Governor Martin O'Malley's Leadership Council established a statewide task force to study and make recommendations on students' access to dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.  The final report of the task force will be presented to the Governor and his Council in June 2014.

To ensure that all stakeholders in students' education in Maryland have an opportunity to provide the task force with their comments, there will be regional forums held around the state according to the following schedule (see below). The task force needs public input to help inform their deliberations and their recommendations.  It is critical that the broad community be involved.

In addition to the public forums, please consider contributing to the work of the task force by responding to any or all of the questions on the online questionnaires.  Here is the link to the public comment questionnaires: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16GhXoHp-X9RIL_nMMcbFt_3dXBVQeN37GGfYs4e56Qc/viewform

Your voice in this process will make a difference!

Regional Forum Schedule

• Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 4:00-6:00, Wicomico High School, Wicomico County
• Tuesday, January 14, 2014, 5:00-7:00, Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Baltimore County
• Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 5:00-7:00, Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, Washington County
• Thursday, January 16, 2014, 5:00-7:00, Paint Branch High School, Montgomery County
• Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 5:00-7:00, Thomas Stone High School, Charles County
• Thursday, January 23, 2014, 5:00-7:00, North Caroline High School, Caroline County
• Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 5:00-7:00, Annapolis High School, Anne Arundel County

Inclement Weather:  If the school system in the county designated for the forum is closed due to inclement weather, the forum will be cancelled and rescheduled, if possible.

 Saturday, June 8, 2013
12:00 Noon - 6:00 pm
La Plata Town Hall

The Charles County Arts Alliance (CCAA) is pleased to announce that ArtsFest 2013 will be held this year on Saturday, June 8, 2013, from 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm, at the La Plata Town Hall! This annual countywide outdoor event celebrates ALL the arts in Charles County: music, visual art, drama, dance and literature. Now in its 21st year, it is the largest arts festival in Charles County!

ArtsFest is returning to La Plata this year and will once again bring the festivities to the lawn surrounding the beautiful La Plata Town Hall. Last year's ArtsFest in La Plata was well attended by over 2000 individuals from across Southern Maryland. Previous ArtsFests have been held in Indian Head, Cobb Island and Waldorf.

Arts Alliance President Diane Rausch, said, "We are delighted with our continuing partnership with the Town of La Plata, and appreciate their support as our host. We are planning to make ArtsFest 2013 a memorable one!"

Visual artists of all media are invited to display and sell artworks on the lawn at ArtsFest 2013. In addition, arts organizations are invited as exhibitors to display information and encourage participation in their performing, visual and literary arts activities. Also invited as exhibitors are historical, heritage, multicultural and environmental organizations.

ArtsFest 2013 is the Art Alliance's "free gift" to the citizens of Charles County and Southern Maryland. There is no charge to the public to attend. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day.

Last year's ArtsFest showcased over 60 artists and exhibitors at the La Plata Town Hall, along with musical and dance entertainment at several locations on the lawn. ArtsFest 2013 promises to be even more spectacular, with several special events taking place throughout the day.

ArtsFest 2013 Registration Forms and additional information are available on the CCAA website (www.charlescountyarts.org), so please check there for all information needed to participate in this year's festival.

Please save the date and mark your calendars for ArtsFest 2013 on Saturday, June 8!

The Ballet Arts Acdemy of the Old Waldorf School is gearing up for an exciting summer 2013. Auditions will be held February 16 and March 2, 2013 at 4 pm.

International instructors and choreographers will be joining Oscar Hawkins, Artistic Director,  in conducting classes for beginner to advanced level students in technique, pointe, pas de deux, character and court dance, and contemporary ballet. 

Christine Booker, pre-ballet instructor, will be holding classes to teach age-appropriate ballet technique as well as ballet-themed arts and crafts for children ages 5-8. 

Classes will be held at the Old Waldorf School, Monday through Friday 9 am to 3 pm. Extended programming is also being offered from 6:30 am to 9 am and from 3 pm to 5:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.

The Ballet Arts Academy is a non-profit organization devoted to the teaching of classical Russian ballet techniques through the Vaganova methodology. Scholarships are available on a first come first serve basis for students who wish to dance but are unable to meet the financial requirements for this program.

2 Week sessions are from July 15 - July 26 (No Performance)
Or July 29 - August 09 (Includes Performance)
Tuition: $600

4 Weeks (Includes Performance)
Monday thru Friday (9 am - 3 pm)
Tuition: $1200

Extended Programming Available:
6:30 am thru 9:00 am - $75 (per week)
Or 3:00 pm thru 5:30 pm - $75 (per week)

The academy is located at 3074 Crain Highway in the Old Waldorf School. For more information, go to www.balletartsacademy.org / email: lysaware.balletartsacademy@gmail.com

The College of Southern Maryland’s Theatre Company presents its cast for the musical production of  "Urinetown,” a play inspired by the  works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill.

