This time of year, Jen Marsh knows exactly how to get into the Christmas spirit. She pulls out her ornaments, props up her tree, and, most importantly, puts Die Hard on her television.

“I mean, who doesn’t love Hans Gruber?” says Marsh emphatically of the over-the-top action-film’s villain, played by the late, great Alan Rickman—and foil to Bruce Willis’ hunky-cop protagonist, John McClane. “I get a little swoony when he comes on screen. Like, be still my heart! He’s so intelligent and self-assured. I like the bad boys, too, you know?”

For Marsh and her neighbor Heather Keating, nothing says holidays like a screening of this 1988 cult-classic, and the Patterson Park residents are ready to host their wildly popular Die Hard Interactive Movie Night at the Creative Alliance on Dec. 6, now in its sixth year and always a sell-out.

“It’s so fun, so silly, just total nonsense,” says Keating, former marketing director at the Eastern Avenue arts center. It’s what they describe as “Rocky Horror meets Mystery Science Theater 3000,” with the duo incorporating improv comedy, costume contests, trivia, and props, like water guns that attendees are encouraged to spray.

“We tell people from the very beginning, if you’re here to watch like a normal person, this is not the movie for you,” says Marsh.

Today, the co-hosts are besties, but their friendship actually began as a business proposition, when Marsh, then the publisher at City Paper, suggested a joint film series with the Creative Alliance. A decade ago, Interactive Movie Nights debuted with The Royal Tenenbaums. Only about a dozen people showed up, but those that did were all-in, with a few even dressed in costume, by their own accord. Wet Hot American Summer, The Goonies, and The Princess Bride followed, with the audiences—and production values—getting bigger and better every year. And as requests started rolling in, one particular picture kept coming up time and time again.

“So we did Die Hard, then we did it again, and we did it again,” says Marsh. “I say give the people what they want.”

“And now we have diehards—oh my god, look at that, diehards!” exclaims Keating, “who come back year after year.”

For them, Interactive Movie Nights showcase the magic of their beloved Creative Alliance, where visitors can experience art and connect with community in unexpected ways. They’re especially proud of their recent Jaws screening, coinciding with ultramarathon swimmer Katie Pumphrey’s water-themed art exhibition, and their recurring Death Becomes Her showing, featuring performances by local drag queens Betty O’Hellno and Fulla Regrets.

“There is nothing more delicious than looking out over the crowd when something crazy is happening on screen and seeing everyone just going berserk,” says Marsh.

“It’s become more than a job for us,” says Keating. “With so much insanity in the world, the fact that we can provide this space for levity, to laugh and let loose, it feels good—it feels important.”

This year, Die Hard will swing into the venue’s Patterson Theater on Dec. 6. Still, is it really a Christmas movie? Sure, it takes place on Christmas Eve, during a Christmas party, with plenty of carols. But it was initially released in July and takes place in Los Angeles, with not a flake of snow in sight.

“There’s not really anything super Christmasy about it,” says Marsh, before adding matter-of-factly, “but it’s definitely a Christmas movie.”

Looking at Gregory Smith’s resumé, it’s like he was destined for the Creative Alliance. An artist himself, with over 20 years of experience in arts education, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership, the North Carolina native arrived in January from Minneapolis-St. Paul, where he worked at Minnesota Public Radio and the Fitzgerald Theater, to become the third-ever executive director of the beloved Highlandtown arts organization. We talk with Smith about the power of the arts and its potential for effecting change.

Where did your love of art begin?
I really made the connection in first or second grade. Every class had to do a presentation before the school. We rehearsed, got up on stage, said our little lines, and at the end, I’m like okay, we’re done. Then I heard [claps]. I was like, wait a minute, that feels kind of good! The rehearsal process, working with the teacher, the applause—I liked all of it. I was also very fortunate to have teachers who incorporated art into learning. Science, math, history. We were always encouraged to bring creativity into the mix. It allowed me to realize that I was a creative being. And then I remember one Saturday, on PBS, I saw Edward Villella perform a solo. I did not know that men could do that. He ate space in how he danced. It’s important for young people to see what’s possible.

Those are strong intersections between art and education.
It is so important for people to see great art, to participate in the arts, and also be able to talk about it. It goes back to this idea of utilizing the arts as a tool. My career has also been about utilizing the arts as a means of addressing social justice. Because the arts are a safe space to explore challenging conversations. They have always been a mirror to society and asked us to challenge the status quo.

How did you transition into being an educator?
Teaching has always been a part of who I am. My mom was a teacher. My grandmother was a teacher. I love teaching because it helps people realize we’re all creative beings, and helps people make discoveries not only about the medium we’re working with but also about themselves.

What enticed you about the Creative Alliance?
I discovered this quirky left-of-center organization that had a heart and felt a deep sense of responsibility to the community, and that really attracted me. I love that [co-founder] Margaret [Footner] was really intentional about it being a voice for local artists who maybe hadn’t been given an opportunity.

What are you working on now?
My goal is to try to meet people and explore the neighborhoods and see how they all connect. I’m excited to understand: Who are Baltimoreans, and what makes them tick? I also love crab cakes, so I’m on the quest to find the best crab cake in town.

In July, a colorful shovel, decorated in purple, teal, and gold, hit the dirt at the empty lot across from Highlandtown’s Creative Alliance. It was a long time coming. The beloved arts nonprofit bought the building that used to be on the southwest corner of Eastern Avenue and South East Avenue six years ago, then razed the former bar.

Now, work is finally beginning on what will become the Creativity Center, a new Creative Alliance space that will expand both the organization’s footprint and community impact.

The center, which is slated to open in the fall of 2022, will include a number of new spaces and opportunities for cultural learning. A 1,000-square-foot professional dance studio, professional teaching kitchen, and several new classrooms will give all ages access to expanded resources, in addition to the classes, performances, and exhibitions available across the street in the Patterson Theater building.

“That’s going to be the great thing about the Creativity Center—just the facilities for more cross-disciplinary learning,” says Margaret Footner, founding executive director of Creative Alliance, now in its 27th year. “We work with our neighborhood artists and leaders to develop and produce community events. That’s really been a big part of what we see as the future of the Creativity Center, having more space for those projects and for the community to make some things happen.”

Renderings from project architects Quinn Evans envision an airy, welcoming space full of large windows, with passersby able to see all the action inside from the street. With the Creativity Center on one side of Eastern Avenue and Creative Alliance on the other, the buildings will act as a sort of gateway to the cultural heart of Highlandtown and give both residents and visitors ample opportunities to experience the varied traditions and arts practices that can be found throughout the neighborhood.

“There’s just a ton of vibrancy,” says Footner. “The arts have been an important part of the redevelopment of Southeast Baltimore in terms of evolving as a really multicultural and diverse neighborhood. And that’s been done with intention by all the community groups.”

“OUR MISSION IS ABOUT BRIDGING DIFFERENCES. . . BROADENING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS.”

While the organization hoped to have the Creativity Center up and running this fall, like most things, its plans were thrown off course by the pandemic. But, as one might expect from a group with “creative” in their name, organizers used the time to plan and develop new ways to reach the community virtually. And lessons learned over the past year will help inform their accessibility moving forward.

“It gave the staff some time to really think more about our own programming,” says Footner. “During the pandemic, we changed to more online programming, and I think there’s going to be carry-over from that in terms of opportunities for online education and experiences. Our mission is about bridging differences, generating community, and broadening community through the arts. That online reach will be really interesting in the future.”

Whether experienced through hands-on learning or streamed performances, the Creativity Center will give visitors the chance to enjoy an expanded range of arts opportunities, such as African dance, embroidery, batik, costume design, puppetry, storytelling, and vocal lessons. The professional kitchen will also make the center the perfect place to host community dinners and bring neighbors together to share their culinary traditions.

“It’s so important, with globalization and the amount of movement and immigration and social change the world is in, that we have organizations like the Creative Alliance that are intentionally working to connect different kinds of people to build understanding,” Footner says. “The arts are a great way to do that.”

EAT

Aug. 8: Tianquiztli

Creative Alliance. 3134 Eastern Ave. 12-3 p.m. Free.

Celebrate the flavors and traditions of Latin America at this outdoor market in the lot across the street from the Creative Alliance in Highlandtown. For its first installment, Tianquiztly—which means marketplace in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs—will focus on maize (corn), a staple in Latin American cuisine. Upper Fells Point neighbors Cocina Luchadoras will be on site serving their handmade tortillas and other recipes featuring corn, while local artists showcase works available for purchase and musicians David Vass and Jorge Gutierrez provide the live soundtrack for the afternoon.

DRINK

Aug. 8: 8 Years of Magic with Union Craft Brewing

Facebook Live. 8 p.m. Free.

Magical is one way to sum up Union Craft Brewing’s eight years since debuting in Hampden. Though the team is unable to throw a traditional birthday blowout in the taproom this year, they’re still celebrating via Facebook Live. DJ James Nasty will be providing the music, and UCB’s brew crew will be hosting a talk show to kick off the party on Saturday night. To keep the celebrations going, Union will release three new beers over the next few weeks and bring back its beloved Double Duckpin DIPA. Plus, loyalists can show their support by grabbing one of Union’s special anniversary boxes that include two of each of the new beers, as well as an eighth-anniversary pint glass and a commemorative Magic 8 Ball.

SEE

Aug. 7-9: National Anthem at the Baltimore Museum of Art

Baltimore Museum of Art. 10 Art Museum Dr. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.. Free.

The BMA’s team knows how much visitors miss strolling through their vast galleries and gazing at their renowned collections, so this week, they are launching new outdoor programming for enthusiasts to enjoy. Premiering in the Latrobe Spring House, Kota Ezawa’s National Anthem is a single-channel animated video that draws inspiration from football players like Colin Kaepernick who took a knee, raised fists, or locked arms during the National Anthem to call attention to racial inequality and police brutality. After watching the powerful video, you can explore the grounds, visit the Sculpture Gardens, and learn about the exterior art with BMA’s Go Mobile audio tour.

HEAR

Aug. 8: WTMD’s Pirate Radio Concert

Multiple locations including Canton Waterfront Park. 6-8 p.m. Free.

While COVID-19 may have forced WTMD to batten down the hatches and cancel its famous First Thursdays concert series, the Towson radio station has not deserted its duty to bring free live music to Charm City. This weekend, WTMD organizers, along with Rufus Roundtree and Da Bmore Brass Factory, are boarding Urban Pirates’ flagship vessel to debut their floating concert. The band will be cruising through Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, and Locust Point while playing their funky, jazzy tunes for locals to enjoy safely on shore or aboard their own boat.

DO

Aug. 9: Second Saturdays in Old Ellicott City

Old Ellicott City. 8321 Main Street. 10 a.m-8 p.m. Free.

Spend your Saturday strolling down Main Street in Ellicott City to shop ‘til you drop. More than thirty boutiques—including Poppy and Stella, Sweet Elizabeth Jane, and Reclaimed By You—will be offering sales all day so you can snag a pair of new shoes, a fresh outfit, and even some art to bedeck your bare walls. Main Street will also be hosting outdoor dining, live music, and creative fitness classes to help neighbors make the most of their weekends.

EAT

Aug. 1-9: Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week

Multiple locations including The Land of Kush. 840 N Eutaw St. 12-3 p.m.

On the heels of Baltimore Restaurant Week, Maryland Vegan Eats is bringing back its vegan version of the dining-out promotion, which encourages our favorite restaurants to promote healthier menus with plant-based food options. To celebrate the start of the week—which will host events and specials from participating spots like Golden West Cafe, Larder, Gangster Vegan Organics, and Great Sage—one of Charm City’s premier vegan restaurants, The Land of Kush, will be hosting a pop-up with The Bakers Nasir, Friend of Vegans on August 1 from 12-3 p.m. Stop by the restaurant to sample homemade dairy-free desserts such as bread pudding, banana bread, and bean pies.

DRINK

Aug. 1-2: Guinness’ Second Anniversary Weekend

Guinness Open Gate Brewery. 5001 Washington Blvd. 11 a.m-10 p.m. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

As crazy as it seems, Guinness Open Gate Brewery is already turning two in August. And the team at the Halethorpe facility is pulling out all of the stops to celebrate right—starting with two new beer releases. An homage to one of Baltimore’s favorite summer treats, the 2nd Anniversary Lemon Peppermint Stick Golden Ale is a mix of a kettle sour and a golden ale that has been aged in bourbon barrels and finished with lemon and mint. (To sweeten the deal, all guests who purchase a six-pack of the new beer will receive a private Zoom code to join a guided tasting on August 13.) The commemorative 2nd Anniversary Honey Pale Ale—made with local honey from Apex Beer Company and barley from Maryland’s Dark Cloud Malthouse—is also set to debut this weekend, and District Donuts will be on hand with flavors inspired by the beer releases. Find a spot on the spacious outdoor lawn, which is currently open with significant social distancing precautions, to raise a glass to the brewery’s the big birthday.

