72 HOURS July 20, 2023

BARBIE, BARBIE, BARBIE

You will be hearing about Barbie this week. The doll, the movie, the actor who portrays the doll in the movie, and possibly that one friend who still has their childhood collection. Even Google is excited. Search the word “Barbie,” and the screen goes pink and flashes with sparkly stars. Hell, search for “Margot Robbie” and the same thing happens. We met with local Barbie collectors this week to ask about why their love for her has continued through the decades — and whether or not they’ll be hitting the theaters this weekend to see the new “Barbie” movie. The film opens July 20 in Frederick at Warehouse Cinemas and Regal Westview Stadium, though Thursday tickets for Warehouse Cinemas’ Malibou Beach Party on July 20 are already sold out.

CARS, FOOD AND HIP-HOP

UE Day, in its third year, will hit Frederick on July 21 featuring King Chip, Jase Kevion and Demetrius live onstage. All-day events including a car show with food trucks onsite start at noon, and doors open at 9 p.m. for the ticketed performances. We caught up with Demetrius this week ahead of his performance.

ONE CHANCE TO SEE THE BSO IN FREDERICK

We have the rare opportunity this week to catch the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in all their glory right here in town at the Weinberg Center for the Arts. So consider ditching the trip over to Baltimore and drop in for this pay-what-you-want concert on July 23, which will showcase the orchestra’s tremendous range, with a diverse array of selected pieces. Get tickets online or at the door.

MEET THESE FREDERICK AUTHORS

Real-life best friends and Frederick natives Meghan Boehman and Rachael Briner created a graphic novel about friendship, “Dear Rosie,” set right here in town. The creators now live in Los Angeles but will be in Frederick this week for the book launch. Catch them on July 22 at Curious Iguana or July 23 at the Frederick Comic Con and pick up a copy of this new book, illustrated in a warm cottagecore style.

IT’S BASEBALL SEASON. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN THESE DAYS?

Longtime baseball fan Eric Marcus takes a critical approach to baseball in his new book, “Going Going Gone: How MLB Is Destroying Our National Pastime,” arguing that baseball is no longer the game it once was when he was a boy.

JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House

Since its opening in August 2012, JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House has offered a modern twist on classic American cuisine from its red brick facade on East Patrick Street. In addition to the 26 draft beers and craft cocktails on its menu, JoJo’s offers “elevated taphouse eats,” said general manager Andrew Martin. Martin said the restaurant’s take on the classic Maryland crab cake is a crowd favorite. It’s accompanied by potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a Cajun remoulade. He also recommends the scallop risotto and tomato basil risotto, both of which he said are a hit for patrons. For visitors who are vegan or gluten-free, JoJo’s offers a Thai vegetable curry. JoJo’s menu changes every season based on what ingredients are freshest, according to Martin. Currently, several of the restaurant’s beers and teas, as well as meat and fruit in certain dishes, are sourced from local businesses. “We try our best to involve as many local vendors as possible,” Martin said.

— Shifra Dayak

JOJO’S RESTAURANT & TAP HOUSE

16-18 E Patrick St, Frederick 301-732-5197

jojosrestauranttaphouse.com

Instagram: @jojosrestauranttaphouse

Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight

Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Monday and Tuesday

General manager Andrew Martin: Two house favorites are the Scallop Risotto and Warm Goat Cheese Salad.

50 CarrollCreek Way#130 •Frederick 240-439-4041

2481 Merchant St.• Frederick 301-228-9889

Staff photo by Bill Green

General manager Andrew Martin of JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House with two house favorites, Scallop Risotto and Warm Goat Cheese Salad. Also shown are a cocktail called Broken Blinker and a Patrick Street pale ale made by Flying Dog.

Music is a family affair for the Sensational Barnes Brothers

BY CRYSTAL SCHELLE Special to The News-Post

By the time Chris Barnes and his younger brother Courtney Barnes launched their Sensational Barnes Brothers project, they were already veterans of the music industry.

“Both my parents were musicians and singers and performers. So we grew up around music all the time,” said Chris Barnes, 41, from his home in Memphis, just days after returning from playing some gigs with Chris, 32.

As he talks about his musical roots, his words are slathered in a Memphis accent.

Their father, Calvin “Duke” Barnes, and their mother, Deborah, always made music a part of their home. Deborah was the daughter of the Rev. James L. Gleese, who founded the Beale Street Mission for Blacks. She even spent time as one of Ray Charles’ Raelettes before deciding to stay home to raise her family.

On July 21, the Sensational Barnes Brothers will keep that legacy alive when they perform at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick.

Barnes said when they were younger, they spent time traveling with their parents, who were big wedding singers in the area. His parents were also part of singing groups such as Gale Jones Murphy and Company and Ralph Lawson and Company. He said they would also sing at church, “where the foundation is laid.”

Barnes and his siblings soon found themselves as background singers for their parents.

“There were four of us, and the ability came naturally,” he said.

It was his parents’ idea to put the Barnes children together to form a band called Joy. Barnes said Courtney, who is the youngest, was about 6 at the time. They’d play instruments and sing for various crowds.

In 2015, after their father’s passing, the Barnes family released “The Barnes Family Tree.”

Through it all, Chris and Courtney continued to make music, but as session musicians. That’s how they became featured as background vocalists on Don Bryant’s Grammy Awardnominated 2017 album “Don’t Give Up on Love.”

It was through Watson that the duo recorded gospel music from a 1970s

THE SENSATIONAL BARNES BROTHERS

When: 8 p.m. July 21

Where: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick

Cost: $21.75+ Info: 301-600-3838, weinbergcenter.org

D-Vine Spirituals Record Catalog.

“We picked about 15 songs. Bruce picked about 15 songs, and luckily out of those songs, we picked 13 of the same song,” Barnes recalled.

Watson wanted the brothers to sing together.

“It was kind of it was an experiment for Courtney and me to sort of couple up and do an album together,” Barnes said.

They were excited about the chosen songs and getting to work together as a duo.

The album, “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” was recorded under Bible and Tire Recording Co., produced by Watson himself, and released in 2019.

But the Barnes brothers aren’t quitting their other jobs any time soon.

“We say music is a way of life,” he said.

That means when they’re not touring as the Sensational Barnes Brothers, Barnes still sings backgrounds for the Bar-Kays. They’ve also worked with Latin Grammy-nominated Making Movies as well as the lead singer of The Black Keys, Dan Auerbach, on his newest solo album.

“Being out front and having your own gig is cool, but I enjoy being on the stage, creating music, writing,” he said,

Although Barnes jokingly says that working alongside family is “challenging,” he said it’s been beneficial as well.

“Working with family is easier, like your brains are clicking and you’re sort of thinking the same things,” he said.

“So going into situations where you may not be working with somebody you’re related to, you know you have to kind of work out those kinks. … Whenever you perform professionally, you want to do it at the highest level, so we push each other that way, and I think that’s prepared us for being out front.”

For those who haven’t seen the Sensational Barnes Brothers perform, get ready to dance, Barnes said.

“It’s not all gospel, as far as genre is concerned. We have moments of high energy. There’s a nice ebb and flow to the show. There are lovely ballads we love to sing,” he said. “And it’s a motivational type of show. We’re talking about singing about love, about God’s love, loving one another. It’s very inspirational.”

Crystal Schelle is a journalist whose work has been published locally, regionally and nationally. She enjoys trivia, cats and streaming movies.

Bill Reynolds

The Sensational Barnes Brothers will perform in Frederick this week.

Hip-hop artist Demetrius on how he got into music, potentially ripping off Wale, and his love for R&B

BY COLIN MCGUIRE Special to The News-Post

The man goes by the name Demetrius, and he is one of Frederick’s most renowned writers … or poets … or artists. Whichever it is, we recently caught up with him to talk about those distinctions, his relationship with music, how he got into music in the first place, potentially ripping off Wale, his plans for this summer (which include some local shows) and his love for R&B.

You can catch him on July 21 at the Upper Echelon Festival in Frederick. Until then, here’s what he had to say in a wide-ranging conversation we had recently.

I wanted to ask how you got into this. When it comes to art, what happened? Were you 3 years old and thought, “I want to be an artist”?

Not at all. My brother is eight years older than me, so he’s always seemed a lot older to me. He would always show me music, and I remember we were going somewhere, and he showed me Wale’s “More About Nothing,” and there was a song that was more like a poem. So I started writing poems for different girls in my class. I’d do different versions of that.

Wait, you weren’t ripping him off?

[Laughs.] Not all the way, but a little bit. After a while, I started free-styling to songs in my head, but then I stopped. When I got to high school, I realized I could write more than just love poems. I could write about other things, like nightmares or what me and my friends were doing. Then again, when I got to college, I just stopped and chilled out on it. I’d post a poem every now and then, but not anything heavy. After my first year of school — I went there to play basketball — I was worried about other stuff. I got kicked out of class and got kicked off the team.

Were you recruited? Did you have a scholarship?

No, it was just D-3, a small school. I struggle with imposter syndrome, thinking I’m not good enough. There were some schools that had better chances and the coaches made things sound way more promising, but it was just a small school.

But you still got to play.

I got to play one game, got mono, and had to sit out the rest of winter break because they said my spleen might rupture or something like that. Then as soon as I was ready to get back

on the court, they said I failed all my classes except for one.

Where was this?

Wilson College up in Chambersburg. They don’t get no love from me because even when I got back up and good with my grades, I wasn’t really rocking with them. It’s a trash school. I had four professors throughout my three years there. That’s terrible. But then after a while, I was just moving around. I wasn’t

really doing the best things. But then I saw my friends and they were doing music, rapping, so I was like, “Shoot, let me go ahead and give this a shot.”

Were you always in love with music? Is it something you always connected with?

I like R&B. Real old-school stuff. But as far as rap, I had to learn how to even speak in those hip-hop conversations. Some of my friends were really into it

and knew a lot about it. But by the time I was driving, I had like three or four CDs in my car and that was about it, so I wasn’t super big into it. Especially not in a competitive way. That seemed stupid to me because everyone sounded different. When I was kid, I thought Jigga and Jay-Z were two different people [laughs]. Then when I got older, I realized they were different aliases. My brother had a bunch of blank CDs, and he was just playing music, so I never got cover art and got to see who was who. Maybe I’d recognize a voice and maybe I wouldn’t.

Was there a hip-hop artist that you connected with and said, “I want to follow this person’s path”?

Not necessarily. In high school, there was Isaiah Rashad, and his project really resonated with me. That was the first rapper I ever heard that came from a city I had never heard of. He was saying things I could relate to, so when I started to rap, I was like, “Let me not focus on what everyone else is talking about and let me just worry about being smooth and telling my stories.” To this day, I don’t sit there and talk about, “Did you hear this or that?” That’s not my focus.

Speaking of that, you’re integral in the hip-hop community in Frederick, so you know a lot of the artists. How have you seen it grow? Where is it currently in your mind? Is it in a good spot, bad spot?

