Akon is bringing his “The SuperFan Tour” to the DMV, when he performs at The Fillmore in Silver Spring on Tuesday, November 7th. Akon recently promoted the show on his instagram, referring to Silver Spring as “Silver Springs“, a common mistake among those not familiar with the area. The video can be seen below.
The Senegalese-American singer, record producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist has become an influential figure in modern world music after rising to prominence in 2004 following the release of “Locked Up”, the first single from his debut album Trouble (2004), followed by the second single “Lonely”, which was also a smash hit. Akon’s second album, Konvicted (2006), received three Grammy Award nominations for Best Contemporary R&B Album, and for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Smack That” (featuring Eminem) and “I Wanna Love You” (featuring Snoop Dogg). Both singles became Billboard Hot 100 top ten hits, followed up by “Don’t Matter” and “Sorry, Blame It on Me”. His third studio album Freedom (2008) was led by the single “Right Now (Na Na Na)”.
Akon often provides vocals as a featured artist and is currently credited with over 300 guest appearances and more than 35 Billboard Hot 100 songs, resulting in five Grammy Award nominations. He is the first solo artist to hold both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice. Akon has had four songs certified as 3× platinum, three songs certified as 2× platinum, more than ten songs certified as 1× platinum and more than ten songs certified as gold by the RIAA. He was listed by Guinness World Records as the number-one selling artist for master ringtones in the world.
Per his website, “Akon, born Aliaune Thiam on April 16, 1973, in St. Louis, Missouri, is an acclaimed musician, visionary entrepreneur, and devoted philanthropist. He has made an indelible mark on the music industry with his infectious blend of R&B, hip-hop, and African rhythms. Akon’s unwavering commitment to uplifting his community and making a positive impact on the world sets him apart as a true humanitarian. Early Life and Musical Journey: Raised in Dakar, Senegal, Akon spent his early childhood in a culturally rich environment, immersed in the sounds of traditional African music. At the age of seven, he moved back to the United States, settling in New Jersey. There, he discovered his passion for music and honed his talent as a singer, songwriter, and producer.
Akon’s breakthrough came with his debut album, “Trouble,” released in 2004. The album’s hit singles, including “Locked Up” and “Lonely,” showcased his unique voice and lyrical prowess, propelling him into international stardom. His subsequent albums, “Konvicted” and “Freedom,” produced chart-topping hits like “Smack That,” “Don’t Matter,” and “Beautiful,” solidifying his position as a global music icon. Musical Style and Influence: Akon’s music blends genres effortlessly, fusing R&B, hip-hop, and reggae with elements of African beats and melodies. His ability to seamlessly integrate diverse cultural influences has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base worldwide. Akon’s distinct vocal style, characterized by its velvety smoothness and emotional depth, resonates with listeners on a profound level, transcending language barriers.
Beyond his artistic contributions, Akon has played a pivotal role in introducing African music and talent to the international stage. He has collaborated with renowned artists like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, T-Pain, and David Guetta, creating chart-topping hits that have reached audiences around the globe. Akon’s passion for social change and improving lives led him to become an influential philanthropist. In 2007, he founded the Akon Lighting Africa initiative, aimed at providing sustainable solar power solutions to African communities lacking access to electricity. Through this project, Akon has been instrumental in installing solar street lights, microgrids, and solar home systems in over 25 countries, positively impacting millions of lives.
Akon’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond his own foundations. He actively supports numerous charitable organizations, collaborating with partners like the World Bank and Give1Project to address pressing issues such as poverty, healthcare, and education on a global scale. Akon’s multifaceted career as a musician and philanthropist has left an indelible mark on the world. His music continues to inspire and entertain, bridging cultural gaps and bringing people together through the universal language of music. His unwavering commitment to improving lives, particularly in Africa, has earned him recognition and accolades from governments, organizations, and individuals alike. A true pioneer, Akon has shown that music and philanthropy can go hand in hand, and that one person’s determination can make a profound difference in the lives of millions. Through his artistry and unwavering dedication to social change, Akon has solidified his place as a respected musician, visionary entrepreneur.”