SEE

Aug. 2: Phoenix Art Yard Art Market

1320 Bayard Street. 12-6 p.m. Free.

While we are used to shopping for fresh produce and flowers at our favorite open-air markets, this weekend, switch things up with a visit to the Phoenix Art Yard. The new Sunday event hosts local artists, live music, and food vendors in Pigtown. Spend your Sunday browsing one-of-a-kind works from makers while engaging with the community from a safe distance. Organizers are still accepting vendor applications, so if you’ve got some art of your own that you want to share with the city, head to their Facebook page to get in on the action.

HEAR

Aug. 1: Super City Virtual Front Row

Creative Alliance Streaming Portal. 8- 9:15 p.m. $5-15.

Creative Alliance is ready to launch its new streaming portal, and what better way to celebrate than with a virtual concert? Indie quintet Super City will be taking the Patterson Theater stage to broadcast their old-school showmanship live for you to enjoy in the comfort of your homes. A portion of the proceeds from the concert will benefit the Equal Justice Initiative, which works to stop mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial inequality. Super City’s heavy, guitar-driven pop music and danceability combined with Creative Alliance’s HD stream will make you forget you aren’t dancing along in the front row.

DO

Aug. 1-2: Drive Thru Peach and Blackberry Festival at Weber’s

Weber’s Cider Mill Farm. 2526 Proctor Lane. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

Summer is the best time to snap up your favorite freshly-picked fruit, and Weber’s Cider Mill Farm won’t let COVID-19 stop them from serving up their juicy, sweet peaches and blackberries. The Parkville farm will be hosting a drive-thru festival so you and your family can safely get your hands on their sweet treats, including a peach-and-blackberry sundae, peach slush, peach creamsicle, and their famous cider donuts. You can even call ahead for curbside pick-up.

On March 16, the Creative Alliance marquee signaled changes afoot for the Baltimore arts community. Instead of its usual lineup of jazz concerts, burlesque acts, comedy nights, and film festivals, the square black letters simply read: “Wash your hands! Support local artists! Fly a kite!”

Like other arts spaces across the city and state, the Highlandtown institution, known for its eclectic, diverse events and exhibits over the last 25 years, had closed its doors due to the arrival of coronavirus. “What used to be this vibrant place was suddenly so quiet,” says communications director Heather Keating.

What’s a venue to do when it can no longer host crowds inside its gallery or theater? Almost immediately, they had their answer: Move outside—and online—but it didn’t come without soul-searching.

“The truth is, it’s been hard,” says performance director Josh Kohn. “We’ve had two decades to figure out how to create these beautiful moments on a stage with great sound and wonderful lights and suddenly that didn’t exist anymore. But we’ve been moved by the way Baltimore has come through with energy, love, and financial support. It encourages us to keep going.”

Aimed at keeping audiences engaged and artists employed, outside-the-box offerings were quickly rolled out, like a Sidewalk Serenades outdoor concert series, followed by weekly drag storytimes on Facebook Live, weekend quarantine dance parties on Zoom, monthly CSA-like art deliveries, and an ongoing neighborhood window gallery.

“What we’ve really learned from this experience is that adaptation is creativity,” says executive director Gina Caruso.

As Maryland slowly reopened in late May, Creative Alliance was in the stage of thinking about what meaningful programming might look like after COVID-19. In the months ahead, they’re investing in streaming technology, weighing options for limited audiences, and still coming up with new ideas every week.

“We’re having a lot of conversations about what it means to reopen as an arts organization,” says Kohn. “How can we fit our creative vision into these new paradigms that are ever-shifting? This new world, as limiting as it has been, is also super freeing.”

EAT

June 27: SoBeachy Haitian Cuisine Indoor Reopening and Customer Appreciation Day

Cross Street Market. 1065 S Charles St. 4-8 p.m.

As Cross Street Market in Federal Hill reopens its doors with social distancing measures, veteran vendor SoBeachy Haitian Cuisine is saying thank you to customers for sticking by them throughout the pandemic. Husband-and-wife owners Leo and Chanel Fleurimond are offering 10 percent-off of all orders this Saturday from 4-8 p.m. Go and get your fill of authentic Haitian recipes such as pineapple-glazed vegetables, marinated chicken, smoked turkey sausage, and fried whole red snapper, and then wash it all down with a signature island cocktail mixed with fresh juice. Customers are encouraged to place orders in advance via email.

DRINK

June 26-28: Urban Axes Reopening

1 North Haven St. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

As if axe-throwing isn’t fun enough, Urban Axes in Highlandtown allows you to fine-tune your bullseye skills while enjoying a cold one. As of this weekend, the neighborhood watering hole and sports venue is back open for business at 25-percent capacity. Head to the Urban Axes website to book open throwing, league practice, and small group sessions, and kick the weekend off with some friendly competition while downing your choice of canned wine, beer, or hard cider from the bar.

SEE

June 27: Baltimore Drag Awards

Zoom. 8-11 p.m.

Although most Charm City theaters remained closed due to COVID-19, Creative Alliance knows the show must go on(line). This year’s Baltimore Drag Awards will take place over Zoom, but the streaming show will still bring the party with special guest performances and a virtual cocktail hour. Join hosts Brooklyn Heights and Betty O’Hellno in celebrating the wide range of talented performers within the local drag scene. The theme for this year’s event—known as the drag equivalent of the Academy Awards—is florals, so be sure to break out the spring/summer attire.

HEAR

June 28: Sunday Sounds in the Park with Quinton Randall

Union Square. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Free.

Break out your lawn chairs and head to Southwest Baltimore this weekend to hear acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist Quinton Randall kick off this summer concert series at Union Square Park—an ideal social-distancing spot that spans two-and-a-half acres. Neighbors are invited to bring their favorite picnic snacks and beverages of choice to enjoy while listening to the rockstar sounds of Mr. Baltimore Blues himself. The Sunday-afternoon series will continue all summer long and feature some of Charm City’s best artists.

DO

June 27: Maryland Zoo Reopening

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. 1 Safari Place. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

After months of being temporarily closed, the Maryland Zoo is finally ready to reopen its gates to the public—and, yes, the animals have missed you just as much as you’ve missed them. The zoo staff is prepared to keep patrons safe with timed entry reservations and one-way traffic pathways. Grab the little ones and travel to Safari Place to spend your weekend visiting your favorite furry friends.

EAT

With Love Co. Reopening

8705 Harford Rd. 12:30-6 p.m. 410-665-1978

After two months of being closed due to COVID-19, this plant-based and gluten-conscious hangout—which became an instant favorite among neighbors in Parkville when it debuted last summer—officially reopened on Thursday, June 4. Though all orders are being served via curbside pickup for the time being, the eatery’s mission—summarized in a hand-painted wall mural that reads, “Everything begins and ends with love”—remains the same. Call ahead this weekend to pre-order cold-pressed juices, lentil burgers with a side of deviled avocado, raw lasagna, classic açai bowls, and more.

DRINK

Union Craft Brewing Cauldron to Kettle Release

1700 W. 41st St. $12

This weekend, Union is releasing a beer dedicated to the brilliant, talented, and hardworking women in the brewing industry. As its name signifies, the French-style saison celebrates the history of female brewers dating back to the 15th century, and how they have revolutionized the process throughout the years. Now available in 12-oz. six packs for delivery and dockside pickup, the rustic farmhouse ale highlights hints of lychee, pear, and delicate spice.

SEE

June 5: “Let’s Talk About Race” with Nic Stone and D. Watkins

8 p.m. Instagram Live.

Among the many discussions, texts, documentaries, and other educational resources circulating in the wake of George Floyd’s death is this Instagram Live series with New York Times best-selling young adult author Nic Stone. Rounding out her nightly discussions this week is an installment featuring our own best-selling author, activist, and University of Baltimore professor D. Watkins. Tune in as the two engage in a solution-based conversation about racial injustice.

HEAR

June 6: Sidewalk Serenades with Al Rogers Jr.

Times and locations vary. $75.

Creative Alliance’s socially distanced sidewalk concerts continue this weekend with special guest rapper, singer, songwriter, and all around must-see performer Al Rogers Jr., who will be roving around with trumpeter Brandon Woody and drummer Josh Stokes. Only a few time slots remain for you to bring a bit of “Swooz,” (Rogers’ signature mantra defined as expressing compassion, love, and gratitude), straight to your front door. Learn more about Rogers and listen to some of his essential tracks, here.

DO

June 6: Crawltimore: Virtual Donut Bike Crawl

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $25.

Every year around National Donut Day, Nikolas Hill organizes this eight-and-a-half mile bike ride with planned stops at multiple donut shops around the city, in which riders learn about the owners and taste the treats. Like many other beloved events, the crawl has gone virtual due to the coronavirus. So instead of biking as a pack this year, Hill is encouraging riders to grab a dozen from their favorite shops and settle in for an Instagram Live conversation with Michelle Diggs of Blondie’s Doughnuts, Mike Roslan of Diablo Doughnuts, Melanie Molinaro of Little Fig Bakeshop, and Doug Wetzel of Donut Stop Believin’, who will all talk about their love of the sugary circles. All proceeds from the virtual discussion will be shared by the donut purveyors and donated to the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute for Pediatric Ophthalmology research.

Leave it to the Creative Alliance to use these strange times to get, well, creative.

For more than 20 years, the local arts organization and venue has been a hub for artistic performances of every stripe, with its Highlandtown stage host to a diverse medley of talent from Baltimore and beyond. That is until the end of last week, when its Patterson Theater went dark as social distancing measures were put into place across the city and country, first barring groups of more than 250, followed shortly after by those of more than 50, and now 10. These restrictions had an immediate impact on artistic communities, many of which have long made their living by performing in front of crowds.

But in an effort to support local musicians, Creative Alliance has found a way to still bring live music to the local masses with its brand-new series, Sidewalk Serenades.

For a donation, these “close (but not too close)” personal concerts will offer city residents the opportunity to have a short musical performance delivered to their homes or sent as a gift to friends and family, with musicians performing several songs outside while keeping a safe distance from the sidewalk or street. Think of it as a singing telegram for these strange times.

“One of the magical things about Creative Alliance is, when we got together to figure out our messaging around closing down the building, we immediately started thinking, ‘Well, what if we . . . !’ How do we stay relevant as an arts organization and how we keep the artists and contractors that are really the lifeblood of this organization working?,” says performance director Josh Kohn.

Beginning this weekend, concerts will start with Americana veteran Caleb Stine on Saturday, March 21, followed by Old-Time folk quartet Homestead Street Band, as well as trumpeter Brandon Woody with percussionist Allen Bernard Branch, all on Sunday, March 22, with several time slots throughout each day and more artists to be announced shortly.

Donations from each performance will be split between the artists and Creative Alliance, while gratis concerts will also be coordinated for families or organizations in need.

“We have more in the works [and] lots of interested musicians,” says communications director Heather Keating. “We will continue for as long as we can—the more support, the more musicians we can include.”

In an effort to keep their hourly staff employed, the organization will also be releasing a number of other creative events and activities in the coming days.

With next weekend’s second annual Big Baltimore Kite Festival cancelled, families can now bring the festival home with kids’ activity kits, including one kite, an arts and craft project, a dance ribbon, coloring book pages, and more, available for both indoor and outdoor use for $30 via delivery or pickup.

And with K-12 schools temporarily closed throughout the state, Creative Alliance will also present free Drag Storytime on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. via Facebook Live, with a live reading of family-friendly books, with both children and parents encouraged to dress up in their fanciest attire. Tips will be accepted through each drag queen’s personal Venmo account.

“It’s been a tough couple of days, for sure,” says Josh Kohn. “We’re trying to come up with fun ways that are creative and engage the community while also keeping the people we love and who are a part of our family working and employed.”

As steps are put into place to limit the spread of coronavirus, the music industry, at home and across the country, is being hit with an onslaught of postponed or cancelled concerts, festivals, and tours, as, without crowds, much of its livelihood to a screeching halt. In the past week, SXSW called off its annual gathering in Austin, Coachella rescheduled for October, and stages at the likes of the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall went temporarily dark.

