Make a sundae on Saturday
I scream, you scream, we all scream for a giant ice-cream sundae. But instead of buying one, how about helping to build one? In honor of Dairy Month (June), Port Discovery, the "kid-powered" museum at 35 Market Place, invites one and all to join several county dairy princesses in creating a mammoth sundae this Saturday beginning at 11:30 a.m. The ingredients: 60 gallons of vanilla ice cream, 3 gallons of chocolate syrup, 3 gallons of caramel syrup, 20 pounds of chopped peanuts, real whipped cream and a 12-inch ball of cherries. The event is free; admission to the museum is $8.50 and $11. Call 410-727-8120.
A bevy of belly dancers
One of life's most fundamental experiences inspired one of its most fundamental dance forms. Centuries ago, belly dance helped women prepare their stomach muscles for the rigors of childbirth. Today, belly dance is admired for its eloquence and beauty. Different styles of belly dance will be on display Sunday during "Arabian Nights" at the Latin Palace, 509 S. Broadway. The lineup will include Owings Mills resident Amirah Ahzar (pictured) and Piper, who won the 2000 Bellydancer of the Year Award and performs with her own company, the Daughters of Rhea. Admission to the event and an all-you-can-eat buffet is $25, while the show alone costs $10. The evening begins at 6 p.m. Call 443-306-5266 or visit www.baltimorebellydance.com.
Latino Fest
Experience Hispanic arts, culture, music and cuisine as the 2002 Latino Fest takes stage this weekend at Patterson Park, South Linwood and Eastern avenues. The festival, sponsored by EBLO (Education Based Latino Outreach), runs Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. There will be tango demonstrations, dance contests and a performance by violinist Pupi Legarreta (of the band La Fania All Stars) with Foto Rodriguez y la Orquesta La Unica on Saturday at 9 p.m. The suggested donation is $3 per adult; children under 12 are free. All donations will benefit EBLO's educational and cultural programs in Baltimore. Call 410-783-5404 or visit www.eblo.org.
Magic moments
Who says you can't make money appear out of thin air, or break the laws of gravity, or walk barefoot on a saber? Well maybe you yourself can't, but the nine magicians of "The Magic Dream" gala promise to do all that and more Sunday at Gordon Center for Performing Arts. Magician and mentalist Alain Nu (right) serves as host of the show and performs in it as well. His fellow performers include "visionary" magician Jay Scott Berry (left), "money magician" Torkova, rising star Francis Menotti and "magic professor" Kevin Dunn. Show time is 5:30 p.m. The Gordon Center is located at 3506 Gwynbrook Ave. in Owings Mills. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. Call 301-949-9483 for tickets or buy them at the door.
Summer MusicFest
As one season ends, another begins. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has just ended its 2001-2002 concert season, and its 2002 Summer MusicFest is about to start. The four-concert music festival kicks off tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. outside the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Enjoy music by the Cold Spring Jazz Quartet and sample food and drinks from area restaurants before moving indoors for a 6:30 p.m. performance of chamber music by 19-year-old pianist Lang Lang and his father, Guo-Ren Lang, who plays the Chinese erh-hu, a guitar-like instrument. At 7:30 p.m., the BSO, conducted by Mario Venzago, performs music by Ravel, Liszt, Rachmaninoff and Respighi. At the conclusion of the concert, move back outside for more refreshments and dancing to the music of the Latin jazz band Tropicombo. The other MusicFest dates are July 12, 17 and 19. All tickets are $18 to $30. Call 410-783-8000.
MUSIC
'92Q Summer Jam'
Rap, soul and R&B;: You get three for the price of one at the "92Q Summer Jam" Friday at the Baltimore Arena. Headlining the show are Ja Rule (pictured) and Ashanti. The lineup has changed since the show was first announced, but also scheduled on stage at this point are Naughty by Nature, Mario, B. Rich, Cam'ron, Amerie, Fundisha and Fat Joe. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$38.50. The arena is located at 201 W. Baltimore St. Call 410-481-SEAT for tickets.