News

Theater Renovations on the Horizon for Arena Players

On Dec. 4, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $300,000 grant for improvements to the Arena Players theater—the oldest continuously operating African-American theater in the country. Designated for “the acquisition, planning, design, construction, repair, renovation, reconstruction, site improvement, and capital equipping of Arena Players theatre,” the funds will go toward infrastructural updates to the beloved local cultural space.

Hamilton Returns to the Hippodrome

There’s good news for those that missed their shot to see Hamilton during its first visit to Baltimore this fall. The Hippodrome announced this week that the hit musical will return in summer 2021, taking the Eutaw Street stage from June 8-July 3.

Visual Art

Necessity of Tomorrow(s): Future Histories

Filling in the blanks in the stories of our past can help us create a better informed future. Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of The New York Times’ “The 1619 Project,” will explore this idea alongside activist and art collector Pamela J. Joyner and Baltimore artist Zoë Charlton at this latest installment of the BMA’s groundbreaking conversation series. 6-10 p.m. Dec. 17. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr.

Current Space’s 7th Annual Art Market

The holidays are creeping up quick, but this annual market featuring dozens of local artists and crafters can help you find the perfect thing for the art-lover on your list. Meet the people behind the works and browse items from talented local creators such as Press Press, Dana Bechert, and James Bouché. Dec. 14. Current Space, 421 N. Howard St.

Literature

Book Signing: Lost Restaurants of Baltimore

Restaurants come and go so quickly that it’s often hard to keep track of what used to be where. Some places, however, stick with us. Stop by Eddie’s of Roland Park to pick up a signed copy of Suzanne Loudermilk and Kit Waskom Pollard’s exploration of the places and plates that helped build Baltimore into the food city it is today. 2-4 p.m. Dec. 14. Eddie’s of Roland Park, 5113 Roland Ave.

Music

The High & Wides Album Release Show

This rip-roaring group from the Eastern Shore is back with a brand new album, Seven True Stories, and they’re ready to celebrate with Baltimore’s bluegrass-loving crowds. Pack into Creative Alliance to hear live renditions of new tracks such as “Reverie” and “Real America,” then grab your copy of this DIY collection of mostly true tales. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave.

Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon with Amy Reid and Infinity Knives

Catch up with Catonsville’s Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon post-American Idol at this full night of local talent. Settle in and enjoy the good vibes from electronic artists Amy Reid and Infinity Knives before Harmon takes the stage with dreamy tracks such as “Almost Heaven” and “Learn to Love.” Doors 6 p.m. Show 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St.

Theatre

The Wiz

There really is no place like home. Celebrate ArtsCentric’s new space by joining the company for their first show in Remington, a fitting trip to the land of Oz with The Wiz. This retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale featuring an all-black cast swaps out the 1939 movie’s show tunes for a soul, R&B, and pop soundtrack you’ll be humming all the way home. Dec. 13 through Jan. 12. ArtsCentric, 2600 N. Howard St.

Film

Beyond Video Anniversary Party

Celebrate your friendly neighborhood video store’s first birthday with a party at Ottobar featuring vintage dance tunes and tons of giveaways from cinephile favorites such as A24 and Criterion. A few dollars gets you entry to the festivities, but generous partygoers can bring in a movie or two off the wish list in exchange for admission and raffle tickets, as well. 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Dec 13. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St.

Visual Art

Time and Place

In this second exhibition at the reopened 1 West Mount Vernon Place, contemplate the bridges between past and present through Jay Gould’s evocative portraits and Antonio McAfee’s haunting composite images from W.E.B. DuBois’ Exhibit of American Negroes. The combination of the two artists work offers a contemporary perspective on 19th-century imagery. Through March 1, 2020. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St.

Music

Lower Dens Album Release

Join Jana Hunter and Nate Nelson as they celebrate the release of The Competition and kick off a month-long tour with two nights of shows at Rituals in the former home of The Windup Space in Station North. Soak up their synth-laced beats and dance like the lead in your favorite ‘80s heartbreaker before these local legends head out of town for September. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Rituals, 12 W. North Ave.

