9th Annual African American Heritage Festival

It's another hot summer Baltimore! Time for the FREE festivities to begin. What better way to start than with the African American Heritage Festival (AAHF)?

The 9th Annual African American Heritage Festival is a 3-day event that brings together a diverse group of people to experience the history, culture, heritage, and arts of African Americans. The festival includes divine dining from multiple food vendors, local and mainstream talent showcasing their skills, and countless pavilions with educators set up to serve the community information about issues such as Health, Wellness, and Finances.

According to the AAHF website, the festival "attracts 500,000 people from Baltimore, Washington, and other neighboring states."

Check out the flyer above for more details! Hope to see you there!

*A little tip for all those wondering: The AAHF is a TOTALLY different event from the AFRAM, as so many of us old schoolers used to call it. I, too, thought that the title "AFRAM" had just been retired. Howeverm the acronym is used for other festivals such as the one being held in Norfolk, VA this summer.

MTA HORROR!

I assume that everyone reading this blog has taken a ride on the MTA at least ONCE. I can admit to the fact that I was confined to Marc Troy and Anthony (inside joke Baltimoreans!) up until 17 years of age when I got my driver's liscence and first car. I was riding high after that: no running after busses who leave you because they are running late, no running late for appointments because the bus can't be found, no sitting next to wierdos who talk your ear off or have a foul smel (you catch my drift).

My reaction after a guy challenges my space on the #3 Inner Harbor. Waaayyy too close for comfort!

Then my ride ended when I got hired by the City of Baltimore and started working Downtown. It was back to the bus for me (I mean, really, would YOU park in Downtown Baltimore?!) Back to broken windows and no air conditioning on 90 degree days, back to half hour waits for busses that are supposed to run every ten minutes.

Do you have an MTA horror story? Share them hear, I'd love to hear them. I have a few of my own, starting with one illustrated by the first picture :long exaggerated SIGH:. Enjoy!

Memorial Day Events in Baltimore!

*Don't worry weekday workers, your long weekend if right around the corner! :)

If you celebrate Memorial Day and are looking for something to get into, here are a few events going on around or near Baltimore City this weekend (Thanks, Baltimore Sun):

Annapolis Memorial Day Parade
Annapolis, MD
May 31, 2010 @ 10 a.m.

The parade honors 300 years of veterans service to our country and community. Starts from Amos Garrett Boulevard and continues down West Street, around Church Circle, and up Main Street, ending at Susan C. Campell Park at City Dock.


Memorial Day Ceremony
Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens
Baltmiore, MD
May 31, 2010 @ 10 a.m.

This ceremony will honor Maryland soldiers and marines who were killed while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan since May 2009.

A day to remember the brave men and women who lie within the Circle of
Immortals and those who have defended our freedom. -Dulaney Valley Memorial
Website

Memorial Day Ceremony
Loudon Park National Cemetery
Baltimore, MD
May 31, 2010 @ 10:45 a.m.

Hosted by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, this event includes military salutes and decoration of graves.

National Memorial Day Parade
Washington D.C.
May 31, 2010 @ 2:00 p.m.

This parade kicks off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, and proceeds west down Constitution, ending at 17th Street. If you aren't able to make it out to D.C., you can also catch this parade at 2 p.m. on the Military Cahnnel (call your local cable provider for listings).

Honoring Our Heroes From Across the Generations-National
Memorial Day Parade Website

Click the event names to go to their websites for more details! Happy Early Memorial Day!

On the Edge Pt. 2: What about the citizens? Facebook users respond

So far there have been many Baltimore City Police running to retire or even resign due to the pension changes set to take effect on July 1, 2010. We aren't just talking about the police officers, though. There have been sergeants, lieutenants, EMT's, Paramedics, and fire fighters putting in their paper work as well.

These are the people who risk their lives everyday to help protect the residents of Baltimore City.

But let's face it: if you live in Baltimore, the protectors who seem most prominent are those boys in blue. If the high rate of retirees results in a shortage of officers (especially ones in high ranks), what kind of trouble will the city be in for? This is especially important to think about when we hear of young officers like this one abusing their authority. (Thanks, Baltimore Sun) Are we sure we want examples like this remaining to take care of our city?

