72 HOURS Dec. 29, 2022

Your favorite memories of 2022

A perfect Saturday in Frederick

I’d spent a good part of the summer practicing a new choreography. My husband, Joel, was always agreeable when I’d banish him from the living room of our small house so I could move chairs and transform it into a dance studio.

Saturday, Sept. 10, finally arrived. On that day, I danced at Frederick’s In the Streets celebration with the wonderful women of troupe Lotus Sol. There was a problem with the sound system, so our friend and leader, Lindsey McCormick, held an impromptu belly dance class for the folks waiting for the performance. The delay actually added an extra layer of fun to the festivities.

When we finished swirling around in our 35-yard skirts, Joel said that my performance was flawless. That wasn’t quite right, but I was pleased. Joel was a truth teller and would have let me know of any obvious mistakes for future reference.

Our friend, Shannon, had been photographing the performance and we all decided to go to Cucina Massi. Over white pizza with eggplant strips in the garden, Joel and I abandoned our plan to work on house projects after lunch.

Instead, the two of us walked up North Market to experience the sights and sounds of In the Streets. We don’t always go, but I’m glad we did this time.

Excellent weather added to the upbeat atmosphere. Every political persuasion was represented and, as far as I could tell, no fights broke out. Tiny gymnasts demonstrated their amazing skills. Live music drifted through the crowd’s cacophony. We chatted with neighbors and some friends we hadn’t seen in person since COVID. Characters from “Alice in Wonderland” meandered through the throngs. I didn’t know then that our lives would soon be shoved through the looking glass.

As the booths were closing down, we reluctantly headed home. Then we saw a show going on at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater. We paid our $5 and settled in for an evening of cover bands and Flying Dogs. Not our usual music and not our usual beverage, but it felt just right for the time and place.

After the walk home, we unwound with Scrabble. Joel got 347 points to my 324. His favorite word was “plague” and mine was “deco.” After playing almost daily for the past couple of years, that was our last game.

Joel died suddenly and unexpectedly two days later on Monday, Sept. 12. While dealing with the sadness of losing a partner and best friend of more than 30 years, I console myself with many good memories. That perfect Frederick Saturday is one of them.

— Karen Peacock, Frederick artist

Photo by Shannon Beatty

Karen Peacock, second from left, dancing during In The Streets.

MEMORIES

Nature connection

In May, we finally had a school field trip group come for some fun farmbased learning after a LONG two years without school groups at the Fox Haven Farm & Learning Center. All of the third graders from North Frederick Elementary had not had a field trip in two years!

With magnifying glasses in hand, students excitedly made their way through the farm rows, smelling and tasting a multitude of herbs. Students shared memories of Grandmas and Abuelitas cooking yummy food and

spreading salves on their chests when they were sick using some of the herbs that they were “meeting” at the farm.

I led a group towards the tulsi (holy basil) plant and had them close their eyes and take a deep breath. I asked them what it made them think of. Immediately one student said, “This makes me think of lying in the grass with my dog, just looking at the sky real quiet.” Another took a deep breath and said, “I feel so calm here, it feels so good.”

None of these students knew anything about the calming benefits of tulsi, and I hadn’t started to talk with them about it, but they felt the healthy impact of this plant anyway! Nature connection at its best.

— JoAnn Coates-Hunter, director at Fox Haven Farm

“Our favorite receptions are the Meet the Artists events we hold twice a year. Our gallery artists and shoppers enjoy meeting each other, discussing methods, media and techniques. The Meet the Artists event held in March 2022 was, by far, the best one. It was the first reception that DISTRICT Arts had been able to hold since March 2019. It was wonderful to finally bring a group of art lovers together to celebrate not only the art but the simple pleasure of spending time with one another.”

— Bill and Staci McLauchlan, owners

of DISTRICT Arts

“Definitely moving Give Rise Studio to South Carroll Street. Besides the scare of not having a studio, it all worked out.” — Sue Leveille, owner/ founder of Give Rise Studio

“My favorite memories for 2022 were running a number of the 5k and 10k races around Frederick with my sons, Isaac and Micah, and my girlfriend, Ann. It was really great watching Isaac run his fastest 5k at the Paws & Claws run, or Micah finish his first 10k as part of the Santa Run, or Ann and I finishing the Cunningham Falls 10k holding hands across the finish line. Yeah, it was a pretty disgustingly cute moment that my boys and Ann’s girls cringe at. They call us Team Embarrassment, for good reason. It just feels good to get caught

at

up in the excitement of the crowd, allows me to rationalize stuffing my face at Thanksgiving after running the Turkey Trot, and I really love that is something we do together. They all appreciate the runs because it keeps me from torturing them with my special brand of jazz noises.” — Jeff Cosgrove, Frederick jazz drummer

“We are very thankful and proud to not only have taken home two gold medals this year in the Maryland Craft Beer Competition but also the coveted Best in Show award for Callisto, our Oatmeal Stout. We’re certainly happy to be working into a more legitimate music venue and supporting Could Be Better and the local music industry. The restaurant is a gamechanger on the tail end here and just goes to show our local collaborations with other young entrepreneurs. We are building a really cool vibe here, and I greatly appreciate all that every member of this crew throws in.” — Olde Mother Brewing cofounder Keith Marcoux

“One of the things I missed most during the pandemic was celebrating Halloween. This October, I wanted to work on a sculpture, but I was home sick for several weeks instead. I found inspiration at home from a discarded

House

Amazon box and some paper tape. I blended flour and water, then dipped torn pages of the Washington Post in the mixture. Once the paper mache dried, I hit it with a few cans of spray paint and glued pieces of an old blanket to the muzzle and ears. I created the ultimate Minotaur costume and for my husband to wear for Halloween. We went to a Halloween party that happened the same night as Homecoming. During the party, we got a text from our daughter. She and her friend were not vibing with the school dance scene, so we picked them up and went to Warehouse Cinemas, all dressed in our costumes and them in their homecoming attire. We had an unexpected and enjoyable evening!” — Sarah Hempel

“Tenth Ward purchased and installed a brand new 2,000-liter pot still this year! What does that mean? So much more whiskey! We’ll regularly have our Smoked Bourbon and newly released Maryland Rye in stock in 2023.” — Monica Pearce, founder and boss lady, Tenth Ward Distilling Co.

Irani, Frederick sculptor and creator of the Claire McCardell statue along Carroll Creek

Tenth Ward Distilling Co.

Sarah Hempel Irani Sarah Hempel Irani poses for a Halloween pic with her husband.

Jeff Cosgrove Jeff Cosgrove with his sons.

Tempo Di Pasta wants to make gourmet Italian good casual again

laudia Tempo and her son Joseph Tempo want to make people rethink how to eat Italian food. They are the founders, co-owners and chefs at Tempo Di Pasta, which opened in December last year. They started out as a food truck in 2013. Claudia is from the northern region of Italy called Piedmont, and the restaurant name honors her family and its cooking. Their venue is intimate. It’s different from the fancy ambience that usually surrounds gourmet Italian restaurants. But that’s what the Tempos want. They want to show that Italian food can be quick, easy and still delicious. You don’t need to go to a

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fancy restaurant to get good Italian food. Everything is homemade, including their pasta. They make about 50 pounds of pasta every other day in different shapes, colors and sizes. Their menu aims to represent Italian food from all over Italy. They have a Northern Italian lasagna and also Southern Italian seafood pasta. They want people to feel like they are eating at nonna’s house — grandma’s house. That’s why they also get DOP Italian products, which stands for Protected Designation of Origin in English. It certifies that the product is regionally produced in Italy.

— Clara Niel

TEMPO DI PASTA

Address: 244 E. Church St., Frederick Website: tempodipasta.com Instagram: @tempodipasta

Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday Price: $11 to $22

What the owners recommend: The bucatini neri are handmade with squid ink and then tossed in a homemade tomato sauce with shrimp, octopus and calamari. There’s also calabrian peperoncino to add a little kick to the dish. Joseph tops it off with grated bottarga — dried mediterranean fish eggs — and the dish is off to the table.

Staff photo by Bill Green

Claudia Tempo and her son Joseph Tempo want to make people rethink how to eat Italian food. They are the founders, co-owners and chefs at Tempo di Pasta, which opened in December last year.

MUSIC

A New Year’s Eve playlist

BY COLIN MCGUIRE Special to The News-Post

Well, so this is the new year. Almost, at least. Either way, each time the human race counts to 365 and then resets for another 365 (unless there’s a leap year, of course), we all get a little nostalgic. What have we done? Where are we now? And what do we hope to do next?

Those feelings tend to dominate a lot of the discourse around the New Year holiday. And then … well, and then everyone drinks too much champagne, a nasty hangover sets in on Jan. 1, and the new year starts right where the last one left off. “I’ll get to those resolutions,” you think. “I just need to sleep until my head doesn’t hurt first.”

