Hello everyone, I am so excited about the up-coming weeks because it is festival time and I love me some festivals. I hope that everyone enjoyed the 4th of July celebrations, last week. I know some will not be able to say that because of the tragic shooting of a little girl, which I don’t want to talk about except to say that by the time you read this column, I pray that she pulls through!
Rosa Pryor
The Baltimore/Washington DC One Carnival, formerly known as the “Caribbean Carnival Festival” founded by Dr. Elaine Simon, owner of “Touch of Paris Salon” takes place on Saturday, July 14 & Sunday, July 15 in Lake Clifton Park at 2701 St. Lo Drive in Baltimore City starting at 12 noon. Caribbean music, island culture and the one-of-a kind colorful costumes will be on full display
Let’s get back to happier thoughts, such as the Baltimore/DC Caribbean Carnival celebrating the islands’ culture in fine style as they always do. The festival includes traditional cuisine, music and performances as well as arts and crafts and lots, and lots of family activities. My favorite part is the beautiful, gorgeous, handmade, colorful costumes that are a displayed in the parade. Also the good smelling and good tasting food you can smell for miles; the music is so irresistible that it makes you dance even if you are in a wheelchair. Take my word, it is a wonderful sight to see and be a part of. I remember for many years the Carnival Parade march down Park Heights Avenue between Rogers and Haywood Avenues in front of the Blue Caribbean Night Club to Druid Hill Park for years while the festival goers lined the sidewalk dancing and waving at everyone. This year it starts in the 2700 block of St. Lo Drive and it ends at Lake Clifton Park on Saturday July 14. I would like to extend continued success to Dr. Elaine Simon, the founder and to Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pullen as a supporter from the beginning.
Rosa Pryor
The legendary Spindles will perform at the “DipNic Festival on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at the Elks Camp Barrett located at 1001 Chesterfield Road in Crownsville, Maryland.
Speaking of festivals, another one of my favorites that I have participated in for many years and still do is the “DipNic Festival.” Girlfriend, this is such a relaxing festival for adults only on Saturday, July 14, 2018! Bring your swimwear, folding chairs, tents, canopies, sun umbrellas and card tables and make yourself at home. Don’t forget your charcoal, grill— it’s B.Y.O.F and B.Y.O.B. The festival provides a gigantic swimming pool, indoor dance hall, two pavilions; DJ, live entertainment featuring the Spindles; lots of vendors; ice, and a hot charcoal BBQ Pit with hamburgers and corn on the cob. Yes, my friends, Saturday, July 14, the Elks Camp Barrett is the place to be.
Then there is Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival hosted by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts. Celebrating 37 years, Artscape takes place from Friday, July 20 to Sunday, July 22, 2018 on Mount Royal Avenue and North Charles Street in Baltimore City. The hours are 11 a.m. — 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is a family festival featuring 11 large-scale artwork projects, live entertainment, lots of children activities, all types of music, including: disco, jazz, Reggae, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, opera, 100’s of vendor of all kind especially food and so much more. Check it out!
Friday, July 13, 2018, is the day that one of my favorite groups— “Isaac Parham Band” will perform at the Liberty Live Summer Concert at the 4100 block of Deer Park Road in Randallstown at the Shopping Center. The streets will be blocked off! So come out and support the community— bring your folding, chairs and coolers and enjoy the good music by DJ Mike Jones; line dancing; and shop with all the vendors. The concert starts at 7 p.m. and it’s free and open to the public. I will see you there.
I’ve got to go now— I am out of space, but 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.
Rosa Pryor
Local entertainer and booking agent from the early 1960s Charles F. Steinmetz who booked major attractions at regional universities and colleges such as the Chateau, the Jay Giles Band, Blood, Sweat & Tears and the Bleu Lights, just to name a few passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Upper Chesapeake University of Maryland Medical Center from heart failure at the age of 76.