***Events in SEPTEMBER***

Friday, September 1

Saturday, September 2

ART: Silver Spring Artist Market. Alchemy hosts outdoor market. 10 AM-4 PM. Georgia Avenue at Wayne, Silver Spring. Free. Info: www.artandalchemy.com.

ASTRONOMY: Ancient Sky Watchers. Secrets of Mayan astronomy & calendar. 7 PM. Montgomery College Planetarium, 7651 Fenton, Takoma Park. Free. Info: www.montgomery.college.edu/departments.planet.

FAMILY: Trains & Planes! Extensive model train on display. 10 AM-5 PM. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, off Paint Branch Parkway, College Park. $4/adults; $2/kids. Info: 301-864-6029 or www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.org.

KIDS: Hiking the Melvin Hazen Trail,. ages 6 and up. 2 PM. Rock Creek Nature Center,, 5200 Glover Road NW, off Military Road, DC. Free. Info: www.nps.gov/rocr or 202-895-6070.

MUSIC: Audio Vortex #3. Diverse music sponsored by Stripey Socks Production. 7 PM. Sangha Fair Trade, 7014 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park. 7. Info: www.sangha.ws or 301-891-3214.

MUSIC: Karen Collins & Backroads Band. 10 PM. Austin Grill, 919 Ellsworth Street, Silver Spring. Cover charge. Info: www.austingrill.com or 240-247-8969.

MUSIC: DC Blues Festival. "Celebrate New Orleans Music." Among the bands, Junkyard Saints play at 3 & 5 PM. 1-9:30 PM. Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 16th Street & Colorado Ave NW DC. Free. Info: www.dcblues.org.

WALKING TOUR: Silver Spring's Original "Main Street"Jerry McCoy of Silver Spring Historical Society offers guided tour of Georgia Avenue. 10 AM-Noon. Meet at Georgia and Colesville Roads "under the clock," next to Red Lobster. Rain or shine. Tour ends at B&O train station (open til 3 PM) and its vintage photo display. $5; free for under 13 and SSHS members. Info: No RSVP required: 301-537-1253 or sshistory@yahoo.com

Sunday, September 3

FILM: The Aviator. free popcorn and drinks. 2 PM. Plus extensive model train on display. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, off Paint Branch Parkway, College Park. free after admission: $4/adults; $2/kids. Info: 301-864-6029 or www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.org.

KIDS: Reasons for the Seasons, ages 6-12. 2 PM. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW, off Military Road, DC. Free. Info: www.nps.gov/rocr or 202-895-6070.

KIDS: Model Rocket LaunchBring your own model; cancelled if rain. 1 PM. Goddard Space Center, 8800 Greenbelt Road, enter on Explorer Drive. Free. Info: www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard or 301-286-2000

Monday, September 4

FAMILY: Trains & Planes!. Extensive model train on display. 10 AM-5 PM. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, off Paint Branch Parkway, College Park. $4/adults; $2/kids. Info: 301-864-6029 or www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.org.

Tuesday, September 5

PERFORMANCE: Meet the Squonkers. Guided tour of combining music and visual art. 5:30 PM. Kay Theatre, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. Free. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

THEATRE: In The Mood. Sculptor married to diplomat spiraling into mania.. Pay-what-you-can Preview; show runs Sept 6-24; Tues-Sun, check Ongoing Theatre for details. Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road. donation; rest of run $39-44. Info: 301-924-3400 or www.olneytheatre.org.

Wednesday, September 6

BOOK GROUP: My Face is Black is True, by Mary Frances Berry, on the struggle for black reparations. Part of African American series. 7 PM. Silver Spring Library, 8901 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Free. Info: 240-773-9420

CONTEST: Silver Spring Toastmaster Humourous Speech Contest. 7:30-9:30 PM. Marvin Memorial Methodist Church, University at Colesville, Silver Spring, Room 314, enter on side nearest shopping mall. Free. Info: dancewithmedc@yahoo.com.

TALK: Lunch with Nora Ephron. Bring vegetarian or pre order (202-387-3246). Noon-2 PM. Washington DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th Street NW (at Q). Free, please RSVP. Info: www.wdjcc.org or 202-777-3250.

Thursday, September 7

LECTURE: Dual Identity: Reflections on Gay Jewish Life. Brunch discussion with three authors. 11 AM-1 PM. Washington DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th Street NW (at Q). $15/$10-members, students. Info: www.wdjcc.org or 202-777-3250.

MUSIC: Squeeze Bayou, play Cajun and Zydeco. 7:30 PM. Los Arrerios, 7926 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring. Cover charge. Info: 301-495-9445.

