story unfolds as young Arrietty Clock sets out on a daring journey beyond

the safety of her home, encountering friendship, danger and the marvels of the human world,” says director SheaMikal Green.

MET’s FUNCompany’s devised adaptation offers a fresh perspective on the beloved characters while celebrating the timeless themes of the classic tale, including friendship, courage and the universal human desire for connection.

The cast includes Zoie Collins as Arrietty Clock, Julie Herber as Homily Clock, Bill Dennison as Podric Clock with Brian Records and Joseph Waeyaert as ensemble.

Performances run weekends, April 20 to May 12, with shows on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. at the MET, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Seating is general admission. Arrive early and enjoy crafts and children’s activities in the lobby.

ASL interpretation and audio description services can be arranged in advance through the box office.

Tickets are $17 to $20 and can be purchased at marylandensemble.org, by calling 301-694-4744 and at the box office.

GETAWAYS Why destination dupes are the newest travel craze sweeping the USA

BY MANDY APPLEGATE FOOD DRINK LIFE

Are you tired of paying an arm and a leg for a getaway that is packed with tourists and long lines? Rising costs of vacations are causing iconic but over-glamorized destinations to be out of reach for many, and destination dupes are the newest travel craze. Discover hidden gems in the United States that come with a lower price tag but the same amount of fun, if not more, than mainstream vacation destinations.

THE PRICE OF WANDERLUST

Though the quarantine rules placed during the pandemic ended years ago, people are still catching up on their travel plans and satisfying their craving for adventure and new experiences. The surge in travel interest, coupled with inflation, is fueling the cost of tourism, and it’s probably making you second guess whether you really need that getaway.

According to the U.S. Travel Association, the travel price index increased by 19% from 2019 to 2023. This index includes the cost of services like airline fares, lodging, recreation and food. With these rising prices, old travel budgets have become a distant memory, and the affordability of trips is making family travel more difficult.

ICONIC DESTINATIONS AND THEIR COSTS

Sipping on coconuts while surrounded by the serene green and lush nature of Hawaii is anyone’s dream vacation — until you start doing the numbers for how much it’ll drain your bank account. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the average cost per person on a trip to Hawaii if you’re coming from the East Coast of the U.S. is $2,496.20. Now, imagine going with a family of four; that number quickly becomes burdensome.

The bustling streets of New York are another glamorized destination with

INSTEAD OF HAWAII, EXPLORE THE FLORIDA KEYS

The Florida Keys is the perfect destination dupe for Hawaii. As the only living coral barrier in the U.S., the Florida Keys is teeming with marine life, beautiful beaches and exciting water activities.

Accounting for accommodation, food and transportation, the average daily cost per person in Key West is $189 compared to $274 in Hawaii, according to The Travel. In this case, a lower cost doesn’t mean lower quality. Diving, snorkeling, fishing and watersports are just the tip of the iceberg of all the fun activities you can do at Key West.

As an island, freshly caught seafood like conch, spiny lobster and pink shrimp is a big part of the local cuisine. Head to The Breakfast Club for a tasty French toast breakfast before getting suited up to go diving in the ocean.

the iconic Times Square and Broadway shows. But with the price tag of around $2,150 per person for a four-day trip, as per Travellers Worldwide, you’ll start to question whether it is worth it. You can’t think of iconic destinations without mentioning Disneyland. Unfortunately, the most magical place on the planet isn’t free. NerdWallet estimates that the average Disney World vacation would cost a family of four with a moderate travel style $3,636 for just three nights.

DESTINATION DUPES: AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVES

Dupes, or finding cost-effective alternatives to things, have become all the craze. You get the best of both worlds — a similar experience as the popular vacation spots without having to worry if you’ll be able to recover financially from the trip. Here are a few suggestions for lesser-known but comparable locations within the U.S. for each iconic destination mentioned.

SPRINGTIME ON THE RHINE RIVER

INSTEAD OF NEW YORK CITY, TRY PHILADELPHIA

New York isn’t your only option if you’re looking to visit a bustling city on the East Coast. As the birthplace of Philly cheese steak, Philadelphia has a charm that will win over your heart and at a lower cost than New York.

With a large Italian population, visiting the historic Italian Market is a must to truly experience the community and culture. Grab some authentic food from the local vendors — it’s likely that you’ll find the best pasta there, whether it be a unique chipotle pasta or a traditional carbonara.

After getting some food in your system, take a walk along the waterfront and stop by the beautifully designed Rittenhouse Square or the Independence National Historic Park. If you’re looking to be surrounded by beautifully sculpted gardens that make art out of nature, you have your choice between the Magic Gardens or Longwood Gardens. There are many things to do in this city on an affordable budget. Lonely Planet listed it as one of the best U.S. cities to visit in 2024.

There really is no place like the Florida Keys with all of its outdoor adventures, incredible seafood and its rich history.

INSTEAD OF DISNEYLAND, CONSIDER REGIONAL THEME PARKS

Disneyland is not the only way to have fun at an amusement park. Regional theme parks like Dollywood in Tennesee are comparable destination dupes.

Dollywood, owned by country music singer Dolly Parton, offers more than 50 rides and attractions, with music and entertainment shows. Located in the mountains, Dollywood is highly praised by visitors for its scenic surroundings and high-quality rollercoasters. A three-day regular adult pass costs around $129 per person at Dollywood compared to over $400 at Disneyworld.

If you have spare time after visiting the theme park, there’s plenty to do and eat in this Southern state. Indulge in some comfort food like hashbrown casserole and creamy mac and cheese. Stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or take in some breathtaking views at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

5 ‘Little House on the Prairie’ episodes that still give me the feels

It’s been 50 years since the familyfriendly TV series “Little House on the Prairie” premiered on NBC. The series was loosely based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s popular children’s book of the same name that chronicled her life growing up on the Plains.

At the time, NBC executive Ed Friendly had acquired the rights to the books and asked Michael Landon to direct a feature-length pilot. Landon would do it on one condition — that he play the patriarch Charles Ingalls. Friendly agreed. Landon not only became “Pa” but would go on to serve as executive producer, writer and director of the show.

I was enamored by “Little House” because Laura (played by Melissa Gilbert) was a 9-year-old girl who went on great adventures. As I grew older and found out that the series was based on books, I begged my mom to take me to the library, where I devoured every one of them.

The TV series started with the third book of the series, in which the family lives in Plum Creek near Walnut Grove in Minnesota. Over the course of the series, they were often forced to move from city to city due to drought, lack of work and other factors, until they made it back to Walnut Grove.

What I loved about the show was its cast of characters. In addition to Landon, the Ingalls family included mother Caroline (Karen Grassle), oldest sister Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson), middle child Laura, and Carrie (twins Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush). Eventually, they would add the youngest Grace (twins Wendi and Brenda Turnbaugh) and adopt Albert (Matthew Labyorteaux).

The cast of characters included the Olesons, who owned the town store, Nels (Richard Bull), Harriett (Katherine MacGregor), Laura’s nemesis Nelly (Alison Arngrim) and Willie Oleson (played by Jonathan Gilbert and was Melissa’s real-life brother), as well as accomplished veteran actors Victor French as Mr. Edwards, Dabbs Greer as the Rev. Robert Alden and Kevin Hagen as Hiram “Doc” Baker.

There would be a cast of characters added and taken away through the series including Kyle Richards, who played Alicia, the adopted daughter of Mr. Edwards and his wife Grace (Bonnie

Bartlett); Jason Bateman, who was later taken in by the Ingalls with his sister, Cassandra, played Melissa Francis who later became a Fox News anchor, and near the end of its run Shannen Doherty who played Jenny Wilder, the niece of Laura’s husband Almanzo Wilder (Dean Butler).

Unfortunately, the show did get a bit of ribbing because of its family storylines and the fact that Landon could cry at the drop of a hat. Landon balanced family messages with a tinge of faith and humor. He didn’t shy away from the harshness of the 19th century and living on the prairie. Many of the episodes forced parents to have some hard talks with their kids. It was hard, but I whittled this down to five of my favorite episodes that still give me the feels.

1. “Sylvia” (Season 7, 1981). In this two-part episode, a teenage girl gets raped and finds out she’s pregnant. She is taunted by members of the town for being unwed and with a child. Albert wants to marry her and promises to raise the child as his own. Before they can, the rapist, who dons a clown mask, finds Sylvia again. While trying to flee him, Sylvia falls off a ladder and dies. This episode was terrifying. I had nightmares for weeks.

2. “May We Make Them Proud” (Season 6, 1980). Landon loved two-part series episodes when emotions were involved, and this also is a whole tissue box of cries. Mary and her husband Adam Kendall (Linwood Boomer), were hosting a charity picnic for their new blind school, and the whole town is there. Mary’s brother Albert and a friend decide it’s a good idea to play with matches and accidentally catch the building on fire. The fire results in the death of Mary and Adam’s newborn son Adam Jr., and Alice Garvey (Hersha Parady), the wife of Jonathan Garvey (football icon Merlin Olsen) and the mother of Andrew (played by Patrick Labyorteaux, real-life brother of Matthew aka Albert and later “NCIS” cast member). This one really hurt. I rewatched it last month, and it still made me ugly-cry. However, it allowed Olsen to expand his acting chops as his character turned to alcohol to cope with his wife’s passing.

3. “The Lord is My Shepherd”

(Season 1, 1974). In this episode, the Ingalls have a son whom they name Charles. Laura, who was a daddy’s girl, gets jealous of the attention the baby is getting and wishes he was never born. Baby Charles later dies of what we would call SIDS today, and while her family is grieving, Laura believes her wish to God came true and blames herself for his death. Ernest Borgnine makes a special appearance in this episode. Landon explores the grief of a child and sibling with gentle hands.

4. “I’ll be Waving as You Drive Away” (Season 4, 1978). In yet another two-part episode, we see the Ingalls’ eldest daughter, Mary (Anderson), go from struggling with blurry vision while studying for her teaching exam to losing her sight. Watching Anderson learn how to navigate a young girl losing her vision while on the cusp of womanhood and fulfilling all her dreams is heartbreaking. It is no wonder she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Leading Actress in a Drama Series that same year. Although the show was supposed to be focused on Laura, this storyline gave the character of Mary more juicier drama to tackle.

