As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a composition and songwriting course will be offered by Dr. Sean Beachy. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10, half-hour sessions which will be set up by appointment. Students will learn various compositional techniques and develop an approach to creating new compositions. Students will also develop a basic understanding of music notation software and should be able to discuss various aspects of composition, including form, instrumentation, melody, harmony, rhythm, meter, and dynamics. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD.

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a voice lessons course will be offered by Leah Shaw. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10, half-hour sessions which will be set up by appointment. This course is designed for individual studies in the training of vocal activities related to singing, for all ability levels. Beginning students will learn correct posture and breathing, tone production, diction, sigh singing, notation reading, ear training and general principles of vocalizing. Intermediate and advanced students will will develop their vocal technique, sighting ability, and performance quality through appropriate vocal exercises and literature. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a beginner guitar course will be offered by Harry Hogue. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10 sessions which will be set up by appointment. This course will provide guitar fundamentals for the beginner to advanced student. Folk, classic, blues, pop, and jazz styles will be incorporated into the instruction enabling the student the flexibility to perform in a wide range of styles either as a performer or for personal enjoyment. Prior to registration, the student will need to discuss their proficiency with the instructor. Students musty have access to a guitar to practice assignments on a daily basis. The age range for the course is 6 years and older. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD.

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a beginner guitar course will be offered by Robert Wallace. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10 sessions by appointment and will provide instruction of guitar fundamentals as well as music theory for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students. Beginning students will develop skills in reading musical notation and basic guitar technique playing melody and chords. Intermediate and advanced students will further develop their technique through scales and etudes and explore a variety of guitar literature as well as learn to improvise and compose their own works. They will also gain knowledge to analyze music, compose and transcribe their own works. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: recognize the parts of the guitar, tune the guitar, produce good tone, sight-read musical notation and symbols, playing melodies and chords and build a strong musical vocabulary. Prior to registration, the student will need to discuss their proficiency with the instructor. Students must have access to a guitar to practice assignments on a daily basis, which can be electric, acoustic, or classical. The age range for this class is 5 years and older. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD.

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a beginner guitar course will be offered by Robert Wallace. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10, half hour sessions by appointment and will provide instruction of mandolin fundamentals as well as music theory for beginner students. Students will develop skills in reading musical notation and basic mandolin technique playing melody and chords. Upon completion of this course, student should be able to recognize the parts of the mandolin, tune the mandolin, produce good tone, sight-read musical notation and symbols from classical repertoire and bluegrass lead sheets, and have a strong musical vocabulary. Students must have access to a mandolin to practice assignments on a daily basis. The age range for this course is five years and older. Prior to registration, students will need to discuss their proficiency with the instructor. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD.

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a beginner violin course will be offered by Robert Wallace. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10, half hour sessions by appointment and will provide instruction of violin fundamentals as well as music theory for beginner students. Students will develop skills in reading musical notation and basic violin technique. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: recognize the parts of the violin and bow, tune the violin, produce good tone, maintain good posture, sight-read musical notation and symbols from classical repertoire and bluegrass lead sheets, and have a strong musical vocabulary. Students must have access to a violin to practice assignments on a daily basis. The age range for the course is 5 years and older. Prior to registration, students will need to discuss their proficiency with the instructor. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD.

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a piano studies course will be offered by Dr. Sean Beachy and Leah Shaw. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10, half-hour sessions which will be set up by appointment. This course allows for individual studies in piano and music theory for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students. Beginners will develop music reading skills and basic piano technique. Intermediate and advanced students will further develop their technique through scales and etudes and explore a variety of piano literature. Students must have access to a piano or keyboard to practice assignments on a daily basis. Ages ranges are 5 yrs and older. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD

The Frostburg State University Summer Music Academy registration is now open for this year, for ages 14 and older! The academy will be held from Sunday, July 22, through Sunday, July 29, featuring guest instructors and artists from top musical ensembles. The academy promotes classical music education, and the goal is to develop individual musicianship for string, woodwind, brass, piano and voice in a supportive environment. New this year, the SMA International Competition for participants between the ages of 14 and 19. The competition, with an award of more than $1,000, will consist of a single round, which will take place on July 22.  For more information, visit www.frostburg.edu/dept/music/summer-music-academy or contact the director, Dr. Karen Lau, at [email protected].

Festival season is almost here! Applications for the third annual Artisan & Epicurean Faire on May 19th are open! Fees for some vendors increase after Friday, March 16. They are seeking a wide variety of artisans and craftsmen, specialty food producers, food trucks, wineries and distilleries, and anyone that has something interesting to share with festival goers. (Sorry, no direct sales vendors.) The festival is a fun day down by the river with live music, food, beer, and wine tastings.

Standard 10x10 spaces are available as follows:
• Artisans, craftsmen, specialty foods, wineries and distilleries, $75 before March 16th
• Artisans, craftsmen, specialty foods, wineries and distilleries, $100 after March 16th
• Food trucks, $150
• Non-profit informational booths, Free

More information can be found on the application, at www.epicartfaire.com, or by contacting Elizabeth Williams at [email protected].