At SXSW, Baltimore’s own TT The Artist was set to premiere her upcoming music documentary, Dark City: Beneath The Beat, while rapper/educator MC Bravado and the Lineup Room’s Brandon Lackey were set to lead a panel on music education. And back at home, musicians are seeing the ripple effects on their own turf.

“Traditional methods of supporting one’s favorite bands, like attendance, are out the window right now, as we also need to physically socially distance ourselves to contain this virus,” says Corynne Ostermann, frontwoman of local post-punk band Natural Velvet. “But when you remove the public sphere, suddenly artists’ work becomes invisible.”

This week, Baltimore musicians such as Dan Deacon, Ed Schrader’s Music Beat, Lower Dens, Horse Lords, Super City, Cris Jacobs, and Butch Dawson (who also released a rap song—and much-needed dose of good humor—on hand-washing), to name a few, all postponed upcoming or ongoing tour dates. Others, such as Abdu Ali, Joy Postell, Outcalls, and Romantic States, have had to postpone or cancel their shows. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, which has already been in the midst of a period of dire economic uncertainty, is on hiatus until the end of the month.

“It’s really heartbreaking because we’ve been booking and planning [our] tour since September,” says Greg Wellham of indie-pop group Super City. “It’s sad but the responsible thing to do. We all have to keep moving forward and try to stay optimistic.”

This Saturday’s beloved Version dance party by DJ Trillnatured and rapper Kotic Couture has also been cancelled at The Crown, while the Baltimore Old Time Music Festival at Creative Alliance and the Charm City Bluegrass Festival’s Battle of the Bands finals at The 8×10 have been postponed until further notice.

Local venues, from Rams Head Live! to the Metro Gallery, have closed their doors until at least late March. At press time, venues such as the Ottobar and An Die Musik planned to remain open for certain upcoming events, with both citing enhanced cleaning and sanitation efforts.

Big and small, “All arts organizations are taking a major hit at this point,” says Josh Kohn, performance director of Creative Alliance, which, like many others, instituted a new refund and exchange policy for previously purchased tickets, and is currently brainstorming ways to support artists, such as donation-fueled front-porch concerts. “If people have disposable income and want to make a donation, by all means. If you want to support artists directly, you can always buy their product on Bandcamp. We do understand that ticket buyers are susceptible in this economy, too.”

Purchasing a musician’s music and merchandise online, through individual websites and platforms like the aforementioned Bandcamp and iTunes, is one way to help. Fans can also subscribe to their crowdfunding pages like Patreon, or donate directly. Meanwhile, Maryland Citizens for the Arts has created a list of resources for these independent artists.

“Artists, service industry professionals, venues, promoters, small-to-medium businesses and workers, and more are getting financially hit really hard right now,” wrote Charm City Bluegrass organizers on social media. “Buy merch, send some tips, ask them how you can support. It helps.”

Also check out our The Big Baltimore Playlist, where we showcase must-hear songs by local musicians.

EAT

March 8: Mera Kitchen x Wet City

Wet City, 223 W. Chase St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $30.

This Sunday, Chef Iman of the Mera Kitchen Collective will prepare a traditional Syrian brunch feast for friends, old and new, at Wet City. Known for bringing all corners of the city together through her passion for food, Chef Iman will serve a family-style, prix-fixe menu of some of her favorite brunch dishes during this one-day pop-up event at the Mount Vernon bar. Wash it all down with specialty cocktails, mocktails, and beers provided by Wet City, as well as coffee from Dear Globe.

DRINK

March 8: Rye’s Up

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore, 2 N. Charles St. 5-10 p.m. $75.

It’s no secret that Baltimore’s craft bartending scene has risen to new heights over the past few years, and this boozy fundraiser showcases some of the best mixologists the city has to offer. Snag tickets to the Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild’s annual all-you-can-drink affair, featuring 20 handcrafted cocktails, small bites from 15 local restaurants, and a silent auction to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Maryland. Stick around to see who is crowned the winner of this year’s best Rye Whiskey cocktail competition.

SEE

March 7-April 11: Helen Zughaib: Unfinished Journeys

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Imagine being evacuated from your childhood home during a civil war and not knowing if or when you would be able to return. And when you finally do, another war is about to begin. That’s the emotional journey artist Helen Zughaib weathered after being evacuated from Beirut. Now, she is telling the stories of injustice, violence, and hope experienced by the incident’s most vulnerable victims—women and children—through the strokes of her paint brush. Visit Creative Alliance beginning this weekend, and through April 11, to witness how this up-and-coming artist portrays everything from the initial uprising of the Syrian civil war to the current refugee crisis.

HEAR

March 6: Marketplace Mixtape

Mt. Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 6-10 p.m. Free.

We’ll take any excuse to make a trip to Mt. Vernon Marketplace, but especially when it involves old-school tunes. For the first show in the food hall’s new First Friday series, up-and-coming DJ Cheaky Willie will be spinning hip-hop and dance beats all night long while patrons eat, drink, and dance the night away. If you need a little extra motivation to get down, we recommend stopping by the Taps Fill Station or The Local Oyster for beer or cocktails before hitting the dance floor.

DO

March 8: International Women’s Day

Hotel Revival, 101 W. Monument St. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.

There’s never been a better time to celebrate the women of Baltimore. In honor of International Women’s Day, grab a group of gals and spend Sunday at Hotel Revival, which will be hosting its annual fundraiser to support My Sister’s Place Women’s Center. Along with $5 wine specials for ladies, visitors can browse through jewelry from New Vintage by SAM, enter to win a candle-making workshop with KSM Candle Co., and sample cocktails made by women-owned distilleries.

EAT

Feb. 29: Sweet and Savory

Prigel Family Creamery, 4853 Long Green Rd., Hydes. 7:30-11 p.m. $50.

Yes, this event takes place outside of the city, and yes, it’s worth the drive to indulge in sweet and savory bites from two beloved local businesses. During this exclusive tasting, Prigel Family Creamery and Neopol Savory Smokery will team up to serve attendees a wide variety of meats, cheeses, local wine, beverages, and even mystery ice cream flavors. Make the quick trip to Hydes for this intimate, candlelit affair, and revel in the chance to eat as many delicious dairy products as possible.

DRINK

Feb. 29: Leap Day Specials

Locations, times, and prices vary.

If you think that Baltimoreans will use just about any holiday as an excuse to day drink, well, we would have to agree. This Saturday, celebrate leap day at one (or a few) of the local haunts that are serving up drink specials or hosting special activities to commemorate the extra day. Make your leap-year plans using our guide to events like a time capsule burial at Monument City Brewing Company or an open bar at Bond Street Social that will give you a hangover to last until 2024.

SEE

March 1: Four Women: Catlett, Holiday, Richardson, Scott

Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 2-5 p.m.$20-25.

In conjunction with both Women’s History Month and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s ongoing exhibition, Elizabeth Catlett: Artist as Activist, the downtown institution will host a performance of the production Four Women, inspired by the Nina Simone song of the same name. Spend Sunday afternoon learning about the lives of trailblazing women, including Elizabeth Catlett, Billie Holiday, Gloria Richardson and Joyce J. Scott, through an inspiring song and dance, and stick around to view the exhibition one last time before it closes later that day.

HEAR

Feb. 29-March 1: Frozen Harbor Music Festival

Power Plant Live! 34 Market Pl. $20-225. Fri 7 p.m.-Sun 1:30 a.m.

Not even the icy weather could stop this party. Now in its fourth year, this music festival will take over nine rock venues across downtown, including Rams Head Live! and Mosaic Night Club and Lounge, for three days of nonstop sets by more than 100 rising acts. Make plans to hop from venue to venue to catch performances by hip hop, rock, and rap groups in the heart of the Inner Harbor. Don’t forget to grab a picture with the party-animal polar bear mascot, Koasty, before the weekend ends.

DO

Feb. 29: Viva Brasil

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8-11 p.m. $15-18.

Shake, shimmy, and swing off the mid-winter blues during this annual Carnival celebration at Creative Alliance. While this jam-packed event features everything from costumed dancers to forro and samba dance lessons, the real draw lies in the live music that is sure to bring everyone to the dance floor. Dance the night away to Brazil and New Orleans-inspired tunes by Nation Beat and the JP Silva band all night long.

Visual Art

Amalie R. Rothschild Rock Icons & Images

Don’t miss your opportunity to catch the work of Amalie R. Rothschild, the “unofficial photographer of Woodstock,” at Goya Contemporary Gallery. The documentary-style work captures some of rock’s greatest personalities during the turbulent late ‘60s and early ‘70s, chronicling one of the most iconic periods of American music and history. Through March 2. Goya Contemporary Gallery, 3000 Chestnut Ave.

Literature

Writers LIVE! R. Eric Thomas, Here For It

Park School alum R. Eric Thomas offers the internet his best jokes and hottest takes in his daily humor column, “Eric Reads the News.” Now get a more personal set of tales with his new book of essays, Here for It. The man himself will make a stop at Central Library’s Wheeler Auditorium this month to discuss his childhood between two vastly different neighborhoods, finding love, and the wild world of internet fame. Feb. 20. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St.

Bruce Goldfarb’s 18 Tiny Deaths

Hear the story of one of Baltimore’s most impactful quirks as Bruce Goldfarb presents his 18 Tiny Deaths, The Untold Story of Frances Glessner Lee and the Invention of Modern Forensics. The 18 tiny deaths refer to the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death, a series of painstakingly recreated crime scenes that, at first a hobby for Lee, turned into a teaching tool for generations of criminal investigators. The scenes, now housed Maryland Medical Examiner’s Office, are still used for forensic seminars today. 7-9 p.m. Feb. 15. Atomic Books, 3620 Falls Rd.

Music

Psycho Killers at Union Craft Brewing

Before David Byrne takes the SNL stage this month, get your fix with this tribute to the New Wave icon’s first project: The Talking Heads. The boys of Psycho Killers will be on hand at Union on Valentine’s Day to play hits like “This Must Be The Place” and “Once in a Lifetime,” as well as love songs from other bands’ discographies, throughout the evening. 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Feb. 14. UNION Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St.

Pleasure For Your Palette: A Colorful Night With Emerging Opera Stars

February is the month for opera, with multiple opportunities from the likes of The Acme Corporation and Opera Alchemy around the city. But for those looking for a survey of the operatic talent Baltimore has to offer, Creative Alliance has gathered a crew of rising stars. In this intimate performance, soprano Victoria Zelefsky, mezzo Taylor Hillary Boykins, tenor Henry William Hubbard, bass Aaron Thacker, and pianist Maria Adele Scott will join together for a night of solo and ensemble work and discussion. 8 p.m. Feb. 28. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave.

Theatre

MICA Fifth Annual Benefit Drag Show

Great music, creative costumes, lots of glitter, and the chance to support MICA’s LGBTQ scholarships—this drag show truly has it all. Members of the art school’s Faculty and Staff Queer Alliance will join pro kings and queens Miss Sue Nami, Dee Dee Dereon, Venus Festrada, Gadfrie Arbulu, and Chris Jay for this night of fun that helps fund the FASQA Awards, given each year to a a student in the community who demonstrated financial need and another to a student who has shown involvement in and commitment to LGBTQ+ issues. 8-10 p.m. Feb. 28. The Gateway BBOX Theater, 1601 W. Mount Royal Ave.

Film

Open House: True Laurels—A Gallop Through Time

Though they’re not as prevalent as they once were, Baltimore’s arabbers remain an essential part of the city’s cultural identity. On Feb. 22, join True Laurels founder Lawrence Burney for a screening of the documentary We Are Arabbers and a discussion with former members of the trade to discuss the occupation’s past and what can be done to preserve it for the future. 2-4 p.m. Feb. 22. The Baltimore Museum Art, 10 Art Museum Dr.

News

Black Arts District Launches its New Brand

The new Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District plans to launch its first branding initiative in style with a party at Shake & Bake Family Fun Center on Feb. 16. Creative Director Tia Newton and her team will be on hand to talk about what’s coming up for the newly minted arts district in addition to plenty of fun events such as dancing, $1 skating and bowling, and themed giveaways.

The Walters Receives $500,000 Endowment from Boshell

The Boshell Foundation, the group responsible for The Walters’ long-running ancient art and architecture lectures, recently announced a $500,000 endowment for the museum to go toward the continuation of the popular series. “We are deeply thankful for their generous endowment gift and look forward to the lectures it will provide in years to come,” Walters Director Julia Marciari-Alexander said in a statement released by the museum. The Boshell Lecture Series was originally launched in 2017, and the newest installment, “How Many Noses Can One Face Have?,” about the evolution of taste when it comes to restoration and repair work, will take place Sunday, April 19.

