Popular Gaithersburg Children's Summer Concert Series Returns

Gaithersburg’s popular Children’s Summer Concert Series returns to the Concert Pavilion from 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Wednesdays in June and July, for a variety of free, family-friendly performances that parents and children will love.

Concerts are weather-dependent and may be canceled at the last minute due to unfavorable conditions. For updates, visit the City’s Facebook page or X account, or call the inclement weather line at 240-805-1148.
 
Schedule

• June 18 - Mr. Jon & Friends (Rock & Rhyme)
• June 25 - Munit and Z Lovebugs (Family Songs)
• July 2 - Rocknoceros (Tot Rock)
• July 9 - The Grandsons, Jr. (Country & Folk)
• July 16 - Lilo Gonzalez (International Folk)
• July 23 - The Bubbas (Acoustic)
• July 30 - Wendy and the Lost Boys (Pop & Rock)

The Pike District Summer Series is Back at the Pop-Up Park!

Kick off your weekends early with our weekly concert series from 6-8 p.m. every Thursday evening through July 31. Enjoy live performances from local artists spanning genres like pop, rock, soul, bluegrass and indie. Savor a rotating selection of food trucks offering everything from tasty tacos to mouthwatering BBQ. For guests 21 and over, Owen's Tavern will be serving a curated menu of local brews, wines, cocktails and mocktails.

• June 19 - Enslow
• June 26 - Soul Brothers Duo
• July 10 - Grayson Moon
• July 17 - Earls and Gallagher Duo
• July 24 - The Sidleys
• July 31 - Anna Wilson

Don't forget to take advantage of free two-hour parking at the Montgomery County Conference Center garage.

• Put on your dancing shoes and join us for lively salsa nights hosted by All Out Danza. Each event features free Latin dance lessons, an outdoor dance party, a variety of food trucks, and craft beverages. It's the perfect way to spice up your Friday nights! The last Friday of each month from June 27-September 26. 6-9 p.m.
• Start your weekends with tranquility and mindfulness. Join extend Yoga for free outdoor vinyasa flow classes every Saturday morning. Connect with nature and your community in a serene setting. Pre-registration is required. You can register HERE. Saturday Morning Yoga: June 7 – August 23. 8:00–8:45 a.m. Free but registration is required. Click here to register.

All events take place at the Pike District Pop-Up Park, located at Grand Park Avenue and Banneker Street, behind the Montgomery County Conference Center parking garage. For event specifics, please see our Calendar of Events.

Easy Style of ‘The Porch Delights’ Will Headline Kensington Historical Society’s Free Morning Concert Series on Saturday, Sept. 21

The easy-going style of The Porch Delights will headline the Kensington Historical Society’s free morning concert series at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, in Howard Avenue Park in Kensington.

Howard Avenue Park is located at 3709-3723 Howard Ave. in Kensington.

The Porch Delights are Ruthie Logsdon, Bill Williams and Arch Alcantara playing front porch style Americana music. During the pandemic in 2020, Ruthie started stringing up lights on the front porch and hosting pop up porch shows for neighbors and live-streamed outdoor jams since they could not hit the indoor venues. The group has three vocals, Arch on lead guitar, Ruthie on rhythm guitar and Bill on mandolin.

The concert series will continue on Saturday mornings through Sept. 28. The full schedule of concerts can be viewed at Summer Concert Series – Kensington Historical Society (kensingtonhistory.org).

An integral part of Kensington since 1977, the Kensington Historical Society develops programs that address a broad view of local history. It aims to stimulate greater interest in Kensington history and the preservation of Kensington’s architecture.

Rockville Town Square Summer Concert Series Free Events to Conclude with Classic Rock of ‘The National Bohemians’ Headlining on Sept. 20

The free Friday summer concert series in Rockville Town Square will conclude on Friday, Sept. 20, with classic rock band The National Bohemians performing from 6-9 p.m.

The National Bohemians, since 2017, have been performing classic and modern rock hits and deep cuts from artists like Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, The Black Keys, Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam.

