Lot’s to do this weekend, rain or shine!
This Weekend:
Thursday, May 7th – First Thursday Concert in West Mt. Vernon Park – 5:30pm – 8:00pm - Free
This concert series is a great time. They host excellent bands and the price can’t be beat. Pack a chair and a picnic or purchase food, beer and wine there. The rules state that no alcohol may be brought in but I’ve seen some loaded picnic baskets. This month opens with Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Matt Duke and the headliner is the New Hampshire-based band Wild Light.
Thursday, May 7th – First Thursday Irish Music and art opening at Dougherty’s Irish Pub – 8pm-11pm – Free
I’ll be heading to Dougherty’s to bang my drum with some of the best Irish musicians in town. There is usually an art opening as well so you can listen to music, drink some free wine and look at art. 223 W. Chase St., (410) 752-4059
Thursday, May 7th – Robert McClintock - Dogs That I Know – Opening Reception – 6pm-9pm
Artist Robert McClintock is celebrating the launch of “DOGS THAT I KNOW, Part 3”, the latest additions to his iconic series on Charm City canines, with a reception at his Fells Point gallery on May 7, to benefit Recycled Love, a non-profit animal rescue organization based in Baltimore. A private media preview will be held from 4pm-6pm. The general public is invited from 6pm-9pm.The evening will feature art, food and entertainment for all, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Recycled Love, a grassroots organization dedicated to the belief that all animals deserve a second chance. Robert McClintock adores dogs and finds them to be the funniest creatures around. “They have one mission in life which is to make humans smile, ” he says. “All they ask in return is to be loved.” One of McClintock’s most treasured portraits featured at the show is of “Jasmine,” a pup rescued from convicted dogfighter Michael Vick and now living safely with her adopted family in Baltimore. http://robertmcclintock.com/the-dogs-that-i-know-show-v3/
Friday, May 8th – Live music with Charlie Bezilla – Meridian 54 – 8:30pm-12:30am – Free
Charlie is returning to Meridian 54 this Friday. If you are around, come listen to some great music, enjoy a bite to eat and stay warm and dry. www.charliebezilla.com
Friday, May 8th – Sunday, May 10th – Maryland Film Festival - $10
It’s raining out so maybe this might be a good time to think about watching movies. Many of the shows are at the Charles Theater. http://www.md-filmfest.com/information.cfm
Saturday, May 9th – WTMD Stand By Your Band Concert – Recher Theater (Towson) - $15 for 2 tickets – 6:30pm – 12:30am
Pledge a little money to support a great radio station and get two tickets to see some amazing music. Your pledge ($15 minimum) secures a pair of tickets to our exclusive Baltimore Band Block Party at the Recher Theatre on Saturday, May 9th, featuring performances by: 3fifths, Ellen Cherry, E. Joseph and the Phantom Heart, Eureka Birds, Fools & Horses, Ms. Sara & The Help, Bob Sima, and Victoria Vox.
Saturday, May 9th – Squidfire Art Mart – Mt. Vernon – 11am –6pm
Join over 50 of the best local and regional crafters and artists as they display their handmade wares in the most beautiful park in the city. The event goes on rain or shine. http://www.squidfire.com/spring-art-mart-squidfire.cfm
Mt. Vernon Square (Between Charles and Cathedral Streets) Baltimore, MD 21201 Click here for map
Sunday, May 10th - Historic Arabbers Sunday Market - Legends Park, Baltimore – 9am – 3pm – Free
Offerings include local fruits and veggies, plants, herbs and spices, and flowers along with an international food court, pony rides, arts and crafts, and local gospel groups taking you higher. Bring your own feedbag. Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm at the newly renovated Legends Park - located just opposite The Avenue Market at Fremont Avenue and Laurens Street.