Crystal Schelle is a journalist whose work has been published locally, regionally and nationally. She enjoys trivia, cats and streaming movies. #THROWBACKTHURSDAY

5. “The Return of Mr. Edwards” (Season 6, 1979). Victor French was a dear friend of Landon’s since their “Bonanza” days. He later starred alongside him in the series “Highway to Heaven.” By this time, Mr. Edwards had been gone for a couple of seasons so French could pursue his own short-lived series. In his return

and in true “Little House” fashion, this reunion isn’t a happy gathering. When he’s home, he has a logging accident in which he saves his daughter Alicia. But he is badly injured and might not be able to work. Thinking he is useless to his family and friends, he invites Charles for a hunting trip. However, Charles soon realizes that Edwards is trying to kill himself and make it look like an accident. Of course, his buddy is there to teach him that he is loved.

And for a special mention: “The Last Farewell” (Season 9, 1984). Technically, this is part of the retitled “Little House on Prairie: A New Beginning.” The new title reflects when Grassle and Landon left the show and continued on with a married Laura and her husband, “Manny.” In this made-for-TV movie, Caroline and Charles return, and a tycoon wants to take over the town. Not giving up without a fight, the townspeople blow up the town as a shocking final farewell to the series. The series was over and the real owners had it in the contract that they had to return the land the same as when they bought it. So all the beloved structures except the church and the little house become kindling. As a heartfelt farewell to fans, the town’s people marched out singing “Onward Christian Soldiers,” a fitting tribute because that was the hymn of choice during the church scenes. Today neither the church nor the little house are still standing, as wildfires destroyed them in two separate events.

I could write a book on how many great episodes there were during the nine seasons of “Little House on the Prairie,” which includes the airing of “Little House on the Prairie: A New Beginning.” Today, many of the surviving cast members have gathered to celebrate the 50 years the show has been on the air during its original run and the years it’s been in reruns. Sadly, Michael Landon died at the age of 54, less than four months after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. If that had been a two-part episode, it would have been a three-tissue-box tearjerker for sure.

CRYSTAL SCHELLE

Associated Press file photo

Actress Melissa Gilbert of “Little House on the Prairie” poses in October 1976.

”Three States Impressions” — through April 26, Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. Showcases a variety of landscapes painted from the artist’s photos on-site in three different states.

Marlene Sapperstein captures characteristic and unique natural features of Maryland, her home; Florida, her second home; and Virginia. Weekends 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., or by appointment. 301-602-5733 or linksbridgevineyards.com.

”Creating in Abstraction” — through April 27, Gallery B, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. Featuring 11 artists pursuing abstraction across painting, sculpture, collage and mixed media. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 240-543-4962 or bethesda.org.

“Dreams” — through April 28 at DISTRICT Arts, 15 N. Market St., Frederick. Almost everyone dreams — happy, sad or scary, representative, abstract or surreal. This juried exhibition showcases the translation of the ethereal nature of dreams into tangible works of art. The original creations of 28 artists were selected by independent juror Rhonda Smith. 301-695-4050, districtarts.com.

Bettie Awards Exhibition — through April 28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media. View artworks created by local youth selected as 2024’s Bettie Award winners. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

“Iterations: Archetypes And Continuum” — through April 28 at NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Judith Kornett explores the nexus between imagery old and new, as well as her use of personal archetypes in their various iterations throughout her personal artistic continuum. Artist talk at 1 p.m. April 21. Hours noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240-367-9770, nomagalleryfrederick.com.

Emerging Perspectives Exhibition — through April 28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. This annual juried exhibition highlights young adult artists at the outset of their creative endeavors. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

Delaplaine Faculty Show — through April 28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. A showcase of the talents of those who teach at the center, including painters, metalsmiths, photographers, sculptors and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”Iterations: Archetypes and Continuum” — through April 28, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. This exhibit explores

The “Emerging Perspectives” juried exhibition highlights young adult artists at the outset of their creative endeavors. See the work through April 28 at the Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Shown here, work from the 2023 “Emerging Perspectives” show.

the nexus between imagery both old and new as explored by Judith Kornett, as well as her use of personal archetypes in their various iterations throughout her personal artistic continuum. Artist talk 1 p.m. April 21. Gallery hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. nomagalleryfrederick.com, 240-274-7985.

“Art Expressions: A Community Invitational Exhibit” — through April 28 at Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. To help the gallery celebrate its fifth anniversary, 20 artists from the community were invited to share their artwork at the gallery, along with the 14 gallery members. Showing weekends throughout April, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. eastsidearts313@gmail.com, eastsideartistsgallery. com.

Washington County Public Schools Art Exhibitions — Elementary through April 28, middle and high school May 4 to 19, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. Showcasing the artistic talents of public school students and their teachers. Extended hours until 8 p.m. April 18 and 25, and May 9 and 16. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-739-5727 or wcmfa.org.

“Photographs by Ray Conrad” — through April 30 at the Lobby Gallery at the Expanding Heart Center, 208 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Ray Conrad solo exhibition featuring photography in regional landscapes, architecture, nature, waterfalls and more. View by appointment at other times by calling 240-575-5132. rayconradphotography.smugmug.com.

“Winter to Spring” — through May 3 at Crestwood Gallery, Frederick Health Crestwood Building, 7211 Bank Court, Frederick. Original artwork including oil, acrylic, photography, mixed media and wood carvings by Frederick artists. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240-215-1460, frederickhealth.org/crestwoodart.

”Momentary Meditations” — through June 9, Riverworks Gallery at Locals Farm Market, 19929 Fisher Ave., Poolesville. Featuring photographs of the natural world that celebrate the extraordinary beauty all around us, “Momentary Mediations” hints at truths not easily put into words. Wib Middleton uses treescapes and ocean views to draw the viewer deep into thoughtful abstraction. Opening reception 4 to 6 p.m. April 21, RSVP. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. 301-690-9337 or riverworksart.org/gallery-1.

”Ephemeral//Enduring” — through July 31, FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Explores the concept of time through diverse artistic expressions. Artworks range from the abstract and philosophical to the personal histories of the artists and everywhere in between. Juried and curated by Professor of Art at Frederick Community College, Wendell Poindexter. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 301662-4190 or frederickartscouncil.org.

”Brushes With History: Inspiring the Personality of Frederick” — through Dec. 14, Museum of Frederick County History/Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Features the works of a few of the most

notable artists who have worked in Frederick County, past and present. With beautiful paintings of the county’s landmarks and natural splendor, our story explores the ways in which the visual arts provided economic opportunity to individuals and communities. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 301-663-1188 or frederickhistory.org.

Cumberland Valley Photographers Exhibit — March 23 through June 2, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. Various types of photography by artists in the Md., Va., Pa. and W.Va. region. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-7395727 or wcmfa.org.

Countryside Artisans Spring Studio Tour — April 19 to 21, studios in Frederick, Montgomery and Howard counties. Meet the artists and enjoy their work at 17 galleries and studios representing 50+ fine, visual, sculptural, textile and libation artists. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Brochure, map and other info at countrysideartisans.com.

”Painting From Life” — May 4 through June 30, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Watercolors, by Stacy Lund Levy, painted from people and places encountered in the artist’s everyday life. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”Explorations of Shadow and Light” — May 4 through June 30, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Joe Gerlak creates wall-hanging mixed-media pieces that function both as paintings and sculptures, and are informed by light and shadow as well as the subtle and fleeting occurrence of color, shape and form over time. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”Lincoln’s Triad: A Visual Chronicle of Histsory” — May 4 through June 30, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. This series of 3–D work blends a cubist-inspired geometric sensibility with elements of Pop Art in depicting the life of Abraham Lincoln. Works by Eunice Turner. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

National Juried Exhibition — May 4 through July 7, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Features works by artists from around the region and the nation in a variety of media. Juror Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah discusses her artistic practice and announces awards for the 2024 National Juried Exhibition, 2 to 3 p.m. May 4. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

Courtesy photo

THE LONG BOX

We need to talk about Ed Piskor

Before we start: This column talks frankly about suicide, online bullying and harassment. I understand that these discussions can be troubling for some readers, so fair warning if you’d rather skip this Long Box entry.

I’ve been profoundly sad for a few days now over the suicide of Ed Piskor and the tragic circumstances that led to his death. All of this seems now, in retrospect, to have been so easily avoidable.

I want to be sensitive here. There’s a lot we don’t know and will never know, things that will be locked forever in the minds of those involved. We are left with questions that may never be suitably answered.

it, he addresses the allegations, talks about his family and ramifications of his death, and names names.

“I knew I wasn’t going to be able to survive this,” he wrote. “Comics is beyond a profession to me. It’s everything,”

But, as painful as it is, we do need to talk about it. We need to discuss online bullying and harassment. We need to talk about the divisions in the industry. We need to talk about the allegations directed at Piskor and trial by public opinion and due process.

Piskor, 41, was acclaimed for his independent work like “Hip Hop Family Tree” and Marvel’s “X-Men: Grand Design” and was a cohost and prominent voice on the “Cartoonist Kayfabe” YouTube show with artist Jim Rugg.

For those unfamiliar with Piskor and the accusations directed at him, here’s a brief, oversimplified account of what happened.

In late March, 21-year-old Philadelphia artist Molly Dwyer posted screenshots of DMs sent to her by Piskor in 2020, when she was 17 and he was 38, alleging he’d attempted to groom her. Shortly after, another woman, Molly Wright, came forward, claiming Piskor attempted to trade a sexual favor with her in return for his agent’s phone number.

The internet outrage was swift and damning. An exhibition of Piskor’s art, scheduled in April at a Pittsburgh gallery, was canceled, and a $75,000 deal to make a cartoon of Piskor’s “Switchblade Shorties” comic collapsed overnight. Rugg posted that he was disassociating from Piskor.

Then, on Monday, April 1 — ironically, as those who read it speculated it could have been a poor April Fool’s joke — Piskor posted a brutally heart-wrenching 2,497-word suicide note to his Facebook page. In

I did read the note in its entirety, and it crushed me — fair warning if you choose to do the same. Piskor’s words come across as authentic in their finality.