I think we’ve gotten to a point where it can be taken seriously. I wouldn’t call it a good spot, but before I started rapping, if you wasn’t really ANF, it was kind of a joke. So, I know when I first started, it was a long time before I started to release music. I didn’t want to be stuck with the jokes. So now, when I introduce myself as a rapper, they understand I’m not trash. Before, if you’d say you were a local rapper but your name wasn’t so-and-so, then it was just like, “Oh, you just put music on your Instagram,” or whatever.

So, you take music seriously, then?

I take my name serious.

Go on. What do you mean?

Whatever I put my name on, I’m going to take seriously. If I’m trying to write a book, I’d take it seriously. In the music sense … I don’t do it like a hobby, but I’m also not super dedicated. I don’t write every day. I don’t even write every month.

Let’s talk about that writing process a little bit, then. I know how hard it can be to write when you

Staff photos by Katina Zentz Hip-hop artist Demetrius poses for a portrait at UE in Frederick on July 9.

don’t feel like writing. Have you ever done those things where you forced yourself to write on days and no matter what, you just do it? Or is this something that comes naturally to you all the time?

If I know I have to meet a deadline in my mind — like, I have a friend who has a project he wanted me on and he just told me the day we were going into the studio, and I was like, “OK, I gotta finish it by then? Cool.”

Do deadlines inspire you to get going?

I think it’s just me having military parents. I don’t like to be late. Especially if I tell the engineer I’m going to be there that day, I want to be there that day. Because I’ll sit there and forget that I’m even supposed to be making music because it’s not a thing where I wake up every day and say, “Oh, I’m so excited to make music!” It’s just something I know I’m still getting better at. So I have to remind myself to listen to some beats. Then I’ll write to it and kind of freestyle in my head.

It sounds like you’re more of a writer than a musician.

If I thought I could find someone whose mindset or lifestyle matched mine,

UE DAY

All-day events including a car show and food trucks onsite starting at noon. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the ticketed performance featuring King Chip, Jase Kevion and Demetrius.

When: July 21

Where: 575 N. East St., Frederick Tickets: $40+ via Eventbrite

and they could rap and not be lying, I’d absolutely just be behind the scenes. But I also don’t want to try and make a character out of somebody using my own words or stories.

How are you with hooks and choruses?

That’s the easiest part of the song. Sometimes, it’ll be something that at first I think is going to be the verse, but I repeat it in my head and go, “Oh, that’s the hook, OK.” It can be that simple. When I hear the beat, I automatically know where I want it to go.

See, that’s musical. You’re musical! You’re not just a writer. You have music in your veins.

Yeah, it’s not like I dislike music or

anything. It’s just not my passion. I played piano when I was little and then I quit. I played trombone and then I quit. I wasn’t super passionate. I was skipping band class to go see what was up with gym class. It wasn’t something I was ever super passionate about. Is there a writer that inspires you the most?

As far as inspiration, that old-school soul. Teddy Pendergrass. Marvin Gaye. I listen to their songs and hear what they’re trying to convey. The O’jays, even. “We Cry Together.” When it’s three deepvoiced masculine men, and you make everyone hear that song and not laugh. In fact, they’re like, “This is beautiful.” And it’s four men singing together, talking about crying about a woman we don’t know, that resonates. That’s because of the way it was written. It wasn’t just like, “Oh, we cry, we cry.” The talking in the background. Everything. It’s the way it’s written. Teddy Pendergrass on “Go Come With Me” — he’s having a conversation with a girl and singing the back and forth. You don’t get that anymore. There aren’t people who paint pictures anymore, except for the higher echelon. But on the radio, the middle ground? You’re not going to get that.

What’s next for you? Any new music?

I definitely have new music coming. I just dropped a single with my guy Loose Change. I’m very excited about that. I got to take on more of a creative director role than an artist with him, and I like that. I plan on doing a few drops this summer, a few in the fall, a few in the winter. We have the Upper Echelon and the Frederick Black Festival, and then in October, the big boy: me, Stitch Early, Asa Weeks. I don’t think you can make up a better rap show than that.

One more question. How do you think the city of Frederick can be better at embracing hip-hop music?

I think venues just need to take a risk. I know hip-hop shows don’t always sell the best, but sometimes you gotta take a risk. Scout. Don’t just randomly pick people. Don’t half-ass it. Don’t think you’re only going to do a one-off. Really try to give people a shot. If you take a chance, it might work.

Colin McGuire’s work has appeared in Alternative Press magazine, PopMatters and 72 Hours, among other outlets. Contact him at mcguire.colin@gmail. com.

Hip-hop artist Demetrius poses for a portrait at UE in Frederick on July 9.

BSO returns to the Weinberg Center for pay-what-you-want concert

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Weinberg Center for the Arts at 3 p.m. July 23 as part of Music

For Maryland: Frederick County.

Suave French dances, Finnish fireworks, German precision, British muscle — this program shows off the enormous power and range of the BSO. Recent masterpieces by superstar composer Jessie Montgomery and Baltimore’s Jonathan Leshnoff add American voices to this majestic world tour, and Mozart’s Magic Flute supplies a dose of otherworldly wonder.

Reservations are “Pay What You Wish,” with a suggested donation of $10 per ticket. For special needs, group sales, or other seating questions, call 301-600-2828.

Courtesy photo

See the BSO in Frederick in July.

Frederick natives and best friends create graphic novel ‘Dear Rosie’

“Dear Rosie,” a new, heartwarming graphic novel about friendship, was cocreated by real-life best friends and Frederick natives Meghan Boehman and Rachael Briner, and set right in town as well.

They’ll celebrate with a public launch at 2 p.m. July 22 at the Curious Iguana. They’ll also be at the Frederick Comic Con at the Brainstorm Comics table from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 23.

“Dear Rosie” (Knopf, Random House Kids) is a gentle and poignant book that reflects the creators’ own experience losing a close friend in high school. Without ever patronizing their audience, Boehman and Briner handle difficult topics like death, grief and depression with tenderness.

It tells the story of seventhgrader Millie, who has the best friends in the whole world: Florence, Claire, Gabby and Rosie. But when Rosie dies in a car accident, everything changes. Rocked by grief, the remaining four girls struggle to move on. Millie barely understands her normal preteen feelings, let alone the messy ones left behind by Rosie, so she outruns her emotions by throwing herself into a mystery: a cryptic notebook abandoned at her family’s laundromat. Could the clues in the notebook be related to Rosie?

Together, Millie and her friends embark on a journey to heal from the loss of Rosie and end up finding more than they ever could have even imagined.

The book is illustrated in a warm cottagecore style, set in a

world with humanistic animals that serve to enhance the cozy feel.

Boehman and Briner now live in Los Angeles where they work in TV animation designing and painting background art for Warner Bros Animation, Bento Box Entertainment and Starburns Industries. They previously produced a four-year webcomic and several animated shorts.

“Dear Rosie” draws from their experiences of losing a close friend while they were in high school.

Community Days at Tabler Farm

The Shepherd University Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm is offering a new series, Community Days at Tabler Farm, to give the public the opportunity to visit the farm and take part in activities using plants to create nature-based items to take home.

Each event is free and open to the public and will end with either meditation, yoga, or drumming.

COMMUNITY DAYS EVENTS:

10 a.m. to noon July 15 — Botanical Drawing. Take a tour of Tabler Farm, see what plants, animals and insects make the farm their home. With the support of a guide, participants will tune into details of the gardens and create botanical drawings of what they see.

10 a.m. to noon July 29 — Wild Fermentation and Tea Tasting. Visitors will learn the many edible uses of herbs by touring the farm and focusing on the herb gardens. Participants will gather herbs and learn how to make soda, teas, and simple syrups with plants that are easy to grow at home.

10 a.m. to noon Aug. 26 — The Art of Floral Waters (hydrosols). Participants will touch, feel and smell the flowers and herbs at the farm and learn how to make floral waters at home.

For more information and to register, shepherd.edu/community-days-at-tabler-farm.

Tom Pickwood

From left, Rachael Briner and Meghan Boehman, creators of “Dear Rosie,” released July 11.

Courtesy photo Lavender at Tabler Farm in Shepherdstown, W.Va.

Is the MLB destroying our national pastime? This Frederick author thinks so.

BY SHUAN BUTCHER Special to The News-Post

Growing up in Long Island, Eric Marcus was a big sports fan. Baseball, in particular.

“It started with the World Series when I was 7 years old, with the Giants versus the Yankees. The excitement of watching Game 7 — it overwhelmed me. I was hooked from there,” he said. “We lived and died baseball. We were always outside and played all the time. We were always playing stickball or wiffle ball or trading cards.”

He also has fond memories of attending games.

“We went all the time. Sunday double-headers were a staple for me and my friends.”

Marcus would hop on a bus, without parents, and go to Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium. “Mom would give me two dollars — $1.25 for a ticket and 75 cents for the bus. We would bring our own lunch and spent the whole day there. It was wonderful.”

But the game, Marcus asserts, has changed significantly since he was a boy, which prompted him to write and publish the book “Going, Going, Gone: How MLB is Destroying Our National Pastime.”

“I decided to write a book to explain what it was like growing up a huge fan, about all my heroes, and why the game is difficult to watch now,” said Marcus, who now lives in Frederick. “It is a much different environment now than it was back then.”

In the book, Marcus recalls some of his fondest memories — but also the Top 10 reasons why the sport is in serious decline.

“Twenty years from now, baseball is not going to be anywhere near where

it is now in popularity,” he said.

Most people from New York either love the Yankees or the Mets and hate the other team, but not Marcus. Growing up, he loved them both and went to all their games.

When Marcus moved down South to go to the University of Maryland, he became a Baltimore Orioles fan and began going to games and following them on TV. Marcus still goes to an Orioles game or two a year but says it just isn’t the same.

As someone who was a pitcher in collegiate intramural softball and continued to play the sport for decades, Marcus was particularly fond of other major league pitchers like Tom Seaver and Jim Palmer. They were his heroes, as well as players like Bob Gibson and Roberto Clemente.

“These guys weren’t there for the money. They were there for the love of the game, the love of their team, and their love of the city. Seaver, aka Tom Terrific, threw 28 complete games in 1970. He was amazing and my favorite.

“Watching Roberto Clemente play and the way he hustled and his throwing arm, you couldn’t help but adore him,” Marcus continued.

“I was also a huge Bobby Mercer fan. I was there when he hit four home runs in a row over the course of a doubleheader. The place went bonkers. And Cal Ripken Jr. spent 20plus years with the Orioles. He could have went somewhere else but loved the city.

“I admired them for their talents, their personalities and their dedication to their teammates. I don’t see too many players like that these days. Now it is all about themselves and all about

the money.” The book can be purchased at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Shuan Butcher is a writer, nonprofit professional, event planner and avid traveler. He writes from Frederick.

