Happy New Year to you my friends, readers and fans. For 28 years, you have read my column and traveled this long journey with me as I kept you informed about what was going on in our local entertainment world. Can you believe it? It has been that long, my editor, Joy Bramble reminded me at The Baltimore Times Christmas Party last week, when I started writing my first Entertainment Column, even though I was untrained, I wrote from my heart as if you were sitting across the table from me. It has been so much fun and very enjoyable for me.
Mo’Nique Angela Hicks, professionally known as Mo’Nique, a Baltimore native, actress, comedian, talk show host and author returns home to headline the Comedy & Entertainment show at the Hippodrome Theatre, located at 12 N. Eutaw Street on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 8 p.m.
Thanks to you, my readers, you have made me one of the most popular Entertainment Columnist “Rambling Rose” on the East Coast and adding to that, my other boss, Jake Oliver of the Afro-American Newspaper asked me to join the Afro family almost 18 years ago has also been a blessing. It gives me more time and space to keep you informed on what every day, ordinary people, musicians, entertainers and community folks are doing. I am so looking forward to another year talking to you.
There is not too much going on this week, but enough to keep you kind of busy if you are looking for something to do after the New Year’s Eve Parties last week and you are still in need to wine down.
First of all, the Arena Playhouse located 801 McCulloh Street in Baltimore and “The Arena Players’ hosts “Comedy Extravaganza” featuring, AG White, Talent, Kenny Williams, Cool Bubba Ice and Krys Harrison on Saturday, January 3, 2015 starting at 8 p.m. with a cash bar. For more information and tickets call 443-814-8147.
Bare Bones Grill and Brewery, 9150 Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City, Maryland have live music showcases with some of the baddest bands in Maryland. On Saturday, January 3, 2015, a group called “Muleman” will perform at 9 p.m. You’ve got to check him out and make sure you get dinner while watching the show, absolutely fantastic. There is no cover charge.
The An Die Musik Live, will have a workshop led by pianist, Robert Hitz geared to professional musicians and students interested in techniques of free improvisation and in teaching improvisation starting, January 3, 2015. In this workshop you will explore your personal style of music-making and how improvisation enhances the total musician; learn techniques and forms that allow you to get started and lead others; explore improvisation in many styles, not only jazz-oriented, solo and ensemble sessions. Open to beginners and accomplished players of any instrument. Bring your instrument, an open mind, and the possibilities are endless. The An Die Musik Live is located 409 N. Charles Street. For more information, call 410-385-2638.
The Banneker Historical Park Museum located 300 Oella Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21228 is hosting an exhibit under the direction of Willa Banks. The aim of this exhibit is to commemorate the early efforts of Maryland’s African Americans and their allies in their pursuit of freedom and equality for all. The exhibit will feature some twenty-eight works of art, reprinted narratives and reproduced historical documents. The show will run from now until February 28, 2015. So if you are a history buff, this is just for you. For more information, call 410-887-1081.
Do you like to dance? Well my friends, the American Legion Ballroom in Towson, 125 York Road in Towson, Maryland has a January Dance Class, starting Monday, January 5, 6, and 7 at 6:30 p.m. All dancers are welcome, no experience or partners are necessary. Learn how to dance the “Zumba Gold”; “Beginning Swing”; “West Coast Swing”; “Hustle”; and other ballroom dances. For more information, call 410-663-0010 or email: 2hepcats@fridaynightswing.com.
Well, my dear friends, it is about time for the “fat lady to sing.” I am out of time and out of space. But, if you need me, I am only a phone call away. If you are having an event, and if you would like for me to have a book signing at that event, please call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.