EAT

Dec. 6: Heritage Smokehouse Feast

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. $75.

Although we still miss the locally sourced lamb chops and steak cuts from now-closed Parts & Labor, former head chef and butcher George Marsh is keeping its spirit alive through his new venture, Heritage Smokehouse. In preparation for the restaurant’s opening in early 2020, the Heritage team is serving up this feast of epic proportions at Union Craft Brewing, with everything from smoked pork belly and spare ribs to pig heads and kielbasa. This meat-lover’s dream also includes sides like local vegetables and suggested beer pairings from Union’s tasting team.

DRINK

Dec. 7: Mahaffey’s Pub Winter Wonderland Party

Mahaffey’s Pub, 2706 Dillon St. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.

Mahaffey’s Pub is a longtime Canton staple for its no-frills attitude, drink specials, and annual all-day holiday block party. Bring the kiddos early for pictures with Santa, face-painting, and a toy drive for the Saint Francis Neighborhood Center, and then stick around for snacks by Snake Hill Food Truck. But the main attraction of the party is what will keep you warm all day: Flying Dog beers as well as spiked hot cocoa and apple cider.

SEE

Dec. 8: Holiday Pagoda Lighting

Patterson Park, 27 S. Patterson Park Ave. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

Watch as the stars and snowflakes that decorate the Pagoda turn on during the fifth annual lighting at Patterson Park. Bring the whole family to the park to meet Santa and other holiday characters, squeeze in some holiday shopping with local gift vendors, or donate to the toy drive. Plus, this much-anticipated community kick-off doesn’t end once the park’s centerpiece is lit, but instead, welcomes locals to stay into the evening with tons of food trucks and live music to keep the celebration going.

HEAR

Dec. 6: Save Your Soul with DJs Baby Alcatraz and Rob Macy

Lithuanian Hall, 851 Hollins St. 8-11 p.m. $6.

Let’s face it: This is a stressful time of the year. Between last-minute holiday shopping and work performance reviews, we could all use an excuse to let loose and dance the stress away. Luckily, one of the city’s most beloved dance parties returns this Friday with an all-out vinyl shindig hosted by famed local DJs Baby Alcatraz and Rob Macy. Boogie down to a mix of Motown hits, funk breaks, big-beat blues, girl groups, swinging instrumentals, and (almost) every other genre at this monthly get-down.

DO

Dec. 6: R. House’s 3rd Birthday Bash

R.House, 301 W. 29th St. 6 p.m.-12 a.m. Free.

This weekend marks the third anniversary of Remington’s favorite food hall, and to celebrate, the theme of its all-night birthday party is, well, three. While the family-friendly activities like face-painting, balloon animals, and a scavenger hunt run until 9 p.m., the neighborhood favorite bartenders at R. Bar will be slinging $3 cocktails, boilermakers, and select beers and wines all night long. During the “adult swim” portion of the party, knock back a few edible glitter-infused Jello shots and take a turn at the microphone for a few celebratory rounds of karaoke.

About halfway through summer, many of us, especially with temperatures steadily in the nineties for a few weeks now, are readily looking toward fall. And with that, this week, comes the announcement of the hottest Halloween party in Baltimore, when Believe in Music teams up with the Maryland Science Center for its annual October bash.

For one evening, the exhibits—kid-friendly learning experiences on the likes of dinosaurs, space, and physics—transform into a full-on music festival on the Inner Harbor, featuring more than a dozen bands, a wild costume contest, and overflowing craft beer, all to benefit the educational center and local arts nonprofit.

The event, now in its eighth year, has just announced its 2019 lineup, featuring familiar faces who have performed at past parties, as well as exciting new acts. On Saturday October 26, some two dozen Baltimore artists will perform across multiples stages, from the planetarium to the rooftop to beneath a gigantic Tyrannosaurus Rex.

