Jazz and gospel in town this week

Hello everyone, hope everything is well. I have so much to tell you this week and a little space to do it in. Girlfriend, your calendar for this weekend will be jumping, so put on your roller skates because we will be traveling from the nightclub to the pulpit— AND LET THE CHURCH SAY AMEN!

Before I go any further, many of you may have heard of “Sir Johnny O” Compton’s passing last week. His funeral service is today, Friday, November 8, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Baptist Church located at 3400 block of Park Heights Avenue. Rest in peace my dear friend, rest in peace.

photo

Courtesy Photo

“Sir Johnny O” Compton

First let me tell you, this past weekend I saw two wonderful plays; one was called “The New Teachers Lounge” written and produced by Ursula Battle. Her play was informative and touches a lot of issues, such as bullying, breast cancer, domestic violence, romance and some comedy. The other play I attended was produced by comedian and playwright, Howard G and his sister Sheila Gaskins. It was written by Meloni Harris-Barber, author of the book “Atypical Journey” upon which the play was based. I say job well done. I enjoyed it. Good acting and dynamite singing made it in my book.

Another play is being presented by Michael and Tanya Trotter, called “Meet Me at the Repast” on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10 at 5517 Ritchie Hwy, Brooklyn Park, Maryland, (behind the Peoples Health Center-lower level). Dinner is served from 6-7 p.m. and the play begins at 7:30 p.m. I understand this is a hilariously funny stage play with incredible singers, actors and comedians. For more information, call 410-387-6718.

photo

Courtesy Photo

Carlos Johnson & Zone One Band will perform at the Identity Ultra Lounge, 8521 Liberty Road in Randallstown, Maryland on Sunday, November 10, 5-9 p.m. For more information, contact Victor Green at 443-756-5893.

Here I go again. I will be doing a book signing with my new book, “African American Community, History & Entertainment in Maryland, (Remembering the Yesterday’s 1940-1980) at the “First Annual Friends for Single Parents Fundraiser on Sunday November 10, 7-11 p.m. at the Gala Center, 1700 Hill Drive, Windsor Mill, Maryland. This event is hosted by Iris Berman-Baroud. For ticket information, call 410-428-0631.

This sounds delicious! William F. Taylor-Lodge #57 is having their 38th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast on Sunday, November 10, 3-8 p.m. at the Forum Caterers, 4210 Primrose Avenue. For tickets information, call 410-365-5866.

Lonnie Parker’s Anniversary Celebration at Brown Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, November 10th will include; The Singing Disciples, The Wings of Praise, Brand New & The New Christian Friends, Just Being Blessed, soloist & guitarist, Lloyd Moore and soloist, Penny Moses. The Emcees are Doresa Harvey and Min. Robert Wilson.

Lou Fields of the Baltimore African American Tourism Council of Maryland will be honored for his 20th anniversary of preserving Maryland’s history and promoting heritage tourism in Maryland on Sunday, November 10, 2-6 p.m. at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, 1601 E. North Avenue in Baltimore. For more information, call 443-983-7974.

Well, my dear friends, it seems like it is time for the “fat lady” to sing. I am out of time and space. Remember if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. Check out my new website: www.rambling-rose.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.

Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund holds press reception

— The Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund, Inc. held its Press Reception Party on Friday, October 11, 2013 at the Caton Castle Club, located on Caton Avenue and Hilton Streets. The purpose of the event was to introduce this year’s Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund recipients to the media, and to promote the 22nd Annual Scholarship Award Banquet.

The Scholarship Award Banquet will be held Sunday, October 27, 2013 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the Forum Caterers on Primrose Avenue.

“We are extremely proud of this event and we look forward to participation in helping it grow even more,” said Rosa Pryor-Trusty, CEO and founder of The Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund, Inc. “The organization’s primary goal is to provide financial aid to elementary, junior, and senior high students who are aspiring to enroll in a music education program.”

Founded by Pryor-Trusty in 1991, the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to talented young people. Scholarship recipients are awarded in one of three categories: Instruments, Supplemental and Full Scholarship. During the award banquet, the organization will present the awardees with their scholarships. The children will also perform at the event.

This year’s scholarship recipients are Sydney Young, Sydney Boyd, Christian Robinson, Katrina Baldwin, and Angel Baldwin.

“This is the time for transition in our society,” she said.” It is time to look into the resourcefulness of our gifted and talented youth and make an investment in their future, whether it is music or academic.”

According to Pryor-Trusty, the banquet will also honor some of Baltimore’s outstanding musicians, radio personalities and community leaders who have worked unselfishly to enrich others through their music and to support young people.

The honorees are Eartha Lamkin, Jim Hession, James Taylor, Richard Bass, Ron Pinder, Charles Davis, Lou Law, Al Townes, Phil Townes, and Earlene Reed.