Friday, September 8

ART: Reception for Dangling (as in suspense), includes performance art and poetry. 6:30-8:30 PM. Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, 8230 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. Free. Info: www.pyramid-atlantic.org.

BOOK SIGNING: Revenge of Gaia. James Lovelock discusses global warming, sponsored by Audubon & Politics & Prose. 7 PM. Carnegie Institute, 5241 Broad Branch Road, NW. Free, but RSVP. Info: bkogod@politics-prose.com.

PERFORMANCE: Solo Bows. Karin DeVitt sings Rodgers & Hammerstein plus staging of Devil and Billy Markham. 8 PM. Benefit for Silver Spring Stage, 10145 Colesville Road (Woodmoor Shopping Center). $15 includes wine and cheese reception. Info: www.ssstage.org or 301-593-6036

Saturday, September 9

ART: Silver Spring Artist Market. Alchemy hosts outdoor market in the Arts Alley behind Mayorga and next to Crisfield. 10 AM-4 PM. 2200 Blair Mill Road. Free. Info: www.artandalchemy.com.

ART: Children's Talk and Tour. Explore "Retrospective" printmakers show, ages 5 and up. 10:15 AM. Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike. Free; RSVP required. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

ART: Art Talk for Adults. Explore "Retrospective" printmakers show. 1 PM. Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Free; RSVP required. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

ART: A.Salon Second Saturday Open Studio. 5-8 PM. A.Salon, 6924 Willow Street, NW, DC. Free. Info: www.washingtonart.net or 202-882-0740.

FAMILY: School's In/School's Out. Children recreate 19th century lessons, games, spelling bees, in conjunction with American ABC. Exhibit closes Sept 17. 1-2 PM. Illustrated lecture, 3 PM. Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F Sts, NW (Gallery Place Metro). Free. Info: www.americanart.si.edu./p>

FARMERS MARKET: FreshFarm Market. Whole Foods Demo at 11 AM. 9 AM-1 PM. Ellsworth Drive between Fenton and Cedar Streets, Silver Spring. Free. Info: www.freshfarmmarkets.org.

GARDEN: Brookside Plant Sale. . 10 AM-3 PM. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. $2, RSVP required (www.parkpass.org). Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1400.

JAZZ: Silver Spring Jazz Festival.   2-10 PM.  Fenton Street at Ellsworth Drive. Free. Info: www.silverspringdowntown.com or 301-565-7300

KIDS: Riverwalk, 3-miles hike for kids 7 & up. 11 AM. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW,off Military Road, DC. Free. Info: www.nps.gov/rocr or 202-895-6070.

NATURE: Autumn Walks. 2 PM. Brookside Gardens, Visitors Center rear exit, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1400.

Sunday, September 10

ART: Artswalk/Puppet Walk. Begin at Heliport Gallery. 12:30-4:30 PM. Heliport Gallery, 816 Thayer, Silver Spring. Free. Info: www.silverspringdowntown.org.

ART: Reception for photographer Lisa Helfert and her exhibit of photos of kids at Hospice Caring's summer camp. 2 PM. Exhibit runs through Sept 30 (7 AM-10 PM, Sunday til 5 PM). Downstairs at Savory Cafe, 7071 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park. Info: 301-270-CAFE.

CONCERT: Walsum Award Concert. Faculty quartet premieres award winning compositions. 3 PM. Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. Free. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

FESTIVAL: Takoma Park Folk Festival. Seven stages of international music plus food and crafts. 11 AM-6:30 PM. Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road. Free shuttle from Takoma Metro and Montgomery College Parking Structure. Free. Info: www.tpff.org. Click for this year's program guide (.pdf).

KIDS: Ft. DeRussy Hike, ages 8 & up. 10 AM. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW, off Military Road, DC. Free. Info: www.nps.gov/rocr or 202-895-6070.

LIBRARY: New Sunday hours. 1-5 PM. Silver Spring Library, 8901 Colesville Road. Free. Info: 240-773-9420.

Monday, September 11

CONCERT: Musicalia. Italian folk melodies. Presented by Institute of Musical Traditions. 7:30 PM. St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville. $14/advance; $17/door. Info: 301-270-9090 or www.imtfolk.org.

KIDS: Flower Buds. Garden related stories, crafts and walks for kids ages 3-5. 10:30-11:30 AM. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. $2, RSVP required (www.parkpass.org). Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1448.

KIDS: Summer Quest Finale Party. 7:30 PM. Takoma Park Library, Philadelphia at Maple. Free. Info: 240-773-9420

Tuesday, September 12

BOOK GROUP: Voodoo Queen, by Martha Ward. 7 PM. White Oak Library, 11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring. Free. Info: 301-622-2492.

