We Love Weekends: Montgomery County Planner for Sept. 28 – Sept. 30

The Then & Wow family festival at Glen Echo Park takes place Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This annual event revisits the history of Glen Echo when it was an amusement park and celebrates its revitalization as an arts center. The event features kiddie rides, arcade games, videos and an exhibition on the Park’s history. The festival also celebrates the last day of the Dentzel Carousel’s 98th season in Glen Echo Park. Admission to the park is free. Rides and some activities require tickets. Plan your visit with the schedule of events, here.

And don’t forget the AFI Silver Latin American Film Festival featuring films from Latin America as well as Spain and Portugal. In its 29th year, the festival showcases Latin-American cinema during National Hispanic Heritage Month. The schedule of films and special events may be found online at AFI Latin American Film Festival webpage.

Below are some other ideas for fun this weekend in Montgomery County:

Friday, Sept. 28

Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends  Acclaimed actor Bill Murray teams up with internationally renowned cellist Jan Vogler for this program that showcases core American values in literature and music.   Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda.  strathmore.org. $50-$148.

Let it Flow  This D.C. based band performs a blend of contemporary jazz, neo-soul, R&B, modern hip-hop, and old-school grooves. There will be a dance floor in front of the stage so some views may be obstructed. Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. at AMP by Strathmore, 11810 Grand Park Avenue, North Bethesda. ampbystrathmore.com. $20-$30.

South Pacific  Directed by Alan Muraoka, choreography by Darren Lee and music direction by Kristen Lee Rosenfeld. South Pacific is one of the most beloved of American musicals. Set on a remote Pacific island during World War II, South Pacific tells the love story between nurse Nellie Forbush and French expatriate Emile de Becque, a love threatened by war. Through Oct. 7 at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney.  olneytheatre.org. $42-$84.

Dance Night with BroadSound  This band performs across the music genres from Motown and Soul to Rock, Latin, Hip-Hop and more. The dance floor is open. Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. Bethesda Jazz & Blues Supper Club, 7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda. bbjlive.com. $30.

Keyon Harrold  Trumpeter Keyon Harrold is known for pushing musical boundaries through his compositions and improvisational style. He pulls elements of jazz, R&B, pop, gospel, blues and hip-hop, into his music, his pop sensibilities, and his activist leanings. Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown.  blackrockcenter.org. $35-$45.

Contra Dance Contra dance is a type of folk dance for all ages and a social dance.  You do not need to bring a partner. There is a beginner’s lesson from 7:30 pm – 8:15 pm which is included in the price of admission. If Glen Echo Park closes due to inclement weather the dance will be canceled. Sept. 21 from 7:30-11:30 p.m. in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. 7300 MacArthur Boulevard. glenechopark.org $10. (Contra dance flyer)

Saturday, Sept. 29

Swing Dance American Swing dance is the family of dances that developed to the musical style that began with the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s.  There is a beginner swing lesson from 8-9 p.m. Sept. 22 from 8 p.m. – midnight. in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. 7300 MacArthur Boulevard. glenechopark.org $20.

National Philharmonic: On the Waterfront Film with Live Orchestra  The National Philharmonic Orchestra led by conductor Piotr Gajewski performs the score from the film On the Waterfront as the film is screened. Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda.  strathmore.org. $35-$85.

Labour of Love  Directed by Leora Morris this comedy by James Graham is set in a member of Parliament’s district office and tells the story of the ups and downs of left-wing British politics over the past twenty-five years. Unfolding over decades, the play reflects a shifting political landscape in the heartland that echoes similar developments in America as progressives seek the road back to power. Through Oct. 28 at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney.  olneytheatre.org. $54-$74.

Sunday, Sept. 30

The Australian Pink Floyd Show  Australian Pink Floyd brings their amazingly authentic concert experience to Strathmore as part of their worldwide tour Time: 30 Years of Celebrating Pink Floyd. Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda.  strathmore.org. $59-$89.

Contra & Square Dance Contra dance is a type of folk dance for all ages and a social dance in the most literal sense.  You do not need to bring a partner. Experienced and new dancers will find a warm and welcoming community. Most evenings feature a variety of traditional American contras and two waltzes, plus occasional squares, circle mixers, or other couple dances, all performed to energetic live music with skilled and enthusiastic callers from all over the country.  There is a beginner’s orientation session at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. 7300 MacArthur Boulevard. glenechopark.org $10.

Cowboy Mouth  This band from New Orleans performs a blend of rock, punk and blues. Their focus on the audience creates a dynamic experience. There will be a dance floor in front of the stage which may obstruct some views. Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. at AMP by Strathmore, 11810 Grand Park Avenue, North Bethesda. ampbystrathmore.com. $28-$38.

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

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