On Facebook, some Baltimore City residents opened up and told me where their feelings lie when it comes to Baltimore City Police. Here is what a few of them said:

Crystal Sewell and Elex Taggert:

Fuck Em...

Stephen Felton:

I enjoy getting pulled over and then let off with a warning 'cause they have nothing to arrest me on...

Jessica Reid:

I think there are some good officers out there but it's overshadowed by the idots that's there. How as an officer are you gonna enforce the laws but you don't know the law? That's my problem with the city police.

Leon Foy:

BCPD: they are slow to investigate, quick to accuse, and they never know anything about the people they protect or the laws they enforce...Western District.

It looks like some residents wouldn't miss some Baltimore City Police if they stepped down. How would you feel?

On the Edge: Baltimore City Fire and Police Retirement

The people who protect and serve your city are running scared.

Due to Baltimore City's $121 million budget crisis causing drastic changes in the city's infrastructure, fire and police officers have been sitting on the edge since the beginnning of this year. The reason why: those changes could possibly result in layoffs and a reduction of their retirement benefits.

Imagine this: you decide to to become a police officer at the tender age of 21. Some of the benefits you plan to enjoy include: steady pay increases, moving up in the ranks, and stacking your pension in order to retire at 41 with at least a $100,000 lump sum payment. All of this will allow you to move to Florida and spend your days on the sandy beach with your family.

Then, someone changes their mind and decides to make you work harder and longer in the present only to gain half of that pension in the future.

Baltimore City's Fire and Police Retirement System is currently one of the most generous contributory retirement plans that exists. Fire and Police staff, at any age, can retire with 20 years of service, or at the age of 50 with 10 years of service.

There is also a seperate account, called the DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan), that allows Fire and Police to contribute earnings which gain interest for a term of three years of their service. Fire and Police can sit back and watch this account grow with thousands of dollars until they are ready to retire.

On July 1st, this all might be taken away.

What are Baltimore City Police Officers saying about it?

"Oh, it's about to get real ugly!" says one officer.

Coming Up: What will happen on July 1st and what citizens think about a shortage of officers in the city...

IT'S TIME FOR CRABS!

O yes Baltimore, the time has come.

Time to break out the newspapers, mallets, and beers. Time to crack those legs and get moving towards your favorite crab shack in town. Time to snap open your wallets and count those nickels and dimes for an order of a dozen of your favorite sea creature. (or one BUSHEL, if you're really hungry). Time to dig deep through the guts, the mush, the dead man, and mustard, and find the hidden treasure that reminds you every time of why you risk the smell of your hands to have this one thing when summer hits:

CRABS!!!










Everyone knows that Baltimore is notorious for it's wonderful crab addiction. So if you plan to visit this the city known for getting it's fix from the bay, or if you are already conveniently located here for the summer, here are a few tips that I found from the website of one Baltimore's most superb crab shacks, O'brycki's (and a few comments of my own in bold):

1. Break off the claws. (good for soup!)
   
2. Lift apron and grip shell. (there's a name for that sharp thing in the middle?!)
3. Peel off shell. (here comes the good part!!!)
4. Clean out "mustard" (yellow fat which can be eaten) and "devil" (cellulose-like gills, don't eat. (Contrary to popular belief, you will not die if you eat the dead-man (or devil). However, the yellow fat (or mustard) is the devil...don't eat it, it's GROSS!!)

You can find more of O'brycki's instructions here. Warning: they get a little proper towards the end. My edited version: dig those fingers in that shell and FEAST!!!



I also found this fun video of a Marylander who has their own special way of eating crabs. ENJOY!!!

What's The 411? Snoop Doggy Dogg Live

Who else would be in the hizzle at the Merriwizzle Post Pavizzle other than the Snoopy D-o-double Gizzle himsizle? Fa shizzle!

Okay so I'll leave the rapping to Snoop Dog. You can hear him live at the Merriweather Post Pavilion for the Blazed and Confused Tour in Columbia, MD at 6 p.m. today, August 5, 2009. Be sure to visit the website to purchase your tickets (that is if they are still available!).