Piskor was a polarizing figure. His “Red Room,” for instance, was graphically horrific, too much so even for me, and I have a high tolerance for the macabre. Wearing clothing and adopting speech reflective of his love of hip-hop led to criticism of cultural appropriation. Piskor irritated members of the community by mouthing off on “Cartoonist Kayfabe” about fellow creators. To me, Piskor presented as ungainly and nerdy, like that one socially awkward kid at school who tried too hard to be cool and edgy and failed at both.

The worst that can be said about Piskor’s DMs with Dwyer are how cringe-inducingly awkward they are. None of them struck me as intentional grooming; this seemed more like a social misfit and introvert desperately trying to present himself as cool and “with it” during a time of extreme isolation and stress — inappropriately so as a 38-yearold man addressing a 17 year old, yes. Inadvisable and outside the bounds of good taste but not illegal or criminal. The charges leveled at Piskor didn’t seem close to those justifiably directed at others in the industry. We will never know Piskor’s true intent. He denied the charges in his suicide note.

What stunned me was the speedof-light coalescence of opinion on social media that immediately painted Piskor as an irredeemable pedophile, a portrayal that was uncritically amplified and repeated as truth. The furor fed on itself, a cascade that quickly reached terminal velocity. At no point did anyone suggest pushing pause and evaluating the accusations’ merits. Any objective assessment of merit is now next to impossible in such a divisive atmosphere.

Why the divisiveness? I should explain here that the personalities

who provide commentary on the comics industry via social media fall into two distinct and mutually opposed camps: comicsgate and anti-comicsgate. I’ll leave it to you to research the merits and manifestos of each, but both sides have set themselves up as a litmus test for what comics are and should be (and, naturally, what they shouldn’t). Anyone who dares disagree potentially opens themselves to a cascade of harassment. Fear of cancelation rules the discussion, as most creators who earn their living through comics know that they could lose that livelihood from a single outof-context post.

Even now, both sides’ representatives are online, desperately struggling to spin the fallout from Piskor’s suicide, either to avoid blame or, shamelessly, gain something from it.

This overreaction to the accusation, Piskor’s death, and the events leading up to and through it, has had a chilling effect on many of the comic communities I’m a part

of. Many friends and colleagues are stepping away from social media as a result — not out of guilt but out of fear, disgust and disappointment. Me too. I even had second thoughts about broaching the topic in this column for fear of the repercussions.

But this tragedy — and it was a tragedy for all involved — mustn’t be swept aside. Personally, I hope, maybe too optimistically, it will be a moment of self-reflection for those self-appointed governors of social media’s town square at least as far as comics are concerned. Somehow, I doubt it.

RECOMMENDATIONS … In light of this heavy subject matter, my only recommendation this week is that if you are facing depression or considering suicide or are in crisis or worried about someone who is, please, please, please reach out for help. In the U.S., you can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, which provides services and help.

Be kind to each other, folks.

COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES

presented by the Music and Arts Ministry of Calvary United Methodist Church

Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. doors open at 2:15

A full-house for this concert is expected. Seating capacity of 225 for the general public, first-come, first-served. Overflow seating (non-visual) in Chapel.

Calvary United Methodist Church 131 West Second Street • Frederick, MD 21701

Nathan Laube, organist

Special Inaugural Concert Celebrating Calvary UMC’s New Pipe Organ

American organist Nathan Laube is one of the world’s elite organ performers and pedagogues. He is Associate Professor of Organ at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester New York and International Consultant in Organ Studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in the United Kingdom. His extensive international recital career takes him continually to major concert venues and festivals around the world. Don’t miss Mr. Laube’s solo concert, inaugurating Calvary UMC’s new 4-manual, 46-rank pipe organ built by Cornel Zimmer Organ Builders, Op. 167.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Visit www.calvaryumc.org/concerts for information on these and more upcoming events:

May 5, 2024

Francesca Hurst, pianist

Concertdatesarefirmatthetimeofpostingandrarelychange,butchangesorcancellationsbytheartist/groupand/orinclement weathermayhappenduetocircumstancesbeyondourcontrol.Changeswillbepostedatwww.calvaryumc.org/concerts.

CLIFF CUMBER

Belting out Beyoncé at the bar

Six karaoke spots where you can sing your heart out

BY JACK WALKER Special to The News-Post

Do long days at work bring you back to dreams of pop stardom? Do childhood fantasies of becoming a rock legend seem far out of reach? If so, look no further than Frederick’s night scene. A number of nearby hotspots still crank out their karaoke machines, helping your inner star shine — if only for a night.

Frederick might lack a full-fledged karaoke bar, but local establishments have picked up the tab. We’ve compiled a list of where and when you can sing karaoke, with all the details on six nearby venues worth adding to your next world tour.

ORIOLES NEST 331

TUESDAYS AT 7:30 P.M.

Tucked away in a strip mall on West Patrick Street, Orioles Nest 331 might be easy to miss on a drive across the Golden Mile. But inside of its glasspaned doors lies a jam-packed sports bar, with glowing neon lights and signs listing the day’s specials in bright colors.

On some nights, patrons at this bar might take up a game of darts, or watch sports matchups on any of the numerous televisions mounted around the room. But when the clock hits 7 p.m. each Tuesday evening, the bar transforms into a karaoke scene for the record books. If you’re looking for a high-energy, low-cost night of fun, Orioles Nest might be the optimal karaoke spot for you. Plus, there are plenty of other activities around the bar to keep you entertained if you need a breather from singing.

BUSHWALLER’S

TUESDAYS AT 9 P.M.

Downtown Frederick’s Irish pub Bushwaller’s is a long-time staple of the city’s nightlife scene, established back in 1981. Exposed brick and Irish iconography line the walls of this latenight establishment, and tables placed on the bar floor provide ample space for socializing with friends new and old.

Bushwaller’s merges the traditional pub experience with more modern programming, like trivia nights, musical performances and, of course, karaoke. Every Tuesday night at 9 p.m., patrons gather at this stop on North Market Street to let loose and come together in song. With its open floor plan, this bar is a great spot to meet other people and enjoy classic pub food and drink.

CAFE NOLA WEDNESDAYS AT 10 P.M.

Located on East Patrick Street, Cafe Nola is no stranger to karaoke. The eclectic establishment is perhaps best known for its organic, feelgood foods. But the cafe-by-day also has become a hub for local music performances at night and makes time for patrons to join in the fun with a weekly karaoke on Wednesday nights.

This downtown hub brings together the best of Frederick’s art scene, from the visual works hung along its walls to the local singers who serenade patrons in latenight hours. Cafe Nola is perfect for residents and visitors seeking an artsy vibe, especially those who appreciate local bands.

Whether you visit to participate in karaoke or sit back and take in the music that fills the room, Cafe Nola is a worthwhile spot for music lovers.

Douglas Ray Phebus performs during a karaoke night at Orioles Nest 331 in Frederick recently.

CELLAR DOOR

THURSDAYS AT 9:30 P.M.

A flight of stairs on the corner of East Church and North Market streets will bring you to Cellar Door, a dimly lit, upscale restaurant and lounge with generous seating at both tables and a bar.

On weekends, the bar curates a spirited scene, with live music and comedy nights bringing diverse forms of fun. But on weeknights, other activities take center stage at Cellar Door, like the weekly karaoke night held on Thursdays. Cellar Door serves full meals and a slate of cocktails that change with the seasons. Last fall, the restaurant offered an alcoholic pumpkin spice latte, and the venue celebrated New Year’s Day with its own take on butter beer.

This spot is a good fit for singers hoping to grab a late-night bite in between songs, and individuals looking for a dressier karaoke scene best visited with a group of friends.

CALLAHAN’S SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL

FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS AT 9:30 P.M.

Located on Rosemont Avenue, Callahan’s is a bar and grill a bit outside of Frederick’s downtown center. This restaurant is a highly regarded seafood spot in the area and provides double the karaoke fun each week.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, Callahan’s converts into a karaoke bar for regulars and newcomers alike.

With both bar and table seating, this is another versatile venue for grabbing drinks and dishes alike. This spot also has several televisions around the bar, which means the non-singers in your party can have an enjoyable night, even if they don’t join you onstage.

This venue has casual, fun vibes perfect for new karaoke singers experiencing first-time jitters, as well as those who’d like to pair a night of song with a good plate of seafood.

MEMORIES CHARCOAL HOUSE

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

OK, this venue is not located in Frederick proper, but it’s a short drive out of the city and worth a mention. Memories Charcoal House sits along East Ridgeville Boulevard in Mount Airy and is a food-forward sports bar with a full calendar of activities.

When it’s not busy with art workshops, trivia competitions and DJ performances, Memories Charcoal House makes time for a karaoke night every few months, easily discoverable through its Facebook and Instagram pages.

Karaoke aficionados in pursuit of a high-energy, casual bar vibe will luck out when they walk through this Mount Airy restaurant’s doors. Live music nights are often paired with bright, neon lights, which add excitement to an already vibrant ambiance.

If you’re looking to mix up your karaoke routine, keep an eye on this spot so you don’t miss your next big performance opportunity.

Jack Walker is an alum of Brown University and Frederick Community College who grew up in Thurmont.

Suzzette Robinson performs during a karaoke night at Orioles Nest 331 in Frederick recently.

Staff photos by Katina Zentz

Joe Middleton, also known as DJ Joe with the DJ Joe Experience, makes an announcement during a karaoke night at Orioles Nest 331 in Frederick recently.

THEATER

‘Gutenberg!

The Musical!’ will return to Frederick

A lot can happen in 15 years.

That’s the time elapsed between Landless Theatre Company’s 2008 D.C. premiere of “Gutenberg! The Musical!” and the show’s 2023 Broadway opening with “Book of Mormon” stars Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad. The Broadway production is now closed, but Landless’ acclaimed production is coming back to Frederick.

Landless will bring its hit production of “Gutenberg! The Musical!” to New Spire Arts in Frederick on April 19 to 21. The Off-Broadway musical is directed by John Sadowsky with music direction by Charles Johnson and accompaniment by Lisa Mattia.

