he last time the Baltimore Museum of Art was in the headlines (excluding director Christopher Bedford’s resignation announcement in February,) it was for the deaccessioning scandal that rocked the art community. So it must’ve been a happy surprise—maybe even a bit of a relief—when, last July, the museum announced its new “Guarding the Art” exhibit, and there was so much enthusiasm, it crashed the museum’s website.

It’s not so much the content of the new exhibit that makes it remarkable, though the works do come from the 108-year-old Charles Village institution’s world-class collection of over 95,000 objects, some of which have never been shown before—but rather those who have chosen it.

The exhibit, to be on display in two large galleries adjacent to the museum’s famed Cone Collection starting on March 27, is being curated by 17 of the museum’s security guards.

Ranging from a grandmother of nine to a Towson University senior majoring in classical voice performance, the participating museum guards bring a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences to this innovative exhibit. One guard is a former healthcare worker, another a bartender, another an adjunct instructor at the Maryland Institute College of Art, who teaches courses on horror movies. It’s these unique perspectives that the museum aims to put on display, along with the actual artworks.

“Being a guard is so much more than telling people to turn off their flash, to take a step back,” says Elise Tensley, who has been a security guard at the BMA since 2017. “This isn’t just a show about the BMA’s collection, it’s a show based on what we have to offer.”

After all, the security guards might be more familiar with the museum’s collection than most people who walk its halls.

“They probably spend more time than anyone at the museum thinking about and connected with the art,” says Amy Elias, a BMA trustee who conceived the exhibition with chief curator Asma Naeem. The two also enlisted the help of noted art historian and curator Dr. Lowery Stokes Sims, currently the Kress-Beinecke Professor at the National Gallery of Art’s Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts, who also provided mentorship to the guards.

“I WAS IMMEDIATELY STRUCK BY THE
FRESH EYES THAT THEY CAST ON WORKS FROM
THE MUSEUM’S COLLECTION.”

“I was immediately struck by the fresh eyes that they cast on works from the museum’s collection,” says Sims. “Hearing their intensely personal rationales for their choices of objects revived my initial feelings of love and awe in museums, and reminded me why I got involved in art and curatorial work in the first place.”

The guards were given access to the BMA’s full collection, including its massive digital database of material, only a very small percentage of which is ever on display. Each guard could pick up to three objects of their choosing—an individualized, intimate alternative to the typically academic process.

But from the outset, the idea was to have the guards do more than just pick the art. They’d be involved in designing the installation, developing the accompanying catalog, working with the conservation team, and planning the relevant programming. For all that extra work, they’d also be paid, in addition to their salaries. Fundraising for the exhibit, which was ultimately financed by a lead grant from the local Pearlstone Family Foundation, included imbursement to the guards for their involvement.

Tensley, a painter herself who has sold commissioned work, chose “Winter’s End,” a 1958 painting by the late Abstract Expressionist and Park School graduate Jane Frank that has only been exhibited twice. “I wanted to give Jane Frank her moment again, as a female artist with Baltimore ties. I’m 37, and in my entire lifetime, this painting hasn’t been displayed.”

While some guards purposely sought out art from the depths of the museum’s archives, others chose works that were deeply familiar. Dereck Mangus, who has had his own artwork exhibited locally in group shows and whose writing has been published in art journals, selected Thomas Ruckle’s “House of Frederick Crey,” a painting he’d come to know over the course of the six years he’s worked at the BMA, because it depicted the Mount Vernon neighborhood where he lives.

“Every museum I’ve ever worked in has had some sort of staff art show,” says Mangus, who has worked as a guard at Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and Harvard Art Museums, as well as the Walters Art Museum, but had never been asked to participate in the curatorial process before. “We’re putting on different hats.”

For Ricardo Castro, a guard since 2019, the familiarity was cultural. Being from a large Puerto Rican family in Delaware, he chose works by artists from Columbia, Equador, and Costa Rica, as a way to honor his heritage.

“It’s a job made of waiting, but it’s also a job of contemplation—we’re seeing everything,” says Rob Kempton, a Maryland native with a master’s in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University who has been a guard since 2016. “It’s a lot of, ‘Where’s the bathroom?’ But you can create experiences, just by getting into a conversation.” He selected works by two renowned local painters, Washington, D.C.’s Alma Thomas and Baltimore’s Grace Hartigan.

This on-the-floor ability to interact—with both the museum-goers and the art itself—was another key element driving the exhibit. Security guards may often blend into the background of a museum, as quiet and stationary as the artifacts they oversee, but they can also participate in the experience—answering questions, offering guidance, becoming part of the discussion.

“There are times when people have questions and there isn’t anyone else to ask besides the security officers,” says Kellen Johnson, the Towson senior who, between his shifts at the BMA, is also a member of the Towson University Chorale and Men’s Chorus groups, and has held solo recitals at the museum.

Johnson chose paintings by the 20th-century German painter Max Beckmann and American painter-muralist Hale Woodruff to reflect his interest in music. Beckmann’s wife, Mathilde, who is featured in the 1939 “Still Life with Large Shell” painting that Johnson picked, was a violinist and singer. Woodruff’s 1928 “Normandy Landscape,” demonstrated his interest in showcasing work by Black artists.

Johnson now cites interacting with museum-goers among his favorite aspects of the job, but when he first started working at the museum in 2013, he initially kept his distance.

“It was just: stand still, don’t interact, and be this invisible presence, except to say, ‘Please don’t touch that,’” he says. “That got very boring,” so he attended lectures, signed up for docent trainings, and read up on the artists, the art, and even the collectors—all so he could bring that knowledge to work. Visitors would ask if he was a docent, says Johnson. “No,” he’d tell them, “I’m just a guard.”

Christopher Bedford, the BMA’s director, would like to give the guards the option to be more than just guards.

“I’m keenly interested in the show because it empowers and foregrounds the authorship of a group of people not traditionally given that role,” says Bedford, now in his sixth year at the museum. “There are [guards] who are interested in ascending the ranks of a museum and exploring the world of art history and curatorial work. This is a way of doing that.”

Bedford sees the informal mentorship of “Guarding the Arts” as one of its most crucial elements—a means to explore, and perhaps ultimately change, how the museum has historically worked.

“There are aspects of the way that we function that just need to be completely turned on their heads,” he says, referring to addressing larger themes of equity, representation, and shared authorship. “This is a way of doing that.” (According to the Association of Art Museum Directors, in 2018, only four percent of curator roles in U.S. art museums were held by African Americans.)

“[Mentoring] is the engine that’s propelling this forward,” Naeem says about the exhibit, “to perhaps create new futures and new careers for some of the guards.” Those guards, she says, “are a true mirror to the public.”

Baltimore native Sara Ruark, who came to the BMA in 2018 and studied film at Towson University, agrees, seeing the guards as a sort of bridge.

“WE SEE NOT JUST WHAT’S GOING
ON IN THE MUSEUM, BUT WHAT’S
GOING ON IN THE COMMUNITY.”

“We’re both outsiders and insiders,” says Ruark, who selected Dutch painter and sculptor Karel Appel’s 1962 painting “A World in Darkness,” as well as a mid-20th century miniature totem pole by an unidentified Haida artist, neither of which she had seen before. “We see not just what’s going on in the museum, but what’s going on in the community.”

This gives the exhibit a sense of accessibility, she says, one that’s particularly relevant to Baltimore’s multifaceted artistic community.

“I think people who don’t realize how rich the art world is here give Baltimore a lot of flack,” says Ruark. Beyond the big-name institutions and exhibitions, “[There are] local artists who sell stuff under a bridge that’s simply stunning, craft shows in decrepit churches—I love that about this city.”

Though this isn’t the first time a museum has put on an exhibit with participation from its own security guards—New York’s Museum of Modern Art staged a show called “Beyond the Uniform” in 2020 that included a playlist from its guards—Bedford says the BMA show wasn’t patterned after anything else.

“It was modeled around the idea that shared curatorial authorship around our hierarchy would yield really unexpected results,” he says. “[Baltimore] is a place that is willing to embrace unorthodox ideas. It’s bold, a little quirky…I’m really hopeful that this will be the first of many exhibitions that will be unconventionally authored, by guards or others. I think it can become a hallmark of the museum.”

“This was a chance to have a real tangible project, with real feedback and results,” says Kempton, who is looking forward to seeing Hartigan’s 1957 abstract painting “Interior, The Creeks” and Thomas’ 1972 work “Evening Glow” on display. “Dr. Sims has said that this show privileges and deprivileges at the same time. It’s demystifying the entire museum process. To see that and to play a meaningful role in that is significant.”

On display through July 10, the exhibition will feature as many as 26 objects. As of press time, an opening reception was still in the planning stages.

Traci Archable-Frederick, a Baltimore native who served in the U.S. Army and Maryland National Guard before coming to the BMA in 2006, chose Mickalene Thomas’s 2021 “Resist #2,” as she wanted a piece that reflected the times, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and in relation to the demonstrations that swept the country in the wake of the George Floyd’s murder.

Thomas’ piece, a collage that combines protest images with acrylic paint, rhinestones, and glitter, was recently acquired by the BMA and joins the Brooklyn-based artist’s installation, “A Moment’s Pleasure,” that has transformed the museum’s East Lobby.

“This was it right here,” says Archable-Frederick. “It was speaking to everything that was happening.”

By choosing art works that speak not only to the contemporary world but to themselves, these 17 guards will be giving a very personal perspective. And yes, they’ll be watching.

EAT

Feb. 1: Ice Cream for Breakfast at The Charmery

The Charmery, Towson, Medfield, and Hampden locations. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

Instead of starting your Saturday with cereal and milk or burnt toast with butter and jam, make your way to The Charmery to try ice cream inspired by those breakfast favorites instead. Keep your jammies on for this annual sugar-crazed morning—taking place at all three of the ice cream shop’s locations around Charm City—and sample outside-of-the-box flavors like cold pizza, vegan açaí bowl, and whole bean coffee infused with Vent Coffee. If you really want to indulge your sweet tooth, order the Cereal Bowl, featuring five baby scoops, or the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” milkshake, made with cold brew coffee and croissant flakes.

DRINK

Feb. 2: Super Bowl Sunday

Locations, times, and prices vary.

Yes, we’re all still heartbroken over the Ravens’ early exit from this year’s playoff run, but no, that won’t keep us from celebrating football’s biggest night with plenty of booze, wings, and more booze. We rounded up the best places to watch Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs—featuring beer specials and all-you-can-drink packages at local bars—where you are almost guaranteed to find crestfallen Ravens fans still mourning the Super Bowl game that got away.

SEE

Feb. 2: Groundhog Day on Groundhog Day

The SNF Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Avenue. 1-3 p.m. $8-11.

This Sunday, the world will watch with bated breath to see whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on Groundhog Day. Whether the all-knowing groundhog declares six more weeks of winter or spring, celebrate this zany tradition by taking a matinee showing of Harold Ramis’ 1993 comedy of the same name at the historic Parkway Theatre. Whether it’s your first or thousandth time seeing the classic Bill Murray flick, don’t miss the chance to watch him relive Groundhog Day again and again on the big screen.

HEAR

Jan. 31: The Honey Dewdrops

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

Since this Baltimore-based Americana duo released their fifth record, Anyone Can See, last spring, we haven’t been able to get tunes like “More Than You Should Say” or “Ecola” out of our heads. This Friday, snag a seat at Creative Alliance to hear Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish perform a collection of their harmony-soaked songs for an intimate audience. Be sure to pay close attention to the lyrics of songs like “Welcome to the Club” and “Going Rate”, which reflect the storytelling duo’s thoughts on the changing neighborhood of Hampden and the Baltimore Uprising.