Director Keith Hight describes “Urinetown” as a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he’s had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom.

CSM’s cast includes Derek T. Pickens of Washington, D.C. as Bobby Strong; Charles Watley of Charlotte Hall as Caldwell B. Cladwell; Matthew Jones as Cop and Dr. Billaux, Jhonni Jones as Josephine “Ma” Strong and Sarah Jones as RICH, all of Welcome; Aimee Bonnet as Hope Cladwell, Stephen Bonnet as Tiny Tom and Taylor Scott Hines as Mr. McQueen, all of White Plains; Greg Kenney as Hot Blades Harry and Shannon Hartfield as POOR, both of Accokeek; Ken LaClair as Joseph “Old Man” Strong, Jeremy Hunter as Officer Lockstock, Katie Fischer as POOR, Lisa LaClair as Soupy Sue and Alex LaClair as Senator Fipp, all of La Plata; Emmeline Jones as Little Sally, Hallie MacDonald and Devon-Marie Pettie as POOR and Jamie Burroughs as Mrs. Millennium, all of  Mechanicsville; Rami Essa as Robby the Stockfish, Simone Hanna as RICH, Emma Veteto as POOR, Jordan Prince and Kenneth L. Waters as POOR and Cops, Jaimie Green and Xavier Prince, both as Cops; all of Waldorf;  Mitchell Landon of Great Mills as Officer Barrel; Alyshia Bradley of Lusby as Penelope Pennywise; Francis Ford of Prince Frederick as Billy Boy Bill and Cop; Danielle LeDoux of Indian Head as Little Becky Two-Shoes; and Alexis Miller of Crofton as RICH.

Performances are at 8 p.m., Nov. 8 through 10 and 15 through 17, at the College of Southern Maryland, Fine Arts (FA) Center, Theater, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 seniors, military members with ID and youth in high school or younger. For reservations contact bxoffc@csmd.edu, 301-934-7828, or
www.csmd.edu/arts.

The Fine Arts Center is accessible to patrons with disabilities. Audio description for the visually impaired and sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired are available with a minimum two-week advanced notice. If you are interested in these services contact the Box Office at 301-934-7828 or by e-mail at bxoffc@csmd.edu.

The House of Dance invites you to join us as we "Thrill The World".  Here is your chance to channel your inner Michael Jackson and participate in an international salute to the King of Pop.

Thrill The World is an annual worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Every October, since 2006, Funky Zombies across the globe gather to synchronize their watches and dance to the greatest selling record of all time – Michael Jackson’s Thriller!

Anyone can participate - No age requirement or experience necessary! There will be a costume contest for the "Best Zombie" with prizes donated by local merchants.  Event fee/donation will help raise funds for Hunter's Heroes, a local non-profit that raises funds to support children with brain cancer and their families. Hunter's Heroes was founded to honor Hunter Dean Scott who lost his battle to childhood brain cancer in 2012.

A minimum donation of $10 includes admission to event, as well as "Thriller" dance lessons and practice sessions leading up to "Thrill The World" official dance on Saturday, October 27th at 1:00 PM. The TTW Dance event and all practice sessions will be held at The House of Dance, 24620  Three Notch Road, Hollywood, MD.

LESSONS / PRACTICE TIMES:

Tues: 10/16 8:30-10:00pm

Sat: 10/20; 1 pm - 3pm

Tues: 10/23; 8:30-10:00pm

Sat: 10/27; 11-12:30pm (dress rehearsal); EVENT kicks off and videotaped at 1pm


Registration forms can be picked up at The House of Dance during regular hours (Mon-Fri./ 5-8pm), or at any of the LESSON / PRACTICE sessions listed above. Participants are requested to register prior to the October 27th event.

For more information, call Donna Jordan with your questions  at 301-373-6330 or email: Donna@theHouseOfDance.org .              

Donna Jordan is available for interviews. For additional information about The House of Dance,

please visit our website at www.TheHouseorDance.org or call Donna at 301-373-6330.

Questions may also be  e-mailed to donna@thehouseofdance.org

Come beat the heat with a weekend of fun in Leonardtown Square! A special First Fridays event on August 3rd from 5 – 8:00 p.m. kicks-off Leonardtown’s Beach Party on the Square event the next day, August 4th from 4 – 9:00 p.m.  