EAT

Jan. 26: Little Italy Meatball Fest

Pandola Learning Center, 914 Stiles St. 3-6 p.m. $40.

Sure, clean eating is all the rage, but there’s something about a giant plate of spaghetti and meatballs that makes it worth putting off the diet for a day. Bring your appetite to this all-you-can-eat meatball festival at Joe Benny’s, where attendees can help themselves to a seemingly endless buffet of pasta, salad, bread, and dessert. Sample each contestant in the Best Meatball competition and, if you can stomach it, enter into the meatball-eating contest for a truly carb-tastic afternoon.

DRINK

Jan. 25: Chesapeake Oyster, Wine, & Beer Festival

The Assembly Room, 316 Guilford Ave. 12-4 p.m. $69.

What’s the best way to wash down a bushel of world-class oysters? Heavy Seas beer, of course—and two dozen other wines and spirits you will find at this 13th-annual, adults-only seafood extravaganza. Blend briny bivalves and boozy flavors downtown at the Assembly Room, where tickets give you an all-access pass to a shuckin’ good time.

SEE

Jan. 25-Feb. 22: On The Verge

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Times vary. Free.

Creative Alliance is known around town for bringing together works that range in media, style, and material by artists that represent every corner of the city, and its latest exhibition is no exception. Opening with a reception on Saturday night, On The Verge showcases a wide variety of pieces by 25 up-and-coming artists, featuring some local names, as well as rising talent from Japan and Pakistan. Stroll through the Highlandtown arts center to take in these diverse works, and leave with a new favorite artist to keep up with as they rise through their career.

HEAR

Jan. 26: Beer Maria: Fully Tilted Music Collab

Full Tilt Brewing, 5604 York Rd. 10 a.m.-9p.m. $20.

Dear Maria, count us in. The hype surrounding Full Tilt Brewing’s collaboration with Towson-born punk rockers All Time Low will reach its peak this Saturday during the launch party for blonde ale, Beer Maria: Count Me In, inspired by one of the group’s mega hits. Spend the day at the Towson brewery sipping on the new brew, noshing on snacks by Bottoms Up Bagels and The Rolling Grill Pit Beef and Catering, and listening to guest performer James VanDeuson. There are heavy-handed rumors that All Time Low will take the stage for at least a few songs, so stick around to jam out and raise a glass with these hometown rock heroes.

DO

Jan. 26: Lunar New Year Celebration

The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

Ring in the year of the rat with this annual colorful celebration at The Walters Art Museum. With activities for visitors of all ages, let the kiddos help build a giant floral rat sculpture, participate in a zodiac-themed scavenger hunt in the Arts of Asia galleries, and snap photos in the photo booth. Be sure to secure a spot in the auditorium for a performance by The Baltimore Chinese School, and then make your way to the museum’s sculpture court to watch a traditional dance by the Johns Hopkins Yong Han Lion Dance Troupe.

EAT

Jan. 17: Lexington Market Celebration by The Night Brunch

Lexington Market, 400 W. Lexington St. 6-10 p.m. $5-10.

Lexington Market, one of the city’s landmark food and community hubs, is in the midst of a historic (and, in some circles, controversial) redevelopment that will transform the nearly 240-year-old property. To celebrate the market’s entrepreneurial and cultural spirit, The Night Brunch, a popular brunch-and-booze event series, is hosting an all-out party in the property’s ground-floor arcade. Get there early to snag eats from fan-favorite purveyors like Connie’s Chicken and Waffles, knock back a few specialty drinks, and dance the night away with beats by the Night Brunch’s own DJ Impulse.

DRINK

Jan. 18: Zay Day

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st Street. 12-5 p.m. Free.

It’s official: Union Craft Brewing’s Henry “Zadie” Benesch is the world’s oldest brewery worker, clocking in at 100 years old this weekend. Spend Saturday afternoon raising a pint (or two) to the employee known around the brewery for his world-class box-folding skills and love for Blackwing Lager with cigars, $1 coffee from Vent Coffee Roasters, and even a “make your own Zadie mask” station. The first 100 people through the door will participate in a “100 Person Blackwing Shotgun,” before joining the rest of the day-drinking party for live music by dagm, slices of lemon meringue pie, and plenty of brew-filled revelry.

SEE

Jan. 19: The Edgar Allan Poe House Literary Landmark Dedication

Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, 203 N. Amity Street. 1-2 p.m. Free.

In conjunction with Edgar Allan Poe’s 211th birthday on Sunday, his former home on North Amity Street—now a three-story museum—will be named Maryland’s first Literary Landmark. Join the crowd of Poe fanatics outside the revered poet and author’s house for a dedication ceremony hosted by Poe Baltimore and United for Libraries. Then, take a tour through the museum to see original furniture pieces from the family’s home and the room where Poe (supposedly) slept. Before you leave, be sure to take home a Poe-inspired poster or a RavenBeer glass to commemorate the special day.

HEAR

Jan. 19: J Roddy Walston

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $20.

If you did a double take when you saw the name J Roddy Walston without “and the Business” tacked onto it, you’re not alone. After a brief hiatus from the music industry, the rock-n’-roll singer will return to the Ottobar this Sunday, ready to add a single dose of strangeness and a few surprises to his homebase show. After a full solo set of Business songs (our bets are on “Take It As It Comes” and “Don’t Break the Needle”), prepare to hear a debut set by J Roddy’s new project, Palm Palm.

DO

Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: An Unequal Education

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

There are tons of local events happening around town this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend to honor the reverend’s legacy of fighting for racial justice, but this program at Creative Alliance helps attendees apply his teachings to Baltimore’s own education system. This Sunday, gather at the Highlandtown arts center to watch Teach Us All, a 2017 documentary about educational inequality. Then, hear from local experts about the still-to-be-solved issues within Baltimore City Public Schools. To carry on the event’s purpose, join in to pack school supply kits, which include binders, highlighters, and lined paper, that will be donated to West Baltimore middle-school students.

With the Christmas season (beginning the day after Halloween, the day after Thanksgiving, or December 1, depending on who you’re asking) comes the yearly deluge of Christmas movies.

Big-city girls rediscover their holiday spirit with struggling small-town single dads/Christmas tree farmers/exceptionally handsome handymen; kids confirm that yes, [insert name], there is a Santa Claus; and scary movies insert themselves into the season by murdering people near snow.

The Christmas genre is, in a word, varied. But whether your tastes lean toward Capra or Krampus, there’s likely a place for you among the city’s many holiday-themed screenings. And, yes, we have included a section for celebrated Christmas classic Die Hard. Yippee-ki-yay to all, and to all a good movie night.

Fun for the Whole Family:

The sparkling Senator Theatre plays host to a couple of holiday hits leading up to Christmas. The Griswold family will hit the big screen for one night only on Dec. 18 in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and film lovers looking to give back can stop by early on Dec. 21 and 24 for the theater’s annual charity screening of It’s a Wonderful Life. Admission to the 9:45 a.m. shows is free, but a donation of at least $5-worth of non-perishable food items is encouraged. Doors open at 8:45 a.m., and brunch cocktails will be available.

Those who aren’t such early risers can visit SweetSide Cafe in Hampden over the next few weeks to catch an array of Christmas favorites at its regular Lights, Camera, Action! Movie Nights, including How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf, and all four (yes, four) Home Alone installments.

Nightmares Before Christmas:

Golden West Cafe’s regular Shocktail Hour with Aurora Gorealis will take on a holiday twist on Dec. 12 with a screening of Baltimore-made holiday horror flick Two Front Teeth. Bring a gift for an exchange presided over by both Santa and Krampus, and take in this wild tale of a vampiric St. Nick, zombie elves, and a Christmas conspiracy.

For even more haunted holiday offerings, revelers can head to Dr. Gloom’s Crypt of Curiosities at Protean Books & Records for the first-ever Cryptmas. This packed night will include a screening of I’m Dreaming of a White Doomsday, in addition to a lecture, reading, and other seasonal spooky programming. While admission is free, attendees who bring donations for local homeless shelters will receive a Christmas gift from the venerable Dr. Gloom.

Season’s Greetings from Nakatomi:

We can fight about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie, or we can all just enjoy some explosions, iconic catchphrases, and German Alan Rickman. Lucky fans of John McClane’s terrorist-fighting antics have multiple options for screenings ranging from low-key to full immersion.

If you’re looking for another chance to catch the explosion at the top of Nakatomi Plaza in a theater, head to The Charles. The first installment of McClane’s adventures will be back on the big screen at the cozy Charles Street theater on Dec. 19. The Backbar Movies series at Paulie Gee’s Hampden offers a more casual Die Hard experience on Dec. 17, featuring drink specials and $6 cheese pizzas to snack on while you watch the action unfold.

For something a little more intense, visit Creative Alliance on Dec. 12 for their Interactive Movie Night version of the film, complete with Bruce Willis drink specials, a Die Hard game, and prizes for the audience members rocking the best ’80s corporate party attire.

Bonus Round: Test your Christmas movie knowledge.

If you’ve already worked your way through all the holiday flicks that streaming services and the Hallmark Channel have to offer, prove your superior knowledge against other bar patrons at these Christmas movie-themed trivia nights.

Charm City Trivia’s Christmas Movie Quiz, Dec. 17: Gather your team and grab a table at Frank and Nic’s West End Grille for this themed version of Charm City Trivia’s usual six-round quiz. Winners receive a $20, $15, or $10 gift card, but everyone playing can enjoy all-night happy hour pricing on food and drinks.

Christmas Movie Trivia at Smaltimore, Dec. 18: Compete in three rounds of trivia covering Elf, A Christmas Story, and, Die Hard while enjoying food specials and themed cocktails. Prizes will be available for first, second, and third place.

Holiday Movie Trivia at Tin Roof, Dec. 19: This quiz is open to all ages and covers everything from Miracle on 34th Street to The Nightmare Before Christmas and offers big-time prizes. First place receives a whopping $200 to spend at the Power Plant Live! hangout.

EAT

Oct. 20: World Food Festival: Mera x Fadensonnen

Fadensonnen, 3 W. 23rd St. 5-9 p.m. Free.

On a snowy night last January, chef Iman Alshehab—co-founder of Mera Kitchen Collective, a co-op that empowers refugees to tap into their culinary heritage—cooked and served shawarma out of a food truck for the first time while parked at Fadensonnen. That evening, crowds of people came out to the beer garden and natural wine bar to sample her food, and since then, Mera’s chefs have hosted rotating pop-ups at the popular Old Goucher spot. This Sunday, chefs Iman, Emilienne, Anna, and Mona will come together to prepare a meal in Fadensonnen’s courtyard, featuring two new dishes from each chef. Don’t miss the chance to try new authentic eats inspired by cuisines from across the world, including dishes like Syrian lamb kibbeh, Salvadoran chicken soup, and lemon tahini shrimp.

DRINK

Oct. 19: OktoBEARfest

The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. 12-5 p.m. $29-69.

The Maryland Zoo is known for its wide variety of furry, slimy, and flying friends, but we also love it for its boozy fundraisers that make it (a little too) easy to support the local institution. This fall-inspired beer festival offers unlimited samplings of more than 50 seasonal brews, along with tons of eats, wares by area artisans, and the chance to get up close and personal with a few of the animals.

SEE

Oct. 18-19: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7:30 & 10:30 p.m. $12-15.

We’re already shivering with antici…pation for this interactive screening of the weird and wild cult classic at Creative Alliance. Tighten your garters for a night filled with the traditional movie callbacks and costume contests, as well as special burlesque, drag, and tap performances by beloved local drag queens Betty O’Hellno, Venus Fastrada, and Baby. Come up to the Highlandtown lab and see what’s on the slab during this Halloween tradition that’s sure to leave you wanting more, more, more.

HEAR

Oct. 19: Off the Cuff: Brahms Symphony No. 4

Joesph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7-9 p.m. $25-80.

It’s only been a few weeks since the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra returned to the Meyerhoff after three months of tension between the symphony’s management and musicians over contract disputes, and this Saturday’s performance of Brahms’ Fourth Symphony is a fitting nod to both the past and the future of the orchestra. After watching world-renowned conductor Marin Alsop lead the musicians through this 20th century masterpiece, stick around to sip on brews by Peabody Heights, snack on eats by Midnite Confection’s Cupcakery and Noona’s, and listen to live music by local artist Brooks Long as you talk with fellow music-lovers about the evening’s performances.