Courtesy photo

In his new book, Eric Marcus reminisces about baseball’s days of yore.

More travelers get cozy with glamping, even amid high costs

BY SALLY FRENCH NerdWallet

Camping can be one of the cheapest ways to travel. Yet a relatively new style of camping is proliferating — by some metrics — and it’s glamping.

Glamping is a fusion of luxury and nature, where tents are filled with plush pillows, and some even have private bathrooms with heated, running water. Campgrounds typically are outfitted with fast Wi-Fi, and such camping activities as pitching a tent and starting a fire are already done for you. But the blend of outdoor glamor with hotel comfort commands prices more expensive than those of high-end hotels. It’s also a sharp contrast to what traditional campers spend.

U.S. national park visitors in 2021 spent, on average, $351 daily per group on traditional lodging outside the parks, such as hotels or bedand-breakfast establishments. Parties who camped spent just $149, according to a Department of the Interior 2021 visitor spending report. That’s a 58% discount for visitors willing to exchange concrete for canvas. But canvas doesn’t always connote cost savings. That is, if you’re glamping.

For example, you might pay $650 per night after taxes and resort fees at Under Canvas Zion as part of a glamping trip to Utah’s Zion National Park this fall. Situated about 30 minutes from the park’s entrance, the resort’s accommodations include safari-inspired tents with beds, bathrooms, hot showers and wood-burning stoves. There’s no electricity, but guests can borrow USB battery packs to keep devices charged. The resort fee covers all-you-can-roast s’mores, live music and yoga classes.

That $650 covers the entry-level tent, which accommodates two adults via a king bed. The suite tent, which includes a queen sofa bed in addition to

the king bed (thus better for families) can run nearly $850 per night on autumn weekends.

Under Canvas is among the biggest glamping operators. Another is AutoCamp, which offers canvas tents as well as other accommodations including Airstream trailers. A weekend stay at AutoCamp Zion this fall can cost about $570per night after taxes and fees. A larger campsite with an Airstream and tent (large enough for six) can cost nearly $900 nightly. Yet such prices aren’t turning off travelers; glamping is exploding in popularity.

In 2022, an estimated 10.5 million households went glamping, up from an estimated 7.7 million households in 2020. That’s according to the 2023 North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report from Kampgrounds

of America (KOA), which runs more than 500 campgrounds across the United States. and Canada.

CAMPING COOLS DOWN

Camping of all kinds took off at the beginning of the pandemic.

In 2019, 23.5 million North American households said they camped in traditional tents, a figure that ballooned 31% to 30.8 million in 2020, according to KOA’s survey. By 2021, that had grown by an even sharper 50.2% compared with 2019, to 35.3 million.

In 2022, traditional camping enthusiasts dropped off to levels lower than 2020’s numbers, back to about 30.4 million households.

Camping of all kinds accounted for 40% of all North American vacations in 2021 but dropped to 32% in 2022.

Some people might have gotten over camping, but that’s only if your definition of camping means pitching your own tent and starting your own fire.

GLAMPING HEATS UP — DESPITE HIGH COSTS

If you’re willing to consider glamping as a form of camping, then North America’s enthusiasm for camping is just getting started. While KOA said this is the first time it has seen a drop in the number of tent-camping households since it started tracking data in 2014, interest in glamping is growing — so much that the overall rate of camping of all kinds is at a record high.

In 2020, 4.8 million North American camping households said they’d choose cabins or glamping as their primary accommodation style, according to KOA’s survey. That figure grew to 5.1 million by 2021 before more than doubling to 12.3 million in 2022. That’s all despite the high costs of glamping, which can often exceed traditional hotel prices.

KOA analyzed average daily traveler expenditures in 2022 and found that glampers spent roughly 18% ($61) more than traditional campers. Glampers also spent more than traditional hotel guests by about 3% ($12).

About 63% of respondents said they like glamping to get an experience that blends the benefits of staying at a resort and the outdoors, according to KOA’s report. At AutoCamp Zion’s Airstream Suite, you’ll sleep on a luxurious mattress and relax in a walkin rain shower. At AutoCamp’s outpost along Northern California’s Russian River, some suites have private, woodfired hot tubs.

Despite glamping’s higher price tag, the amenities seem to seduce noncampers — 33% of KOA survey respondents say they glamp because they want an outdoor experience without actually having to go camping.

Jim Holland/Rapid City Journal via AP, File

The view of Mount Rushmore located just a few miles away from Under Canvas Mount Rushmore tent cabins near Keystone, S.D. More than 10.5 million North American households took a glamping trip in 2022, up from 9.6 million in 2021.

Collectors wax poetic about Barbie nostalgia and the upcoming feature film

BY CRYSTAL SCHELLE Special to The News-Post

hen Barbara “Barbie” Millicent Roberts waltzed into the toy aisle in 1959, she not only became a fashion icon but empowered girls to be anything they wanted to be.

In her debut year, Barbie was the quintessential “it” girl. Barbie had a blonde ponytail, cat-eye makeup, pouty red lips and was dressed in hoop earrings, a black-and-white striped bathing suit, and black, strappy high-heeled sandals. She was the brainchild of Ruth Handler, who cofounded Mattel with her husband Elliott.

Over the years, Barbie has traded in her bathing suit to be a teacher, nurse, veterinarian, pilot, astronaut, rock star, aerobics teacher and more, while still slipping into an occasional ballgown. She has been introduced in a Black and Latina Barbie to allow more girls to see themselves in Barbies. And she still hangs out with her boyfriend Ken, her bestie Midge, and her younger sisters Skipper, Stacie and Chelsea.

This weekend marks the opening of “Barbie” (PG-13), the movie starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken. As the pink-colored excitement ramps up for the opening, we asked local Barbie lovers about their

collections and why this doll continues to be an icon.

Carol Williamson, 45, of New Market, received her first Barbie when she was around 4 or 5 years old. By the time she was 11, she had grown out of playing with her dolls, but she didn’t want to get

rid of them.

“So then I started collecting them,” she said. “They’re all kept in their boxes. For every holiday, my mom and my grandma would always give me Barbies, even when I went to college, as a kind of a fun thing to do.”

Today her large collection mostly lives in her basement, although she tends to bring out a special few for display in her home office seasonally, like her Christmas Barbies that come out each year.

Williamson even brought out all of her bridal shower Barbies for display for her cousin’s bridal shower. She only displays a small portion of her collection at a time so as not to get overwhelmed.

Her collection is made up of strictly Barbie dolls. Her favorite Barbie is the Rose Barbie collection because it combines two things she loves, Barbies and roses.

Although Barbie will forever be a young woman, Williamson said she’s happy about how, as she has grown up, so has Barbie.

“I love the fact that she’s stayed relevant and can continue to keep up with the times and has always been classically beautiful,” she said.

Frederick residents Katie Romero, 36, and her daughter Jasmine, 8, have shared a love of Barbie, too.

“Ever since I was a child, all I ever

asked for was Barbie,” Katie Romero said.

Today she estimates she has more than 200 dolls, including the 1992 collector Christmas Barbie — with all of their accessories. They also have two Dream Houses, one a newer version and one from the 1960s.

Romero said although she collects them, she doesn’t hide them away or keep them from her daughter.

“I let my daughter play with them because to me, they should be played with,” she said, noting that she does supervise Jasmine when she’s playing with some from the 1960s.

She encourages Jasmine to play with the dolls because she believes Barbie is a role model.

“The possibilities are endless. She could be anything. You could do anything with her,” Romero said. “She could be a stay-at-home mom or she

Staff photo by Ric Dugan Katie Romero’s daughter Jasmine holds her Doctor Barbie.

Katie Romero’s holds her 1963 Fashion Queen Barbie doll.

Staff photo by Ric Dugan

Carol Williamson poses with her collection of Barbie

could be a pilot. She could be a mermaid.”

Jasmine agreed. “She could be a teenager, she could be a mom, a doctor.” She also admitted she just loves the way she looks, especially her makeup. Her favorite is a 1990s Barbie.

What Romero loves most is being able to share Barbie with her daughter.

“It’s nice to bond with her over that. We watched the movies together. We have looked at the vintage ones online together,” she said.

And Barbie is something Romero wants her daughter to continue to play with.

“I think Barbie gives them the ability to imagine their life in any way — whether it’s fantasy or they’re pretending to be a mom who’s taking care of her kids and working a job,” she said. “They get to basically be anything or try anything.”

As a young Indian girl, Samala Khan, 45, of Urbana, wasn’t bothered that Barbie didn’t look like her. She loved her anyway. Although, she admits, the first Barbie she received when she was 4 or 5 is a little worse for wear today, thanks to a shorter hairstyle from Khan.

Over the years, Khan said Barbie “was always a gift that I got” beginning in the ‘80s. For her 7th birthday, Khan received the Dream House.

“It was a big deal,” she said.

But it wasn’t until Khan was a teenager that she finally saw a Barbie who looked like her. Her mom had found a collection of International Barbies. Dolls of the World featured 91 dolls, and one so happened to look just like her.

“My parents emigrated from India in the ‘70s, and there was an Indian Barbie,” she said.

She still has them in the boxes today, admitting she’s opened them just to look at them. “It’s too hard to resist,” she said with a laugh.

Although Barbie is usually thought of as the blonde-haired, blue-eyed version of the doll, Khan said Barbie “embodied everything about being American.” She loved that Barbie could be anyone she wanted to be.

“It’s not so much that I even identified with her except for the fact that she could be anything,” she said.

In addition to her International dolls, her favorite is the Scarlett O’Hara doll, which features Barbie as the iconic protagonist from “Gone with the Wind.”

But Khan doesn’t keep all of her Barbies. As an optometrist by trade, Khan said she received Eye Doctor Barbie but decided to give it away as a gift to a fellow Barbie collector. She also liked the Date Night Barbie, where her pencil skirt flipped into a skirt for the evening, and she appreciated when Barbie’s body shape was changed.

As a married mom of three sons, Khan said one of her boys has a Barbie he’s attached to, but mostly she’s out-

numbered.

“For better or for worse, she’s an icon, and I can’t tell you why she’s stood the test of time, except for the fact that she embodies what it is like to be a woman in modern times,” she said.

Barbie has been a family tradition for Jen Conversano, 43, of Mount Airy. Her mother, 73-year-old Carol Smith of North Potomac, collected Barbies, and they’ve passed that along to 7-year-old Peyton.

Today, Conversano has about 13 Barbies but also had an original motorhome, a Burger King, a hotdog stand, a Corvette, and even a pool that could hold water and a pump that produced bubbles in it.

SEE ‘BARBIE’ THE MOVIE

“Barbie” will premiere in Frederick on July 20 at Warehouse Cinemas, 1301 W. Patrick St., and Regal Westview, 5243 Buckeystown Pike.

At Warehouse Cinemas, enjoy pink decor, specialty cocktails and free upgrades on popcorn when you bring your own Barbie. Dress up as your favorite Barbie for a photo.