Literature

Jessica Gregg: News From This Lonesome City

Jessica Gregg has spent the past decade living in and writing about the city her family has called home for five generations. This new collection of poems from the editor of Baltimore’s Child and Baltimore’s Style explores the experiences gathered by living and working in Baltimore and the loneliness, fear, and ultimate hope that they inspire. Join Gregg at Bird in Hand for a discussion of these new verses and the stories that inspired them. 7-9 p.m., Bird in Hand Charles Village, 11 E. 33rd St.

Film

2019 Black Femme Supremacy Film Fest

Back for its second year at the SNF Parkway, this weekend-long film festival celebrating and connecting black femme filmmakers will feature dozens of films, from music videos to documentaries. This year’s theme is “Access,” and the idea will guide programming throughout the festival. Be sure to catch screenings of Baltimore-made docs such as B. Monet’s Ballet After Dark and Antonio Hernadez’s Indelible: Abdu Ali, both about local artists changing this city for the better. Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. The SNF Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave.

News

Home Sweet Home for Current Space

If you haven’t been by 421 North Howard Street recently, we have good news for you. After three long years of red tape and renovation, Current Space finally has the forever home they’ve been after. Owners Julianne Hamilton and Michael Benevento had been working to acquire the building since 2015 and announced the purchase in late July. Next steps include updates to the roof and HVAC system, among other improvements. Stop by Aug. 31 to pass along your congratulations to Hamilton and Benevento and jam to Horse Lords, Wume, Smoke Bellow, and DJ/MC Lexie Mountain in the backyard.

New Digs for The Ivy Bookshop

The Ivy is already a book-lover’s dream, but take a moment to imagine perusing one of its tomes while rocking back and forth on a peaceful front porch, or maybe even moving into the shop itself. Those dreams will soon be a reality, as The Ivy plans to move into a 19th century home at 5928 Falls Road this spring. New additions will include more space for books, an upstairs workshop, and a writer’s residency apartment, all inside a charming former church near the Jones Falls.

It’s a Woman’s World at the BMA

The Baltimore Museum of Art has announced on Aug. 1 that, starting this fall, the museum will play host to 20 exhibitions celebrating women and female-identifying artists over the course of a year. The program, called 2020 Vision, recognizes the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and will kick off this fall with By Their Creative Force: American Women Modernists, which will feature 20th-century painters, followed by an installation of Mickalene Thomas’ living rooms in the museum’s east lobby in November. Vision 2020 begins in September and will stretch through Summer 2020.

Visual Art

Under $500
Looking for that last big gift for someone special (or yourself) this holiday season? Stop by the sixth annual Under $500 art sale at Maryland Art Place. View works by dozens of local artists, grab a festive drink, and get the chance to purchase a collector’s piece for less than $500. If you’re in the giving mood, bring along a new toy or book because MAP will be collecting for Philanthropi’s toy drive during the sale. Opening reception 7 p.m. Dec. 14; on view during gallery hours Dec. 14-18. Maryland Art Place, 218 West Saratoga St.

School 33 Openings
Three new exhibitions at School 33 promise new explorations of the human experience. Your silence will not protect you brings together the work of five artists inspired by “black womyn’s experiences in America past, present, and future.” Two single-artist exhibitions, Nature As A Metaphor For Economic, Emotional And Existential Horror and Labor of Suggestion offer individual takes on humanity’s separation from the natural world and the line between reach and grasp. On view through Feb. 2, 2019. School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light St.

Music

Winter Formal Benefit for House of Ruth
Get all dolled up and give back at this formal benefit for House of Ruth, which provides services for women and their children who have been victims of domestic violence in Baltimore and Prince George’s County. This night of Christmas Eve Eve Merrymaking will feature a raffle, a prize for the best-dressed partier, and music from Eze Jackson, Blacksage, Humanmania, Spooled Up, Sickle Cell, and DJ Pancakes. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec 23, The Windup Space, 12 West North Ave.

Baltimore Plays: Soul Christmas
Join some of Baltimore’s beloved independent artists for five decades-worth of Christmas songs at latest event in the Creative Alliance’s Baltimore Plays series. Marc Avon Evans & Soul Centered, Kevin Jackson, Jamaal “Black Root” Collier, Karin Dominique Evans, Kyana Graham and Chuck the Madd Ox are all on this bill for this evening of soulful holiday hits. 8 p.m. Dec. 21, Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave.

