Play in a Day—Saturday—Imagination Stage, Bethesda
Performers at another Imagination Stage event. Via Imagination Stage/Vimeo
While theatrical productions usually take months of effort and rehearsals, the annual “Play in a Day” event turns that model on its head: six theater companies from the region will have 24 hours to write, direct and perform an original play.
Now in its 13th year, the event will feature troupes from the county and Washington, D.C., performing in the Imagination Stage’s Lerner Theater. Tickets for the 8 p.m. event are $15.
Brian Ganz performs Chopin—Saturday—The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda
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Via Strathmore
Pianist Brian Ganz is on a mission to become the first person to perform all the compositions of Fryderyk Chopin. Nearly three-quarters through the composer’s 250 works, Ganz will focus on early pieces Saturday, including three nocturnes and several polonaises and mazurkas. Ganz began his “Extreme Chopin” project in 2011 at Strathmore and keeps it up through a packed recital schedule.
Tickets for the 8 p.m. event are $28-$88. Children ages 7 to 17 get in free.
The Bar-Kays & Brick—Sunday—Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, Bethesda
Via Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club
Always energetic performers, the Bar-Kays have a penchant for vibrant costumes and have been known to feature fire, smoke and even a 12-foot python in their stage act. No confirmation on what pyrotechnics or reptiles might be in store for Sunday, but the band will surely bring its soulful funky sound. The band toured with Otis Redding and performs on songs with Isaac Hayes.
Tickets are $60 for the 7 p.m. show.
Hike with dogs—Saturday—Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg
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Via Eileen McVey/Wikimedia Commons
The park is hosting a hiking event for people and their animal companions. Hikers of all ages can bring their dogs along when joining the park staff for a 1.2-mile hike around the park trails. The event is free.
Family jazz sessions—Saturday—The Mansion at Strathmore, North Bethesda
Via Strathmore
Strathmore’s weekly series offers young music fans the opportunity to sing, play and appreciate jazz. This weekend, the family event focuses on jazz from Africa. World music percussionist Tom Teasley will lead guests in a session on exotic instruments such as the djembe drum and traditional rhythms such as the clave and gahu.
Tickets for the 11 a.m. event are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. The event is recommended for ages 3 to 8.