MEETING: Amnesty International. 7:30 PM. Savory, 7071 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park. Free. Info: 301-270-2233.

MEDITATION: Buddhist monk Jane Trepel begins a weekly group with guided meditation, Buddhist teaching, and discussion; emphasis on mind and emotions. Time: TBA. Sangha Fairtrade Store, 7014 Westmoreland Ave, Takoma Park. $10/class. Info: 202-331-2122 or www.meditation-dc.org

PERFORMANCE: Boister. mixes music of pre-Weimar Germany, jazz-age Paris and post-modern America. 5:30 PM. Kay Theatre, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. Free. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

VOTE: Republican and Democratic primary elections for county, state and national offices. 7 AM to 8 PM. Montgomery County Public Schools closed to accommodate voting. Don't know your polling place? Check www.takoma.com/votersguide2006.html or contact County Board of Elections 24 hours a day at 240-777-VOTE.

Wednesday, September 13

BUSINESS: Networking Breakfastsponsored by Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce. 7:30-9:15 AM. Golden Flame, 8630 Fenton Avenue, Silver Spring. Members $20/advance; $30/door; nonmembers $25/advance; $35/door. Info: RSVP: 301-565-3777 or www.gsscc.org

FILM SCREENING: Waiting to Inhale, documentary of medical marijuana dispute, plus followup discussion. Sponsored by Marijuana Policy Project and Drug Policy Group. 7:30 PM. E Street Cinema, 11 th at E Streets, NW (Gallery Place Metro). $7. Info: 202-462-5747x115 or www.waitingtoinhale.org

MUSIC: Artist in Residence Kush Abadey, jazz percussion. 7:30 PM. Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike. $10. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

Thursday, September 14

DANCE: Limon Dance Company. works by founder Jose Limon. 8 PM. Kay Theatre, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $35/$7 student. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

STUDENT FORUM: Students Right to Free Speech. Panel discussion includes local high school students. 7 PM. U.S. Navy Memorial Theatre, 701 Pennsylvania NW (Archives Metro). Free. Info: www.archives.gov or 1-866-272-6272

Friday, September 15

DANCE: Limon Dance Company. works by founder Jose Limon. 8 PM. Pre-performance free discussion, 6:30 PM, Lecture Hall 2200. Kay Theatre, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $35/$7 student. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

JAZZ: Buck Hill Quintet. 8 PM. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, off Route 197. $20. Info: 301-953-1993 or email montpelier.arts@pgparks.com.

Saturday, September 16

ART: Silver Spring Artist Market. Alchemy hosts outdoor market. 10 AM-4 PM. Georgia Avenue at Wayne, Silver Spring. Free. Info: www.artandalchemy.com.

ART: Pyramid Atlantic Open House. check out facilities and sampler class. 11 AM-2 PM. Pyramid Atlantic, 8230 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. Free. Info: www.pyramid-atlantic.org.

ARTS FESTIVAL: Arts on Foot. crafts& games in conjunction with Penn Quarter Neighborhood Arts Fest. 11 AM-4 PM. Smithsonian American Art Museum, white tent, 8th & F Sts, NW (Gallery Place Metro). Info: www.americanart.si.edu

BENEFIT: Missionary Benefit Day. Yard sale plus BBQ ribs and chicken; proceeds benefit New Guinea misson. 9 AM-5 PM. Bethany Evangelical Luthern Church, 5501 Silver Hill Road, Forestville. Info: 301-568-3000.

CONCERT: Rachmanioff & Shastakovich. National Philharmonic with Brian Ganz on piano. 8 PM. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $25-79; free for ages 7-17. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

DANCE: Tehreema Mitha Dance Company. Classical and contemporary Indian dance. 8 PM. Dance Exchange, 7117 Maple Avenue, Silver Spring.   $20/$15 students. Info: www.danceexchange.org .

FAMILY: Children's Day at Brookside. "Native American Fun," with food, crafts and performances. 11 AM-4 PM. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. Free. Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1400.

FAMILY: Kennedy Center Open House. 30 free music, dance and theatre performances. Noon-7 PM. Free. www.kennedy-center.org/openhouse .

FAMILY: Presidents Family Day. Celebrate the Founding Fathers with art, tours, music, dance. Noon-5 PM. National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F Sts, NW (Gallery Place Metro). Free. Info: www.npg.si.edu or 202-275-2617.

FARMERS MARKET: FreshFarm Market. 9 AM-1 PM, Dr. Daemon Jones, Naturophic at 11 AM. Ellsworth Drive between Fenton and Cedar Streets, Silver Spring. Free. Info: www.freshfarmmarkets.org.