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzMfyAQyXQs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink at Veterans Plaza (One Veterans Place) in Downtown Silver Spring is open for the season. Reservations are required to skate and can be made at www.silverspringiceskating.com/. Additional information, including pricing and house, below courtesy of the Silver Spring Urban District:
The Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink at Veterans Plaza is offering staggered skating sessions with online reservations and ticket purchasing. The rink itself is outdoors, in the open air. This makes it a great place for families and adults looking for fun, winter themed outings.
The rink is open seven days a week. Skating sessions are for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Reservations are available two weeks in advance, and staggered every five minutes. To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.silverspringiceskating.com/. The rink has over 400 pairs of skates available for rent, sized from toddler to adult.
Dunkin’ will be moving in will be moving in to 8455 Fenton St, taking over an empty retail space on the ground level of the Central Silver Spring apartment complex. An opening timeframe is not yet available for the store, but construction has not yet started.
Yesterday we let you know that Dunkin’ will also be taking over the space that was previously home to $2.49 Cleaners, at 12196 Georgia Ave. in Wheaton-Glenmont, on the same block as Trippy’s Tacos and Seafood in the Buff and near Popeyes. Dunkin’ has been making a big push lately in Montgomery County, with new locations at the Layhill Center (14328 Layhill Rd) in Silver Spring and in the Goshen Crossing Shopping Center in Gaithersburg/Montgomery Village, where it has taken over the former Capital One Bank building at 20000 Goshen Rd. Last December, we let you know that Dunkin’ is continuing its massive expansion across the country and within MoCo, and there are currently an additional four locations in the works with more likely to come.
Coming soon signage is up for TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) at 8563 Fenton St in Silver Spring, according to a report by Source of the Spring. The frozen yogurt spot is opening in the space previously occupied by Smoothie King, which closed in 2022. Menu items include soft serve frozen yogurt, milkshakes, frozen coffee, and parfaits. TCBY had multiple locations in Montgomery County in the 80’s and 90’s.
“TCBY is the original and most well-known frozen yogurt brand, leading the market in nutrition, taste and product quality. Serving communities nationwide for 40 years, TCBY is a successful model that has fueled the growth of a thriving industry. TCBY, which currently has over 250 franchise locations worldwide, offers an extensive product line, with most yogurt flavors in varieties that are low in fat, nonfat, or no sugar added. TCBY launched its unique frozen yogurt classification “Super FroYo” in 2011, which is still the most nutritious frozen yogurt product available in the market, as well as was the first brand to market Greek Frozen Yogurt. Also based in Broomfield, Colorado, TCBY has been a frozen yogurt innovator from the day its first shop opened in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1981.”
Below are five things to do in Montgomery County, MD the weekend of September 29-October 1:
1. Wheaton TGIF Encore Free Friday Fall Concert
Friday, September 29: 6pm
Marian Fryer Town Plaza
“The energetic Quimbao Latin Band will headline the Wheaton TGIF Friday Encore fall concert series on Friday, Sept. 29, at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, adjacent to the Wheaton Business Triangle and near the Wheaton Metro Station. The performance is part of a month of Friday concerts that join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed Sept. 15-Oct. 15. The event will feature live artist demonstrations and beverages from Twin Valley Distillers. The TGIF party will begin on the plaza at 5 p.m. with a DJ set followed by a live concert at 6 p.m. Parking is available in the building at 2425 Reedie Dr.
Quimbao Latin Band was founded in 2000 by band leader, director, producer and pianist Oscar Perez, who is from Lima, Peru. With more than 30 years in the music industry, Mr. Perez has performed with Peruvian bands such as Sarabanda, La Novel, Orquesta Saraguey and La Rebelion, among others. He has produced two records. Mr. Perez has performed at various venues and events throughout New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.
The band’s genre includes Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata, Cha Cha, Latin Jazz, Trio, Quartet and all Latin rhythms.”
For more information on the TGIF Encore concert series, go to https://www.wheatonmd.org/.