And so behold a New Year’s playlist: 10 songs that you might not necessarily want to jam to on New Year’s Eve with a group of people but that mark this age-old tradition that’s typically defined by nostalgia and hope in one way or another. Considering how this list comes from me, yes, count on most of these having a sad undertone. Even so, nothing says, “Next year will be better, I promise,” more than a college rock-quartet insisting the world is about to end. So, cheers, friends. And here’s to 12 more months — for better and for worse.

“Auld Lang Syne” (traditional): The OG New Year’s Eve song. Go to the World Wide Internet and things like Google and Yahoo will inexplicably tell you to listen to the Mariah Carey version, but the truth is that you could do so much better by listening to … well, pretty much any other version ever made. The track’s history, heritage and prominence for as long as New Year’s Eve has been a thing makes this pretty much the only NYE song that matters. Grab a loved one. Make a toast. Shed a tear. Salute.

“The New Year” (Death Cab for Cutie): If you’re of a certain age and a very specific temperament, this might just be the only song you go to when you think of New Year’s songs. “So, this is the new year/ And I don’t feel any different,” Ben Gibbard sings in his “I told you I invented emo!” voice, and for all of us sad saps, it’s at least slightly comforting to know someone else is probably more likely to cry than they are to laugh on a night like this. Still, considering how so many people lean on this tune once Dec. 31 comes around, I’ll go ahead and say this might be one of the more skippable tracks on this list.

“It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine)” (R.E.M.):

The whole Y2K thing spooked people out (more on that in a second), but the truth is, as the clock turns to a new year each Jan. 1, there’s a tiny bit of “wait, what if the world just blows up right now” in all of us. Oh, just me?

Fine. Either way, you can start off any year the right way if you manage to get through all the words in the verses without messing anything up.

“1999” (Prince): And speaking of Y2K, remember when the world was supposed to end? That was fun. Somewhat obviously, it didn’t. But it did give Prince a resurgence in pop culture for a hot minute 20-some years ago, and that’s always a good thing. Plus, let’s be fair. This is a party song through and through. If you really insist on dancing and/or feeling good, this should do the trick.

“Party For One” (Carly Rae Jepson): Because who among us hasn’t spent at least one New Year’s Eve attending a party for one?

“New Year’s Day” (U2): From the “Oh, yeah, I forgot U2 has this song, too” department comes a song from the days when those guys were young and music videos in the snow felt natural. It’s a love song, but even the cheesiest of tunes in the U2 oeuvre can’t help but get political. Still, you can’t have a song called “New Year’s Day” and not include it in a playlist dedicated to New Year’s stuff. Speaking of which …

“Champagne & Wine” (Etta James): From the final studio album the queen Ms. Etta James ever made, this 2011 track follows the template that some of her iconic peers took in their later years — maybe they can’t sing as well as they once could, but I’d be damned if they don’t have as much charisma as they’ve ever exuded behind a microphone. It’s a longing song, it’s a reflective song, and it’s delivered with as much power as the “I’d Rather Go Blind” singer has ever offered. Plus, come on: You know you’ll be having some champagne and wine at about midnight Dec. 31 … right?

“Still Crazy After All These Years” (Paul Simon): It’s just so tender. And if you check out any live version, once that saxophone solo hits, it’s like a thousand New Years coming together for the ultimate goodbye to what once was — all while basking in the glow of an earned reunion. The people Simon creates here are worn, and the story he weaves is heavy. A precise metaphor for any new year, no matter the era.

“New Year’s Day” (Taylor Swift) : I’ll leave the debate on who wrote the better “New Year’s Day” up to you, but I will say that at least TayTay’s appears to have something to do with New Year’s Eve/Day in a direct way. A decidedly more somber song, it’s a story of projecting reluctance toward the end, all the while leaving hope for the future (the “hold on to the memories” and “don’t be a stranger” lines prove as much). Swift loves her imagery and “I’ll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year’s Day” is a line that accomplishes that goal in spades.

“Holiday In Spain” (Counting Crows): “Well, Happy New Year’s, baby, we can probably fix it if we clean it up all day,” singer Adam Duritz asserts toward the end of this earlyera Counting Crows track. “Or we could simply pack our bags and catch a plane to Barcelona ‘cause this city’s a drag,” he concludes, and each time I hear it, I think of all the disasters New Year’s Day can bring after a particularly eventful New Year’s Eve. It’s a sad song, but hell if it doesn’t make you feel like it’s midnight pretty much any time, all the time.

Colin McGuire has been in and out of bands for more than 20 years and also helps produce concerts in and around Frederick. His work has appeared in Alternative Press magazine, PopMatters and 72 Hours, among other outlets. He is convinced that the difference between being in a band and being in a romantic relationship is less than minimal. Contact him at mcguire.colin@gmail. com.

Wikimedia Commons

R.E.M.

Wikimedia Commons

Paul Simon, 1966.

Wikimedia Commons Etta James

Wikimedia Commons

Taylor Swift

Spotify Wrapped reveals writers’ 2022 faves

Everyone who enjoys Spotify enjoys seeing what the app comes up with at the end of the year in its annual Spotify Wrapped reveal, a personalized summary of our listening habits, down to the number of minutes we streamed music (and maybe podcasts) that year. A few of us weighed in on our results — the good, the bad and the ugly.

My top five songs on this year’s Spotify Wrapped were dominated by songs from my favorite album of the year: “Diaspora Problems,” by Philadelphia-based hardcore punk band Soul Glo.

This record, which released in late March, was one of those records where, from the minute the first song began, I knew it would hold a special place in my heart this year. Throughout the record, Soul Glo plays some of the most chaotic, frenetic hardcore punk music I’ve ever heard, injecting some life back into the criminally underrated Philadelphia punk scene.

It’s worth noting that “Diaspora Problems” probably won’t be for those who don’t have a taste for some of the more extreme varieties of punk, but for those who do, and are willing to dig in deep to the group’s lyrics, there is much to be rewarded with.

Across “Diaspora Problems,” Soul Glo dives deep into what it means to be Black in America, what it means to grow up after watching 9/11 happen on elementary classroom TVs, what it means to live in an America with so few economic opportunities for so many people. Soul Glo is a band that has plenty of reasons to be angry, and that raw, righteous anger comes out in both their lyrics and their music.

Sonically, Soul Glo plays a ferocious style of hardcore, with every song ripping past the listener at an absolutely blistering pace. And not to be caged by one genre, Soul Glo also incorporates elements of hip-hop, electronic music and some extreme metal into the record, to create a sound unique to them.

“Diaspora Problems” is an album unlike anything else I’ve heard this year, and I heartily recommend it to all those who have a love for chaotic but passionate music.

Top Genre: Rock

Top Artist: Soul Glo

Top Song: “Gold Chain Punk (whogonbeatmyass?)” by Soul Glo

Listening Personality: The Adventurer

Hours of Spotify played: 86,151 minutes (or 1,435 hours ... or nearly 60 full days, if we want to get granular, which honestly makes me feel like I might have a problem)

— Patrick Kernan, Loudoun TimesMirror editor

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I was not surprised to learn my Top Artist was Orville Peck, nor that I was in the top 1% of Orville Peck listeners — much better than 2020, that solitary year when I played Taylor Swift’s “Folklore” on such heavy rotation, I ranked in her top 1% of listeners (I can only imagine how much listening that takes).

I was lucky enough to catch Orville Peck live at Sunshine Theater in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earlier this year, and I think I fell in love with him that night (yeah, I know he’s gay, and we’ve never actually met, but a girl can dream).

Another top artist of my year was Low (RIP, Mimi Parker). Both artists were introduced to me by a guy I was dating earlier this year, which I think is one of the greatest things about relationships: introducing each other to new ideas, people, traditions, favorite roads and foods and secret swimming spots and hiking trails and, of course, music.

Top Genre: Art Pop

Top Artist: Orville Peck

Top Song: “Highest Building” by Flume

Listening Personality: The Adventurer

Hours of Spotify played: 42,825 minutes

— Lauren LaRocca, 72 Hours editor

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I believe this is the third year in a row that Jack Harlow has been my top artist. The first two years, it was definitely accurate. And as a whole, this the most accurate Spotify Wrapped the app has presented to me, with the exception of top artist.

It’s around this time of year that I fall into a deep thought, probably too deep, about how Spotify decides and tracks songs. How does a song get counted toward an artist or toward a

top-played song? Does a song have to play all the way through, or does it just need to start and get past the 10-second mark? Because Jack Harlow occupies the most real estate in my liked songs, if I put my liked songs on shuffle, of course Jack Harlow will appear more.

Again, I am probably thinking too hard about this, but I love my results every year nonetheless.

Top Genre: Rap

Top Artist: Jack Harlow (I am a top .5% listener)

Top Song: “Welcome to Chilis,” by Yung Gravy and bbno$

Listening Personality: The Voyager Hours of Spotify played: 29,539 hours

— Clara Niel, News-Post staff writer

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My Spotify Wrapped is inaccurate. And no, that’s not (just) because I’m embarrassed by it.

It’s because until about two months ago, I didn’t have a subscription to Spotify Premium. For the uninitiated (or should I say initiated?), that meant I couldn’t select individual songs to listen to on the app. Instead, if I wanted any choice at all in what music I heard, I would have to create playlists, which Spotify would then randomly shuffle.