Those who do not partake in herbal influence are advised to bring oxygen masks. From what I hear about Snoop's previous concerts, Mary Jane has VIP entrance into the party and will be present!

The funky fresh band Slightly Stoopid will be headlining the show as well. What a perfect combination! I definitley get the humor in the show's title: Blazed and Confused. Yes, I know I am late on that one.


I would have sought a video interview with the West Coast G Snoop Dogg, but I've heard that he only does email interviews. In his interview with Midnight Sun and Baltimore Metromix contributor Mark Gross he stated:

Because generally reporters ask tha same questions, manage to piss me off with a smartass remark and I'm in tha studio wrappin up "Malice In Wonderland" when I'm not on tour.

I'd prefer not to have a cap busted in my ass so I'll stick to being a secondary source, thank you.

Check out the full interview here.

Photo Credit: Jeff Farsai, www.jefffarsai.com http://slightlystoopid.com/tour/

Artscape Visual Coordinator Gary Kachadourian Resigns

Goodbye and good luck Kachadourian, Mr. Artscape himself.

Gary Kachadourian, 52, has managed visual installations at Artscape for 22 years. According to the Baltimore Sun, Kachadourian is now stepping down from his position at the Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts in order to pursue some of his own creative endeavours. Those include enrolling in the masters degree program at UMBC, studying digital imaging, teaching, and devoting time to his own artwork.

Art lovers in Baltimore have Kachadourian to thank for the huge success that is Artscape. The aura that fills Mount Royal and Charles streets in mid-July is one that no museum can replace. Thousands of people gather to view Baltimore's most passionate artists showcase their talents. From custom made jewelry and contemporary art exhibits, to modern dance in the Lyric, to spoken word artists slamming under a tent, there is always something at Artscape that would make the event impossible to miss.

Google Image

Bill Gilmore, executive director of the Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts, said

Gary has been a terriffic asset...He's helped to raise the profile of Baltimore as a serious place for artists to live and work.

One of Kachadourian's greatest achievements was the establishment of the Walter and Janet Sondheim Award, which rewards $25,000 to the top regional artist selected by a national jury.

According to the Sun, The Sondheim Award has generated interest in Artscape nationally, attracts more than 300 entrants, and results in two annual shows each summer: an exhibit of the finalists at the Baltimore Museum of Art and a show of the semifinalists at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

Man, I would LOVE to enter that competition with an award like that!

Special thanks to Kachadourian for all his hard work and best wishes to him and his family in the future.

Check out the full Baltimore Sun article to get details on Kacadourian's two upcoming art projects.

What will be the future of artscape now? We can only hope it retains some of its popularity and awesomeness with whoever walks in Kachadourian's footsteps!

Living the Suite Life!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder right? Well maybe not my readers' hearts since I've been absent for so long. But my heart has definitely grown fonder for writing and blogging. After I graduated in May I decided to focus on enjoying my summer- but I have seen and heard some things around the Baltimore that have compelled me to return here.


So word on the Street is that the new hotness is Suite 18. Suite 18 is located on 1818 Maryland Avenue and used to be the Gordon's lounge. According to their Facebook group page, this spot is "bringing nightlife back to Baltimore" and is "strictly for the mature crowd" (those under 21 need not apply).

Remember E the Poet Emcee, host of The Art of Conversation? Well he is back on the hosting scene every Thursday with the new spoken word sensation "Urban Hang". If you have never seen E host at the Yabba Pot on Saturdays, then I can guarantee you will be in for a night of laughter, good conversation, and slammin spoken word artists.

But don't think this spot is limited to just poetry! If you are looking for a new hangout with unlimited drink specials, live music, or just somewhere to do your two step, Suite 18 is the place to be! Check out their website for more information.


Sidebar: I am looking to hear feedback about what you want more of from this blog, what you want less of, and what can be improved. What do you want this blog to deliver to you. I am your reporter for the Baltimore arts and culture scene (I can cover other things too, just let me know!) I welcome constructive criticism. Let me know what you all think!