2. Fall Makers Market
Saturday, September 30: 10am-4pm
Downtown Silver Spring
35+ local artisans selling original art and handcrafted goods. “Join us for the Fall Makers Market on Saturday, September 30, from 10 am – 4 pm along Ellsworth Drive between Georgia Avenue and Fenton Street!” Kick off fall, grab a latte, and get a jump on holiday shopping with unique and handmade products from local artisans at the Pop Up Makers Market. Shop handmade products from more than 35 local artisans. Enjoy live music and plenty of outdoor dining options. Locally Crafted, whose storefront is located in Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront has recently posted a warning an out potential scammers. “Please Beware: Locally Crafted is the only organizer of this event, and we are no longer accepting vendor applications. Any comments here that there are spaces still available are from scammers attempting to steal your money.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxGaF_BRRA1/?img_index=1
3. Rocktobierfest:
Saturday, September 30: 11am-5pm
Rockville Town Center
Rocktobierfest returns to Rockville Town Center on Saturday, Sept. 30 for a day of bands, beers and being together. The fifth edition of the free festival, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., will include two stages of live music, food, beer sales by local breweries, and an artisan shopping area. Bavarian and rock musical acts will take the stage, including Mike Surratt and the Continentals, Under the Covers, Capital Effect, Chesapeake Sons, Alt Washingtonia and Rockville German Band. Featured beverage vendors will include 7 Locks Brewing, Crooked Crab Brewing Company, Dawson’s Market, Denizens Brewing Co., Landmade Brewing, Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co., Saints Row Brewing, Silver Branch Brewing Company, Twin Valley Distillers, Waredaca Brewing Company and World of Beer.
The festival is within walking distance of the Rockville Metro station. Free parking locations include the County Council Office Building on Fleet Street, and the City Hall lot at 111 Maryland Ave. Schedule of entertainment available below:
4. Takoma Park Street Festival
Sunday, October 1: 10am-5pm
Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park
The 42nd annual Takoma Park Street Festival will take place on Sunday, October 1st, 2023 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and once again will fill the streets of Takoma Park with music, artists and makers, community groups, green companies and great food.
The free event celebrates local music with 18 performances on 3 stages, with a mix of soul, funk, roots rock, blues, swamp funk, folk, working girl blues and new grass, and more. Over 150 booths extend all along Carroll Avenue from Eastern Avenue, NW in Washington, DC to Philadelphia Avenue (Rt. 410) in Takoma Park, MD with work from local artists and makers including art, jewelry, stationary, home decor, clothing, personal care products, plants, and much more. Community groups and green companies participate as well with info to share. Visitors may explore Takoma’s unique local shops along the way. There will be many great food options from Takoma restaurants, food trucks and festival food favorites all to be enjoyed on the Takoma Streetery on Laurel Avenue. The Takoma Park Farmers Market runs during the festival with 25 additional vendors in an adjacent parking lot. Entrance to the farmers market is at 6931 Laurel Avenue. For the latest info and entire vendor list here. Photo courtesy of Sam Kittner
5. ‘Sunday Serenade’ Concert in the Park
Sunday, October 1: 10-11:30am
Cabin John Regional Park
“Bring your blanket and your breakfast and join Montgomery Parks Sunday mornings this Fall with ‘Sunday Serenade’ for live music from 10:00 am – 11:30 am at Cabin John Regional Park’s Amphitheater (7400 Tuckerman Ln, Bethesda, MD 20817). Start your week relaxing on the lawn, listening to live music performed by local artists. This Fall series runs for the first three weekends in October. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs for seating. Mark your calendars and click the dates below for more details on each performance. Parking will be located at the Tuckerman Lane Entrance (7400 Tuckerman Lane) with additional parking the West Lake Entrance (10900 Westlake Drive).
Schedule:
Sunday, October 1 – The Dixie Power Trio – Zydeco, jazz and rock
Sunday, October 8 – The Dave Chappell Band – Jazz and blues
Sunday, October 15 – The Bruce Swaim Quartet – Jazz
The Fall Makers Market will take place on Saturday, September 30th from10:00 am – 4:00 pm. “Join us for the Fall Makers Market on Saturday, September 30, from 10 am – 4 pm along Ellsworth Drive between Georgia Avenue and Fenton Street!”
