For one night only, Jazz at the Ridge, featuring the award-winning Marriotts Ridge Big Band and the Mount View Middle Jazz Band along with featured artists, Howard County's Most Wanted a group that includes seven nationally-known musicians, all of whom have connections to Howard County as school alumni, former teachers, private instructors or clinicians who have worked with Howard County jazz band students. This stellar crew is set to light up the stage on April 11, 7 p.m., at the Marriotts Ridge High School. Local luminaries include Barry Enzman, Todd Butler, Matthew Everhart, Damon Foreman, John Morgan, Brian Simms and Christian Stengle. Tickets are $12 at the door. Questions? Email jazzattheridge@gmail.com.
This time of year, there is some sort of activity at the Howard County fairgrounds in West Friendship every weekend. The folks at the Howard County Antique Farm Machinery Club are readying for the big sale of the year on April 21 beginning at 9 a.m,. at the fairgrounds. This is the 23rd Annual Consignment Sale and Auction with antiques, farm equipment, tools, golf carts, shrubbery, building supplies, household items and lots more.
The Kids Nearly New Spring Sale is set for April 14, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with children's items galore. Clothing, shoes, toys, games, books, furniture, play sets, equipment and more. More than 140 vendors are expected.
Remember Marmaduke, the storied Great Dane of the comic strips? The Great Dane Club of Maryland offers two shows on April 14 at the Howard County fairgrounds in West Friendship. Puppy and veteran sweepstakes, a parade of dogs in the morning and another show and junior handling in the afternoon. The Great Dane action begins at 8 a.m. Families are invited to view the shows but are asked to leave strollers and pets at home.
The Suburban Maryland Spring Home Show comes to the fairgrounds on April 7, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on April 8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission, free parking and all the information one can gather from contractors, representatives of window, tile, fireplace and roofing companies, as well as home improvement specialists. Call 888-560-3976 or go to mdhomeshow.com
The Gardens Figure Skating Club will be under the sea and fathoms below on April 14 and 15, at 1 and 3:30 p.m., when local skaters from our region comprise part of "The Little Mermaid" ice skate performance at the Gardens Ice House in Laurel. Skaters ages 4 to adult bring the beloved classic to life on ice. Tickets are available at the Gardens Ice House website gardensfsc.org or by calling 410-792-4947. Condolences to the family of Wanda Matthews of West Friendship who passed away in mid March. Those who knew Wanda will always be reminded of the zest for life that she held. We now hold her in our prayers.
The talented band musicians of West Friendship Elementary continue to amaze. Stellar April musicians include Sarah Fitter, Faith Nieves, Rubi Levine, Allison Bonier, Avni Uniyal, Charles Lowther, Nathan Dorsch, Lucas Qi, Leah Sabaka, Tavi Decker, Taylor Allen, Abel Abraham, Lawrence Shi, Lucas Spangler, Cooper Ellis, Hailey Corbin and Clark Leslie.
Condolences to the family of Wanda Matthews, of West Friendship, who passed away in mid-March. Those who knew Wanda will always be reminded of the zest for life that she held. We now hold her in our prayers.