The Art of Conversation, Unknown Artist

Here is some poetry from an unknown artist at the Art of Conversation:

Art of Conversation, Guest Guitarist

The Art of Conversation is a poetry event that occurs at The Yabba Pot on Saturday nights at 8 p.m. Hosted by E the Poet Emcee, the event begins with an open mic followed by a featured artist for the evening, and ends with an open mic (open mic includes music, poetry, dance, and other art forms). The Yabba Pot serves hot, fresh vegan food to tickle your taste buds, and the artists that attend this event serve up some inspirational and sometimes controversial poetry that is open for discussion and debate.

Check out a clip from one of the musicians that attended the night I decided to drop in:

North Avenue Art

It reads: However Far The Stream Flows It Never Forgets Its Source.

MICA Art

Many art exhibitions are held at MICA and you can also find a lot of really cool art around the building. According to the website:

MICA has become the leader in the education of artists and designers by fostering a community of talented, creative individuals committed to redefining the boundaries of art and design and to expanding their own vision and perspective through rigorous study.

Here's a view of the Howard Street Bridge from behind the school:



Found this brilliant phrase spray painted in the wall separating the school from the rail road:





And I found this guy chilling in the back of the school as well:




What's he doing there?

Monroe and Fayette: Art of Harmony Series, Part 1

Oh the beautiful art that we find on the sides of convenience stores and houses:

Public Art: Ramsay and Monroe Streets

Art Beyond Baltimore

Agnes Welch at James Mosher Little League Parade, Part 2

Here is more of the parade! In the first clip, Baltimore City Councilwoman Agnes Welch greets the community in a cute black convertible.





In this last clip you can see the rest of the wonderful marching bands that grace the city with it's talent during the parades.

50th Annual James Mosher Little League Parade (Part 1)

Happy Cinco de Mayo! For the holiday, I thought that I would leave you all with video of some festivities going on in the Baltimore community. The video features my niece, Mayor Sheila Dixon and Commissioner Bealefeld (who I would have recognized better if I spent more time watching the news rather than blogging :). Both show love to the crowd that has come together to support our youth.

Disclaimer: Please excuse my loud cheering (mark 3:37) as I show love for the little league myself!





The James Mosher Little League Opening Day Parade is celebrated every year in honor of James Mosher Elementary School's baseball season. According to their website:

"Founded in 1960 by the James Mosher Associates, a 501(c)(3) organization, James Mosher Baseball is believed to be the oldest continuously operating African-American youth baseball league in the country."

The organization serves boys and girls ages 4 through 15 throughout Baltimore and has an active roster of over 45 adult volunteers who dedicate their time to making sure that the league serves it's purpose to the community. The overwhelming crowd that accompanied the parade shows the level of commitment that the community has to the youth, schools, and the arts.

Check out Mayor Dixon's passionate speech to the community and how she addresses James Mosher's Opening Day on Bmorenews.com

Super Soaker Whip Wash: Part 2

Here is part two of my interview- including more of my conversation with Ty and another employee of two months, Black. The conversation reminded me of the types that occur in barbershops. These guys talked about everything from Michael Jackson to the movie Green Mile. Ty and Black also give us some information about upcoming construction to be done at the property.






SIDEBAR: The railroad featured in the video is just one of many that Baltimore is known for. The Western Maryland main line isn't as historically known as the B&O railroad, but it contributed significantly the transportation of coal and freight early in the 20th century. The WM line also operated with a schedule that included 19 routes in and out of Baltimore, which made it made its passenger trains a preference amongst commuters.

Super Soaker Whip Wash: Scrubin', Washin', and Talkin'!

I get a great laugh out of reading the tall "Super Soaker Whip Wash" sign on Fulton Avenue when I pass it. So I knew that I had to stroll in and get my whip washed to see if there were more laughs awaiting me on this large, vacant-looking lot.



I wasn't disappointed. I began talking to Ty, 22, who has been an employee there for about a month now. I never thought of this location as a functioning business because of how deserted it looked, but I was pleased with the reasonable prices and polite employees that I met upon my arrival. However, in the following interview I learned that the sign I'd become so amused by did not represent the business after all!



When Ty suggests for visitors to check out the car wash when they come to Baltimore (at the :57 mark), he calls the business "Peachtree". I personally like the name Whip Wash better, but with these great prices, they can call this business Pimp My Ride for all I care!