Hello everyone, we have a lot to talk about and a little space to do it. So let’s get started. Black History Month has always been very special to me because I really get to talk a couple of weeks about what our folks are doing in the community to celebrate this Black History Month.
First, let’s talk about this weekend. Baltimore’s own international recording artist and saxophonist, Gary Thomas, his quintet along with special guest, E. J. Strickland, will perform Saturday, February 8 for two shows at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at An die Musik Live, 409 N. Charles Street.
Kier Johnson & the New Eubie present Y.A.M.S. (Young Artist Music Series) on Friday, February 7, 2020 from 8-10 p.m. with the talented saxophonist and trumpeter, Clarence Ward III and Friends from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Roux, an Eclectric Fusion of Organic Hip Hop, Soul & Jazz band will start. WOW! I know I won’t be at this one!
Mannnnnnnn! It’s too much going on with the title of this band. If you go, let me know what the hell this music sounds like. Anyway all of this is happening at 847 N. Howard Street. For more information, call 410-294-4101.
On Sunday, February 9, Corey Harris; an acoustic Blues Master performs at the Creative Alliance, located 3134 Eastern Avenue in east Baltimore starting at 8 p.m. Corey is a Blues & Reggae Musician and is really good.
On Saturday, February 8, The Soundry, which has only been open for a couple of years, located 10221 Wincopin Circle in Columbia, Maryland has booked Jah Works for the Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash, also featuring STRYKER POSSE. Show time is 8 p.m. I heard the food and drinks are good, I have to check this out myself.
Celebrate Black History Month at the opening of the B&O Railroad Museum’s new temporary exhibit; a rare art collection not previously displayed honoring the historical legacy of African Americans on the B&O Railroad. Become immersed in the lives and labor of such seminal B&O Railroad workers as Thurgood Marshall, Fearless Mentor Williams, Charles Wright and Maggie Hudson. The exhibit is at the B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt Street in Baltimore.
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum celebrates Black History Month throughout the entire month of February. The museum hosts an assortment of events including roundtables, documentaries; panel discussions and so much more. The Museum is located 1601-03 E. North Avenue. 410-563-3404.
Enjoy a living history performance, film and talk about the NAACP and its leaders from the Jim Crow and Civil Rights era,. See a living history performance of activist Juanita Jackson Mitchell, hear a lecture on the Baltimore Branch by Professor Prudence Cumberbatch and conclude with a film screening of Mr. Civil Rights: Thurgood Marshall & The NAACP; NAACP artifacts and panels covering 97 years of Maryland history will be on view.
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Amy Davis, author of “Flickering Treasure: Rediscovering Baltimore’s Forgotten Movie Theaters” and Baltimore Sun Photographer will discuss her book and show her exhibit
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Rosa “Rambling Rose” Pryor-Trusty, also author of two books and noted Entertainment Columnist for the Baltimore Times and the African-American Newspaper will share her perspective on The Avenue’s Entertainment History.
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Melba Moore will make a special guest appearance and will sing “Lean on Me” at the Arena Players when they host the Broadway play “Purlie” in celebration of the Musicals “50th” Broadway Anniversary on Friday, February 14, 2020 at 8 p.m. at the Arena Players, 801 McCulloh Street. Renowned musician, David Bunn will be presenting a special presentation. For more information, call 410-728-6500.
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Lou Fields will host a Black History Program honoring Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Leon Day just to name a few on Saturday, February 15, 2020 beginning at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland and at the Vulcan Blazers Firefighters Hall. For more information, call 443-983-7974.
Well, my dear friends, I am now ending my column this week with a surprise. I have started my third book, naming it “Black History in Baltimore & Maryland; Who, What, When & Where, 1950s-1980s,” that means I am looking for pictures. That’s right! I want photos of you and your family in and around your home, neighborhood, your community; I want photos of your family and friends doing their thing during these years; your mother, father, children, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters; grandparents and great-grands. I want pictures of your favorite street in Baltimore, beaches, movie theaters, parks, night clubs, bars, bowling alleys, skating rings; well-known organizations, preachers, churches restaurants, etc. You get the idea. Now, remember every photo must have the following information: names, place and year. Please send to my email.
If you need me call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosaporyor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.