DO

Jan. 31: Art After Hours

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 8-11 p.m. $20-25.

Art lovers, rejoice! The Baltimore Museum of Art’s late-night affair is back with a celebration of radical self-expression through art and fashion, thanks to inspiration from current exhibits Ellen Lesperance: Velvet Fist and Mickalene Thomas: A Moment’s Pleasure. As always, this night of revelry is packed with things to see and do: An anarchist sweater workshop with artist Ellen Lesperance, a retro brooch-making tutorial with artist René Treviño, and live performances by local R&B songstress Joy Postell and the Baltimore Boom Bap Society. Don’t forget to take advantage of the after-hours access to the galleries, where visitors can take in the exhibitions that influenced the event.

EAT

Nov. 22-24: Roll Up at R. House

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.

The rotating space at R. House has been a launchpad for several local food concepts (Urban Oyster and The Big Softy, to name a few), and now Roll Up, an Americanized eggroll pop-up, is taking its turn at the helm. Created earlier this year by Baltimore food industry veteran Whitney Johnson, the concept’s handmade eggrolls are packed with experimental fillings, such as crab dip and baked mac and cheese, and best paired with a pile of Roll Up’s beer-battered onion rings. Stop by the Remington food hall to sample one of each roll, including the “That’s Bananas” dessert roll, before the pop-up ends on Sunday.

DRINK

Nov. 23: Baltimore Whiskey Festival

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

Spend the evening sipping whiskeys from around the world during this fine spirits festival. Choose from 100-plus craft-distilled whiskeys, stop by the Founder’s Finds table to browse a curated selection of rare products, or learn about the art of distillation from experts during a series of free seminars. If the entry price makes you pause, keep in mind that a portion of the event’s proceeds will directly benefit the Spirit of Hope Children’s Foundation.

SEE

Nov. 24: Opening of Mickalene Thomas: A Moment’s Pleasure

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

Starting this weekend, the lobby at The Baltimore Museum of Art will be transformed into a homey living room, thanks to the linoleum floors, picture frames, and mixed-pattern furniture of artist Mickalene Thomas’ latest installation. Best known for her jewel-encrusted portraits of African-American women and high-profile clients such as Michelle Obama, Thomas is using this two-year exhibition to showcase works by Baltimore-based artists. Among them will be music videos by the likes of TT the Artist, Abdu Ali, and Hunter Hooligan—which will play on a loop as part of the installation. Be one of the first to see this immersive work during its opening reception on Sunday, and stick around for a signature cocktail, beats by DJ Trillnatured, and custom nail art by Power Decals.

HEAR

Nov. 23: Caleb Stine & The Revelations

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. $15-50.

To say that singer-songwriter Caleb Stine is a longtime mainstay of the Baltimore folk scene may be an understatement at this point. His Americana sound has drawn comparisons to artists from Townes Van Zandt to Neil Young, and this month, he will return to Creative Alliance to premiere a new batch of songs. Stine will bring his thoughtful and poetic lyricism to the stage and invite The Revelations band and a few other special guests to share it with him. Come out to support this local troubadour and revel in the good vibes he brings to every show.

DO

Nov. 23: Greedy Reads Grand Opening

Greedy Reads, 320 W. 29th St. 11 a.m. Free.

It’s been less than two years since the independent bookshop Greedy Reads brought new life to the corner of Aliceanna and South Ann streets with its curated selection of titles, author talks, and monthly book club. Now, owner Julia Fleischaker is opening a second location of the fan-favorite store in Remington. On Saturday, stop by to see the new digs—located just a stone’s throw away from R. House—before spending the afternoon browsing for a new winter read, participating in opening-day giveaways and games, and petting Audie, Fleischaker’s Labrador-greyhound mix and the official Greedy Reads mascot.

EAT

Oct. 12: Oysterfest 13

South Point, Port Covington. 12-9 p.m. Free-$99.

For the first time in its 13-year history, this slurp-tastic festival will take place on South Point’s waterfront, with tons of freshly shucked oysters, seafood delights, and drinks to celebrate prime Chesapeake Bay oyster season. Spend the day sampling more than 10 varieties of raw oysters, taking in the picture-perfect views, and, if you really want to be impressed, watching some of the region’s most skilled oyster fanatics compete for the title of fastest local shucker. If you’re hemming and hawing over the price of a VIP shuck-buck package, remember that a portion of the proceeds benefits the Oyster Recovery Partnership and Living Classrooms Foundation.

DRINK

Oct. 12:Chesapeake Kombucha Homebrew Competition

WILD Kombucha, 4820 Seton Dr., Suite L. 1-5 p.m. Free.

The Wild Kombucha boys are heralded around town for their homegrown success story—the founders expanded their booch operation from a one-room set-up to a 13,000-square-foot brewery within four years—and now they’re giving fellow local brewers the chance to jumpstart theirs, too. Visit the northwest Baltimore brewery on Saturday to participate in Wild Kombucha’s first-ever homebrew competition, where you can put your own recipe to the test or spend the afternoon sipping on the fermented flavors of area makers. Stick around to see which homebrew recipe takes home the people’s choice award because, who knows, it could be sitting on the shelf at Whole Foods before you know it.

SEE

Oct. 11: Art After Hours

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 8-11 p.m. $20-25.

This Friday, the Baltimore Museum of Art will prove that the real party doesn’t start until gallery hours end. During the latest iteration of the museum’s ever-popular Art After Hours series, Baltimore-based artist collectives Wickerham & Lomax and WDLY will put on a takeover called The House We Built that unfold in three acts: a wedding, funeral, and anniversary party. Inspired by the transformative moments expressed in the BMA’s current exhibition, Generations: A History of Black Abstract Art, this one-night-only affair will feature everything from performances and artists talks to wearable art workshops and free admission to this boundary-breaking exhibition.

HEAR

Oct. 12: Band Camp Music Festival

Waverly Brewing Company, 1625 Union Ave., Suite C. 12-9 p.m. $12.

Remember that one time at band camp? Well, this inaugural camp-inspired music festival at Waverly Brewing Company might jog your memory. Starting on Saturday afternoon, pack the Hampden brewery to hear rockin’ sets from nine local acts across two stages. Inside at the Acoustic Brewery stage, bop along with rising artists like Alex Champagne and Joseph Mulhollen, and check out the Electric Outdoor stage where Baltimore bands like The Minus Drag and The Shrapnels will be shredding all evening long.

DO

Oct. 12-13: Fells Point Fun Festival

Thames St. and S. Broadway Sts. Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free-$50.

Somehow, this beloved neighborhood festival continues to get bigger and better each year. Make your way to the heart of Fells Point this weekend to join in on the family-friendly revelry of this 53rd annual shindig, which showcases the best eats, drinks, shopping, live music, and entertainment the waterfront hotspot has to offer. Pro tip: If you plan to have a drink (or two) in hand during the festival, purchase exclusive drink packages by Friday to take advantage of money-saving offers.

EAT

Sept. 29: Voyage at the Baltimore Museum of Art

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Museum Dr. 1:30 p.m. Free.

Local culinary artist Krystal Mack has made a career out of exploring the social relationship between food, art, and storytelling, and this weekend’s edible presentation that celebrates the opening of Generations: A History of Black Abstract Art is an exceptional example of her vision. Reflecting on the 400-year anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to America, this food voyage takes attendees on a culinary tour through the various points of the Transatlantic Slave Trade with an emphasis on African Diaspora staples like rice, plantains, and sweet potatoes. Sample thought-provoking dishes such as curry goat meatballs, low country red rice, and soup joumou made by Mack and a team of local chefs, including Wematu “Wema” Webaduah, Leeonney “Lee” Bentick, and Amanda Mack.

DRINK

Sept. 28: Patterson Park Brew Fest

Patterson Park, 27 S. Patterson Park Ave. 1-7 p.m. $15-70.

It’s that time of year again—the days gets shorter, the weather gets chillier, and there’s at least a handful of beer festivals every weekend. Celebrate the start of brew fest season at this boozy fundraiser in Patterson Park, which will feature a stellar lineup of local breweries like Monument City, Heavy Seas, and Peabody Heights. Bring the whole family to enjoy the first days of fall with live music by area favorites Caleb Stine and DJ Rob Macy, eats from local vendors, and plenty of seasonal sips to try before the park closes.

SEE

Sept. 28: Made in Baltimore Short Film Festival

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8-11 p.m. $7-10.

Charm City is no stranger to the independent film scene (see the Maryland Film Festival and, you know, John Waters) and this annual festival that honors the city’s short filmmakers is proof of that fact. Settle into the Creative Alliance theater to watch 11 flicks—ranging from animation to mockumentaries—that follow a wide range of stories that are shot through a uniquely Baltimore lens. Be sure to stick around after to find out which films will take home the top awards.

HEAR

Sept. 27: Abdu Ali

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 8 p.m. $10.

If we had to choose one artist who not only sets the tone of the city’s ever-changing music scene, but also translates that message to the rest of the country, Abdu Ali would be at the top of that list. During this one-night stop at the Ottobar as part of the tour for their recently released album FIYAH!!!, hear this boundary-breaking rap artist hype up the crowd with tracks like “Gotta Get It” and “F.U.F.M.” along with sounds by rising artists Grace Ives, Damn Kham, Station North Sadboi, Baby Kahlo, YTK, 4K Michael, and Babby.

DO

Sept. 27: Bmore Historic

The Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-25.

Calling all history buffs and die-hard Charm City lovers: This annual unconference (AKA participant-led meeting) will delve into everything you’ve ever wondered about the history of Charm City and its preservation. This Baltimore Museum of Industry forum is open to the public and will allow visitors to connect with local historians and archivists to enrich their understanding of this great city.

EAT

July 14: The Night Brunch at South Point

South Point, Port Covington, 101 West Cromwell St. 6-11 p.m. $10.

We love a good brunch, but who says you can only eat eggs Benedict and bacon in the morning? Step outside the norm with this popular evening brunch series which, for the very first time, will host local foodies for brunch cocktails and eats on a Sunday night instead of its usual weeknight slot. Head to South Point in Port Covington to sample bites courtesy of the seasonal waterfront location, and, if that’s not convincing enough, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Night Brunch Summer Lunch Program that distributes meals to Baltimore City kids.

DRINK

July 13: Lee’s Christmas in July

Lee’s Pint & Shell, 2844 Hudson Street. 11 a.m. Free.

Are you already counting down the days until it’s socially appropriate to wear Christmas sweaters, hang red-and-green decorations, and sip holiday ales? Well, look no further than this boozy Christmas in July celebration. Don your (most lightweight) festive garb and revel in the holiday cheer at this Canton corner bar with $1 Rumple shots and $5 Mad Elf drafts all afternoon long. Come dressed to impress (antlers encouraged) and bring a new unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots for the chance to win a $100 gift card.

SEE

July 14-Jan. 5, 2020: Isaac Julien: Baltimore and Every Day: Selections from the Collection

Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

This Sunday, the Baltimore Museum of Art will unveil two new exhibitions, Isaac Julien: Baltimore and Every Day: Selections from the Collection. Explore the past, present, and future of African-American culture with filmmaker Isaac Julien’s video installation about two individuals making their way through Charm City’s significant cultural sites, such as the Walters Art Museum and the Great Blacks in Wax museum. The BMA will also debut the first reinstallation of its contemporary collection about the black artistic imagination—showcasing nearly 50 photographs, sculptures, videos, and prints that emphasize how African-American artists have shaped modern art.