In “Gutenberg! The Musical!,” written by “Beetlejuice The Musical” authors Scott Brown and Anthony King, a pair of aspiring playwrights perform a backers’ audition for their new project: a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johann Gutenberg. With an unending supply of enthusiasm, Bud and Doug sing all the songs and play all the parts in their crass, historical epic, with the hope that one of the producers in attendance will give them a Broadway contract — fulfilling their ill-advised dreams.

The 2008 D.C. production was named a Washington Post Editor’s Pick, and critic Bob Anthony wrote, “This show is so good it should run for a whole year.”

“Well, we showed him — we’ve been going a lot longer than a year,” said Andrew Baughman, who plays Bud opposite his real-life brother Matt as Doug. The production has continued to tour over the years, including two Frederick performances at the former Cultural Arts Center and Maryland Ensemble Theatre.

The Baughman brothers are cofounders of Landless Theatre and regular performers with the company, and both have been seen in many productions at the MET over the years.

The recent Broadway production starring Gad and Rannells was punctuated by special guest cameos ranging from Lin Manuel Miranda to Triumph the Insult Dog. Sadowsky assures audiences, “You can expect some local celebrities to make an appearance in Frederick.”

But does “Gutenberg! The Musical!” get better with time?

“We definitely refine our comedy and pick up new tricks as we play to different audiences,” said Matt Baughman. “And now we’ve had a chance to steal the parts we like from the Broadway production.”

Frederick performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets to “Gutenberg!” and all Landless season shows are available at weinbergcenter.org.

FAC Art Center Hours: Friday and Saturday 11a-5p or make an appointment

5 WILLOWDALE DRIVE | FREDERICK, MD

Photo courtesy of Amanda Williams Photography Bud (Andrew Lloyd Baughman, back) and Doug (Matt Baughman, front) in the opening number.

TV

“Manhunt,” now streaming on Apple TV+.

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine on Apple

TV’s ‘Manhunt’ and the story of Lincoln’s assassination

BY ERIN JONES Special to The News-Post

It’s a scene that has haunted the pages of American history books and classrooms for a century and half. Venerated President Abraham Lincoln slumped over in the Presidential Box at Ford’s Theatre in D.C., suffering from a gunshot wound to the head, while actor-turned-assassin John Wilkes Booth, having leapt to the stage, cries out, “Sic semper tyrannis” (Thus always to tyrants).

Apple TV+ has now brought that scene and the ensuing events to life in its new series “Manhunt,” based on James L. Swanson’s book of the same title. The pilot, released March 15, drops viewers into the harrowing and turbulent days following the end of the Civil War, and each week, another episode brings the story closer to its April 19 finale.

For the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, the series brings with it the opportunity to share their unique perspective on both the show and the surrounding historic events.

David Price, executive director of the museum, imagines that if President Lincoln had been shot at the beginning of the Civil War, the response would have been entirely different.

“Prior to the Civil War, there were only a handful of doctors that had ever treated a gunshot wound,” he said. “They’re treating sickness, they’re treating arrow wounds out West, they’re treating farm accidents, but nobody’s really shooting each other.”

By the time the war had ended in 1865,

the volume of gunshot wounds treated propelled the development and understanding of the medical practices necessary to do so. That’s just one of many examples of medical knowledge that stemmed from the Civil War.

“Civil War medicine is the birth of the modern healthcare system in America,” Price said. “It takes us from last place to first in medical knowledge in the world, and it’s all a direct result of the sheer number of patients. It’s a silver lining in a very dark cloud.”

By the time of President Lincoln’s assassination, many of the practices developed in the battlefield had begun to shape civilian medical practices as well. Major Jonathan Letterman (1824-1872) was instrumental in developing systems of triage and became known as the Father of Battlefield Medicine. These systems were reflected in Lincoln’s treatment.

“The first level of care would have been a field dressing station, which would have been close to the action.” Price explained. “Let’s call that the response to the assassination in the [theater] box. The job of that level of care is to simply stop bleeding … . And then they tried to move him to another level of care.” Lincoln was moved across the street from the theater to the Petersen House, which is what Price compares to a field hospital, the second level of care in Letterman’s system. The next level of care should have been the more advanced pavilion hospital, but Lincoln died at the Petersen House the morning after the shooting.

Would Lincoln have survived today?

“Probably not. Nobody knows,” Price said. “I am confident they did the best they could in a chaotic situation with the most famous man in the world at the time.”

A secondary medical plot point in “Manhunt” is the broken leg that John Wilkes Booth sustains while jumping from the box to the stage. After his escape, he is treated by Dr. Samuel Mudd (Matt Walsh).

“Mudd mentions to the authorities, to the Union soldiers, that he didn’t bother to make a patient file [on Booth] because the guy was just traveling through,” Price said. While Price is skeptical that a country doctor would have the standard practice of opening patient files on a passing visitor, the line nonetheless references the transformative value of record-keeping in Civil War medicine.

Early on, Letterman and others intentionally established documentation as a mandated medical practice. “They knew if they wrote down and recorded all of these cases, how they dealt with them and whether they were successful or not, more lives would be saved in future conflicts,” Price said. “And that’s pretty forward thinking.”

The comprehensive volume of documentation not only served as building blocks and guideposts in the development of modern medicine but now provides a wealth of resources for historians. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine has partnered on projects with Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House in D.C.

They have also advised TV producers on shows like PBS’s “Mercy Street.” “The producers came and met in my office and

got the basic layout of Civil War medicine of the time,” Price said. “They used us on every episode. We even had staff members on set several times.”

When a show like “Manhunt” brings this era of history to the foreground of popular culture, Price considers it a win for the museum, particularly as it depicts trained medical personnel. His advice to any whose interest in Civil War medical history may be piqued?

“Come see us. We tell some great stories here. If you are a Civil War buff, eventually you’re going to get to our side of the story, and you’re going to wish you had from day one.”

After all, Civil War medicine history is also Frederick history. Handpicked by Letterman because of its railway, highway and river access, Frederick played host to injured evacuees from nearby battlefields such as Antietam. Twenty-seven local buildings were taken over as hospitals. The community came out in droves to roll bandages and make pies and jellies.

“The history of how Frederick responded during the Civil War is one that we should really emulate and be proud of,” Price said.

Erin Jones is a freelance writer, former humanities teacher and owner of Galvanize & Grow Copywriting. She holds a BA in English from Hood College and an MA in English from the Bread Loaf School of English, through which she studied literature at Middlebury College and Oxford University. Learn more at erinjoneswriter.com, or follow her on Instagram @ErinJonesWriter.

Apple TV+

COUNTRY HAM LUNCH AND BAKE SALE

St John's Lutheran Church

8619 Blacks Mill Rd, Creagerstown MD

CA$H BINGO

Sat, Apr 20, 2024

Doors: 4:30pm

Games: 6:00pm

$25 for 20 Games

Wolfsville Volunteer Fire Department

For info: 301-293-4374

April 20, 2024

from 10 AM to 1 PM

$8 meal includes: Country Ham Sandwich, 4 oz Creagerstown Cole slaw, bag of Utz potato chips and Applesauce cup

$5 ea Country Ham Sandwich

$4 pint and $7 quart Cole Slaw

April 14 Deadline for all orders

April 20 Order pick up with Bake Sale items available Call Carmi Sayler 301-401-0633 or 301898-5290, leave name, ph # and order.

Planting Season is Here! Warm weather is coming! Stock up on hardy garden veggie plants Broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, etc

Tomato, pepper, squash, cuke plants now available We still have CSA subscriptions for sale

11434 Keymar Rd Woodsboro, MD 21798

Live Info: 240-439-9401

SLIPPERY HAM & TURKEY POT PIE CARRYOUT AND COUNTRY HAM SANDWICHES

Woodsboro Lutheran Church Sat, Apr 27, pickup from 11 am – 2 pm; Quarts $8, sandwiches $5; Baked goods available; For orders, leave message @ 301-2713309 by Wed, Apr 24

SOUP & SUB SALE

Middletown Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary Carry-Out Only

Chicken Corn Soup - $8/qrt

8" Subs-ham, turkey & cold cut w/cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion & pickle:

$8/ea, Country ham sandwiches: $5/ea

Cut off date: 4/19

Pick up date: 4/24 10AM-6PM at MVFC Activities Building

1 Fireman's Lane

Beverly 301-293-2088

Karen 443-871-9075

Janie 301-471-9604 lv messages

Thank you for your support!

The Manor Reformed Church Cemetery Co, Inc

ANNUAL MEETING will be held April 24, 2024 at 7:00 PM

It will be held in the social hall at the Emmanuel Trinity Lutheran Church located at 4004 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick MD 21703

All interested lot owners and trustees, please attend David Hawker, Pres., Rosina Biser, Tres/Sec

SPORTSMANS DRAWING

May 11, 2024

New Midway Vol Fire Co

Doors Open: 5:00

Buffet at 6:00

Drawing Start: 7:30

Tickets: $40 00 includes Buffet Meal

And Beer

12 Guns plus Lucky Loser ATM Available For Tickets Call 301-898-7985 or 301-2714650

The Chewsville

COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Waterside HOA will be having a yard sale

April 26, 12-5pm and April 27, 8am-4pm

Rain date: Sunday, April 28, 8am-4pm Off of Waterside Drive

PERSONAL PROPERTY SALE

Union Bridge, MD 21791

11318 Green Valley Rd

Fri 4/19, 12-7

Sat 4/20, 9-5

Furniture, antiques, Christmas items, china, vases, pictures, glasses, kitchenware and HH

All priced to sell, Cash or Venmo accepted

Thursday April 18

CLASSES

Brushes with History: Inspiring the Personality of Frederick — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History/Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Features the works of a few of the most notable artists who have worked in Frederick County. With beautiful paintings of the county’s landmarks and natural splendor, our story explores the ways in which the visual arts provided economic opportunity to individuals and communities. As we admire their talents captured on canvas, porcelain, metalware, and other media, we celebrate the role these artists have played in shaping our communities both past and present. $12, $10, $8. 301-663-1188. tonya@frederickhistory.org.

frederickhistory.org.

Frederick Collage Collective — 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Drop-in group for all levels. Materials provided. Facilitated by Black Cat Studios.

$5 donation. 301-662-4190. artcenter@frederickartscouncil.org.

frederickartscouncil.org.