FESTIVAL: Maple Avenue Cultural Fair. Music, food, crafts & cultural demos. 11 AM-3 PM. Maple Avenue, between Sligo Creek and Sherman Avenue, Takoma Park. Free. Info: www.cityoftakomapark.gov

HEALTH: Health & Fitness Expo. Health screenings, fitness demos, kids fingerprinting. 11 AM-3 PM. City Place Mall, Fenton at Colesville, Silver Spring. Free. Info: 301-589-1091.

KIDS: Chalk for Peace. Help decorate sidewalks as part of citywide event. 1-2 PM. Takoma DC Library, 416 Cedar Street, NW. Free. Info: 202-576-7252.

KIDS: Build Your Own Green House. Tour repica green house, then make your own (bring a shoebox). 1-4 PM. National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, DC (Judiciary Square Metro). $5 per project. Info: www.nbm.org.

Sunday, September 17

DANCE: Tehreema Mitha Dance Company. Classical and contemporary Indian dance. 7 PM. Dance Exchange, 7117 Maple Avenue, Silver Spring.   $20/$15 students. Info: www.danceexchange.org

FAMILY: Fiesta Musical. National Zoo celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with food, music, dance, and crafts. 110-5 PM 3001 Connecticut Avenue (Woodley Park or Cleveland Park Metros). Free. Info: 202-673-4717 or www.nationalzoo.si.edu .

FESTIVAL: Constitution Day Family Celebration. Movie, cake, meet President Madison, plus add your signature to the Constitution. Noon-3 PM. National Archives, 700 Constitution (Archives Metro). Free. Info: 202-357-5000 or www.archives.gov

KIDS: Presidential Park Hike. Presidents & Rock Creek, for ages 8 & up. 10 AM. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW, off Military Road, DC. Free. Info: www.nps.gov/rocr or 202-895-6070.

KIDS: Storytime. ages 4-10. 2:30 PM. Audubon Society, 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase. Free, but RSVP. Info: 301-652-3606.

MUSIC: Bass Reeves & Mary Sue Twohy. 6 PM. Sangha Fair Trade, 7014 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park. $8. Info: www.buildthemountain.org or 240-274-2893.

PARENTING: Experiment with baby slings. Takoma Attachment Parenting. 3:30-5:30 PM. Azalea Room, Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue. Free. Info: 301-928-22696 or kkrueger@gmail.com.

Monday, September 18

CONCERT: Old Blind Dogs, cutting edge of Scotland's roots revival. Presented by Institute of Musical Traditions. 7:30 PM. St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville. $15/advance; $20/door. Info: 301-270-9090 or www.imtfolk.org.

FORUM: The Constitution in a Time of National Emergency. 7-8:30 PM. U.S. Navy Memorial Theatre, 701 Pennsylvania NW (Archives Metro). Free. Info: www.archives.gov or 1-866-272-6272

Tuesday, September 19

BENEFIT: Eat at Mark's Kitchen and 20% of the day's proceeds will benefit Washington Animal Rescue League Noon-9 PM, 7006 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park. Info: 301-270-1884.

FRENCH: Club de conversation française. Discuss Camus' short story, "The Guest." (okay to read in English). 7:30 PM. Savory Café, 7071 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park. Free. Info: ekleemeier@aol.com.

Wednesday, September 20

Thursday, September 21

BOOK SIGNING: James Grady signs his newest thriller, Mad Dogs -- five deranged CIA killers escape a secret insame asylum to solve a murder. 7 PM. Borders Books and Café, 8518 Fenton. Free. Info: www.bordersstores.com or 301-585-0550.

CONCERT: Gary Schocker & Cliff Jackson, piano & flute. 7:30 PM. Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike. $26 ($15/student). Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

FREE FILM: Shaft. Gordon Parks directs. 6:30 PM, discussion follows. National Portrait Gallery McEvoy Auditorium, 8th & F Streets, NW, DC. Free. Info: www.npg.si.edu or 202-275-2617.

HISTORY: Conversation with "George Washington." The first president shares of memories of creating a new government. 7 PM. National Archives, Archivist Reception Room (enter from Penn. Ave). Free. Info: www.archives.gov or 1-866-272-6272

JAZZ: Take Five, music plus self guided tour of Latino art. 5-7 PM. American Art Museum, 8th and F Sts, NW (Gallery Place Metro). . Info: www.americanart.si.edu or 202-633-1000.