HEAR

July 14: Charm City Junction

Ladew Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike. 6-8 p.m. Free-$9.

This Monkton topiary garden will be hosting outdoor jams all summer long, but we’re particularly excited to hear bluegrass group Charm City Junction take on the laid-back soiree. The acoustic quartet is sure to get you groovin’ in the grass with old-time rhythms and foot stomping Irish melodies. Find a space on the picture-perfect garden to hear the folksy band take roots music to new heights with the sounds of the fiddle, expressive clawhammer banjo, harmonic button accordion, and upright bass.

DO

July 13-14: Baltimore Washington One Carnival

Lake Clifton Park, 2801 Harford Road. 12 p.m. $15-20.

Experience rich Caribbean culture during this two-day festival at Lake Clifton Park, featuring energetic music beats, international flavors, and, of course, tons of feathered and sequined costumes. Don’t miss the Saturday parade featuring color-filled masqueraders, drummers, stilt walkers, floats, and steel bands. After sampling authentic eats such as mouth-watering jerk chicken, spend the afternoon jamming along to live music by Pan Masters Steel Band, Trinidadian singer Nadia Batson, and Strykers Posse Reggae Band.

Chris Bedford describes the moment that he learned he would be organizing the United States’ pavilion at the world’s preeminent art show, the Venice Biennale, as “a bit like the curator’s version of getting the call from the MacArthur Foundation [saying] that you’d won a Genius Grant.”

At the time, Bedford was head of the Rose Museum at Brandeis University, but he has since become executive director at the Baltimore Museum of Art, so as a result, one of Baltimore’s preeminent artistic institutions will have its day on the international stage. “The amazing thing about Venice is that, for a period of six months, you truly enjoy the attention of the international art world,” says Bedford. The BMA will have a spotlight on it “with an intensity that we have not enjoyed since we last represented the U.S. in Venice in 1960.”

The BMA will present the work of Mark Bradford, a painter who lives and works in Los Angeles. Baltimore will get the opportunity to see Bradford’s work at the beginning of 2018, once the Biennale (which occurs once every two years) closes in November. Bedford calls Bradford “the future of abstract expressionist painting, but he’s also the future of social engagement and social change through art. . . . He is precisely the right artist, and maybe the only artist, that could represent this country in 2017.”

Bradford’s large canvases incorporate industrial materials—“If Home Depot doesn’t have it,” Bradford told The New Yorker in 2015, “Mark Bradford doesn’t need it”—and frequently touch on political and social themes that he has experienced as an African American in an underserved urban community. Bedford says there will likely be a social component to his exhibit at the BMA as well.

It’s fitting “that the BMA, given its quality in history, be center stage internationally,” Bedford says, “and I hope that this sets the bar for us so that there is this level of attention very regularly.”

Shen Yun
Feb. 17-19. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $91-230. 410-837-7400. In the dead of winter, travel to the mystical world of ancient China with this colorful performance by the world-famous Shen Yun dance and music company. Marvel at the vibrant costumes, breathtaking sets, and an awe-inspiring soundtrack as you embark on a journey across 5,000 years of Chinese culture.

Timeless Weft
Feb. 1-July 30. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. In this intimate exhibit, explore exquisite tapestries from the decades-long career of local artist Louise B. Wheatley. Using ancient techniques with homegrown dyes and hand-harvested fibers, she presents unique textiles with earthy colors, a deep connection to nature, and a celebration of philosophical and religious thought.

Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations
Feb. 1-March 5. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times & prices vary. 410-752-2208. Ever since last season’s remarkable rendition of August Wilson’s Fences and impressive repertory productions of Death of a Salesman and A Streetcar Named Desire, we’ve been keeping our eye on Everyman. This month’s premiere is sure to impress, as the local theater takes on the timeless Charles Dickens classic, where six actors will play a staggering 35 characters.

Black Memorabilia Fine Art & Craft Show
Feb. 11. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$8. 443-263-1800. Celebrate Black History Month with a full day of African-American culture and heritage at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Throughout the day, meet baseball players from the Negro League, grab autographs from Tuskegee Airmen, and learn about the upcoming Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park on the Eastern Shore.

Capturing Pablo
Feb. 12. The Fillmore, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. 7 p.m. $35-45. 301-960-9999. With “Netflix and chill” consuming our social lives, perhaps you’ve followed suit and become deeply addicted to Narcos. The hit series is inspired by the real story of Colombian cocaine king Pablo Escobar and the DEA agents who helped bring him down. For those who didn’t want last season to end, make your way to Silver Spring for one night only as real-life agents Steve Murphy and Javier Pena, pictured above center beside their respective actors, tell their version of the tale.

Riverdance
Feb. 17-19. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 Mount Royal Ave. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. $35-85. 410-900-1150. One month before the green-covered, beer-filled festivities of St. Patrick’s Day, celebrate Ireland with the critically acclaimed high kicks of Riverdance. Now in its 20th year, the Irish dance production returns to the U.S. with awe-inspiring dance numbers (including the all-new “Anna Livia”), eye-catching costumes, mesmerizing lighting effects, and serious athleticism to boot.

Infinity Mirrors
Feb. 23-May 14. Hirshhorn Museum, Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free. 202-633-4674. Grab your cellphones, fire up your Instagrams, and practice your best selfie. Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is coming to the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., to present her immersive installations that drip in color, dazzle with light, and mesmerize with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Delve into the legendary artist’s sensory immersions with some of her most famous works on view, including six mirror rooms, whimsical installations, colorful sculptures, and large-scale paintings that have never before been seen in the U.S.

American Craft Council Show
Feb. 24-26. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$36. 612-206-3100.
At the country’s largest indoor craft show, more than 650 makers of all disciplines come together to present their wares. Weave your way through contemporary crafts, including jewelry by Rebecca Myers of The Village of Cross Keys, ceramics by Ronni Aronin of Baltimore Clayworks, metal sculptures by Devin Mack of Drawn Metal Studios, and woodworks by Darryl Patterson of D. Patterson Design Studio.

The White Snake
Feb. 24-March 26. Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Dates & times vary. $20-74. 410-986-4000. After many months and a $32-million renovation, experience the grand reopening of Center Stage. Described by Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah as “transformative,” the newly redesigned Head Theater sets the stage for this ancient Chinese fable of two magical animal spirits.

EAT

May 26: Momo X Sandlot

Sandlot, 1000 Wills St. 3-7 p.m. Free.

Skip the typical Memorial Day backyard barbecues (sorry, Mom) in favor of this culinary star-studded cookout at Harbor Point’s waterfront oasis. Hit the “beach” and spend Sunday afternoon sampling eats from some of the best grillmasters in the city, including Spike Gjerde of Woodberry Kitchen, Steve Chu of Ekiben, David Thomas of Ida B’s Table, and Carlos Raba of Clavel, as well as special guest Tae Strain of Momofuku CCDC in Washington, D.C. Jam out to live music by local troubadour Caleb Stine and, once the food coma has passed, indulge in sweets from Pure Chocolate by Jinji Fraser and David Alima of The Charmery.

DRINK

May 25-26: Brew at the Zoo

The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. 1-7 p.m.$24.99-75.99.

We can’t think of a better way to kick off Memorial Day weekend than hanging out with Maryland Zoo’s polar bears and penguins while sipping on local brews. In between unlimited samplings of beers from more than 80 regional breweries, bop along to live music by artists like Ballyhoo! and Amish Outlaws and soak up the suds with eats from dozens of food vendors. Best of all? Every dollar raised goes directly back to the zoo.

SEE

May 25: Baltimore Drag Awards

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

If you thought this year’s Met Gala featured the best campy couture looks around, think again. Follow the trail of glitter and false eyelashes to the Creative Alliance for the annual Baltimore Drag Awards, hosted by powerhouse MCs Brooklyn Heights and Betty O’Hellno who will lead the camp-tastic audience through a cocktail mixer, awards ceremony, and a series of fierce performances. While it’s too late to sit VIP, snag tickets to be in the company of the city’s best drag performers and see if you can spot the standout entertainers featured in our June Pride issue.

HEAR

May 26: Sowebo Arts & Music Festival

1100 Hollins St. 12-8 p.m. Free.

Summer in the city is full of street festivals, but after 36 years this Sowebo arts and music extravaganza continues to stand out among the pack. Held on the streets around Hollins Market, this neighborhood-wide affair boasts three stages of music—with sets by local bands like Deaf Scene and Joe Keyes and the Late Bloomer Band—along with tons of family-friendly activities, including a craft rumble, a petting station with furry friends from Irvine Nature Center, and a puppet performance by Black Cherry Puppet Theater.

DO

May 24: Art After Hours

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 8-11 p.m. $20-25.

When visiting hours end, the real art party begins. To commemorate the final weekend of the Monsters & Myths: Surrealism and War in the 1930s and 1940s exhibition, pack the Baltimore Art Museum to experience sound art, musical performances by artist Hans Berg, Surrealist-inspired games, and pop-up activities through the night. After downing signature cocktails and bites from Gertrude’s Restaurant, take advantage of late-night access to the galleries and spend some time with works by artists like Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso before the exhibition closes on Sunday.

EAT

May 17: Masarap Pop-up at Suspended Brewing Company

Suspended Brewing Company, 912 Washington Blvd. 5-9 p.m. Free.

If you didn’t get the chance to try local chef Rey Eugenio’s top-notch Filipino eats during his pop-up concept’s stint at Fadensonnen or Greener Fest, head to Pigtown this Friday to sample everything on this entirely plant-based menu. From Masarap staples like charred Brussels sprouts and Filipino-style stir-fry noodles to roasted corn and oyster dumplings, this vegan lineup pairs perfectly with a few of the South Baltimore brewery’s signature pours. And, since one dollar from each pint supports the next Charm City Night Market, there’s no shame in snacking and boozing all night long.

DRINK

May 17: Maryland Craft Beer Fest

Max’s Taphouse, 737 S. Broadway. 11-2 a.m. Free.

Outdoor beer festivals may be all the rage, but there’s something about walking into Max’s Taphouse and seeing 90 taps (yes, you read that correctly) full of Maryland beer that can’t be beat. This Friday, start early and work your way through beers by more than 40 local breweries, including Charm City favorites like Heavy Seas and Diamondback as well as newcomers like Nepenthe and Mobtown Brewing. Whether you spend the day sampling new brews or sticking to your go-to guarantees, we recommend ordering some nachos or tater tots every few rounds to soak up the suds.

SEE

May 15-Dec.1: Hitching Their Dreams to Untamed Stars

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

If you do nothing else this spring, visit the Baltimore Museum of Art to experience this awe-inspiring exhibition that celebrates the profound work of MacArthur-award winning local artist Joyce J. Scott and her mother, Elizabeth Talford Scott. The curated collection features Talford Scott’s experimental textile pieces, including a quilt that depicts the North Star as a matriarchal beacon of freedom, along with examples of Scott’s art that responds to her mother’s textile tradition. The exhibition’s seven-month run encourages visitors to view the pair’s thought-provoking bodies of work again and again.

HEAR

May 17: Micah E. Wood Album Release

The Charmery Ice Cream Factory, 1700 W. 41st St., Suite 400. 8-11:45 p.m. $10.

We agree with Micah E. Wood: If having your own ice cream flavor at your self-titled album release party isn’t the ultimate flex, we don’t know what is. Pack The Charmery Ice Cream Factory on Friday night to hear this beloved local musician and photographer perform bare-it-all songs from his third record, as well as sets by indie-pop quintet Super City, pop-opera duo Outcalls, rapper Al Rogers Jr., and DJ Loc Spice. Grab a complimentary scoop of the singer-songwriter’s signature flavor (ginger-lemon-coconut) and bop along to brand-new tracks dedicated to introspection, self-care, and—of course—his dog, Ansel.