On the first Friday of each month, the Leonardtown Business Association celebrates First Fridays from 5 – 8:00 p.m. with a variety of specials offered by our Town businesses in downtown and uptown Leonardtown, the Leonardtown Arts Center, Port of Leonardtown Winery, the Maryland Antiques Center complex, the Shops at Breton Bay and Breton Marketplace. 

The August celebration of First Fridays will be a great evening of art, entertainment, food, and special offers.  Have a bite to eat with friends and family, buy your raffle tickets before it is too late, and drop off your used cell phones to benefit Hope Phones. Then come to the Square for the live music starting at 6:00 p.m. featuring the talents of Miles from Clever, or just listen to the tunes as you browse from store to store. 

Join the crowd in the Square at 7:30 p.m. for the Summertime Raffle Drawing to see who wins First prize - a gorgeous, hand-crafted coffee display table built by artisan carpenter Rob Seltzer of Herring Creek Furniture.  Ticket holders are also eligible for a variety of Gift Certificates from local businesses – like Port of Leonardtown Winery, Good Earth Natural Foods, Big Larry’s Comic Book Café, Brewing Grounds, and Fenwick Street Used Books and Music.  Summertime Raffle tickets will be on sale through August 3rd at Port of Leonardtown Winery, Fuzzy Farmers Market, North End Gallery, and Fenwick Street Used Books and Music  -  $1 each or 12 tickets for $10. 

Get some rest Friday night, because you’re going to need the energy for great family fun at Leonardtown’s Beach Party on the Square the following day, Saturday, August 4th from 4 – 9:00 p.m.   This action-packed event is sure to provide a good time for all!   Highlights include the fantastic tunes of The 25th Hour Band, the high-stepping jump ropers of Greenbelt Sity Stars, energetic line-dancing with Pam Veitch, The Daughters of Veda Mid Eastern Dance Troupe, Zumba dance with Robyn Butcher, strolling juggler Philip DePalo, and scientific magic and hands-on experiments with Mad Science!  Take the free shuttle to Tudor Hall where you and your children will learn about the culture surrounding the War of 1812 with engaging activities and historical re-enactors.

The fun continues throughout the evening with a tug-of-war in the sand hosted by the College of Southern Maryland, fire truck hose-downs provided by the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, inflatable Velcro sticky wall and Bungee Football, moon bounce, kids’ sand pit, hula hoop, jump rope and limbo contests, face painting, crafts, informational displays, games, prizes, food and much more! Both for the young and the young-at-heart, is a display of antique cars and classic corvettes.  Returning to the Beach Party this year is the Running of the Balls, at 7:00 p.m. on Fenwick Street Hill.  Get your prepaid balls from any Leonardtown or Lexington Park Rotary member, at any businesses where you see the Running of the Balls signs, or at the Beach Party event.

If  you’re looking for the water slide, it isn’t in the Square this year, it’s been moved to the Leonardtown Wharf to join the kayaks and stand up paddle boats, as well as the new Giant Basketball Hoop.  Stroll down the hill or take the Hillside Ride shuttle to enjoy the picturesque scenery on beautiful Breton Bay and talk to Mike McWilliams, a waterman and representative of the National Waterman Heritage Foundation.  

Admission to Leonardtown’s "Beach Party" is FREE, but please note that the inflatable Velcro sticky wall and Bungee Football will require wrist bands, which can be purchased for $5 each and allow for unlimited use throughout the event.  Food from Town restaurants, as well as local food trucks and non-profit organizations will also be available for purchase.     

On Beach Party day, Saturday, August 4th, from 12 Noon until 11:00 p.m. several streets in the downtown Square area will be closed to thru traffic.  You are encouraged to park at the College of Southern Maryland and take the free shuttle bus, provided by Carter’s Bus Service, into the downtown area.  Leonardtown’s Beach Party on the Square is held in historic downtown Leonardtown in the Town Square, on Washington and Fenwick Streets.  This event is sponsored by the Commissioners of Leonardtown and the Leonardtown Business Association.

A special thank you to our Beach Party financial sponsors:  Quality Built Homes, Inc., MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, Two Guys Collision Center, College of Southern Maryland, Loiderman Soltesz Associates, Inc., Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, Salsa’s Mexican Café, St. Mary’s Macaroni Kid and a grant from the St. Mary’s County Arts Council and the Maryland Arts Council.

For more information on Leonardtown’s August First Fridays or the Beach Party on the Square events, contact the Office of the Commissioners of Leonardtown at 301-475-9791 or email us at leonardtown.commissioners@verizon.net.  You can also visit First Friday on the web at www.leonardtownfirstfridays.com and Leonardtown on the web at www.leonardtown.somd.com.