Made up of three Baltimore natives. Mark O’Dell (from Tom Petty tribute band Don’t Back Down) is on lead guitar and lead vocals. Matt Pugh (formerly of Willies Light) is on drums; and Phil Turner is on bass and vocals.

‘King Street Bluegrass,’ the ‘Shannon Bielski Duo’ and ‘The Poor Ellen Smith Band’ Will Headline 17th Annual Bluegrass on the Farm Festival in Derwood on Saturday, Sept. 7

The Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood will be filled with music from noon-6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, for the 17th Annual “Bluegrass on the Farm” festival. King Street Bluegrass, the Shannon Bielski Duo and The Poor Ellen Smith Band will be the headline performers.

The Agricultural History Farm Park is located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood. The festival is sponsored by the Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park, Inc., with the cooperation of Montgomery Parks.

Bluegrass on the Farm features a day of music on the setting of a 455-acre 20th Century farm. Surrounded by lush green fields, trees and rustic farm buildings, the picturesque location sets the backdrop for the bluegrass musical extravaganza.

There is plenty of lawn seating among the shade trees. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Food can be brought into the event and food and drinks will be available on site for purchase.

Tickets purchased on site are $20 per adult. Discount tickets for $18.98 are available online at https://www.simpletix.com/e/bluegrass-on-the-farm-tickets-177565. There is no charge for children.

Parking is free and leashed pets are welcomed.

The event will be held rain or shine. 

Rockville Town Square Summer Concert Series Features Free Events Most Fridays, with Latin Sound of the ‘Joe Falero Band’ Headlining on Sept. 13

Free summer concerts continue in Rockville Town Square from 6-9 p.m. most Friday nights through Sept. 20. The series will feature a variety of performers, with the next performance, on Friday, Sept. 13, highlighted by the Latin sounds of the Joe Falero Band.

Joe Falero is a percussionist, vocalist, DJ and radio host of the “Soy Boricua” show on WSER.

The remaining Rockville Town Square summer concert lineup will include:

• Sept. 13. Joe Falero Band (Latin)
• Sept. 20. The National Bohemians (classic rock)

Folked Up Favorites of ‘Jonathan Watkins’ Will Headline Kensington Historical Society’s Free Morning Concert Series on Saturday, Sept. 7

The folked up favorites of Jonathan Watkins will headline the Kensington Historical Society’s free morning concert series at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, in Howard Avenue Park in Kensington.

Howard Avenue Park is located at 3709-3723 Howard Ave. in Kensington.

“I like to mix things up a bit, playing originals and covers alike,” said Jonathan Watkins. “Songs you can sing along with, or even get up on your feet and move and groove to.”

The concert series will continue on Saturday mornings through Sept. 28. The full schedule of future concerts can be viewed at Summer Concert Series – Kensington Historical Society (kensingtonhistory.org).

An integral part of Kensington since 1977, the Kensington Historical Society develops programs that address a broad view of local history. It aims to stimulate greater interest in Kensington history and the preservation of Kensington’s architecture.

Rockville Town Square Summer Concert Series Features Free Events Most Fridays, with Classic Rock of ‘Midnight Elixir’ Headlining on Sept. 6

Free summer concerts continue in Rockville Town Square from 6-9 p.m. most Friday nights through Sept. 20. The series will feature a variety of performers, with the next performance, on Friday, Sept. 6, highlighted by the classic rock of Midnight Elixir.

Midnight Elixir is a Washington-area five-piece cover band playing rock standards and hidden gems from the 1960's through the 2010's.

Featuring the powerful vocals of Ali Daniels, backed by soaring guitar and melodic keys and grounded by the insistent rhythms of bass and drums, the band is designed to keep the dance floor crowded.

The remaining Rockville Town Square summer concert lineup will include:

• Sept. 6. Midnight Elixir (classic rock)
• Sept. 13. Joe Falero Band (Latin)
• Sept. 20. The National Bohemians (classic rock)

Bluegrass and Acoustic Country of the ‘Shannon Leigh Band’ Will Headline Kensington Historical Society’s Free Morning Concert Series on Saturday, Aug. 24

The bluegrass and acoustic country sound of the Shannon Leigh Band will headline the Kensington Historical Society’s free morning concert series at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug.24, in Howard Avenue Park in Kensington.