DO

May 18: Preakness Stakes

Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. 9 a.m. $99-720.

After months of debates and hearings about the future of the iconic Preakness Stakes, this weekend’s events will be the first time in a while that the focus will be on the actual horse race, not the political one surrounding its potential move to Laurel Park. On Saturday, start the festivities early at the ever-raucous InfieldFest, featuring the likes of EDM star Kygo, popular rapper Logic, and DJ/producer Diplo, before heading to the track for the main event. Above all else, revel in the chance to cheer on the middle jewel of the Triple Crown for what could be one of the final times at Pimlico Race Course.

The Baltimore Museum of Art has announced a new public art commission to be displayed in the museum’s east lobby, adjacent to the gift shop and Gertrude’s restaurant.

Starting new fall, the Robert E. Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker Biennial Commission—made possible by a historic endowment from its namesake donors, both longtime patrons of the local arts and sciences—will create a new exhibition space for art works by internationally renowned contemporary artists. Emphasis will be placed on promoting diversity within the museum and throughout the greater art world, with Brooklyn-based African-American artist Mickalene Thomas chosen for the inaugural commission.

“Time has taught us that the experience of entering a museum can be alienating for a variety of populations,” says museum director Christopher Bedford via email. “The very institutional architectural rhetoric of museum entrances does not say welcome in mainstream terms, but rather speaks to rarefication and exclusion. We think working with [artists like] Mickalene is an opportunity to shift that rhetoric completely and make vastly more people from diverse backgrounds feel comfortable entering the BMA.”

Though an artist of many mediums, Thomas’s intricate paintings—often covered in colorful patterns, encrusted in rhinestones, and featuring black women in everyday settings while drawing inspiration from art history and pop culture—have garnered international acclaim. Her work has been exhibited in many iconic art museums, such as the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., and it is held in collections at the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, and the Whitney in New York, as well as abroad at the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo.

In addition to the two-year commission, the BMA will be launching a parallel fellowship program to nurture aspiring curators, also with a focus on diversity. “We—the BMA and the museum field at large—must pay close attention to the need to diversity the ranks of presenters and interpreters within museums,” says Bedford. “We have to develop pipelines into leadership positions that make this aspiration a reality in the future. At the BMA, we believe some of of the most important work in the world is being made by black American artists. We think it is important that the same populations be represented on our curatorial staff.”

Thomas’s new work will debut in the fall of 2019, while applications for the fellowship open this December.

EAT

Oct. 5: The Local Oyster Anniversary Party

Mt. Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 7 p.m. Free.

Somehow, it’s already been three years since one of the city’s best shuckin’ teams started slinging Skinny Dipper oysters and other bay-fresh seafood to hungry crowds at Mount Vernon Marketplace and events around town. This Friday, celebrate their third anniversary in typical Local Oyster fashion with pours by Union Craft Brewing, a live performance by local blues legend Ursula Ricks Project, and, of course, tons of half shells by True Chesapeake Oyster Co.

DRINK

Oct. 5-7: Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show

Locations, times, and prices vary.

Once the anchors drop, it’s time to raise a glass to our city’s nautical history and the U.S., Canadian, and British Naval ships and vessels that will occupy our waters during this week-long extravaganza. Start the Fleet Week festivities on Friday afternoon with a celebration at West Shore Park, featuring brews from local favorites like Heavy Seas, Atlas Bew Works, and Union Craft Brewing. In between behind-the-scenes tours of the docked ships and checking out the Fleet Week Festival at the Inner Harbor, take advantage of this weekend’s seafaring specials like exclusive cocktails at Wit & Wisdom and military discounts at Old Line Spirits.

SEE

Oct. 7-Jan. 6, 2019: John Waters: Indecent Exposure

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.- Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$15.

Whether you’re a fan of his outlandish films or you’re still recovering from that infamous scene from Pink Flamingos, there’s no denying that John Waters is a living legend in the city’s arts scene. On Sunday, The Baltimore Museum of Art will unveil this first-ever retrospective of the Pope of Trash’s visual arts career, featuring more than 160 of his provocative photos, sculptures, and video and sound works from the past few decades. From black-and-white stills from his 1970 film Multiple Maniacs to a campaign button that reads “Have Sex In A Voting Booth!” take in this one-of-a-kind exhibition during its opening weekend to get a glimpse into the life and mind of one of Charm City’s most notorious characters.

HEAR

Oct. 5-6: The Afro Punk Ballet

The Peale Center, 225 N. Holliday St. $15-25.

For one weekend only, transport to a post-apocalyptic world during this Afro-futurist opera-ballet that challenges popular notions of heroism, morality, and futurism. Produced by rising local performance collective Afro House, this mythical production features soundscapes that flow from sci-fi-esque punk accents to traditional gospel, blues, and jazz sounds to convey the story of a future where the world has been charred by the heat of two suns. Accented by choral accompaniments, the show’s powerful composition takes this awe-inspiring production to a whole new level.

DO

Oct. 5: Made in Baltimore Opening

Industrial Arts Collective, 22 W. North Ave. 5-9 p.m. Free.

Since it appeared at the former Space Camp art gallery back in 2015, this pop-up shop has grown into a locally loved tradition that promotes the best of the city’s maker community. This year, the Made in Baltimore shop will kick off its five-month run by transforming Station North’s Ynot Lot into a makeshift beer garden so shoppers can sip on local brews while browsing through goods from more than 70 area vendors. Stop by on Friday afternoon to shop local and support area makers like B. Willow, Knits Soy & Metal, and Tiny Dog Press.

As dawn breaks over 32nd Street on Saturday mornings, Waverly Farmers’ Market vendors set up their booths and prepare to greet the wave of early risers in search of gourmet goods. Though the market sees plenty of new faces from week to week, one patron guaranteed to be there is restaurateur John Shields.

“He’s there every Saturday morning,” says Joan Norman of One Straw Farm in White Hall. “Those are my earliest memories of him. He would come at 7 a.m. and go shopping. And he still does, it hasn’t changed in 15 years.”

As an acclaimed chef, author, and television personality, Shields has become a local celebrity at the market, where he collects the week’s produce for his restaurant Gertrude’s—newly renamed Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen—inside The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA).

“Going to the Waverly market with him is like walking the streets with the Godfather,” says Gertrude’s executive chef Doug Wetzel, who has worked at the restaurant for 11 years. “People are always coming up to say hi and pay their respects.”

Making use of local crops (including chard, cabbage, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers from Norman at One Straw Farm) has been an essential part of Gertrude’s mission since it opened in 1998. Norman credits Shields as being one of the earliest founders of the farm-to-table movement in Baltimore.

“John was doing it for the benefit of his customers,” she says. “He was very proud of Maryland and the heritage of the food that we had here, and he shares that love through his restaurant.”

Now, as it celebrates its 20-year anniversary, Gertrude’s sustainable mantra is still alive and well—though Shields and Wetzel are also making it a priority to change with the times with a revamped menu.

To celebrate the milestone, the spot is hosting a sold-out anniversary party next week featuring live storytelling by its fans including BMA director Chris Bedford, MacArthur genius Joyce Scott, and our own Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.

Additionally, the team will be rolling out a new fall menu inspired by Shields’ latest cookbook The New Chesapeake Kitchen, which compiles healthy recipes that are also environmentally conscious.

“We need to have a whole new look at the way we eat. A lot of the fish that we used to have in the bay aren’t here,” Shields tells us. “Some of the protein is so precious that we can’t eat it the way we used to. Then we have some species that weren’t here before. We have to take a snapshot of now.”

New items will include a crab-artichoke poutine; all-crab cakes that make use of backfin, claw, and jumbo meat; and a take on classic Baltimore coddies that mix potato with salted Blue Channel catfish—an invasive species that eats crab eggs.

“We’re adding a bunch of plant-focused meals,” Wetzel says. “But also really cherishing the Chesapeake classics and making sure we sell what we know everyone likes.”

Throughout the years, weddings and social events on Gertrude’s picturesque patio, which overlooks the BMA Sculpture Garden, have also become popular with the younger generation.

“It’s really a testament to what John started here,” Wetzel says. “We helped showcase some of these recipes that got lost in the history of Chesapeake cuisine, and I think the younger kids like knowing about the older stuff. They seem to like knowing about the history of rockfish imperial and single-fried oysters.”

Norman says that, in addition to the food (she credits Gertrude’s brunch as one of the best she has ever had), the restaurant’s charm lies in its inviting atmosphere.

“There’s a light, happy vibe that is always there—not intrusive or overwhelming,” she says. “It’s a happy place, kind of like John Shields himself.”

For his part, Wetzel has always appreciated that Gertrude’s has broken the mold of the typical museum restaurant, attracting both art and food enthusiasts alike.

“It’s funny. When I first learned it was a museum restaurant, I didn’t want to apply,” Wetzel says. “But I don’t feel like we’re a restaurant in a museum, really. You have this preconceived idea of what that is and then you come here and you’re like, ‘Oh shit. This is just really good food.’”

As the dog days of summer give way to the crisp winds of fall, Baltimore’s art season kicks into full gear. Come September, theater seasons launch, galleries host their biggest shows, and an abundance of art-centric colleges and universities—including the renowned Maryland Institute College of Art and Peabody Conservatory—means a swelling of cultural and educational activities. Here, we round up our recommended events to catch from now through the end of 2018.

Kubrick 90: A Would-Be Birthday Retrospective
Through Dec. 2018. Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave.
In honor of what would be Stanley Kubrick’s 90th birthday, the Parkway will screen a retrospective of work by the celebrated filmmaker, semi-chronologically, including classics such as Lolita, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Dr. Strangelove, Eyes Wide Shut, and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Each film will play twice throughout the festival, and many will be presented on 35mm.

Baltimore Comedy Festival
Aug. 29-Sept. 3. Motor House, 120 W. North Ave.
More than 100 comedians from around the U.S. will be in town for the second Baltimore Comedy Festival, where Motor House will serve as headquarters and a performance venue for this five-day, citywide event.

The Institute of Visionary History and the Archives of the Deep Now
Sept.-Dec. The Peale Center, 225 Holliday St.
With the historical Peale Center as its backdrop, Submersive Productions will present its latest theatrical experience, featuring a different production each month. It will culminate with a December shadow performance themed around a 1980s movie set in pre-World War II Germany.

The Thing is Close
Aug. 31-Sept. 29. School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light St.
Cindy Cheng and Jackie Milad will present work in a two-person exhibit that examines identity and home. Cheng creates sculptural installations that reference the interior of her parents’ house in Hong Kong, with meditations on the importance of particular objects within the space. Milad’s work on paper explores ethnic backgrounds through actual and invented symbols associated with her Egyptian and Honduran heritage

Baltimore Taxidermy Open
Sept. 6. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St.
The Walters Art Museum’s Chamber of Wonders houses treasures from around the world, among them taxidermied birds, beasts, and reptiles. But only during this annual event does the museum play host to an array of contemporary taxidermy artists (the term “taxidermy” is used loosely in this context) alongside these antique ones for a pop-up exhibit and taxidermy competition.

DOS-à-DOS
Sept. 7-30. Hamilton Gallery, 5502 Harford Rd.
Baltimore artists L. Nef’fahtiti Partlow-Myrick and Jenny O’Grady, who met as students in the Creative Writing and Publishing Arts master’s program at the University of Baltimore, exhibit a collection of their art books, made from a variety of materials both traditional and unorthodox. The show’s title references a bookbinding technique that ties together two text blocks with a shared spine—that spine being the MFA program in this context.