For some reason, this meant I wound up listening to “I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie, like, a lot. How much? I’d rather not say.

Without the luxury of Spotify Premium, I spent most of the year — and my college career — listening to music almost exclusively on YouTube. (Yes, that includes while running

and driving. Yes, I am aware of how unhinged that is.)

Anyway. If YouTube had its own version of Spotify Wrapped, here’s what I think mine would be, in no particular order:

“Concorde” by Black Country, New Road — My sweet cousin died suddenly earlier this year. For several weeks after his death, all I could stand to listen to was BCNR’s album “Ants from Up There.” Isaac Wood’s voice hovers somewhere between sounding ragged from sobbing and unsteady, like he’s veering toward a breakdown. “Concorde” is the second song on this album. It’s also one of my favorites.

“New Partner” by Palace Music — I fell in love with this song over the summer, though it was released nearly two decades ago. I first heard of it in an episode of the podcast “The Anthropocene Reviewed,” which is hosted by the young adult fiction author John Green. The lyrics are confusing, vague and, at times, fairly odd. I listened to it on loop for about a week.

“Means Something” by Lizzy McAlpine — A kind boy I dated briefly at the end of last year introduced me to the album this song is on. The first time I heard it, I had to stop cooking and sit down on my kitchen floor to listen to it. After finishing the album, I wrote something just for myself for the first time in many years.

“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift — This year is the year I rediscovered Taylor Swift. To me, this song will always sound like driving through the back roads of Frederick County in the fall and will always remind me of the place I have been so lucky to call home for one and a half years.

“Stick Season” by Noah Kahn — I am currently on a break from this song because I unfortunately listened to it so many times, I’m tired of it. It is among the most accurate songs I’ve ever heard about surviving a breakup. It talks about what it’s like to romanticize a former partner and miss the version of them you made up in your head. I also love this song because for several days, I only knew it through the muffled sound of guitar strumming from the room beside mine, as my dear friend learned to play it.

— Angela Roberts, News-Post staff riter

Courtesy of Spotify

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BY JOSEPH PETERSON Special to The News-Post

With all the anticipation for the new year reaching its apex at midnight on New Year’s Eve, waking up to the first day of January can feel a little anticlimactic. What is there to do the morning after but get out of the house and avoid the mess taunting us from the night before?

Like many others, I like to start the year with a walk in the woods. Any nature walk can be restorative, of course, but a hike on the first day of the year? Now, there’s a nice trick to give the mind a quick sense of accomplishment, gratifying the ambitious energy we want to pretend we’ll maintain throughout the next 364 days on the calendar.

Last December, my family and I had just moved across the country to Frederick. We made it through Christmas well enough, despite missing the family we left in the West. Suddenly, the upcoming new year in a strange new place was staring us down like a storm on the horizon. We needed to escape somewhere familiar, to a place that held the comfort of personal meaning to assuage our worries and ground our concerns. A mere two family fights later, with collective buy-in secured (threatened?), we were in the van driving west through a drizzly New Year’s morning. We were headed to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Harpers Ferry is one of our favorite places. In fact, proximity to the national historic park played a big factor into why we wanted to relocate here. It’s true! I proposed to my wife in Harpers Ferry, just at the top of the hill looking down on the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Nevermind that we were sitting in a cemetery, it was a view Thomas Jefferson described as “one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature.”

Jefferson visited Harpers Ferry in the fall of 1783. He sat on a perch

since-named Jefferson Rock that you can hike to along what is now the Appalachian Trail and took in the scene. “You cross the Patowmac above the junction,” he would later write, “pass along its side through the base of the mountain for three miles, the terrible precipice hanging in fragments over you, and within about 20 miles reach Frederictown and the fine country around that. This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.”

Luckily, we only had the 20 miles from “Frederictown” to drive, and no oceanic journey to navigate, but the promised view still checks out and rather lends itself to this feeling of Jefferson’s fawning hyperbole.

If you’re familiar with Harpers Ferry, as I’m sure many of you are, you might think we set about hiking the classic Maryland Heights trail. It’s the hike most people take to experience the iconic postcard view looking back on

the town below. But considering our own family’s limitations, we wanted an adventure, not a disaster. With a young child, a two-and-a-half-hour steep hike was not in the cards.

Instead, we wink and say we did a New Year’s hike on the Appalachian Trail. Although in Harpers Ferry it’s more a technicality since the trail winds its way through most of town and meandering about can rather easily be dressed up as hiking the AT. Look at us!

Photos by Joseph Peterson

So accomplished. I can already see next year’s Christmas Card: “Dear family, in 2023 we enjoyed hiking the Appalachian Trail…” Still, we ascended the famed stone staircase (part of the AT), we crossed the bridge over the Potomac (also the AT), where the train follows the tracks into the mountain tunnel with an old billboard for Mennen’s Borated Talcum Toilet Powder, still visible, stamped into the rock above. Then another staircase (still the AT!) down to Maryland, where we moseyed for a while up and down the locks along the old C&O Canal towpath (which doubles in this stretch as — you guessed it — the AT). It’s on this side, the Maryland side, where you can continue up the towpath to find the trailhead for the Maryland Heights hike, but the takeaway here is that there’s no wrong direction to go at Harpers Ferry. Almost all of it is the AT, and it’s all a “hike” if you want it to be.

In spite of your best efforts to simply accomplish the thing you set out to do, you may find yourself surprised and equally arrested by the natural beauty around Harpers Ferry. To borrow again from Jefferson’s observations taken from his volume Notes on the State of Virginia, “It is as placid and delightful as that is wild and tremendous. For the mountains being cloven asunder, she presents to your eye, through the cleft, a small catch of smooth blue horizon, at an infinite distance in that plain country, inviting you, as it were, from the riot and tumult roaring around to pass through the breach and participate in the calm below. Here the eye ultimately composes itself; and that way, too, the road happens actually to lead.”

As our luck would have it, Jan. 1, 2022, wasn’t bitter cold, nor windy. Even the rain took a short recess during the largest part of our in-town walkabout. It was the fog that stole the show. A close-enough-to-touch sky full of foreboding, low-hanging clouds enveloped us like a spooky, weighted blanket. These are the

conditions that make any adventure come alive with a sense of eeriness and contemplation. Pure magic. And it was that fog that conjured the rabbit from the magician’s hat, that moment when adventure finds its meaning, and that change in energy made all of us want to linger for as long as we possibly could. Somehow, this foreboding and moody New Year’s Day imparted a broody sort of existential determinism of the self. It made it seem like we could keep our grisly attitudes born of time and circumstance, and use them to buckle down, to face the new year whatever it had in store. May it do its worst. Jefferson was right, my eye did compose itself in Harpers Ferry. And looking to the year ahead, I can see, indeed, where the road happens to actually lead: 20 miles to Frederictown; 20 miles home.

Joseph Peterson can usually be found reading the weathered plaques of obscure monuments he sees while wandering the city. He counts public libraries, public lands and places where local community is fostered among his favorite kinds of places.

Get out and enjoy some First Day Hikes

If you’re considering kicking off your new year with a hike, many of Maryland’s state parks will host First Day Hikes, offering curated, self-guided or ranger-led hiking opportunities from Dec. 31 through Jan. 2.

“First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities on the first day of the new year,” according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, which adds that hikers can participate in any hike in any state park and not just the ones highlighted by the initiative.

State parks in Frederick County are participating by offering the following opportunities in varying levels of difficulty ranging from easy to moderate, and all tailored to be engaging and educational for individual participants as well as for families with children.

Whether you’re a child or a child at heart, hikers can look for or request a First Day Hikes’ “I Hiked!” sticker at their events.

CUNNINGHAM FALLS STATE PARK

Hike 1: Travel back in time with this self-guided tour of Catoctin Furnace and African-American Cemetery in an easy, 2.2-mile hike that blends natural beauty with Revolutionary War era history. This hike is light hiking and high on historical learning. Parking is available at the furnace site along route 806 or at 6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road in Thurmont.

Hike 2: See the tallest waterfall in Maryland and join a ranger-led hike on the trail that gives this park its name. The Lower Falls Trail and Cliff Trails Loop hike starts at 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day and is a moderate-but-short hike of

1.25 miles long but is not stroller-friendly, as it will require some clamoring over rocks on the return hike, which will take the Cliff Trails Loop back to the parking lot. There is no registration required for this hike, which begins at the Falls Trailhead at 14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont.

GAMBRILL STATE PARK

Take in sweeping views of Middletown and Frederick valleys during the Gambrill Overlooks Hike at Gambrill State Park. Visit three historic stone overlooks and from there, access a number of other trails for additional excursions. This easy, 1-mile hike will begin at the High Knob Nature Center and is self-led with signage to follow. Leashed pets are welcome. Parking is available at 8448 High Knob Road, Frederick.

