Hello everyone, hope everything is well with you. I saw many of you in my travels last week at different events who asked about my health since surgery and was really surprised to see me. Well, my dear friends and fans, I am doing better this week than last week. I am feeling wonderful this week, I don’t have time to lay around and complain— God is so good! Also, if I don’t get off my butt and tell you what’s going on, who will? So let’s get started.
Shirley Chavis, Dr. Rodney Orange Sweetheart passed away Monday, April 30 at Northwest Hospital. Special prayers to Dr. Orange and her family.
First, I want to send out special prayers and condolences to the family of Shirley Chavis, sweetheart of Dr. Rodney Orange, Sr. who passed away on Monday, April 30 at Northwest Hospital. We are sking God to wrap his arms around Rodney, her family and friends and keep them in his loving grace.
Carlos Hutchins produced an event last weekend at the Forum that was off the hook! I don’t do many reviews, but honey child, I had to give this one two thumbs up! An evening of elegance it was. Talking about a taste of history in music and songs, it was all presented on the stage this past weekend.
First, there was DJ Sugar Chris who started it all off with his oldies music, putting everyone in the mood as they walked in to take a seat, then there was the group who opened up—The Slagz Band. Their presentation, stage presence and sound were fantastic. Their music was properly fitted for the age of the audience. The group performed songs old and new and to put the icing on the cake, Girlfriend!!! This little skinny lady, one of their lead singers walked to the front of the stage to take lead and sang Whitney Houston legendary song “I Am Telling You” and the whole house of over 350 guests stood up and applauded, some with tears in their eyes. I am telling you, this was a standing ovation that was well deserved. Believe me my friends, as most of you may know, I am a true critic when it comes to music with 58 plus years of experience under my belt. Believe me if I say, it was “Bad Ass” than you can take it to the bank!
Okay, following that was one of my favorite Baltimore groups—The Spindles— who can’t do no wrong. They always bring the house down. I love the fact that they too did their show with the Motown sounds of yesterday and got many of the guests on the floor to dance. Ending the evening with the classic Philly Sounds were Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes, which I consider the cherry on the cake. I am ready for a knife and fork to eat my way to music heaven. BRAVO! Well done Carlos Hutchins, one of Baltimore’s premier promoters who knows what he’s is doing.
Special guest icon Baltimore Colts #26, Lydell Mitchell will be at the Avenue Bakery, 2229 Pennsylvania Avenue at Baker Street Saturday, May 5, 4 p.m. for the “Baltimore African-American Sports Icons Mural Unveiling Annual Courtyard Jazz Event.” It is free and open to the public
Another thing, I want to talk to you about in reference to “rolling out a taste of history” is what the Avenue Bakery is doing. In celebration of Baltimore’s African American Sports Legacy of Excellence, The Avenue Bakery owner, James Hamlin along with his organization “The Royal Theater & Community Heritage Corporation,” located 2229 Pennsylvania Avenue is presenting and opening to the public, a free music series. Local musicians will be performing throughout the summer months with scheduled performances from 4-8 p.m. in the Courtyard the first Saturday of each month. On Saturday, May 5, special guest, icon Baltimore Colts (#26) Lydell Mitchell and Maryland Boxing Hall of Fame, Marvin McDowell will be there to host the unveiling, honoring Ed Reed and Baltimore’s sports legends. For more information, call 443-280-2702 and tell him “Rambling Rose” told you.
Before I run out of space, I just want you to know we have a few tickets left for the Baltimore Times “Bangin with the Boomers” Luncheon with your truly “Rambling Rose” and the Queen of Hand-dancing Shirley Duncan, who are your hostesses. I am looking forward to meeting you or seeing you again. It is a party for the “young at heart” and it will be held at the Promenade DanceSport Facility, 2605 Lord Baltimore Drive, Windsor Mill, Maryland, on Thursday, May 10th from 12 noon until 3 p.m. Your ticket will include a delicious open buffet lunch, live entertainment, DJ with oldies but goodies; hand-dancing, line-dancing; door prizes, vendors for your shopping pleasure and you can bring your own deck of cards and play Pinochle, Spades, Bid Whist, etc. Get out and enjoy life for one afternoon. Have some fun, laughter and good food.
Well, my dear friends, I am out of time and out of space. Remember if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryro@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY