The latest happenings 'round town! Brought to you by the President of Big Huge Games ... Tim Train.
August 2008
 BALTIMORE IMPROV FESTIVAL
Now through Saturday, August 2
Creative Alliance
Edition one was a blockbuster. Here comes number two! Who needs Prozac when there's world-class improvisation here in Charm City? Experience three days of premiere comedy troupes from around the Chesapeake (Baltimore, DC, VA) and around the country at the second annual Baltimore Improv Festival!
More Info
BSO SUMMERNIGHTS 2008 CONCERT SERIES
Meyerhoff & Pier Six
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra invites you to Summernights 2008, packed with the spirit and excitement of summer. Don't miss these last two concerts!
Friday, August 1 - A Symphonic Tribute to the Grateful Dead at the Meyerhoff
Saturday, August 2 - BSO Rocks with the Music of Led Zeppelin at Pier Six
More Info
BALTIMORE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Evergreen Museum and Library
Tickets: $15 to $25
The Evergreen House is a great outdoor venue to see Shakespeare performances. This year, the company is performing Twelfth Night and Taming of the Shrew. If you missed Twelfth Night last month, Taming of the Shrew is still playing through the first weekend of August.
Taming of the Shrew
8:00 p.m. - Friday & Saturday, August 1 & 2
7:00 p.m. - Sunday, August 3
More Info
THE JANET & WALTER SONDHEIM FINALISTS EXHIBITION
Now through Sunday, August 3
Baltimore Museum of Art
The Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize recognizes the achievements of visual artists living or working in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
This year's winner of the Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize is Geoff Grace. Come view his works as well as works by previous winners Laura Drogoul (2006) and Tony Shore (2007).
More Info
BALTIMORE SUMMER RESTAURANT WEEK
3 Courses • $30.08 • 90+ Restaurants • Culinary Events
Now through Sunday, August 3
 Enjoy a variety of three-course dinners, in just about any cuisine that strikes your fancy, for only $30.08. Or try three-course lunches at select restaurants for just $20.08. And new this summer, many restaurants will also offer special culinary experiences, such as wine pairings, cooking classes, tasting menus, and more. Plus, select Baltimore City garages are offering special $3-7 parking, and many hotels have special summer discounts and packages. So don't just eat and run. Stay awhile, and see what else is cooking in Baltimore.
More Info
LITTLE ITALY OPEN-AIR FILM FESTIVAL 2008
Fridays through August 29
9 p.m.
Little Italy
This year's festival continues the wildly popular format of presenting feature-length, Italian-themed films beginning at 9 p.m. on consecutive Friday Evenings, starting July 11, 2008 through August 29, 2008 at the INTERSECTION of HIGH and STILES STREETS in the heart of Little Italy in the open-air amphitheater style.
These screenings are free and open to the public. Folding chairs are provided on a first come basis, although attendees may wish to bring a lawn chair to assure seating comfort and availability. Free popcorn!
August 1 - Hairspray
August 8 - Life is Beautiful
August 15 - The Blues Brothers
August 22 - Cinderella Man
August 29 - Cinema Paradiso
SUMMER GROUP SHOW
Now through Saturday, August 30
Gallery Imperato
The Summer Group Show features works by Elyce Abrams, Chris Bathgate, Sasha Blanton, Alyssa Dennis, Matthew Kern, Cara Ober, Dana Reifler-Amato, and Karen Swenholt, and is scheduled to run from July 11 to August 30. Enjoy viewing a variety of works including painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, and mixed media. Mingle wth the eight participating artists and find out what they've been working on in 2008!
BELVEDERE SQUARE
Fridays at 6 p.m., Free, Outdoors
"Summer Sounds at the Square" takes place every Friday in Belvedere Square, which is located 7 miles north of downtown and 2 miles south of Towson at York Road and Northern Parkway.
August 1 - Junkyard Saints (Zydeco)
August 8 - Sons of Pirates (Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band)
August 15 - The Crawdaddies (Zydeco)
August 22 - Donegal Xpress (Irish Rock)
August 29 - FINS (Beach Music)
August 24 - The Crawdaddies (Zydeco)
August 31 - Mambo Combo (Latin)
September 5 - The Voodudes (Zydeco)
INSIDE/OUT: SCULPTURE AT EVERGREEN
Now through Wednesday, September 24
Evergreen Museum & Library
Inside/Out: Sculpture at Evergreen is a biennial outdoor exhibition of 10 new site-specific sculptures that are both inspired by and created specifically for Baltimore's historic Evergreen House, a 19th century Italianate mansion, museum, and contemporary arts center owned by the Johns Hopkins University. Situated on 26 acres, Evergreen's tranquil but urban setting allows viewers to wander the estate at their own pace to seek out the new sculptures, and in doing so, learn more about the estate's landscape, architecture, history,and collections.
More Info
NATION-WIDE DEMOLITION DERBY
Saturday, August 2
7 p.m. - Rain or Shine
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds
 This is one mean rush hour! The road rage you see during your morning commute is nothing compared to the destruction at the Nation-Wide Demolition Derby! You can simply watch the devastation ($10 adults; $5 children 6 to 12; children 5 and under free) or participate for a same-day registration fee of $30.
More Info
SATURDAY SUNSETS AT THE TOP
Saturdays through August 30
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Baltimore World Trade Center
Baltimore jazz band Urban Chic begins the "Saturday Sunsets at the Top" jazz series. Each Saturday in August, the Top of the World Observation Level hosts a jazz band. Guests can enjoy great music and a wonderful view of the city's skyline while the sun sets. Light refreshments will be served and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Located at 401 E. Pratt Street on the 27th floor of Baltimore's World Trade Center.
More Info
AWAKENING - PSI TRANCE PARTY
Saturday, August 2
9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
The Depot
DJs and UV reactive deco by: Molecular Synaptic Guru, Exeris, and Jay Selway.
More Info
 FLUID MOVEMENT SWIMMING EXTRAVAGANZA
Saturday & Sunday, August 2 & 3
5 p.m. & 7 p.m. Shows
Patterson Park Pool
This is the last weekend to check out the Fluid Movement water ballet, one of their staples. Like almost all of their offerings, the show, called Mother Goosed: The Nurseryland Campaign Tales, will have its share of Balticentric references.
Baltimore Magazine Article
 ART CAR WEEKEND
Saturday & Sunday, August 2 & 3
9 a.m. - Dark
Hutman Artcar Studio and Visionary Art Environment
FREE
Conrad Bladey says "Art is something that you live!" Proof of this statement can be found this weekend at the Hutman Artcar Studio and Visionary Art Environment at 402 Nancy Avenue, Linthicum. 410-789-0930
More Info
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Saturday & Sunday, August 2 & 3
Noon - 9:00 p.m.
Poly/Western High School
FREE
The City of Baltimore presents "One World, One Beat, One Baltimore", a celebration of Baltimore's cultural diversity with music, dancing, and a variety of ethnic foods - Poly/Western High School parking lot at Falls Road and West Coldspring Lane, 410-396-3141.
MOUNT VERNON PLACE OUTDOOR MOVIES
Last Show - RV
Wednesday, August 6
Movies Shown at Dusk
Join us for free outdoor movies shown in the East Park across from the Peabody Institute in July and August. Enjoy a summer night out and picnic around the Park's elegant fountains while watching classic to contemporary films. Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket.
NAMES CAN OWN
Wednesday, August 6
8:30 p.m.
Bedrock
Bedrock is the newest and coolest bar you haven't heard of. They have live music several nights a week, billiards, shuffleboard, darts, board games, and video games! Choose from hanging out in the large, open, airy upstairs or the more intimate, hip, cozy downstairs—each with their own bar. Bedrock features a full menu, 14 beers on tap, wines, an ever-growing selection of bottled beers, and a gigantic wall of liquor.
AMERICAN VISIONARY ARTS MUSEUM MOVIES
Last Show - Casablanca
Thursday, August 7 at 9 p.m.
FLICKS from the HILL: OUTDOOR FILM series
Grab a blanket, picnic under the stars, and watch a great film inspired by the current exhibition ALL FAITHS BEAUTIFUL.
The American Visionary Arts Museum is open & free between 5 and 9 p.m. on Flick nights.
FIRST THURSDAY CONCERT
Thursday, August 7
Music starts at 5:30 p.m.
West Mount Vernon Park
FREE!
New Jersey native and Rolling Stone "Artist to Watch" Nicole Atkins headlines this month's concert in support of her debut album, Neptune City. Singer-songwriter Carrie Rodriguez opens.
More Info
BMA FILM SERIES
First Thursday of the Month
8:00 p.m.
Baltimore Museum of Art
FREE!
Enjoy rare or new films on the first Thursday of each month. This month (Thursday, August 7) features the film Together. Set in a commune during the 1970s, this genuine narrative depicts a group of idealists trying to fashion a sustainable way of life that is out of step with their time and place.
More Info
EVERGREEN OUTDOOR FILM SCREENING
Friday, August 8
9:00 p.m.
Evergreen Museum & Library
Roll out your picnic blanket and watch Running Fence, the depiction of Christo's four-year struggle to erect a fabric fence across 24 miles of California's ranch land, and Powers of Ten, influential American design team Charles and Ray Eames' most famous short film. Come early to view the sculptures and meet Evergreen's artist-in-residence, Richard Torchia. $8 for adults; $5 for children under 12; free for infants. Rain location: Carriage House.
CHESTER STREET BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, August 9
Noon - 9:00 p.m.
300 Block of Chester Street
Beer is $10/head all day with other non-alcoholic drinks also available. Kids are welcome. There will an abundance of activities including: adult games, kid games, kiddie pools, raffles, music, and possibly even karaoke!
RED BONE GUERILLAS SCREENING
Saturday, August 9
8:00 p.m.
Creative Alliance
A documentary filmmaker chronicles the rise of a street theater group called the Red Bone Guerillas, who confront the mainstream media machine with in-your-face tactics designed to shock a complacent public. Shot by then-NYC-now-Baltimore-based African-American husband-and-wife team Jamyla and Pierre Bennu, this faux documentary uses found TV footage and improvisational dialog to explore civil disobedience, group dynamics, and performance art.
 VIRGIN MOBILE FESTIVAL 2008
Saturday & Sunday, August 9 & 10
10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Pimlico Race Course
The Virgin Mobile Festival is a spectacular weekend concert that features some of the music industry's biggest names. This year includes performances by the Foo Fighters, Jack Johnson, Kanye West, Nine Inch Nails, and Stone Temple Pilots.
More Info
 FESTAFRICA 2008
Saturday & Sunday, August 9 & 10
Noon - 8:00 p.m.
Patterson Park
Celebrate African culture and heritage! Formerly known as Naiji Fest, FestAfrica is an African festival with traditional music, dances, food, arts, and crafts. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 10. The event will be located in Patterson Park at Linwood and Eastern Avenues.
More Info
BMA JAZZ IN THE SCULPTURE GARDEN
Saturdays at 7 p.m
Baltimore Museum of Art
Jazz in the Sculpture Garden features critically acclaimed musicians performing outdoors in the Baltimore Museum of Art's scenic sculpture gardens. Enjoy the performance from intimate concert seating, picnic with sandwiches and snacks purchased from the outdoor bar, or make reservations for an elegant Jazz & Dinner on the terrace of Gertrude's restaurant. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind summer experience!
$18 BMA Members
$25 Non-Members
Free for Children 12 & Under; Tickets Required
August 9 - Vanessa Rubin featuring Don Braden
August 16 - Rolando Matias & The Afro-Rican Ensemble
PAPER KINGDOM RELEASE PARTY
WITH BEACH HOUSE, CASS MCCOMBS, & VIKING MOSES
Sunday, August 10
9:00 p.m.
Creative Alliance
Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally of the Baltimore pop duo Beach House come home celebrating the release of a Baltimore poster art book created by their friend Elena Johnston. Beach House has been at the forefront of what RollingStone.com calls "Baltimore's exploding indie-rock movement." Cass McCombs, described by NPR as "an ingenious and unorthodox singer/songwriter," also returns to the town he once called home with his band. Viking Moses opens, supporting his brand new CD Crosses Out.
Elena Johnston's new book Paper Kingdom showcases a generation of Baltimore music posters featuring work by Wham City's Dan Deacon, Jordan Bernier, Lexie Mountain, Kevin Sherry, Bruce Willen, Nolen Strals of Post Typography, Dina Kelberman, Wildfire Wildfire, Scott Sugiuchi, and many more. Johnston will be signing brand new copies of her book which will be released tonight!
MERCY MUSIC IN PATTERSON PARK CONCERT SERIES
Sundays and Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. on the Pagoda Hill
near Patterson Park Avenue and Lombard Street
The Pagoda is open during concerts. Rain dates are the following Wednesday. The concerts are sponsored by the Friends of Patterson Park, Mercy Medical Center, and WYPR.
August 10 - Hedge Band (Irish Folk Music)
August 26 - Randy Waller and the Country Gentlemen (Bluegrass)
BALTIMORE'S INAUGURAL FASHION WEEK
Monday, August 11 - Friday, August 15
War Memorial Building
Baltimore's inaugural Fashion Week will showcase focused and talented designers, both locally and nationally, through poised and professional models displaying the latest in creative fashions. This event will give designers, front and back stage crew, and models local and national exposure, and a portion of the proceeds will be awarded to local non-profit organizations in the spirit of Human Services: Susan G. Komen Foundation, Today’s Youth Center, Health Education Resource Organization (HERO), the Sylvan Beach Foundation, and Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS).
Tickets / More Info
PERSEID METEOR SHOWER PEAKS
Tuesday, August 12
After the first-quarter moon sets, around 2 a.m., meteors should be easily visible until dawn. You may see dozens or perhaps hundreds of meteors!
More Info
BEST OF BALTIMORE PARTY
Thursday, August 14
6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
M&T Bank Stadium
Celebrate Baltimore magazine's Best of Baltimore issue at the biggest and most anticipated party of the summer. Featuring gourmet tasting from the area's top restaurants, endless cocktails, and live music from The Real Geniuses and DJ Kopec. For more information or to buy your tickets, visit the Best of Baltimore Party site.
This event will benefit The Family Tree
SOME LIKE IT HOT PARTY / BENEFIT
Thursday, August 14
6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Clipper Mill
Jordan Faye Contemporary is throwing a benefit at the Assembly Lofts and Clipper Mill Pool. Tickets are $25 for advance, $30 at the door. Cocktails and lite fare will be served at Loft 208 during the "Some Like It Hot" exhibit which will then be followed by Clipper Mill's gorgeous pool to finish the evening poolside. Note that the pool and the hot tub will both be open.
 ANGELO SOLERA BOOK READING AND DISCUSSION
Friday, August 15
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Breathe Books on "The Avenue"
FREE
Angelo Solera is a local Latino community activist, a former political candidate, and a health care advocate turned author. His self-published book "The Journey, El Camino" is a memoir about Solero's 400-mile pilgrimage from Santiago to Compostela, Spain. He took the walking pilgrimage in 2005 and hasn't turned back since. Inspired to record his experiences, he pushed through the "un sueno" (the impossible and unrealistic dream) to share the messages he received on his journey.
Join Angelo as he recounts his journey by sharing his book and a video about his magical and spiritual pilgrimage.
HORRORFIND WEEKEND 10
Friday, August 15 - Sunday, August 17
UMUC Marriott Inn & Conference Center
Adelphi, MD
This one of a kind horror, halloween, and spooky convention features horror movie celebrities, horror writers, halloween seminars, and supernatural speakers as well as a giant dealers room, horror movies, and many special events. More than just a horror convention, Horrorfind Weekend is the Spookiest Show on Earth!
32 BIT GEN GAMER FEST
Saturday, August 16
5:00 p.m. Doors, 6:00 p.m. Show
Creative Alliance
 The Bit Gen Gamer fest is back for the boss battle! This annual summer event is making its second appearance at the Creative Alliance with an even bigger bill of video game inspired artists and live musical performances. Come and get rocked by the nation's best in video game inspired music featuring Protomen, Year 200x, The Megas, This Place is Haunted, Cheap Dinosaurs, Ultraball, and of course, the host's, Baltimore's own Entertainment System! Get transported back to your childhood while gazing at a pixel by pixel rendering of your favorite gaming moment immortalized on canvas. Play your way through a ten-monitor, 20 year history of gaming, from the Atari 2600 to the Xbox 360!
CHARM CITY BIKE AND BRUNCH
Every 3rd Saturday through October 18
Next Tour - Saturday, August 16
$15.00
Burn calories, not carbon. Join the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and Friends for the Charm City Bike and Brunch every 3rd Saturday from April 19th to October 18th. Guided tours of Baltimore parks, trails, and surrounding neighborhoods are followed by lunch at nearby local restaurants.
More Info
CLASSIC HIPSTER ANIMAL KARAOKE WITH ADAM MEISTER
Monday, August 18
9:00 p.m. - Close
Joe Squared
No Cover!
This event happens every second Monday of the month, except in August which will be held on the 8-18-08 (the 3rd Monday).
More Info
THE WEIRDO SHOW
Thursday, August 21
 9:00 p.m.
Palace of Wonders
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, come right in to the Palace of Wonders for The Weirdo Show, the world-famous Congress of Curious Peoples, a genuine variety show featuring weird, strange, unbelievable freaks, wonders, and curiosities, and the best in Burlesque, Vaudeville, Dance, Circus, Sideshow, and Variety Arts. Named as "One of the Top Ten Reasons To Go Out During the Week" by the Washington Post, the Weirdo Show brings you the best in variety entertainment, all set in the sulfurous glow of the Midway at the Palace's own Museum of Oddities!
More Info
 CHEEKY MONKEY SIDESHOW
Friday, August 22
10:00 p.m.
Palace of Wonders
The Cheeky Monkey Sideshow is back at the Palace and ready to knock your socks off! Join DC's favorite sideshow freaks the Washington City Paper calls "Beautiful and Bizarre" for an end-of-summer blowout you'll tell your grandkids about. Featured acts include Gypsy/Punk/Sideshow Girl, MabJustMab, Fire Goddess, Sensoriel, Swami Yomahmi, the Original Sideshow Geek, The Most Dangerous Man in the World, Damien Blade, Mr Eon, the Magician, Human Wonder, and Sally the Cinch.
 NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL - 34TH ANNUAL POWWOW
Friday, August 22 - Sunday, August 24
Patterson Park
The Baltimore American Indian Center cordially invites you to visit our 34th Annual Powwow this weekend in Patterson Park on the corner of Eastern Avenue and Linwood Avenue. Festivities include Native American food, dance and drum competitions, art and craft vendors, cultural demonstrations, face painting, and even free health screenings!
More Info
2008 MARYLAND STATE FAIR
Friday, August 22 - Monday, September 1
Maryland State Fair Grounds
 Come join us for this year's Maryland State Fair! Many featured events are free with your paid admission to the fair, including: Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, Live Thoroughbred Horseracing, Bullriding, Barrel Racing, Masters of the Chainsaw, and Agricultural Fair Tours. Several concerts will also be held at the fairgrounds, including: 1964 (Beatles tribute band), Dayle Singletary, Foreigner, Travis Tritt with Keith Anderson, Flipside, and Fire in the Hole. Most of the concerts offer free lawn seating!
More Info
MOBTOWN MADNESS - A PUZZLE-SOLVING RACE AROUND BALTIMORE
Saturday, August 23
Start Time - 3:00 p.m.
Start Location - TDB
When the race begins, teams are given an initial clue to solve. When the clue is solved, it will lead them to a new location. At that location they must find and solve another clue leading to yet another location (and so on). The game culminates in a race-to-the-finish, followed by a celebration. The first team to reach the final destination with the shortest race time wins the game.
Get a team of 1-5 people to load in one car, sign up via email, send us your registration donation, and you're ready to join in the madness. We would recommend putting together your personal dream team: a group with a variety of skills and knowledge. The route should take 3+ hours (last time the range was from 3.5 - 5.25 hours) and then if you're able, plan on hanging out afterwards for a light party to celebrate your success!
This event is a benefit for Unchained Talent, the student-driven performing arts and mentoring program.
More Info
 SATURDAY NIGHT ROLLER DERBY
Saturday, August 23
7:00 p.m.
Du Burns Arena
The Charm City Roller Girls season is almost over, so catch them while you still can! Come and cheer for the Charm City Roller Girls All-Stars as they take on the Carolina Rollergirls B-Team this Saturday!
More Info
 THE ROBERT CRAY BAND & KEB' MO' BAND
Saturday, August 23
Gates Open at 5:00 p.m.
Pier Six Pavillion
Robert Cray is one of a precious few active blues artists with the talent and vision to successfully usher the idiom into the future without resorting either to slavish imitation or simply playing rock while passing it off as blues. Just as importantly, his immensely popular records helped immeasurably to jump-start the contemporary blues boom that still holds sway to this day. Robert is blessed with a soulful voice that sometimes recalls '60s great O.V. Wright and a concise lead guitar approach that never wastes a note!
Keb' Mo' draws heavily on the old-fashioned country blues style of Robert Johnson, but keeps his sound contemporary with touches of soul and folksy storytelling. He writes much of his own material and has applied his acoustic, electric, and slide guitar skills to jazz- and rock-oriented bands in the past as well.
Tickets
BODY WORLDS 2 EXHIBIT
Now until Monday, September 1
Maryland Science Center
Unprecedented. Authentic. Inspiring. Check out the original anatomical exhibition of real human bodies seen by over 22 million people around the globe.
More Info
MOVING WALLS 12
Tuesday, September 2 - Sunday, September 14
James E. Lewis Museum of Art
Art on Purpose in conjunction with Open Society Institute-Baltimore is hosting a show on photographer Kike Arnal's work In the Shadow's of Power: Poverty in Washington DC. The show is part of the Moving Walls 12 exhibition presented by Open Society Institute-Baltimore. With an outsider's perspective on the United States, Arnal reveals the extreme poverty that exists in the capital of the world's wealthiest and most powerful country. Sofia Silva was asked, along with other local photographers, to respond to Arnal's work highlighting Baltimore's own struggles with homelessness, youth violence, class disparity, and other issues challenging urban society.
On Tuesday, September 9, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., an Opening Reception & Panel Discussion moderated by Marc Steiner will engage the heart of OSI-Baltimore's social justice mission, exploring the complexity of issues raised by the exhibition.
More Info
 THE STOOP STORYTELLING SERIES
Monday, September 22
7:00 p.m.
Centerstage
Join us at Centerstage on Monday, September 22 for Animal Tales: Sories about pets, strays, mutts, and other beasts of burden. Starting at 7:00 p.m., seven storytellers will have seven minutes each to talk about the pleasure and pain of life among creatures. Afterwards, at 8:00 p.m., enjoy cocktails and live music by Caleb Stine and the Brakemen.
More Info
FREE FALL BALTIMORE
Wednesday, October 1 - Friday, October 31
Free Fall Baltimore returns for the third year with over 70 cultural organizations presenting more than 300 free events. From free performances in music, dance, and theater to museum exhibitions, lectures, classes, workshops, and hands-on creative experiences, this fall arts celebration allows residents and visitors to enjoy the excitement of free activities in venues throughout Baltimore City. Because seating and capacity may be limited, many events require advance reservations.
For a complete listing of events and reservation details, visit www.freefallbaltimore.com.
-Tim
|