GATHLAND STATE PARK

Embark on a moderately difficult hike through little-known Civil War history at Gathland State Park. Starting at Crampton’s Gap, this hike follows the Appalachian Trail to Brownsville Pass with an option to continue on toward the spectacular Potomac views of the Weverton Cliffs overlook. This ranger-led opportunity begins at 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day and goes for approximately 4 miles. This is a longer hike, so don’t forget to dress appropriately and bring plenty of water.

If you are curious about other First Day Hikes across the state, be aware that some require pre-registration. It’s always a good idea to check Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources website at dnr.maryland.gov, or the equivalent in the state in which you wish to hike.

— Joseph Peterson

Courtesy photo

A scene from New Year’s Day 2022 in Harpers Ferry, W.Va.

YEAR IN

A look back at our local creative community

The end of the year inspires us to look back and reflect on all that’s transpired during 2022 in our local arts and culture community.

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS

We welcomed several new businesses to the area this year, perhaps the biggest of which is Cannon’s Events, located in the upstairs portion of Smoketown Brewing in Brunswick and run by its same team. Housed in the 1940s firehall, the space hosted the likes of Patsy Cline, Jimmy Dean and Duke Ellington in its heyday but has sat vacant for about a decade. Thanks to Smoketown owner David Blackmon and a passionate staff, including his son, Jake Blackmon, the space reopened in September for live music and other community events. The grand opening on Sept. 10 brought to the stage A Jazz Tribute to Duke Ellington, Baltimore rockabilly artist Sean K. Preston and headliner Katie Deal, the Georgia-based country singer-songwriter and Patsy Cline tribute artist. “This has been years in the making,” Jake Blackmon said. “It’s been quite a journey.”

Also a huge boon to the arts community was the opening of the W.F. Moran Bladesmith & Artisan Academy in Middletown. William F. Moran, aka Bill Moran, became a local bladesmith legend for his technique of using welded steel to make modern knives, and he’d go on to receive national acclaim for his work. He founded the American Bladesmith Society and shared his knowledge of bladesmithing until his

death in 2006. After more than a million dollars and years in the making, the new academy opened its doors in October.

After closing its storefront throughout most of the pandemic, Uncle Ralph’s Not Yet Famous Cookies reopened its bakery to the public this year under new ownership.

In June, Frederick MADE owners Miranda and Christy Mossburg (a mother and daughter duo), opened their second location in Frederick. They now host artist markets every Saturday and Sunday at 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick, in addition to their workshops and classes.

Also in June, owner Sue Leveille relocated Give Rise Studio to 125 S. Carroll St., Frederick, offering classes, retreats, workshops and products in a much larger space. More room to play. Local artists and wellness practitioners, as well as visitors, have much more room to play and unwind in this new spot.

McClintock’s Back Bar held its grand opening in March, and Liquidity Aleworks opened in the historic bank building on North Main Street in Mount Airy, being the first brewery in the town.

In sadder news, Taco Daddy and Glory Doughnuts closed, in a decidedly dramatic way. While employees at Starbucks and other chains around America were unionizing, we saw some of our own disgruntled employees here at home, and these workers took a stand against their employers. Both Taco Daddy and Glory Doughnuts employees voiced similar concerns, essentially paychecks being past due.

The Community Fridge, which was formerly housed inside Glory Doughnuts, had to be relocated after the shop closed. It’s now located at The Frederick Center at 322 W. Patrick St., Frederick.

In another big blow to the creative community, the Griffin Art Center artists were blindsided this summer when they learned the building they call home had been sold by owner Alice Hoxie, and artists would have 18 months to relocate. The artists linked up with the Frederick Arts Council in search of new studio space, and some are interested in potentially renting studios at the former BB&T bank building at 1 N. Market St., which could accommodate approximately 30 artists in the heart of downtown Frederick. The FAC is in the process of working out a lease agreement. Meanwhile, word on the street is the massive art center along West Fifth Street, which started as the Blue Elephant Art Center in the ’90s under benefactor Becky Griffin, is likely to become condos.

Shungu closed — a blink-and-you’ll miss it gallery in downtown Frederick that hosted some incredible shows during its short duration. Located at 125 S. Carroll St., Frederick, it hosted its last exhibition in the space in April. Owner Freddy Katana said they do not plan to relocate but hope to employ an itinerant model.

ALSO NEW THIS YEAR

The Pottery Trail of Washington County launched this summer as the first trail of its kind in the state. The brainchild of ceramic artist Kirke Martin, who’s based in Keedysville, the self-guided tour includes a collection of potters whose shops can be visited year-round

during gallery hours or by appointment.

There’s also a new pumpkin patch in town. Farmer ChuckBone’s Pumpkin Patch opened for the season on Sept. 17 at 6269 Ed Crone Lane in Frederick, bringing the long-vacant Crone farm back to life.

Beyond Comics, meanwhile, which has become a destination for comic book lovers across the state, celebrated its 25th anniversary in August, and the Maryland Ensemble Theatre opened its 25th anniversary season in September with “The Lifespan of a Fact” on its newly renovated and dedicated Beth Williams & Bob Herbertson Stage inside the Robin Drummond MainStage Theatre.

YEAR OF FIRE

Some of Frederick’s most beloved businesses experienced tragedy this year, when seemingly one fire after the next broke out downtown.

A fire in June required the Frederick Book Arts Center to shut down operations and move nearly all equipment out of the building. As founder Johnny Carrera put it in an email, “FBAC must have a lucky star shining over us, because the only printers damaged were the modern ones that are easily replaced.” In other good news, renovations are finally complete, the FBAC has moved back in, and the updated space at 217 W. Patrick St. will reopen to the public on Jan. 7 with a daylong event including demos, make and takes, tours and the FBAC shop. Meanwhile, their new space at 127 S. Carroll St. is still under construction, and they expect to open in another year.

The Record Exchange, at 151 N. Market St. in downtown Frederick, was severely water damaged

Courtesy photo

Sonny Cannon at Brunswick firehall.

Lauren LaRocca

Volunteers help at The Record Exchange after the fire.

REVIEW

after firemen responded to another fire on Aug. 24 in the apartments above the shop. The water caused the ceiling to collapse, and owner Sam Lock said almost no inventory is salvageable. He was still in shock, as he worked with staff and volunteers to see what, if anything, could be saved days after the fire. Lock plans to reopen the store at a new location, 410 N. Market St., Frederick. The new space is slightly smaller at 1,400 square feet, so Lock plans to discontinue selling DVDs but will add a small stage for concerts.

Tiara Day, one of the cutest boutiques in town, was located in the same building and its inventory was also nearly completely destroyed during the fire. Owner Maria Peck said this week that she’s still working through the insurance process and sorting through everything that was salvaged.

“This definitely was not anything I could have ever imagined going through, but I am moving forward and focused on reopening in a new location downtown in 2023,” she said. “It may sound cliché, but in all tragedy, there is good that surfaces, and I witnessed that after the fire. The customers, other businesses, friends and community members that cried with me, reached out with words of support, provided food and donations, raised money, volunteered hours to clean and box anything salvageable … it was an awful time, but this community helped me see the good around. … Frederick is a pretty fabulous place to have a small independent business.”

A MOMENT OF SILENCE

We lost so many wonderful people this year, among them longtime News-Post photojournalist Sam Yu and well-known Frederick record collector Joe Bussard. Sam Yu moved to Frederick as a child in the 1950s and returned to town after college, accepting a position as a photographer with The Frederick NewsPost in the 1970s. He led the photo department for decades and even after semi-retirement would pitch in with assignments when needed, up until his death on Sept. 21.

Some of his work was featured in a NewsPost retrospective exhibit this fall, “Unshuttered” at Gaslight Gallery, curated by longtime News-Post editor Nancy Luse, who is currently an editor with Frederick Magazine.

Joe Bussard was so passionate about collecting old-time 78s, he eventually became an archivist of sort, sought after for the collection of rare early blues, gospel and folk music he’d amassed over his lifetime. He died on Sept. 26.

We must also note here that the famed hip-hop artist Coolio performed one of his last shows at The Great Frederick Fair. Only a few days after his performance during the fair’s “I Love the 90’s” Night, the artist was found dead at a friend’s house on Sept. 28.

GRANTS AND AWARDS

Frederick’s Shoshanna Shapiro, an interior designer, won the HGTV 2022 Designer of the Year award for the “Dramatic Before and After” category. Shapiro is a lifelong artist who’s experimented with several mediums until she found her perfect fit: designing homes. She creates custom interior designs for clients through her business Sho and Co. in Frederick.

A local husband-and-wife artist duo, Marguerite de Messieres and Tsvetomir Naydenov, helped to commemorate Theophilus Thompson, the earliest documented Black chess master in America and a Frederick native, by creating a kinetic sculpture that sits in Carroll Creek, just behind Idiom Brewing Co. This year, the piece was selected to be included in an online, interactive map of public art sites located throughout America, a cool honor.

