We Love Weekends: Montgomery County Planner for Feb. 15-Feb. 17

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize the contributions African Americans have made to our nation throughout its history. Several Montgomery County organizations have planned events, see our event guide for details.

Here are some additional suggestions for entertainment around the county this weekend.

Friday, Feb. 15

Latin Passion:  Grammy-nominated singer Luisito Rosario and two-time Grammy winner Marlow Rosado’s orchestra perform Salsa Romantica for an evening of music, romance, dancing and, most of all, fun. Friday at 8 p.m. at the BlackRock Center for the Arts. Click here for more information. $25-$45.

Film: Man on Fire:  The On Screen/In Person film series continues with a film based in Grand Saline, Texas about a man who chose to shine a spotlight on the town’s racist past. A discussion follows the film screening. Friday at 6 p.m. at the BlackRock Center for the Arts. Click here for more information. $10.

Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite: Sandy Spring Theatre Group’s production of Plaza Suite is a trio of one-acts set in the Plaza Hotel. Recommended for ages 15 & up. Through Sunday, Feb. 24 at Gaithersburg Arts Barn. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Click here for more information. $18-$20.

Gregory Porter:  Celebrated R&B and jazz singer-songwriter performs the tunes of Nat “King” Cole from his recent album, Nat King Cole & Me.  At the Music Center at Strathmore. Friday at 8 p.m. For more information, click here. $58-$108.

Once:  Set in contemporary Dublin, a street guitarist is about to give up on his dreams when he meets a curious woman who wants to know all about him. The two embark on a remarkable music-making journey that includes a group of unlikely companions. This musical is based on the 2006 film which won an Oscar for Best Original Song. Runs through March 10 at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road. For more information, click here.  $64-$84.

Saturday, Feb. 16

BSO Music Box: The half-hour-long concerts are recommended for ages 6 months to 3 years. Maria Broom hosts the concerts which are engaging and interactive and feature a small ensemble of musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. 30 minutes prior to the concert, the room fills with a range of musical, creative, and fun activities for babies and families. At AMP by Strathmore, 11810 Grand Park Avenue, North Bethesda. 10 & 11:30 a.m. For more information, click here. $12.

Farmers Markets Kensington’s farmers market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kensington Train Station, 3701 Howard Ave. Click here for more information. Gaithersburg’s Main Street Farmers and Artists Market takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Street Park and Pavilion, 301 Main St. Click here for more information. Silver Spring’s Freshfarm Downtown Market runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ellsworth Drive and Veterans Plaza. Click here for more information.

Of Color, Space, and Texture Art History Lecture:  Andrew H. Weaver, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Professor and Head of Musicology at the Catholic University of America, for a lecture on music and art. Saturday, Feb. 16 at Gaithersburg Arts Barn at 1 p.m. Click here for more information. $10.

Valentine’s Weekend with Johnny Gill: R&B singer Johnny Gill performs classics such as “My, My, My,” “Rub You The Right Way,” “Can You Stand The Rain,” and more. Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club, 7719 Wisconsin Ave. Doors open at 8 p.m. $95-$125. 240-330-4500. For more information, click here.

Journey Tribute Band: The Frontiers perform hit after hit, including, “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” “Anyway You Want It,” and more. Lead vocalist Elaine Tuttle is backed by a band of New York musicians. At AMP by Strathmore, 11810 Grand Park Avenue, North Bethesda. 8 p.m. For more information, click here. $20-$35.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: Conductor Mario Venzago leads the Orchestra in Ravel’s Bolero and the Rapsodie espagnole. Pianist Conrad Tao returns to the BSO to
perform Liszt’s First Piano Concerto. The program also includes Berlioz’s overtures, Le corsaire and Roman Carnival Overture. At the Music Center at Strathmore. Saturday at 8 p.m. For more information, click here. $35-$90.

Ravel’s Bolero:

Sunday, Feb. 17

The Nighthawks:  DC-based American blues and roots music band includes musicians Mark Wenner, Paul Bell, Johnny Castle, and Mark Stutso. Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club, 7719 Wisconsin Ave. Doors open at 7 p.m. $25. 240-330-4500. For more information, click here.

https://youtu.be/Lr8lvxQVPdY

Farmers Markets Takoma Park Farmers Market takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Laurel Avenue. Click here for more information.

Watch the latest CultureSpot MC video, below, for more events happening this month:

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