DO

Oct. 19: Baltimore Running Festival

Paca & Camden Sts. 8 a.m. $60-280.

One thing that we love about citywide festivals is there’s usually something for everyone, and the Baltimore Running Festival is the perfect example. Since this event features five different events ranging from an all-ages 5K to the BaltiMORON-a-thon, runners of all skill levels can come together and celebrate the beauty of hitting the pavement. There’s still time to register, so secure your spot at the starting line and get ready to show off that crab-shaped finishing medal.

“Isn’t life a series of images that change as they repeat themselves?”

It’s a question that was asked by Andy Warhol decades ago, likely rhetorically. But all the same, as the summer fades, we find ourselves thinking through the many changes this city’s artists and performers have seen in the past year, and the ones they have in store for the months to come.

This June, The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra suffered their first work stoppage in 31 years and musicians took to the streets to protest the institution’s management in the wake of a financial crisis. But still the band plays on, determined to carry on their legacy as a world-class ensemble.

In more encouraging news, in July, a year after selling pieces by Warhol, Franz Kline, Robert Rauschenberg, and others to acquire works by women and people of color, the Baltimore Museum of Art premiered an exhibition featuring black artists from the past two centuries, reconguring its Contemporary Wing to highlight the new acquisitions. And in 2020, the museum plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment with a full year of exhibits and events dedicated to women artists.

Meanwhile, downtown at Everyman Theatre, room is currently being made for a new upstairs stage, which will play host to a new festival featuring contemporary works by women next year. And around the corner at the former Eutaw Savings Bank, work is underway to expand the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. Farther north, Single Carrot Theatre left behind its home in Remington to spread its shows around the city, allowing long-wandering, color-conscious troupe ArtsCentric to put down roots in the old space.

Even some of the city’s oldest cultural cornerstones are feeling the winds of change. Many historic homes and museums are finally taking steps to address their histories with slavery and indentured servitude and bring those stories to the forefront—leading to new programming, exhibitions, and discoveries.

There’s almost too much to keep track of, but as we plan visits to our favorite hallowed halls and holes in the wall, we look forward to what we may find there. These new developments—whether made to physical foundations or the fundamental ways we think about a place—each make their subtle change to the repeating image. And, eventually, they evolve into a whole new scene.

Through Dec. 1: Hitching Their Dreams to Untamed Stars: Joyce J. Scott & Elizabeth Talford Scott
For 60 years, MacArthur award-winning artist Joyce J. Scott lived in Baltimore with her mother, Elizabeth Talford Scott, who passed away in 2011. This exhibit will bring together a collection of nine pieces of art that the two made, either collaboratively or separately. There will be quilts, beaded and glass sculptures, and weavings, among other types of art, that showcase the elder Scott’s experience in the aftermath of slavery and the influence she had on her daughter. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr.

Sept. 3-Oct. 6: Proof
Everyman’s biggest season yet opens with this Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning classic about a father and daughter grappling with genius, identity, and mental illness in the past and present. Audiences who saw resident company member Megan Anderson shine as Catherine in the 2003 rendition will delight in seeing her take on the role of Catherine’s older sister, Claire, in this new performance. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St.

Sept. 3-Oct. 6: Daniel Stuelpnagel Solo Show
This Baltimore native has showcased his acrylic paintings nationwide for more than 20 years. In 2017, Stuelpnagel had the distinguished honor of being a featured artist for TEDxJHU at Johns Hopkins University. Now, his collection, which encompasses an interest in science, architecture, and technology with dynamic imagery, is on display at this Fells Point contemporary gallery. The Alchemy of Art, 1637 Eastern Ave.

Sept. 6-29: Twelve Angry Jurors
The decision on a life—that’s what this is all about. Experience Reginald Rose’s electrified drama, the title of which has been given a timely update, about a dozen men and women gathered to determine whether an accused teenager is guilty of murdering his father. Tempers flare as the vote comes to 11-1 and evidence is re-examined. This courtroom drama will keep audiences on the edge of their seats and thinking about exactly what it means to live in a democracy. Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway.

Sept. 11-Oct. 19: Bianco e Nero
Black and white does not always have to mean plain and simple. Terry Thompson explores the boundaries of maximalism and minimalism in his new exhibition of monochromatic works. With some works bustling and busy and others mellow and tranquilizing, Thompson forces viewers to focus on the encryption layered throughout this chaotic series. Become entranced by his optical illusions and feel the energy of his monochromatic world. Y:ART Gallery, 3402 Gough St.

Sept. 11-Oct. 19: Miss You Like Hell
Mother-daughter relationships can be a roller coaster for anyone, but this especially complicated example is threatened by intense immigration policies. Join whip-smart, deeply imaginative teenager Olivia and her free-spirited Latina mother on a cross-country road trip as they come to understand what sets them apart and what connects them forever. This musical without borders is a must-see and a reminder to audiences that theater has the power to make politics personal. Baltimore Center Stage,
700 N. Calvert St.

Sept. 13-Oct. 13: Mr. Wolf
In their first show after leaving behind their Remington theater in favor of ever-changing performance spaces, Single Carrot Theatre will take over the St. John’s Episcopal Church rectory to explore broken ties and reconciliation in Mr. Wolf, a tale of a child abducted and returned to her family more than a decade later. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3009 Greenmount Ave.

Sept. 13-15: Roots & RaÍces Festival
This Charm City-based festival celebrates and showcases the work of local immigrant artists. The festivities begin Friday evening at Creative Alliance with a dinner and gala, followed by a SOMOS Migrantes film feature and awards ceremony. Saturday’s lineup includes live music and performance art at Little Lithuanian Park. Between entertainment, enjoy tasty bites at the El Mercado market.

Sept. 18-21, Oct. 2-5: Best of Enemies
Based on the bestselling novel by Osha Gray Davidson, which recently became a major motion picture, Best of Enemies depicts prejudice in the South through the relationship between C.P. Ellis, a leader in the Ku Klux Klan, and Ann Atwater, an African-American civil rights activist. This co-production by the McDaniel College and Coppin State University theater programs brings to life Mark St. Germain’s adaptation of a true story that captures the controversy of school desegregation. Coppin State University and McDaniel College.

Sept. 19-Nov. 10: Second Tri-Annual Maryland State Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Maryland Art Place has partnered with the Maryland State Art Council to present this statewide exhibition of pieces voted in by jurors. After receiving submissions of all media types (including literary arts), with a heavy emphasis on visual and performing arts, a select few were found worthy for entry. Experience the curated pieces as they highlight the wide range of skilled artists and artwork featured on the Maryland State Arts Council Artist Registry. Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St.

Courtesy of Mono Practice

Sept. 20: Gallery Opening: Retrospective
The Baltimore School for the Arts has been educating and promoting talent in the city for four decades now. In honor of its anniversary, the Mount Vernon institution will highlight the creations of its alumni in this reflective new exhibition. Segal Gallery in Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral St.

Sept. 20-21: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back—In Concert
A mix of science fiction, melodrama, and galactic action, iconic film The Empire Strikes Back will be screened alongside a live orchestra for two nights this month. Conducted by Nicholas Hersh, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ noteworthy score as Jedi Master Yoda teaches Luke Skywalker about the Force. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St.

Sept. 28: Made in Baltimore Short Film Festival
Whether you’re a fan of animation, horror, or documentary, all these genres and more will be featured at this celebration of Baltimore-inspired film. Works are submitted by local filmmakers and then judged on technical ability, originality, and Baltimore flavor. You won’t want to miss this shot at getting a glimpse of the best up-and-coming film talent Charm City has to offer. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave.

Sept. 29, 2019-Jan. 19, 2020: Generations: A History of Black Abstract Art
This touring exhibition will arrive under a new name and with an expanded collection of more than 80 paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. This exploration of abstract art as a political choice and a personal statement for black artists will include both pioneers of post-war abstraction, such
as Norman Lewis and Alma W. Thomas, and more recent artists such as Kevin Beasley and Lorna Simpson. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr.

Sept. 29, 2019-Jan. 12, 2020: Melvin Edwards: The Architecture of Being
The pioneer of contemporary sculpture showcased here is also the great-great-great-grandson of a West African blacksmith. Explore how he conveys the influence of his African roots and the experience of his time living, traveling, and teaching
in Africa for many years through this collection
of 16 works from across the four decades of his incredible career. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr.

Oct. 4-31: Cordially Invited
For the second year in a row, Make Studio is offering a look at the works of artists with disabilities from studios around the world. This invitational exhibition will feature artists from as far away as Australia alongside local talents and celebrate the work of progressive art studios through pop-ups, artist talks, and workshops around the city. Schwing Art Center, 3326 Keswick Rd. & other locations.

Oct. 5-6: Doors Open Baltimore
Charm City has no shortage of buildings with unique designs and histories, and this annual citywide architectural exploration is the perfect opportunity to visit as many as possible. Take free self-guided walking tours through more than 50 buildings and neighborhoods, including new sites such as 414 Light Street and decades-old spots such as The Baltimore Basilica and The Arch Social Club, or sign up for bike or bus tours to discover some of Baltimore’s most interesting spaces and places on wheels. Locations vary.

Oct. 5-Sept. 6, 2020: The Secret Life of Earth: Alive! Awake! (And Possibly Really Angry!)
AVAM’s yearly exhibition is back, and it has a bone to pick with the citizens of Earth. This collection of works seeks to show visitors the state of our planet now and where it could be going if we’re not careful. Take in pieces such as Dr. Bob Hieronimus’ original 1972 Earth Day poster, Judy Tallwing’s Spirit Bear painting (which inspired 22 global poets to join AVAM in protesting the placement of an oil pipeline through Canada), and Bobby Adams’ kitchen diorama, Global Warming. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy.

Courtesy of AVAM

Courtesy of the Maryland Historical Society

Oct. 5-Oct. 2020: Spectrum of Fashion: Celebrating Maryland’s Style
Explore the wearable art that has defined generations of Maryland dwellers, from everyday workers to Duchess of Windsor Wallis Simpson, at this yearlong exhibition. Attend the opening gala on Oct. 5 for an early peek at the nearly 100 pieces while mingling with homegrown fashion star Christian Siriano. Maryland Historical Society, 201 W. Monument St.

Oct. 6-Jan.5, 2020: Designing the New: Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of iconic Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s birth, this is the first exhibition in a generation to highlight his work. There will be about 165 pieces on view from across various mediums, including furniture, textiles, posters, and architectural drawings. The link between Glasgow and Baltimore as the cities grew both industrially and artistically will also be explored.The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St.

Oct. 10-20: Charm City Fringe Festival
Experimental art installations, slam poetry, street acrobatics, puppet debates, dance parties—with the sky as the limit, all this and more is possible at the eighth annual Charm City Fringe Festival. This celebration of quirky theater and performing arts aims to engage diverse communities and elevate the local theater scene. The 11 days of performances across multiple venues contribute to the cultivation of Baltimore as a hub for art without boundaries. Bromo Arts & Entertainment District, locations vary.

Oct. 11-14, 17-20: Proxy
Rapid Lemon Productions concludes its 2019 Season of Belief with the world premiere of Proxy, by local authors Alex Reeves and Nell Quinn-Gibney. Directed by T.P. Huth from Inkubator New Works Development Laboratory, this play asks the challenging question, “When we die, who cares for those we leave behind?” Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St.

Oct. 18-20: The Snow Queen
During the premiere performance of the Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s new season, the story of The Snow Queen will come alive on the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts stage. Watch in awe as local ballerinas use their graceful movements to bring to life the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, which also inspired the Disney blockbuster Frozen. On your way out of the Annapolis theatre, be sure to grab information about the troupe’s annual performance of The Nutcracker in December as well. Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis.

Oct. 23-Nov. 30: Marc Boone
Boone’s art has always had two unchanging factors:
he creates works in series and employs a studio sound backdrop. In his latest exhibition, Shaman’s Way, he focuses on medicine men and women who connect with nature and all creation to influence the world of good and evil. Come experience different worlds through unique art and jazz musicians and vocalists as Boone attempts to capture some magical conjuring.Y:ART Gallery, 3402 Gough St.

