Candlelight Concerts (Columbia, 410-715-0034) holds its annual fund-raising gala at The Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts this Saturday, June 8, with a concert by the Elements Quartet, featuring cellist Peter Seidenberg, violist Danielle Farina and violinists Jeffrey Multer and Evan Mirapaul.

Founded just three years ago, the New York-based chamber group has already performed at the Caramoor Festival and the Rutgers Summerfest and has received a grant from the Koussevitzky Foundation to commission the first string quartet from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Del Tredici.

Saturday's gala begins at 6:15 p.m. with an international buffet dinner featuring contributions from 17 caterers and restaurants in Howard County. At 8 p.m. the Elements Quartet will play string quartets by Haydn and Shostakovich, as well as other works. Tickets are $25.

Get set for Jazzfest

Columbia's annual Baltimore-Washington Jazzfest kicks off next Thursday, June 13, with a full-blown case of the blues by Big Jesse Yawn, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Silver Shadows Nightclub. The Jazzfest, a program of the African Art Museum of Maryland, continues June 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. with a concert by the Howard Community College Faculty Jazz Ensemble at the Florence Bain Center and an evening performance by Rumba Club at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center. Then, the power-packed House of Jazz lineup fills Historic Oakland Saturday, June 15, starting at 8 p.m. For a complete schedule and ticket information call 410-730-7105.

Out 'n' around the county

Maryland singer-songwriter Tom Prasada-Rao headlines at the restored Baldwin's Station & Pub (410-795-1041) in nearby Sykesville Wednesday, June 12, at 8 p.m.

Pinfold performs at Mangia's Cafe (Woodstock, 410-461-2900) this Saturday, June 8.

Live 'n' local

Oliver's Carriage House in downtown Columbia holds the final Second Saturday concert of the season this weekend, June 8, featuring two classic rock bands, Klatter and 5 Over 4. The concert starts at 7 p.m. so vintage "classic rockers" can boogie and still get to bed early. Admission (which includes snacks) is $12 general, $7 for teens and free for those under 12. Reservations are required, so call 410-715-0543.

Folksinger-songwriters Ellis Paul and Jaime Byrd perform at Panzer House Concerts (Columbia, 410-531-9233) this Thursday, June 6.