Hello everyone. It is going to be a musical couple of weeks. My old dear friend and musician and drummer, George A. Gray returns to Baltimore to perform on Saturday, October 1st 6-10 p.m. at the Caton Castle Lounge, located 20 South Caton Avenue. The George Gray Quartet will feature Bob Butta on piano, Amy Shooks on bass and Charlie Young on alto sax. George Gray has worked and drummed with such artists as Pockets and Moon August from Baltimore. Other national acts such as: Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya, Stanley Jordan, Ronnie Jordan, Cassandra Wilson, Vanessa Rubin, the late great Jimmy Smith and many others. I know it will be a fantastic show.
It will be so wonderful to have George back in Baltimore, if only for a little while. So check it out.
Carltaise Ransom is like a new kid on the block, but not for long. “Speak It Real” is a film produced by Carltaise Ransom. Also created, written, co-Directed and hosted by him. It is a fundraiser for the Arena Players on Friday, October 7, reception at 8 p.m.; screening of film 8:30 p.m. at the Arena Playhouse, 801 McCulloh Street.
Carltaise Ransom is a Baltimore native who firmly believes and wants to show others that your circumstances in life do not have to control your destiny. He has had so much thrown at him in his life and those that are close to him who know his story have often told him that he could be a true inspiration to people. He is a gifted, talented singer, actor, writer, songwriter and filmmaker. As a writer and filmmaker he is dedicated to creating quality works to feature gifted people of color, including himself. The Arena Players is dear to Carltaise’s heart. He is hosting on October 7 for the Arena Players because they are in great need of support, both financially and attendance at their productions. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be contributed to the Arena Players.
Carltaise says, “This also will bring attention to the type of projects I want to create for people of color. My film/series pilot will be shown at the fundraiser.”
Stacy Brooks and her blues band will be performing on Sunday, October 9, at the Pikesville Community Hall, 40 E. Sudbrook Lane 4-9 p.m. for “The Calm After the Storm” concert, produced by Carlos Hutchins. This is a re-scheduled event from the Hurricane Irene a few weeks ago. It will be awesome!
The entertainment included on this musical event is Baltimore’s own Stagz; international recording legend, “Plunky and the Oneness”, and my favorite Stacy Brooks Blues Band, because I love the blues. Other favorites are DJ Sugar Chris to keep the groove going between sets; hosted by my dear friend radio personality “Big Jim” Staton of WEAA, 88.9 FM.
Stacy Brooks is a blues singer who started singing at the age of 5 in Zweibruken Germany at an Army show and after her first standing ovation there was no looking back. Fast forward to the present, with her diverse background she continues to give you toe tapping, head bobbing feel good music that crosses all barriers. The musicians in her band have also played with many great artists worldwide and bring with them fans of their own. The music they make together with Stacy’s dynamic vocals will have you wanting more and hooked on their groove. Stacy was nominated Female Blues Vocalist 2009 by the Washington Area Music Association. So Honey Child, I will see you there!
Before I leave you, I want to inform you that your friend and mine, James “Biddy” Wood is in Harbor Hospital and in need of your prayers, visit, cards or just call him and say hello. He would truly appreciate it. His direct line at the hospital is 410-350-2405.
Well my dear friends, it is about that time. I am out of space. If you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or 410-802-8632 or you can email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.