Ongoing:
Through May 17th - A Circus Family: Picasso to Léger - BMA - $8
This high-flying exhibition shows daring feats, exotic acts, and colorful circus characters through the eyes of some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. More than 80 paintings, prints, drawings, and books by Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Fernand Léger, and other European artists reveal their fascination with the extravagant spectacle of the circus and the bohemian lives of the performers outside the ring. http://www.artbma.org/exhibitions/special/circus.html
Through June 28th – Baker Artist Awards – BMA – Free
Baker Artist Awards 2009
April 29 - June 28, 2009
Free exhibition The BMA celebrates the Baker Artist Awards with an exhibition of the inaugural winners in the West Wing for Contemporary Art. The competition attracted 656 Baltimore-area artists whose work was submitted online at www.bakerartistawards.org. The three $25,000 Mary Sawyers Baker Prizes were selected by a jury and the seven $1,000 Baltimore’s Choice Prize winners were selected from among 8,500 votes cast by people from 118 countries. Click on the artist’s name below to see their work. http://www.artbma.org/exhibitions/special/2009%2Dbaker.html
Through November 8th - Mummified – The Walters Art Museum - Free
Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ends November 
Free The Walters Art Museum - See the results of a mummy autopsy—actually, a virtual autopsy, also known as a CT scan. Learn more about the ‘autopsy’ and mummification at this exhibition. http://thewalters.org/eventscalendar/eventdetails.aspx?e=1068
Upcoming:
Friday, May 15th – Black Eyed Susan – Pimlico – 10am
In the past, some of us have played hooky to spend this day at the track. Lots of fun and WAY less crowded than Preakness. From their website: One of Pimlico’s oldest stakes races, the Black-Eyed Susan was first run at Pimlico in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks. The name was changed in 1952 to compliment the Preakness and to acknowledge the Maryland state flower. The mile and one-eighth test for three-year-old fillies is traditionally run the Friday before the Preakness. The race was first graded in 1973 and has been a Grade II event since 1976. www.preakness.com
Saturday, May 16th – Preakness - $ (depends on where you sit)
The Preakness is the second jewel in the coveted Triple Crown. www.preakness.com and there are also some other events at http://www.preaknesscelebration.com/
Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17- Wine in the Woods – Symphony Woods, Columbia –12pm-6pm - $25
Bring a picnic, lawn chairs and a blanket and enjoy a day of wine and music. Get there early to beat the lines. Taste a few and then pick up a bottle or two and relax.
http://www.wineinthewoods.com/
Sunday, May 17th – Crush, A Taste of Fells Point –Thames Street Park – 1pm-6pm -$25
Help defeat breast cancer and enjoy a lively afternoon of music, wine, beer, food, children’s games and activities. Signature dishes from many of your favorite Fells Point restaurants including Ale Mary’s, Alexander’s Tavern, Brick Oven Pizza, Kooper’s Tavern, Max’s on Broadway, Meli, Miss Irene’s, One-Eyed Mike’s, Pierpoint, Red Star Bar and Grill, Slainte Irish Pub, Todd Conner’s, Woody’s Rum Bar and more! Live music from Captain Jack, Jeff Coulson and Sara O’Brien. Special appearance by Luloo and The Honeybabes.
Tickets: $25 in advance
$30 after May 1
Free for children under 12
Purchase tickets at 2910 on the Square in Canton, The Healing Path in Federal Hill, Su Casa in Fells Point or purchase online here http://www.breastfest.org/baltimore/events.htm
Get your tickets now! Upcoming Baltimore Events and Festivals
UPCOMING:
If you are interested in these events, I suggest getting your tickets now.
Saturday, April 4th - Beer, Bourbon & BBQ - Maryland State Fairgrounds - $30 advance / $35 door - 2pm-6pm
I’ve been to this a couple of times and there is a huge variety to taste. They’ve expanded their area under the grandstands and have added more bar areas to minimize the wait. VIP tickets have sold out and advance ticket sales end at noon on April 1st. www.beerandbourbon.com
Saturday, April 25th - City Paper’s 13th Annual Brew Fest - Fells Point - $30
This is always a great event. Get your tickets early and get there early. They always sell out and the line can get crazy, if you are a slow starter. 50+ beers and live music. www.missiontix.com
Saturday, April 25th - The MD Hunt Cup – Gates 11:00am Post Time 4:00pm - $35 per car General / $100 per car Patron (either one must be purchased in advance)
Located up in Hunt Valley (Shawan/Falls Rd) Tailgate all day and then enjoy the horse race.
In 1922, Worthington Valley became the permanent home of the four mile, twenty-two fence racecourse. Since then, the size and spectacle of the race has grown as fans bring their friends and families for an afternoon of tailgating and picnicking on the hill than overlooks the racecourse. Join the crowd of spectators as they stand on the same hill that their grandfathers did and watch as the top equine athletes compete for the Maryland Hunt Cup. http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/main/mhc/datetim
Spring is here and it’s time to start planning your camping trips!