THEATRE: The Ox-herder's Tale. Blair Thomas & Company, storytelling for adults. 8 PM. Pre-performance free discussion, 6:30 PM, Lecture Hall 2200. Kay Theatre, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $30/$7 students. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

Friday, September 22

ART: Reception for artist Melinda Jane White. Her exhibit of photos and paintings, Linear Harmony, will be on display through Oct. 30.   Adams National Bank, 8121 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. Free. Info: 202-772-3641 or mjwhite_art@yahoo.com

CELEBRATION: 76th Anniversary Parish Celebration Event-   Vespers and Holy Hour.   7 PM, St. Michael the Archangel, 824 Pershing Drive, SS. INFO: 301 -589-1155.

FESTIVAL: Celebration of Jim Henson. with launch of gallery exhibition & Jim Henson Film & television collection. Talk with Jane Henson at 3 PM; exhibit runs through June 30, 2007. Gildenhorn Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. free. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

FREE FILM: Lead Belly. Gordon Parks directs. 6:30 PM. National Portrait Gallery McEvoy Auditorium, 8th & F Streets, NW, DC. Free. Info: www.npg.si.edu or 202-275-2617.

JAZZ: Cedar Walton, solo piano. 8 PM. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, off Route 197. $20. Info: 301-953-1993 or email montpelier.arts@pgparks.com.

THEATRE: The Ox-herder's Tale. Blair Thomas & Company, storytelling for adults. 8 PM. Pre-performance free discussion, 6:30 PM, Lecture Hall 2200. Kay Theatre, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $30/$7 students. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

THEATRE: Big Dance Theater presents "The Other Here," Japanese view of culture in global free fall. 8 PM. Dance Theatre, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $30/$7 students. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

Saturday, September 23

ART: Silver Spring Artist Market. Alchemy hosts outdoor market. 10 AM-4 PM. Georgia Avenue at Wayne, Silver Spring. Free. Info: www.artandalchemy.com.

FARMERS MARKET: FreshFarm Market. 9 AM-1PM. Demo by Mohammad Karimy of Lebanese Taverna at 11 AM. Ellsworth Drive between Fenton and Cedar Streets, Silver Spring, Free. Info: www.freshfarmmarkets.org.

FREE FILM: Learning Tree. Gordon Parks directs his autobiography. 6:30 PM. National Portrait Gallery McEvoy Auditorium, 8th & F Streets, NW, DC. Free. Info: www.npg.si.edu or 202-275-2617.

GARDEN: Dahlia Show. 2-5 PM. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1400.

KIDS: World of Trees. a 2-mle hike to identify trees, ages 6 & up. 2 PM. Rock Creek Nature Center,, 5200 Glover Road NW,off Military Road, DC. Free. Info: www.nps.gov/rocr or 202-895-6070.

THEATRE: Sleeping Beauty, the Time Traveler. Medieval princess finds her way to 21st century. Opening day, runs through Nov 5; Sat (12:30, 3:30 & 7 PM, Sun (12:30 & 3:30 PM). Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda. $10-20. Info: 301-280-1660 or www.imaginationstage.org.

THEATRE: Big Dance Theater presents "The Other Here," Japanese view of culture in global free fall. 8 PM. Dance Theatre, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $30/$7 students. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

WALKING TOUR: Guided Tour of National Park Seminary Historic District,   1 PM . Meet at Linden Lane and Woodstock Ave. parking lot, Silver Spring . Info:  301-654-3924 or www.saveourseminary.org

Sunday, September 24

CELEBRATION: 76th Anniversary Parish Celebration Event- Parish Picnic. 1 PM, St. Michael the Archangel, 824 Pershing Drive, SS. INFO: 301-589-1155.

CONCERT: Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands. CD rlease of "The Golden West," blend of bluegrass, folk and country. Presented by Institute of Musical Traditions. 7:30 PM. St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville. $17/advance; $22/door. Info: 301-270-9090 or www.imtfolk.org.

CRAFTS: Knitting Group. 7:30 PM. Savory, 7071 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park. Free. Info: 301-270-2233.

GARDEN: Dahlia Show. 9 AM-3 PM. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1400.

HEALTH: Health Check. Multilingual health professionals will be available for heatlh screening, advice, and more. Noon-3 PM. The Langley Park Community Center, 1500 Merrimac Drive. Free. Info:301-445-4508 or actionlangleypark@yahoo.com

KIDS: Milkhouse Ford Hike, 2-mile hike for ages 7 & up. 2 PM. Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW, off Military Road, DC. Free. Info: www.nps.gov/rocr or 202-895-6070.

NATURE: Autumn Walks. 2 PM. Brookside Gardens, Visitors Center rear exit, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1400.

Monday, September 25

BOOK SIGNING: Cindy Sheehan tells her story, "Not One More Mother's Child." 6:30 PM. Borders Books and Café, 1801 K Street NW, DC. Free. Info: www.bordersstores.com or 301-585-0550.