Survival Bias
Sept. 8-29. Current Space, 421 N. Howard St.
This two-person exhibition of sculptures, wall works, and video by Brittany De Nigris and Adam Milner investigates what defines the immediate present and how things are often an accumulation of past subjects, places, and times. The show’s title is based on the term “survivorship bias,” which describes how our history is shaped, in part, by the artifacts that survive.

Putin On Ice (That Isn’t The Real Title of This Show)
Sept. 12-Oct. 7. Single Carrot Theatre, 2600 N. Howard St.
A mix of fable, melodrama, and theater, the satirical Putin on Ice elevates the man to myth, from dictator to deity, in a collaboration between theater companies Single Carrot and The ACME Corporation.

Balancing Act: Paintings, Drawings, Collages. Works by Joseph Paul Cassar
Sept. 12-Oct. 20, artist talk from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 13. Y:ART Gallery, 3402 Gough St.
Art historian, author, and artist Joseph Paul Cassar will show recent drawings in ink and pastel, paper cutouts, collage, and acrylic on canvas.

Repurposed with Purpose: Meaning in the Materials of Making
Sept. 20-Nov. 10. Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St.
This large group exhibit, curated by former Baltimore Museum of Art director Doreen Bolger, nudges viewers to look deeper into pieces and think about the materials used and why, what statement they make, and whether they are a reflection of the artist’s personal story or have a broader significance.

Lovelight Yoga and Arts Festival
Sept. 21-24. Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Center, 5425 Mount Gilead Road, Reisterstown.
Music, art installations, and lots of yoga and meditation will be held in a serene, natural setting at the annual Lovelight Festival in Reisterstown, featuring Krishna Das and Rising Appalachia, among others, plus more than 40 classes and workshops.

Mark Bradford: Tomorrow is Another Day
Sept. 23, 2018-March 3, 2019. Opening Celebration, 1-5 p.m. Sept. 23. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr.
This major exhibition by renowned contemporary artist Mark Bradford will bring together work he showed at the 2017 Venice Biennale and a new site-specific installation. The Los Angeles-based artist explores themes from his personal life, black identity, Greek mythology, and the universe through mixed-media works, abstract paintings, and video.

Fades and Fellowship Barbershop Stories
Sept. 28. Motor House, 120 W. North Ave.
Baltimore-based theater troupe Fades & Fellowship brings black barbershop culture to the stage. Not only does the cast of actual barbers perform the conversations and stories—true and embellished—as overheard in barbershops, but they finish the show by giving a few lucky audience members haircuts onstage.

High Zero
Sept. 28-29. Theatre Project, 45 W Preston St.
Experimental music in all its glory will be performed during this two-day festival by musicians who will expand your definition of music and instruments. Performers include Wendel Patrick, Ada Pinkston, Neil Feather (who plays invented instruments), Carrie Fucile (who plays objects and cassettes), Orlando Johnson (who plays found objects), and several others.

Baltimore Book Festival
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 28-30. Baltimore Inner Harbor.
The annual Baltimore Book Festival along the Inner Harbor is a free, three-day celebration of the written and spoken word, featuring presses from indie to university and every genre imaginable. Hundreds of authors will participate in readings, talks, book signings, panels, and workshops, and more than 100 exhibitors and booksellers will line the Inner Harbor Promenade, from the Inner Harbor Amphitheater to Rash Field. Highlights this year: authors A.J. Jacobs, April Ryan, Bill Whitaker, Jonathan Abrams, Carol Anderson, D. Watkins, Nic Stone, Tim Junkin, and Wayétu Moore, plus numerous stages and tented areas, including Tablers Tent, Charm City Comic Pavilion, CityLit Stage, Food for Thought Stage, Ivy Bookshop Stage, Literary Salon, Maryland Romance Writers’ Stage, Red Emma’s Radical Books Pavilion, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America Stage, and a music stage.

Chinese Snuff Bottles
Sept. 30-Dec. 9. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St.
Chinese snuff bottles—historically used to hold a medicinal blend of tobacco, spices, and herbs and worn around the neck—were not only intriguing and practical pieces but also intricate works of art. The Walters will exhibit nearly 250 snuff bottles made from stone, glass, porcelain, ivory, lacquer, enamel, and precious metals. The show coincides with the 50th annual Convention of the International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society, which will be held in Baltimore in October.

Afro Punk Ballet
Oct. 4-6. The Peale Museum, 225 Holliday St.
This sci-fi, futuristic ballet opera is the second in a trilogy produced by Afro House. As the story goes, mad scientist Levi created a second sun that is drying up the lands and bringing the nation’s inhabitants to near extinction. His descendants are left with his mess to clean up.

Parenting: An Art Without a Manual
Oct. 6, 2018-Sept. 1, 2019. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy.
AVAM’s next annual mega-exhibit is a meditation on the art of parenting—from cultural wisdom to scientific breakthroughs in cognitive and behavioral research. Work by three dozen artists will incorporate a wide spectrum of media and styles, such as Allen Christian’s life-sized torso sculptures of Mother, Father, and Child made from antique piano parts; Leon Borensztein’s black-and-white photos documenting his daughter, who was born legally blind; and a group of women who sewed their fathers’ old ties into hexagonal assemblages and provided six-word stories to accompany them.

John Waters: Indecent Exposure
Oct. 7, 2018-Jan. 6, 2019. Opening Celebration, 1-5 p.m. Oct. 7; Artist Conversation with John Waters and Senior Curator Kristen Hileman, 6 p.m. Nov. 1. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr.
Enter the wonderfully absurd world of John Waters in this retrospective exhibition of photos, video clips, early films, photocopied drawings, and sculpture from the legendary Baltimore filmmaker. The artist’s penchant for black humor is evidenced in the more than 160 pieces he has made since the early 1990s that criticize, dramatize, and exploit popular culture and celebrate the LGBTQ and other marginalized communities.

Open Studio Tour
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 13-14. Assorted venues citywide.
More than 100 artists open their studio doors across the city for this two-day, self-guided tour, where visitors can watch the artists in their element and talk with them about their work.

A Charmed Life
Oct. 13-Nov. 24. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave.
This retrospective of more than 130 photographs will span Jim Burger’s 30-plus years as a photojournalist with The Baltimore Sun and City Paper. Burger will present an illustrated talk of his life’s work from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 to coincide with the exhibit.

Leonard Bernstein’s Mass
7:30 p.m. Oct. 26. New Psalmist Baptist Church, 6020 Marian Dr.
This massive theatrical spectacle, conducted by Baltimore Symphony Orchestra director Marin Alsop, will feature hundreds of Baltimore performers—Peabody Conservatory instrumentalists, singers, and dancers; Preparatory students including members of the Peabody Children’s Chorus; and others from the community including the Morgan State University Choir and students from the Baltimore School for the Arts. The show is loosely based on a Catholic Mass and uses song and dance to raise questions about faith.

Charm City Fringe Festival
Nov. 1-11. Various venues in the Bromo Arts District.
Experimental theater and performance art will be highlighted in this 11-day festival that brings performers from across the continent to Baltimore for more than 90 performances in theater, comedy, dance, crankies, film, and more.

Romare Bearden: Vision and Activism
Nov. 10, 2018-March 3, 2019. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St.
Romare Bearden is considered one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. As an artist, educator, scholar, writer, songwriter, and social activist, he examined race through his work: paintings, editorial cartoons in the Baltimore Afro-American newspaper, collages, and other artwork. More than 50 of his pieces will be displayed at this major exhibition.

A Wonder in My Soul
Nov. 29-Dec. 26. Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St.
Set in a Baltimore beauty shop, this story of friendship and community confronts the issues of gentrification and crime as its co-owners decide whether or not to move the shop.

Violinist Joshua Bell
8 p.m. Nov. 30, 3 p.m. Dec. 2. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St.
Joshua Bell, one of the most celebrated violinists of his era, with appearances on The Tonight Show and Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle, will perform Dvorák’s romantic Violin Concerto under the baton of Romanian conductor Cristian Măcelaru.

Alice Gadzinski
Dec. 7, 2018-Jan. 12, 2019. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave.
Baltimore sculptor Alice Gadzinski was a resident artist at the Creative Alliance when she passed away earlier this year from cancer. In honor of her creative spirit, the art center is hosting an exhibit of work she made at the Creative Alliance, as well as never-before-seen pieces.

Black Nativity
Dec. 7-30. Motor House, 120 W. North Ave.
Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity, a musical originally performed Off-Broadway in 1961, is a retelling of the Nativity story with an entirely black cast. The show, presented in Baltimore by ArtsCentric, includes Hughes’ poetry as well as traditional Christmas carols sung gospel-style.

Maren Hassinger: The Spirit of Things
Aug. 1-Nov. 25. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. Wed-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. In this collaboration between The Baltimore Museum of Art and Los Angeles-based arts and education foundation Art + Practice, take in a broad range of works that explore the relationship between the industrial and natural worlds by New York artist Maren Hassinger. Through abstract compositions, documentary photographs, and videos, Hassinger has transformed everyday objects such as newspapers, plastic bags, and wire rope into evocations of beauty.

Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker
Aug. 2. Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia. 7 p.m. $56-345. Two of the most dynamic acts in country, Southern trio Lady Antebellum and singer-songwriter Darius Rucker, have finally joined forces on their all-new Summer Plays On tour. Sharing a combined eight Grammy Awards and dozens of boot-stomping hits including “Need You Now” and “Wagon Wheel,” respectively, their down-home sound is best enjoyed on Merriweather’s storied lawn, with a beer in hand and the sun setting over the Columbia woods.

Fluid Movement
Aug. 3-5. Patterson Park Swimming Pool 148 S Linwood Ave. Time Varies. $12. It’s not summer in Baltimore without a wacky and wonderful water ballet production by much-loved performance art group Fluid Movement. This month, the avant-garde troupe will dive into the thriling world of Alfred Hitchcock, the director known as the “master of suspense.” Watch in awe as these local water ballerinas use synchronized swimming and tons of glitter to transform the Patterson Park pool into a thrilling and dangerous world filled with murderous mothers and avian affectations.

The Shopping Mall Ball
Aug. 4. Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place. Time Varies. $20. When someone as royal in the city’s music scene as dynamic rapper DDm drops a new album, we can guarantee that the release party will be the can’t-miss event of the summer. To tie into his new record, Soundtrack to a Shopping Mall, the inimitable artist is throwing an ’80s and ’90s-themed ball at the Baltimore Soundstage, hosted by acclaimed artist Abdu Ali with special appearances by Bmore Club maven TT the Artist, local rapper Kotic Couture, and DDm’s own hip-hop duo, Bond St. District, plus costume contests and more.

Puppy Days of Summer Block Party
Aug. 4. Outside Creative Alliance at East & Eastern Aves. 4:30 p.m.-8. Free. After months of filling hot days with trips to the dog park and the city’s walking trails, spice up your pup’s routine and celebrate the end of summer with the Creative Alliance’s annual block party dedicated to our four-legged friends. This street party includes tons of activities for furry attendees—free tennis balls and treats, a doggie obstacle course, and kiddie pools to help stay cool—as well as information about local pet charities and adoption agencies for their owners.

Maryland Latino Festival
Aug. 4. Timonium Fairgrounds, 2200 York Avenue, Timonium. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Free-$30. Head to the Timonium Fairgrounds to celebrate our local Hispanic and Latino communities with this full-day fiesta—now in its seventh year—filled with kids’ activities, health and wellness resources, and plenty of cervezas to go around. Spend the afternoon sampling traditional Mexican and Salvadoran eats before heading to the main stage to hear performances by bachata singer Zacarías Ferreíra, duranguense band Montéz De Durango, and El Salvador-based group San Vicente Orchestra.