Nov. 16-17: Refuge: Needing, Seeking, Finding
This collection of works from Full Circle Dance Company explores varied themes through separate works explicitly created to be shown together. The result is a challenging yet beautiful array of pieces tackling such subjects as the global refugee crisis, America’s dark past with lynching, mental illness, loss, and what exactly home means through new music and stunning choreography. Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St.

After three trips to RuPaul’s DragCon, Baltimore’s own Brooklyn Heights wanted to bring a drag convention back home. And now Charm City will have its own iteration of DragCon in the form of the first-ever (and hopefully annual) Baltimore Drag Festival—which will be held at Creative Alliance on September 14.

Brooklyn and husband Iyana Deschanel are the head producers of the event. Drag lovers of all ages can look out for an assortment of activities, vendors, and performances at the evening soiree.

“There’s something for every single person to do,” Brooklyn says. “Whether you’re 5 years old or 65 years old.”

Before the convention’s official start at 7 p.m., there will be makeup tutorials by local queens and a drag queen storytime—something that has gained traction in the scene recently. Once doors officially open, a smorgasbord of local vendors will begin selling all of the essentials—from wigs and makeup to nails and padding—for both veteran queens and the dabblers of drag.

As Brooklyn, who hosts the weekly drag brunch at Points South Latin Kitchen, knows full well—no drag party is complete without eats and drinks. For that reason, she’s assembled a food and drink lineup featuring Points South Latin Kitchen, Nacho Mama’s, and Union Craft Brewing.

Among the attractions that Brooklyn is most passionate about is the booth that will register attendees to vote in time for the 2020 election cycle: “It’s just something you wouldn’t think of,” she says. In keeping with the community-focused theme, there will also be HIV testing provided by local health project BeSure Baltimore.

Starting at 10 p.m., a lineup of more than 25 local performers including drag queens, drag kings, and bio queens, will take the stage. Be on the lookout for headliners Deschanel, Sabrina White, and Karmella, as well as other noteworthy names like Baby, Pariah Sinclair, Jalah Nicole, and Sasha Mann. At midnight, a DJ set by DJ KB will finish off the evening.

Brooklyn says that she toyed with the idea of bringing a performer from Drag Race’s extensive alumnae list to the festival, but, in the end, decided it was best to highlight the local scene.

“When we thought about it, we wanted to keep this Baltimore,” she says. “Baltimore has so much great art and talent.”

In Brooklyn’s six-year career here, she’s seen the scene evolve as drag has become more mainstream.

“When you think about Baltimore drag, the first person that everyone obviously thinks of is Divine, who is just the epitome,” she says. “That kind of got lost in translation to a certain extent when RuPaul’s Drag Race became so mainstream.”

She also notes the closing of iconic gay bars such as The Hippo—where she got her start as a performer—as a reason why some performers felt as if they had no safe place to go. But, as Brooklyn puts it, “drag queens are like roaches.”

“I say that very kindly,” she explains. “If you kick a roach out of your house, girl, they’re going to go somewhere else. The point is that they will go to any venue and have a drag show, and people will come.”

But while the festival aims to showcase the breadth and beauty of drag, it’s also a showcase of the diverse art that Baltimore has to offer.

“Every single booth, every owner, every person that’s going to be there is Baltimore,” Brooklyn says. “We don’t have anyone coming from D.C. or Pennsylvania. It’s just Baltimore. That was exactly what we wanted—to make sure it was something local that represented all walks of life in the city.”

EAT

Aug. 9-11: FishScale Pop-Up

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free.

We love R. House—Remington’s modern, industrial-style food hall—for many reasons, but especially because it provides a space for up-and-coming chefs to test new recipes and engage with the community. This weekend, D.C.-based restaurant FishScale will take over the rotating stall to introduce local foodies to its chef-crafted burgers made from wild caught fish or true-blue Maryland crab. The best part? The fish sandwiches (served with housemade sides like grilled corn and romaine salad), are sustainably sourced in accordance with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program.

DRINK

Aug. 10: Barks, Brews, and Views

Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 12-3 p.m. $15-18.

If you’re tired of paying for a dog sitter while you’re out and about, BARCS Animal Shelter is here to help with the perfect Saturday day drink. Kick off the afternoon with this waterfront bar crawl beginning at Canton Waterfront Park, which will benefit the locally loved animal care center. Enjoy views of the harbor while downing Raw Bar’s bottomless mimosas, Raw & Refined’s house sangria and margaritas, and Bo Brooks’ specialty cocktails. As you sip on summertime libations, your furry sidekicks can indulge in pup-friendly ice cream. End the day with a ride on the water taxi, where non-alcoholic dog “beer” will be served.

SEE

To Aug. 17: SuperHeroes

Y:ART Gallery and Fine Gifts, 3402 Gough Street. Fri. 12-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

What is a superhero? Is it someone with supernatural strength? Is it a cape-wearing figure? Or maybe just someone with immense courage? Those are the questions that more than 80 area artists explore through varied mediums in this group exhibition at Y:ART Gallery and Fine Gifts. This weekend, illuminate your senses and consume fascinating 2D, 3D, and performance art that highlights each artist’s unique interpretation of an extraordinary being. Don’t miss your last chance to visit the successful summer exhibition in the Highlandtown contemporary gallery before it closes on August 17.

HEAR

Aug. 9: Songs of 1969 with Fractal Cat

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $15-18.

Shortly after it was announced that Woodstock 50 would take place at Merriweather Post Pavilion later this month, the co-founder cancelled the anniversary concert. But local rock fans don’t need to be too disappointed, because this Friday local psychedelic band Fractal Cat is hosting a commemorative show to honor the legendary festival. Hear a set of original material along with the septet’s selection of 1969 hits by the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix. In between sets by special guests Jax Martone of Psycho Killers, Quinton Randall, James von Lenz, and Kim Gravatt, the musicians will share stories and visuals inspired by the cultural and political events of that momentous year to round out this truly nostalgic evening.

DO

Aug. 10-11: AFRAM Festival

Druid Hill Park, 3001 East Drive. Sat. 12-8 p.m., Sun. 12-6 p.m. Free.

AFRAM, one of the largest African-American festivals on the East Coast, returns to Charm City this weekend for its 43rd year. The two-day festival in historic Druid Hill Park will feature tons of noteworthy musical acts including “Aston Martin Music” rapper Rick Ross, R&B singer-songwriter Sevyn Streeter, local favorite Dru Hill, and actor-turned-singer Quincy. Between sets, curb your appetite with local fare and engage in a little retail therapy at the open-air marketplace. This family-oriented event will also have a designated kids zone with games, sports, and crafts for your little ones.

EAT

June 22: Chesapeake Crab, Wine, & Beer Festival

Harbor Point, 1310 Point St. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free-$89.

With more than 30,000 perfectly seasoned crabs and all-you-can-drink samples of 30-plus beers and wines, this summertime staple is a Marylander’s dream come true. Now in its sixth year, this Old Bay-coated festival returns with live music, kid-friendly activities, and plenty of alternative eats for those wary of crustaceans. So, grab a spot at the brown-paper-covered tables, crack open a cold one, and celebrate the start of crab feast season.

DRINK

June 22: Summer Solstice Festival

Burnt Hill Farm, Clarksburg. 12-6 p.m. $20-160.

A few years ago, Old Westminster Winery acquired a second farm named Burnt Hill, and, since then, the acclaimed winery’s team has been working nonstop to prepare the land for planting. Before the vines go in the ground, they’re inviting members of the local natural wine community to the farm’s picturesque hillside for a celebration of all things wine, featuring 100 unique pours from dozens of regional purveyors. Be sure to check out the live art by No Kings Collective and snack on eats by Clavel, Blacksauce Kitchen, and Ekiben in between glasses of pinot and rosé.

SEE

June 22-Aug. 2: The BIG Show

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 6-10 p.m. Free-$40.

If you couldn’t tell by its title, this annual arts exhibition at Creative Alliance is a big deal. Now in its 23rd year, this beloved show invited members of the Highlandtown arts center to contribute their own works of art to this hodgepodge collection of more than 175 pieces. Whether you submitted your own masterpiece or just want to browse the artworks in this salon-style exhibit, check out the floor-to-ceiling display during the opening reception on Saturday and then stick around for a wacky variety show full of musicians, jugglers, and contortionists.

HEAR

June 23: The Alchemy of Art Courtyard Craft & Flea

The Alchemy of Art, 1637 Eastern Ave. 12-6 p.m. Free.

This isn’t your average craft and flea market. For one thing, the Fells Point art gallery will be offering 15-minute portraits, tarot card readings, and freshly shucked oysters along with wares from 30 local vendors during its annual markers’ market. But maybe our favorite part about this one-of-a-kind sale is that DJ James Nasty will be spinning beats out on the sunny courtyard alongside shoppers all afternoon long. And, really, what could be better than browsing through handmade jewelry while jamming to “Knightwerk” and “Main Course”?

DO

June 22: FIT + Fitness Festival

Harbor East, Aliceanna St. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free.

Instead of sticking to your usual Saturday morning workout (aka walking from your bed to the fridge and back), start your weekend with a high-energy fitness class—or two—in the streets of Harbor East. With seven back-to-back classes ranging from an energizing yoga flow to a calorie-burning HIIT class, this fitness festival is an easy (and free!) way to test out a wide variety of workouts and meet fitness gurus from The MAC, Under Armour Brand House, lululemon, and Charm City Run. If that’s not enough to get you out of bed, there will be tons of snacks and drinks, giveaways, and raffle prizes.

Visual Art

The Janet & Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize Finalists Exhibition
Don’t miss your chance to catch some of the art world’s brightest rising stars at this exhibition celebrating the seven finalists for the prestigious Janet & Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize. The winner of the $25,000 fellowship will be named in July, but works by Negar Ahkami, Akea Brionne Brown, Cheeny Celebrado-Royer, Schroeder Cherry, Phylicia Ghee, Jackie Milad, and Stephanie Williams will stay on display through August 11. June 15-Aug. 11. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St.

RAW Baltimore Presents: Impact
This gathering of independent artists will bring beauty, fashion, music, digital art, and more to Baltimore Soundstage. Whether you’re looking to pick up something to hang on the wall or be inspired by creative new takes on genderqueer fashion and vegan beauty, there’s something to be found for everyone at this showcase of local talent. 7 p.m. June 28. Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl.

Music

Outer Spaces Record Release
Grab some friends and head to Current Space’s backyard for this outdoor show celebrating the release of dreamy indie-pop act Outer Spaces’ new record, Gazing Globe, featuring guests Smoke Bellow, Cigarette, and Wheatie Mattiasich with Steve Santilla. The sticky summer evening will fit perfectly with Cara Beth Stalino’s exploration of what it means to lose someone but find yourself all over again. 7-11 p.m. June 29. Current Space, 421 N. Howard St.

Theater

Mortified: PRIDE Edition
Some of us dread those childhood journal entries and notebooks full of poems coming back to haunt us. Mortified embraces them. This Pride-themed version of the Creative Alliance storytelling series will feature adolescent artifacts exploring sexual and gender identity, coming out, and other experiences from the LGBTQ+ community. 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. June 15. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave.

A Midsummer Night’s Bash
Say a fitting farewell to Single Carrot Theatre’s Remington home with full night of Shakespearean shenanigans. Start the evening with the troupe’s raucous performance of Drunk Shakespeare [and other dead white guys], then stick around for bites, drinks, dancing, and more at the Howard Street theater. 7 p.m. June 22. Single Carrot Theatre, 2600 N. Howard St.

Literature

D. Watkins in Conversation with Lisa Snowden-McCray
Five years ago, D. Watkins found a national audience with his viral essay “Too Poor for Pop Culture.” Now a professor, Editor at Large for Salon, and founder of the BMORE Writers Project, Watkins has become an essential voice. In honor of the fifth anniversary of his first print publication, Watkins joins Baltimore Beat editor Lisa Snowden-McCray for a conversation about how things have and haven’t changed since that first essay and what his latest book, We Speak for Ourselves, can add to the story. 7 p.m. June 26. Red Emma’s, 1225 Cathedral St.

Barbara Bourland—Fake Like Me
Humor, mystery, and sharp observation abound in Barbara Bourland’s follow-up to 2017’s I’ll Eat When I’m Dead, Fake Like Me, in which she moves the focus from a Manhattan magazine to the dueling egos of the contemporary art world. Settle into Greedy Reads’ cozy Fells Point home for a conversation with Bourland and BMore Art’s Cara Ober to celebrate the new release. 7:30 June 21. Greedy Reads, 1744 Aliceanna St.