The Deep Creek Lake State Park and Discovery Center is putting out a call for 2-Dimensional artists for their “Arts Eye View on Birds” exhibition in correlation with their 5th Annual Bird-Fest on May 4 – 6. The opening event and reception for the show will be Friday, May 4th from 6 – 7pm. Artwork must have birds as its feature, be framed, priced, and ready for hanging with a wire, and be a minimum 11x14 finished size. Large works will be assessed for acceptance by space. Drop off for work is Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10am to 4pm. Space is limited, one piece per artist and work will be chosen based on the diversity of the installation including medium and juried quality. The installation will hang at the Discovery Center from May 4th through September 3rd. All works must be picked up on September 7 – 9, 10am to 4pm. There is a $5 entry fee and works will be for sale with proceeds of 30% commission on sales benefiting Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers, Inc. Prizes totaling $500 will be awarded for best in show, 1st place, and peoples choice of the festival weekend, provided by Garrett County Arts Council. Visit www.discoverycenterdcl.com for more details and to download the registration form.

Somerfest is an outdoors vendor show on Laurel Arts grounds in Somerset, PA from July 20-22, 2018. This event is rain or shine. Artists will be renting a 12’x12′ space. Early Bird Discount: $45.00-deadline is April 30th. Regular cost $65.00-deadline is June 15th. $35.00 if you are a Laurel Arts member. Additional cost for electric: $15.00 for a 110v 20 amp-per line. There is no restriction on the type of art, however, all items must be handcrafted by the participating artist. No resale items or mass-produced items allowed. PA sales tax ID is required. To apply, or for more information, please call (814) 443-2433.

Allegany County’s Mountain Maryland is seeking submissions for Inaugural 2018 Photo Contest Campaign. A picture is worth a thousand words and the spirit of the Allegheny Mountains contain stories worth telling. Allegany County’s Mountain Maryland invites visitors and community members to celebrate the region’s story with the inaugural Mountain Maryland 2018 Photo Contest, beginning April 2, 2018. Qualified photo submissions will be eligible for $1,700 in cash prizes. A panel of judges will select winning photographs in the following four categories; Arts & Entertainment, History & Heritage, Active Outdoor Recreation, and Nature & Scenic Landscapes. Cash prizes will be awarded in each of the four categories, with first place receiving $250, second place receiving $100, and third place receiving $75. Winning photos will also appear in the annual publication, Visit Mountain Maryland, Allegany County’s official Destination Guide, as well as be displayed within the community after the contest ends. All photo submissions may appear in the destination guide, on Allegany County’s Tourism website, mdmountainside.com, or on social media. Only photos taken in Allegany County, MD, will be eligible for the contest. Photos must be high-resolution, with a minimum of 300 dpi. Collages, composite images, images that have been digitally transformed with special effects, images containing watermarks, and black and white images will be disqualified. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, October 31, 2018. For complete details, full contest rules, and to upload photo submissions, please visit www.mdmountainblog.com/photo-contest. For questions regarding the Mountain Maryland 2018 Photo Contest, please email [email protected].

Workshop participants shall meet for approximately 1 hour on the first Monday of two consecutive months. The first monthly workshop will consist of a learning period where 4 or 5 camera and/or photography techniques will be explained and explored. Those techniques will be applied by the workshop participants (independently) over the coming month during weekly photo challenges. Each week, workshop participants will receive a “Photo Challenge of the Week” where they will apply the workshop techniques to the weekly challenge. Participants will post their three best images (via a closed Facebook Group) to meet that week’s challenge. Participants can then “Vote” (by liking) their top three favorite images of other participants (not their own). The top three images of the week will be printed (8x12) and presented at the final workshop (winners will receive their prints at the conclusion of the workshop). During the second (final) workshop meeting, the top three images from each week (12 or 15 images) will be displayed and workshop participants will select the best three of the Workshop Winning Images from the Monthly Photo Challenge Workshop. The top three image makers will be asked to talk about their image and explain how they applied the workshop techniques (optional). Objective: The Workshop will provide participants with techniques they can apply at their own pace. Through regular shooting and review of works from other participants on a weekly basis, participant skills will increase and improve as will their familiarity with their camera equipment. Equipment Needed: DSLR camera and lens, flash, camera manual (a must), tripod, circular polarizing filter, Face Book Account, computer or computer access to upload images. Photographer Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate level experience. We will be discussing/exploring Manual Camera Settings, lens numbers, ISO, F-Stops, Shutter Speeds and more! Workshop sessions are not repeated and can build as a progressive experience or stand-alone experiences. These workshops will commence during the months of April through October. Visit www.SmokenPhoto.com for more information.

Participants will be presented with an introductory level to learn how to paint whitewater (moving water) in various ways. Supplies provided are acrylic paint, different mediums, paper towels, easels, paper/plastic plates, and cups for water. Students will need to bring a set of paintbrushes and two 16 x 20 canvases. Topics include: a review of materials, tools, and techniques used with acrylic paints. Participants will experiment with water design and use various brushes to create different effects. The goal is to take home 2 paintings, ready to hang or give as a gift. This four course session will take place on Wednesdays, April 4 through 25 from 6:15 to 8:15 pm. $59 for all residences. Located at the Southern Outreach Center. Instructed by Sharon Elsey. Registration closes on March 28. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD

As part of next month’s photography celebration, the Allegany Arts Council’s is pleased to present, Master Black-and- White Photographer A. Aubrey Bodine: Western Maryland Images from the 1940s-1960s. The exhibition, featuring vintage photographs from Western Maryland, will be on display beginning April 7th until April 28th, at Graphicus Atelier, located at 47 Baltimore St. in Cumberland, MD. The show will be a preview of a larger exhibition scheduled for May at FSU’s Stephanie Ann Roper Gallery. The show will open with a public reception on April 7th from 7 to 9 pm. For more information, contact the Allegany Arts Council by calling (301) 777-2787 or visit www.alleganyartscouncil.org 

As part of Garrett College’s Community Education program, the B&O Railroad Museum in Oakland, MD will host a a newly revised course with a significant new section on the B&O Railroad during the Civil War under the presidency of John W. Garrett whom Garrett County is named after. It will cover the railroads in general terms for participants with even a mild interest in rail travel. In this class, historian, author, and educator, Dr. Neal Brooks will describe the railroads development, decline, and main purposes. This is a four session course from April 19 through May 10, 3:30 to 5pm on Tuesdays. Registration is open until April 12, 2018. Cost is $45 for Maryland Seniors, $49 for Garrett County Residents, $54 for Out of County Residents, and $59 for Out of State Residents. To register or to receive more information, call 301-387-3069.