Hi everyone, this weather lately has been great. I love it when it is sunny but there is still a slight chill in the air. I also
Warm by the Fire in Thurmont, MD
think this is perfect camping weather. The bugs aren’t out yet, you can hike without baking and you appreciate the campfire in the evening.
There are lots of beautiful spots close to Baltimore. The state parks around Thurmont, MD are close and offer some great hiking and camping opportunities. Check out Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/ to see info on all the camping locations through out the state.
If you are up for a little more travel time I highly recommend taking the trip out to Green Ridge State Forest in Western Maryland. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Baltimore. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/greenridge.asp
When making your camping plans here is a good description of the different types of camping that are available.
Backpacking: Name says it all. You carry all your stuff on your back, while you hike through the woods. No showers and you take care of personal needs in the woods by digging a hole. But, the trail generally isn’t crowded and you are as close to nature as possible. Small groups of less than 6 people. Advance planning but generally no reservations needed.
Primitive Car Camping: You drive to your campsite so you can bring coolers of beer and anything else that will fit in your car. Campsites are marked but usually only have a table and a fire pit. Upside: Beer, Campsites are far apart and large so you have privacy and all your friends can come. Downside: You still have to shit in the woods and you get your shower when you get home. Large groups are possible and you generally pick your site on arrival. Planning can be more spur of the moment. Sites year round.
Luxury Car Camping: You drive to your RESERVED campsite. You can bring coolers of beer. Campsites are small and close together and have a table, fire pit and maybe even electric. You have to make advanced reservations and they are more expensive but you get a hot shower, a flush toilet and a ready water supply. Downside: Everyone can see your business and you have to be quiet. Large groups are possible but you have to break down into smaller campsites. Reservations must be made in advance so planning is key. Sites usually open after Memorial Day.
Go out and get some nature it’s a great cure to stress and will help you forget all the negativity that is swirling around these days.
Get your calender out, lots to do in and around Charm City
Hello everyone,
Spring has sprung and the events are starting to pile up on top of each other. There is no way to do everything on this list and this list is already a condensed version of what is going on in our lovely Baltimore. Still, if you have an event you would like to list, please send them along and I will include them. I particularly like the small local events that might not make it into the pages of City Paper or the other event listings out there.
Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, April 2nd - “THE LIBATION LOUNGE” @ the GIN MILL – 7pm - 2am
The Gin Mill has been featuring old school cocktails and the food I’ve had has been really good. This Thursday they are offering free samples of their cocktails and new food items. From their website: The menu on this evening will consist of classic cocktails ranging from the late 1800’s to modern day libations. From the Ward 8 to the Remington we are presenting a total of eight cocktails bi weekly, which will have a broad range of style and taste. The mood will be set to a 1940’s theme, no flat screens, no rock, just hand crafted drinks and conversation.
Friday, April 3rd – Vinylmore 2: Tiny Town – Atomic Books Hampden – 8pm
Friday, April 3rd –The Big Waltz: First Fridays At The Walters Art Museum - 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM – Free
From their website: First Fridays at the Walters is the place to delight the senses and entertain the soul! Join us as we focus on the Walters’ 19th-century art collection with music, cocktails and live performances. Cash bar featuring “The Strictly Ballroom,” live waltz performances and lessons with the Towson Dance Studio, and live music by Peabody Conservatory musicians.
Please enter at the Charles Street entrance. http://thewalters.org/eventscalendar/eventdetails.aspx?e=1190
Saturday, April 4th – Orioles FanFest – Camden Yards – 10:30am – 3:30pm - $10
Get a sneak peek at this season’s team with an open workout, autograph sessions, and question and answer sessions.http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/bal/fan_forum/fanfest.jsp
Saturday, April 4th - Beer, Bourbon & BBQ - Maryland State Fairgrounds - $30 advance / $35 door - 2pm-6pm
I’ve been to this a couple of times and there is a huge variety to taste. VIP tickets have sold out and advance ticket sales end at noon on April 1st. www.beerandbourbon.com
Sunday, April 5th – Woody’s Rum Bar Sunset Sunday Party – 11am -?