Howard Avenue Park is located at 3709-3723 Howard Ave. in Kensington.

A native of Georgia, Shannon Leigh Reynolds grew up on rock and roll in the 80’s and 90’s. Singing came naturally, and she got her feet wet performing in her high school theatre class, where people took notice of her distinct voice. It was during her time in college when she first heard classic country and bluegrass, and she was instantly hooked on both.

When the pandemic essentially shut down musical performances in 2020, Shannon took this time to regroup, and began to envision her next move for when the world started to turn again. During this time, she doubled down on songwriting, and conceptualized her upcoming debut solo album, “Triple Shot.” Shannon approached Dede Wyland, one of the biggest names in D.C.-area bluegrass to produce it. The album features several covers in her unique style and four of Shannon’s original compositions. It is powered by her strong and expressive vocals and a cast of bluegrass greats. The premiere single, “Hold On” was released on July 14, 2023, and the full album came out one month later.

Shannon performs in the Maryland, Virginia and D.C. area with her excellent band, The Good Bygones. Their high-energy acoustic shows have something for everyone, blending bluegrass and country,

The concert series will continue on Saturday mornings through Sept. 28. The full schedule of future concerts can be viewed at Summer Concert Series – Kensington Historical Society (kensingtonhistory.org).

An integral part of Kensington since 1977, the Kensington Historical Society develops programs that address a broad view of local history. It aims to stimulate greater interest in Kensington history and the preservation of Kensington’s architecture.

Bluegrass of ‘Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road’ Will Conclude ‘Live from the Lawn’ Free Outdoor Concert Series at Strathmore on Wednesday, Aug. 21

The bluegrass of Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road will highlight the final show this summer of the free Wednesday night outdoor music series at Strathmore, Montgomery County’s finest performing arts venue, on Wednesday, Aug. 21. The “Live from the Lawn” show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda. Although the concerts are free, attendees are asked to RSVP in advance at Summer at Strathmore. By sending in an RSVP, audiences will be able to receive weather or performance updates.

Rapidly rising on the bluegrass scene, Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road have garnered industry awards and captivated fans worldwide with their dynamic performances. Led by Purcell, the band infuses traditional bluegrass with bold originality, earning recognition as the “2019 Momentum Band of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association.

The band’s latest album, “Roots,” debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Charts. In 2022, Purcell made history by winning the RockyGrass Music Competition on guitar, mandolin and banjo.

The band features Purcell on mandolin, Ella Jordan on fiddle, Colton Kerchner on banjo, Rob McCormac on guitar and Jacob Smith on bass.

Attendees can bring low-rise chairs or blankets for their lawn experiences. The use of higher chairs is discouraged, but concert goers with those types of chairs are asked to sit toward the back of the lawn. The Strathmore team will ask those in higher chairs to move back if seated in a location that will block others’ view of the stage. Pets and comfort/emotional support animals are not permitted at Live from the Lawn events. Trained service animals are permitted.

Strathmore Culinary Arts will be serving a variety of barbeque-style food and drinks for purchase on site. View the menu here. Ben & Jerry’s will have ice cream options available for purchase. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Outside alcohol is not permitted on property.

Parking suggestions:

• Parking is in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage off Tuckerman Lane and is payable by SmarTrip or credit card.
• Members at the Two Star level and above can park in the Mansion lot when attending Live from the Lawn events. Upon entry, display your VIP Parking Pass on your dashboard and follow the instructions from security personnel. View more detailed information here.
• Valet parking is not available.
• See more directions and parking information.

Ukefest Finale Will Be Featured as ‘Live from the Lawn’ Free Outdoor Concert Series at Strathmore Continues on Wednesday, Aug. 14

The grand finale of the Washington Region’s largest annual ukulele festival will highlight the free Wednesday night outdoor music series at Strathmore, Montgomery County’s finest performing arts venue, on Wednesday, Aug. 14. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda. Although the concerts are free, attendees are asked to RSVP in advance at Summer at Strathmore. By sending in an RSVP, audiences will be able to receive weather or performance updates.