Film

First Look: Dark City: Beneath the Beat
This celebration of community and Baltimore Club comes from one of the genre’s greatest voices, TT The Artist. Head to the SNF Parkway and follow the red carpet in for a first look at Dark City: Beneath The Beat, TT’s documentary following some of the city’s best local musicians, DJs, poets, dancers, and producers as they build and perpetuate a close-knit creative community that rises above Baltimore’s less-than-sterling reputation. 6:30 p.m. Red Carpet Pre-show, 7:15 p.m. Film Presentation, 8:30 p.m. Director Interview and Q&A, June 26. SNF Parkway Theatre, 3 W. North Ave.

EAT

April 26: Clavel + Well Crafted Kitchen Collaboration

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 5-10 p.m. Free.

Nothing warms our local foodie hearts like seeing Charm City eateries team up to create kick-ass menus that combine the best of both culinary worlds. This week in dream collaborations: Acclaimed Mexican restaurant Clavel will collaborate with the pizzeria Well Crafted Kitchen to serve up drool-worthy mashups such as wood-fired pizzas with taco toppings and house-made pretzels served with guacamole. Be sure to get to Union Craft Brewing early to sample items from the pop-up menu—including Clavel’s signature tacos and ceviche—because we can almost guarantee that they’ll sell out before 10 p.m.

DRINK

April 27: Sagamore Spirit Anniversary Party

Sagamore Spirit, 301 E. Cromwell St. 12-5 p.m. Free

On the eve of its two-year anniversary, local whiskey distillery Sagamore Spirit has plenty to celebrate. Last week, its flagship rye whiskey was named the best in the world at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and now the Port Covington-based team is ready to revel in its big win with an afternoon of live music, local eats, and, of course, top-notch cocktails. Find a spot on the distillery’s waterfront lawn to enjoy the sights and sounds of spring and raise a glass to another year of award-winning whiskey

SEE

April 27: Harbor East’s FashionEASTa

Aliceanna Street / Harbor East. 12-5 p.m. Free-$40.

New York Fashion Week may still be a few months away, but, luckily, the streets of Harbor East will be filled with enough runway-worthy looks this Saturday to tie fashion queens over until then. During this annual celebration of all things stylish, grab a street-side cocktail, shop the sales at some of the luxury neighborhood’s best boutiques, and sample bites from area restaurants. At 2:30 p.m., the streets will turn into a high-fashion runway, with locals modeling spring and summer styles from Harbor East shops that are sure to serve as future outfit inspiration.

HEAR

April 26-27: Charm City Bluegrass Festival

Druid Hill Park. Fri. 2-9:30 p.m, Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free-$72.

Since its inaugural show in Union Craft Brewing’s parking lot back in 2013, this finger-pluckin’ festival has boomed into a two-day extravaganza packed with performances by some of the biggest names in the regional bluegrass scene. This weekend, experience a little slice of Americana heaven with sets by hometown heroes like The Bridge and Charm City Junction, along with out-of-towners such as Steep Canyon Rangers and Jeff Austin. Ahead of the festivities in Druid Hill Park, read up on the history and rebirth of bluegrass in Baltimore.

DO

April 27: Marquee Ball

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. $50-55.

Follow the yellow brick road, or, as it will be known during this enchanted affair, the majestic land of Oz! Don your best Tin Man or Dororthy-inspired outfit for the Highlandtown arts center’s biggest bash of the year, featuring live music by local band Jonathan Gilmore & The Experience, performances by drag queen Betty O’Hellno, a silent auction, and plenty of food and drinks. Jump into your ruby slippers and prepare to dance the night away.

Host artists and father-son duo Ken and Brad Kolodner have big plans for the inaugural Baltimore Old Time Music Festival.

Those include a Friday night concert, workshops, intimate performances from headline performers, and a Saturday night square dance, all to celebrate the music that made its way from Appalachia and cemented its legacy in Baltimore during the 20th century.

This boot-stomping fest from March 22-23 at Creative Alliance will feature acts such as Molsky’s Mountain Drifters, Corn Potato String Band, The Local Honeys, Jake Blount, and Tatiana Hargreaves, who are sure to bring the house down with fiddles, banjos, dulcimers, and plenty of dancing.

Between the parades, restaurant specials, and pub crawls in our St. Patrick’s Day Roundup, it might be hard to come out the other end of this weekend without feeling a bit green. If you want to avoid the shamrock-clad crowds, check out these alternative events happening around town.

EAT

March 16: Drag Me To Brunch

El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen, 2921 O’Donnell St. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $20

We can’t think of a better way to start the St. Patrick’s Day weekend shenanigans than with a good ol’ fashioned drag brunch. After noshing on Tex-Mex brunch dishes like spicy chorizo omelets and breakfast tacos, dance along with local queens like Sarah ‘Nade, Virya Shavasana, and Victoria Bohmore as they sashay around El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen. With bottomless mimosas, tequila sunrises, and Bloody Marys flowing throughout the show, you’re guaranteed to be dragging your feet once it’s time to go back out to the Canton Square.

DRINK

March 16: Unicorn Farts Release Party

DuClaw Brewing Company, 8901 Yellow Bright Rd. 2-3 p.m. Free.

This weekend marks the release of DuClaw Brewing’s unicorn-themed beer in support of the city’s LGBTQ community, and their team of brewers is kicking off the celebration (literally) with an ode to Baltimore Pride’s annual high-heel race. Venture out to Rosedale to participate in a one-of-a-kind 20-meter dash to honor the brand-new glittery ale, Sour Me Unicorn Farts, and then spend the rest afternoon enjoying live music and eats from local food trucks. Show the crowd of onlookers what stilettos are made for and trade in your sweat for 16 ounces of shimmer at the finish line.

SEE

March 16-April 13: Louie’s Cafe Bookstore Exhibition

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 6-8 p.m. Free.

Before Station North’s worker-owned Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse, there was Louie’s, a beloved bookstore cafe which was the first of its kind when it opened in 1981. This Charles Street staple served as a hub for Baltimore’s artist community, and now, 20 years after its closing, 25 of Louie’s previously featured artists are hanging their masterpieces on the walls of the Creative Alliance to revive the glory of this cultural epicenter. Whether you’re a former patron or just want to revel in this piece of local history, experience its opening on Saturday night and stick around for eats by James Beard Award-winning chef Spike Gjerde and tunes by Ava Oelke with Swing Theory.

HEAR

March 15: Haint Blue

Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. 8 p.m. $10.

Heavy thunderstorms are in Friday’s forecast, but don’t let that stop you from jamming out with this righteous Baltimore-based septet during the release party for their first full-length album, Overgrown. Pack the Metro Gallery to hear bold anthems and vulnerable ballads from this rising Americana-folk group as well as sets by local artists Caleb Stine and Cora Sone that will have you rockin’ no matter how loudly the thunder rolls.

DO

March 8: Baltimore Oyster Gardening

Downtown Sailing Center, 1425 Key Hwy. 9-11 a.m. Free.

Who knew mollusks needed gardening? This Saturday, head down to Lighthouse Point to help ensure that the 250,000 oysters planted around the Inner Harbor are living their best lives. Show your appreciation for these Chesapeake Bay VIPs by cleaning out their cages and learning about how important they are to the ecosystem. And though you’re bound to get dirty (RIP to your T-shirt), the day’s work will leave you feeling happy as a clam.

It’s impossible to overstate how important Louie’s Bookstore Café was to your life if you lived in Baltimore City during the ’80s and ’90s. This was before Donna’s. Before Starbucks. Hell, before Amazon. Louie’s was a place to have a drink, have a meal, look at some local art on the walls, listen to some Peabody students gigging in the corner, and, yes, buy a book. Beyond that, it seemed to be the center of everything: first dates, breakups, celebrity sightings. Restaurants come and go in Baltimore at a rapid pace, but Louie’s will never be forgotten.

And now the restaurant that closed more than 20 years ago is having a reunion.

The popular dining spot, which was open on Charles Street from 1981 to 1998, is the subject of a pair of art exhibits at the Creative Alliance that will run from March 16 to April 13, providing former patrons and employees an opportunity to get together again.

The first one, in the main gallery downstairs, will be “Jimmy Rouse: The Past Ten Years.” It’s a collection of paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures by Rouse, who owned and operated Louie’s while also working as a visual artist. Rouse named the restaurant after his first son. The second show, upstairs in the Amalie Rothschild Gallery, is “Louie’s Bookstore and Café: Back on the Wall” and will contain work by 25 artists who were featured over the years at Louie’s, one of the first restaurants locally to exhibit art for sale on a rotating basis.

Put them together and it’s a perfect excuse to gather patrons of the food and books and art—or all three. The opening reception on March 16 is shaping up to be an especially big night for reminiscing, with James Beard Award-winning chef Spike Gjerde providing the food and Ava Oelke singing with Swing Theory in the Marquee Lounge.

“Please come, let’s have a Louie’s reunion,” Rouse wrote on his Facebook page to announce the opening. Now 73, he spends much of his time making art from studios in Bolton Hill and Woodberry.

The idea for the companion shows came from Creative Alliance executive director Gina Caruso and former exhibitions and programs manager Jeremy Sterns. According to Caruso, Creative Alliance was planning a show of works by Rouse, who had exhibited there before, and they wanted to use that as an opportunity to celebrate many of the artists Rouse helped promote at Louie’s.

Opened one year after Harborplace did, Louie’s was an alternative to the Inner Harbor pavilions, a place where locals could feel comfortable. The old building gave the space a lot of character, and the high ceilings provided plenty of wall space to hang paintings. Practically from the start, it was a gathering place for Baltimore’s arts community. All kinds of people stopped by. It had such a strong following that there is even today a Facebook page devoted to it and its alums, Louie’s Bookstore and Café Goes Global.

Caruso said she remembers Louie’s from when she first moved to Baltimore in 1989 to work at the nearby Walters Art Gallery, now the Walters Art Museum. She said the response from the arts community was strong in large part because many of the employees were emerging artists, waiting tables or tending bar at Louie’s to support themselves while building careers—and Rouse, an artist himself, encouraged that.

“When I came to Baltimore in 1989, Louie’s was the place to go—and the place to get a decent cup of coffee,” Caruso recalls. “And he was showing artists at the time, many of whom worked for him at the restaurant. We would come to the bookstore and then eat there. I became friends with many of [the patrons] because they were poets and writers and artists. There weren’t a lot of galleries that were showing emerging artists at the time.”

Caruso said there were other places to find local art during the period when Louie’s was open, including Margaret’s Café in Fells Point (run by Creative Alliance co-founder Margaret Footner) and Linda Richardson’s Café Montage in Mt. Vernon. She also notes that there are many more restaurants that show and sell original art now. But Louie’s paved the way in many respects, she said.

“It was an oasis, really,” she said. “It wasn’t just the art on the walls. It was the people who worked there. [Rouse] was a very kind person and he was very supportive of his artists. It was a very special place.”

Artists who are confirmed for the show, curated by Thomas James, include Ruth Channing, Ruth Pettus, Christy Bergland, Greg Fletcher, Nieves Saah, Steve Parlato, Mary Opasik, Jim Opasik and Richard Soper. Others are being added. Rouse, a son of legendary developer James W. Rouse, helped Creative Alliance track down the artists. He said the exhibits at Louie’s lasted six weeks, and he figures more than 100 artists showed their work there over the years.

Rouse plans to present a range of his own oil paintings, including still life images, landscapes, portraits, and figures, as well as narrative and allegorical paintings. He’ll also show free-standing clay figures, portrait heads and bas-reliefs, which he paints.

With less than a week to go before the shows open at Creative Alliance, Rouse said he’s looking forward to seeing everyone again—and letting everyone see what he’s been working on. He’s giving an artist’s talk at Creative Alliance at 3:30 p.m. on April 13 and will speak about the two exhibits and “the esthetics of beauty” as part of a panel discussion with Tom Hall on WYPR Radio at noon on March 15.

“I think people will be blown away by the quality of work upstairs,” Rouse said.

Visual Art

Spring 2019 Design Soiree
For the past 15 years, the Design Soiree has given artists and creatives a change to interact, exchange ideas, and get feedback on their work. Reserve your spot early to experience the latest evening of artistic exchange at Y:ART Gallery. And don’t forget to bring some food and drink to share before you settle in to see presenters share their newest projects. Y:ART Gallery & Fine Gifts, 3402 Gough St. 7-10 p.m., March 20.