This course is for beginner and seasoned photographers looking to have a better understanding of composition in their picture taking. Whether your interest lies in people, landscapes, events, or photojournalism, basic and creative concepts in framing your subjects is key to achieving artistically pleasing images. Using the rule of thirds, creating interesting perspectives, balancing with negative space, cropping in post-processing, identifying appropriate backdrops and possible distractions are all topics that will be explored. Presentation and discussion of the topics will take place at the first meeting in the classroom, while the second meeting will take place at an outdoor location near Deep Creek Lake so the newly learned concepts can be put into practice. Students are welcome to bring examples of their work in digital or print form to the classroom to use as discussion tools and for general critique. Cameras and lenses will not be needed until the second meeting. Students must have a general understanding of manual use of their cameras. In the case of inclement weather for the second meeting, an alternative location may be chosen. This two course session will take place on Wednesdays, April 25 through May 2 from 6 to 8:30 pm. $54 for Maryland Seniors, $59 for Garrett County citizens, $64 for Out of County citizens, and $69 for Out of State citizens. Located at the Garrett College’s Main Campus. Instructed by Jessica Fike. Registration closes on April 18. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD

On Thursday, April 26 from 1 to 5pm, artist and designer Dolores Andrew will host an Embroidery Workshop at the Oakland Ruth Enlow Library. Andrew creates work in a variety of media in both the fine art and needle art disciplines. She holds a BFA in painting and an MFA in Art Education. She also received certification as a Master Teacher of embroidery from the National Academy of Needlearts (NAN), is a NAN Certified Master Judge, and received the NAN Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. Designed around an easy project, the workshop introduces 5 embroidery stitches that are the foundation of crewel. Kits are supplied at no cost to attendees. You have a choice of one of two designs. All you need to bring is note-taking material and a thimble if you use one. The kits contain wool yarn. If anyone is allergic to wool, a substitution to DMC colors can be made. Registration is mandatory. Limited of 12 attendees. Call 301-334-3996 X 0117 or email [email protected] to do so. This is a free workshop.

Join fellow artists and arts enthusiasts to network, collaborate and create at Smoke N’ Mirrors Gallery, for Garrett County Arts Council’s April Arts Connection.  Whether you are a painter, woodworker, photographer, musician, writer, or have a passion for the arts, bring your open mind, curiosity, and help create a community! April 26th is National Poem In Your Pocket Day, part of National Poetry Month. A fun and creative interactive project will be part of the evening’s activities. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. The Arts Connection is facilitated through Garrett County Arts Council’s Arts RoundTable and is open to everyone.  On April 26th, 6 to 8 pm. For more information, contact GCAC at 301-334-6580. Located at 114 S 3rd St, Oakland, MD 21550.

The Mattawoman Creek Art Center (MCAC) in Marbury, MD is accepting entries for their 24th Annual All Media Juried Exhibition. This exhibition is open to all artists 18 years and older. All artwork must be original and may not exceed 6′ x 6′ or weigh more than 100 lbs. They cannot accept installation artwork. Artwork shown in the MCAC gallery or gift shop within the past 12 months is not eligible, nor is artwork shown in any previous year’s of MCAC;s Annual All-media Juried Exhibition. Awards totaling $1,000 will be made by the juror. All entries must be hand delivered to MCAC on Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28, from 11am to 2pm or Sunday, April 28 from 4pm to 5:30pm. Between 1 to 3 pieces may be entered for a nonrefundable fee of $25 for MCAC members and $35 for nonmembers. Artists whose work is not accepted will be notified by 5pm on Thursday, May 3rd, and their work must be picked up by May 4 or 5 between 11am and 2pm. The exhibit will be on display from May 4 through June 3 and will be open to the public Fridays – Sundays, 11am to 4pm. An opening reception will happen on Sunday, May 6 from 1pm to 4pm, and will include awards at 2pm and a gallery talk with the juror. Unsold artwork must be picked up on Sunday, June 3 between 4pm and 5pm or Monday, June 4 from 11am to 2pm. After 30 days, artwork not retrieved becomes the property of MCAC. For more information, visit www.mattawomanart.org or contact show chair, Mary Kercher at [email protected] or 301-934-5813 or email MCAC at [email protected] or call 301-743-5159.

The Frostburg State University Theatre and Dance students will do a presentation of Bus Stop. When a blizzard halts travel, the strangers on a cross-country bus are forced to take refuge at a quaint Kansan roadside diner where soon the depths and many guises of romantic relationships emerge. A worldly nightclub singer tries to escape the clumsy affections of an innocent and headstrong cowboy; a hard-drinking scholar faces his past; a naive young waitress gets a first glimpse into the complexity or intimacy; and the wise cafe owner and bus driver develop a secretive bond of their own. Infused with humanity and compassion, Bus Stop, is a bittersweet comedic drama that exposes the hopes, dreams, and fears of love and longing. Showtimes will be April 27 & 28 and May 3, 4, & 5 at 7:30pm. There will also be a showing on April 28th at 2pm. Tickets are $7 for students, $12 for FSU employees and seniors, and $15 for general public.Tickets can be purchased at www.frostburg.edu/TheatreDance or by calling 301-687-7462.