White Marlin Open
Aug. 6-10. Harbour Island Marina, Ocean City. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Free-$1,400. Every August for the past 44 years, thousands of spectators have flocked to Ocean City to ogle this annual deep-sea fishing tournament. Over the course of five days, anglers of all experience levels will take to the open waters to catch white and blue marlins, tuna, sharks, and other fish in hopes of reeling in a prize-winning catch, while spectators can watch the high-stakes weigh-ins from the Harbour Island Marina dock.

AFRAM Festival
Aug. 11-12. Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Dr.. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Free. Now in its 42nd year, Baltimore’s celebration of African-American community and culture will return to Druid Hill Park with a jam-packed schedule of family-friendly activities and events. Returning to its former glory as a two-day festival, this year’s event will feature headline performer Ella Mai, the British R&B singer taking over the airwaves with her summer hit single “Boo’d Up,” as well as up-and-coming Atlanta-based rapper Jacquees. In between sets by iconic local R&B group Dru Hill and gospel singer VaShawn Mitchell, stroll through the parkto check out informational booths on health and wellness, financial literacy, job training, and more.

Hot August Music Festival
Aug. 18. Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $63-199. It has been more than 25 years since Baltimore County’s biggest music festival descended on the rolling hills of Oregon Ridge Park, and this year’s lineup of local and national acts promises to be one to beat. Soak up the last days of summer along with the sounds of the locally loved Cris Jacobs Band, pictured, New Orleans rock band The Revivalists, fiery roots group The Marcus King Band, and many more at this must-see annual show.

Summer ’18
To Aug. 18. C. Grimaldis Gallery, 523 North Charles St. Tue-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. For the past 41 summers, the C. Grimaldis Gallery in Mt. Vernon has filled its walls with a wide variety of contemporary paintings, sculptures, and photography to showcase the talents of its gallery artists. This annual exhibit features works by 15 artists, including photographs from 2018 Guggenheim Fellow Rania Matar’s SHE series, paintings by award-winning artist Beverly McIver, and a sculpture by Baltimore-based artist Colin Van Winkle.

St. Gabriel Festival
Aug. 18-19. 227 South Exeter Street, Little Italy. Sat-Sun. Noon-7 p.m. $1. Charm City’s rich Italian heritage is always worthy of celebration, especially when it includes overflowing amounts of vino, freshly made pasta, and a historic parade through Little Italy. Since 1928, this summer festival has brought thousands of Baltimoreans together to participate in bocce tournaments and sausage-eating contests, and this year’s 90th anniversary is no different, with carbs and community galore.

Kenny Chesney

Aug. 22. Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia. 7 p.m. $50-349. No Shoes Nation, you’re in luck. Kenny Chesney is anything but a stranger to sunny sounds—”All the Pretty Girls” and “American Kids” are just a few of his trademark feel-good anthems—and this tour stop at Merriweather in support of his latest album, Songs for the Saints, is your chance to embrace the final throes of summer.

The Maryland State Fair
Aug 23-Sep 3. Maryland State Fair and Timonium Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium. 1 p.m. $5-20. When Ruby Schwinn meets visitors passing through the U-Learn Food & Fiber exhibit at the Maryland State Fair, she always asks, “Do you think you could live one day without some kind of agriculture in your life?” Schwinn, who has been involved with the education center for the past 27 years, says that when people respond that they could, she reminds them that their leather belts and blue jeans are made from the pigs and sheep in that very barn. “Once you point out to them how agriculture is part of their daily lives, they understand its importance,” she says. During this year’s fair, from August 23 to September 3, the U-Learn Food & Fiber exhibit will feature furry friends of all shapes and sizes for fairgoers to learn about. “We incorporate a lot of hands-on activities so they leave with a better understanding of why agriculture is so important,” says Schwinn. “We still see a lot of kids who have never seen any animals other than a cat or a dog in real life.”

Maryland Renaissance Festival
Aug. 25-Oct 21. 1821 Crownsville Rd, Annapolis. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Free-$150. Break out the bodices and body armor—the annual Maryland Renaissance Festival returns at the end of the month for another year of medieval revelry, jousting tournaments, and mead-swilling fun. During the festival’s nine-weekend run, satisfy your inner lord or lady by mingling with mock royalty, browsing arts and crafts vendors, and enjoying performances across 10 stages, including condensed Shakespeare plays, comedic sword fighting, and acrobatic acts. And yes, there will be plenty of turkey legs.

Letitia VanSant and The Young Novelists
Aug. 24. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. $15-18. Whether she’s playing in the corner of a bookstore or live on the local radio, folk songstress Letitia VanSant’s hearty vocals and acoustic chords have the power to make you stop to listen. Later this month at the Creative Alliance, hear the singer-songwriter perform ballads and boot-stompers from her latest album, Gut It to the Studs, with an opening set by Toronto-based roots-rock duo The Young Novelists.

Vegan SoulFest
Aug. 25. Clifton Park, 2801 Harford Rd. Noon-7 p.m. Free. Now in its fifth year, Vegan SoulFest is a city-wide celebration of all things animal-free. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just interested in learning more about the practice, spend the afternoon in Clifton Park sampling vegan cuisine from local vendors, picking up new recipes during cooking demonstrations, and learning about the lifestyle from keynote speakers including fitness guru John Lewis and acclaimed author Tracye McQuirter.

Le DÎner en Blanc
Aug. 30. Undisclosed Public Space. $49. Launched in Paris 30 years ago, this très chic affair returns to Baltimore for its second secret supper, which promises to be a night full of elegance. For one night only, thousands of dinner guests, dressed head to toe in white, will descend upon an undisclosed public space, revealed mere minutes before the meal, for a hip picnic feast with fellow revelers.

Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry Show
Aug. 30-Sep 2. Baltimore Convention Center, One West Pratt Street. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. $20. For those Antiques Roadshow fans among us, there’s no rush quite like discovering something old—and potentially worth a pretty penny. Enter the Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry Show, the country’s largest indoor antiques show, which will take over the Baltimore Convention Center during Labor Day weekend with more than 200,000 items from local and international exhibitors. Whether you’re a gawker or collector, you’ll enjoy this year’s event featuring treasures such as Norman Rockwell’s 1959 Boy Graduate, a first-edition printing of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, and a vase by the legendary Japanese artisan Hayashi Kodenji.

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.

EAT

June 23: Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival

Rash Field, 201 Key Hwy. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5-9 p.m. Free-$95. 800-830-3976.

Some things are better enjoyed together: hot summer days and Snoasis snowballs, an O’s game and a crab mac and cheese dog, and, of course, crabs and beer. This Saturday, Baltimore’s biggest crab feast returns to the Inner Harbor for its fifth all-you-can-taste extravaganza featuring more than 30,000 Old Bay-doused crustaceans, plus bottomless brews, wines, and spirits. Grab a mallet, stake out a picnic table, and dig into this time-honored tradition.

DRINK

June 23: Mai Bar Summer Launch Party

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 6-8 p.m. Free-$25. 443-347-3570.

Don your best hula skirt or Jimmy Buffet-inspired Hawaiian shirt and head to R. House for a tropical-themed patio party to debut Mai Bar, the Remington food hall’s new outdoor oasis of frozen libations. Get into an island state of mind with lei-making, lawn games, and a lush Instagram-worthy photo booth from B. Willow, all while sipping blended cocktails like frosés and gin mai tais. While you’re there, be sure to stop inside to try R. Bar’s new summer camp-inspired seasonal menu.

SEE

June 23: World Refugee Day Festival

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 12-3 p.m. Free. 410-276-1651.

There’s never been a better time to rally around and support Charm City’s growing refugee community. This Saturday, bring the whole family to Highlandtown to see performances by traditional African dancer Jackline Ndaizye, the award-winning Silk Road Dance Company, Nepal pop music superstar Prem Raja Mahat, and afro-fusion band Mokoomba during this 10th annual celebration. Get there early to check out hands-on workshops and sample international eats from local vendors.

HEAR

June 22-23: Outdoor Summer Jam Weekend

Motor House, 120 W. North Ave. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Free. Sat. 4-11 p.m., $5-10. 410-637-8301.

During this two-day music festival hosted by local arts hub Motor House, the technicolor Graffiti Alley, one of Station North’s best-kept secrets, will act as the backdrop to two distinct performances. On Friday, as part of a collaboration between the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Motor House, hear a chamber jam hosted by local beat boxer Shodekeh with performances by contemporary orchestra Mind on Fire and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Du Yun’s band OK Miss. Head back on Saturday night to catch a street party in the alley with tons of Korean soul food, a high-stakes bboy/bgirl battle, and an after-party at Motor House to keep the beat going all night long.

DO

June 22: Art After Hours

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 8-11 p.m. $20-25. 443-573-1700.

Known around town as “Baltimore’s best art party,” the Baltimore Museum of Art’s after-hours soiree returns this Friday in honor of its revolutionary Odyssey: Jack Whitten Sculpture, 1963-2017 exhibit. Once the gallery lights go down, hear performances by Abdu Ali with drummer Josh Stokes, saxophonist Sarah Hughes, and singer Randi Withani, create laser-cut wearables with artist Sarah Juanita, take in an in-gallery talk with this year’s Sondheim Artscape Prize finalists, and explore the museum’s African art collection with BMA curator Kevin Tervala, all while enjoying light bites and rubbing elbows with fellow creatives.

 EAT

April 20: Taste of the Marketplace

Mt. Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. 443-796-7393.

This communal food hall is one of our favorite places to grab grub in Mt. Vernon, but with a wide range of tasty offerings, it can be hard to choose between options like sandwiches from Cultured and homemade soup from Prescription Chicken. Thankfully, their $5-vendor deal returns this Friday with one-day specials like chicken souvlaki with pita and tzatziki from Mr. Souvlaki, Nutella crepes from Crepes by Mina, shucked oysters from The Local Oyster, and black bean burgers from Big Bean Theory. Even Taps Fill Station, their zero-waste bar, is pouring out glasses of beer and wine for only a fiver each.

 DRINK

April 21: Monument City Brewing Company One Year Anniversary

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St. 12-7 p.m. Free. 443-529-8131.

It’s officially been a year since brothers Ken and Matt Praay opened the doors to their Highlandtown brewery, and they’re celebrating its first birthday with local bands, food, and even anniversary T-shirts and glassware. On Saturday, swing by the taproom to raise a glass to the beer that started it all—the Maryland-inspired 51 Rye—and drink your way through the more than 20 beers on tap. Stick around to hear live music by local artists Nate McCormick, Bryan Ewald, and Americana darlings Haint Blue, and soak up the suds with snacks from local eateries Snake Hill, Cocina Luchadoras, and The Local Fry.

 SEE

April 22: Odyssey: Jack Whitten Sculpture

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 1-5 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700.

Beginning this Sunday, The Baltimore Museum of Art will display the first exhibition dedicated to sculptures by the late Jack Whitten, a renowned contemporary artist who has become a major influencer of emerging African-American artists. Though he’s largely known for his powerful paintings and mixed-media work, this collection uncovers 40 of his sculptures inspired by African, Minoan, and Cycladic art and carved from materials like wood, marble, copper, and bone. At this opening celebration, enjoy an afternoon of wood assemblages and marble-carving demos, musical performances by saxophonist Sarah Hughes and Sypros Koliavasalis and his trio, as well as discussions led by Odyssey curator Katy Siegel and associate curator of African Art Kevin Tervala.