The Live from the Lawn concerts will continue through Aug. 21.

Strathmore will celebrate its 16th Annual UkeFest, culminating with an all-star concert finale. The festivities begin with a strum-along for the audience and UkeFest participants, leading into an evening showcasing the ukulele's diversity with performances by world-renowned virtuosos.

The finale will include local folk legends Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, blues strummer Robert Jones of Detroit, Brazilian musician Vinícius Vivas, Strathmore Artist in Residence Zoë Jorgenson and Maui’s The Hula Honeys.

Attendees can bring low-rise chairs or blankets for their lawn experiences. The use of higher chairs is discouraged, but concert goers with those types of chairs are asked to sit toward the back of the lawn. The Strathmore team will ask those in higher chairs to move back if seated in a location that will block others’ view of the stage. Pets and comfort/emotional support animals are not permitted at Live from the Lawn events. Trained service animals are permitted.

Strathmore Culinary Arts will be serving a variety of barbeque-style food and drinks for purchase on site. View the menu here. Ben & Jerry’s will have ice cream options available for purchase. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Outside alcohol is not permitted on property.

Parking suggestions:

• Parking is in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage off Tuckerman Lane and is payable by SmarTrip or credit card.
• Members at the Two Star level and above can park in the Mansion lot when attending Live from the Lawn events. Upon entry, display your VIP Parking Pass on your dashboard and follow the instructions from security personnel. View more detailed information here.
• Valet parking is not available.
• See more directions and parking information.

Dueling Pianos, All-Star Comedy at Cabin John and Foodie Friday Among the August Special Events Sponsored by Montgomery Parks

Dueling Pianos featuring Jimmy “Ross” Morouse, an all-star comedy show at Cabin John Regional Park and “tasting the land” at a Food Friday event are among the special events and programs that will be sponsored by Montgomery Parks in August.

The August schedule of Montgomery Parks events will include:

• Parks Summer Concert Series. Thursday, Aug. 15. 6–8 p.m. The Thursday summer evening series of free musical performances by local acts at different parks around the County concludes with Dueling Pianos featuring Jimmy “Ross” Morouse (eclectic). This show will be at Cabin John Regional Park at 7400 Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda. Bring friends and family, chairs, blankets and picnics. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. All ages. Free.
  Parks Playhouse Junior. Saturday, Aug. 10. 10–11 a.m. Arora Hills Local Park, 23244 Arora Hills Drive, Clarksburg. Live performance for the kid set, ages 2-12. Free. Puppet Company performs Hansel and Gretel.
• Yoga at Brookside Gardens. Saturdays,  Aug. 10, and 17. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton. Enjoy yoga held in a peaceful setting in the Japanese Tea House. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. $14 per person.
• Summer Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. Saturday, Aug. 10. 11 a.m. –3 p.m. Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring. Hands-on activities about life in the 1800s. Play 19th Century games. Also, get free admission to the Woodlawn Museum. All ages. Free.
• All-Star Comedy at Cabin John Regional Park. Friday, Aug. 16. 6–8:30 p.m. Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Start the weekend with the hilarious comedians from Improbable Comedy. Food and beverages available for purchase from Two Smooth Dudes, SnoBlast DMV and Saints Row Brewing. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for viewing. Mature audiences: viewer discretion advised. Ages 17 and older. Free.
• Foodie Fridays: Taste the Land. Friday, Aug. 23.6:30 –8:30 p.m. Josiah Henson Museum and Park, 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda. Learn about foraging, forest agriculture and food forests and more with Bodhi Vasilopoulos, founder of Nature’s Love and Wisdom. The registration fee includes light refreshments, one alcoholic beverage (21 and older) and a ticket to Josiah Henson Museum ($5 value, redeemable during regular museum hours). Ages 18 and older. Purchase tickets. $15 per person.
• Programs for 55-and-over:
• 55+ Nature Book Club. Tuesday, Aug. 20. 6–7:30 p.m. Pilgrim Hills Local Park Activity Building, 1615 East Randolph Road, Colesville. Registration required. Free.