Located above Slainte, Woody’s has a great view of the harbor and some kicking rum drinks. They are open Saturday and Sunday with featured food and drink specials as well as live music. They haven’t posted a start time for the music. www.woodysrumbar.com
Sundays, April 5, 19, 26 – Boordy Vinyards – Red, Whites & Bluegrass –1:00pm-5:00pm - $12 (there may be an additional charge for a tasting glass)
The Boordy Vineyard is beautiful and I’ve been to one of their other events and it was worth the trip. I’ve seen people bring in an entire picnic but double check with the winery before loading your car with a weeks worth of groceries. From their website: Celebrate the release of the fabulous vintage of 2007 red wines & 2008 whites wines while listening to the best bluegrass bands in the region. Traditional foods available for purchase.
Live Music
Sunday April 5 - Jericho Bridge
Sunday April 19 - Jackass Flats Bluegrass Band
Sunday April 26 – Smooth Kentucky Band
http://www.boordy.com/main.html
UPCOMING:
If you are interested in these events, I suggest getting your tickets now.
Saturday, April 18th – Maryland Grand National – Gates 12:00pm – Post 3:15pm $20-$225 (per passenger car – advanced purchase required)
Begun in 1898 by several young men who wanted to compete, but were too young to enter in the Maryland Hunt Cup, the Grand National Steeplechase became a standard in Maryland Timber Racing. The two races are often compared, and do share many similarities. But if the Hunt Cup is the most demanding timber race, the Grand National is the most demanding three-mile timber race—a critical difference, as the shorter distance means racing faster over eighteen unyielding obstacles. Since the race moved to the current course in 1946, there have been sixteen horses to win both races, but there have been fifteen Hunt Cup winners to start the Grand National and never win. The Grand National Steeplechase is a truly unique race with its own distinct set of challenges. http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/main/mgn/datetime.htm
Saturday, April 25th - City Paper’s 13th Annual Brew Fest - Fells Point - $30
This is always a great event. Get your tickets early and get there early. They always sell out and the line can get crazy, if you are a slow starter. 50+ beers and live music.
Saturday, April 25th - The MD Hunt Cup – Gates 11:00am Post Time 4:00pm - $35 per car General / $100 per car Patron (either one must be purchased in advance)
Located up in Hunt Valley (Shawan/Falls Rd) Tailgate all day and then enjoy the horse race.
In 1922, Worthington Valley became the permanent home of the four mile, twenty-two fence racecourse. Since then, the size and spectacle of the race has grown as fans bring their friends and families for an afternoon of tailgating and picnicking on the hill than overlooks the racecourse. Join the crowd of spectators as they stand on the same hill that their grandfathers did and watch as the top equine athletes compete for the Maryland Hunt Cup.
http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/main/mhc/datetime.htm
Saturday, May 2nd – Kinetic Sculpture Race – American Visionary Art Museum – Free
This wacky race involves human-powered machines designed to travel on land, mud and in the harbor. Kinetinauts compete for the coveted Mediocre Award (finishing right smack in the middle) and Next-to-the-Last Award. Get out and cheer for your favorite contraption. http://www.kineticbaltimore.com/
Saturday, May 2nd – Sunday, May 3rd – Maryland Beer and Food Fest – Ripken Stadium – 11am-5pm - $20
I’ve never been to this beer festival but the site is claiming over 150 different beers, wines and spirits to taste. http://www.mdbeerfoodfest.com/
Friday, May 15th – Black Eyed Susan – Pimlico – 10am
In the past some of us have played hooky to spend this day at the track. Lots of fun and WAY less crowded than Preakness.
From their website: One of Pimlico’s oldest stakes races, the Black-Eyed Susan was first run at Pimlico in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks. The name was changed in 1952 to compliment the Preakness and to acknowledge the Maryland state flower. The mile and one-eighth test for three-year-old fillies is traditionally run the Friday before the Preakness. The race was first graded in 1973 and has been a Grade II event since 1976. www.preakness.com
Saturday, May 16th – Preakness - $ (depends on where you sit)
The second jewel in the coveted Triple Crown. www.preakness.com and there are also some other events at http://www.preaknesscelebration.com/
Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17- Wine in the Woods – Symphony Woods, Columbia –12pm-6pm - $25
Bring a picnic, lawn chairs and a blanket and enjoy a day of wine and music. Get there early to beat the lines. Taste a few and then pick up a bottle or two and relax.