Kick off fall, grab a latte, and get a jump on holiday shopping with unique and handmade products from local artisans at the Pop Up Makers Market. Shop handmade products from more than 35 local artisans. Enjoy live music and plenty of outdoor dining options.
Locally Crafted, whose storefront is located in Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront has recently posted a warning an out potential scammers. “Please Beware: Locally Crafted is the only organizer of this event, and we are no longer accepting vendor applications. Any comments here that there are spaces still available are from scammers attempting to steal your money.”
The 10th annual Harvest Moon Festival, a free, multicultural event of arts, entertainment and exhibitors, promises fun for all ages in Silver Spring this Sunday, September 24th at Veterans Plaza from 1pm until 7pm. The event features an eclectic array of arts and crafts exhibitors and entertainment. Schedule of Arts Activities can be seen below:
1-3 pm: Drawing with artist Marcie Wolf-Hubbard
4-6 pm: Painting with artist Pepe Piedra Inkarasta
Entertainment Schedule:
1-1:30 pm: Mark H Taiko Connection drumming performance
2-4 pm: Afro-Latin Dance Extravaganza with DJ Bachata Larry and dance instruction by Leroi
4-4:30 pm: Maryland Youth Pipe Band performance
4:30-6:30 pm: Bollywood Wedding Dance Workshop with the South Asian Performing Arts Network & Institute
Montgomery Parks is inviting the public to vote on a new art installation that will be featured at Gene Lynch Urban Park in downtown Silver Spring. The park was officially opened to the public this summer. In January 2023, a Call for Artists was issued inviting artists to submit their qualifications and examples of their work. A panel shortlisted four artists to prepare site-specific concepts for public art that would complement the park’s green space, trees, and pergola structure. The finalists were selected out of more than 100 submissions and the winner will be selected through public voting.
What: Gene Lynch Park Public Art Voting
When: Tuesday, September 11 – Monday, October 9, 2023
How: Online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GeneLynchArt
Phone: 301-495-2595
Mail: 2425 Reedie Drive, 12th Floor, Wheaton, MD 20902
Attn: Public Affairs
“Gene Lynch Urban Park is a very high-profile, high-foot traffic area in downtown Silver Spring,” said Montgomery Parks Project Manager Linda Komes. “We had so many great submissions, and it was tough to narrow down the finalists. We hope everyone will take the time to vote for their favorite.” Voting is open to the public. Only one vote per person may be submitted. The design that receives the most votes will be selected as the winner. In the event of a tie, Montgomery Parks’ art selection panel will determine the winning artwork.
After voting closes, the winner of the contest will be announced to the public via a press release, on the project website and on Montgomery Parks’ social media platforms. During the final design, the concept may be modified to meet the project goals of sustainability, durability and public safety. The Artist Selection Panel:
Dan Reed, AICP (they/them) is Greater, Greater Washington’s regional policy director, focused on housing and land use policy in Maryland and Northern Virginia. For a decade prior, Dan was a transportation planner working with communities all over North America to make their streets safer, enjoyable, and equitable. Their writing has appeared in publications including Washingtonian, CityLab, and Shelterforce, as well as Just Up The Pike, a neighborhood blog founded in 2006. Dan received a Master of City Planning degree from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maryland. Dan lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with Drizzy, a rescued pit bull mix, and occasionally fosters dogs.
Elizabeth Gallauresi is the Arts Coordinator for the Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District. She has worked as a public art and arts administration consultant for more than 20 years, previously managing the public art program for the State of Maryland. In her role assisting Montgomery County with the administration of the Arts & Entertainment District, she coordinates placemaking efforts including public art projects, events, community building, and arts programs to support the tourism and economic goals of the districts.
Jerry Withers is a recently retired architect with over 45 years of experience in private and government practice. He has Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Architecture from Tulane University. He started his professional life as a Peace Corps volunteer in Côte d’Ivoire working on culturally appropriate housing models and historic preservation. This fueled his passion for how buildings, places, and art enrich life. His 27-year career with the Department of State as a senior project manager directed the creation of new embassies in London, The Hague, Berlin, and Istanbul, and major renovations in Rome and Paris. This multi-billion-dollar portfolio also houses a world-class and robust public art program. Jerry lives in Silver Spring with his partner.