In this hilarious parody of old movies, two actors play eight different characters of both genders with frequent changes of costume. Mandacrest Estate is the home of Lord Edgar, an Egyptologist, and Lady Enid, his second wife, though he has yet to recover entirely from the passing of his first wife, Irma Vep. The house staff, a maid named Jane Twisden and a swineherd named Nicodemus Underwood, have their own opinions of Lady Enid. Enid is attacked by a vampire, and Edgar seeks answers in an Egyptian tomb. Returning home with the sarcophagus, Edgar prepares to hunt down the werewolf he blames for the death of his son and first wife. Many plot twists later, everything is revealed to be not what it seems. Charles Ludlum’s “The Mystery of Irma Vep” runs at Embassy Theatre April 20-29. The performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Admission is $16 adults, $14 for seniors/students. Information or to make reservations, call (240) 362-7183, or visit embassytheatrecumberland on Facebook.

April is National Poetry Month! On Saturday, April 28th from 11am to 1pm, The Gallery Shop will celebrate with a book signing from local author and poet, Rose Gordy. The author has worn many hats in her life, having been a nun, dream counselor, speech and debate coach, national workshop facilitator, mother, and secondary English teacher. While at The Gallery Shop, several of Gordy’s books will be available, including “The Green That Never Died,” “They Traveled West,” and her latest release, “Dream Poetry In Flow: Windows Into Awareness.” For more information about Rose’s work, visit www.rosewords.com.

The Frostburg State University Theatre and Dance students will do a presentation of Bus Stop. When a blizzard halts travel, the strangers on a cross-country bus are forced to take refuge at a quaint Kansan roadside diner where soon the depths and many guises of romantic relationships emerge. A worldly nightclub singer tries to escape the clumsy affections of an innocent and headstrong cowboy; a hard-drinking scholar faces his past; a naive young waitress gets a first glimpse into the complexity or intimacy; and the wise cafe owner and bus driver develop a secretive bond of their own. Infused with humanity and compassion, Bus Stop, is a bittersweet comedic drama that exposes the hopes, dreams, and fears of love and longing. Showtimes will be April 27 & 28 and May 3, 4, & 5 at 7:30pm. There will also be a showing on April 28th at 2pm. Tickets are $7 for students, $12 for FSU employees and seniors, and $15 for general public.Tickets can be purchased at www.frostburg.edu/TheatreDance or by calling 301-687-7462.

On Saturday, April 28, from 3 to 8pm, Downtown Frostburg will host the Frostburg Arts Walk 2018. Meet local artists, catch live performances and demonstrations, attend specialty workshops, and make your own creations. Designed to be a walking arts tour, attendees can expect a jam-packed evening with a wide array of entertainment for the whole family. This year’s participating artists include painters, photographers, metalworkers, jewelers, potters, seamstresses, glassblowers, soap makers, and more! Many local artists and craftspeople will be selling their wares in participating businesses and locations in downtown. There will also be a full line-up of musical and theatrical performances throughout the day at several outdoor stages around town and inside local businesses. The following artists will be joining us for Arts Walk. Keep checking back for an updated listing! More Info: http://www.downtownfrostburg.com/arts-walk/

The Frostburg State University Theatre and Dance students will do a presentation of Bus Stop. When a blizzard halts travel, the strangers on a cross-country bus are forced to take refuge at a quaint Kansan roadside diner where soon the depths and many guises of romantic relationships emerge. A worldly nightclub singer tries to escape the clumsy affections of an innocent and headstrong cowboy; a hard-drinking scholar faces his past; a naive young waitress gets a first glimpse into the complexity or intimacy; and the wise cafe owner and bus driver develop a secretive bond of their own. Infused with humanity and compassion, Bus Stop, is a bittersweet comedic drama that exposes the hopes, dreams, and fears of love and longing. Showtimes will be April 27 & 28 and May 3, 4, & 5 at 7:30pm. There will also be a showing on April 28th at 2pm. Tickets are $7 for students, $12 for FSU employees and seniors, and $15 for general public.Tickets can be purchased at www.frostburg.edu/TheatreDance or by calling 301-687-7462.

In this hilarious parody of old movies, two actors play eight different characters of both genders with frequent changes of costume. Mandacrest Estate is the home of Lord Edgar, an Egyptologist, and Lady Enid, his second wife, though he has yet to recover entirely from the passing of his first wife, Irma Vep. The house staff, a maid named Jane Twisden and a swineherd named Nicodemus Underwood, have their own opinions of Lady Enid. Enid is attacked by a vampire, and Edgar seeks answers in an Egyptian tomb. Returning home with the sarcophagus, Edgar prepares to hunt down the werewolf he blames for the death of his son and first wife. Many plot twists later, everything is revealed to be not what it seems. Charles Ludlum’s “The Mystery of Irma Vep” runs at Embassy Theatre April 20-29. The performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Admission is $16 adults, $14 for seniors/students. Information or to make reservations, call (240) 362-7183, or visit embassytheatrecumberland on Facebook.