“The purpose of me honoring veteran musicians at my annual event is to give them their flowers while they can still smell them,” said Pryor-Trusty. “Most of the musicians I have honored in the past 22 years are over 60, and, or have been performing for 40 years or longer professionally.”

She added, “Some are them are still performing, while others have been sick and no longer able to perform. It is very important to me that these musicians and singers are represented and recognized for their years of hard work and talent they have given us through all these years.”

According to Pryor-Trusty, the Press Reception Party was sponsored by Caton Castle owner Ronald Scott and members of his staff. The event featured entertainment by Phil Butts and the Sunshine Band, a buffet, and a cash bar.

Maryland Delegate Melvin Stukes of the 44th Legislative District attended the Press Reception Party.

“Her cause is important,” said Delegate Stukes.” I am glad she is doing the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund. So much of the arts have been taken out of the curriculum in the schools. When a person’s talent is stymied, it kills them on the inside whether it’s singing dancing, or acting.”

Tickets for the 22nd Annual Scholarship Award Banquet are $65.00 per-person, and include a cash bar, open dinner buffet and live entertainment. For tickets and additional information, call 410-833-9474 or visit: www.rosapryormusic.com.

It’s a week of parties and music

Hello everyone, how are you? Honey child, put on your roller skates, we will be skating through the city like a roller derby.

Damon Harris, Motown Temptations Revue will be featured at the MULBA (Maryland Unified Licensees Beverage Associaion) & MBACDC (Maryland Beverage Association Community Development Corporation) Liquor Association gala event on Saturday, October, 12 from 7-12 pm at the Patapsco Arena, 3301 Annapolis Road.

Courtesy Photo

Damon Harris, Motown Temptations Revue will be featured at the MULBA (Maryland Unified Licensees Beverage Associaion) & MBACDC (Maryland Beverage Association Community Development Corporation) Liquor Association gala event on Saturday, October, 12 from 7-12 pm at the Patapsco Arena, 3301 Annapolis Road.

Gail Marten, vocalist, songwriter and producer began her singing career in 1980. She has captivated audiences at music festivals, concert venues, jazz clubs and social events. Marten has worked with many renowned musicians such as: Larry Willis, Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Waters, Charles Covington, Clem Ehoff, Reuben Brown Gary Grainger and Greg Hatza, Arnold Sterling just to name a few. Check out her website: www.gailmartin.com.

Courtesy Photo

Gail Marten, vocalist, songwriter and producer began her singing career in 1980. She has captivated audiences at music festivals, concert venues, jazz clubs and social events. Marten has worked with many renowned musicians such as: Larry Willis, Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Waters, Charles Covington, Clem Ehoff, Reuben Brown Gary Grainger and Greg Hatza, Arnold Sterling just to name a few. Check out her website: www.gailmartin.com.

Now first we will start out with yours truly’s Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund Press Reception Party. I promise you will have a good time while supporting the organization at the Caton Castle Lounge on Friday, October 11 from 6-9 p.m. So please come as my guest. Phil Butts and his Sunshine Band will perform and Ron Scott, the owner of the Caton Castle is also looking forward to seeing you there. This is a kick-off party is for the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund Award Banquet Gala, which will be Sunday, October 27th from 4-8 p.m. at the Forum Caterers. Come on out!

Clayton Tucker, former manager of the 5 Mile House now hosts a special “Happy Hour” Tuesday through Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the Identity Ultra Lounge & Restaurant (formerly known as Sista’s Place) 8521 Liberty Road in Randallstown. The new owner, Leroy Friend, has made positive changes in the new club including the drinks and food. Very, very nice! Check it out. For more information, call 410-370-2274.

They are calling it “The Big Uptown” Bernard, Sugar Chris & Boony presents; Park Heights, Reisterstown Road and Liberty Heights Reunion. This is a 40 and older event on Saturday October 12, from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. at the Steelworkers Union Hall, 550 Dundalk Avenue. It is cabaret style, so BYOB and BYOF. What a nice way to bring people together for fun. For more information call 410-262-6604 or 410-206-2933.

The Dunbar High School class of 1956 is having their annual Crab Feast and Fundraiser on Sunday, October 13 at the Heritage Parkville Gardens, 7631 Harford Road from 5-9 p.m. For more information, call Betty Eggleston at 410-323-4927.

Griots’ Circle of Maryland presents an evening of storytelling for adults at the Arena Playhouse, 801 McCulloh Street on Sunday, October 13, 3 p.m. Tickets includes entertaining stories, light refreshments and a door prize. For more information, call 410-788-3555.

Well my dear friends, I am out of space, but remember if you need me or want a copy of my new book, please call me at 410-833-9474 or go to my website: www.rambling-rose.com. or email me at rosapryor@aol.com .

UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.

Happy Mommy Day!

Hello everyone; “HAPPY MOMMY DAY” to all the mothers and mothers to be, this is your weekend. What a special day this is. We are on this earth because of the mommies, (well the daddies had a little something to do with it), but the mother is the one that should be celebrated. If you are fortunate enough to still have your mother above ground, Honey Child, cherish it. My mother passed away in 2001 and I still miss her, I know many of you feel the same way. When my mother passed away, I remember saying, “Lord, who will pray for me now.” So folks, take time out of your schedule to spend time with the woman who brought you into this world or the person who has been like a mother to you. To anyone who has recently lost their mother, you are in my prayers. The memories will never go away. Just think of the good times you had with her.

I have a few suggestions where you can take your mother and family this weekend, depending on your taste. You can plan a festive dinner at home and have the children do all the cooking for a change. Or you can gather the family and go to a drive-in movie theatre. You might have known this, but I just discovered recently that there is still a drive-in movie theatre in Baltimore, called Bengies and it is out of sight! Just like the old days. This movie theatre is celebrating 58 years of continuous operation. That is amazing! I thought sure that all the drive-Ins were obsolete! Bengies Drive-In Movie Theatre is located 3417 Eastern Boulevard. Call 410-687-5627 for more information.

Or maybe a Bull & Pork Roast might suit your fancy. “Friends of Boy Scout Troupe 615” is hosting one on Saturday, May 11 at the Church of the Resurrection, 3175 Paulskirk Drive in Ellicott City, Maryland from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is buffet style all you can eat. There will have live bands and DJ’s for your entertainment, adult gaming, wine, beer and sodas on sale, silent auction, door prizes and much more. For ticket information, call Teresa at 410-465-8637. I will see you there.

You can hang out with the Mason’s Brothers, John A. Holmes Lodge #89, PHA with their Annual Mother’s Day Bull and Oyster Roast on Saturday May 11, 2013 from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the Forum Caters, 4210 Primrose Avenue. This event is open bar and buffet with renowned comedian as M.C., Rickey “The Real Deal” Shackleford and music provided by DJ Tanz. For ticket information, call David Beatty at 443-546-7362.

If you want to take your mom out early in the day, this is a suggestion. The Champagne Room, located 2701 W. Patapsco Avenue is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 12 from 12 to 3 p.m. with a delicious hot & cold buffet; live entertainment provided by Baltimore’s own Rollex Band with a special tribute to their former leading vocalist, the late “Barretta,” who passed away this year. Sounds like fun! For ticket information, call 410-644-3434 or go to www.champagneballroom.com.

You can hang out with the Mason’s Brothers, John A. Holmes Lodge #89, PHA with their Annual Mother’s Day Bull and Oyster Roast on Saturday May 11, 2013 from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the Forum Caters, 4210 Primrose Avenue. This event is open bar and buffet with renowned comedian as M.C., Rickey “The Real Deal” Shackleford and music provided by DJ Tanz. For ticket information, call David Beatty at 443-546-7362.

If you want to take your mom out early in the day, this is a suggestion. The Champagne Room, located 2701 W. Patapsco Avenue is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 12 from 12 to 3 p.m. with a delicious hot & cold buffet; live entertainment provided by Baltimore’s own Rollex Band with a special tribute to their former leading vocalist, the late “Barretta,” who passed away this year. Sounds like fun! For ticket information, call 410-644-3434 or go to www.champagneballroom.com.

For the young at heart, a “Big Mother’s Day Tribute to Motown Legends” will be featured on Sunday May 12, 2013 at 5 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre located at 1215 U Street NW in Washington, D.C. featuring The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards; Delfonics, The Dynamic Superiors and JR Walker’s All-star Band. For tickets or more information, call: 202-328-6000 or Ticketmaster: 202-432-SEAT (7328).

There are a couple of things, I want to bring to your attention, the first is that the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund, Inc. is having a membership drive and we are looking for men and women who are interested in helping underprivileged children who are gifted in music, singing or playing an instrument. Also, if you know someone who has a child that is gifted in singing or playing an instrument between the ages of five and 17 years old anywhere in the state of Maryland, email Dr. Donna Hollie at DTH1800@aol.com or call: 410-323-4927 for an application or you can go to our website; www.rosapryormusic.com.

The second thing I want to tell you is that I have finished my second book and my publisher has it as I speak. It goes to print this week. I should have my book called, “African American Community, History & Entertainment in Maryland: Remembering the Yesterdays, 1940-1980” in my hands and it will be available at major bookstores, as well as online by the end of this month. I will keep you informed. I am so excited about this project.

Well folks, it is about tat that time, I am out of space. 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.