Nico Sarbanes & Ben Wolfe Holiday Concert
Don’t miss your opportunity to catch this dynamic duo swinging in the holidays at the intimate An die Musik. Baltimore native Nico Sarbanes and celebrated jazz bassist Ben Wolfe will come together for one night of bass and trumpet virtuosity. Can’t make a 7:30 start? No worries, Sarbanes and Wolf are performing a second set at 9:00 p.m. Sets at 7:30 and 9 p.m. Dec. 22, An die Musik, 409 North Charles St.

Theater

Heathers The Musical: In Concert
Need a break from all the holiday cheer? Try adding a little chaos to the mix (it is what killed the dinosaurs, darling) with this live performance of the musical version of 1980s cult classic Heathers. Grab your tickets early to get dibs on the seated section and your very own Heathers cup (and slushie!). 8-11 p.m. Dec 20-22. Ottobar, 2549 North Howard St.

The Rocky Horror Show
The Christmas season always starts early, so who says Halloween can’t run a little late? Put on your best gold short shorts or maid’s outfit and sing along to a live performance of this weird and wonderful musical. Every ticket comes with all the props you’ll need for the iconic interactive Rocky Horror experience. Shows at 8 and 11:30 p.m. Dec. 14-15, Show at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 West Preston St.

Go Oscar WILDE! Pride Night
Everyman Theatre is celebrating its first-ever Pride Night with a happy hour reception featuring cocktail specials and snacks, a conversation with director Joseph W. Ritsch about the fascinating life and work of Oscar Wilde, and, of course, a performance of the company’s colorful new production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Happy Hour Reception 6-7:30 p.m., show at 8:00 p.m. Dec. 14. Everyman Theatre, 315 West Fayette St.

Film

Blocked in Baltimore Screening
Root Branch Film Academy’s first-ever Friday Film Factory class is ready for their close up. Join this group of beginner filmmakers for the screening of their first documentary, Blocked in Baltimore, which chronicles local artists and why they feel their careers get limited to the city alone. 8 p.m. Dec. 21, The Startup Nest, 1401 Severn St.

It’s a Wonderful Life Annual Benefit Screening
Spend part of your weekend with this Frank Capra Christmas classic at The Senator. Gather as many friends and family members as you’d like for these morning showtimes—admission is free! Just be sure to bring along some non-perishable food items for the GEDCO Cares Food Pantry. Doors at 9 a.m., show at 10 a.m. Dec. 22 and 23. The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd.

News

Current Space’s Ruin Garden and Expansion Approved by CHAP
The artist-run gallery and studio space has been working for three years to try to convert the collapsing 417 North Howard Street into a ruin garden and studio space. With unanimous approval from Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) behind them, Current Space can begin the process of demolition and move forward with the long-awaited project. More money still needs to be raised to fund the expansion, but once completed it will add an additional 5,000 square feet of outdoor performance space (including an outdoor bar) and double the available space for the space’s studio program.

EAT

Oct. 19: The Diner by Secret Sauce Co.

1730 N. Charles St. 5 p.m. Free.

You may have already seen the first bottles of Secret Sauce Co.’s brand-new ketchup on shelves around town (spotted at Trohv and Prime Corner in Hampden), but this Friday, visit this Baltimore-based company’s pop-up restaurant at The Lost City Diner to celebrate the launch of its first sauce. In true diner style, try the ketchup with burgers and fries while sipping on drinks from Vent Coffee and Union Craft Brewing. If you can’t make it, no worries, The Diner by Secret Sauce Co. concept will be around for the next few weeks.

DRINK

Oct. 20: Fall Fling

Old Line Spirits, 200 S. Janney St. 2 p.m. Free.

It’s been almost a year since Old Line Spirits started distilling whiskey in Highlandtown, and this weekend, they’re commemorating their first-ever fall fling with the release of a new seasonal whiskey. Head to the experimental distillery to sample sips of the new American single-malt cask-finished whiskey, as well as snacks and pours from other neighborhood favorites like Monument City Brewing, Snake Hill Tavern, and Mayuree Thai Tavern.

SEE

Oct. 19-21: Rocky Horror Picture Show

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

Spooky season wouldn’t be complete without a night of revelry that takes us time-warping back to 1975. For two nights at Creative Alliance, channel your inner Riff Raff, Janet, or Dr. Frank N. Furter for a screening of this sci-fi horror-comedy that has become an audience-participation phenomenon. Get there early to grab a themed cocktail, snag a toss pack (toast and toilet paper included), and join fellow Rocky-obsessed fans at this one-of-a-kind tradition.

