Play ball!
The ninth annual Baysox Free Family FunFest ushers in the Bowie ball club's coming season with inflatable games; rides; carnival activities; a visit by Louie, the team's mascot; and free samples of ballpark food. Children also get unlimited access to the Kids Park's various entertainment, including a moon bounce and carousel.
The event runs 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (rain or shine) Saturday at Prince George's Park, 4101 N.E. Crain Highway, Bowie. Call 301-805-6000 or go to baysox.com.
Chinese film
As part of its fifth annual College of Liberal Arts Foreign Film Series, Towson University shows When Ruo Ma Was Seventeen, a Chinese film about a rural Hani nation teenager who desperately wishes to go to a big city, Wednesday in Van Bokkelen Hall Auditorium. The 2002 movie garnered several Chinese awards and appeared at various international film festivals. This year's film series aims to educate the public about China's culture, history and society.
The screening runs 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Wednesday. The auditorium is at 8000 York Road, Towson. Call 410-704-5371 or go to towson.edu/artscalendar.
Eric Byrd Trio
The Eric Byrd Trio has performed all over the world and served as Kennedy Center/U.S. State Department Jazz Ambassadors in 2001. The trio's fourth and most recent album, Brother Ray, a tribute to Ray Charles, recently rose to No. 19 on the CMJ Jazz Chart. The group celebrates the public release of its latest work Monday in the McDaniel Lounge of McDaniel College with live performances.
The event begins at 8 p.m. Monday. The college is at 2 College Hill, Westminster. Call 410-848-7000or go to www.mcdaniel.edu/3490.htm.
Poetic license
Maryland Poets Laureate Michael Glaser, Michael Collier and Linda Pastan pay visits to several libraries across the state to read their poems, recite works of their favorite poets and foster public discussions on the role and importance of poetry in everyday life. The tour, which includes 12 readings, coincides with National Poetry Month (April).
The tour runs Wednesday-May 17. Days and times vary. Call 410-685-6161 or go to mdhc.org for more details.
Down the bunny trail
What --Easter Egg Hunt
When --10 a.m.-noon Saturday
Where --Sherwood Farm, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road
Why --Beucase he event includes a visit by the Easter bunny, a 4H Rabbit Club presentation, contests and family games.
Contact --Call 410-887-2503 or go to cromwellvalleypark.org FREE
'Shiraz' author
What --Public reading
When --8 p.m. Wednesday
Where --Goucher College's Alumnae House, 1021 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson
Why --Because Dalia Sofer, critically acclaimed author of The Septembers of Shiraz, conducts a public reading as part of the college's 24th annual Women Writing About Women Symposium.
Contact --Call 410-337-6316 or go to goucher.edu FREE