The main stage will feature big-name headliners: head-banging rock band J. Roddy Walston and The Business, beloved rap star DDm, and Talking Heads tribute group, Psycho Killers. Meanwhile, the Friends of Friends [Records] Stage will highlight rising DIY acts—post-punk duo Ed Schrader’s Music Beat, alt-hip-hop collective Soul Cannon, indie-pop singer Eyas, and electro-femme pair HexGirlfriends—while the planetarium will host a handful of techno and house, and dance music artists. As in years past, the Charm City Bluegrass Stage will be dedicated to Americana musicians, such as bluegrass rebels The Dirty Grass Players and folk-pop septet Haint Blue. And both DJs Rob Macy of Save Your Soul and James Nasty will be back on the ones and twos into the wee hours of the nights.

Exhibits will be open throughout the evening, as will the IMAX theater, where Future Islands bassist William Cashion and psychedelic electronic artist DeltaNine will curate immersive experiences.
Tickets usually sell out and are now on sale for general admission ($42) and VIP ($80).

EAT

Dec. 22-23: Feast of the Seven Fishes

Gnocco, 3734 Fleet St. 5 p.m. $69.

While it’s not quite Christmas Eve yet, this cozy corner spot in Highlandtown is celebrating this beloved Italian-American custom a few days early with a lavish five-course dinner. Since Feast of the Seven Fishes, or “Festa Dei Sette Pesci,” is all about seafood, start with oysters on the half shell and arancini with clams and mussels before moving onto delectable main dishes like squid ink garganelli, saffron gnocchi, and red wine braised octopus and cuttlefish.

DRINK

Dec. 22: Save Your Soul Party

Paulie Gee’s Hampden, 3535 Chesnut Ave. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Free.

After a year of record-setting rains and one political scandal after another, we need to shake off the negative vibes and end 2018 on a high note. Luckily, Paulie Gee’s Hampden is combining its late-night specials on amaro pours and the classic Baltimore pairing of a shot and a beer with enough deep cuts from soul stars Etta James, The Supremes, and Aretha Franklin to keep you grooving all night long. Don’t miss one of the city’s best dance parties and the chance to spin and shimmy out of this year in style.

SEE

Dec. 22-23: It’s a Wonderful Life

The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. Free.

While more recent Christmas movies like Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas have become holiday-season staples, nothing beats Frank Capra’s 72-year-old classic It’s a Wonderful Life. This Saturday, watch this sentimental classic come alive on the big screen, and for the first time, The Senator Theatre will show it again on Sunday for double the feels. Plan to bring non-perishable food items in lieu of admission to benefit GEDCO Cares Food Pantry and get to the theater early to hear live holiday tunes by Jim Jones of The Music Workshop.

HEAR

Dec. 22: Baltimore Boom Bap Society

The Windup Space, 12 W. North Ave. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. $8.

Since DJs/producers Erik Spangler and Wendel Patrick founded the Baltimore Boom Bap Society back in 2011, this monthly improvised hip-hop event has become a breeding ground for some of the city’s best experimental beats and cross-genre collaborations. This Saturday marks the start of the society’s eighth season and its new Saturday night slot at The Windup Space, and to celebrate DJ Dubble8 and Patrick will host nine up-and-coming musicians, including locally-loved beatboxer Shodekeh, emcees Ill Conscious and Black Root, and violinist Blair Skinner.

DO

Dec. 22: Charm City Klezmer Holiday Dance Party

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

Although the eight days of Hanukkah ended a few weeks ago, this annual holiday klezmer (aka Jewish-inspired folk) dance party is worth extending the celebration for. Head to the Creative Alliance on Saturday night to dance the horah, learn traditional Yiddish dances from performers Judith Geller and Michael Raitzyk, and spend the evening shaking off those extra holiday calories.

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Artscape weekend.

 EAT

Local Food!

Station North, Mt. Royal Ave. & Cathedral St. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

America’s largest free festival—and the city’s staple summer event—is back and tastier than ever. With an entirely Maryland-made menu, dig into more than 30 food vendors, including local favorites like Dooby’s, Ekiben, The Local Oyster, and Connie’s Chicken & Waffles, plus more than a dozen food trucks from throughout the region dishing out crab cakes, fried chicken, and BBQ. This year, the festival will be placing extra emphasis on recycling with a ban on all Styrofoam materials. And be sure to swing by Prigel’s Family Creamery, for cold scoops and cones to keep the dog days at bay. 