 HEAR

April 21: WTMD’s 4th Annual Brews & Bands

WTMD, 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 12-4 p.m. Free-$25. 410-704-8938.

We can hardly wait for the return of WTMD’s First Thursdays concert series in two weeks, but until then, their annual Brews & Bands event will have enough homegrown talent and all-you-can-taste beers to keep us at bay. This Saturday, head to the Towson studio to hear Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddys’ twangy tunes along with the Hall Williams Band’s uplifting roots-funk-jazz combo. Get a solid day-buzz on this sunny afternoon with unlimited tastings from 16 local brewers including Heavy Seas, The Brewers Art, and Peabody Heights, plus afternoon eats from Cunningham’s and The Local Oyster. 

 DO

April 21: Greener Fest  

Diamondback Brewing Company, 1215 E. Fort Ave. 12-11 p.m. Free. 443-388-9626.

Since taking over the former factory on Fort Avenue two years ago, Diamondback Brewing Company has filled thousands of glasses and growlers with its best-selling Green Machine IPA. This Saturday, during the brewery’s “greenest” event of the year, they’ll release the Greener Machine, an imperial version of the original, and Cold Taxi, a zwickelbier inspired by old-world lagers, while relishing in some spring fest fun. Spend the day in Locust Point noshing on El Gringo’s tacos and Smoke’s BBQ, listening to live music by The High and Wides and Ampersand Stringband, and—if you’re feeling brave—gulping down two tacos, one Choco Taco, and 16 ounces of Cold Taxi beer in an eating competition.

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

 EAT

March 24: Grand Opening of Roll Ice Cream & Coffee

Roll Ice Cream & Coffee, 3222 Eastern Ave. 12-5 p.m. Free. 443-595-7655.

Even though Winter Storm Toby ruined the first days of spring, that won’t stop us from celebrating the new season with warm-weather festivities. This Saturday, head to Highlandtown for the grand opening of this brand-new ice cream shop, featuring the trendy frozen treat and Thai street-food eat, rolled ice cream. Enjoy free samples, enter to win free ice cream for a year, and watch a live performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids. And if you’re feeling brave, participate in their inaugural ice cream eating contest. Just brace yourself for the impending brain freeze.

 DRINK

March 23-25: Maryland Day Celebration

The Brass Tap at The Fitzgerald, 1205 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 11 a.m. Free. 888-901-2337.

It’s been nearly four centuries since a group of European settlers first stepped off their ships and onto Maryland’s western shore. Now, we’re celebrating the anniversary of those settlers discovering our great state with events across the city—from museum exhibits to county-wide festivals. At the Brass Tap, more than 20 breweries will showcase two of their best made-in-Maryland brews in this boozy tribute to the Land of Pleasant Living. Expect local favorites like Union Craft, Monument City, and Peabody Heights, DuClaw Brewing, Heavy Seas, and Maryland’s only woman and minority-owned brewery, Denizens Brewing Co. 

 SEE

March 23-25: School of Rock

Hippodrome at France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 & 6:30 p.m. $49-107. 410-837-7400.   

Get ready to pledge your allegiance to the band. Based on the hit comedy film of the same name, Broadway’s School of Rock musical follows wannabe-musician-turned-substitute teacher Dewey Finn as he transforms his fifth-grade class into a pint-sized rock band. This weekend at The Hippodrome, hear all the original songs from the movie plus 14 new guitar-shredding pieces from composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Jack Black not included—sadly. 

 HEAR

March 23: Mortified

WTMD, 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 7:30-10 p.m. $20. 410-704-8938. 

There’s probably nothing more embarrassing than reading your middle school diary in front of a crowd of strangers, and yet Mortified, the largest and longest-running project of its kind, is bringing grown men and women to the Towson radio station to do exactly that. This certifiably cringe-worthy evening of comedy comes to the stage with stories of love letters and home videos, reminding us all of one simple truth—at the end of the day, we’re all awkwardly human. If you can’t make it, tune in to 89.7 FM for a live broadcast.

 DO

March 23: Art After Hours: Moondust & Stargazing

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 8-11 p.m. $10-25. 443-573-1700. 

This Friday, immerse yourself in all things lunar in honor of The Baltimore Museum of Art’s newest installation, Moon Dust. At this cosmic party, dance beneath Spencer Finch’s shimmering installation to music by DJ Trillnatured, sip on moonshine by the Baltimore Whiskey Company, and experience the scents of night-blooming flowers with local body-care company Priya Means Love. From stargazing on the museum’s steps to making a take-home sparkling constellation, revel in the chance to experience the museum, fittingly, at night.

In a high-ceilinged art gallery at Maryland Art Place in downtown Baltimore, among sculptures and mixed-media works, a crowd forms around a man who has a certain undeniable magnetism. Partly, he stands out because of what he is wearing—the collar is popped on his trench coat, which is open to reveal a baby-pink dress shirt and perfectly pressed slacks.

This preppy attire separates him from the artists and creative types surrounding him, who favor dark colors, army boots, even an ostentatious fur coat. It’s also the man’s demeanor. He holds himself slightly guardedly, as if he’s observing an exhibit in a zoo or some strange foreign ritual. But he does seem to be enjoying himself—an impish, boyish smile often crosses his lips as more people press forward to shake his hand, murmuring continually, “It’s so nice to meet you,” and, “What do you think of Baltimore so far?”

This night in October marks a little more than two months since this man, Christopher Bedford, has become the director of The Baltimore Museum of Art, and the 40-year-old rising star of the art world is just settling in as head of one of Baltimore’s most storied artistic institutions. His new position carries with it a prominence and significance that few others hold in this city, and Bedford seems aware that his mere presence brings a certain level of gravitas to any event he attends. Which could explain why, when he is handed a microphone at this “meet and greet” sponsored by the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance, he doesn’t hesitate to get right to the point.

“I’m asked a lot about why I came to Baltimore, why this job, and why now,” says Bedford, in the slightly posh tones that are a result of his British upbringing. “When I was going through the recruitment process, I asked the chair of the search committee, ‘What do you want to say to Baltimore through art?’ Usually, when I ask something like this, nothing follows in response. But in this case, the board chair said, ‘I want the BMA to be the most dynamic, socially engaged museum in the U.S.’ . . . There’s a real willingness on the part of the museum to pursue that course, and on the other hand, an incredible appetite among you all for change on that scale.”

Bedford appears to understand that getting this room of arts administrators, curators, and artists excited about his vision is key to his success here. So when he is asked about how he plans to get audiences more engaged, he jumps right in with vigor.

“One thing that we’re going to do—and this is really going out on a limb, and I hope no one’s recording this,” he says, with a smile, “we are going to consider and pursue a major satellite location for the BMA.” This kind of full-steam-ahead leadership is characteristic of Bedford, who undertook a similar mission at his prior job as director of The Rose Art Museum in Waltham, Massachusetts. There, he explains, “We couldn’t get the part of the city that we wanted to come to the museum. So, we just decided to relocate it. My feeling at the BMA is that we face a similar obstacle. Young people from every socioeconomic bracket, every race, should understand that the museum is free and open to the public. And I’m not sure we can expect them to know that unless we take it to them.”

“I’d rather make a mistake going a million miles an hour than do nothing.”

A hush settles over the room, and the attendees seem to be weighing this groundbreaking possibility. It’s as if everyone is thinking, “Is what he’s saying possible?”

Since that night, Bedford has doubled down on his ambitious agenda for the 103-year-old BMA, one he hopes will improve the museum’s accessibility and burnish its credentials nationally and internationally. Along with the satellite location (the Lexington Market area has been discussed), the institution plans to hold a series of conversations this fall between renowned artists and writers speaking about social justice-related topics in various locations around the city, and Bedford is aiming to renovate the museum’s second-floor special exhibition galleries. Plus, in a bit of serendipitous timing, the BMA is heading to the prestigious Venice Biennale this spring. While at the Rose museum in Waltham, Bedford was chosen to organize the United States’ pavilion at the world’s preeminent art show, but since he’s here now, the BMA staff has been helping to put together the work of Bedford’s long-time collaborator, California artist Mark Bradford.

It’s quite an enterprising list for someone who has been at his position for eight months—and has never headed up a collection as large as the BMA’s, which holds 95,000 works of art and has a budget of $13.5 million. (In contrast, The Rose Art Museum has a more than 8,000-object collection and a $1.8 million budget.) And Bedford’s pace can be hard to match.

“He certainly hit the ground running, and sometimes I come home quite exhausted from being with him, because he’s got a lot of ideas, a lot of energy,” says Clair Zamoiski Segal, who chairs the BMA’s board of trustees. “It’s a thrill, but I do think, ‘Oh my God, how am I ever going to keep up with someone this smart?’” She laughs. “But it’s been a great pleasure—our partnership has been very rewarding to me, and I really do treasure it.”

Bedford will need that energy. He has big shoes to fill—his predecessor, Doreen Bolger, was the BMA’s director for 17 years, and, in that time, championed free admission, spurred the re-opening of the museum’s historic entrance to the public, and oversaw an unprecedented $28 million renovation. But Bedford is nothing if not confident. “I came [to Baltimore] anticipating considerable rapidity, and I had some assurance from the staff and board that there was a desire to roll up our collective sleeves and imagine a new future for the museum rather quickly,” he says. “I’d rather make a mistake going a million miles an hour than do nothing. Which is not to suggest or anticipate failure—it’s that I’m willing to absorb that to achieve a higher goal.”

And Bedford has a track record of fast success. He essentially turned around the Rose museum—which is affiliated with Brandeis University, also boasts free admission, and at the time was thought of as sleepy and financially unstable—in four years. “He took a leap of faith and came to the Rose at a very turbulent period of time,” says Lisa Lynch, Brandeis’ provost, who worked closely with Bedford. In 2009, at the height of the economic crisis, the university had discussed selling off the art collection as it struggled with finances. Bedford arrived in 2012 and started acquiring and commissioning new art—including an outdoor sculpture by contemporary artist Chris Burden that greets visitors when they arrive—and added a key Boston arts philanthropist to the board. Attendance during his tenure increased by more than 50 percent, and he established an enhanced reputation nationally and in nearby Boston, both for the Rose and for himself. He’s been covered in The New York Times and The Washington Post, and was even named one of 2014’s most stylish Bostonians by The Boston Globe.

“I don’t think the future of museums is going to be written in New York or Los Angeles.”

In particular, Lynch credits Bedford’s establishment of the satellite gallery with making significant inroads. Appropriately called Rosebud, it occupies a storefront in downtown Waltham and showcases part of the Rose’s video art collection while also providing an arts space for use by city residents and college students. “Chris made sure that the museum was actively part of the community. He was constantly looking for ways to break down walls and barriers to access,” Lynch says. “Every time we would have an opening at the museum, it was the hippest, most fun event on campus. You’d have students, people from Boston, and [patrons] from outside areas. You couldn’t go through an exhibition and not be enthusiastic or curious. . . . It was a way of bringing the community together.”

Bedford also highlighted the work of 20th-century African-American artists who had long gone unrecognized—abstract painter and sculptor Jack Whitten and sculptor Melvin Edwards, for example. He intends to continue that emphasis at the BMA, which will present the first major exhibition of Whitten’s sculptures in 2018. Whitten is not only a “tremendous artist,” Bedford says, “but I venture to say, being a novice in this city, that his art will be very useful for social discourse here.” And, as Whitten’s art addresses systemic racism and civil rights, the planned exhibit fits in perfectly with Bedford’s drive for social justice. “There’s a reason why I do this that’s entirely personal,” he says.

