O.R.B. has been rocking Elkridge and the surrounding communities for the past two years. The band consists of Copper Gerus on guitar, Bo Oliver on bass and Owen Gerus on drums and lead vocals. The name of the band O.R.B. comes from the movie, "School of Rock," which the boys have watched many times.

All three band members will attend Elkridge Landing Middle School this upcoming school year. They have generously played fundraisers to benefit the Elkridge Food Pantry, Katrina relief and cystic fibrosis. Their most recent gig, which was a block party on Main Street which paid big dividends, a connection that ultimately led to their upcoming gig I'd like to share with you.

The scenario played out with a neighbor's friend who attended the block party as a guest and just happened to be associated with Artscape, the nation's largest free arts festival, in Baltimore. After the Artscape representative listened and watched O.R.B.'s performance that day, the boys ended up receiving an official invitation to play during Artscape.

The band members, their families and supporters are very excited about this opportunity, and would like to invite everyone to attend.

The Artscape Festival takes place Saturday, July 19 on Mt. Royal Avenue, near Maryland Institute College of Art. The band will perform at 9 p.m. at the University of Baltimore Student Center Performing Arts Theater, 21 W. Mt. Royal Ave.

Please come join O.R.B. as they lay down a mix of hot covers including selections from Rage Against the Machine, AC/DC, Green Day and killer originals.

The Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department's Junior Firefighters will sponsor a "Wacky-Tacky" youth dance for ages 9-15, from 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday, July 19 at the firehouse. Tickets are available at the door only for $8 each. For more information, call 410-761-6633, Option 5.

Barbara Otten, who lives in my neighborhood, told me about a fun adult comedy evening to benefit Special Olympics. Ravens Nest 35 has planned the event for July 25 from 8 p.m. to midnight at Arbutus Town Hall. There will be comedians, a disc jockey, raffles to entertain the crowd and also beer and set-ups for refreshments.

Ticket donation is $25 per person and, of course, you must be over 21 to attend. Sounds like a great night out, so gather a group of friends and call 443-928-3826 or 443-742-9003 to get your tickets.

Elkridge Furnace Inn will host the seventh Bastille Day Wine Tasting Fundraiser benefiting the Johns Hopkins Children's Center Pediatric Trauma team. The event is scheduled for July 25, 7:30-11 p.m., at 5745 Furnace Ave., in Elkridge.

Everyone is invited to enjoy wine, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and live music. Proceeds from this event and the accompanying silent auction will be contributed to the Pediatric Trauma team, which serves as the official pediatric trauma center for Maryland and treats more than 1,000 critically injured children each year.

"This event has special meaning to me. It allows me to give back to the Johns Hopkins Children's Center for all they have done for us," the Weckers said.

The Weckers' youngest son, Cameron, is recovering from a long-term and chronic illness that has taken the life of four brothers and two cousins in prior years.

"Without the Hopkins Team, Cameron would not be with us today," Wecker said.

Cameron Wecker has been a National Representative for the Children's Miracle Network.

Tickets for the Bastille Day Benefit are available by calling the Elkridge Furnace Inn at 410-379-9336 or going to www.elkridgefurnaceinn.com. Tickets are $50 per person with advance purchase and $60 at the door.

Pam Ampagoomian, Amy Colman, Joanne Grabowski and Jane Shilling are all celebrating July birthdays. Enjoy your special day, ladies!

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