Music
1. Good Charlotte
Hollywood royalty comes to town by way of Joel and Benji Madden and their bandmates. Details: $25; 8 p.m. Saturday; Sonar, 407 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore; 410-547-SEAT; www.ticketmaster.com
2. Billy Bob Thornton
Angelina Jolie’s ex, who’s also a well-known actor and musician, takes the stage during one of his occasional tours. Details; $41.40; 7 p.m. tonight; Rams Head on Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis; 410-547-SEAT; www.ticketmaster.com
3. Kottonmouth Kings
The masters of revolutionary music that have inspired dozens of other major bands take the stage. Details: $27.50 Adv., $30 DOS; 6 p.m. tonight; Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore; 410-547-SEAT; www.ticketmaster.com
4. Tailgate 2008-Slightly Stoopid with Pepper & Dub Masters Sly & Robbie
Ocean Beach, California’s Slightly Stoopid fuse acoustic rock and blues with reggae, hip-hop, and punk. Enjoy their music with special guests including Pepper. Details: $22-$32; 5:30 p.m. Sunday; Pier Six Concert Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave., Baltimore; 410-547-SEAT; www.ticketmaster.com
5. Hot Latin Nights
Enjoy Latin, Jazz, and Salsa at this outdoors concert. Details: Free; 8 p.m. Saturday; Harborplace Amphitheatre, 200 East Pratt St., Baltimore; 1-800-HARBOR1
Family
1. The Babe’s Girl
Babe Ruth’s daughter Julia Ruth Stevens will host a program that includes a signing of her book “My Life with Daddy.” Details; $6-$8; 1 p.m. Saturday; Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, 301 W. Camden St., Baltimore; www.sportslegendatcamdenyards.com
2. Gee-whiz Geology
The whole family (ages 7 and older) can join in this leisurely hike along Buzzard’s Rock Trail & Illchester Rock Trails as they learn about geology. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Details: $2; 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday; Hilltop Road Parking Area, Patapsco Valley State Park, 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City; 410-461-5005; www.dnr.state.md
3. The Rainbow Show
A zany variety show especially for kids ages 2 to 5 and their favorite adults that features Joe Pipik’s Backpack Puppets and funny stories. Details: Free; 10:30 a.m. Saturday; Reisterstown Library, 21 Cockeys Mill Road; 410-887-1165
4. All Aboard!
Treat the kids to a ride on a train after browsing the displays of train history. Details: $8 to $14; various times between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Saturday, Sunday; B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore; 410-752-2490
5. The Friendly Bug Club
Here’s a chance to learn something new about the wonderful world of insects. Details: $2; 12 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday; Carrie Murray Nature Center, 901 Ridgetop Road, Baltimore; 410-396-7900
Gatherings
1. Knights of Columbus 28th Annual Carnival
Don’t miss the Annapolis Knights of Columbus 28th Annual Carnival with all the rides, food and fun you want in a carnival. Details: Various fees; 7 to 11 p.m. today and Saturday, Knights of Columbus Grounds, 2590 Solomon’s Island Rd , Annapolis; 410-224-4242
2. Powwow Native American Festival
Visit this festival for a taste of the city’s diversity. The 34th Annual Powwow Native American Festival offers a weekend of traditional dances, music, crafts, food and much more. Details: Free; 2 to 9 p.m. today, Saturday, and Sunday; Eastern and S. Linwood avenues, Baltimore; baltimore.org
3. Annual Car Show
Join in the fun when car buffs brings their spiffed up antiques, customs and rods out for display. Enjoy music, food and camaraderie. Details: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company Carnival Grounds, 49 Memorial Dr., Taneytown; 410-756-2705; 410-756-6381
4. Carroll County Summer Farmers Market “Health Fair”
Here’s the chance to enjoy local produce, plants, and baked goods while having blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Details: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; Free; Carroll County Farmers Market, 700 Agriculture Center Dr., Westminster; 410-848-7748; www.carrollcountyfarmersmarket.com
5. Cinderella Man
Grab a lawn chair and some snacks and settle down in Little Italy for a showing of the film “Cinderella Man.” Details: Free; 9 tonight; Little Italy Open Air Amphitheater, High and Stiles streets, Baltimore; www.littleitalymd.com
CHEAP DATE
1.Thank God for Evolution book discussion and Author event
You can be spiritual and scientific, so writes Author Michael Dowd. His book attempts to show readers how they can transform their life by believing God and evolution can co-exist. Details: 7 p.m. Monday; Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8123 Honeygo Blvd., White Marsh; Free; 410-933-9670, www.barnesandnoble.com.