The Frederick Arts Council gave $400,000 in grants to artists this year. The Create and Activate Now Recover awards, funding that was made possible through a National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan grant to Local Arts Agencies, have been used for all kinds of interesting new art projects in our community. For instance, Frederick resident Bill Shoemaker founded the Frederick Experimental Music Association through his grant and began a music series at the Y Arts Center called Improvisers Forum, bringing worldrenowned experimental and jazz musicians to town in an intimate setting. Drummer Jeff Cosgrove founded another series, Jazz Journeys, through his grant, hosting regular concerts at Beans in the Belfry, with proceeds going to local nonprofits.

Brunswick Heritage Museum won a Small Museums Collection Care Grant this year, which allowed staff to begin the process of sorting through its large collection of antique garments from the people of Brunswick that date back hundreds of years — wedding and funeral dresses, uniforms, hats, accessories, quilts — and ultimately display them for the public to see.

IN OTHER NEWS

In the early aughts, Frederick’s First Saturday events were called First Saturday Gallery Walk and showcased art galleries, exhibit openings and receptions, and often live music at those venues and throughout the sidewalks downtown. As more restaurants and shops took residence downtown, Downtown Frederick Partnership, the organization that hosts First Saturday, wanted to highlight all the facets of the scene, not just our arts community — hence dropping the “Gallery Walk” portion of the name. But in September, DFP launched First Sunday Artwalk, a time reserved for art talks, demonstrations, studio visits and hands-on projects from noon to 4 p.m.

The 72 Film Fest ends each year with a screening on the big (Weinberg Center) screen of all the films that were submitted during the competition, followed by an awards ceremony. This year brought with it a new host, Aura Manjarrez, who emceed the weekend events in October alongside Film Fest mainstay Mikael Johnson.

Other Voices Theatre was at the helm of Susan Thornton for many years. When she retired earlier this year, the community theater company knew she was leaving behind some big shoes to fill. Coming up as the theater’s new artistic director is Steve Cairns, who has been involved with the theater for about five years

as an actor and director.

Heidi Ackerman took on a new role as the director of the Frederick Chorale this year. Ackerman also directs the American Military Spouses Choir, based in Washington, D.C., and is currently director of choirs at North County High School in Glen Burnie. She performs around the D.C./Baltimore area, including in a concert series she started at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women.

Monocacy Field Music got its 15 minutes of fame this year when they were featured in the Civil War-era Christmastime feature film “I Heard the Bells,” which opened nationwide in theaters in December.

Out40 hosted a long lineup of local hip-hop and R&B artists in September at its inaugural 40Fest along the Golden Mile. Out40 founder Kiki Wilson created the business and blog to spread awareness about the positive things happening on the west side of Frederick along U.S. 40., and a music festival was a natural extension of her work to bring together the community.

The City of Frederick — more specifically, the Weinberg Center for the Arts, which is run by the City of Frederick — took over New Spire Stages this year. Weinberg staff will run the venue, which is just across the street at 15 W. Patrick St., for the next three years at minimum. The space includes a 300-seat blackbox theater, which will now house smaller, more intimate shows, such as the Weinberg’s annual Tivoli Discover Series, which brings emerging artists to town.

And … 72 Hours returned as a weekly publication in July. You didn’t think we’d forget to mention that, did you? Thank you for building such a rich creative community for us to showcase every week.

Lauren LaRocca and News-Post staff reports

—

Sam Yu

Courtesy photo

The Community Fridge in its new location on West Patrick Street.

”The Nature of Catoctin Mountain” — through Dec. 31 at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Urbana; satellite location of the Delaplaine Arts Center. This collection of photography is comprised of flora and fauna found in the Catoctin Mountain ecosystem. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. fcpl. org.

”Travels” — through Dec. 31 at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Satellite location for the Delaplaine Arts Center. Photography by Beamie Young from the photographer’s travels and a desire to discover new images, patterns and narratives. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. fcpl.org.

”The Annotated Vessel” — through Dec. 31, at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick; satellite location of the Delaplaine Arts Center. Acrylic paintings by Maremi Andreozzi portray, embody and celebrated lesser-known historical female artists and illustrate the fine textiles and jewelry of the period. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. fcpl.org.

”Accretion” — through Dec. 31, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Photography and mixed media by Sean Dudley. Through a series of manipulation processes, Dudley’s photography focuses on the — sometimes imperceptible changes in human experience through the accretion of time and experience. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 301698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”With Teeth” — through Dec. 31, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Photography by Jillian Abir MacMaster, a Palestinian-American photographic artist from Frederick whose exhibition is a look into invulnerability and displays of protection and survival through something as ubiquitous as facial expression. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org. ”Life Forms” — through Dec. 31, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. A photographic exploration, by Ed Palaszynski, into the diversity and complexity of life and Palaszynski’s response to the question, “What does life look like?” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun-

day. Free admission. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”The Colors of Our World” — through Dec. 31, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. The works in this exhibition are a response to the Clustered Spires Quilt Guild’s 2022 challenge to themselves to incorporate all seven colors of the rainbow in works that illustrate their discoveries about color and pattern. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 301698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

Frederick Camera Clique Members Exhibition — through Dec. 31, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Photographs by beginners to semi-professional photographers. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine. org. ”Season to Season” — through Jan. 1, Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. For gallery hours, call 301-473-7680, email bagalleryappointment@gmail.com or visit frederickuu.org.

Crestwood Gallery Fall Exhibit — through Jan. 6, Crestwood Center, 7211 Bank Court, Frederick. Original works of art, including oil, watercolor, mixed media, wood carvings, and photography from some of Frederick’s most talented artists. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240-215-1460 or frederickhealth.org.

”Variable Palettes” — through Jan 6, Adams County Wine Shop, 25 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg, Pa. Featuring the work of Dorothea Barrick. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. adamscountywinery.com/events. “Concinnity” — Jan. 6 to 29, with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 7 and an artist talk from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 19. Paintings by Kesra Hoffman and photographs by Teke Hoffman that consider those moments that arrest our attention and call us to stop and take a breath. NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-471-7124. ”Lore” — through Jan. 8, Gallery 115 at the Y Art Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick. Features 15 artists from around the world including London, New York City, Wyoming and Maryland. Artists reimagine traditional folklore and explore original contemporary myth through a variety of perspectives. Artworks include an eclectic range of media including short film and an interactive installation. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. https://www.instagram.com/gallery_115_y.

”Joseph Holston: Color in Freedom, Journey Along the Underground Railroad” — through Jan. 14, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. In this exhibit, Holston leads his audience through four movements that deepen our understanding of America’s

Black enslaved people’s experience. 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. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission and parking are free.301-739-5727 or wcmfa.org.

“The Poetry of Place: Paintings” — through Jan. 15 at Gallery B, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Suite E, Bethesda. Loriann Signori is a painter of place and luminosity. Her work is based on traditional methods defined by colorist tendencies, aiming for continual transformation. Her paintings consistently are an emotional interpretation of time and place. 301-215-6660, bethesda. org/bethesda/gallery-b-exhibitions. ”Relief From the Heat” — through Jan. 22, Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. Works by the Washington Water Color Association. Viewing is by appointment 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 301-258-6425 to schedule an appointment. gaithersburgmd.gov.

“Beneath the Forest” — through Jan. 27 at the FAC Art Center at 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Pamela Moulton’s solo show makes use of textiles and found materials to weave a narrative about connectivity and environmentalism. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 301-662-4190, frederickartscouncil.org.

”Winter Nights, Winter Lights” — through Jan. 29 at The Mansion House Art Center & Gallery, 480 Highland Ave., City Park, Hagerstown. Valley Art Association members’ show. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. valleyartassoc. org or 301-797-2867.

”From the Pages of PAN: Art Nouveau Prints, 1895-1900” — through Jan. 29, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. This exhibition features brilliant lithographs, etchings and woodcuts by renowned artists such as Auguste Rodin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Signac, Georges Seurat, Käthe Kollwitz, Peter Behrens and Aubrey Beardsley, among others. Works encompass the art nouveau movement, expressionism, post-impressionism, and symbolism and give a view of the both artistic and intellectual life of this period. From the collection of the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions. Free admission. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Closed Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Go to wcmfa.org.

Courtesy photo

Kesra Hoffman will show paintings, while Teke Hoffman will present his photography in the show “Concinnity,” which runs Jan. 6 to 29 at NOMA Gallery in downtown Frederick.

The final countdown

IDIOM BREWING CO.

Idiom Brewing Co. in Frederick will host a full day (and night) of partying to ring in the New Year, Trippy Hippie style.

Wear your best tie dye, bell bottoms and rose-colored glasses, and get into the Trippy Hippie spirit with Idiom.

Try food from Diego’s World food truck, onsite from noon to 6 p.m., and Firestone’s Culinary Tavern from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Singer-songwriter Anthony Frijia will perform a set from 5 to 8 p.m., and Kevin Koa will take the stage from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

There will also be prize giveaways every hour from 6 p.m. to midnight.

The event is free.

Idiom Brewing Co. is at 340 E. Patrick St., Suite 104, in Frederick.

HOGMANAY:

A SCOTTISH NEW YEAR’S

Grab your kilt and polish your dancing shoes and join the St. Andrews Society of Mid Maryland to celebrate Hogmanay, a Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration.

