Hello everyone, I hope everything is well with you. I am telling you the hot weather is kicking butts, not that I am complaining. This is my time of the year. I just truly enjoy all the outdoor events, especially the free music concerts.
My favorite every summer is the Baltimore/Washington 44th Annual Caribbean Carnival. I can’t believe it has been 44 years. I participated in the first one when Commissioner, Dr. Elaine Simon along with the late Terrance Charles, Carlton Best, Stephen Barclay, Mayor Kirk Schmoke Administration, the late Delegate. Melvin Stukes, and Rick Nugent along with the Park Heights Avenue residents first brought it to Baltimore and that is when history was born. I have not missed one yet covering it as the entertainment columnist for The Baltimore Times for 39 years, still going strong as well as 10 years when I was at the Afro-American Newspaper. It is one of the most colorful, entertaining events I have ever been a part of and one of Baltimore’s highlight events of the year. Yes, I said so, and you can take that to the bank!
Honey Child! Let me tell you! The parade is one of my favorites as well many residents of Baltimore City and County. Thousands of people from all over the city and counties and all walks of life gathered back in the day there alongside the curbside from the corner of Park Heights Avenue and Belvedere Street to Park Heights Avenue and Park Circle to Druid Hill Park. Now, it starts from the corner of Park Circle and Park Heights to the “Park.” For hours you could watch the “Historical Masqueraders’ Parade,” “Caribbean Style” Parade. Honey Child, there’s nothing like it! They command attention along the parade route, a five-hour display of glitz, glamour, music, costume, dancing and marching down the middle of the street to their destination– the historic Druid Hill Park, located at 900 Druid Park Lake Drive.
The three-day event starts on Friday, July 11, 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. with a day party. The parade will be held on Saturday, July 12 at noon at the intersection of Park Circle and Reisterstown Road. Bring your folding chairs and watch the festivities continue at Druid Hill Park with food, crafts, and live entertainment until 10 p.m. On Sunday, July 13, the celebration continues in Druid Hill Park from noon to 9 p.m. I’m getting excited just writing this. What about you?
Ladies and Gentlemen, guess what? Dr. Elaine Simon has invited me, “Rambling Rose” and my husband “Shorty” this year to take part on the front line of the parade to celebrate my 39th year at The Baltimore Times newspaper as the entertainment columnist with Joy Bramble and her husband Peter Bramble; as well as being the author of three books. Now, Honey Child, you know you got to be there! Last year there were over 25,000 spectators checking out this event. We will see you there! For more information, call 443-869-1835.
I know I have taken up most of my column talking about this historical Caribbean event, but it was important for me to do this.
Now moving on, I don’t want you to forget The Royal Theater & Community Heritage Corporation “Matinee @ The Royal, with yours truly, “Rambling Rose” as the Mistress of Ceremony as well as the producer for the live entertainment at the Avenue Bakery Bakery Courtyard located 2229 Pennsylvania Avenue, located at the corner of Baker Street, owned by James Hamlin, who also bakes those delicious homemade rolls and pies right there on the premises. Come one, come all and enjoy the FREE live entertainment of Greg Hatza ORGANization on Saturday, July 5 from 4-7 p.m. Bring your folding chairs and enjoy. For more information, call me at 410-833-9474.
Charles Funn Band will be in concert with “Jazz at the Armory.” This is an all-ages free concert series organized by the Pikesville Armory Foundation and produced by “Your Girl Cheryl,” Cheryl Goodman on Wednesday, July 16 on the front lawn of the Pikesville Armory, located at 610 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville, Maryland.
Ladies and gentlemen, there is so much going on this week and next week. It’s that time of the year. My new book is finished, and I will start my book signing by the end of July. So, keep in touch. Enjoy your week, and remember, 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.
