Kinetics Dance Theatre will present two matinee dance performances of the African folk tale, Anansi the Spider is Lost, at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Howard County Center for the Arts.
Some audience members will be invited to help play African rhythms along with Columbia composer Jared Denhard, as the story of the trickster Anansi unfolds.
Tickets are $5. Reservations are encouraged. Kinetics Dance Theatre is at 3280 Pine Orchard Lane, Ellicott City.
Information: 410-480-1686.
Mount Hebron Idol in search of talent
The Mount Hebron Viking Bakers will sponsor the First Mount Hebron Idol, a contest for student performers.
Auditions, to be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 27 and 28 in the school auditorium, cost $1 to tryout; $3 to watch; and $5 to be part of the voting audience on the final night. Twenty performers will advance to the final night, to be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 29.
The winner will receive professional studio recording time, after working with a professional singer-songwriters to write a song to be recorded. The song is also to be performed in a concert in April at the school.
Registration forms for the contest are available in the school's front office and guidance office, and at the concession stand.
Information: 410-313-2880.
Around Town
Soccer program -- Registration is open for the Elkridge Youth Organization soccer program. Regular registration ends Feb. 29; late registration ends March 31. The co-ed, recreational program emphasizes instruction, fitness and fun. Players ages 5-17 are welcome. There are no tryouts for recreational leagues. All players participate. www.eyosports.org and click on the "Soccer" tab.
Register -- Veterans Elementary School, 4355 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, will accept kindergarten registration for the 2008-2009 school year from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 3-7. Custodial parents, whether biological, adoptive or legal guardians, must enroll any child who is 5 years old by Sept. 1. Parents must live in the school district in which the child will be enrolled, and should bring a parent picture ID; a signed original lease of deed; a current telephone bill (non-cellular), current gas and electric bill, or current cable bill; the child's proof of birth; proof of custody, if applicable; and the child's current proof of immunization, unless a religious exemption is to be requested. Parents who cannot fulfill these requirements can contact the school's pupil personnel worker, 410-313-1700. To request English as a Second Language (ESOL) services: 410-313-1525. For a calendar of school events: http:--www.hcpss.org./ves.
College scholarships -- The Elkridge Adult Athletic Association, a 30-year-old community association, will accept college scholarship applications from high school seniors until April 19. At least three scholarships will be awarded. Danny Tracy, 410-796-4389.
Kiwanis Club -- Kiwanis Club of Ellicott City, a volunteer service organization, meets at 6:45 p.m. Mondays at the Kiwanis Wallas Building, 3300 Norberts Way, Ellicott City. Everyone is welcome. 410-418-8218, or www.ellicottcitykiwanis.com.
Volunteer docents -- Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks is seeking volunteer docents and tour guides to staff historic sites in Ellicott City. An orientation for prospective volunteers will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Mount Ida Visitor Center at Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park. 410-465-8500.
Knitting for charity -- A community service group meets to knit and crochet blankets, baby clothes and other items for charities, hospitals and senior centers. Group sessions are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Kiwanis Wallas Recreation Center. 410-313-7279.