The event runs from 7 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. at Grace United Church of Christ, 25 E. Second St., Frederick.

Precious Heritage will perform live, and the evening will also include dancing, games, door prizes, a silent auction and lite fare. BYOB.

Event parking is available at the Church Street parking garage.

Tickets are $50 for members, $55 for nonmembers and $25 for children under 13. Get tickets through Eventbrite.

FREDERICK SOCIAL

Frederick Social will host its New Year’s Eve Bash from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a full bar, hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth and a champagne toast at midnight.

Tickets are $80 and include an open bar for the duration of the event, hors d’oeuvres from 8 to 10:30 p.m., a champagne toast and a continental breakfast served after midnight.

Get tickets at frederick-social.com/ events/new-years-eve-bash.

CHAMPION BILLIARDS

SPORTS BAR

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve celebration at Champion Sports Bar in Frederick

with no entry fee and no dress code. This event is for ages 21 and over only.

The bar will offer drink and dinner specials throughout the night, party favors and a champagne toast.

Champion Billiards Sports Bar is at 5205 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. Call 301-846-0089 for more information, or go to frederickchampions.com/events.

STEINHARDT BREWING

Steinhardt Brewing in Frederick

will host a New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party at its brewery in Frederick from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Billy & the Curley Brothers and Rays of Violet will perform live through midnight.

Tickets are $75 and include all you can drink (30 craft beers and hard seltzers, as well as soft drinks), hors d’oeuvres from Roasthouse Pub, hourly raffles and a photo booth.

Buy tickets through Eventbrite.

Steinhardt Brewing is at 340 E. Patrick St., Suite 102, in Frederick.

Masterworks Chorale announces auditions for spring performance

The Masterworks Chorale, under the direction of Steven Grives, will hold auditions in early January for its spring performance of Ein deutsches Requiem, the great Romantic masterpiece by Brahms.

Masterworks Chorale is looking for tenors and basses in particular, but auditions are open to all voic-

es and consist of vocal exercises and sight-reading.

Singers should prepare a short piece to sing without accompaniment that shows off their voice (classical or folk song preferred). Interested singers should attend the first rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 in the McCoy Rehearsal Hall in the Frank

Arts Center at Shepherd University. The 120-member vocal ensemble, comprised of Shepherd University vocal students and members from the surrounding community, presents two full-length concerts per year of great masterpieces from the choral literature with soloists and orchestra. The spring performance will be held

April 22.

Grives is visiting assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at Shepherd University for the 2022-23 academic year.

For more information or to schedule an audition, contact Grives at 304-876-5371 or sgrives@shepherd. edu.

WAREHOUSE CINEMAS NEWS AND EVENTS:

$7 TUESDAYS

Any movie, including Dolby Atmos. All day. Anytime.

TAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAYS

50% OFF all beers and ciders on the self-serve beer wall. All Day.

WAREHOUSE MERCHANDISE

IS HERE!

Get Warehouse Merchandise for you and your family! We have shirts, hats, socks, and Fanny packs! All proceeds go towards our employees' scholarships funds.

FILM LEAGUE PRESENTS:

"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" Wednesday, December 28th @ 7 PM and 7:30 PM

In ‘Avatar 2,’ Cameron rips off Cameron to dazzling effect

BY ESTHER ZUCKERMAN Bloomberg

“The most dangerous thing about Pandora is that you may grow to love her too much,” says “Avatar: The Way of Water’s” protagonist Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a former Marine whose consciousness was uploaded into a skinny blue Na’vi body.

Sully is referring to the planet where the film’s 2009 precursor “Avatar” was set, but he might as well be speaking as the voice of director James Cameron himself, who has fully committed himself to his invented world. “The Way of Water,” estimated to have cost around $250 million, is the first of four greenlit sequels. Happily for the audience, Cameron’s love for Pandora is infectious. Sure, he won’t convince cynics who think his fantasy is just too hokey — because it is very hokey — but if you are even a tiny bit impressed by his vision, it’s nearly impossible not to succumb to the overwhelming details that fill the screen.

The plot is fairly simple — a bad guy wants to murder a good guy — but the world-building is extraordinary, from the specks of dust that hover around the characters to the beads of water on their skin to the species of fish that populate Pandora’s seas.

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In what is essentially a prologue, Sully, in voiceover, catches the audience up on what has happened since the first movie concluded. He and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) have had three children and adopted a Na’vi child named Kiri, who was born to the avatar of Sigourney Weaver’s scientist after what appears to have been an immaculate conception. In a bizarre and ingenious casting choice, the teenaged Kiri is portrayed by the 73-year-old Weaver, who, despite sounding very much like Sigourney Weaver, effortlessly captures the vibes of a disaffected youth. Jake and Neytiri’s kids’ play companion is a human child called Spider (Jake Champion), a

20th Century Studios via AP

Britain Dalton, as Lo’ak.

20th Century Studios

Trinity Jo-Li Bliss as Tuk in “Avatar: The Way of Water.”

20th Century Studios

baby who was abandoned at the Pandora base. His father is the villain from the first installment, Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), whose consciousness was uploaded into a Na’vi avatar after his death.

Quaritch, now big and blue and understandably miffed about the death of his human body, is out to kill Jake for revenge. Given his ruthlesslness, the Sullys fear for the safety of their fellow forest Na’vi, and leave their home. They take refuge in a Polynesia-like archipelago, where they are taken in by a different tribe of Na’vi, whose bodies are a light teal and who have bigger feet and tails for swimming purposes.

The middle section of the (more than three-hour) movie is filled with Na’vi water lore as the Sullys get acclimated to their new surroundings, and the young ones flirt and fight with their new counterparts. It’s all both goofy and beautiful. There are whale creatures called Tulkun who are spiritually bonded with the Na’vi and communicate via subtitles rendered in Papyrus font. You might giggle the first time it happens — I certainly did — but then you’ll be struck by just how Cameron has figured out a way to convey all the contours of light within these water sequences.

The plot eventually builds to a big final battle between the Sullys and their new water friends and Quaritch’s gang, where Cameron liberally steals from himself. Remember that fiery final factory fight in “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”? There’s a bit of that here. Have a Pavlovian reaction to gushing water thanks to “Titanic”? Yes, this will remind you of that. But if any director has earned the right to borrow some of his

best moments, it’s James “I’m the king of the world” Cameron, who, in “The Way of Water,” tries to recreate the same exhilaration with new technology.

He manages it, even if bouncing between rates of 48 frames per second and the usual 24 occasionally creates a choppy visual effect. The 3D is so realistic that as machinery and body parts hurled toward my face, I found myself grabbing the arms of my seat.

The wild glory of the visuals will take your mind off the dopiness of the dialogue. Cameron has never been the most subtle screenwriter, and his script, co-written with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, is filled with blunt exposition and the teen characters frequently calling each other “bro.” Some of the younger actors especially have trouble finding any elegance in their lines, even if more skilled performers like Weaver find a strange musicality in calling someone “monkey boy.” And although the language can be almost excruciatingly silly, the earnestness of the saga is also what makes it gripping.

Is that enough to make you want to return to Pandora again and again as Cameron hopes? Sure! Why not? “Avatar: The Way of Water” stands alone as a contained story, but tees up more to come in a way that is (almost) counter to how franchise filmmaking currently works. Whereas most superhero movies try to lure audiences back with recognizable characters and star cameos, “Avatar” convinces you that there are more corners of this invented ecosystem to explore. And if the rest of what Cameron has planned is as stunning as “The Way of Water,” there’s no reason not to jump in.

left, Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) in “Avatar: The Way of Water.”

Thursday Dec. 29

Bethesda Painting Awards — at Gallery B, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Suite E, Bethesda. This competition invites D.C./Maryland/ Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June 2023.

$25. 301-215-6660. jliu@bethesda.org. bethesda.org/bethesda/bethesda-painting-awards.

FAMILY

Craftapalooza — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Carroll County Public Library, Mount Airy Branch, 705 Ridge Ave., Mount Airy. For ages 3 - 12. It’s a DIY frenzy! We’ve gathered extras of our favorite crafts from past story times and programs and we need your help to bring them to life. Join us for an afternoon of cutting, pasting, drawing and creating. 410-386-4470. ask@carr.org. ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/craftapalooza-2.

Winter City Lights Holiday Festival — 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 4501 Olney-Laytonsville Road, 4501 Olney-Laytonsville Road, Olney. Guests can explore 200,000 square feet of displays covering 18 beautifully decorated acres. Highlights include a 52-foot programmable Christmas tree featuring a canopy of lights and light show, an enchanted 1.5-mile trail through the woods featuring holiday displays and lights, a musical light show every 30 minutes, a snow tubing slide, concessions, lumberjack axe throwing and 14 bonfire areas for getting cozy and enjoying s’mores.  $39-$48. 888-720-1112. info@wintercitylights.com. wintercitylights.com.

FESTIVALS

Annual Festival of Lights — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple and Visitors Center, 9900

Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington. 400,000 lights will illuminate the grounds beginning at dusk each day, Monday through Sunday. Creche displays featuring nativities from around the world. Decorated Christmas trees, a wide array of performances (see website for schedule). dctemple.org/festival-of-lights.

