New art exhibits, a U2 tribute and turtles! It's this week's NXT Best!
Whether your idea of fun involves theater, music, festivals, outdoor activities or learning something new, we've got your spring entertainment guide right here in NXT Best!
With Hands and Hearts Antietam Fiber Artists' Display
Tuesday, April 30 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive
Hagerstown
Exhibit of fiber artists' work and educational information about fiber art. Go to wcmfa.org or call 301-739-5727.
Earth Day Tree Planting
Tuesday, April 30 - 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Cool Spring Preserve
1469 Lloyd Road
Charles Town, W.Va.
Go on a hike, led by Potomac Valley Audubon Society educators, to plant trees throughout the preserve. Bring water and gloves. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Registration required. Go to www.potomacaudubon.org/event/volunteer-workday-celebrate-earth-day-tree-planting/, email Katelyn@potomacaudubon.org or call 681-252-1387.
Take Back the Night
Tuesday, April 30 - 4 to 8 p.m.
City Park Bandshell
668 City Park Drive
Hagerstown
In support of sexual violence survivors. Guest speaker Tina Fraley, author of "Broken Road to Badass." Music by Code Blues. Light refreshments provided. Presented by CASA Inc. and the Meritus Health Forensic Nurse Program. Free.
Kitchen Gardens: Abundant Harvests at Your Back Doorstep
Tuesday, April 30 - 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Monterey Pass Civil War Garden
Buttonwood Nature Center (home of The Institute)
10356 Amsterdam Road
Waynesboro, Pa.
First of a series of small-group garden talks. Presented by Melissa Irwin and Pam Hind Rowland. Wear shoes appropriate for being in a garden. Bring a chair if desired. Free. Advanced registration required. Go to www.buttonwoodnaturecenter.org or call 717-762-0373.
Art in the Hallway
Wednesday, May 1 through Friday, May 31
Hallway between main entrance and Same Day Surgery Center
Meritus Medical Center
11116 Medical Campus Road
Hagerstown
A collaboration of the Valley Art Association and Meritus Medical Center. Works by artist Elaine Rogers Cooper will be on display. Sales are handled at the Meritus gift shop, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the hospital auxiliary. For gift shop hours, call 301-790-8181.
Art & Steam Expo
Wednesday, May 1 - 3 to 7 p.m.
Greencastle-Antrim School District
500 E. Leitersburg St.
Greencastle, Pa.
Student displays, interactive exhibits and community experiences. Food trucks. Campus-wide event. Call 717-597-3226.
Pianist Thomas Pandolfi
Thursday, May 2 - 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive (in City Park)
Hagerstown
Classical and modern pieces. Albums will be available for purchase. Admission is $20 ($15 museum members). To register in advance, contact Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org.
The Rise and Fall of the Appalachians
Thursday, May 2 - 7 p.m.
Church of the Apostles
336 Barnett Ave.
Waynesboro, Pa.
Geologist Jeri Jones presents a program on how the Appalachian mountains were formed. Hosted by Buttonwood Nature Center (home of The Institute) and the Franklin County (Pa.) Rock and Mineral Club. Samples of minerals and fossils will be available. For all ages. Admission is free. Call 717-762-0373.
Turtle Time
Friday, May 3 - 10 to 11 a.m.
Case Nature Center
Cool Spring Preserve
1469 Lloyd Road
Charles Town, W.Va.
Hosted by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Watch Willow the Wood turtle, Scute the Box turtle and the rest of PVAS’ animal ambassadors as they munch their food and get exercise while a PVAS representative shares information about them. Free. Registration not required. All ages welcome, though children must be accompanied by an adult. Go to www.potomacaudubon.org/event/turtle-time-at-cool-spring-preserve-9/, email Sonja@potomacaudubon.org or call 681-252-1387.
Plein Air Meetup
Fridays, May 3-31 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive (in City Park)
Hagerstown
Outdoor painting. Artists must bring their own supplies. Each week artists will be presented with a theme/challenge for the day. All levels welcome. Free. Registration appreciated. Contact Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org, or go to wcmfa.org.
Prophets of the Abstract Truth
Friday, May 3 - 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Music Makers
46 W. Main St.
Waynesboro, Pa.
Blues, jazz. Opening reception for America the Beautiful art exhibit (Saturday gallery hours 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Admission is free. Donations appreciated. For more information, email music@artsalliancegw.org or call 717-655-2500.
Student Dance Concert
Friday, May 3 - 7 p.m.
Kepler Theater
Hagerstown Community College
11400 Robinwood Drive
Hagerstown
Student and staff choreography and performances from HCC’s Dance Company and dance classes. Special guest performances from Bloom Dance Studio. Jazz, tap, contemporary, modern and ballet. Admission is free. Email ajlittle@hagerstowncc.edu or call 240-500-2511.
And So ...
Friday, May 3 - 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 4 - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church
40 Lincoln Way West
Chambersburg, Pa.
Musical about Jesus and those who chose to follow Him. Some violence; parental discretion is advised. Free, donations accepted. Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/and-so-tickets-858966751677.
First Fridays Open Mic Jam Nite
Friday, May 3 - 7 to 10 p.m.
Blackcat Music Shop
155 Independence St.
Berkeley Springs, W.Va.
Show up, sign up and play. Solo singers/players as well as bands welcome. Refreshments and seating for those who just want to listen. Free. Donations accepted. Call 304-258-4440.
Illusionist Rick Thomas
Friday, May 3 - 7:30 p.m.
Luhrs Center
475 Lancaster Drive
Shippensburg, Pa.
Magic, comedy and dancers. $39 to $59. Go to https://luhrscenter.com/event/rick-thomas/ or call 717-477-7469.
Willi Carlisle
Friday, May 3 - 8 p.m.
Hub City Vinyl
28 E. Baltimore St.
Hagerstown
Folk singer. $15. Go to https://liveathubcityvinyl.com/all-events/ or call 301-800-9390.
Caveman TV
Friday, May 3 - 8 p.m.
Shepherdstown Opera House
131 W. German St.
Shepherdstown, W.Va.
Folk, blues, hippie post-punk and calypso music. Experimental music collaboration between members of The Woodshedders, Plate Scrapers and Plank Stompers. $15. Go to https://operahouselive.com/calendar-of-events/ or call 304-876-3704.
The Great Hagerstown Hamfest
Saturday, May 4 - 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Maugansville Bible Brethren Church
17904 Binkley Ave.
Maugansville
Vendors, equipment sale and auction, prize drawings, food concessions. Sponsored by Antietam Radio Association. $7. Go to antietamradio.org/hamfest, email struhariks@gmail.com or call 240-818-1248.
Bird Walk
Saturday, May 4 - 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center
11649 Leetown Road
Kearneysville, W.Va.
Led by Potomac Valley Audubon Society volunteers Beth Poole and Heather Walsh. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water. For adults. Free. Registration required. Go to tinyurl.com/3vkuprx8, email info@potomacaudubon.org or call 681-252-1387.
5th Annual Karate Tournament
Saturday, May 4 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Maria Goretti High School
18614 Crestwood Drive
Hagerstown
Around 150 competitors from the four-state area. Hosted by Elite Martial Arts and MMA in Martinsburg, W.Va. Email elitemmainstitute@yahoo.com or call 304-886-7211.
Washington County Public Schools Art Exhibition
Saturday, May 4, through Sunday, May 19 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, closed Mondays and holidays. Extended hours Thursdays, May 9 and 16, until 8 p.m.
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
401 Museum Drive (in City Park)
Hagerstown
Artwork by students in middle and high schools. Organized by Washington County Public Schools. Supported by Volvo Group Trucks and Washington County Arts Council. Go to https://wcmfa.org/ or call 301-739-5727.
