what's up the pike: dust storm

- If you enjoyed Kensington Arts Theatre's production of Rent last February (which JUTP positively reviewed), you'll want to check out their take on the musical Violet, a story about race and identity in 1960's-era North Carolina. The show opens tonight at 8pm and runs through Saturday, May 22 in the auditorium of the Kensington Town Hall, located at 3710 Mitchell Street in (duh) Kensington. For more information, and to buy tickets (you'll get a discount if you can prove you live in the town of Kensington), check out their website.

- Capital City Cheesecake finally opens tomorrow at 7071 Carroll Avenue in Old Town Takoma. The new cafe will boast couches for "laptop squatters" and a downstairs space that'll hold cooking classes, not to mention cheesecake.

- And don't forget to check out this week's Fenton Street Market, held in the parking lot at Fenton Street and Silver Spring Avenue. Market creator Hannah McCann sent us this preview of the goings-on, which will include a free workshop on "greening your home" and free chocolate bars as well.

And in other news:

- Reemberto Rodriguez, director of the Silver Spring Regional Services Center, lists his favorite local blogs on his blog, Silver Spring Speaks.

- And Sara at Wheaton Calling offers her take on the proposal to bring Costco to Wheaton Plaza.