Montgomery Parks is a co-sponsor of the following events taking place in parks during the month of August:

• Try Ball Hockey and Learn to Inline Skate. Saturdays, Aug. 17 and 24. Ridge Road Recreational Park and Dewey Local Park.

Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Visit the Summer 2024 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.

Rockville Town Square Summer Concert Series Features Free Events Most Fridays, with Latin Pop of ‘Ocho de Bastos’ Headlining on Aug. 9

Ocho de Bastos

Free summer concerts continue in Rockville Town Square from 6-9 p.m. most Friday nights through Sept. 20. The series will feature a variety of performers, with the next performance, on Friday, Aug. 9, highlighted by the Latin pop of Ocho de Bastos.

Ocho de Bastos is a Washington, D.C.-based Latin pop rock band with a unique guitar sound, blended with powerful drums, Latin percussion and catchy brass riffs complement its style. The band is considered one of the most prominent representatives of Latin pop rock in the Washington area.

The band's lineup consists of Milton Valentín from Puerto Rico as lead vocalist, David Huertas from Ecuador on lead guitar, Hipólito González from the Dominican Republic on bass guitar and Raúl Quiroz from Venezuela on drums.

The name Ocho de Bastos ("Eight of Clubs") comes from a Spanish set of playing cards (the Barajas). The name of the band was an adaptation to account for band’s Spanish heritage.

The remaining Rockville Town Square summer concert lineup will include:

• Aug. 9. Ocho de Bastos (Latin pop)
• Aug. 16. Unity Reggae Band (reggae)
• Aug. 23. The Rockets (pop rock)
• Sept. 6. Midnight Elixir (classic rock)
• Sept. 13. Joe Falero Band (Latin)
• Sept. 20. The National Bohemians (classic rock)

Americana Foursome ‘Fly the Coop’ Will Headline Kensington Historical Society’s Free Morning Concert Series on Saturday, Aug. 3

Fly The Coop

The Americana foursome Fly the Coop and its front-porch style will headline the Kensington Historical Society’s free morning concert series at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, in Howard Avenue Park in Kensington.

Howard Avenue Park is located at 3709-3723 Howard Ave. in Kensington.

The concert series will continue on Saturday mornings through Sept. 28. The full schedule of future concerts can be viewed at Summer Concert Series – Kensington Historical Society (kensingtonhistory.org).

Fly the Coop, which is based in Takoma Park, performs throughout the area. It features an acoustic mash up of vocals, guitars, mandolin, harmonica, violin, banjo and piano.

An integral part of Kensington since 1977, the Kensington Historical Society develops programs that address a broad view of local history. It aims to stimulate greater interest in Kensington history and the preservation of Kensington’s architecture.

Special Twilight Tuesdays Performance in Silver Spring Will Feature ‘The PROVI-QRC Steel Pan Orchestra’ on Tuesday, July 30

The Providence-Queen's Royal College Steel Orchestra from Trinidad & Tobago will be performing from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, on Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring. The orchestra’s free appearance will be a “Special Twilight Tuesdays” event presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc.

To attend, register by sending an email to lsia@silverspringtowncenter.com. Veterans Plaza is located at 1 Veterans Pl. in Downtown Silver Spring.

The orchestra features 19 pan players.

The Provi-QRC Steel Orchestra is a collaboration between two prominent secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago: Queen’s Royal College, an all-boys school, and the all-girls school, Providence Girls’ Catholic School. Started in 2013, the founding audacious pannists were declared the 2014 Secondary Schools’ National Panorama champions just a few months after starting.

The decade that followed was quite a journey. The orchestra finished in the top three five times out of the nine occasions it competed; including this year. The QRC Steel Ensemble had two previous tours to the Washington area in 2014 and 2017.

For two weeks, the students in the orchestra will be ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago and are scheduled to visit the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy in Washington and perform a number of concerts in Washington, Maryland and Virginia.