 DRINK

Wet Cityscape

Wet City, 223 W. Chase St. 11-2 a.m. Free. 443-873-6699. 

Like always, Artscape is going to be an extra hot weekend. Stay hydrated with an emphasis on local beers throughout the festival, and at one of Mount Vernon’s best recent additions—the craft beer bar Wet City. Celebrate the bar’s one-year anniversary with taps upon taps of expert and experimental brews, including two special collaborations with Burley Oak and Goonda Beersmiths. Permit permitting, they’ll even have their own beer garden, set up outside in the high-summer heat. 

 SEE

Free Films!

Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave. Fri. 6-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 12-6 p.m. Free.

If you haven’t had the chance to experience the Parkway yet, this weekend is your chance to explore the recently renovated historic theater. For local art lovers, cinephiles, or just those in need of some A.C., they’ll be featuring free films throughout the weekend with genres ranging from animation to comedy to documentary and drama. On Friday, catch a feature flick with the cult classic Wet Hot American Summer (which couldn’t be a more appropriate title, for this year’s camp theme and—did we mention it yet?—the weather’s extreme temps). On Saturday and Sunday, stop in for more than a dozen short films, screened with filmmaker Q&As throughout the day.

 HEAR

Concerts!

Locations vary, including Artscape Main Stage, Johns Hopkins University Station North Stage, and the Morgan State University Sound Off Live! Festival Stage. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.  

While we love the art cars of Charles, the avenue of local food, and the sidewalks strewn with street performers, Artscape wouldn’t be the same without its medley of musical acts. Across three stages, they’ll be showcasing an eclectic mix of internationals artists and local talents. At the Morgan State stage on Mount Royal Avenue near Lafayette, hear acts like neo-soul collective The Fruition Experience, hip-hop poet Wordsmith, and indie darlings Us & Us Only and Super City. At the Johns Hopkins stage on Charles Street near North Avenue, be sure to stop by and see local rapper Martina Lynch, teen virtuosos Legends of Et Cetera, skyrocketing rock band Wing Dam, and post-punk stars Natural Velvet. Biggest of all, nestled beside the rolling green hills beneath the light of the old train station’s clock tower, you’ll hear alt-hip-hop group J Pope and the HearNow, local soul singer Ama Chandra, blues experts The Ron Holloway Band, and headliners like R&B star Sheila E., gypsy punk-rockers Gogol Bordello, and soul-blues legends Robert Randolph and the Family Band.

 DO

After-Parties!

Locations, times & prices vary.

Artscape doesn’t end when the festival turns off the lights. For the entire weekend, after-parties will be popping up all across the city. During Artscape’s own After Hours, stay in the neighborhood for everything from street theater and local comedy to George Michael tribute on North Charles. There will be plenty of dance parties, too, including Save Your Soul at the nearby Mount Vernon Marketplace, with vintage soul and pop music on the ones and twos, and 4 Hours of Funk at the Windup Space, with literal hours of funkified jams, both on Friday night. On Saturday, swing by Pen & Quill for a performance by the Baltimore Beat Club, and live music at local venues, like Priests at the Ottobar and :3ION at The Crown.

Blast From the Past

May 8, 2016
33rd Street

Fifty years ago today, Frank Robinson launched a home run off Luis Tiant that not only cleared the left field wall but 50 rows of seats, landing in Memorial Stadium’s parking lot. The only HR ever knocked completely out of the park in the Orioles’ history on 33rd Street, the titanic shot was considered such a momentous feat that Robinson received a minute-long standing ovation, and a week later, a flag reading “HERE” was placed atop the bleachers to mark the spot where the ball sailed from the park.

Memorial Stadium, of course, was torn down after the team moved to Camden Yards. However, a popular rec field has since replaced it, with home plate and left field closely aligned to the old diamond’s configurations. So, on this windy afternoon, local resident Mark Melonas is hosting a second flag raising to commemorate the golden anniversary of Robinson’s epic blast. The replica “HERE” flag that Melonas commissioned is even made by the same company that produced the original.