Logan Visionary Conference 2019: The Art of Parenting
Celebrate AVAM’s themed exhibition Parenting: An Art Without a Manual by soaking up some knowledge from a panel of luminaries including Dr. Daniel J Siegel of the UCLA School of Medicine and the Mindsight Institute, Alison D’Alessandro of the Baltimore Child Abuse Center, and Joe Jones of The Center for Urban Families. This yearly conference is free, but reservations must be made in advance. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 1-4 p.m., March 24.

Literature

Blythe Roberson: How to Date Men When You Hate Men
Join Blythe Roberson at Bird in Hand for a discussion of just how weird it is to date men in the modern world. The New Yorker and Onion contributor’s new book features such helpful sections as “Real Interviews With Men About Whether Or Not It Was A Date” and “Definitive Proof That Tom Hanks Is The Villain Of You’ve Got Mail,” so you know it’s sure to be a good time full of great advice. Bird in Hand Charles Village, 11 E. 33rd St. 7-9 p.m. March 9.

Confessionals: Writing the Hard Stuff
Truth hurts, so they say, but this MoonLit event seeks to help writers put their true selves down on paper and learn the importance of doing so. Local poet Ashley Elizabeth will help guide the group through readings, writing, and a discussion on truth-telling, and editing/workshopping will be available if time allows. Greedy Reads, 1744 Aliceanna St. 7-9 p.m., March 27.

Dance

Addict
Seven dancers will each portray a different experience with addiction in this performance in support of Helping Up Mission, a Baltimore nonprofit that provides for those dealing with homelessness, poverty, and addition. Featuring a live accompaniment from Two Rivers Chamber Music, Addict seeks to address the portrayal of addiction in media and how people are affected by society’s lack of understanding. Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. 8 p.m., March 12-13.

Music

That’s What She Said
Grab your best girlfriends, because this women-powered night featuring some of the best voices in town is not to be missed. Electro-opera duo Outcalls, gloom-pop group $100 Girlfriend, and New Jersey rocking sister act Nalani & Sarina will join forces for one night only at Motor House for a no-boys-allowed evening of comedy and music. Motor House, 120 W. North Ave. 7-10:30 p.m., March 16.

Inaugural Baltimore Old Time Music Festival
A Friday night concert, a day of workshops and intimate performances from headliners, and a Saturday evening square dance will celebrate the Old Time music that made its way from Appalachia and cemented its legacy in Baltimore during the 20th century. This foot-stomping new fest at Creative Alliance will feature acts such as Ken and Brad Kolodner, Molsky’s Mountain Drifters, Corn Potato String Band, and The Local Honeys, who are sure to bring out the best of Old Time with fiddles, banjos, dulcimers, and plenty of dancing. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Times vary, March 22-23.

Chaunter Dream Dynamics LP Release Party
Get acquainted with Baltimore’s latest cool kids at this release party for Chaunter’s new LP, Dream Dynamics, featuring the dreamy sounds of songwriting duo Brooks Kossover and Jenghis Manning-Pettit. Nerftoss, Infinity Knives + Randi, Frogohmine, and Matmos will get the evening started before Kossover, Pettit, and the rest of Chaunter take the stage to share their creative sound and impeccable style. Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. 8 p.m., March 29.

Film

The Case Against Adnan Syed
Part one of this four-part documentary series revisiting the murder of Baltimore County teen Hae Min Lee and the conviction of Adnan Syed for the crime premieres March 10 at 9 p.m. on HBO. The series, directed by Academy Award nominee Amy Berg, has been in production since 2015 and includes new evidence discovered by private investigators and interviews with friends, family, and people involved in the case over the past 20 years of uncertainty. Part 1 premieres on HBO 9 p.m. March 10.

Volunteering Untapped Fake Wedding
Feb. 23. The Baltimore Museum of Industry. 7 p.m. Prices Vary. On a Saturday night last February, John Magiros jumped in front of a crowd of dressed-to-the-nines party-goers at the Baltimore Museum of Industry and called out, “Who’s single and wants to get married tonight?” Magiros then ushered two volunteers forward, gave the “groom” a top hat and the “bride” a veil, and “married” them using Mad Lib-style wedding vows in front of hundreds of strangers. And while the wedding was fake, the mission of the party—to support the local nonprofit network Volunteering Untapped—was very real. At this year’s Black Tie Baltimore Fake Wedding on February 23, the VU leadership team including Jeremy Raichle, Teddy Davidson, Brittany Fowler, and Magiros, will cut out the obligations of attending a wedding—no presents or plus-ones required—while keeping the drinks flowing all night. “It’s all the fun of a wedding with none of the commitment,” says Magiros. “What more could you ask for?”

Grateful Dead Tribute for Kids
Feb. 2. 800 Key Hwy. 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Free-$50. Deadheads, rejoice! If you’ve been looking for a way to introduce your kids to the mother of all jam bands, you’re in luck: the American Visionary Art Museum and local radio station WTMD are hosting a Saturday morning celebration of all things Grateful Dead. Local cover act Ed Hough’s Dead Collective will perform kid-oriented favorites in the museum’s banquet hall, with plenty of snacks, drinks, and art to go around.

Jim Gaffigan
Feb. 7-8. 140 W. Mt Royal Ave. 7 p.m. $35.25-204. Whether it’s in his scene-stealing TV roles, his bestselling books, or his four Grammy-nominated comedy albums, Jim Gaffigan always manages to earn a laugh. The family-friendly comic, who launched his Quality Time tour in January, is known for finding humor in the mundane, such as doctor visits, food, and fatherhood. Get your tickets quickly—his show is almost guaranteed to sell out.

Lunar New Year Celebration
Feb. 10. 600 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Across Asian cultures, the lunar new year marks the beginning of a new calendar year. To ring in the Year of the Pig, the Walters Art Museum is throwing a free, family-oriented celebration in their sprawling Mt. Vernon complex. Visitors of all ages can explore the museum’s expansive and much-lauded Arts of Asia exhibition, followed by a chance to create their own Asian-inspired works. Make sure to catch the traditional lion dance performance, which is believed to bring good luck in the new year.

Creature Feature
Feb. 12. The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. 7 p.m. $15-$23. Whether you love them, hate them, or are allergic to them, there’s no denying that animals have a special connection with humans. This month, the Stoop Storytelling Series invites locals to get onstage at the Senator Theatre to share the good, bad, or the ugly about their relationships with four-legged friends (or foes). Get to the theater early to grab a pre-show cocktail and hear live music by (appropriately) Brooks Long and the Mad Dog No Good.

A Date With John Waters
Feb. 14. 124 Market Place. 8 p.m. $44-110. Perhaps no one embodies the spirit of Charm City more than hometown auteur John Waters. Fresh off of a retrospective at The Baltimore Museum of Art, the beloved director of films such as Pink Flamingos and Hairspray is making Valentine’s Day a little weirder with a monologue about his artistic influences, good taste, and sexual politics. To make date night unforgettable, filth followers can even spring for a meet and greet with the Pope of Trash himself after the show.

Max’s Belgian Beer Fest
Feb. 15-17. 737 South Broadway. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Free. According to Lyft, Max’s Taphouse was the most visited bar in Baltimore during 2018, and for a good reason. During this annual beer fest, belly up to the bar and sample a selection of rare European pours that will join the pub’s usual 200-plus bottles and taps for the entire weekend. If you have one dubbel or tripel too many, no worries, the Fells Point favorite will be serving up Belgian-inspired snacks to soak up the suds.

Charm City Django Jazz Fest
Feb. 22-23. 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $25-28. In celebration of this finger-plucking music genre pioneered by Belgian jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, gypsy jazz musicians from near and far will take over Creative Alliance for two days of blazing guitar runs and jazz heat during this fourth annual jam fest. Revel in the chance to hear the likes of Ellicott City-based wunderkind Samuel Farthing, local jazz group Ultrafaux, and Philly-based accordionist Dallas Vietty and his group Passarinho. creativealliance.org.

Frozen Harbor Music Festival
Feb. 22-23. Inner Harbor, 34 Market Pl. Prices vary. While most music festivals wait until the warm weather months to host big-name acts and sold-out crowds, the Frozen Harbor Music Festival embraces the cold and parties on anyway. This year, spend the weekend show-hopping to Inner Harbor venues (think Baltimore Soundstage, Rams Head Live!, and Leinenkugel’s Beer Garden) to hear 160 regional and national acts jam out across 10 stages.

American Craft Show
Feb. 22-24. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W Pratt St. $5-$50. Times vary. Whether you’re visiting this revered makers festival for an hour or for the entire weekend, the American Craft Show is guaranteed to have something for everyone. The three-day downtown event, which features work by artisans from near and far, hosts wares such as jewelry, ceramics, and furniture at every price point. Be sure to stop by one-of-a-kind booths like Tristan Sopp’s, where you can buy DIY folded-paper animals, and Marc Tickle’s, which features handmade kaleidoscopes.

Think about the main characters of films you recently viewed. How many of them were black women? How many had black female actresses as lead protagonists? How many were directed by black women? One or two may come to mind. Try to name 10. Are you having difficulty?

In response to the blatant inequity black women creatives face, filmmaker and writer Nia Hampton founded The Black Femme Supremacy Film Festival. The festival aims to promote dynamic cinematic efforts from Black female/femme identified filmmakers as well as “shake up the notoriously elitist culture of film festivals.”

This Sunday, January 20 at 5 p.m., the Creative Alliance will host “Taste Test: A Night of Short Films,” as a preview for the second installment of the festival, coming in the fall of 2019. Cinephiles can experience selections from Cuba, Brazil, South Africa, Canada and the United States that center “the black femme as a global protagonist.” A panel discussion with Hampton and some of the filmmakers will follow.

In 2018, the call for a more inclusive cinema grew too loud to ignore: more women and people of color as lead protagonists, directors, crew members, and writers. Hollywood’s decision to take heed proved to be incredibly profitable. Films like Black Panther, Mudbound, Bright, Moonlight, A Wrinkle in Time, If Beale Street Could Talk, and Get Out, among others, broke longstanding misconceptions about the earning potential of films with more people of color. The commercial success of those films set a new standard that has taken decades to acknowledge—national audiences will support great films even if they do not feature white male protagonists.

Despite these modest victories, inequitable casting and hiring of nonwhite actors and directors persists. UCLA’s recent research publication, 2018 Hollywood Diversity Report revealed that only one in 10 film directors are people of color and less than one out of 10 film directors are female. The Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film concludes that, of the top films in 2017, just 16 percent of female characters were black and only 7 percent were LatinX. DataUSA confirmed that more than 80 percent of American producers and directors are white, an overwhelming majority are male and just 7.78 percent are black.

With these disparities in mind, we chatted with Hampton about the importance of black women filmmakers, how she defines femme, and her hopes for the evolution of the festival.

The Black Femme Supremacy Film Festival is a powerful title. How are you defining femme?
Femme is such a loaded term because we know that not all women have female genitalia and that not all women describe themselves as feminine or feminist. A femme person knows that they are femme regardless of how they look or how others may perceive them. But I’m also thinking about feminine boys who had to fight. I’m thinking about dark-skinned black women, who had to overcompensate to be seen. I’m thinking about naturally black women, who aren’t comfortable with the way people treat them.

[The films] are presenting characters who may be seen as femme. The directors are women, most are black, but the idea is that what you are watching on screen is a femme-identified person, their experiences, and what they are going through.

Why do you believe that it is important to present narratives that center black femmes?
When it comes to Hollywood, those films are not enough for me. When I was young, I got to see women be protagonists and femme-identified folks be feminists, but I think some things still need to be changed. I loved Black Panther and I love that it was made. Letitia Wright and Lupita Nyong’o, their roles were great, but I want to see films just about them. I’m looking for more femme heroes and protagonists to watch. I also know a lot of black female filmmakers but feel like, if I’m not in New York or in film school, I don’t get to see their work. Film is such a male-centric medium. It’s easy to go to a film festival and not see women making films. As a female filmmaker, I need to know that other people are doing this as well.

“Taste Test” will show short films from different countries. I made a short that I shot in Brazil. The shorts all cover different subjects, different genres. We will continue to center films by and about black women or folks who are femme-identified.

How do you hope the festival will evolve?
I want to create something that is operated by regular people. I would like to see my film festival accessible to black women who are not necessarily filmmakers. A lot of film festival culture is tied up in classism and elitism. You usually have to have enough money to make a film and then sell it and that kind of cuts out many black women from jump. I would like to host workshops and networking opportunities and really be a community for people. I really want to make a space where people are interacting and making films and really be a part of the process.