HEAR

Oct. 20: Ed Schrader’s Music Beat

Current Space, 421 N. Howard St. 7-11 p.m. Free.

After touring with legendary Baltimore rock band Future Islands, this post-punk duo is celebrating its homecoming with a jam-packed show that’s guaranteed to rock Current Space’s outdoor stage. Along with new-wave-inspired songs from their latest album, Riddles, hear sets by the likes of beloved local rapper DDm, DJ Pancakes, and Nerftoss at this can’t-miss concert.

DO

Oct. 20: Baltimore Running Festival

McKeldin Square, E Pratt St. 7:30 a.m. $55-270.

Pace your weekend around this citywide marathon that sends more than 20,000 runners through the heart of Baltimore every year. On Saturday, hit the pavement for the full marathon, half marathon, 5K, team relay, or fun-run and take in picture-perfect views of the waterfront while circling the city. If running isn’t your bag, cheer on runners at spectator spots like Lululemon in Harbor East or Lee’s Pint & Shell in Canton and check out post-race activities that range from rowdy to restorative.

EAT

July 6: Sandlot First Friday Crab Feast

Sandlot, 1000 Wills St. 4-10 p.m. $45-80.

Just when we thought Sandlot had everything we needed to get our beach fix in the city—waterfront views, a sandy shoreline, and spiked slushies—they added the one thing that was missing: steaming piles of crabs. Starting this Friday, Harbor Point’s waterfront oasis will be serving up crabs from Conrad’s Crabs & Seafood Market on the first Friday evening of the summer months along with must-have sides like potato salad and corn on the cob. Wash it all down with beers from event partner Flying Dog Brewery, including the Old Bay-infused Dead Rise brew for the perfect pairing.

DRINK

July 6-7:Bluebird Cocktail Room Anniversary

The Bluebird Cocktail Room, 3600 Hickory Ave. Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Somehow, it’s already been a year since Hampden’s literary-themed cocktail bar opened its doors, and this weekend, The Bluebird is celebrating its first birthday with tiki-inspired drinks, eats, and music. Starting on Thursday, the neighborhood favorite will transform into a tropical oasis as part of its weekly summer event and continue the vibes through its anniversary on Saturday. Don your best Hawaiian shirt and raise a frozen absinthe frappe to many more years of artisanal cocktails and bookish style.

SEE

July 6-28: Diaphanous Shades and Sweet Sweat

Current Space, 421 N. Howard St. Fri.-Sat. 12-4 p.m. Free.

Since coming onto the Baltimore arts scene almost 15 years ago, this small Bromo Arts District gallery has become known for hosting experimental exhibitions that push artistic boundaries. On Friday, the gallery will debut two new exhibitions: Diaphanous Shades, a collaborative work by Virginia-based artists Brian Burr and Lauren Rice that visually compresses the past, present, and future of Western civilization, and Sweet Sweat, a solo exhibition by photographer Lindsey Bottos that focuses on faded relationships. Head downtown to see these thought-provoking works, which will be on display through the end of the month.

HEAR

July 7: Jazz Odyssey: The Sun Ra Arkestra

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 5-9 p.m. $35-50.

Jack Whitten, whose revelatory works are now on display at The Baltimore Museum of Art, had a deep appreciation for jazz music and is the inspiration for this year’s summer concert series at the museum. This Saturday, hear outer space-inspired experimental jazz music from the renowned Sun Ra Arkestra in the BMA’s Sculpture Garden, and, before the music starts at 7 p.m., enjoy evening access to Whitten’s widely-regarded exhibition.

DO

July 7: Party in the Park

Whitelock Community Farm, 922 Whitelock St. #4. 3-7 p.m. Free-$20.

This weekend, the “Excellent Women” of Baltimore are throwing a can’t-miss picnic party in the spirit of making new friends and celebrating girl power. For this meet-up hosted by the Society of Excellent Women, head to the Whitelock Community Farm to sample eats from local women-owned businesses (think Wild Thyme Food Truck, Cocina Luchadoras, and Mrs. Married Mack’s Hand Pies), splash around in summertime-themed mini pools by Minnidip, and get to know other Charm City movers and shakers.