Turf Valley Towne Square is coming to life every Thursday with its free concert series. On Thursday, July 21, Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddy's will pack the dance floor with its unique brand of Modern Honky Tonk. On July 28, Crush will enlighten those 80s fans with veteran musicians who will surely captivate the audience with high-energy, party rock tunes. Are you a Blues fan? Come out on Aug. 4 to hear Bottle of Blues put its spin on non-conventional, bluesy arrangements from modern artists such as Sting and Steely Dan. Come out and listen to a variety of music every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. all summer long. For more information, please visit Turf Valley Towne Square's Facebook page.
Every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m., a group of players gather around their Mah Jongg tiles at Saint James United Methodist Church to immerse themselves in the challenge of the game for a few hours of fun and fellowship. What is Mah Jongg you ask? Mah Jongg is a Chinese game played usually by four people, with 136 or 144 rectangular pieces called tiles. The object of the game is to collect winning sets of these tiles, similar to the card game gin rummy.This group has been playing the game for a number of years and they welcome new players. At the same time, there is a beginning-level group available to those who would like to learn the game.
This is the Western version of Mah Jongg. Anyone with a Mah Jongg set is encouraged to bring it along.Come, bring a friend or three, observe, or play the game. There is no fee to participate. Saint James is at 12470 Old Frederick in Marriottsville. For more information, contact the church at 410-442-2020.
On the First Friday of each month, come to downtown Sykesville between 5 and 8 p.m. to celebrate with good food, great deals and fantastic prizes. On this day, Sykesville shops and restaurants will stay open late and offer refreshments, games, activities, live music and more that reflect the month's theme. The theme for Friday, Aug. 5, is a Block Party Concert Series. Every First Friday features a freegoodie bag full of deals and discounts, and a chance at finding thegolden ticket for one lucky monthly VIP bag winner. VIPs receive an additional 10 percent off at all Main Street shops and restaurants on First Fridays throughout 2016. After a fun-filled evening, return to Main Street on Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for the local Farmers Market featuring fresh and local fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and dairy products. Homemade crafts and live entertainment will also be provided. For more information, visit www.sykesvillemainstreet.com.
St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Catholic Church in Woodstock will be holding its 101st Annual Woodstock Festival on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 3 to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 14, from 1 to 5 p.m. Once again, the church will be serving country-style fried chicken and ham dinner with all the fixings. Come out and shop the flea market, country store and play games of chance and win many fabulous prizes. For more information, please visit its website at www.stalchurch.org.