Editor's Pick for the Weekend

On Saturday afternoon in Berwyn Heights, the annual Free the Land Run, Walk, Bike honors Kwanzaa. A family occasion that starts at noon, Run, Walk, Bike is celebrating its fourth year at Lake Artemesia, out of nearly 10 years as an annual commemoration.

In addition to running, walking or biking, Prince Kolani, program coordinator for San Kofa African Temple, welcomes participants to bring lunch and non-alcoholic beverages and eat while enjoying the scenic view by the lake. "What we try to provide is fellowship and a wholesome environment – and have it for a good cause," explained Kolani.

It's a free event, but Kolani said participants may make a donation to San Kofa African Temple, which will go toward a community development project helping schools in African villages as well as young people in the United States. No RSVP is required.

Lake Artemesia is located at Berwyn Rd. & 55th Ave. in Berwyn Heights, MD 20740 

West Coast Swing dance on New Years this Saturday night with Dance Jam's West Coast Big Dance Party in College Park at the Cherry Hill Park Conference Center. It's a high energy social for those versed in West Coast Swing. DJ Dave Moldover and the Dance Jam Crew play a music mix including current hits and classics and an occasional country or ballroom selection for variety.

The party will be held from 8:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Hot hors d'oeuvres and champagne will be served. There's a $12 cover charge that includes refreshments. Full-time undergraduate students with ID get in for half-price. Pay at the door, cash or checks only.

If you don't dance West Coast Swing or are a bit rusty, Dance Jam provides an alternative, offering a progressive weekly class at the Cherry Hill Park Conference Center. Classes start on the first Fridays of most months, beginning in 2011 on Jan. 7th.

Cherry Hill Park's Conference Center is located at 9800 Cherry Hill Road, College Park, MD 20740

Akoma Drummers and The Galt Line are playing on Sunday at a Gala Charity Ball for HandReach in Greenbelt's New Deal Café from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. HandReach suggests wearing something fun or chic and getting ready for some participatory drumming and "serious groove." 

Playing from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m., The Akoma Drummers are an international drum and dance collective whose music ranges from West African Mandingue and Ga to funk and D.C.'s own go-go. Next up from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. is The Galt Line, a rootsy D.C.-based swing duo known for their unique music style with wide-ranging influences that include R&B, Rockabilly, Western Swing, Jump Blues and Gypsy Jazz.

The suggested donation is $10 to $20 with the proceeds going to the HandReach Children's Healing Initiative, which develops resources in medical and rehabilitative care for child trauma survivors in the developing world.

The New Deal Café is located in the Roosevelt Center at 113 Centerway in
Greenbelt, MD 20770