MUSIC

Appalachian Chamber Music Festival: Festive Cheer — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Zion Episcopal Church, 300 E. Congress St, Charles Town, W.Va. A selection of jolly and uplifting music to celebrate the yuletide season. Family-friendly concert. Selections include original arrangements by ACMF artist Sinead Frost of some holiday classics, Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.  $25 adults, under age 16 free with purchase of adult ticket. manager@appalachianchamber.org. appalachianchamber. org.

Friday Dec. 30

Bethesda Painting Awards — 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. at Gallery B, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Suite E, Bethesda. This competition invites D.C./Maryland/Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June 2023. $25. 301-215-6660. jliu@bethesda.org. bethesda.org/bethesda/bethesda-painting-awards.

FAMILY

Radical Reptiles — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Carroll County Public Library, North Carroll Branch, 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead. For ages 4-12. Nicole Osborne presents an exciting line-up of exotic reptiles in this interactive program — with a chance to hold/ touch the reptiles! Learn about reptile care,

fun facts, and more! 410-386-4480. ask@carr.org. ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/ radical-reptiles-5.

Christmas at the Roundhouse — noon to 4 p.m. at Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum, 296 S. Burhans Blvd., Hagerstown. See the trains of Christmas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 29 Admission $6 adults, $1 for children 4 through 16 Free for children 3 and under. 240-674-1882. davem301@yahoo.com. roundhouse.org.

FESTIVALS

Winter Lights Festival — 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg. Also Sunday through Thursday 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific date. 3.5-mile drive through a woodland setting past more than 450 illuminated displays and trees that light up the night. (Closed Dec. 25.) $15 per car Monday through Thursday, $25 per car Friday and Saturday. gaithersburgmd.gov.

MUSIC

Mike Kuster at Rockwell Brewery — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery, 880 N. East St., Frederick. Kick off New Year’s weekend with Mike Kuster for a solo acoustic honky tonkin’ show. 301-662-3355. mike@mikekuster.net. mikekuster.net.

Appalachian Chamber Music Festival: Works to Warm Us — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church, 601 Washington St., Harpers Ferry, W.Va. A concert to warm the body and soul with some foot-tapping favorites and poignant moments of reflection. Enjoy beloved works such as “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons paired with Piazzolla’s tango-inspired “Winter” from the Southern Hemisphere.

$15 - $25. manager@appalachianchamber.

org. appalachianchamber.org/ 2022-winter-residency.

FAC After Hours: See What Sticks Performance Art Workshop — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Performance artists, musicians, poets, actors — meet Frederick’s newest performance workshop and open stage. 301-6624190. wiegand@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org/ news-events/calendar-grid.

New Year’s at Noon — 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Carroll County Public Library, Westminster Branch, 50 E. Main St., Westminster. Up to age 11. Get ready for your New Year’s celebration with crafts, games and a practice countdown at noon. 410-386-4490. ask@carr.org. ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/ new-years-noon-0.

Saturday Dec. 31

New Years Eve at Champions — 6 p.m. at Champion Billiards Sports Bar, 5205 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. No entry fee or dress code. Drink and dinner specials, party favors and a champagne toast. 21 and up. 301-846-0089. frederickchampions.com/events.

CLASSES

Bang Class — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville LIbrary, 2 South Glade Rd., Walkersville. Freedom Bang is 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. 301-600-8200.

awadding@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org.

Zumba Saturdays at the Library — 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Ready to

CALENDAR

exercise! Ready to dance! Ready to shake off the pounds? Come on in for Zumba at the Library on Saturday mornings! 18 and older.

301-600-7004. marchange-desir@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/zumba-saturdays-library-8.

ETCETERA

New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Party — 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Dragon Distillery, 1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 108, Frederick. A 1920s-themed murder mystery party. $25-$45. 410-549-2722. murdermysterycompany@gmail.com. dragondistillerynye.eventbrite.com.

FAMILY

Train Garden — noon to 5 p.m. at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Co., 702 N Main St., Mount Airy. Every weekend through Dec. 31, except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Parking and entry in the lower level of the fire station. mavfc.org.

Family New Year’s Eve Celebration — 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Adventure Park USA, 11113 W. Baldwin Road, Monrovia. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Adventure Park U.S.A. Indoor attractions (laser tag, mini bowling, bumper cars, ropes course, rock wall, XD theater, frog hopper, gold rush playground) and mini golf. 301-865-6800. janine@adventureparkusa.com. adventureparkusa.com.

FESTIVALS

Middletown Valley Bank Krumpe’s Donut Drop 2023 New Year’s Event — 5 p.m. at Square, downtown, Hagerstown. Kids’ Zone in the lobby of the Md. Theatre, live music on the square, free Krumpe’s Donuts, AC&T Coffee & Hot Chocolate on the Square, Giant Donut Drops/fireworks grand finale. 301-790-2000. mdtheatre.org.

MUSIC

Appalachian Chamber Music Festival: Fire and Ice — 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The War Memorial Building, 102 E. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. Ring in the new year with a journey from darkness into light. Inspired by cellist Janos Starker’s moniker “Fire and Ice”, this Slavic-influenced program features works that will both comfort and excite you as you reflect on the past year as well as provide inspiration for the year to come.  $15 to $35. manager@appalachianchamber.org. appalachianchamber.org/ 2022-winter-residency.

New Years Eve Bluegrass Concert — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Morgan Chapel United Methodist Church, 6750 Woodbine Road, Woodbine. Morgan’s Coffeehouse will host a special New Years Eve bluegrass concert featuring the Fruit Jar Howlers. Doors open

at 5:30 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Lite dinner fare, desserts, snacks and beverages will be for sale throughout the evening. Free admission, donations encouraged. 410-970-2485. revjim@morganchapel.church.

Michelle Marshall’s Thunderdome Queen — A Tina Turner Tribute — 10:30 p.m. at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, W.Va. 21 and older. This soulful sultry act heats up the stage with its electrified high-energy, high-intensity dancing, note for note musical renditions and glamorous costumes, all re-creating the persona of Tina Turner. $25 and up. hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com.

Monday Jan. 2

CLASSES

FAC After Hours & Yogamour: Restorative Yoga with Soundbath — 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Take a break and join a Gentle Yoga Flow on the main level while enjoying art work that adorn the walls of this historic space. This is a practice available to all levels which includes Beginners. Some yoga mats available. With Michelle Jackson. $15. 301-662-4190. wiegand@frederickartscouncil.org. yogamour.org/public-yoga-classes.

Tuesday Jan. 3

CLASSES

Scottish Country Dance Class — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Clover Hill Civic Association Building, 8122 Glendale Drive, Frederick . The Frederick Scottish Country Dancers invite you to learn traditional Scottish ballroom dancing. You don’t need to bring a partner with you, but you do need comfortable, soft-soled shoes. 202-320-9898. heatherwurzer@gmail.com. facebook.com/FrederickSCD.

FILM

FAC After Hours: Art Center Bijou — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. A weekly film screening curated in collaboration with documentary filmmaker Leah Michaels and FAC Associate SJ Wiegand. Each month presents films that fall under one general theme in order to cultivate discussion about film as a mode of artistic expression. 301-662-4190. wiegand@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org/ news-events/calendar-grid.

Wednesday Jan. 4

MUSIC

FAC After Hours: Joe Keyes Improv Jazz

— 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 East 2nd Street, Frederick. Equal parts frontman, poet and conductor, Joe Keyes leads his nine-piece Late Bloomer Band through a fresh concoction of funk, R&B, soul, rock, and jazz while drawing on the musical auras of Miles Davis, Gil Scott-Heron, Sun Ra, and early Parliament-Funkadelic. Keyes captivates audiences with his deep, commanding vocals, punctuated by tales of love, family, and addiction from his six decades on earth. The band’s vibe and sound – honed over years of theatrical, improvisational shows – journeys from gentle grooves to tight funk and epic crescendos. 301-662-4190. wiegand@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org/ news-events/calendar-grid.

Thursday Jan. 5

CLASSES

Senior Fitness — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Walkersville Public LIbrary, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join Jen Ringer with Fusion Fitness as she leads a senior fitness class with modifications for all levels. Help with strength and stability related to the senior age groups. 301-600-8200. awadding@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org.

Dance off the Winter Blues — 11:15 a.m. to noon at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Are you ready to work off those holiday pounds? Reach new goals? Shake off the winter blahs? Come on in to dance it off with Salsa Aerobics. Get ready to move! Beginners welcome. Thursdays through Jan. 26. 301-600-7004. marchange-desir@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/events/ month.

ETCETERA

Caregivers’ Toolbox: Cupcake Tasting with Lil’ Cakes & Creamery — 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Come on in! Bring the little ones! We’ll keep them busy with a craft in one area of the room while the adults enjoy a delicious cupcake tasting. 301-600-7004. marchange-desir@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/ event/caregivers-toolbox-cupcaketasting-lil-cakes-creamery.