CONCERT: Acoustic Showcase. Siobhan Quinn & Michael Bowers headline a diverse group. Presented by Institute of Musical Traditions. 7:30 PM. St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville. $10/advance & door. Info: 301-270-9090 or www.imtfolk.org.

PERFORMANCE: "What the City Heard," a performance, workshop, and discussion about gentrification, displacement and community resistance. 7PM, Emergence Community Arts Collective, 733 Euclid St., NW. INFO: (202) 462-2285

Tuesday, September 26

BOOK GROUP: Adult book group, call for title. 7 PM. Takoma DC Library, 416 Cedar Street, NW. Free. Info: 202-576-7252.

MUSIC: Goombay, the Caribbean Experience. 5:30 PM. Gildenhorn Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. free. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

THEATRE: The Foreigner. A shy Englishman in backwoods Georgia. Pay-what-you-can Preview; show runs Sept 27-Oct 22; Tues-Sun, check Ongoing for details. Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road. Donation; rest of run $39-44. Info: 301-924-3400 or www.olneytheatre.org.

Wednesday, September 27

BUSINESS: Networking After Hourssponsored by Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce. 5:30-7 PM. Courtyard by Marriott, 8506 Fenton Street, Silver Spring. Members free; nonmembers $10. Info: RSVP: (by Sept. 25) 301-565-3777 or www.gsscc.org

CONCERT: Open Rehearsal. Guarneri String Quartet. 5 PM. Gildenhorn Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. Free. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

CONCERT: Shostakovich Centenary Celebration. BSO Classical Thursdays. 8 PM. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $21-80. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

KIDS: Dreamer From the Village: Marc Chagall. Author reading plus arts project (ages 4-9). 1-3 PM. Washington DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th Street NW (at Q). Free, please RSVP. Info: 202-777-3250 or email literary@dcjcc.org.

Thursday, September 28

DANCE: Alvin Mayes' La Familia. Love & whimsy in family relations. 8 PM. Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, DC. $20; $15/students; $7 under 17. Info: www.danceplace.org or 202-269-1600.

Friday, September 29

CELEBRATION: 76th Anniversary Parish Celebration Event- Police Mass. 12:05 PM, St. Michael the Archangel, 824 Pershing Drive, SS. INFO: 301-589-1155.

CONCERT: UM Symphony Orchestra. plays Shostakovich & Prokofiev. 8 PM. Concert Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $20/$7 student. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

CONCERT: Washington Bach Consort. 250th Anniversary of Mozart. 8 PM. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $35-55. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

JAZZ: Mark Mosley Quartet. 8 PM. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, off Route 197. $20. Info: 301-953-1993 or email montpelier.arts@pgparks.com.

ONGOING THEATRE: The Play's the Thing. Paywriting and young love. Opening night, runs weekends through Oct 22, 8 PM. Silver Spring Stage, 10145 Colesville Road (Woodmoor Shopping Center). $18 ($13/students). Info: www.ssstage.org or 301-593-6036.

RELIGION: "The Presence," international satellite discussion of   The DaVinci Code and traditional Christian beliefs.   7 PM, nightly through October 3 at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7700 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, 301-270-6777.   http://www.thepresence.com/

Saturday, September 30

CELEBRATION: 76th Anniversary Parish Celebration Event- Gala Dinner/Dance, 6:30 PM, St. Michael the Archangel, 824 Pershing Drive, SS. INFO: 301-589-1155.

CONCERT: Piotr Paleczny Plays hopin,. National Philharmonic. 8 PM. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $25-79; free for ages 7-17. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

DANCE: Dance DC Fest. Dance activities, marketplace and performances. 10-6:30 PM; Ziva Spanish Dance Ensemble (7 PM). Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, DC. Free. Info: www.danceplace.org or 202-269-1600.

DANCE: Alvin Mayes' La Familia. Lve & whimsy in family relations. 7 PM. Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, DC. $20; $15/students; $7 under 17. Info: www.danceplace.org or 202-269-1600.

FAMILY: Rock Creek Park Day. Music, stories, hikes, animals, stargazing. 10 AM-8 PM. Rock Creek Nature Center,, 5200 Glover Road NW, off Military Road, DC. Free. Info: Full schedule see www.nps.gov/rocr or 202-895-6070.

FESTIVAL: Magical Montgomery. County Arts and Humanities Festival. 1-7 PM. Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring. Free. Info: 301-565-3805 or www.creativemoco.org. **See our feature article on the event.**

GARDEN: Bonsai Show. 9 AM-5 PM. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. Free. Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1400.

GARDEN: Azalea Auction.10:30 view; 11 AM auction. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. Free. Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1400.

