The Baltimore Chamber Jazz Society hosts recent Grammy nominated jazz vocalist Catherine Russell in concert Sunday, March 1, 2020. With her recent GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album, Alone Together, Russell solidifies her reputation as one of the greatest interpreters and performers of American Popular Song. She is a rare talent, a genuine jazz and blues vocalist who can sing virtually anything. Her repertoire features gems from the 1920s through the present—vital interpretations, bursting with soul and humor.

In 1836, the United States government received a startling and mysterious gift—a half-million-dollar bequest to establish an institution in Washington “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” The donor was an English scientist James Smithson, who had never set foot in the United States. The Smithsonian became the largest museum and research complex in the world, but the man behind it all remained an enigma. Lecture presented by Heather Ewing, author and Smithsonian Research Associate. Cost is $50 per person and includes reception with wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

In the spirit of armchair travelers everywhere, the Voyager Ensemble, co-directed by Airi Yoshioka and David Yang, explores a new country of the world every concert by combining standard repertoire along with a contemporary work by a composer from the region. This year’s concert focuses on FINLAND with directors Yoshioka and Yang joined by eminent Finnish musicians Kurt Nikkanen and Martti Rousi for the music of Rautavaara, Kaila, and Sibelius. Past concerts have featured performers and music from Hungary, France, and Argentina.

At 80, Judy Collins remains as creatively vigorous as ever, writing songs, touring worldwide, and nurturing fresh talent.

There is a $5 per ticket fee online and at the box office.

FIVE SPOONS

By Natasha Mirny and Tia Shearer - Happy Theatre
March 5 – 8

FIVE SPOONS is a uniquely interactive community building theater piece for adults and children alike. Five miniature stories are creatively told and woven together into a greater story about our personal connection to the world and to each other.

Playing Jazz Favorites, Swing, Showtunes, and songs from the “American Songbook”, Time for a Change is a hit wherever they perform. Comprised of four of the finest jazz musicians in the Baltimore-Washington area, they bring you back to the days of Swing, Big Band and Bebop. From Sinatra to Charlie Parker, they are comfortable in all popular music from today and yesterday. Leading the sound is Jim Voshell on the Tenor Saxophone. Backing up his formidable technique is Todd Gustafson on the piano and synthesizer, Mike Morris on drums and Bill Pachucki on the Upright Bass.

Rev up your engines, y’all! Betty O’Hellno brings back her camp-tastic show to Baltimore audiences! Come for the film! Stay for the show! GRINDHOUSE harkens back to the days of gritty, cheap roadhouse theaters, explosive exploitation films, bump & grind burlesque, and girls! Girls! GIRLS! ..and drag queens!

STARRING

GiGi Holliday - THE CHOCOLATE THAT MELTS YOUR HEART!!

Jacqueline Boxx - THE RAVEN HAIRED SIREN!!

Evon Dior Michelle - CURVES & SWERVES GALORE!!

Cherub Borne - THE MIAMI SUNSENSATION!!

Enjoy a silent film classic in the sanctuary at Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian – the 1926 film “The Flesh and the Devil,” starring Greta Garbo and John Gilbert. An original organ score by Minister of Music, Michael Britt, will accompany the film. Come hear the Skinner pipe organ become a "Mighty Wurlitzer!"

Admission is by suggested donation at the door - $15 individual, $10 student/senior, $25 families.

Nicholas McGegan, conductor and harpsichord
Avi Avital, mandolin

HAYDN Symphony No. 80
VIVALDI Mandolin Concerto
VIVALDI Lute Concerto in D Major
BIZET Symphony No. 1

Early-music specialist Nicholas McGegan returns to the BSO to lead a vibrant program of music for chamber orchestra, from Haydn’s effervescent Symphony No. 80 to two sunny Vivaldi concertos featuring Israeli mandolinist Avi Avital. The concert concludes with the youthful verve of Bizet’s Symphony No. 1, composed when he was 17 and a student at the Paris Conservatory.

Did you know that Divine of John Waters movie fame was born and buried in Towson? Join Towson’s own history buff, Ms. Brenda Carl, for a look back at the town’s wonderful history and notable characters. We’ll start at the pre-Civil War Towson Courthouse and learn how the two Towson brothers from Pennsylvania came down the York Turnpike in the 1700’s to start the town that’s named for them. We’ll also visit the site of the original Towson Hotel, where farmers stopped over before continuing on to Baltimore to sell their goods.