HEALTH

Mindfulness in Middletown — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at MIddletown Branch Library, 101 Prospect St., Middletown. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress while helping us to feel more aware of ourselves and connected to the world around us. Join Ray Manyoky from the Frederick Meditation Center who will provide instruction and then lead us in a mindfulness practice. This will be followed by a Q&A session. Group

meets every Thursday in January, except Jan. 12.  301-600-7560. lgrackin@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org/calendar.

MUSIC

Tivoli Discovery Series: Taylor Ashton — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Taylor Ashton is a Canadian singer-songwriter living in Brooklyn. He spent the first half of his twenties on the road across Canada as frontman of the band Fish & Bird before moving to New York to work on a new set of songs and a new chapter of life. His music takes influence from the cosmic emotionality of Joni Mitchell, the sage vulnerability of Bill Withers, the humor and heartbreak of Randy Newman, and old-time and Celtic folk music. $10. 301-600-2868. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/taylor-ashton.

OUTDOORS

Telescopes and Night Sky: Astronomy Basics — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Walkersville Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join the Tristate Astronomers as they go over the basics of telescopes and observing the night sky.  Come see a telescope, and if the weather permits join us outside to observe the sky. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

Friday Jan. 6

FILM

January Documentary Series: “Summer of Soul” (2021, PG-13) — 7:30 p.m. at Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. Also at 1 p.m. In his acclaimed filmmaker debut, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents a powerful and transporting documentary — part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park). Featuring concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th Dimension and more. The film won the 2022 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

$7 adults, $6 ages 25 and under and ages 60 and up. 410-848-7272. carrollcountyartscouncil.org.

PERFORMER

MET Comedy Night: The Comedy Pigs ‘22-’23 — 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The Comedy Pigs return for their 30th anniversary season! Catch them every first Friday and Saturday through June

2023. Ages 18 and older. $15. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org.

Saturday Jan. 7

CLASSES

Landscaping Solutions for Wet Areas in Your Yard — 10 a.m. to noon at UME Extension Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick. Presented by Frederick County Master Gardeners. Learn about ways to solve the problems it causes. We will discuss hydrography and how to create a good flow of water across your landscape. Register online: bit.ly/FCMG23WetAreas.

Zumba Saturdays at the Library — 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Ready to exercise! Ready to dance! Ready to shake off the pounds? Come on in for Zumba at the Library on Saturday mornings! 18 and older.

301-600-7004. marchange-desir@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/ event/zumba-saturdays-library-8.

ETCETERA

Sierra Club Catoctin Group Meeting — 11 a.m. to noon at Common Market Community Room, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. Sierra Club Catoctin Group members, friends and the public are invited to attend our upcoming monthly meetings. The December Speaker is Ron Kaltenbaugh talking on “Electrifying Transportation and Addressing Climate Change.” 301-318-7995. Pwsccg@yahoo.com. sierraclub.org/maryland/catoctin-group.

FAC After Hours: Creative Writing Workshop — 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. The Writers’ Block is a local community of writers, committed to connecting, critiquing and producing writing in a rotational bi-weekly workshop setting. No reservations required. 301-662-4190. wiegand@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org/ news-events/calendar-grid.

PERFORMER

First Saturday Funnies: Improv Comedy Show — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Frederick Arts Council, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. ESPtheatre regular Michael Harris & friends have performed in comedy and improv festivals across the country and are now bringing a monthly “Whose Line is it Anyway?”-style show to Frederick First Saturdays. Characters, Scenes, and Foolishness invented on the spot, inspired by audience suggestions. Sometimes brilliant, sometimes awkward, always fun. 213-926-3577. sasha.carrera@gmail.com.

MET Comedy Night: The Comedy Pigs ‘22-’23 — 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The Comedy Pigs return for their

30th anniversary season! Catch them every first Friday and Saturday through June 2023. Ages 18 and older. $15. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org.

Sunday Jan. 8

ETCETERA

Breakfast Fundraiser — 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Union Bridge Fire Co., 8 W. Locust St., Union Bridge. All-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage biscuits, sausage gravy, puddin’, hominy, muffins and more. Benefits the fire company; cancelled if snow emergency plan is in effect. Prices subject to change as market prices dictate. $10 adults, $5 for ages 6-12, under 6 free, $12 for carry out. 410-775-7422 or 443547-9477.

Bingo Fundraiser for Tuscarora HS Music Programs — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Eagles, 401 Central Ave., Brunswick. Ticket includes lunch, a nine-card for 20 bingo games that pay out $150 each plus the $500 jackpot. You can purchase extra cards, raffle tickets and buy into 50/50 bingo games. ALL monies earned go to the Instrumental Music program at THS — the award-winning Marching Titans Marching Band, Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Honor Bands, Indoor Percussion, Winter Color Guard and other music ensembles. Ages 21 and older. $35 advance, $40 at the door (if available). thsimbinfo@gmail.com. thsimb.org.

FAMILY

Antietam Station Open House — noon to 4 p.m. at Hagerstown Model RR Museum, Inc. at Antietam Station, 17230 Shepherdstown Pike, Sharpsburg. See several operating model train layouts and displays on railroad history during the Hagerstown Model RR Musuem at Antietam Station open house on Sundays in January. 301-800-9829. hmrrm@myactv.net. antietamstation.com.

MUSIC

Stone Country — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Country music - formerly known as George Garris and Friends.

OUTDOORS

Second Sunday Tree Walk — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Hood College Pergola, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick . Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Hood College Campus while you learn how to identify common local trees and hear fun facts about each. An expert guide from the Forestry Board will answer your questions and explain idiosyncrasies of our beautiful local trees. Free. 301-473-8417. frederick@forestryboard.org. frederick.forestryboard.org/tree-walk.

Monday Jan. 9

CLASSES

Sol Yoga — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Walkersville Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join us for this free yoga class offered by Sol Yoga.  Be sure to wear comfortable clothes! 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

FAC After Hours & Yogamour: Restorative Yoga with Soundbath — 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Take a break and join a Gentle Yoga Flow on the main level while enjoying art work that adorn the walls of this historic space. This is a practice available to ALL levels which includes Beginners. Some yoga mats available. With Michelle Jackson. $15. 301-662-4190. wiegand@frederickartscouncil.org. yogamour.org/public-yoga-classes.

Tuesday Jan. 10

CLASSES

Scottish Country Dance Class — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Clover Hill Civic Association Building, 8122 Glendale Drive, Frederick. The Frederick Scottish Country Dancers invite you to learn traditional Scottish ballroom dancing. You don’t need to bring a partner with you, but you do need comfortable, soft-soled shoes. 202-320-9898. heatherwurzer@gmail.com. facebook.com/FrederickSCD.

FILM

FAC After Hours: Art Center Bijou — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at FAC Art Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. A weekly film screening curated in collaboration with documentary filmmaker Leah Michaels and FAC Associate SJ Wiegand. Each month presents films that fall under one general theme in order to cultivate discussion about film as a mode of artistic expression. 301-662-4190. wiegand@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org/ news-events/calendar-grid.

Wednesday Jan. 11

CLASSES

Music Exploration for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Walkersville Library , 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Enjoy a hands-on demonstration of musical instruments provided by Music and Arts of Frederick. This program is designed specifically for adults with intellectual disabilities and their service provider or caregiver. 301-600-8200. awadding@frederickcountymd.gov.

FAMILY

50+ Taking Care When Hiring In-Home Care — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at MIddletown Branch Library, 101 Prospect St., Middletown. When hiring outside caregivers it is important to make sure that our loved ones are safe and comfortable. In this presentation, Eileen McLaughlin from Right at Home will discuss safe ways of obtaining in-home care and what to watch out for.  240-994-1651. lgrackin@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org/calendar.

Thursday Jan. 12

CLASSES

Dance off the Winter Blues — 11:15 a.m. to noon at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Are you ready to work off those holiday pounds? Reach new goals? Shake off the winter blahs? Come on in to dance it off with Salsa Aerobics. Get ready to move! Beginners welcome. Thursdays through Jan. 26. 301-600-7004. marchange-desir@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/events/ month.

ETCETERA

Prose Pros — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Join us as we read and discuss a short piece of fiction. No homework required! Ages 18 and older. 301-600-7004. marchange-desir@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/ event/prose-pros-1.

FILM

Wonder Book Classic Film Series: “The Thin Man” (1934, PG) — 7:30 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Former detective Nick Charles and his wealthy wife Nora investigate a murder case, mostly for the fun of it. Cast: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O’Sullivan. (1 hour 31 min.)

$7. 301-600-2828.

bhiller@cityoffrederick.com. weinbergcenter.org/shows/ the-thin-man-1934.

HEALTH

Mindfulness in Middletown — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at MIddletown Branch Library, 101 Prospect St., Middletown. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress while helping us to feel more aware of ourselves and connected to the world around us. Join Ray Manyoky from the Frederick Meditation Center who will provide instruction and then lead us in a mindfulness practice. This will be followed by a Q&A session. Group meets every Thursday in January, except Jan. 12.  301-600-7560.

lgrackin@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org/calendar.