VOLUNTEER: 5th Annual Sweep the Creek. 9-11 AM. Multiple sites on Sligo Creek, check website for details, Free. Info: www.fosc.org.

Scroll below to sneak preview local events
scheduled in October and Beyond.
Be sure to check back on October 1st for
a complete listing of that month's happenings.

CELEBRATION: 76th Anniversary Parish Celebration Events- International Mass, 11:00 AM, St.; International Concert and Reception, 3:30 PM. Michael the Archangel, 824 Pershing Drive, SS. INFO: 301-589-1155.

CONCERT: Celebrating a New Harpsichord. Music of Couperin, Biber, and J.S. Bach. 3 PM. Gildenhorn Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $25/$7 student. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

FESTIVAL: Takoma Street Festival. Crafts, food, music. 11 AM-5 PM. Old Takoma Business Association, Carrol Avenuel between Laurel & Columbia. Free. Info: www.takomaonline.com.

FILM: The Widow Colony- India's Unsettled Settlement, documentary by Harpreet Kaur. Screening is part of the DC Asia Pacific American Film Festival. 3 PM, Meyer AuditoriumSmithsonian Museum's Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive at 12th St., SW. Info: http://www.asia.si.edu/events/films.asp

FILM: The Right Stuff. Free popcorn and drinks. 2 PM. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, off Paint Branch Parkway, College Park. Free after museum admission: $4/adults; $2/kids. Info: 301-864-6029 or www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.org.

GARDEN: Mushroom Fair. Noon-5 PM. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. Free. Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1400.

KIDS: Model Rocket Launch. Bring your own model; cancelled if rain. 1 PM. Goddard Space Center, 8800 Greenbelt Road, enter on Explorer Drive. Free. Info: www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard or 301-286-2000.

KIDS: Family Sing with Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock. 4-5:30 PM. Music Center, Room 402, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 5. Info: www.strathmore.org

Monday, October 2

CONCERT: Phil Wiggins & the Defibrillators. DC blues. Presented by Institute of Musical Traditions. 7:30 PM. St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville. $14/advance; $17/door. Info: 301-270-9090 or www.imtfolk.org.

CONCERT: Madeline Shapiro, cello.. New works for cello and electronics. 5:30 PM. Gildenhorn Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. Free. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

FREE FILM: An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore's movie about global warming will be screened. Event sponsored by Chesapeake Climate Action Network. 7 PM, Takoma Park Presbyterian Church, 310 Tulip Ave., TP. FREE. Info: http://www.chesapeakeclimate.org/

MUSIC: Artist in Residence Naoko Takao, piano. 7:30 PM. Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike. 10. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

JAZZ: Davey Yarborough & Esther Williams . 8 PM. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, off Route 197. $20. Info: 301-953-1993 or email montpelier.arts@pgparks.com.

PERFORMANCE: Southern Scenes. Actors from Shakespeare Theatre bring life to Harper Lee and Faulkner classics. 5 PM. Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F Sts, NW (Gallery Place Metro). Info: www.americanart.si.edu or 202-633-1000.

CONCERT: Left Bank Concert Society,, a trip through recent history of great music. 8 PM; free lecture at 7 PM. Gildenhorn Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $30/$7 students. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

DANCE: El Teatro de Danza Contemporanea de El Salvador. 8 PM. Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, DC. $20; $15/students; $7 under 17. Info: www.danceplace.org or 202-269-1600.

DANCE: City Dance Ensemble. 6 PM. Music Center, Room 405, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 15. Info: 301-581-5135 or www.strathmore.org.

HISTORIC TOUR: Brookeville celebrates 198 years. Walking tour with lunch provided. Noon-5 PM. Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, 22222 Georgia Avenue, Brookeville. $15/$7 seniors; free under 12. Info: and RSVP, 301-774-3616 (Betty Becraft).

PERFORMANCE: Tommy the Clown. Hip-Hop Krumping. 2 PM & 8 PM. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $20-55. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

CONCERT: UM Choral Collage, showcases U-Md choral program. 3 PM. Gildenhorn Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. free. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

DANCE: El Teatro de Danza Contemporanea de El Salvador. 7 PM. Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, DC. $20; $15/students; $7 under 17. Info: www.danceplace.org or 202-269-1600.

DANCE: City Dance Ensemble. 7 PM. Music Center, Room 405, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $15. Info: 301-581-5135 or www.strathmore.org.

CONCERT: Tersichore Scottish Trio. Album relsease, Caledonian Muse. Institute of Musical Traditions series. 7:30 PM. St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville. $14/advance; $17/door. Info: 301-270-9090 or www.imtfolk.org.