As part of Frostburg State University’s CES 2017-2018 series, there will be a performance by Daymé Arocena on April 29th. The concert will begin at 12:00 for a brunch, with the performace beginning at 2:15pm. Help celebrate spring in beautiful downtown Frostburg, Md.! Enjoy an optional brunch at The Gin Mill before joining us at the Lyric Theatre for a club-style performance with Cuban songbird Daymé Arocena. Arocena epitomizes the rich, diverse music of her homeland. Crediting Ella Fitzgerald as an influence, she blends classic soul with Cuban musical styles for a spellbinding, multilingual homage to her roots. Her debut release, Nueva Era, captured the attention of audiences and critics alike and was named by National Public Radio as one of the best albums of 2015. For more information including ticket prices, visit ces.frostburg.edu. To purchase tickets, call the Lane University Center Box Office at 301-687-3137, open Mondays – Fridays, 10am to 4pm.

In this hilarious parody of old movies, two actors play eight different characters of both genders with frequent changes of costume. Mandacrest Estate is the home of Lord Edgar, an Egyptologist, and Lady Enid, his second wife, though he has yet to recover entirely from the passing of his first wife, Irma Vep. The house staff, a maid named Jane Twisden and a swineherd named Nicodemus Underwood, have their own opinions of Lady Enid. Enid is attacked by a vampire, and Edgar seeks answers in an Egyptian tomb. Returning home with the sarcophagus, Edgar prepares to hunt down the werewolf he blames for the death of his son and first wife. Many plot twists later, everything is revealed to be not what it seems. Charles Ludlum’s “The Mystery of Irma Vep” runs at Embassy Theatre April 20-29. The performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Admission is $16 adults, $14 for seniors/students. Information or to make reservations, call (240) 362-7183, or visit embassytheatrecumberland on Facebook.

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a beginner guitar course will be offered by Harry Hogue. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10 sessions which will be set up by appointment. This course will provide guitar fundamentals for the beginner to advanced student. Folk, classic, blues, pop, and jazz styles will be incorporated into the instruction enabling the student the flexibility to perform in a wide range of styles either as a performer or for personal enjoyment. Prior to registration, the student will need to discuss their proficiency with the instructor. Students musty have access to a guitar to practice assignments on a daily basis. The age range for the course is 6 years and older. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD.

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a beginner guitar course will be offered by Robert Wallace. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10 sessions by appointment and will provide instruction of guitar fundamentals as well as music theory for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students. Beginning students will develop skills in reading musical notation and basic guitar technique playing melody and chords. Intermediate and advanced students will further develop their technique through scales and etudes and explore a variety of guitar literature as well as learn to improvise and compose their own works. They will also gain knowledge to analyze music, compose and transcribe their own works. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: recognize the parts of the guitar, tune the guitar, produce good tone, sight-read musical notation and symbols, playing melodies and chords and build a strong musical vocabulary. Prior to registration, the student will need to discuss their proficiency with the instructor. Students must have access to a guitar to practice assignments on a daily basis, which can be electric, acoustic, or classical. The age range for this class is 5 years and older. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD.

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a composition and songwriting course will be offered by Dr. Sean Beachy. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10, half-hour sessions which will be set up by appointment. Students will learn various compositional techniques and develop an approach to creating new compositions. Students will also develop a basic understanding of music notation software and should be able to discuss various aspects of composition, including form, instrumentation, melody, harmony, rhythm, meter, and dynamics. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD.

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a beginner guitar course will be offered by Robert Wallace. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10, half hour sessions by appointment and will provide instruction of mandolin fundamentals as well as music theory for beginner students. Students will develop skills in reading musical notation and basic mandolin technique playing melody and chords. Upon completion of this course, student should be able to recognize the parts of the mandolin, tune the mandolin, produce good tone, sight-read musical notation and symbols from classical repertoire and bluegrass lead sheets, and have a strong musical vocabulary. Students must have access to a mandolin to practice assignments on a daily basis. The age range for this course is five years and older. Prior to registration, students will need to discuss their proficiency with the instructor. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD.

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a beginner violin course will be offered by Robert Wallace. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10, half hour sessions by appointment and will provide instruction of violin fundamentals as well as music theory for beginner students. Students will develop skills in reading musical notation and basic violin technique. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: recognize the parts of the violin and bow, tune the violin, produce good tone, maintain good posture, sight-read musical notation and symbols from classical repertoire and bluegrass lead sheets, and have a strong musical vocabulary. Students must have access to a violin to practice assignments on a daily basis. The age range for the course is 5 years and older. Prior to registration, students will need to discuss their proficiency with the instructor. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD.

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a piano studies course will be offered by Dr. Sean Beachy and Leah Shaw. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10, half-hour sessions which will be set up by appointment. This course allows for individual studies in piano and music theory for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students. Beginners will develop music reading skills and basic piano technique. Intermediate and advanced students will further develop their technique through scales and etudes and explore a variety of piano literature. Students must have access to a piano or keyboard to practice assignments on a daily basis. Ages ranges are 5 yrs and older. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a voice lessons course will be offered by Leah Shaw. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10, half-hour sessions which will be set up by appointment. This course is designed for individual studies in the training of vocal activities related to singing, for all ability levels. Beginning students will learn correct posture and breathing, tone production, diction, sigh singing, notation reading, ear training and general principles of vocalizing. Intermediate and advanced students will will develop their vocal technique, sighting ability, and performance quality through appropriate vocal exercises and literature. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD

The Frostburg State University Summer Music Academy registration is now open for this year, for ages 14 and older! The academy will be held from Sunday, July 22, through Sunday, July 29, featuring guest instructors and artists from top musical ensembles. The academy promotes classical music education, and the goal is to develop individual musicianship for string, woodwind, brass, piano and voice in a supportive environment. New this year, the SMA International Competition for participants between the ages of 14 and 19. The competition, with an award of more than $1,000, will consist of a single round, which will take place on July 22.  For more information, visit www.frostburg.edu/dept/music/summer-music-academy or contact the director, Dr. Karen Lau, at [email protected].