Rockville Town Square Summer Concert Series Features Free Events Most Fridays, with Rock of ‘Don’t Back Down’ Headlining on Aug. 2

Free summer concerts continue in Rockville Town Square from 6-9 p.m. most Friday nights through Sept. 20. The series will feature a variety of performers, with the next performance highlighted by the rock of Don’t Back Down.

Through accomplished musicianship and with an enthusiastic delivery, Don’t Back Down energizes East Coast audiences with a diverse mix of songs from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ extensive 41-year, 13-album repertoire, including tracks from Tom Petty’s three solo albums Mud Crutch and The Traveling Wilburys.

Don’t Back Down was formed in 2017 by several seasoned Baltimore-based musicians who share a mutual love and respect for not only one of the most prolific songwriters of our time and for the band that produced one of the greatest American rock catalogues. Don’t Back Down band members include Mark O’Dell on guitar and lead vocals; Chris Huntington on lead guitar; Jeremy Robinson on bass and vocals; Tom Sabia on drums; and Evan Cooper on keyboards and vocals.

The remaining Rockville Town Square summer concert lineup will include:

• Aug. 2. Don’t Back Down (rock)
• Aug. 9. Ocho de Bastos (Latin pop)
• Aug. 16. Unity Reggae Band (reggae)
• Aug. 23. The Rockets (pop rock)
• Sept. 6. Midnight Elixir (classic rock)
• Sept. 13. Joe Falero Band (Latin)
• Sept. 20. The National Bohemians (classic rock)

Funk Rock of ‘Damon Foreman’ Will Conclude ‘Thursday Evenings in Olde Towne Gaithersburg’ Concert Series on Aug. 1

The funk rock of Damon Foreman will highlight the final night of the “Thursday Evenings in Olde Towne Gaithersburg” summer concert series at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, on the City Hall Concert Pavilion in Gaithersburg.

The City Hall Concert Pavilion is located at 31 South Summit Ave. in Gaithersburg.

Based in Glenwood, Md., Damon Foreman has toured throughout the world playing many styles of music with major artists such as Ashford and Simpson, Gladys Night, Sista Monica,Mary Wells and Parliament Funkadelic. He has major label production credits on Sire Records. Warner Brothers and others.

He is now leading his brand of funk rock that combines Hendrix, Prince and Parliament with a tinge of jazz in his performances and recordings.

The concert series this summer is partnering with Saints Row Brewing to provide on-site beer sales and food trucks. It is suggested that attendees bring a blanket or low-back chair for lawn seating.

Evenings in Olde Towne Concerts could be cancelled at the last moment if weather conditions are not conducive to the event. Check the City's Facebook page or Twitter feed, or call the inclement weather line at 240-805-1148, for the latest updates.

Evenings in Olde Towne Concerts are funded in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC). To discover more about MSAC grants and how they impact Maryland's arts sector, visit www.msac.org.

13-Time GRAMMY® Winner Chucho Valdés to Headline 20th Annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival on Saturday, Sept. 7

Chucho Valdés

Montgomery County’s Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District has announced that the quartet of Afro-Cuban jazz legend Chucho Valdés will headline the free 20th Annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival on Saturday, Sept. 7. Mr. Valdés—known as a pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger—has won seven GRAMMY Awards, six Latin GRAMMY Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy.

The festival will run from 3-10 p.m. at Veteran’s Plaza, located at One Veterans Place in Silver Spring. The Chucho Valdés Quartet is scheduled to take the stage at 8:30 p.m.

“The 20th Annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival is one of our County’s most popular events that highlights our community's vibrant cultural landscape and commitment to the arts,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Jazz has been a cornerstone of our nation's cultural diversity and a music education pillar that transcends generations. Hosting a legendary figure like Chucho Valdés, whose contributions to Afro-Cuban jazz have profoundly influenced the genre, underscores the festival's significance and our dedication to honoring the legacy and evolution of jazz music. This event is an opportunity to appreciate the rich tapestry of musical heritage that unites us all.”

Mr. Valdes’ career has spanned more than 60 years, and he has pushed boundaries to pursue new expressions in Afro-Cuban music. His influence in the genre is immeasurable. His work established the standard by which younger generations set out to create their own interpretation of Afro-Cuban jazz. He is also the founder of the renowned Latin jazz band Irakere.