Thursday tickets were sold out at the time of printing, but the themed lobby, glitter popcorn and special cocktail will be available Friday through Sunday and while supplies last.

Smith still has her Barbies, including the original Ken. About two years ago, she introduced Peyton to the Barbies, “and she just keeps adding to it,” she said.

Peyton’s Barbies are, of course, more modern, especially compared to the vintage styles of her mom and grandma. The youngest fan of the family has the modern motorhome and the Barbie Dream Home.

All these collectors are looking forward to seeing “Barbie” on the big screen. Romero is planning to take Jasmine and some friends to opening day, wearing matching T-shirts made by a friend. Williamson and her friends with younger kids plan to dress in Barbie-inspired outfits for the movie premiere and enjoy dinner and a little celebration together.

Barbie has endured because of her message.

“Barbies these days show any girl that there aren’t limitations,” Smith said. “They can do and be anyone they wanna be.”

Crystal Schelle is a journalist whose work has been published locally, regionally and nationally. She enjoys trivia, cats and streaming movies.

Staff photo by Katina Zentz

Barbie dolls at her home in New Market on July 9.

‘Indigene’: An artist monograph release party and presentation by Rula Jones — July 23. “‘Indigene’ is a project that has allowed me to combine my love and practice of both art and writing into a single format. The book idea was inspired by a great deal of memoir writers and artist book makers that have come before me including Kurt Vonnegut’s ‘A Man Without a Country,’ the journals of artist Anne Truitt, William Blake’s ‘Songs of Innocence and Experience,’ and Jenny Holtzer.” Frederick Book Arts Center will sell copies of the book and will host a reception and brief presentation at 3 p.m. July 23. Refreshments served. Free street parking. Frederick Book Arts Center, 217 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-228-9816, corrine.wilson@fredbookartscenter.org

DISTRICT Arts celebrates the High Wheel Bicycle Race — through July 23. Artist April Rimpo’s High Wheel paintings will be on view in the gallery. DISTRICT Arts, 15 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-695-4050, districtarts.com/special-exhibitions.

Paintings by Galina Kolosovskaya — through July 23, Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. Silver Spring artist Galina Kolosovskaya is best known for her paintings of flowers and birds. After graduating in fine arts, she was an active member of the remarkable arts community in Khabarovsk in the Russian Far East. She served as artistic director for the Wildlife Foundation, premier environmental organization working for the survival of the Siberian tiger and conservation of Russian flora and fauna. Part of the “Wine and Art” series. 301-602-5733, linksbridgevineyards@gmail.com, linksbridgevineyards.com.

”Contrast & Contours” — through July 28, Just Lookin’ Gallery, 40 Summit Ave., Hagerstown. Known for his masterful pencil work, Michale Gibson’s drawings reflect on universal humanity. Hampton Olfus’ adroitness with ink takes us on a journey, both inward and outward. Gibson is visiting from Canada and D.C. native Olfus resides in southern Maryland. 301-714-2278 or justlookin.com.

”Spectrum: Realism to Abstraction” — through July 29, Gallery 50, 50 W. Main St., Waynesboro, Pa. 12 featured artists. Gallery hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and by appointment. artsalliancegw.org or contact@artsalliancegw.org.

”Frederick In Spires” — through July 30, Gallery 322, 322 N. Market St., Frederick. Gallery 322 celebrates the 275th anniversary of Frederick County. This group show features artists Michael Douglas

Jones, Jan Kaufman, Linda Kirvan, Ann Schaefer, Anne Gibson Snyder, Russell Schofield, Tom Ritchie, and Homer Yost, along with associate artists Roberta Staat, Leo Ramos, Lissa Abrams, Paul Wilson and Karen Winston-Levin. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 240-815-7777 or gallery322.com.

”Infinite Surface” — through July 30, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Mixed media exhibit by JG Orudjev and Todd Frankenheimer. Artists talk 7 p.m. July 20. Gallery hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240-367-9770 or nomagalleryfrederick.com.

“The Herbalist: Cyanotypes from Fox Haven Farm” — through July 30, with a reception and artist talk from 5 to 8 p.m. July 22. Jillian Abir MacMaster recently spent a week living at Fox Haven Farm in Jefferson, created cyanotype prints about and using the farm’s herb garden, and led three workshops with demonstrations there. This exhibition will showcase the work created during the artist residency. Part of the Black Cat Studios artist collective and was funded by the Frederick Arts Council. 4 W. Fifth St., Frederick. jillian.macmaster@gmail.com.

“All Fired Up” — through July 30, Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Steven Gibson (fused glass artist) and Stephen Dill (blacksmith) exhibit their individual art, as well as collaborative pieces that combine glass and steel. View the work from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through July. eastsidearts313@gmail.com, eastsideartistsgallery.com.

Frederick County 275th Anniversary Exhibition — through July 30, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media created by local and regional artists and inspired by storied from the county’s past. Presented in partnership with the Frederick County Historic Sites Consortium. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

“Truth” by Robin Davisson — Aug. 2 to 27. Featured artist Robin Davisson’s lyrical, process-driven work is rooted in eclectic curiosity and the material surprises she discovers working with her finely-developed visual vocabulary. Rooted in relentless curiosity and a love for the visceral qualities of the materials themselves, her work seeks to create knowledge in visual form. Opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 5. DISTRICT Arts, 15 N. Market St., Frederick. districtarts.com/robin-davisson.

“Bedwetter” — Aug. 4 to 27. Work by Phyllis Mayes and Lily Sellers, daughter of gallery member Annie Quinlan. Noon

Jillian Abir MacMaster recently spent a week living at Fox Haven Farm in Jefferson, created cyanotype prints about and using the farm’s herb garden, and led three workshops with demonstrations there. The exhibition “The Herbalist: Cyanotypes from Fox Haven Farm” showcases the work created during the artist residency. This exhibition is part of the Black Cat Studios artist collective and was funded by the Frederick Arts Council. The show is on view through July 30, with a reception and artist talk from 5 to 8 p.m. July 22 at the gallery, located at 4 W. Fifth St., Frederick.

to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5, artist talk from 5 to 6 p.m. Aug. 12. NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-367-9770, nomagalleryfrederick.com.

“10x10” — through Aug. 12. Each piece is 10 inches square and for sale. Gallery hours are 4 to 6 p.m. Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays or by appointment. Gribs Gallery and Studio, 208 Main St., New Windsor. Hours are 4 to 6 p.m. on Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 443-536-9198.

”HUE: An Ode to Color” — through Aug. 25, Gallery 44, 44 S. Bentz St., Frederick. Multimedia art exhibit that explores color in art in a myriad of ways by seven DMV area artists. Open by appointment only. gallery44south@gmail. com or gallery-44.com.

”Over 70 Show” — through Aug. 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media. A signature of the Delaplaine’s Creative Aging Month, this annual exhibition celebrates local artists over age 70 and

showcases a wide range of styles, techniques, and interests. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”Heavy Metal” — through Aug. 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Oil paintings by Raymond Burns. Easily mistaken as merely utilitarian and unattractive, Burns hopes to elevate the character and the beauty that exists in the form, color and texture of railroad equipment, engines, cabooses, boxcars, and railroad structures in various states of use and decay. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-6980656 or delaplaine.org.

”On Beauty and Revolution” — through Aug. 27, Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Featuring the work of Sasa Aakil. For gallery hours, call 301-473-7680.

“The Hot Button” — through August, Hot Button Gallery, 129 E. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. Carol Williams exhibits textiles and poster art that reflect her passion for social responsibility through artistic communication. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The artist will be available for conversation at these times. anothercarolwilliams.com.

Crestwood Gallery Spring Exhibit — through Sept. 8, Crestwood Center, 7211 Bank Court, Frederick. Original artwork including photography, watercolors, oil, acrylic, mixed media and wood carvings by Frederick artists. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240-215-1460, frederickhealth.org/ crestwoodart.

”Landscapes & Legends of Norway: William Singer & His Contemporaries” — through Sept. 17, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. This exhibition uses Singer’s work and that of his contemporaries in the museum collection to look at the impact of Norway on the imaginations of various artists. A series of watercolors depicting Norse legends (yes, Loki and Thor) by American artist Frank Morse Rummel are also a highlight of the exhibition. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-739-5727 or wcmfa.org.

”Treasures of State: Maryland’s Art Collection” — through Oct. 22, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. This collaborative exhibition, co-organized with the Maryland State Archives, features over 90 American and European paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and decorative arts. 301-739-5727 or wcmfa.org.

Courtesy photo

When I worked as a journalist for this newspaper, I became so very, very tired of hearing that my profession was either dying or dead. I’m experiencing the same fatigue when I hear that refrain about comics.

No, dear readers, comics are alive — and booming. And they will boom more, despite the un-nuanced hottakes-for-clicks that appeal to doom scrollers.

The doom and gloom sayers tend to orbit in proximity to the larger, mass-produced monthlies put out by the Big Two, DC and Marvel, a position that discounts the sheer landslide of small-press and independent operations — like Bad Ink Studios, who I recently interviewed over on The Long Box Substack (thelongbox.substack.com) — that carry entire productions on the shoulders of one or two creatives.

While no longer in the golden age where print was everything and made money hand over fist, comics are still big business and account for a chunk of the creative economy when taken as a whole. A recent Allied Market Research report notes the global comic book market was valued at $15.5 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $26.9 billion by 2032, a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%.

Partly, in this digital age, comics are more ubiquitously available than ever, using new technology: “These platforms enable readers to quickly and easily access a wide variety of publications from anywhere in the world, allowing them to read

comics whenever and wherever they like.”

In addition, “The comic book business has seen an increase in the prominence and visibility of independent creators. … This creative independence allows for the innovation and experimentation of storytelling, art, and character development.”

The downside is that the diversification of the industry has led to small groups or individual creators all fighting to carve out their share of that market.

So, what is “success” when it comes to a grassroots comic-creation business? The answer looks a lot like the model Bad Ink Studio’s Evan Schultz and Lydia Roberts have stumbled on, as I pointed out during a recent interview. Schultz and Roberts have used a combination of old and new marketing techniques to make that happen, primarily around an astounding amount of TikTok videos to drive viewers to their Kickstarter. Now, when I said this to Schultz and Roberts, the revelation seemed to surprise them. They’d simply adopted a guerilla marketing approach from the punk rock world they’d emerged from. Hey, if it works, it works.

Much like newspapers (or “media,” if you prefer), comic creators are in competition for attention, and winning those eyeballs requires a stellar product, which Bad Ink have in their “Interdimensional” series.

Finding a way to stand out is the hard part. I jokingly — sort of jokingly — put together a list of oversaturated tropes

I’d like to see less of, as the scene is, for numerous reasons, awash in them (ibid. Longbox Substack). This, to me, illustrates why Bad Ink’s “Interdimensional” anthology has done so well. Artist Roberts’ style with Evan’s coloring is so unlike the plurality of what’s currently saturating digital platforms.