Festival season is almost here! Applications for the third annual Artisan & Epicurean Faire on May 19th are open! Fees for some vendors increase after Friday, March 16. They are seeking a wide variety of artisans and craftsmen, specialty food producers, food trucks, wineries and distilleries, and anyone that has something interesting to share with festival goers. (Sorry, no direct sales vendors.) The festival is a fun day down by the river with live music, food, beer, and wine tastings.

Standard 10x10 spaces are available as follows:
• Artisans, craftsmen, specialty foods, wineries and distilleries, $75 before March 16th
• Artisans, craftsmen, specialty foods, wineries and distilleries, $100 after March 16th
• Food trucks, $150
• Non-profit informational booths, Free

More information can be found on the application, at www.epicartfaire.com, or by contacting Elizabeth Williams at [email protected].

The Deep Creek Lake State Park and Discovery Center is putting out a call for 2-Dimensional artists for their “Arts Eye View on Birds” exhibition in correlation with their 5th Annual Bird-Fest on May 4 – 6. The opening event and reception for the show will be Friday, May 4th from 6 – 7pm. Artwork must have birds as its feature, be framed, priced, and ready for hanging with a wire, and be a minimum 11x14 finished size. Large works will be assessed for acceptance by space. Drop off for work is Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10am to 4pm. Space is limited, one piece per artist and work will be chosen based on the diversity of the installation including medium and juried quality. The installation will hang at the Discovery Center from May 4th through September 3rd. All works must be picked up on September 7 – 9, 10am to 4pm. There is a $5 entry fee and works will be for sale with proceeds of 30% commission on sales benefiting Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers, Inc. Prizes totaling $500 will be awarded for best in show, 1st place, and peoples choice of the festival weekend, provided by Garrett County Arts Council. Visit www.discoverycenterdcl.com for more details and to download the registration form.

Somerfest is an outdoors vendor show on Laurel Arts grounds in Somerset, PA from July 20-22, 2018. This event is rain or shine. Artists will be renting a 12’x12′ space. Early Bird Discount: $45.00-deadline is April 30th. Regular cost $65.00-deadline is June 15th. $35.00 if you are a Laurel Arts member. Additional cost for electric: $15.00 for a 110v 20 amp-per line. There is no restriction on the type of art, however, all items must be handcrafted by the participating artist. No resale items or mass-produced items allowed. PA sales tax ID is required. To apply, or for more information, please call (814) 443-2433.

Allegany County’s Mountain Maryland is seeking submissions for Inaugural 2018 Photo Contest Campaign. A picture is worth a thousand words and the spirit of the Allegheny Mountains contain stories worth telling. Allegany County’s Mountain Maryland invites visitors and community members to celebrate the region’s story with the inaugural Mountain Maryland 2018 Photo Contest, beginning April 2, 2018. Qualified photo submissions will be eligible for $1,700 in cash prizes. A panel of judges will select winning photographs in the following four categories; Arts & Entertainment, History & Heritage, Active Outdoor Recreation, and Nature & Scenic Landscapes. Cash prizes will be awarded in each of the four categories, with first place receiving $250, second place receiving $100, and third place receiving $75. Winning photos will also appear in the annual publication, Visit Mountain Maryland, Allegany County’s official Destination Guide, as well as be displayed within the community after the contest ends. All photo submissions may appear in the destination guide, on Allegany County’s Tourism website, mdmountainside.com, or on social media. Only photos taken in Allegany County, MD, will be eligible for the contest. Photos must be high-resolution, with a minimum of 300 dpi. Collages, composite images, images that have been digitally transformed with special effects, images containing watermarks, and black and white images will be disqualified. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, October 31, 2018. For complete details, full contest rules, and to upload photo submissions, please visit www.mdmountainblog.com/photo-contest. For questions regarding the Mountain Maryland 2018 Photo Contest, please email [email protected].

Workshop participants shall meet for approximately 1 hour on the first Monday of two consecutive months. The first monthly workshop will consist of a learning period where 4 or 5 camera and/or photography techniques will be explained and explored. Those techniques will be applied by the workshop participants (independently) over the coming month during weekly photo challenges. Each week, workshop participants will receive a “Photo Challenge of the Week” where they will apply the workshop techniques to the weekly challenge. Participants will post their three best images (via a closed Facebook Group) to meet that week’s challenge. Participants can then “Vote” (by liking) their top three favorite images of other participants (not their own). The top three images of the week will be printed (8x12) and presented at the final workshop (winners will receive their prints at the conclusion of the workshop). During the second (final) workshop meeting, the top three images from each week (12 or 15 images) will be displayed and workshop participants will select the best three of the Workshop Winning Images from the Monthly Photo Challenge Workshop. The top three image makers will be asked to talk about their image and explain how they applied the workshop techniques (optional). Objective: The Workshop will provide participants with techniques they can apply at their own pace. Through regular shooting and review of works from other participants on a weekly basis, participant skills will increase and improve as will their familiarity with their camera equipment. Equipment Needed: DSLR camera and lens, flash, camera manual (a must), tripod, circular polarizing filter, Face Book Account, computer or computer access to upload images. Photographer Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate level experience. We will be discussing/exploring Manual Camera Settings, lens numbers, ISO, F-Stops, Shutter Speeds and more! Workshop sessions are not repeated and can build as a progressive experience or stand-alone experiences. These workshops will commence during the months of April through October. Visit www.SmokenPhoto.com for more information.

