BALTIMORE — Hello my dear friends. I hope everything is good with you. We have a lot to talk about this week, so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
First, I want to talk to you about one of Baltimore’s favorite bands, Dr. Phill Butts & The Sunset Band, lead by the one and only Phill Butts.
This local group is awesome! Baltimore loves them and Washington, D.C. loves them too. A few months ago they were booked at the world famous Blues Alley Supper Club in the District of Columbia. They packed the house, bringing a busload of fans with them. Their performance was crazy, out-of-sight entertaining. Well, they did such a dynamite job, they have been asked to return on Monday, Nov. 28 for two shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Butts has once again arranged a special bus to transport jazz lovers and fans to the event at 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW in Washington, D.C. The bus leaves Baltimore at 5:30 p.m. from 1926 N. Monroe Street. A second bus will leave from the Arch Social Club. For more information, call 443-859-0124 or 410-294-4821.
Sean E. Merryman Promotions and the Baltimore Homeless Union will host The Lou Rawls Experience Dinner & Concert featuring DC Lou Rawls paying tribute to the original with love and respect. Tickets include the concert, dinner and cash bar on Sunday, Nov. 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Forest Park Senior Center located at 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue. Also as part of the show is Ms. Bee, who will pay tribute to Phyllis Hyman and Baltimore’s own funny girl Ms. Maybelle will be hosting. For ticket information, call 410-215-8893.
For your shopping pleasure, the Baltimore Farmer’s Market & Bazaar have extended operation hours to 1 p.m. for the holiday season starting Nov. 22. I love this place; it is the perfect place to shop for festive meals, unique gifts and holiday decorations, as well as fresh vegetables straight from the farmer’s garden. Market-goers can find a variety for seasonal items for their Thanksgiving or holiday meals such as turkeys, brisket, hams, oysters, fresh and smoked fish, cheeses, pies, cider, apples, sweet potatoes, nuts. This is also a place where you can buy the perfect gift. You can browse the bazaar for unique crafts items such as: jewelry; soaps and lotions; holiday ornaments; vintage clothing; mugs and other dishes; original works of art; handcrafted baskets; leather goods and much more. Located on Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay Streets, underneath the Jones Falls Expressway is a fun place to shop. Sundays only.
In closing, I want to announce that the Left Bank Jazz Society is back in action, thanks to the president, Millie Battle. The first concert will kick off on my birthday, Sunday, Nov. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Forest Park Senior Center, 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue. It is cabaret style as the old tradition used to be. It is and always will be B.Y.O.B & B.Y.O.F with free set-ups. You will be entertained by the saxophonist Eddie Baccus, Jr., formerly of Pieces of a Dream, and his quartet featuring Herm Hopkins on trombone. For ticket information, call Mildred at 410-448-0033.
Happy Thanksgiving, my dear friends, enjoy your turkey dinner. Remember, if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.