The point, if I have one, for those who write and draw comics, is this: Be your own authentic self. Don’t chase fads. Don’t measure your success by what others do in the same space. Don’t imitate. Find your unique voice/style.

RECOMMENDATIONS … I am contractually obligated to Tribute Press to mention I have a couple of pages in the second issue of “The Dirty Basement,” which was released between my last column and this. Be aware, it’s firmly in the #NSFW category of underground comics and, if you read it, you’ll never look at bananas the same way again. Find it at tributepress.co.uk. You’ve been warned.

REMINDERS … In April’s column, “Let’s Get Metal!,” I discussed “The Rock Gods of Jackson, Tennessee,” written by Baltimore-based Rafer Roberts and illustrated by Chicago’s Mike Norton. The

book has been released, and you can either order it at your local comic book store or find it at Dark Horse (darkhorse. com).

KNOW ANY STEAMPUNK

RAPPERS? … Actually, yes. I owe a lot to Paul Alborough, aka, Professor Elemental, he of the time-traveling trousers and multidimensional rapper, steampunk emcee, all-around gentleman and beacon of positive universal force. Alborough really encouraged me early on in my comics career, even taking a chance on this nascent, largely unknown artist. I illustrated the professor’s biography, drew his simian butler Geoffrey as the logo for packets of banana humbugs, and was even tapped for a couple of comic pages, among other bits and bobs. Some of those illustrations have made it into “The Art of Professor Elemental,” which details over 200-plus pages some of the artistic collaborators Alborough has drawn into his eccentric orbit over the years, including me. Have a recommendation? I’m all ears. Shoot me a note at cgcumber@gmail. com or via Instagram, Twitter or (god help me) TikTok, where you can find me @ cgcumber.

Laughter and live music combine at Rocky Gap Casino Resort throughout July.

Comedian Bret Ernst will perform at Bonkerz Comedy Club at 8 p.m. July 27. Born and raised in New Jersey, Ernst was one of four comedians featured in “Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days and 30 Nights — Hollywood to the Heartland.” He has appeared on TV shows such as “Comedy Central Presents,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and “Weeds,” and has a recurring role on Netflix’s hit series “Cobra Kai.”

Ernst’s jokes are rooted in storytelling, giving the audience an inside look at the life of a typical North Jersey Italian kid in the ‘80s.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. with advance tickets priced at $25 and day-of

tickets priced at $30. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. Tickets are available to purchase here.

Signatures Bar & Grill will host additional music performances throughout the month:

6 to 10 p.m. July 21: Chuck Cantalamessa, folk singer and guitarist

Noon to 4 p.m. July 22: Dave

Howsare

6 to 10 p.m. July 22: Dustin McCray

6 to 10 p.m. July 28: Josh Covert, acoustic songs

Noon to 4 p.m. July 29: Jason McDonald

6 to 10 p.m. July 29: Jewelein “Jewel” Stevenson, singer-songwriter

For tickets or more information, go to rockygapresort.com.

CLIFF CUMBER

af te r hour s

SummerFest

Dreams’ is an examination of a complicated love triangle

The world premiere of “Fever Dreams (of Animals on the Verge of Extinction)” at the Contemporary American Theater Festival has a title weighted with more existential dread than the play it describes — much to my relief and delight.

FOR

To be sure, marital infidelity, the subject Jeffrey Lieber’s play tackles head-on, cuts to the bone of life’s meaning, and this show pulls no punches when it comes to demonstrating all the ugliness of secretive relationships. In fact, it probes more deeply into the dysfunctions of that kind of lifestyle than I typically see in modern theater.

After more than an hour of watching secrets and repressed emotions that have been simmering for decades reach their boiling point,

we hear the character Adele, played manically by Marika Engelhardt of “Knives and Skin” fame, crystalize the most wrenching part of secret affairs when she screams, “There are things you get and things he gets, and that is how it works.”

For almost 30 years, she has isolated her romantic emotional needs in two distinct buckets: one for her husband, with whom she has raised a son, and one for her husband’s best friend from college, whom she meets for periodic weekend getaways at a mountain cabin.

But more than separating emotions, she has created two realities with drastically conflicting sets of facts. In one of these worlds she must confront the reality of death; in the other, there is only fun — or so she had hoped.

The whole situation gives lie to the notion that long-term relationships with multiple partners are workable so long as everyone involved has full

(See FEVER DREAMS 21)

‘Fever

Seth Freeman

A scene from CATF’s “Fever Dreams.”

GARY BENNETT

Can nostalgia make the Barbie movie a win for Mattel?

BY RACHEL LERMAN

The Washington Post

Melissa Reid just needs some workout pants, a leotard and a gold medal to complete her Gymnastics Barbie look in time for the July premiere of the “Barbie” movie.

Reid, 35, and her friends plan to dress up as the Barbies of their youth — awash in Barbie Pink, obviously — and hit the theater together, a plan echoed widely on social media.

The new film, though not yet rated, isn’t primarily geared at the doll’s youngest fans, experts say. The appeal appears strongest among adults and teens eager to awaken, or at least engage, hazy memories of a beloved toy and peek into the world of Barbie that, too, has grown up.

For doll maker Mattel, the film stands to raise up a 78-year-old brand with wistful Millennials and Gen Xers, and encourage sales of other Barbie-branded products. And it may well plant a seed with viewers to think of Barbie and her Dreamhouse for their kids or young relatives.

Still, it’s a new play for Mattel from a business perspective and a new type of toy movie altogether.

“I don’t think anyone at Mattel is thinking ... this is going to sell dolls to 4-year-olds,” said Chris Byrne, a toy industry consultant.

The movie’s trailers have taken the internet by storm since the latest release earlier this month, and spotlighted a star-studded cast that includes Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Simu Liu, Issa Rae, Helen Mirren and Will Ferrell. One clip features bright colors, whimsical fashion and a Barbie setting off on an adventure in her signature pink convertible. Another cements the movie’s self-aware humor: Ken, played by Gosling, suggests he stay the night with Robbie’s Barbie, leading Barbie to ask innocently, “To do what?”

“I’m actually not sure,” Ken answers. It’s an eye-catching endeavor for its director, Greta Gerwig, who also directed “Lady Bird” and “Little Women.”

At 64, Barbie has had an enduring legacy, emerging time and again from backlash over her appearance as the quintessential doll for children, particularly young girls. She has been a president, an astronaut, the titular

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character in several animated films and TV shows — but this is her first own live-action movie.

The decision itself was controversial, said Arpiné H. Kocharyan, an analyst who follows Mattel at UBS Investment Bank. Live-action can be divisive when it comes to toy or animated classics, and some investors worry it might not pay off in terms of sales for the company.

But “Barbie is very different,” she said. “And Mattel management understands the risks and opportunities that come with such an undertaking. So I think this is a major event for Mattel.”

Stu Szabo, a 25-year-old collector and cosplayer from Western Australia, plans to dress up as Earring Magic Ken — a 1990s version of Ken that developed a loyal following but was only sold for a limited time.

“As an adult who collects Barbies and other fashion dolls, it’s really so fun to have a movie that is for the mainstream audience but also has references for someone like me who’ll instantly recognizes the little stuff,” Szabo said in a Twitter message. “The deep cuts of Barbie lore.”

The movie’s vivid colors and takes on classic Barbie outfits has would-be viewers excited to match their wardrobes to the live doll’s styles.

That signature color — bright, eye-catching Barbie pink — is part of Mattel’s play for customers as well. On a recent call with investors, Mattel’s chief financial officer, Anthony DiSilvestro, emphasized Barbie’s wide-ranging cultural impact, includ-

ing “a global fashion movement that’s not called Pinkcore but Barbiecore.”

Mattel, which has about 15 movies in the works across its brands, emphasized on recent investor calls that it took a “capital-light” approach to this live-action movie, meaning it didn’t invest heavily.

Indeed, Barbie also has its detractors, starting with long-held criticisms about its unrealistic proportions and, early on, for not representing races other than White. Mattel introduced a Black Barbie, Christie, in 1968, and has since released a range of diversity within Barbie, featuring different body types, skin tones and hairstyles.

Reid, who is Black, said when she was a kid she had a hard time finding Christie, the Barbie that best reflected her. The Gymnastics Barbie fan is excited about the diverse cast the Barbie movie boasts.

“In a world where media really doesn’t reflect my personal bubble often, its really cool to be able to go to the movies and go back to childhood and also have that representation and not be forgotten,” she said.

Barbie has also become a symbol of confidence and empowerment for women, especially in the past few years as the brand managed to capitalize on the women’s movement, Kocharyan said.

“How they turned that conversation around has actually been pretty incredible,” she said.

The Washington Post’s Maggie Penman contributed to this report.

BPtrivia Live @ Warehouse Cinemas Monday, August 7 from 7:00-9:00 PM

Join the first Monday of each month for a live trivia game hosted by BPtrivia.

UPCOMING FILMS THIS WEEKEND: “Barbie”, and

Warehouse Cinemas is an independently owned cinema that offers a unique, premium movie going experience by providing first- run movies + retro films, leather recliner seating w/ seat warmers, high-quality picture and sound, including Dolby Atmos, a modernindustrial décor, and premium food and drink options, including movie themed cocktails, wine and a 28-tap self-serve beer wall. Visit us at warehouscinemas.com or scan the QR Code for this week’s feature films.

Warner Bros. Pictures Ryan Gosling plays the Ken to Margot Robbie’s Barbie.

