Columbia Festival of the Arts Announces 2009 Season Line-Up

The Columbia Festival of the Arts' 2009 season, which includes a variety of regional, national and international performers, is scheduled to run from Friday, June 12, through Saturday, June 27.

June 12-14: LakeFest Celebration
- Friday, June 12: 5-11 p.m. Visual arts activities and performances at Columbia Town Center lakefront
- Saturday, June 13: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Kicks off with the 6th Annual Kinetic Art Parade along Little Patuxent Parkway, followed by a day filled with visual arts activities and performances at Lakefront
- Sunday, June 14: Noon-7 p.m. Visual arts activities and performances at lakefront

Monday, June 15, 7 p.m.
Sue Ellen Thompson - Poetry as Autobiography Workshop
Howard Community College
Monteabaro Recital Hall
Sue Ellen Thompson, author of four books of poetry and nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes in poetry, will speak and host a discussion, "Poetry as Autobiography." $10

Tuesday, June 16, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago City Limits "My Space or Yours"
Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts at Wilde Lake High School
Chicago City Limits (CCL) is New York City's longest running Off-Broadway show. "My Space or Yours" is dot comedy without a computer, as the CCL cast takes aim at the faces, places and events from today's headlines, bylines and sidelines. Chicago City Limits will take you on a virtual tour de force improvisations and laughter for a completely unique evening of comedy. $20-$35 adults; $15-$30 students/seniors

Thursday, June 18, 6 p.m.
California Guitar Trio
Summer Strings at Belmont Conference Center
A whirlwind of instrumental styles fusing classical, rock, blues, jazz, world music, progressive, as well as the quintessential California musical genre surf music
Tickets: $45 includes buffet dinner
Outdoor lawn seating, bring your own blankets and chairs

Friday, June 19, 7 p.m.
Noche Latina
Slayton House
Ballet Hispanico will present a Latin social dance class for adults. Couples of any age and skill level are invited to learn Latin social dancing, focusing on salsa dancing, with company members of the legendary Ballet Hispanico. $40

6-9 p.m.
Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) Resident Artist Exhibit and Showcase
Howard County Art Center
Visit HCAC's galleries and meet local artists in their studios. A presentation on the art of collecting with local arts aficionado Rebecca Weber, followed by a performing arts showcase featuring the Howard County Ballet, Columbia Orchestra and Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. Free

Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m.
Ballet Hispanico
Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts at Wilde Lake High School
Ballet Hispanico performs works by the foremost Latino choreographers of our time, as well as those of emerging artists. Their aesthetic infuses Latin dance forms with elements of contemporary dance and ballet. $30-$45 adults; $25-$40 students/seniors

Sunday, June 21, 3 p.m.
Little Patuxent Review - Publication Release and Reception
Howard Community College
Monteabaro Recital Hall
The Little Patuxent Review literary magazine will hold a reading celebrating the publication of its sixth issue that features work focused on an animal theme. Free
Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m.
Laura Lippman - Reading with Wine & Cheese Reception
Howard Community College
Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Building
Wilde Lake High School graduate and former Baltimore Sun reporter Laura Lippman reads from her work, including from her newest novel, Life Sentences. $30

Wednesday, June 24, 7 p.m.
Cinema Columbia
Howard Community College
Monteabaro Recital Hall
The Columbia Festival of the Arts is making a movie. Everyone is invited to participate in the Festival's first annual, community-based short film project. The filming will take place during LakeFest weekend and will premiere on June 24 accompanied by a discussion about the process of making a film on the fly with a diverse community of participants. Free

Thursday, June 25, 7:30 p.m.
Smothers Brothers
Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts at Wilde Lake High School
It was five decades ago that Tom and Dick Smothers first took stage together professionally. Many comedy duos have had success but none as enduring as the Smothers Brothers, whose lengthy career has surpassed all other comedy teams in history. Their cutting-edge humor has not only been ahead of its time, but has remained timeless as well. $35-$60 adults; $30-$55 students/seniors

Friday, June 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Collecting Affair II
Columbia Art Center & Horowitz Gallery
Artists who also collect artwork were asked to select works from their own collections and to talk about their "dual" viewpoints of both artist and collector. Free with reception

Saturday, June 27, 8 p.m.
Very Special Finale! Barrage
Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts at Wilde Lake High School
Back by popular demand, Barrage is a high-octane fiddle fest. With contemporary world music influences, layered vocal arrangements and modern beats and rhythms, the group has an eclectic mix of music, song and dance. $30-$45 adults; $25-$40 students/seniors

For more information, go to www.columbiafestival.com or call 410-715-3044.