Gin 101 — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at McClintock Distilling, 35 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Learn about the history and production process of making gin at the historic McClintock Distilling production facility. Afterwards students will get a chance to sample six different styles of gins from throughout history and the world. Students will also learn about the different botanicals and herbs that are used to make gin and finally, will be able to make their own custom gin blend of botanicals to take home and make their own compound gin. 21 and older, pre-registration required. $34. 301-624-2727.

lifelonglearning@frederick.edu.

“The Joys of Black Feminist World Making” with Brittney Cooper, Ph.D. — 7 p.m. at Hodson Auditorium, Rosenstock Hall, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Author, teacher and public speaker Brittney Cooper, PhD, will give a public talk, Q&A

session and book signing. Cooper is a tenured professor of women and gender studies and Africana studies at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Cooper is the co-founder of the Crunk Feminist Collective, which explores African-American culture, feminism and intersectionality. communityandinclusivity@hood.edu. hood.edu/news/hood-college-host-authorbrittney-cooper-phd-joys-black-feministworld-making-public-talk.

ETCETERA

Frederick Speaker Series: Chuck D — 7:30 p.m. at Weinberg Center of Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Chuck D is the leader and co-founder of the legendary rap group Public Enemy, the author of two critically acclaimed books, and a political activist, publisher, radio host and producer. He has been featured on, or interviewed in, over 50 documentaries on music, technology, politics, and race as well as appearing in numerous public service announcements for national peace and the Partnership for a Drug Free America. $50-$60. 301-6002828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org.

Duplicate Bridge Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration, 6909 Maryland Ave., Frederick. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and make new, like-minded friends. All are welcome, no membership requirements. If you need a partner, call Leslie at 240-344-4041 (or email lffutrell@ yahoo.com). For general information, call Sophia at 301-676-5656 (or email sdobran@comcast.net) or visit bridgewebs. com/frederick.

$7. 301-676-5656. sdobran@comcast.net. bridgewebs.com/frederick.

200 Monroe Restaurant — 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. Frederick Community College invites you to enjoy a gourmet dinner created by the students at 200 Monroe Restaurant. Reservations required. $40-$46. HCTI@frederick.edu. opentable.com/200-monroe.

Sip, Shop, Sparkle! — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Studio 24E, 21 E Main St., Thurmont. Finklepotts Fairy Hair will be in store sprinkling sparkles! Follow the link to book your appointment with Fairy Artist Ciara. Starting at $30. 443-679-7916. studio24e@aol.com. studio24e.com.

Business & Brews: Networking Speed Dating Style — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cowork Frederick, 122 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Want (or maybe need) to connect with other local freelancers and small biz owners, but not fond of “networking”? Dread the transactional feel of typical business card exchange networking events? Uncomfortable introducing yourself to strangers? Frustrated by failed attempts to meet the one person you really wanted to talk to? Join us for Business & Brews, an event designed to break down barriers, build trust, and help people connect authentically. Pre-registration required, limited to 20. ainsley@coworkfrederickfoundation.org. coworkfrederickfoundation.org/ business-brews.

Pre-Planning Education Seminar and Complimentary Lunch — 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 9501B Catoctin Mountain Highway, Frederick. Join a complimentary lunch/dinner while learning about topics such as advanced planning, the 25 documents you need before you pass, why you don’t want your children or heirs to make your arrangements, why insurance should not be used for purchasing funeral and cemetery needs, what to do when a death occurs while traveling, and veterans benefits — what the government does not provide. RSVP. 301-898-1577. seminars@resthaven.us. resthaven.us.

Pan Haas, Witch Letters & Bank Barns: 18th Century German Settlement on Monocacy Manor & Glade Valley — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Woodsboro Evangelical Lutheran Church, 101 S. Main St., Woodsboro. Dahl Drenning, Woodsboro & Frederick County historian, and the Woodsboro Historical Society present a free public lec-

ture about the 18th Century settlement of Monocacy Manor and Glade Valley. (Cash donations for the ongoing activities of the historical society are gratefully accepted.)

301-370-4042.

joel@cerensbergerbuilder.com.

woodsborohistoricalsociety.org.

Frederick County Civil War Roundtable Meeting and Presentation — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Gettysburg Rock Carvings. One of the more unusual facets of the Gettysburg battlefield is the existence of many rock carvings. Made by soldiers during the battle or by veterans upon their return or by civilians or tourists, rock carvings can be found on many areas of the 6,000 or so acres that encompass the Gettysburg National Military Park. Join Randy Drais, amateur Civil War historian and Battle of Gettysburg buff, for a look at many of the rock carvings on the Gettysburg battlefield and the stories behind them. free for members, $5 suggested fee for non-members. gldyson@comcast.net. frederickcountycivilwarrt.org.

Literacy Council Seeking Volunteer Tutors and Class Instructors for Adult Learners — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Tutor adults one-to-one or in small groups of 2-3. No experience is necessary — we provide training, teaching materials and support needed to work with both adult English Language Learners and Basic Literacy (native English speaking) students. Also seeking volunteers with ESL teaching experience to teach 60- to 90-minute weekly classes in 10 week sessions. Completion of a one-hour Volunteer Information Session, via Zoom, is required for all volunteers. Tutoring and classes are conducted in person and remotely. See website for more information. 18 and older.

301-600-2066.

msilva@frederickliteracy.org. frederickliteracy.org.

MUSIC

Live Jazz at the Cocktail Lab — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Get swanky with us

every Thursday night for live jazz and your favorite craft cocktails. 21 and older. 301-233-4817. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com/events.

FCC Jazz Ensemble II — 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at Frederick Community College, Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. FCC is celebrating jazz appreciation month with festive concert performances in JBK Theater this spring. Enjoy a night of jazz favorites under the direction of Jordan Clawson. Follow this link to reserve your seat: https://FCCApril2024Jazz.eventbrite.com.

301-846-2566. mgersten@frederick.edu. frederick.edu/music.

THEATER

“The Squirrels” — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The patriarch of a family of gray squirrels has stowed away enough nuts for 10 winters, but the fox squirrels from way over near the 7-11 want in on his stash. In this fiercely funny and provocative play, the writer of “Hand to God” exposes the way we use power and domination to mask our own insecurities and fears. 18 and older. $6.50 to $37.50. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-squirrels.

Friday April 19

CLASSES

Brushes with History: Inspiring the Personality of Frederick — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History/Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Features the works of a few of the most notable artists who have worked in Frederick County. With beautiful paintings of the county’s landmarks and natural splendor, our story explores the ways in which the visual arts provided economic opportunity to individuals and communities. As we admire their talents captured on canvas, porcelain, metalware, and other media, we celebrate the role these artists have played in shaping our communities both past and present. $12, $10, $8. 301-663-1188. tonya@frederickhistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

ETCETERA

HHS Mobile Health Unit, Outreach Team and Program Staff Visit — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Catoctin Manor Apartments, 798 Motter Ave., Frederick. Program staff will be bringing health services, food distribution, and access to learn more about other HHS programs (like energy assistance) to various neighborhoods throughout the Frederick community. Food distribution begins at noon, while supplies last. 240-409-9005.

mgrogan@cityoffrederickmd.gov. cityoffrederickmd.gov.

Teen Connect: Drones — 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join Frederick County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to learn about how their high-flying

drones are used to create maps and 3D scenes. Watch their drones in action as they soar through the sky. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

Mead & Read Trivia at Orchid Cellar Meadery — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Orchid Cellar Meadery, 8546 Pete Wiles Road, Middletown. Gather a team of up to 6 people for a fun night of trivia. Questions will be loosely based on the book “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. The winning team will receive two free flights of mead. Team registration opens at 5:30 p.m. Trivia will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Perucho’s Street Cuisine food truck will be serving from 3:30 - 8 p.m. Cheese platters & snacks are also available for purchase from Orchid Cellar, or feel free to bring your own food. 21 and older. 301-600-7560. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Monthly Creative Cafe — 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Join us for an evening of artistic expression and celebration as we shine a spotlight on local artists in honor of Black History Month. This event will feature a powerful spoken word performance by Lanai Monroe. All are welcome to attend this free event. 304-707-2240. vaira.evangeline@gmail.com. transformativeartsproject.org.

GALLERY

Countryside Artisans Spring Studio Tour — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The Countryside Artisans Spring Studio Tour continues through April 21. Meet the artists and enjoy their work in the beautiful settings that inspire them every day. Choose from 17 galleries and studios representing 50+ fine visual, sculptural, textile, and libation artists as you wind your way through scenic Montgomery, Frederick, and Howard counties on this free, self-guided, driving tour. Brochure, map and info can be found at www.countrysideartisans.com. 301-337-1745. sugarloafquilting@gmail.com. countrysideartisans.com.

MUSIC

Morgan’s Coffeehouse — 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Morgan Chapel United Methodist Church, 6750 Woodbine Road, Woodbine. Featuring The Shade Tree Collective on April 19. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and music begins at 7 p.m. Food, snacks, desserts, coffee, tea and sodas available for purchase. Donations encouraged. Family friendly. 410-970-2485. coffeehouse@morganchapel.church. morganchapel.church/coffeehouse.html.

Bee Gees Gold — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg, Pa. John Acosta, as Barry Gibb, has performed in Bee Gees Tributes all over the world. His portrayal of lead singer Gibb is with a zest for detail like no other! From the look to the fashion to the falsetto, you will close your eyes and say “It’s Barry!” Beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks and concessions available for purchase.

Adults: $39, Seniors 60+: $34, Military, Frontline Workers: $30, 18 & under: $29. 717-263-0202.

vperry@thecapitoltheatre.org. thecapitoltheatre.org.

Live Music at the Cocktail Lab — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Every Friday in the Cocktail Lab we’ll be servin’ up our deliciously wild concoctions and some sweet tunes to get your weekend started off right. 21 and older. 301-233-4817. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com/events.

THEATER

“Diana The Musical” — 6 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. It’s 1981 and the world is hungry for a royal wedding — but is the 20-year-old bride prepared for what comes after? Following her storybook union, Princess Diana faces a distant husband, an unmovable monarchy, and overwhelming media scrutiny.  But her modern perspective and remarkable compassion galvanizes a nation, even as it threatens the royal family’s hold on England. Prices vary. 301-662-6600. wob@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.