“Oppenheimer”

Local Mentions

Local Mentions

PRYOR'S ORCHARD

Local Mentions

CASH BINGO

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Services

LANDSCAPING

Leave the hard work to us! Spring Cleaning, Mulching, Mowing Hardscaping

Call J & R Cornerstone at 301-473-0449

Expecting calls any time! FREE ESTIMATE

POOL WATER

BEEF & CORN ROAST

AYCE

Flint Hill UMC

2732 Park Mills Rd

Adamstown, MD

July 22 • 12-5PM

Adults - $28

Children (6-12) - $22

Carryouts - $30

Bake table available

MVFC Auxillary Back-to-School Bingo

July 30, Doors open 1 p m , Bingo starts 2 p m

1 Fireman's Lane, Middletown (401 Franklin Street)

$15/person; 15 Games

Backpacks & lunch bags filled with school supplies

Sandwiches, French fries, snacks & drinks available for purchase

For tickets or more info

301-639-1416 or udder-muther13@comcast net

PYO Blueberries

Already Available:

Red Haven, Glenglo

White Lady Peaches

Earligold Apples

Sweet Plums, Nectarines

Tomatoes, Melons, Lopes

Sweet Corn, Green Beans

Cucumbers, Pickles

Red Beets, Zucchini

Patty Pans, Yellow Squash

Honey, Jellies, Sparkling Cider

Call FIRST - 301-271-2693

2 mi West of Thurmont off Rt 15 Take 77W

1 mile to Pryor Rd

www PryorsOrchard com

Woodsboro VFC

CHILDREN'S “Back to School” BINGO

Sun , July 23 at Woodsboro Fire Hall

2 South Third St

Doors Open: Noon

Games Begin: 1pm $5 00 per person

Adults must be accompanied by a child

Food and beverages available for purchase

NO Outside food or drinks allowed Call Jo Ann: 240-446-0451 for information

Woodsboro American Legion Auxiliary Doors open 12 pm; games @ 1:30 pm $40 for 25 games, includes 2 specials @ $150, 2 jackpots @ $500 each; Reserve early, receive free special-call 301514-7164; Bring canned items for Food bank & receive free special; King tuts, bingo balls, holder jars & door prizes; Food, drinks, baked goods available

SCENIC VIEW ORCHARDS

Our Own Sweet Corn

White & Yellow Nectarines

White & Yellow Peaches

Blackberries Cherries, Black Raspberries, Plums

Lodi Apples, Blueberries

Cantaloupes

Green Beans, Beets, Squash

Eggplant, Kale, Cauliflower

Tomatoes, Pickling Cucumbers

Broccoli, Onions, Cabbage

Beets, Red & Yukon Potatoes

Honey, Canned Fruits & Vegetables, Jams and Jellies

16239 Sabillasville Rd

Sabillasville MD

Open daily 10:00-6:00

301-271-2149

www scenicvieworchards com

Frederick Farmers Market

1215 West Patrick St

Saturdays 10:00-1:00

YMCA Farmers Market

1000 North Market St

Tuesdays 3:30-6:30

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN ORCHARD

Available in our Market: Strawberries, Blueberries, Apricots, Black Raspberries, Dark Sweet & White Cherries, Early Peaches, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Pink Lady & Fuji Apples

Kale, Spinach, Lettuce, Spring Onions, Tomatoes & Corn

Hanging Flower Baskets

Fresh Baked Fruit Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Fresh Apple Cider, Jams & Jellies

301-271-2737

Open Daily 9am-5pm

15036 North Franklinville Rd

Thurmont MD

www catoctinmountainorchard com

CRUSHED STONE DELIVERY

Delivering various crushed stone

CR6, 57s, stone dust, 1 ton up to 22 ton loads

Skid-loader service available

Quarry Direct Hauling

Andrew - 240-674-2731

Lambs Knoll Enterprise LLC

!!FATHER AND SONS!!! HANDYMAN HANDYMAN

INTER. PAINTING

Home Repair & Improvements

301-694-9630

LIC #74117

Serving Frederick for 34 Years!

We fill any size pool Call Nolan Hubble 240-315-1762

THE LITTLE RED WAGON

Sweet Corn, Lopes, Melons, Blueberries, Nectarines, Apricots, Plums, Tomatoes

Fresh potatoes, cabbage Call to order canner tomatoes! Blueberry 20 lb still available! 11434 Keymar Rd

Woodsboro, MD 21798

Live Info: 240-439-9401

Farm Items & Equipment

OLIVER'S TIRE SERVICE

Solution filling, tractor tires; also repairs & sales

301-845-6898

10% off Total Bill!

Lawn & Garden

LAWN CARE EQUIPMENT FOR SAL

D&R Trimmer/Mower

Troy-Bilt Sidewalk Edger Ryobi Weed Eater

All in great working condition!

Call to discuss pricing: 240-490-8853

HENRY'S BLACKTOP PAVING, LLC

301-663-1888 • 301-416-7229

henrysblacktoppaving @gmail com

Call for FREE est. MHIC 3608

Thursday July 20

CLASSES

Maryland Whiskey 101 — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at McClintock Distilling, 35 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Learn how whiskey is made, the different types, and the history of the barrel aging process. This class will have a special focus on Maryland Rye Whiskey and what makes it so special. Must be 21+ to register.  $34. 301-624-2727. mkrzywicki@frederick.edu.

ETCETERA

Stitches Through Time: Women’s Work from Farm to Fashion — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History/Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Explores one story of women’s work, interpreting the history of textile production up to the 1950s. It features a beautiful selection of hand-sewn quilts and clothes from the 1800s; equipment, advertising, photographs and ephemera from the factory era; and selections of mid-20th century clothing by Claire McCardell that reflect the department store culture that emerged after World War II. Ten wedding dresses spanning 100 years showcase the themes in our story. $12, $10, $8. Tonya@FrederickHistory.org. www.frederickhistory.org.

Duplicate Bridge Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration , 6909 Maryland Ave., Frederick. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and make new, like-minded friends. All are welcome, no membership requirements. We’ll even guarantee you a partner on the first Monday and Thursday of every month. $7. 301-254-4727. sharonwcox@gmail.com. bridgewebs.com/frederick.

Tenth Ward’s 7 Year Anniversary Party — 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Live music and gambling-themed cocktails. 21+. ThursdayMonocacy Jazz Trio from 7 to 9 p.m. FridayThe Dirty Middle from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday

- Banana Hammer from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday

- Synergy Jazz Trio from 3 to 6 p.m.  301-233-4817. francie@tenthwarddistilling.com. fb.me/e/sU4IRBCA.

Pour House Trivia — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Champion Billiards Sports Bar, 5205 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. Come on out with the team and play some Pour House Trivia. 7 p.m. start. Extended Happy Hour from 4 to 8 p.m.  301-846-0089. frederickchampions.com/weekly-specials.

Sunset Yoga at Washington Monument —

7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittlestown Road, Middletown. Watch the sun dip in the sky as you stretch and strengthen your body and mind in the great outdoors. All experience levels are welcome. Bring a yoga mat or towel, and water. Meet at upper parking lot at Washington Monument. For questions about weather events, call 301-791-4767. 301-791-4656. cecilia.melton@maryland.gov. dnr.maryland.gov.

FAMILY

Summerfest Family Theatre: Rocknoceros — 10 a.m. at Baker Park Band Shell, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick. Their music is upbeat, lively, and features cool instruments like the banjo and accordion! Bring a canned food item in lieu of admission to support the Foodbank Program operated by the Frederick Community Action Agency (FCAA). Non-perishable items such as canned meats and vegetables, soups, peanut butter, cereal, rice, and pastas are preferred. celebratefrederick.com.

Wildwood Storytime with CCPL’s Mount Airy Branch — 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Wildwood Park Gazebo, 400 Park Ave., Mount Airy. For ages up to 8. Join us for storytime at the Wildwood Park Gazebo. We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. We’ll talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children. In the event of inclement weather, we will meet indoors at CCPL’s Mount Airy Branch. 410-386-4470. ask@carr.org. ccpl.librarymarket.com.

STEAM Team: Engineering Design — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Carroll County Public Library, Taneytown Branch, 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown. For ages 7-12. Learn each step of an engineer’s problem-solving process and work together to solve an engineering challenge. Come ready to chat with others and think up creative solutions. Taught by 4-H Extension Educator Torrey Silliman. Registration is required. Visit site for details. 410-386-4510. ask@carr.org. ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/ steam-team-engineering-design.

Inked with Aliza Layne — 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Carroll County Public Library, Finksburg Branch, 2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg. For ages 12-18. Join us for an exciting creative workshop where you learn the art of creating graphic novels and comics with Mx. Aliza Layne, local cartoonist, illustrator, storyteller and author of Stonewall Honor Book “Beetle and the Hollowbones.” 410-386-4505. ask@carr.org. ccpl.librarymarket.com.

Disney and Pixar’s “Finding Nemo, Jr.” — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Book, music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. This is a student production and is not part of MET’s MainStage or FunCompany season. $20-22. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org.

GALLERY

The Hagerstown and Frederick Railway Exhibit — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. From 1896 until 1954, a network of interurban trolley lines were built linking communities across Frederick and Washington counties. This exhibit presents the history of these electric railways and how they changed the landscape and communities of Frederick County.

$12, $10, $8. director@frederickhistory.org. cognitoforms.com/HeritageFrederick1/ stitchesthroughtimeexhibittickets.

MUSIC

Alive@Five: Sometime in September — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Carroll Creek Amphitheater, Frederick. Live music. Outdoor happy hour. Ages 21 and older only, with ID. $6 entry plus $6 drinks. Food available for purchase. 301-698-8118. downtownfrederick.org.

Summer Concert Series: Jon Ingels — 6:30 p.m. at Renfrew Museum & Park, 1010 E. Main St., Waynesboro, Pa. Ingels’ lyrical content is a mixture of storytelling, timeless topics, and geographic imagery backed by folk chord patterns, simple melodies, and a blues driven rhythm. In his solo performances Jon draws from all his influences ranging from blues to country, rock to reggae, and all points in between! Donations gratefully accepted.

717-762-4723. renfrewmuseum.org.

Live Jazz at the Cocktail Lab — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Get swanky with us every Thursday night for live jazz and your favorite craft cocktails. 21 and older. 301-233-4817. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com/events.

OUTDOORS

Climate Change and Trees — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro. Tree rings give us insight into climatic conditions and patterns, including the shifts in climate that are reflecting in growth patterns. Come analyze different tree samples and learn about the systemic ef-

fects of climate change on our ecosystems. At the Nature Nook (next to concessions). 301-791-4656. laura.nalven@maryland.gov. dnr.maryland.gov.

PERFORMER

An Evening with Ayanna Gallant — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Riverworks Studio at Alden Farms, 19215 Beallsville Road, Beallsville. An evening with musician, poet, voiceover talent, educator and sound therapist Ayanna Gallant as she weaves poetry, song and rhythm into the stories she tells about the various ugly, odd and beautiful aspects of womanhood. 301-690-9337. contact@riverworksart.org. riverworksart.org/storytellers-series.

Friday July 21

CLASSES

Goat Yoga at the Farm — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Goat for the Soul, 10209 Fountain School Road, Union Bridge. All ages welcome. For Friday night classes, feel free to bring your favorite adult beverage. $27. 240-405-2208. christy@gvalleye.com. goatforthesoul.com.

ETCETERA

Mushroom March — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro. Learn about the types of fungi that grow in Maryland, how to identify them, and search for them throughout the park. Bring good hiking shoes, water and prepare for a moderately intense 2 mile hike. Meet at Gazebo 1 in day-use area. 301-791-4656. laura.nalven@maryland.gov. dnr.maryland.gov.

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick — 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Brewer’s Alley Restaurant and Brewery, 124 N. Market St., Frederick. Journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past. Nearly 300 years of war, executions and revenge. True documented stories of the paranormal with Maryland’s oldest operating Ghost Tour. Uncover political savvy and defiant citizens, patriots from the Revolutionary War, beckoning soldiers from the Civil War. Reservations recommended. $15. 301-668-8922. info@marylandghosttours.com. marylandghosttours.com.