In its two decades, the Silver Spring Jazz Festival has annually featured some of the great jazz performers of this generation and diverse lineups of local talent. This year’s lineup of performers also will include D.C.-based Ethio-Jazz Feedel Band, The Eric Byrd Trio, Todd Marcus Quintet, Dupont Brass, Paul Carr and the Real Jazz Ambassadors and Marcus Johnson, a founding committee member of the festival.

The Silver Spring Jazz Festival began in 2004 with local jazz great Keter Betts and Silver Spring’s own smooth jazz star Marcus Johnson as headliners. The festival has featured well-known performers, showcasing styles from New Orleans big band to contemporary, smooth, straight ahead and Latin jazz.

The full history of the headliners for the Silver Spring Jazz Festival:

• 2024 Chucho Valdés Quaartet
• 2023 Dee Dee Bridgewater
• 2022 Delfeayo Marsalis
• 2021 COVID (no event)
• 2020 COVID (no event)
• 2019 Arturo Sandoval
• 2018 Dianne Reeves
• 2017 Lao Tizer
• 2016 David Sanborn
• 2015 Al Chez and the Brothers of Funk Big Band
• 2014 Preservation Hall Jazz Band
• 2013 Branford Marsalis
• 2012 Sergio Mendez
• 2011 Marcus Johnson Project
• 2010 Aaron Neville
• 2009 Allen Toussaint
• 2008 Mingus Big Band
• 2007 Arturo Sandoval
• 2006 Spyro Gyra
• 2005 Wynton Marsalis
• 2004 Keter Betts and The Marcus Johnson Project

The Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District, home to the festival, is surrounded by international and American restaurants. On-site amenities during the festival will include restrooms, first aid and other services. Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation and bring blankets or low-back lawn chairs for seating. The festival is a short walk from the Silver Spring Metro Station on the Red Line.

For more information, including Metro, parking and visitor services, visit the Silver Spring Jazz Festival website.

Tot Rock of ‘Rocknoceros’ Will Conclude Gaithersburg’s Children’s Summer Concert Series on Wednesday, July 24

The tot rock of Rocknoceros at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, will conclude the free Gaithersburg Children’s Summer Concert Series at the City Hall Concert Pavilion in Gaithersburg.

Parking in Olde Towne is free. Limited parking is available at City Hall, the upper parking lot by Wells/Robertson House and at the Community Museum across the train tracks. Limited parking also is available in the parking garage located across Summit Avenue at 112 Olde Towne Avenue. A list of additional short-term parking locations in Olde Towne can be found here.

The City Hall Concert Pavilion is located at 31 South Summit Ave. in Gaithersburg.

Rocknoceros has entertained tens of thousands of fans around the country, performing at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and the Kennedy Center. Since its inception in 2005, Rocknoceros has won 10 Washington Area Music Awards.

Rocknoceros features Boogie Bennie on piano-drum and accordion and Williebob on guitar and banjo.

Children’s Summer Concerts could be cancelled at the last moment if weather conditions are not conducive to the event. Check the City's Facebook page or Twitter feed, or call the inclement weather line at 240-805-1148 for the latest updates.

The Children's Summer Concert Series is funded in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC). To discover more about MSAC grants and how they impact Maryland's arts sector, visit www.msac.org.

Free Sunset Tuesdays in Silver Spring Will Be Highlighted by ‘Afro-Latin Dance Party’ on July 16

Sunset Tuesdays in Silver Spring from 7-9 p.m. on July 16 will feature the free “Afro-Latin Dance Party” on Veterans Plaza. The event will feature the sounds of Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, Kizomba and more.

Veterans Plaza is located at 1 Veterans Pl. in Silver Spring.

The event will be hosted by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. board member and dancer Djanira Murchison, with rotating guest DJs and instructors. Those who arrive at 6:30 p.m. will be able to participate in a 30-minute lesson to learn the different dance-style featured each month. Sunset Tuesdays are featured on the third Tuesday of each month.