KIDS: Flower Buds. Garden related stories, crafts and walks for kids ages 3-5. 10:30-11:30 AM. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. $2, RSVP required (www.parkpass.org). Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1448.

POETRY: Little Wheel. Sibbie O'Sullivans poetic journey. 5:30 PM. Kogod Theatre, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. Free. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

CONCERT: Sharona Joshua, Broadwood piano. 7:30 PM. Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike. $26 ($15/student). Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

DANCE: Imani Winds celebrates Josephine Baker. 8 PM. Gildenhorn Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $30/$7 student. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

MUSIC: ZUM. 7:30 PM. Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike. $26 ($15/student). Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

THEATRE: August Wilson's The Piano Lesson. Opening night, runs through Oct 22. 7:30 PM. Kay Theatre, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $20/$7 student. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

DANCE: Imani Winds celebrates Josephine Baker. 8 PM. Gildenhorn Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. $30/$7 student. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

JAZZ: Ronnie Wells & Ron Ellison Quintet. 8 PM. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, off Route 197. $20. Info: 301-953-1993 or email montpelier.arts@pgparks.com.

CONCERT: Symphony with a Sax. National Philharmoic with Gary Louie. 8 PM. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $25-79; free for ages 7-17. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

GARDEN: Chrysanthemum Show. 12:30-5 PM. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. Free. Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1400.

NATURE: Autumn Walks. 2 PM. Brookside Gardens, Visitors Center rear exit, 1800 Glenallan, Wheaton. Free. Info: www.brooksidegardens.org or 301-062-1400.

CONCERT: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Washington Performing Arts Society series. 4 PM. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $25-85. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

DANCE: City Dance Ensemble. 7 PM. Music Center, Room 405, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $15. Info: 301-581-5135 or www.strathmore.org.

FESTIVAL: Glass Arts Festival. Sponsored by National Capitol Glass Arts Consortium. Demos of the range of art glass technology plus kids activities. Noon-5 PM. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., inside the beltway.

KIDS: Storytime. ages 4-10. 2:30 PM. Audubon, 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase. Free, but RSVP. Info: 301-652-3606.

CONCERT: Bruce Molsky. DC release, Soon Be Time. Institute of Musical Traditions Series. 7:30 PM. St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville. $15/advance; $20/door. Info: 301-270-9090 or www.imtfolk.org.

CONCERT: Chum Ngek, traditional Cambodian music. 5:30 PM. Gildenhorn Recital Hall, Clarice Smith Center, U-Md, intersection of University Blvd and Stadium Drive. Free. Info: www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu or 301-405-7794.

LECTURE: Maya Lin offers her vision for creating private experiences within public places. 7 PM; tickets available beginning at 6 PM, G Street Desk. Smithsonian American Art Museum, 9th & G Sts, NW (Gallery Place Metro). Info: www.americanart.si.edu or 202-633-1000.

CONCERT: Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives plus Last Train Home. 8 PM. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $21-42. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

MUSIC: Lend Me Your Ear Series. WETA's Mary Cliff looks at Marty Stuart. 6:30 PM. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 10. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

THEATRE: Jon Spelman's Frankenstein,. One-man adaptation. opening night 8 PM; continues Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun through Nov 12. Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway at Waverly, Bethesda. $22-32 depending on day. Info: www.round-house.org or 240-644-1100.

CONCERT: Emmylou Harris & Teddy Thompson. 8 PM. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $18-65. Info: www.strathmore.org.

JAZZ: Winard Harper Sextet. 8 PM. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, off Route 197. $20. Info: 301-953-1993 or email montpelier.arts@pgparks.com.

DANCE: Gesel Mason Performance Projects. A collection of modern solos by Black choreographers. 8 PM. Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, DC. $20; $15/students; $7 under 17. Info: www.danceplace.org or 202-269-1600.

DANCE: Gesel Mason Performance Projects. A collection of modern solos by Black choreographers. 7 PM. Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, DC. $20; $15/students; $7 under 17. Info: www.danceplace.org or 202-269-1600.

MUSIC: Artist in Residence Naoko Takao, piano. 7:30 PM. Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike. $10. Info: 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

JAZZ: Ron Kearns Quintet. 8 PM. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, off Route 197. $20. Info: 301-953-1993 or email montpelier.arts@pgparks.com.

WALKING TOUR: Guided Tour of National Park Seminary Historic District,   1 PM . Meet at Linden Lane and Woodstock Ave. parking lot, Silver Spring . Info:  301-654-3924 or www.saveourseminary.org

WALKING TOUR: Guided Tour of National Park Seminary Historic District,   1 PM . Meet at Linden Lane and Woodstock Ave. parking lot, Silver Spring . Info:  301-654-3924 or www.saveourseminary.org