Naked Eye
Saturday, May 4 - 10 a.m. to noon
Brooke's House Coffee & Chocolate Shop
1083 Maryland Ave.
Hagerstown
Classic rock music. Call 240-203-8183. Go to brookeshousecoffeeandchocolate.com/.
Artillery Firing Demonstrations
Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5 - 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Newcomer House
18422 Shepherdstown Pike
Keedysville
Presented by the South Mountain Artillery Detachment. Part of Newcomer House Porch Program. Interpretive hike led by former National Park Ranger Matthew Penrod following each firing session. Newcomer House open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., volunteer docents available. Free. Email rachel@heartofthecivilwar.org or call 240-308-1740.
Tea Time with Harriet Lane
Saturday, May 4 - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center
15 S. Main St.
Chambersburg, Pa.
Tea and talk. Sahand Miraminy, owner of the Harriet Lane House in Mercersburg, Pa. will give an update on the property and future plans for the Lane House. Scones, teacakes and more. Each attendee receives teacup, fan, tea samples and Harriet Lane booklet. $25. Call 866-646-8060.
The Return of John Brown Musical
Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5 - open house tour 11:30 a.m., performance 1 to 4 p.m.
Kennedy Farm
2406 Chestnut Grove Road
Sharpsburg
Staged reading. Rain or shine. Humor, mystery, music and drama. Original musical featuring the legendary abolitionist John Brown. Brown mysteriously climbs out of his grave and into the present — only to be rearrested. Free. Go to www.thereturnofjohnbrown.com or email johnbrown@gmail.com.
Antique Car Museum
Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5 - 1 to 4 p.m.
Washington County Rural Heritage Museum
7313 Sharpsburg Pike
Boonsboro
Admission by donation. Go to https://www.ruralheritagemuseum.org.
Organ Recital
Saturday, May 4 - 4 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
15 Randolph Ave.
Hagerstown
Daniel Aune, director of organ music at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University and director of music at Christ Lutheran Church, Baltimore, performs. Call 301-733-2878
Mozart & Bruckner
Saturday, May 4 - 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 5 - 3 p.m.
The Maryland Theatre
21 S. Potomac St.
Hagerstown
Pianist Ying Li and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. A mix of classic and contemporary works. $29 to $79. Go to https://marylandsymphony.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket#/, email info@marylandsymphony.org or call 301-797-4000.
Benise-FIESTA!
Saturday, May 4 - 7:30 p.m.
Luhrs Center
475 Lancaster Drive
Shippensburg, Pa.
Guitarist. Flamenco, salsa, samba, waltz, drumming and more. $35 to $69. Go to https://luhrscenter.com or call 717-477-7469.
U2topia
Saturday, May 4 - 8 p.m.
Hub City Vinyl
28 E. Baltimore St.
Hagerstown
U2 tribute band. $20. Go to https://liveathubcityvinyl.com/all-events/ or call 301-800-9390.
Ginada Piñata
Saturday, May 4 - 8 p.m.
Shepherdstown Opera House
131 W. German St.
Shepherdstown, W.Va.
Funk, fusion and electronica. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Go to https://operahouselive.com/calendar-of-events/ or call 304-876-3704.
Shippensburg Band Annual Spring Concert
Sunday, May 5 - 2:30 p.m.
Shippensburg Covenant Brethren Church
253 E. Garfield St.
Shippensburg, Pa.
Local musicians. Symphonic Dance No. 3 “Fiesta”, Slide Ride, The Doors on Tour, Man of La Mancha and more. Free, donations accepted. Go to www.shipband.org.
The Dallas Brass
Sunday, May 5 - 3 p.m.
Waynesboro Area Senior High School Auditorium
550 E. Second St.
Waynesboro, Pa.
Classical, Dixieland, swing, Broadway, Hollywood and patriotic music. Children in kindergarten through grade eight must be accompanied by an adult. $25 (free for new subscribers, and students in kindergarten through high school). Buy tickets at the door, go to www.waynesboropaconcerts.org or call 717-609-6853.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: NXT Best arts and entertainment for the week of April 29