“The Squirrels” — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The patriarch of a family of gray squirrels has stowed away enough nuts for 10 winters, but the fox squirrels from way over near the 7-11 want in on his stash. In this fiercely funny and provocative play, the writer of “Hand to God” exposes the way we use power and domination to mask our own insecurities and fears. 18 and older. $6.50 to $37.50. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-squirrels. “Gutenberg! The Musical!” — 8 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A pair of aspiring playwrights perform a backers’ audition for their new, ill-advised project — a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johann Gutenberg. With an unending supply of enthusiasm, Bud and Doug sing all the songs and play all the parts in their crass historical epic, with the hope that one of the producers in attendance will give them that elusive Broadway contract. $25. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbercenter.org.

Oh, Crit! A D&D Improv Crew at MET Comedy Night — 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Improv comedy fused with Dungeons & Dragons! Join us as we embark on an adventure of twists and turns, bizarre characters, and occasional epic failure … All with the help from YOU and the whim of an unforgiving 20-sided die! $15. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/comedynight.

Saturday April 20 CLASSES

Planting the Spring Vegetable Garden — 10 a.m. to noon at University of Maryland Extension Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick. Growing potatoes, broccoli, onions and peas requires early planning. Learn

what to plant and when to start planting spring vegetables, including what techniques work best in small or limited spaces. Find out how row covers and mulching can increase your success.

301-600-1596. strice@umd.edu. bit.ly/FCMG2024SpringVegGarden.

Brushes with History: Inspiring the Personality of Frederick — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History/Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Features the works of a few of the most notable artists who have worked in Frederick County. With beautiful paintings of the county’s landmarks and natural splendor, our story explores the ways in which the visual arts provided economic opportunity to individuals and communities. As we admire their talents captured on canvas, porcelain, metalware, and other media, we celebrate the role these artists have played in shaping our communities both past and present.

$12, $10, $8. 301-663-1188. tonya@frederickhistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

Freedom BANG class — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. A pre-choreographed fusion of boxing, HIIT, hip hop, world dance, optional weighted gloves and just a touch of attitude. Offering a wide range of intensity options to help you customize your workout. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

A Taste of Asia: California Maki Roll and Spicy Fire Beef — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at FCC Monroe Center, Room MC147, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. Join us as we travel the Far East and are introduced to various Asian cuisines from China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Focus will be on traditional dishes with new flavors but using standard sauce ingredients. Chef Woo Can will demonstrate how easy and simple these Asian dishes are to make. Hearty meals that taste good using ingredients from your local markets specifically “H Mart” in Frederick. $42. 301-624-2727. lifelonglearning@frederick.edu.

ETCETERA

Freecycle Event (for Frederick City Residents Only) — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Public Works Complex, 111 Airport Drive East, Frederick. Acceptable items include furniture, appliances, bicycles, large toys/ swing sets, mattress/box springs (limit 3 per household), mowers, weed eaters and trimmers with fluids removed, grills (no tanks). Local charitable organizations will collect clothing, books, CDs and DVDs, etc., furniture, electronics and computer equipment, TVs, plastics. Proof of residency required. 301-600-1680.

cityoffrederickmd.gov.

Community Shredding Event — 9 a.m. to noon at Watkins Park, 615 Center St., Mount Airy. Open only to residents (no businesses) in 21771 ZIP code. Hosted by Town of Mount Airy’s Recycling and Sanitation Commission. Please do not bring items like magazines, newspapers, advertisements, etc. These are not confidential items and do not need to be shredded. They can

be safely placed in your recycling bins. The event is for shredding confidential papers only. mountairymd.gov.

“This Race is for the Birds!!” 5K/10K Fundraiser — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Broomgrass Farm Community, Broomgrass Way, Gerrardstown, W.Va. In-person and virtual options. Sign up for the most fun run of the season! Run, walk or jog a 5K or 10K in-person on the trails of the Broomgrass Farm Community in Berkeley County, W.Va. For those who are not local or not available the day of the race, we welcome your participation through our virtual 5K/10K option. All proceeds support the PVAS programs and preserves. $30-$40. Race4Birds@PotomacAudubon.org. runsignup.com/Race/WV/Gerrardstown/ raceforthebirds.

Myersville Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to noon at Municipal parking lot, 301 Main St., Myersville. Saturdays through Oct. 26. myersvillefarmersmarket.com.

AARCH Society “Living Treasures Breakfast Banquet” — 9:30 a.m. at American Legion FSK Post #11, 1450 Taney Ave., Frederick. AARCH Society honoring African Americans 90 years and older. For tickets and information, contact: Barbara Thompson. Tickets may also be purchased online. RSVP required. $40. 301-964-9754. barbara.thompson8106@comcast.net. aarchsociety.org/living-treasures-2024.

Low Cost Rabies Clinic — noon to 4 p.m. at Southern States Mount Airy, 1312 S. Main

St., Mount Airy. Pets-4-Pets is sponsoring this clinic. Be certain to have your pets kenneled or leashed for their protection and the safety of volunteers. All pets must be at least 12 weeks of age to receive a vaccine. Bring previous non-expired certificate (not a tag) to honor a booster for a 3-year vaccine; otherwise all vaccines are good for one year. If you have a large quantity of pets to bring, arrive toward the last hour of the clinic to allow us to provide vaccines in a timely manner for those with just 1-5 pets. $9. 240-405-4564. pets4pets@gmail.com. pets-4-pets.rescuegroups.org/.

Tip Me Frederick Kitten Shower — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Zi Pani Cafe Bistro, 177 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite A, Frederick. Door prizes, cool temporary cat tattoos, an awesome raffle basket, and cake! You can purchase yummy food and drinks from Zi Pani. Meet other kitten fosters and learn about Tipling’s foster program. Please bring an item from our Wishlist (see website) to help us prepare for kitten season. For each donated item, you’ll receive a raffle ticket. No kittens at this event. The raffle winner will be notified later that day.We will not have kittens at this event, but they will be at our next Adoption Event in May. 240-457-1479. angela3cats@yahoo.com. tipmefrederick.org.

New Market District Lions Club Cash Bingo — 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Libertytown Volunteer Fire Department, 12027 South St., Libertytown. Come join us at the Lion Bobby Rakestraw Memorial Cash Bingo. All proceeds go to supporting the community.

Game prizes will be $75 per regular game with four $100 games; special jackpot of $200 and senior jackpot $500. King Tuts and other card games available $20 advance sale per set of tickets; $25 at door. 301-367-7438. blowell@opentext.com. e-clubhouse.org/sites/newmarketmd. Back to the ‘90s Dinner and Auction — 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mother Seton School, 100 Creamery Road, Emmitsburg. Join us as we travel back in time to the 1990s, the decade that brought us Furby, Pokemon, Windows 95, grunge, and the end of the Cold War. Enjoy a catered dinner from Bollinger’s and entertainment from Cruzin’ Chris, plus raffles, games and a silent auction! 21 and older. RSVP required. $40. 301-447-3161. coconnell@mothersetonschool.org. mothersetonschool.org/gala.

FAMILY

“The Borrowers” — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A new imaginative retelling of the delightful classic tale about three tiny people who are big heroes. When the Human Beans move in above the Clock family’s tiny home under the floor boards, their life is about to get a whole lot bigger. An original Fun Company creation. Continues weekends through May 12. $6.50 to $25. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-borrowers. Spring Open House — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at

William R. Talley Rec Center, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick. Trial fitness classes, Earth Day activities, live music, food trucks, games and activities, instructor meet-and-greet, program registration.  301-600-1450. playfrederick.com.

Antietam Station Open House — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hagerstown Model RR Museum, Inc. at Antietam Station, 17230 Shepherdstown Pike, Sharpsburg. Model train layouts and railroad displays. There are wooden train sets for kids to play with. 301-964-0469. bblairwilliamson@aol.com. antietamstation.com.

Visit the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum — noon to 4 p.m. at Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum, 300B S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. The history of the Frederick County fire and rescue service comes alive at the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum with artifacts such as early hand pumpers to one of the first motorized fire engines in Frederick, a 1919 AhernsFox engine owned by the Gladhill family. Open weekends through Sept. 28. 301-676-2285. cjecc171@comcast.net. frederickmdfiremuseum.org.

“The Borrowers” — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A new imaginative retelling of the delightful classic tale about three tiny people who are big heroes.

When the Human Beans move in above the Clock family’s tiny home under the floor boards, their life is about to get a whole lot bigger. An original Fun Company creation. Continues weekends through May 12.

$6.50 to $25. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-borrowers.

Tour the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Tour Frederick’s oldest surviving building with a knowledgeable guide. Now 266 years old, it was the home of Elias and Albertina Brunner, German immigrants who were part of the great migration centuries ago of refugees from oppressed and war ravaged Europe. The home contains the only surviving example of the German five-plate stove that provided clean, safe, energy-efficient home heating. $8. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

FESTIVALS

Middletown Green Expo — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Middletown Memorial Park, 301 S. Church St., Middletown. Meet lots of sustainability-minded organizations at this fun, free community event that is loaded with activities, giveaways and great green info. Enjoy activities including demonstrations on tree planting, robotic lawn mowing, beekeeping and more. 301-371-6171. cunangst@ci.middletown.md.us.

greenmiddletown.com.

GALLERY

Countryside Artisans Spring Studio Tour

— 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The Countryside Arti-

sans Spring Studio Tour continues through April 21. Meet the artists and enjoy their work in the beautiful settings that inspire them every day. Choose from 17 galleries and studios representing 50+ fine visual, sculptural, textile, and libation artists as you wind your way through scenic Montgomery, Frederick, and Howard counties on this free, self-guided, driving tour. 301-337-1745. sugarloafquilting@gmail.com. countrysideartisans.com.

MUSIC

Ernie Couch & Revival Gospel Concert — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Taylorsville United Methodist Church, 4356 Ridge Road, Mount Airy. Ernie Couch & Revival will be in concert, gospel group from Nashville. Freewill offering. 410-875-4101. taylorsvilleumcmd@gmail.com. taylorsvilleumc.org.

