SUMMERFEST FAMILY THEATRE LINEUP ANNOUNCED
FREE KIDS ENTERTAINMENT TO BEGIN JULY 7TH!

A jamming rock band, dancing dinosaurs and a high-flying trip around the world awaits you as Celebrate Frederick prepares to kick off the 16th season of Summerfest Family Theatre, a series of FREE shows in Frederick’s Baker Park Bandshell. The season begins on July 7th and continues for eight consecutive Saturdays through August 25th. Shows begin an hour earlier this year, at 6 PM, with local groups providing opening acts ranging from fencing and karate, to dance and cheerleading. Following is a list of what’s in store for Frederick youngsters during this year’s series:

July 7th
Milkshake
Musical
Operating under the motto that ‘if you’re old enough to walk, you’re old enough to rock,’ the dynamic expandable duo comprised of singer Lisa Matthews and guitarist Mikel Gehl have been gaining critical acclaim for their innovative rock creation, Milkshake. This high-energy group, whose self-proclaimed mission is to create great rock music for kids, has done just that. With music videos airing on Discovery Kids and NOGGIN, and CDs lauded by CHILD Magazine, the Parents Choice Awards and others, Milkshake has leaped into the stratosphere of kid’s entertainment by winning over perhaps the toughest critics, preschoolers.

July 14th
DinoRock presents ‘Dinosaurs Forever’
Musical Theater
Join Stella Stegosaurus, Tootsie the Triceratops and Baby Rex in a fossil fantasy musical revue complete with song, dance and giant dinosaur puppets! Touted as “enthusiastic, dynamic and original’ by promoters of Wolf Trap Farm Park’s Theater-in-the-Woods, DinoRock is the result of three creative powerhouses, Ingrid Crepeau, Michele Valeri and Michael Stein. Among the three, they have received an Emmy-Award for puppet design and a Grammy nod for original song. Together, the trio has been mesmerizing children across the country with their delightful songs, lovable characters and unforgettable productions.

July 21st
Bob Brown Puppets presents ‘World on a String’
Puppets
With over forty years experience as a major children’s theater company, Bob Brown and his wife Judy have developed a flair for knowing their audience. Delighting young children, older siblings and parents is the goal of the rollicking adventure, ‘World on a String.’ Guests will meet Bongo, the lovable chimp from the Congo, Lu Chang, the incredible ball juggler from China, Mr. Punch and his wife Judy from England, Leprechaun Ryan O’Brien from Ireland and many more. Don’t miss the end of this international journey as visitors end in the USA with Yankee Doodle Dandy!

July 28th
24/7 Dance Studio
Student Repertory Company “Dance Fusion”
Meet local students with a passion for dance. Hand picked to train with professional instructors from across the country, these students are a testament to hard work, passion and the beauty of the arts. “Dedicated to serving the community by educating, performing and promoting the arts,” this group is sure to wow your little ones with their high-energy, professional quality performance. Join us in supporting these local talents as Dance Fusion Student Company takes the stage.

August 4th
Nada Brahma
Instrumental World Music

What element unites cultures as diverse as those found in Trinidad, Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa? The answer, according to cultural ambassadors Nada Brahma, is music. Prepare yourself for an interactive journey across six continents as this lively trio explores unique ethnic instruments and the similarities they share across cultures. From the Native American flute to the steel drum of Trinidad and the thumb piano of Africa, this group brings excitement and audience fun to the study of music around the world.

August 11th
Johnny the K
Musical
A twelve-string guitar, a collection of hats, masks and disguises and a truly engaging personality combine for a performance the entire family will rave about. Johnny the K, a school teacher turned award winning performer and musician, combines music, movement and audience participation into a program focused on character education. Looking for ways to encourage core principles such as responsibility, respect and cooperation? Johnny the K will show the importance of these values with playful antics and energetic songs that will have your children laughing while they learn.

August 18th
Popcorn Hat Players present ‘Aladdin’
Children’s Theatre
Take a magic carpet ride to exotic Arabia with Aladdin and his super-powered Genie. Brought to Frederick by the Popcorn Hat Players, this colorful show has a lesson hidden behind the jokes and costumes. Aladdin, and the audience, will learn the importance of responsibility. Join in this high-flying adventure as Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and finds out first-hand the value of the old adage; be careful what you wish for!

August 25th
Summerfest Carnival
Returning this year is the Summerfest Carnival from 4– 7 PM, featuring amusements, pony rides, face painting, balloon sculptures, crafts, wandering entertainers, and costumed characters. Two mini-shows will take place during the Carnival, bringing the entertainment to the children and allowing an extended evening of food, fun and activity. As with all Summerfest Family Theater programs, the Summerfest Carnival is FREE to the public.

This year’s theater series would not be possible without the generous support of the following corporate sponsors. The Spires Sponsors are Bechtel Group Foundation, CellularOne, Drees Homes, Sandy Spring Bank, Spectrum Federal Credit Union and Weis Markets. The Carillon Sponsors are Comcast, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, Creig Northrop Team-Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Roy Rogers – A Plamondon Company, The Frederick News-Post and Tuscarora Creek/Greentree Homes. The Bandshell Sponsors are BB&T, Frederick Arts Council and Jean Peterson Design/The JaBITCo Group.

For more information, please call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at 301-600-CITY (2489) or visit www.CelebrateFrederick.com.