2. Cinderella Man outdoor screening
There’s only two weeks left to watch the silver screen under the stars from the heart of Little Italy. This week’s pick stars Rene Zellweger and Russell Crowe. Details: 9 p.m. Friday; Intersection of High and Stiles St.; Free; www.littleitalymd.com/openair.htm.
3. Belly dancing performance
The traditional show showcases a variety of belly dancing styles. Details: 5 p.m. Sunday; Minas Gallery, 815 W. 36th St., Baltimore; $5; www.minasgalleryandboutique.com.
4. Afternoon hikes through the Gywnns Falls Trail
Enjoy a guided tour through the breathtaking Trail for only a $1.
Details: 3 p.m. every Saturday; The Gwynns Falls Trail, 4500 Franklintown Road in Baltimore; $1; Pre-registration is required; please call at least 24 hours in advance. Please wear sturdy, closed toed shoes or boots. Recommended for ages 7 and older; 410-945-0586, www.starspangledtrails.org.
5. Kung Fu matinee Saturdays
Details: 1 p.m. every Saturday; Rock Candy, 4321 Harford Road, Baltimore; Free; 443-919-4527, www.rockcandybaltimore.com.
POSH DATE
1. Billy Idol “Idolize Yourself Tour”
Relive the glory days of the 80s with one of the decades most recognizable icons. Sing along with his classic hits like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell” as the bad boy of Rock and Roll makes a come back in Charm City this weekend. Details: 6 p.m., Aug. 22; Pier Six Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave., Baltimore; $30-55; 410-783-4189, www.tickets.piersixpavilion.com.
2. Rhone Rangers Wine Tasting
The Iron Bridge Wine Company serves up a sample of five fine wines created in the traditional French Rhone style. A light snack will go along with the various glasses of wine. Stick around for dinner afterwards and receive 10 percent off of your meal, reservations required.
Details: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Aug. 25; 10435 State Route 108, Columbia; $20; 410-997-3456, www.ironbridgewines.com.
3. Dinner at Oceanaire Seafood Room
Posh doesn’t mean pricey at the swanky Oceanaire Seafood Room, offering a four-course meal for $32.95 for the remainder of August. The menu features New England clam chowder, filet mignon, rainbow trout with blue cheese butter and more.
Details: Through August; Oceanaire Seafood Room, 801 Aliceanna St., Baltimore; $32.95; 443-870-0000, www.theoceanaire.com.
4. Cabaret at Germano’s Trattoria
Hear Shannon Wollman bring down the house in a casual, intimate setting. The Cabaret Room at 6 p.m. for pre-show dining. The full menu and specials are available. There is a $10 cover and a $15-food or drink minimum. Show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Details: 6 p.m. Aug. 21, Germano’s Trattoria, 300 S. High St., Baltimore; 410-752-4515, www.germanostrattoria.com.
5. Birdland Premium Ballpark Buffet
The Camden Club’s 7th Floor gives Orioles’ fans a way to watch their birds in style. The buffet opens two hours before each home game. The menu includes made to order crab cakes, several varieties of shrimp, and of course all of the peanuts and cracker jacks that you would expect. Details: 5:05 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 W. Camden St., Baltimore; $40; 410-332-4633, www.ticketmaster.com.