Bedford knows now that there was a deeper reason he attended Oberlin College. It goes beyond him discovering his passion for art there—the Ohio institution also helped instill in him a passion for social justice. That aspiration is shared across the campus—Oberlin was the first college in the United States to admit African-American students, and the city of Oberlin was a stop on the Underground Railroad. “I don’t think I realized at the time how formative Oberlin was. It changed everything for me,” Bedford says. “I graduated in 2000, and there was a T-shirt that we made then. It was black with a picture of the world and it said, ‘Think one person can change the world? So do we.’ I still believe that.”

He entered Oberlin intending to study English literature. But that was before he enrolled in an art history class that would change his life. Growing up in Scotland and England—before his family moved to the U.S. when he was 17—his mother took him to museums in London. There he developed a fascination for the impressionists. But that had not prepared him for the lush dexterity that he saw in Saint Sebastian Tended by Irene, a 17th-century painting by Dutch master Hendrick ter Brugghen. And he found the accompanying lecture by professor Bill Hood just as engrossing.

“It was Bill who uttered those fateful words, ‘All art was once contemporary,’” Bedford says. “The light bulb went off. This painting at one point was painted for a civic population, and, I thought, ‘How thrilling would it be to be involved in that process of production and interpretation?’ My progress through the museum field was dictated by those words.”

He worked to incorporate social justice into the art world in positions at The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University, but this drive emerged most strongly at the Rose. It was one of the things the BMA search committee found most appealing about Bedford, says search committee member James Thornton, who also serves on the museum’s board of trustees. “We are in a community that is majority African-American and people of color. If we look out over the years to come, it’s important for the museum to find creative ways to connect with that community. I’m a person of color,” he continues, “and I’ve always noticed that there are people who don’t look like me who are very much committed and are beneficial to moving the equality conversation forward. Chris is one of those people. I think he’s trying to set the record straight.”

Though Bedford has become a visible presence for the museum in Baltimore—he joined the board of directors of the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance, for example—he says he would like to make further inroads with the artistic community. But he has met with one artist whom he particularly admires, whose work is known for its social commentary—Joyce Scott, a 2016 recipient of a MacArthur “genius grant.” Says Bedford: “I’m excited to integrate her art into the exhibition space. She’s sincere, she’s soulful, she’s brilliant, she’s very connected to the city, and her work is extraordinary.”

Scott says she hopes he brings recognition to local artists (as well as those from farther flung destinations). “That is one thing I hope there would be more of—local artists on display in a real show,” she says. “It’s not like we don’t have them—Baltimore is a hotbed of artists.”

Eight months into the job, Bedford’s day begins early and ends late. When asked if he enjoyed a recent art community get-together, he replies, “Which one?” Still, he is settling into life in Baltimore with his wife, Jennifer, an art historian, and their three children. And his desire to bring about change in Baltimore by making the BMA more open to everyone is as fervent as when he first arrived.

“I’ve said many times that I don’t think the future of museums in the 21st century is going to be written in New York or Los Angeles. It’s going to be written in a city like Baltimore, where we’re going to reconstitute our relationship with our audience through exhibitions, programs, and outreach. Otherwise, we risk irrelevance,” Bedford says. “My ambition is to make Baltimore known to the world and to bring the world to Baltimore.”

Two black-and-white drawings hang side-by-side on the wall of the “Matisse/Diebenkorn” exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Both depict a woman draped in a flowered robe who is reclined in a chair and, and the striking similarities between the two reveal the deep, silent connection between French modern artist Henri Matisse and American artist Richard Diebenkorn.

The two drawings and their incredible semblance were the inspiration for one of the BMA’s most popular and widely sought-after exhibits in the museum’s 103-year history. It has received such high attendance rates and positive local and national acclaim that the BMA is offering extended hours for visitors to see the exhibit before it closes on Jan. 29. Beginning Thursday, visitors can experience the exhibit for additional hours on Thursdays from 5-8 p.m., as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 10-11 a.m.

“As the only East Coast venue for ‘Matisse/Diebenkorn,’ we wanted to provide more opportunities for visitors to experience this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition,” says Sarah Pedroni, communications coordinator at the BMA.

“Matisse/Diebenkorn” is the first major exhibit to demonstrate the profound influence that Matisse’s artistry had on Diebenkorn’s use of color, technique, and structure throughout his career. Katy Rothkopf, the exhibit’s curator and head of the department of European painting and sculpture at the BMA, recognized the relationship between the two bodies of work and felt inspired to display them together. It took 15 years to collect the exhibit’s 92 works from private collections and national and international institutions, including 36 paintings and drawings by Matisse and 56 by Diebenkorn.

More than 20,000 people have visited “Matisse/Diebenkorn” since the exhibition’s opening in late October, making it the most popular ticketed exhibit since the “Matisse: Painter as Sculptor” exhibit in 2007. Baltimore residents have a strong appreciation for the works of Matisse thanks to the BMA, which houses the largest collection in the world, but pairing his works with Diebenkorn’s canvases has breathed new life into the museum.

Recognition from the likes of The New York Times, The Boston Globe, France Today magazine, NPR, and CBS Sunday Morning has inspired art lovers from all corners of the world to flock to this exclusive exhibit. The museum has also had a significant increase in new BMA memberships as local and regional visitors discover one of Baltimore’s most celebrated art institutions.

“We are thrilled with the success of “Matisse/Diebenkorn,” says museum director Christopher Bedford. “It demonstrates that our greatest asset—the museum’s superb collection—is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for revelatory, historic exhibitions like this one, with the capacity to shine a national and international spotlight on Baltimore.”

On Jan. 12, Rothkopf will hold a curatorial talk at the BMA to discuss the conception and development of Matisse/Diebenkorn. Click here for more information and to reserve tickets.

Mayor’s Christmas Parade
Dec. 6. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, 1400 W. Cold Spring Ln. 1 p.m. Free. For one wintry Sunday, join tens of thousands of Baltimoreans for the 42nd annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade. The 2.5-mile route meanders through Hampden, heading south on Falls Road before ending at 37th Street. Throw on a jacket and see Santa Claus, festive floats, marching units, local TV and radio personalities, over 100 Harley Davidsons, the Mummers of Philadelphia, and this year’s Miss and Junior Miss Yuletide.

A Monumental Occasion
Dec. 3. Mt. Vernon Pl., 600 N. Charles St. 5-8 p.m. Free. 410-244-1030. At the beginning of the month, see the Washington Monument lit up in all its fresh, new glory at the 43rd annual lighting ceremony in Mt. Vernon. After its $5.5 million renovation was completed this summer, the 200-year-old marble landmark is spick-and-span, with a polished exterior, new interactive displays, and a freshly restored staircase for its 227-step climb. See for yourself at this long-running holiday tradition, with music, food, drink, and a fantastic fireworks show.

Makayla Gilliam-Price
Dec. 3. MICA, Fred Lazarus IV Center, 131 W. North Ave. 7 p.m. Free. 410-669-9200. You might have heard this extremely eloquent 17-year-old speak at this year’s Artscape. Makayla Gilliam-Price took to the Lyric stage and spoke to an enraptured audience with dynamic wordplay and an impressively powerful voice as part of the annual arts festival’s Wired Up! event, which reunited the cast of The Wire to tell real stories of Baltimoreans who lived through this past spring’s uprising. When she finished, the packed house was the most excited it would be all night. It was clear that the youth leadership award she received just moments before was beyond well-deserved. The young activist and founder of local youth justice organization City Bloc has also been awarded the Princeton Prize in Race Relations and was an invited speaker at TEDxMidAtlantic this past September.

The Night of 100 Elvises
Dec. 5. Lithuanian Hall, 851 Hollins St. 4 p.m.-12 a.m. $60-90. 410-494-9588. Elvis left the building last year, when this eclectic annual event ditched its longtime home of Lithuanian Hall for new digs in Hunt Valley. But now, The King is back, as the 22nd annual celebration returns to Hollins Market. Party like Presley with cover bands, tribute artists, hot rods, showgirls, a Vegas-themed lounge, and his personal favorites: fried peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches and plenty of booze.

Ciara
Dec. 4. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. 8 p.m. $42-74. 410-837-7400. At the beginning of the month, the princess is here . . . “Ciara!” Made famous by her 2004 self-titled debut and smash-hits like “1, 2 Step” and “Goodies,” the Grammy-winning R&B artist is coming to Baltimore on the heels of her latest album, Jackie, performing live for the first time in six years. Head to the Hippodrome to see her rockin’ bod and hear her sultry new singles, including the breakup ballad “I Bet” and the super sexy “Dance Like We’re Making Love.”

Straight No Chaser
Dec. 5. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 8 p.m. $36.50-56.50. 410-783-8000. It’s easy to see how, in the era of Pitch Perfect and Glee, these 10 troubadours were made famous by a Christmas performance gone viral a few years back. The a cappella group performs playful versions of holiday favorites, mixing Top 40 with classic crooning, skilled harmonies, and witty wordplay in royal Rat Pack fashion. At the Meyerhoff, hear their humorous hits like “Who Spiked the Egg Nog?” and “Text Me Merry Christmas.”

Matisse Prints and Drawings
Dec. 9-July 3, 2016. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 410-573-1700. The BMA has created a Henri Matisse treasure trove, with more than 1,000 works culminating in the world’s largest collection of his art, which now includes some 20 additional drawings and prints from the artist’s twilight years. From December 9 to July 3, 2016, browse the expressive artworks as part of the museum’s “New Arrivals” series, fittingly on display where it all began—the galleries of the Cone Collection.

Orioles FanFest
Dec. 12. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $6-12. 888-848-BIRD. Baseball season might be over, but it’s once again time to don your orange and black and head to the makeshift Birdland that is Orioles FanFest. Earlier than usual this year, the Baltimore Convention Center will fill with thousands of fans, all filing in to meet current players and coaches, snag some autographs (don’t forget to bring your Buck gnome), and, hopefully, experience the highly anticipated Adam Jones pie-facing. Stick around for hilarious question-and-answer sessions, tours of the clubhouse, and to take home some memorabilia that will tide you over ’til spring.

Harlem Globetrotters
Dec. 26. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 1 & 6 pm. $18-118. 410-347-2020. For the past 90 years, ball has been life for the Harlem Globetrotters, as the world-famous team has dribbled and dunked its way around the planet in an unparalleled display of athletic swag and skill. The players return to Baltimore at the end of the month for a day of family-fun, perfect for getting out of the house after all the holiday hoopla.

Stone Harbor Bound
Madeleine Mysko (Bridle Path Press)

This nuanced novel will leave you wondering whether the title refers to movement, restraint, or both. That’s because Mysko, a Hopkins Writing Seminars grad, crafts characters struggling to balance rich inner lives with external, sometimes tragic, circumstances in these interweaving narratives. And Stone Harbor, the Jersey Shore town where the book is set, represents the sort of idyllic simplicity so many folks aspire to, until the complexities of real life intervene. Mysko’s writing shows that real life is
interesting enough.

Celebrating a Museum
The Baltimore Museum of Art

The title may be unimaginative, but this 296-page catalog does, indeed, celebrate the BMA. Published to coincide with the museum’s centennial, it’s the first book to survey the BMA’s substantial holdings and history. Handsomely designed, it nods to all areas of the collection—basically, the BMA’s greatest hits—through a generous selection of images accompanied by succinct and enlightening text. And it comes in four different covers, so you can choose the one that suits you best. I went with Dan Flavin.