As part of Garrett College’s Community Education program, the B&O Railroad Museum in Oakland, MD will host a a newly revised course with a significant new section on the B&O Railroad during the Civil War under the presidency of John W. Garrett whom Garrett County is named after. It will cover the railroads in general terms for participants with even a mild interest in rail travel. In this class, historian, author, and educator, Dr. Neal Brooks will describe the railroads development, decline, and main purposes. This is a four session course from April 19 through May 10, 3:30 to 5pm on Tuesdays. Registration is open until April 12, 2018. Cost is $45 for Maryland Seniors, $49 for Garrett County Residents, $54 for Out of County Residents, and $59 for Out of State Residents. To register or to receive more information, call 301-387-3069.

This course is for beginner and seasoned photographers looking to have a better understanding of composition in their picture taking. Whether your interest lies in people, landscapes, events, or photojournalism, basic and creative concepts in framing your subjects is key to achieving artistically pleasing images. Using the rule of thirds, creating interesting perspectives, balancing with negative space, cropping in post-processing, identifying appropriate backdrops and possible distractions are all topics that will be explored. Presentation and discussion of the topics will take place at the first meeting in the classroom, while the second meeting will take place at an outdoor location near Deep Creek Lake so the newly learned concepts can be put into practice. Students are welcome to bring examples of their work in digital or print form to the classroom to use as discussion tools and for general critique. Cameras and lenses will not be needed until the second meeting. Students must have a general understanding of manual use of their cameras. In the case of inclement weather for the second meeting, an alternative location may be chosen. This two course session will take place on Wednesdays, April 25 through May 2 from 6 to 8:30 pm. $54 for Maryland Seniors, $59 for Garrett County citizens, $64 for Out of County citizens, and $69 for Out of State citizens. Located at the Garrett College’s Main Campus. Instructed by Jessica Fike. Registration closes on April 18. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD

The Mattawoman Creek Art Center (MCAC) in Marbury, MD is accepting entries for their 24th Annual All Media Juried Exhibition. This exhibition is open to all artists 18 years and older. All artwork must be original and may not exceed 6′ x 6′ or weigh more than 100 lbs. They cannot accept installation artwork. Artwork shown in the MCAC gallery or gift shop within the past 12 months is not eligible, nor is artwork shown in any previous year’s of MCAC;s Annual All-media Juried Exhibition. Awards totaling $1,000 will be made by the juror. All entries must be hand delivered to MCAC on Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28, from 11am to 2pm or Sunday, April 28 from 4pm to 5:30pm. Between 1 to 3 pieces may be entered for a nonrefundable fee of $25 for MCAC members and $35 for nonmembers. Artists whose work is not accepted will be notified by 5pm on Thursday, May 3rd, and their work must be picked up by May 4 or 5 between 11am and 2pm. The exhibit will be on display from May 4 through June 3 and will be open to the public Fridays – Sundays, 11am to 4pm. An opening reception will happen on Sunday, May 6 from 1pm to 4pm, and will include awards at 2pm and a gallery talk with the juror. Unsold artwork must be picked up on Sunday, June 3 between 4pm and 5pm or Monday, June 4 from 11am to 2pm. After 30 days, artwork not retrieved becomes the property of MCAC. For more information, visit www.mattawomanart.org or contact show chair, Mary Kercher at [email protected] or 301-934-5813 or email MCAC at [email protected] or call 301-743-5159.

The Frostburg State University Theatre and Dance students will do a presentation of Bus Stop. When a blizzard halts travel, the strangers on a cross-country bus are forced to take refuge at a quaint Kansan roadside diner where soon the depths and many guises of romantic relationships emerge. A worldly nightclub singer tries to escape the clumsy affections of an innocent and headstrong cowboy; a hard-drinking scholar faces his past; a naive young waitress gets a first glimpse into the complexity or intimacy; and the wise cafe owner and bus driver develop a secretive bond of their own. Infused with humanity and compassion, Bus Stop, is a bittersweet comedic drama that exposes the hopes, dreams, and fears of love and longing. Showtimes will be April 27 & 28 and May 3, 4, & 5 at 7:30pm. There will also be a showing on April 28th at 2pm. Tickets are $7 for students, $12 for FSU employees and seniors, and $15 for general public.Tickets can be purchased at www.frostburg.edu/TheatreDance or by calling 301-687-7462.

The Frostburg State University Theatre and Dance students will do a presentation of Bus Stop. When a blizzard halts travel, the strangers on a cross-country bus are forced to take refuge at a quaint Kansan roadside diner where soon the depths and many guises of romantic relationships emerge. A worldly nightclub singer tries to escape the clumsy affections of an innocent and headstrong cowboy; a hard-drinking scholar faces his past; a naive young waitress gets a first glimpse into the complexity or intimacy; and the wise cafe owner and bus driver develop a secretive bond of their own. Infused with humanity and compassion, Bus Stop, is a bittersweet comedic drama that exposes the hopes, dreams, and fears of love and longing. Showtimes will be April 27 & 28 and May 3, 4, & 5 at 7:30pm. There will also be a showing on April 28th at 2pm. Tickets are $7 for students, $12 for FSU employees and seniors, and $15 for general public.Tickets can be purchased at www.frostburg.edu/TheatreDance or by calling 301-687-7462.