EXHIBITS
1. The Special Dead: Exploring the Medieval Cult of Saints
Catch a rare glimpse at the ornate reliquaries that once served as the final resting place for the holiest and most powerful people of the thirteenth century. Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday; The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore; 410-547-9000, www.thewalters.org.
2. Front Room: Jim Dine
Dine’s array of prints and drawings span nearly 50 years of his own personal quest to find his place in the world. The exhibit includes his first work ever “The Crash,” which Dine created in 1960. Details: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, Open until 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore; 410-396-7100, www.artbma.org
3. The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower Open Studio Tour
Guests step inside artists’ studios to view or purchase art works and enjoy refreshments and light fare at the newly renovated Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower. Details: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, 21 South Eutaw Street, Baltimore; Free; www.bromoseltzertower.com.
4. Taking in the View: English Watercolor and Prints
This exhibition explores the changing landscape of 18th century English landscapes. A small collection shows the progression of techniques used throughout the century. Details: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday; Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore; 410-396-7100, www.artbma.org
5. Hidden & Revealed
Witness the creative process first hand. Details: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; Maryland Art Place at Power Plant Live! 8 Market Place, Baltimore; 410-962-8565; www.mdartplace.org
READER’S CHOICE
Steven Ehasz
Occupation: Fitness Director, MAC Harbor East — Ehasz lives in Mount Washington with his wife Sharon, 16-year-old Frederica and 13-year-old Jake. He is a former board member for the Maryland State Advisory Council on Heart Disease and Stroke. A former competitive cyclist, Ehasz now enjoys riding recreationally.
1. Ride, Ride, and Ride
The weather has been great. My wife and I are avid cyclists and are taking full advantage of the great weather and lighter summer traffic. Come September the county roads will once again be filled with cars driven by parents frantically trying to get their kids to school! http://www.dnr.state.md.us/outdoors/biking.html.
2. Grillin’ & Chillin’
My family ROCKS! We (Freddi, Jake, Sharon and Bella) have a great time grilling in the backyard and playing a “friendly” yet competitive game of Bocce, that is if Bella (our Whippet) doesn’t snag the pallino on every toss. The games are always a blast!
3. 8×10: Virginia Coalition
I’m looking forward to a great time out with friends as we check out the new sounds from Virginia Coalition. VACO has just released its new album “Home this Year” and we are all looking forward to the new direction the band is taking. Details: 8 p.m. Friday; The 8×10, 10 E. Cross St., Baltimore; $12; www.the8x10.com.
THEATRE
1. Helena Troy
Rich Espey’s play-within-a-play premieres as part of the 27th Annual Baltimore Playwrights Festival. Details: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday through August 31; Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre, 817 Saint Paul St., Baltimore; $15 to $18; 410-752-1225.
2. Legally Blonde: The Musical
Although opening night isn’t until September 30, tickets are going fast for this hot new musical, starring original Broadway cast member Becky Gulsvig as the sassy and confident Elle Woods. Details: 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays; The Hippodrome, 12 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore; prices start at $22; 410-547-7328.
3. Kosher with Salsa
Playwright Miryam Madrigal was born in Mexico, moved to the U.S. with her parents and grew up first in an all-black, lower income neighborhood, then a middle-class Jewish neighborhood. In her play, she writes about the changing face of the American family. Details: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday through August 30; Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann St., Baltimore; $15 to $20; 410-276-7837.
4. All Shook Up
Inspired by and featuring the classic songs of Elvis Presley, this fast-paced musical about a mysterious stranger who brings romance, rebellion and rock n’ roll to small town America will have audiences dancing in the aisles. Details: 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Sunday; Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia; $32.50 to $51; www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.
5. Bare: The Musical
This contemporary new musical tells the story of a group of students at a Catholic boarding school struggling to find their own voices in a modern world that both embraces and isolates them. Details: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday through August 31; Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., Baltimore; $15 to $20; 410-752-8558.