FAMILY

Disney and Pixar’s “Finding Nemo, Jr.” — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Book, music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. This is a student produc-

tion and is not part of MET’s MainStage or FunCompany season.

$20-22. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org.

MUSIC

Friday Nights Live — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at American Ice Co Cafe, 62 W. Main St., Westminster. Come out to listen and support musicians play every Friday night. The stage behind the café is the perfect place to spend warm summer nights with a glass of wine, bottle of beer, or one of our specialty lattes.

443-952-0552. gabby.aic.co@gmail.com.

Morgan’s Coffeehouse Bluegrass Concert — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Morgan Chapel United Methodist Church, 6750 Woodbine Road, Woodbine. Morgan’s Coffeehouse welcomes Billy Harrison & Haywire Band. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Food and beverages will be for sale throughout the night. Free admission, donations encouraged. 410-970-2485. revjim@morganchapel.church. morganchapel.church/coffeehouse.html.

F.A.M.E. Song Circle — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mount Airy Town Hall, 110 S. Main St., Mount Airy. A song circle is kind of like singing around a campfire (but without the fire). All ages, all abilities - players, singers, and listeners are all welcome! Acoustic instruments only, please! Meets monthly.

301-471-0889. D.Koronet@att.net. frederickacoustic.org.

The Sensational Barnes Brothers — 8 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The Sensational Barnes Brothers are a melting pot of the old and the new. The brothers dive deep into their roots, creating a sound that reflects the music of their history, all the while drawing in a modern-day audience.

$25 advance, $30 at the door. 301-600-2828. weinbergcenter.org.

Live Music at the Cocktail Lab — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Every Friday in the Cocktail Lab we’ll be servin’ up our deliciously wild concoctions and some sweet tunes to get your weekend started off right! 21 and older. 301-233-4817. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com/events.

THEATER

Murder at the Mansion: “Murder on the Metropolitan” by Dean Fiala — 8 p.m. at Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. One evening in 1955, the Metropolitan wends its way out of the city, carrying spies, secrets and schemes through the unsuspecting suburbs. Cash bar available. Dress up in 1950s cocktail attire for a chance to win a prize. Recommended for ages 15+.  $35. 301-258-6425. kentlands@gaithersburgmd.gov. gaithersburgmd.gov.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” — 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Frederick’s longest running community theater,

FtP brings to the stage for six performances this hysterical musical. For mature audiences.

$25. 240-315-3855. hello@ftptheater.com. ftptheater.com.

Saturday July 22

CLASSES

All-Levels Yoga — 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., , Frederick. An all-levels yoga class with experienced instructors from Yogamour, a Frederick-based studio and non-profit. Saturdays through October.

$15. 301-662-4190. skystage@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org/programs/ sky-stage.

Goat Yoga — 10 a.m. to noon at Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery, 11836 Auburn Road, Thurmont. Enjoy a tasting and Goat Yoga at Springfield Manor. $42. 240-405-2208. christy@gvalleye.com. goatforthesoul.com.

Freedom BANG Fitness Class — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch LIbrary, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. A pre-choreographed fusion of boxing, HIIT, hip hop, world dance, optional weighted gloves and just a touch of attitude. Offering a wide range of intensity options to help you customize your workout. 18+. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

How to Deal Naturally with Pests, Fungus, & Disease in the Garden — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 101 Prospect St., Middletown. Learn from local Master Gardener Maritta Grau how to naturally protect plants from pests, fungus and disease. This is part of a series of programs on gardening that will continue throughout the year. 18+. 301-600-7560. lgrackin@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org/calendar.

Upcycled Ice Dying Workshop — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Common Market CO-OP, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. In this workshop you will learn a variety of ice dying techniques, from spiral and scrunch to geodes! We will also explore basic color theory to learn how to make the most visually pleasing color combinations! Participants will go home with a total of two projects with rinse out instructions. BYO cotton shirts. $40-$60. 301-663-3416. aharmon@commonmarket.coop. commonmarket.coop/ classes-events/upcycled-ice-dying.

Goat Cuddles — 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Goat for the Soul, 10209 Fountain School Road, Union Bridge. Laugh, relax, de-stress while cuddling and interacting with the goats. $15. 240-405-2208. christy@gvalleye.com. goatforthesoul.com.

ETCETERA

Pet Adoption Day — 10 a.m. to noon at Walkersville Branch LIbrary, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Have you considered adopting a pet? Join the Frederick County Humane Society and Animal Control, as well as some other local partners as we review services

and options for pet adoption! 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

“Like a Great Tidal Wave” — Life in Pennsylvania Reserves During the Maryland Campaign — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittlestown Road , Middletown. Discover the daily life of federal soldiers during the Maryland Campaign, and the actions of the Pennsylvania Reserves at Turner’s Gap. Learn about the rifles and equipment used by soldiers during the Civil War.  jamesn.johnston@maryland.gov.

Frederick During the Civil War Walking Tour — 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History/Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Explore what it was like to live in Frederick during the Civil War. Stories include the last Confederate invasion of the North, the ransom of Frederick, and the Battle of Monocacy. The museum and garden open at 10 a.m. for walk-up ticket sales and appreciation; tours start promptly at 10:30 a.m. and last 90 minutes. $12, $10, $8. director@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org/programs/adults/ walking-tours.

Schifferstadt Architectural Museum — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Explore the home of Frederick’s pioneer family, the Brunners. Built in 1758, it is the oldest surviving building in the city and a National Historic Landmark. Inside is the only known example of a German heating system that provided safe, clean, energy-efficient radiant heat. Learn the story of the desperate German immigrants who fled dire conditions in Europe and came to prominence in Frederick County. Walk in for a guided tour. $8 for adults, free for under age 12. 301456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick — 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Brewer’s Alley Restaurant and Brewery, 124 N. Market St., Frederick. Journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past. Nearly 300 years of war, executions and revenge. True documented stories of the paranormal with Maryland’s oldest operating Ghost Tour. Uncover political savvy and defiant citizens, patriots from the Revolutionary War, beckoning soldiers from the Civil War. Reservations recommended. $15. 301-668-8922. info@marylandghosttours.com. marylandghosttours.com.

FAMILY

Make & Take Mini-Garden (for first to 12th graders) — 10 a.m. to noon at University of Maryland Extension Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick. Design and plant a decorated miniature garden to take home! Plants and decorations will be provided but bring your gardening gloves. Pre-registration is required since class is limited to 15 children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free for children. Adults may plant their own mini garden for $5; note it on the registration and pay (cash or check) at class. 301-600-1596. strice@umd.edu.

Back in Time Museum and 1800s Rural Village Scavenger Hunt — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Friends of the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro. Turn back the hands of time

and have fun searching for and discovering curated artifacts made or used in 19th-century Maryland. Children will get a list with 40 images of artifacts that are on display in three indoor museums and authentic outdoor rural Village of historic structures built in the 1800s. info.ruralheritagemuseum@gmail.com. ruralheritagemuseum.org/ weekend-family-activites.html.

Disney and Pixar’s “Finding Nemo, Jr.” — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Book, music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. This is a student production and is not part of MET’s MainStage or FunCompany season. $20-22. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org.

Concert on the Hill: The Hyssongs — 7 p.m. at The Promised Land, 10918 Taneytown Pike, Emmitsburg. Favorite hymns. tomscreekumc.com.

FILM

“The Chosen”: Outdoor Watch Parties — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Damascus Road Community Church, 12826 Old National Pike, Mount Airy. Come on out to “The Chosen” Watch Parties featuring episodes of the first season of the acclaimed historical drama TV series by the same name. Watch on the lawn on our 14’ LED screen (or indoors during inclement weather). Food and dessert trucks will be on-campus for food purchases. Bring sunscreen, lawn chairs or blankets for seating. 301-829-3722. damascus@damascus. com. damascus.com/the-chosen.

GALLERY

Bottles and Brushes Painting Event — 3 p.m. at Gribs Gallery and Studio, 208 Main St., New Windsor. Each participant gets a canvas, paints and brushes to work with and instruction for creating a painting that to take home. Music, water and snacks provided; plus, participants can feel free to bring their own favorite beverage with them. Call for details and cost.

443-536-9198. lingrib1@gmail.com.

RECREATION

Intro to Tennis Workshop — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Watkins Park, 615 Center St., Mount Airy. Come to one, two or all three workshops taught by former Linganore High School varsity team captain, Danny Hester, on the fourth Saturday, May - July. Pre-registration requested, limited to 20 per session. Intended for middle-school-aged students through adults.

301-829-1424.

parksmanager@mountairymd.gov.

THEATER

Murder at the Mansion: “Murder on the Metropolitan” by Dean Fiala — 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. One evening in 1955, the Metropolitan wends its way out of the city, carrying spies, secrets and schemes through the unsuspecting suburbs. Cash bar available. Dress in 1950s cocktail attire for a chance to win a prize. Recommended for ages 15+. $35. 301-258-6425. kentlands@ gaithersburgmd.gov. gaithersburgmd.gov.

LIVE SEASON NOW ON SALE!

25 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA • 717.337.8200 • gettysburgmajestic.org

FEVER DREAMS

(Continued from 16)

knowledge. To a large degree, the secrecy is the point. The misperception of emotional safety comes from the fact that one partner knows certain things and another one does not.

That sense of emotional safety born of secrecy, however, is rapidly deteriorating for her lover, Zachary, played by Tim Decker, whose enormous physical stature on the Shepherdstown Opera House’s tiny stage is dwarfed by his looming insecurity. In his raw vulnerability, we see that some “things” that come from long-term relationships are damaging to live without. In an especially painful moment, he discovers he has been living without access to a vital piece of his relationship with Adele, a piece that it is too late to ever recover.

Adele’s husband, Miller, played by Stef Tovar, best known for the 2011 film “Contagion,” is also discovering he can no longer bear one of the great costs of her affair: the loss of his best friend. The two men were never as bound together as Arthur and Lancelot, and their situation is less tense absent the political pressure to burn their shared love at the stake for treason, but the important role they played in each other’s lives has been disrupted for far too long. The emergence of a crisis without the support of his friend pushes him into thoughts of suicide.

As dark as that sounds, as mentioned, the existential dread is not as severe as the title implies. Partly that is thanks to the characters’ natural fun-loving demeanors. When someone reserves an entire relationship just for fun, fun will be

CATF

“Fever Dreams” at the Contemporary American Theater Festival, through July 29. Content warning: mature language, simulated firearms, nudity and discussions of death. 681-240-2283, catf.org.

had, and the audience is brought into that. Even in the darker moments, the couple can’t resist making their witty, truly enjoyable jokes.

But more importantly, despite having fallen into a hardened toxic pattern, the characters exhibit the potential to learn and change.

The show provides us with a weird metaphor about an extinct type of beetle that could only produce offspring when a mating pair killed a third member of its species to use as an incubator. At times, it seems possible that this human love triangle could go in a similar direction.