Linda Komes is a licensed Landscape Architect and Project Manager with Montgomery Parks. With over 30 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, Linda has overseen the design and construction of many public parks within Montgomery County. Through public engagement she strives to create activated public spaces, each with a unique sense of place. Linda has coordinated the selection and installation of several prominent public art projects in Montgomery Parks including the Pergola at Germantown Town Center by David Hess, the Takoma Trees at Takoma Piney Branch Park by Judy Sutton Moore, and the murals in Dewey Park by Juan Pineda.
Asuntha Chiang-Smith is the Executive Director of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency that connects and grows communities across Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Before coming to M-NCPPC, Asuntha held roles in Maryland State government, most recently as the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and Executive Director for the Governor’s Subcabinet on Base Realignment and Closure, which is estimated to have created 56,000 new jobs in the state with an economic impact of $36 billion. She also spent almost a decade working for members of congress earlier in her career in policy development and as an ombudsman. Asuntha is a lifelong resident of Maryland and throughout her life has been engaged in various advocacy work to encourage women in government and protecting senior citizens. In her personal life, she has also worked to support programs for children with autism and military veterans and their families. She is proud to be the wife of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Basketball Tournament, Pop-up Skate Park, Live Painting, DJ & More!
Buckets and Beats: The Silver Spring Block Party will take place on Friday, September 22 from 2pm-7pm at 1 Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring. Montgomery County Councilmember Kate Stewart and the Silver Spring Regional Services Office will include a variety of activities for youth, such as a 3 v 3 basketball tournament, a pop-up skatepark, and arts activities. There will also be a number of youth programming stakeholders in attendance, sharing opportunities for youth to get involved. To tie it all together, we will have a DJ to truly make this a block party.
Key Info/Tournament Details:
1:00-1:30 Team Check In
2:00-6:30 Tournament
6:45 Awards Presentation
Fun Fact: Local professional NBA Basketball player and restauranteur, Jason Miskiri, celebrates community and youth by championing the Silver Spring Regional 3 v 3 High School Basketball tournament. Miskiri is a Montgomery Blair High School and Montgomery College Alum. TOURNAMENT PARTICIPATION: SIGN UP REQUIRED HERE!
Uniqlo will hold its Grand Opening at 914 Ellsworth Dr in Silver Spring on Friday, August 25th at 10am. The Grand Opening will consist of exclusive, limited-time offers that are available only in-store. The event will also feature giveaways and access to new collections, according to the store website. Included in the new collections are locally-inspired ‘Maryland’ and ‘Silver Spring’ designs that have been created by artist Lauren Martin (photos below).
Uniqlo opened its first and only other MoCo location in September of 2018 in Pike & Rose. The Downtown Silver Spring location will be taking over the 10,058 SF space at 914 Ellsworth St that was formerly home to Ulta prior to the move to its current location in Downtown Silver Spring.
Uniqlo will offer the brand’s unique guest experience and its lineup of LifeWear clothes for men, women and kids. Fast Retailing Co. has opened over 2,400 Uniqlo stores worldwide since launching its first store in Hiroshima in 1984. “Uniqlo has created apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity, featuring universal designs, supreme fit and comfort to improve the daily lives of its customers.” Featured photo courtesy of Uniqlo
Earlier this year we let you know that Downtown Silver Spring landed two major tenants with Uniqlo (scheduled to open Friday, per Google) and Golds Gym signing on.
Gold’s Gym will be taking over 25,000 SF space that was occupied by Washington Sports Club until Fall 2020. While it was initially expected to open in 2023, a representative from the recently opened Germantown location has let us know that a late 2023/early 2024 opening is now in the cards.
Gold’s Gym will also be opening in a 24,000 square-foot space in nearby Georgetown, that’s scheduled for later this year. The gym recently announced the upcoming closure of its Gaithersburg location.