“I wasn’t born yet in 1966, which was also Frank’s first year with the Orioles. But my dad, who was 17 then, told me how much he meant to Baltimore,” says Melonas, 41, a furniture maker. Robinson, later Major League Baseball’s first black manager, led the O’s to their first World Series title that same year, delivering a 410-foot homer in the series-clinching 1-0 win at Memorial Stadium.

“I was sitting in left field that day,” recalls Mark’s dad, Jim Melonas, now 67. “It flew two rows over my head.”

Love of Country

May 15, 2016
Beason Street

The wooden trunk on the floor of this three-story, red-brick boarding house—once a way station for turn-of-the-century newcomers to America known as the Immigration House—reveals much of the building’s history.

Gold lettering on the trunk—one of the artifacts on exhibit at the new Baltimore Immigration Museum, which is hosting an open house this afternoon—reads “Bremen-Baltimore Sept. 25 Dampfer [steamship] Rhein.” It’s a telling inscription pointing to the historic Atlantic route that carried 1.2 million German and Eastern European immigrants to Locust Point between the Civil War and World War I.

Above the trunk, a black and white photograph shows a young man with a bushy mustache, a cap, and an overcoat sitting amid baggage shortly after arrival.

The culmination of years of work by Nicholas Fessenden, a former Friends School history teacher, and his wife, Brigitte, a German-born preservation expert, the budding museum documents Baltimore’s immigration saga, which has been largely overshadowed by New York’s Ellis Island. On this day, a steady stream of Locust Point residents stop by, as well as others interested in learning more about their city and possibly their family’s back-story.

“I’m German on my mother’s side,” says Frank Tewey, whose ancestors lived nearby. “My great-grandmother’s family told her, ‘Never marry a sailor, they all leave.’” But she did—another German immigrant named Gerhardt—and, indeed, he left, heading home to Deutschland to claim a small inheritance. He returned, however.

“My great-grandfather joined the German navy in order to come back and then jumped ship to be with my great-grandmother,” Tewey continues. “Good thing he did. One of their future children, my grandmother, had 63 grandkids when she died.”

Love Shack

June 3, 2016
Hollins Street

Behind the DJ booth, a pair of turntables, and stacks of metal record suitcases, Fred Schneider digs through his 45-rpm collection, handing old-school vinyl selections to host Rob Macy. It’s cramped and hot, and the packed house inside the Lithuanian Hall is twisting and shouting to some of the best—and rarest—greasy rock and roll, Motown, R&B, funk, and soul ever made.

Macy concentrates momentarily as he lowers the needle onto “You’ve Got My Soul on Fire,” and then nods and grins as he lifts off his headphones. “This is sick,” he says, referring to Edwin Starr’s 1973 single.

By midnight, the air is so heavy with perspiration that women are lifting the matted hair from their necks and pinning it atop their head even as they keep moving. It’s mostly twenty- and thirtysomethings, but more than a few Gen Xers have come to see Schneider, the famous party-chasing frontman for the new wave B-52s, who broke out in the late ’70s and early ’80s with hits like “Rock Lobster” and “Private Idaho.”

The vintage recordings behind the first-Friday-of-every-month Save Your Soul dance party—launched two decades ago—are both an homage to the music Schneider loved as a teenager and the organizing principle behind his retro, bouffant-sporting band.

“Word apparently got to Fred that Baltimore had one of the top soul dance parties on the East Coast,” Macy says. “So we invited him and he was game. He’d bought some records and he wanted a place to play ’em.”

As the evening turned to the wee hours of the morning, the 65-year-old singer, who doesn’t appear to have slowed much, hit the dance floor more and more.

“I was showing them all how to boogaloo and shing-a-ling,” says Schneider, who still manages to convey a certain intoxicating blend of Southern-influenced civility and randy mischievousness when he smiles.

“It helped that I was a little bit tipsy.”