The Frostburg State University Theatre and Dance students will do a presentation of Bus Stop. When a blizzard halts travel, the strangers on a cross-country bus are forced to take refuge at a quaint Kansan roadside diner where soon the depths and many guises of romantic relationships emerge. A worldly nightclub singer tries to escape the clumsy affections of an innocent and headstrong cowboy; a hard-drinking scholar faces his past; a naive young waitress gets a first glimpse into the complexity or intimacy; and the wise cafe owner and bus driver develop a secretive bond of their own. Infused with humanity and compassion, Bus Stop, is a bittersweet comedic drama that exposes the hopes, dreams, and fears of love and longing. Showtimes will be April 27 & 28 and May 3, 4, & 5 at 7:30pm. There will also be a showing on April 28th at 2pm. Tickets are $7 for students, $12 for FSU employees and seniors, and $15 for general public.Tickets can be purchased at www.frostburg.edu/TheatreDance or by calling 301-687-7462.

As part of Frostburg State University’s CES 2017-2018 series, there will be a performance by Moscow Festival Ballet of 50: Cinderella on May 10th at 7:30pm. A fairy godmother, an evil stepmother, a charming prince and two wicked stepsisters all come to life on stage when Moscow Festival Ballet presents the classic rags-to-riches story of Cinderella. Set to Prokofiev’s exquisite score, this timeless ballet fosters belief of a world where fairy tales really do come true! The Moscow Festival Ballet was founded in 1989 by former Bolshoi Ballet star Sergei Radchenko, who appeared in principal roles alongside such legends as Maya Plitsetskaya and Maris Liepa. Radchenko sought to realize his vision of a company that would fuse the utmost classical elements of the illustrious Bolshoi and Maryinsky Ballet companies. For more information including ticket prices, visit ces.frostburg.edu. To purchase tickets, call the Lane University Center Box Office at 301-687-3137, open Mondays – Fridays, 10am to 4pm.

Professional concert pianist and chamber musician Alina Kiryayeva is globally renowned for her potent command of the instrument, her unique interpretations and innovative programming. Just as much, she has been praised for enchanting audiences with philosophical insight and charismatic stage presence. Kiryayeva gave her first solo recital at age 8 and her solo debut with orchestra at 11. She is one of few classical pianists that completed both Bachelor and Master degrees at The Juilliard School of Music on full scholarship; and was also awarded the Fannie Gottlieb-Harkavi Scholarship and Susan Rose Piano Scholarship. Her awards include First Prize winner of Italy’s Senigallia International Competition, and top prizes in the Grace Welsh International Competition and the California Young Artist International Competition. Kiryayeva has been honored by Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk, with the State Award for Achievements in Arts. The show will take place on May 12, 2018 at 7:30pm in the Garrett College Auditorium. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Garrett Lakes Art Festival website.

Arts of Evergreen workshops continue on Sunday, May 20, from noon through 3 pm, in the art studio with a workshop entitled “Clouds In My Coffee… or Tea.” Just as with coffee, not all clouds are dark and stormy! Join artist M.C. Pratt at Evergreen Heritage Center for a workshop exploring how to render clouds in drawing and painting, using pastels and oils or acrylic paint. The sky can make a landscape really sing, or clouds can stand alone as their own composition. Creating simple clouds or the complex formations colored by sunset or sunrise is fun and adds another skill to your artistic toolbox! You will decide which approach you would like to explore! Several types of coffee will be served, including espresso and some blends from local company, Basecamp Coffee. They will have a few additives as well such as Cointreau, Bailey’s, and others for your mixing delight. Select fine teas will also be available. You may also feel free to bring your own beverage of choice, as always! NO EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED, ALL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED, and you may register or receive further information by emailing [email protected], or by calling 301.687.0664, leaving a message as needed with name, phone number and mentioning CLOUDS in your message. The Evergreen Heritage Center is located on Trimble Road, Mount Savage, above the railway tracks and trail.

Evergreen Heritage Center will also host their Third Annual Evergreen Herb Expo on this day from 1 to 4 pm. Enjoy tours of the historic Evergreen Museum, visit The Evergreen Cupboard, purchase herbs and other plants, enjoy the beautiful grounds and buildings of Evergreen, and take part in activities for all ages!

Garrett County Arts Council’s The Gallery Shop will have their first special exhibit Animal Friends, featuring artwork with an animal theme in correlation with the opening of Oakland’s new Dog Park. The show will hang from May 21 through June 20. To celebrate this show, as well as all of the new artwork hanging in the Gallery, there will be an opening reception on Friday, May 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Oakland’s new Dog Park opens the following morning. The Gallery Shops regular hours are Mondays – Saturdays, 10 am to 5:30 pm.

This course is designed to improve portrait painting techniques and colors used in producing portraits in oil. The course is highly individualized developing paintings using photos of friends or relatives. A materials list will be provided upon registration. Prerequisite: Must have taken a prior portrait painting course with instructor Edna Bender. This five course session will take place on Mondays, May 21 through June 25, from 9am to 12:15 pm. $49 for all residences. Located at the Grantsville Senior Center. Registration closes on May 14. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD

As part of Garrett College’s Continuing Education & Workforce Developement program, a voice lessons course will be offered by Leah Shaw. Maryland Seniors Age 60+: $185, Garrett County Residents: $199, Out of County Residents: $204, and Out of State Residences: $209. This course consists of 10, half-hour sessions which will be set up by appointment. This course is designed for individual studies in the training of vocal activities related to singing, for all ability levels. Beginning students will learn correct posture and breathing, tone production, diction, sigh singing, notation reading, ear training and general principles of vocalizing. Intermediate and advanced students will will develop their vocal technique, sighting ability, and performance quality through appropriate vocal exercises and literature. To register, call 301-387-3069 or visit www.garrettcollege.edu/CEWD