It’s not a fluffy, unrealistic ending. It’s an ending that reminds the characters and the audiences of their power to always choose a new path.

Special plaudits should go out to the show’s scenic designer, Misha Kachman, for a set that transforms every inch of the tiny stage into useful performance space. The gorgeous backdrop of an autumnal mountain scene outside the cabin window contributes much to a calming aesthetic, which is useful in helping to manage any stress felt during the show’s tensest moments.

Erik Anderson’s MA in medieval literature only qualifies him to write about Chaucer, but he’s going to tell you about local theater anyway.

July 24 thruJuly 29 Jefferson Ruritan fferso Rurita

2Meat Platters served with all you can eat sides you eatsides

5-7:30 pmNightly pm Nightly

Mon: Fried Chicken&Roast Beef n: Fr ck n & Roas ee

Adults $20

Tues,Fri& Sat: Fried Chicken&Fried Shrimp

Tues, Fri & Fr cken & Fr

Wed:Roast Beef &Country Ham : Roas ee & C ntry H

Thurs:Country Ham &Fried Shrimp : C ntry & Fr

Nightly Entertainment

MON. - PARK AVENUE

Srs.70+ $17.00

Children 6-12 $10 5yrs.+ under No Charge

TUE. - MIKE KUSTER AND THE CATOCTIN COWBOYS

WED - BOBBY D AND THE TRUCKSTOP BURRITOS

THU. - JUMPTOWN

FRI. - BRUSHFIRE

SAT - THE SPINOUTS WITH TAYLOR BROWN ELVIS- 2 SHOWS

Rides provided by Ride provide SNYDERS SNYDER Amusements Amusement Ride All Night Every Night 6pm until10pm Rid Al ight Ever ight 6p until 10p $25/person $25/perso PRIZE

CHARLES TOWN KIWANIS PRESENTS

Music by R CHARD RODGERS RICHARD Lyr cs by OSCAR HAMMERSTE N I Lyrics OSCARHAMMERSTEIN II Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE LINDSAYand

Seth Freeman

A scene from CATF’s “Fever Dreams.”

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” — 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. FtP brings to the stage for six performances this hysterical musical. For mature audiences. $25. 240-315-3855. hello@ftptheater.com. ftptheater.com.

Sunday July 23

CLASSES

Goat Yoga — 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Rocky Point Creamery, 4323A Tuscarora Road, Tuscarora. Join the fun: goats, yoga ... and ice cream! $32. 240-405-2208. christy@gvalleye.com. goatforthesoul.com.

Yoga in the Vines — 11 a.m. to noon at Loew Vineyards, 14001 Liberty Road, Mount Airy. Includes a yoga session with instructor Kristen Coffey, glass of wine of your choosing and wine available for purchase (21+), outdoor space to enjoy wines, souvenir logo glass and live music. BYO yoga mat. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. $20. 301-831-5464. rachel@loewvineyards.net.

Printmaking with Plants: Hapa Zome Art with Natalie Love — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Fox Haven Farm, Retreat & Learning Center, 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson. Hapa zome is an easy and fun technique that makes beautiful and colorful designs by hammering plants into fabric. Pick plants out of the garden or wilderness of Fox Haven and make a botanical cotton cloth print to take home. All supplies will be provided but you are free to bring a natural fiber cloth or your own rubber mallet or hammer. All ages. $42. 240-490-5484. alecks@foxhavenfarm.org. foxhavenfarm.org/events/ hapa-zome-art-with-natalie-love.

ETCETERA

“Like a Great Tidal Wave” — Life in Pennsylvania Reserves During the Maryland Campaign — 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. at Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittlestown Road , Middletown. Discover the daily life of federal soldiers during the Maryland Campaign, and the actions of the Pennsylvania Reserves at Turner’s Gap. Learn about the rifles and equipment used by soldiers during the Civil War.  jamesn.johnston@maryland.gov.

The MET Presents: Oh Crit! — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Walkersville Branch LIbrary, 2 South Glade Rd, Walkersville. A completely improvised comedy show fused with tropes and game-like mechanics from the classic tabletop role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons. It’s a one-hour show crammed with audience participation, a wizard, death balloons, a 20-sided die, and a lot of laughs! This team was formed at the Maryland Ensemble Theater. They perform regularly as a part of MET Comedy Night.  301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

Schifferstadt Architectural Museum — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Explore the home of Frederick’s pioneer family, the Brunners. Built in 1758, it is the oldest surviving building in the city and a

National Historic Landmark. Inside is the only known example of a German heating system that provided safe, clean, energy-efficient radiant heat. Learn the story of the desperate German immigrants who fled dire conditions in Europe and came to prominence in Frederick County. Walk in for a guided tour.

$8 for adults, free for under age 12. 301456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

Roll The Dice — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Country music.

FESTIVALS

Comic Con — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Clarion Inn Event Center, 5400 Holiday Drive, Frederick. Shoff Promotions presents. Super eelection of comic books from Gold, Silver, Bronze to Modern Age; nonsports cards including Magic, Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh etc.; super heroes and pop toys; games; gaming supplies; Anime; video games; original art; hobby supplies; Artists’ Alley. Cosplay welcome. Early admission at 9:30 a.m., $15 cash only. $10 (cash only), ages 12 and under free. 301-318-4464. pnshoff@aol.com. shoffpromotions.com.

GALLERY

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Monday July 24 CLASSES

Meditative Dance Movement — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. The dance experience starts with a brief guided meditation involving breathing, stretching, shaking and gentle yoga-like movements to help become more heart-centered and embodied. Then, dance music starts slow and then ramps up over time. $10. laurabsherwood@gmail.com.

ETCETERA

Duplicate Bridge Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration , 6909 Maryland Ave., Frederick. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and make new, like-minded friends. All are welcome, no membership requirements. We’ll even guarantee you a partner on the first Monday and Thursday of every month. $7. 301-254-4727. sharonwcox@gmail.com. bridgewebs.com/frederick.

FAMILY

INDIGENE’ An artist monograph release party and presentation by Rula Jones — 3 p.m. at Frederick Book Arts Center, 217 W. Patrick St., Frederick. “‘Indigene’ is a project that has allowed me to combine my love and practice of both art and writing into a single format. The book idea was inspired by a great deal of memoir writers and artist book makers that have come before me including Kurt Vonnegut’s ‘A Man Without a Country,’ the journals of artist Anne Truitt, William Blake’s ‘Songs of Innocence and Experience,’ and Jenny Holtzer.”  301-228-9816. corrine.wilson@fredbookartscenter.org.

MUSIC

Sunday Brunch Concert Series — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shab Row Stage - Everedy Square, 100 N. East St., Frederick. Enjoy live acoustic music performed by local/regional musicians at the cutest outdoor live music venue in Mid-Maryland - the Shab Row Stage. Held every Sunday behind the Frederick Coffee Co. through September.   301-639-1050. todd@toddcwalker.ccom.

Music on the Deck: Remington Rounders — 2 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Maryland’s finest classic country, honky-tonk, bluegrass and more. fcpl.org.

Summer Concert Series: In Too Deep — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Baker Park Band Shell, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick. Pop, rock and emo cover band from Baltimore.  celebratefrederick.com.

THEATER

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” — 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. FtP brings to the stage for six performances this hysterical musical. For mature audiences.

$25. 240-315-3855. hello@ftptheater.com. ftptheater.com.

Vacation Bible School: Operation Restoration — 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Frederick Presbyterian Church, 115 W. Second St., Frederick . 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 24-27. All kids, preschool through rising 6th graders, are invited to grow in faith as they play, learn, sing and work to be menders of God’s creation. Breakfast and snacks provided. 301-663-5338. office@frederickpresbyterian.org. frederickpresbyterian.org.

Tuesday July 25

CLASSES

Senior Fit: Zumba Gold Class — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Interested in Zumba but want something that’s lower intensity? Join us for a Zumba Gold class, a lower intensity fun dance workout! 21 and older. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

ETCETERA

Pride On The Patio — 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Showroom, 882 N. East St., Fredrick. Weekly LGBTQIA social mixer. Relaxed an casual. Happy hour pricing, full menu available; drink special Gender Fluid. 21 and older. 240-409-8858. prideonthepatio@gmail.com. facebook.com/PrideOnThePatio.

Late Night Happy Hour — 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Champion Billiards Sports Bar, 5205 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. All the drink prices from regular happy hour from 9 p.m. to close with select half-price appetizers.  301-846-0089.

frederickchampions.com/weekly-specials.

FAMILY

Outdoor Summer Family Movies: “Mary Poppins” (G, 1964) — 8 p.m. at Carroll Community College, Rotary Amphitheater, 1601 Washington Road, Westminster. When Jane and Michael, the children of the wealthy and uptight Banks family, are

faced with the prospect of a new nanny, they are pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the magical Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews). Embarking on a series of fantastical adventures with Mary and her Cockney performer friend, Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the siblings try to pass on some of their nanny’s sunny attitude to their preoccupied parents. BYO seating and snacks. Rain location: Scott Center Theater. 410-848-7272. carrollcountyartscouncil.org.

FESTIVALS

Jefferson Ruritan Carnival — 6 p.m. at Jefferson Ruritan Club, 4603-B Lander Road, Jefferson. Continues nightly through July 30. Rides 6 to 10 p.m., all night, every night for $25. Bingo at 7 p.m. Outdoor games, food platters 5 to 7:30 p.m. Nightly entertainment: July 25 — Park Avenue; July 26 — Full Effect; July 27 — Bobby D & The Truckstop Burritos; July 28 — Inside Out; July 29 — Brushfire; July 30 — The Spinouts/Taylor Brown Elvis Show.  jeffersonruritan.org.

FILM

Art Center Bijou — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Meet on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays for Bijou, a curation of films presented by Falling Squares. Brief discussion of the film(s) after the viewing. 301-662-4190. artcenter@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org/news-events/ calendar-grid.

MUSIC

Honky Tonkin’ Good Time Show — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Jefferson Carnival, 4603 Lander Road, Jefferson. Mike Kuster will bring his Honky Tonkin’ Good Time Show to the Jefferson Carnival in Jefferson. mike@mikekuster.net. mikekuster.net.

Wednesday July 26

CLASSES

Forage Your Own Gin with McClintock Distilling — 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fox Haven Farm, Retreat & Learning Center, 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson. In this immersive experience, you’ll be transported through the history and art of distilling. Then get hands-on to create your very own recipe. $65. 240-490-5484. alecks@foxhavenfarm.org. foxhavenfarm.org.

Dance Wednesdays — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month by learning about Indian dance styles with hosts Jhalak Dance Academy. Fourth Wednesdays will feature a participatory element such as a lesson, demo or workshop and may include (depending on the hosts) a performance segment, hosted by a rotating roster of dance companies highlighting a variety of styles of expressive movement.  Free. 301-662-4190. skystage@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org.