Rays of Violet — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. Rays of Violet returns home to Frederick for a 4/20 celebration. A night of Grateful Dead music, dancing and friendship. $5 cover at the door. 301-372-4880. matt@rockwellbrewery.com.

PERFORMER

“Intentional Terrarium” — 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick. MAD Dance presents a festival of performances and experiences

Meet Bob & Freddie. When it comes to local businesses, businesspeople

Law Office of Lena A. Clark

2023 WINNER FOR BEST LAW FIRM – ESTATE LAW

OUR NINE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

This month, we celebrate our nine-year anniversary! We opened our doors April 17, 2015, and made an offer on our forever home on West Patrick Street in October of 2015. In our early days, we had only two employees, including Attorney Clark. Nine years later, we have eleven employees. We even purchased a second office space just across the parking lot! Our consultations and client meetings will remain at our original location.

This month also marks two years since Attorney Clark’s dad passed away, leaving Attorney Clark, her brother, and her mom to settle his modest estate back in Estonia. Despite encouragement from Attorney Clark, her parents never created Wills and Revocable Living Trusts. At 68-years old, her dad thought he had years left to create an Estate Plan leaving his possessions to his beloved wife! Instead, Estonian law dictated that his estate, including his marital home of 38 years, would be split equally between his wife and children.

To make things worse, Attorney Clark couldn’t just forfeit her share of the estate because, by Estonian law, it would be passed to her then one-year-old son, who couldn’t disclaim until age 18! Attorney Clark’s mom was legally responsible for

maintaining and paying taxes on a property that she wanted to sell. Eventually, Attorney Clark and her brother found an expensive solution and were able to “gift” their shares to their mom. Luckily, there was no Gift Tax issue, which would have applied under US law.

WHY IS ESTATE PLANNING IMPORTANT?

Life is unpredictable, and the unexpected can happen at any time. Having a solid Estate Plan can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Our team is on a mission to make sure your family does not have to go through what Attorney Clark’s family had to endure.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR CREATING A WILL?

We ask all Potential Clients to submit an Estate Planning Questionnaire and consultation payment before the consultation so that the initial meeting time is used productively.

At the consultation, we review your questionnaire and discuss your goals. Within a few weeks, you will come in, review and sign the documents, and leave with peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are taken care of.

Attorney Clark has been working in Trusts and Estates law for twenty years and running this firm for nine years. We know Estate Planning!

If you need help protecting your money and loved ones in the event of death or disability, call us at 301-696-0567 or self-schedule online at lenaclarklegal.com.

taking place in an immersive art installation at the Y Arts Center. Every Saturday in April, “Intentional Terrarium” installation will be open to the public, with a rotating series of performances and experiences by a diverse group of artists, performers, healers and thinkers. See website for schedule. 301-331-4398. kitclark.moves@gmail.com. kittyclarkmoves.com/mad-dance.

THEATER

“Diana The Musical” — 6 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. It’s 1981 and the world is hungry for a royal wedding — but is the 20-year-old bride prepared for what comes after? Following her storybook union, Princess Diana faces a distant husband, an unmovable monarchy, and overwhelming media scrutiny.  But her modern perspective and remarkable compassion galvanizes a nation, even as it threatens the royal family’s hold on England. Prices vary. 301-662-6600. wob@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.

“Gutenberg! The Musical!” — 8 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A pair of aspiring playwrights perform a backers’ audition for their new, ill-advised project — a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johann Gutenberg. With an unending supply of enthusiasm, Bud and Doug sing all the songs and play all the parts in their crass historical epic, with the hope that one of the producers in attendance will give them that elusive

$25. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbercenter.org.

“The Squirrels” — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The patriarch of a family of gray squirrels has stowed away enough nuts for 10 winters, but the fox squirrels from way over near the 7-11 want in on his stash. In this fiercely funny and provocative play, the writer of “Hand to God” exposes the way we use power and domination to mask our own insecurities and fears. 18 and older.

$6.50 to $37.50. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-squirrels.

Sunday April 21

ETCETERA

Stomp Out Heroin 5K — 7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Baker Park, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick . Family friendly 5K walk/run to raise awareness in our community and raise funds for Maryland’s ONLY recovery high school, located in downtown Frederick. Details online. 301-644-2140. heather@phoenixfoundationmd.org. runsignup.com/Race/MD/Frederick/ StompOutHeroin5K.

Face of America Annual Bike Ride — 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church (The Promised Land), 10918 Taneytown Pike, Emmitsburg. Tom’s Creek United Methodist Church has this annual

tradition of hosting a rest stop for our wounded warriors. The bikers are greeted with applause, people waving banners and flags, snacks and beverages. Please join us for this heartwarming event. 443-280-3279. jcoleman0501@gmail.com. tomscreekumc.com.

Spirit Expo One Day Retreat — 10 a.m. to 5:05 p.m. at The Bishop Claggett Center, 3035 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown. Sharon Price, author & spiritual translator, will lead the event. She will be joined by guest speaker astrologer and spiritual teacher Donna Stellhorn. $99. 240-772-1273. AuthorSharonPrice@gmail.com. authorsharonprice.com/ spirit-expo-one-day-retreat.

Civil War-Style Church Service — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Historic Rocky Springs Chapel, 7817 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick. Join Historic Rocky Springs Chapel Inc. for a nondenominational church service conducted by HRSC Trustee and Preacher Kirk Callison wearing Civil War period attire. A short living history program will follow the service. The wearing of Civil War period attire to the church service is encouraged (but not required). 321-610-7246. debbymoone@gmail.com. historicrockyspringschapeland schoolhouse.org.

Ramps and Other Native Edibles of Maryland — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Master Gardener Tiger Waddell will discuss the ramp vegetable along with other lesser-known edible plants found in Maryland. After, stop in to our seed and plant swap! Tiger will be available to assist with any questions. 18 and older. 301-600-8200.

IntraCity Bingo Fundraiser — FHS & TJHS Safe & Sane — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Lewistown Volunteer Fire Co. 22, 11101 Hessong Bridge Road, Thurmont. Join TJ & Frederick High School’s Safe and Sane committees. Doors open 11:30 a.m. First game 1 p.m. King Tuts. Ticket includes a 6-game pack. Additional cards are available for purchase, also baked goods and concessions, are available for purchase. Tip jars, silent auction, raffles. ATM on-site. Goal is to raise $4,000 per school. $25 advance, $35 at the door. 240-7722245. fhscadetssafeandsane@gmail.com. givebutter.com/intracitybingo.

Earth Day Plant and Seed Swap — 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Bring your seeds, bulbs and plants to swap. Leave what you don’t need while you get new specimens for your garden! A Master Gardener will be here to answer your questions. 18 and older.

301-600-8200.

fcpl.org.

FAMILY

MAVFC Big Country Breakfast Buffet — 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company Reception Hall, 1008 Twin Arch Road, Mount Airy. The buffet will feature scrambled eggs, smoked sausage, bacon, french toast, pancakes, biscuits, home fries, sausage & chipped beef gra-

vies, baked apples, make your own waffle bar and drinks.  $14 adults, $9 ages 6 to 12, under age 5 free. 301-829-0100. mavfc.org.

Visit the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum — noon to 4 p.m. at Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum, 300B S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. The history of the Frederick County fire and rescue service comes alive at the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum with artifacts such as early hand pumpers to one of the first motorized fire engines in Frederick, a 1919 AhernsFox engine owned by the Gladhill family. Open weekends through Sept. 28. 301-676-2285. cjecc171@comcast.net. frederickmdfiremuseum.org.

“The Borrowers” — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A new imaginative retelling of the delightful classic tale about three tiny people who are big heroes. When the Human Beans move in above the Clock family’s tiny home under the floor boards, their life is about to get a whole lot bigger. An original Fun Company creation. Continues weekends through May 12. $6.50 to $25. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-borrowers.

Tour the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Tour Frederick’s oldest surviving building with a knowledgeable guide. Now 266 years old, it was the home of Elias and Albertina Brunner, German immigrants who were part of the great migration centuries ago of refugees from oppressed and war ravaged Europe. The home contains the only surviving example of the German five-plate stove that provided clean, safe, energy-efficient home heating. $8. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

GALLERY

Countryside Artisans Spring Studio Tour — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The Countryside Artisans Spring Studio Tour continues through April 21. Meet the artists and enjoy their work in the beautiful settings that inspire them every day. Choose from 17 galleries and studios representing 50+ fine visual, sculptural, textile, and libation artists as you wind your way through scenic Montgomery, Frederick, and Howard counties on this free, self-guided, driving tour. Brochure, map and info can be found at www.countrysideartisans.com.

301-337-1745.

sugarloafquilting@gmail.com. countrysideartisans.com.

Gallery Opening Reception | “Momentary Meditations,” the Photography of Wib Middleton — 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Riverworks Gallery at Locals Farm Market, 19929 Fisher Ave., Poolesville. Featuring the work of Wib Middleton, imploring us to find inner calm by seeing beyond ourselves—and to welcome the peace and contemplation that nature can provide.

240-644-4345. ian@riverworksart.org. riverworksart.org/gallery-1.

WALSTON

(Continued from 6)

rent jazz artist you would like people to check out? I’m a big fan of Jason Moran. I don’t know if you listen to him, but ...

That’s actually the person I was going to say! I absolutely love Jason Moran’s music, especially when he plays swing in a more modern style. I think that’s very comparable to the sound that we’re achieving on this record. If you listen to Jason Moran’s “Bandwagon” record, you hear moments of stride piano but then things take a turn and you’re not sure if it’s avant-garde or free, but the band is still clinging really hard. Those are the types of things I really love listening to myself. And I’d like to expand in that area.

I saw him perform Monk’s “Live From Town Hall” years ago and it was fantastic. Have you ever seen him live?

I haven’t seen him live. I messaged him on social media though, and he was kind enough to listen to one of the tracks on the album and give me some

EVERLYS

(Continued from 7)

song came in 1957, the hugely popular “Bye Bye Love.” It hit No. 1 in the spring, shortly after I was born, and stayed there for four weeks. You know the chorus: “Bye-bye love/ Bye-bye happiness/ Hello loneliness/ I think I’m-a gonna cry-y.”

Huge hits would follow, like “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have To Do Is Dream” (my No. 1 all-time favorite song about dreaming!), “When Will I Be Loved” (perhaps made more famous by Linda Ronstadt in 1974), “So Sad,” “Crying in the Rain” and “Problems.” Their biggest-selling single of all time, “Cathy’s Clown,” came in 1960. You know this one, too: “Here he co-o-oomes: That’s Cathy’s clown.”

In a move that would be unheard of today, the brothers enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1961. Elvis did the very same thing. There were very few military exemptions back then, and it beat being drafted and sent to Vietnam.

But, unfortunately, unlike Elvis, the Everlys’ output and fame fell off upon their return. Their last big hit came in 1962 with “That’s Old Fashioned (That’s the Way Love Should Be).” The British Invasion took hold shortly thereafter, curtailing or ending the careers of many rock ‘n’ roll pioneers. They did, however, launch a successful touring career in the ’60s. In the ’70s, the brothers began releasing solo recordings — but no hits — and officially broke up in 1973.

kind words. That was really nice. What else do you have planned for 2024?

On July 27, we’re going to be playing at the Y Arts Performing Center in Frederick. It will be the same trio that’s on the album. We’ll be doing some of the record and some of my favorite standards but in that modern style we talked about. I’m really excited to get to play for the Frederick community. In addition to that, we’ve got music festivals and we’re doing multiple things in Richmond this year. We’ll be trying to play out as much as possible.

This interview has been edited for space and clarity.

Colin McGuire has been in and out of bands for more than 20 years and also helps produce concerts in and around Frederick. His work has appeared in Alternative Press magazine, PopMatters and 72 Hours, among other outlets. He is convinced that the difference between being in a band and being in a romantic relationship is less than minimal. Contact him at mcguire. colin@gmail.com.

IF YOU GO

Key West Productions presents The Everly Brothers Experience featuring the Zmed Brothers at 8 p.m. April 20 at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick. Tickets start at $30 and are available at weinbergcenter.org, by calling the box office at 301-600-2828, or in person at 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick.

They got back together for a while in the ’80s, performing periodically until Phil’s death in 2014. Don died seven years later in 2021.

In 2015, Rolling Stone ranked the Everlys as the No. 1 greatest musical duo of all time. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 1986, along with such firstname luminaries as Elvis, Chuck, Buddy and Jerry Lee. The Everlys were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019.

By all accounts, they were unaffected by their meteoric stardom. They said in 1960 at the height of their popularity, “We’re not Grand Ole Opry ... we’re obviously not Perry Como ... we’re just pop music.”

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.

MUSIC

Jazz Saxophonist Darryl Brenzel — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Record Exchange, 410 N. Market St., Frederick. National Record Store Day event. Brenzel brings his Invention Trio to the store’s stage, featuring original compositions by Brenzel for his trio (Todd Harrison on drums and Dave Foster on upright bass). Free, donations accepted.

The Chariot Jubilee — 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Evangelical Lutheran Church, 31 E. Church St., Frederick. The Frederick Chorale, in collaboration with The Deer Creek Chorale, will perform a collection of music titled “The Chariot Jubilee!” This concert will feature soloists from each ensemble and highlight works from Nathaniel Dett and Maurice Duruflé. These not-often-performed works will explore the intersections between African American spirituals and the Latin Liturgy. 301-514-4524. info@frederickchorale.org. fb.me/e/3df84fPPh.

THEATER

“Diana The Musical” — 12:30 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. It’s 1981 and the world is hungry for a royal wedding — but is the 20-year-old bride prepared for what comes after? Following her storybook union, Princess Diana faces a distant husband, an unmovable monarchy, and overwhelming media scrutiny.  But her modern perspective and remarkable compassion galvanizes a nation, even as it threatens the royal family’s hold on England. Prices vary. 301-662-6600. wob@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.

“The Squirrels” — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The patriarch of a family of gray squirrels has stowed away enough nuts for 10 winters, but the fox squirrels from way over near the 7-11 want in on his stash. In this fiercely funny and provocative play, the writer of “Hand to God” exposes the way we use power and domination to mask our own insecurities and fears. 18 and older.

$6.50 to $37.50. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-squirrels.

“Gutenberg! The Musical!” — 8 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A pair of aspiring playwrights perform a backers’ audition for their new, ill-advised project — a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johann Gutenberg. With an unending supply of enthusiasm, Bud and Doug sing all the songs and play all the parts in their crass historical epic, with the hope that one of the producers in attendance will give them that elusive Broadway contract. $25. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbercenter.org.

Monday April 22

CLASSES

Sol Yoga — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkers-

ville. Free yoga class offered by Sol Yoga. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

Meditative Dance Movement — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Transformative Arts Project. $10 donation. 301-662-4190. artcenter@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org.

ESL High Beginners Conversation Class

— 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. For adults who want to practice their English to a conversation class hosted by the Literacy Council of Frederick County. Students will practice their speaking and listening skills with conversations guided by an instructor from the LCFC. Registration is required by the LCFC. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

ETCETERA

Duplicate Bridge Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration, 6909 Maryland Ave., Frederick. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and make new, like-minded friends. All are welcome, no membership requirements. If you need a partner, call Leslie at 240-344-4041 (or email lffutrell@ yahoo.com). For general information, call Sophia at 301-676-5656 (or email sdobran@comcast.net) or visit bridgewebs. com/frederick.

$7. 301-676-5656. sdobran@comcast.net. bridgewebs.com/frederick.

Mondays in Mount Airy — 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at in the Railyard, 3 N. Main St. , Mount Airy. A weekly food truck event designed to support locally owned and operated food trucks as well as the businesses along Downtown Main Street. Mondays through Sept. 30. A variety of menu options with different food trucks participating every week. There will be no event on Memorial Day (May 27), July 29 (MAVFC carnival week) and Labor Day (Sept. 2).

Tuesday April 23

CLASSES

Pollinator Gardening 101 — 6 p.m. at Mount Airy Town Hall, 110 S. Main St., Mount Airy. Expert gardener and owner of Design-A-Scape, Christina Wright, will provide guidance on getting started. She’ll share tips on how to prepare soil, select plants and maintain a garden that will attract butterflies and other pollinators. Pre-register. 301-829-1424.

parksmanager@mountairymd.gov. mountairymd.gov.

FILM

Bijou Film Screening — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Second, third and fourth Tuesdays of the month. A streamlined curation of films presented by Falling Squares. 301-662-4190.

artcenter@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org.

GALLERY

Senior Capstone Exhibition Two — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Patterson Hall , 2 College Hill, Westminster. The second in a series of end-of-the-year exhibitions showcasing works by graduating Art majors working in a range of media from two- and three-dimensional approaches to digital and new media.  410-857-2595. cknauer@mcdaniel.edu.

THEATER

Shakespeare in the Square — 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Plaza (rain location: Baker Chapel) , 2 College Hill, Westminster. Hosted by McDaniel College’s English department and Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, this annual celebration of William Shakespeare includes readings, performances, and adaptations of his plays and poetry by McDaniel students and faculty. Call 410-857-2530 for more information.   410-857-2530. cknauer@mcdaniel.edu.

Wednesday April 24

CLASSES

Death & Dying Series: Holistic Endof-Life Planning — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Learn from Cheryl Tyiska, trained end-of-life doula, about preparing spiritually and mentally for your or a loved one’s end-of-life. 18 and older. 301-600-7000.

frederick.librarycalendar.com.

ETCETERA

Sensory Program for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Karaoke — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Bring your singing voice and dancing shoes and sing/ dance along to the music! 21 and older. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

An Evening with David Baldacci — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Winters Mill High School, 560 Gorsuch Road, Westminster. For adults. Presented by A Likely Story Bookstore and Carroll County Public Library. Tickets include a signed copy of “A Calamity of Souls.” Tickets required.   $35. 410-386-4488. ask@carr.org. ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/baldacci.

Thursday April 25 CLASSES

Steps to Success: Empowering Women in the Business of Life — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery, 11836 Auburn Road, Thurmont. Steps to Success is more than just a conference; it’s a transformative experience crafted to provide women from all walks of life with the tools, insights and connections they need to thrive. Through a series of workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable

skills and strategies for personal and professional development.  $125. 301-874-2957. tina@eiwellness.com. wbnfrederick.org.

Family History Lecture: You Can Go Home Again: Getting the Most Out of a Research Trip — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Presented by Lorraine Minor. Spring is here and a genealogists thoughts turn to travels to their ancestral homes. Learn what to do now to plan for that trip and how to get the most out of the time you are there. Email to receive Zoom link. 18 and older.

240-818-1938. wrsparks54@hotmail.com.

ETCETERA

Senior Cafe: Fiber Arts — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Whether you are a novice or an expert in crochet, knitting or needlepoint, join us to learn, share your skills and swap materials.

301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

Duplicate Bridge Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration, 6909 Maryland Ave., Frederick. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and make new, like-minded friends. All are welcome, no membership requirements. If you need a partner, call Leslie at 240-344-4041 (or email lffutrell@ yahoo.com). For general information, call Sophia at 301-676-5656 (or email sdobran@comcast.net) or visit bridgewebs. com/frederick.

$7. 301-676-5656. sdobran@comcast.net. bridgewebs.com/frederick.

FILM

“Let My People Go!” — 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lewistown Volunteer District Fire Department, 11101 Hessong Bridge Road, Frederick. A screening of “Let My People Go” followed by a Q&A with David Clements. Food (Mission BBQ), beer, wine and soft drinks available. Please bring cash. $15. 240-285-9787.

info@frederickcountyconservativeclub.com.

MUSIC

Live Jazz at the Cocktail Lab — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Get swanky with us every Thursday night for live jazz and your favorite craft cocktails. 21 and older. 301-233-4817.

monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com/events.

THEATER

“The Squirrels” — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The patriarch of a family of gray squirrels has stowed away enough nuts for 10 winters, but the fox squirrels from way over near the 7-11 want in on his stash. In this fiercely funny and provocative play, the writer of “Hand to God” exposes the way we use power and domination to mask our own insecurities and fears. 18 and older.

$6.50 to $37.50.

301-694-4744.

zcallis@marylandensemble.org.

marylandensemble.org/the-squirrels.