I’m so sorry about the sad news that I had to bring to you about the passing of two people that we knew and loved. Ron and Ronnie both brought such joy to our community, and they always will be remembered for their contributions.

Ronnie Jackson owned Roots Lounge on the corner of Smallwood and Vine Streets in West Baltimore. It was one of the popular clubs that many of us from all walks of life partied at from the 1960’s to the 1990’s. We all enjoyed the food, DJ music and drinks. Ronnie was a special person and the perfect hostess every time patrons visited. Her contributions to the community were one of a kind. She gave back in many ways. Ronnie had her cook at Roots fix food for families who didn’t have money to purchase food. She attended funerals and cooked food for repasts. Ronnie also visited the sick and shut-ins in the neighborhood. Ronnie Jackson was one of a kind and she will be truly missed.

Veronica “Ronnie” Jackson, the
well-loved Roots Lounge owner, passed away last month. Her funeral was last week at Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church under the direction of Carlton Douglass Funeral Services. The community has lost a great person.

The same goes for our friend, Ron Pender. He was one of the finest saxophonists who had the biggest personality. I send condolences to the Jackson and Pender families and all their friends.

Ron Pender, Baltimore’s own renowned saxophonist, passed away last week. Funeral arrangements were not complete at press time.

But my dear friends, don’t be sad. I have some music events to share with you to make you smile and pat your feet. A great comedy event can make you laugh, too.

First of all, let me tell you about a show my Boo-Boo and I went to last week. It was produced by my little brother, Carlos Hutchins and his partner, Charles Sparks. I was truly impressed. They were very organized. The show was very professionally done. All the entertainers including Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, the original Persuaders with Keith Soul, and The Spindles, put on a fantastic, out of sight show. Bravo! Well done, Carlos and Charles.

Now, speaking of music, I want you to check out the show every Thursday for Jazz night at Werner’s Diner and Pub, presented by another one of our fine musicians, Todd Marcus. The club is located at 231 E. Redwood Street. I will see you there.

Now while you are driving around the city, or at home, turn on your radio to WEAA 88.9 FM, Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m. and check out my friend, Anthony McCarthy. Call him at 410-319-8888 to join the conversation on his “Two Way Talk” show.

Remember when I told you about having a chance to laugh? Well, I am suggesting that you check out my buddy and comedian, Rickey Shackleford at Church of Satire Comedy Club on Friday and Saturday, March 10-11, 2022. Check out the show at 106 Broadway in Hanover, Pennsylvania. It is a BYOB event. Just make plans to go and laugh your head off.

Rickey Shackleford, “The Real Deal Baltimore King of Comedy” will be performing at 106 Broadway, Hanover, Pennsylvania at Church of Satire Comedy Club, on Friday and Saturday, March 10-11, 2033. Cabaret Style, BYOB.

Now, I want you to come to the Mickey Fields Tribute Concert at Towson University on Sunday March 5, 2023, at 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Building at Towson University. There will be a tribute concert honoring Baltimore jazz legend Mickey Fields. All proceeds from the concert will go to the Mickey Fields Scholarship at Towson University. The band will include Craig Alston, Greg Thompkins playing saxophone, Tom Williams on trumpet, Greg Hatza playing Keyboard, Eric Kennedy on drums and Quinn Ketteringham on bass. Yours truly, Rambling Rose, will speak at this event. For more information, call 410-704-2787. Please feel free to share this information about this event.

A tribute to Baltimore jazz legend Mickey Fields will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall in The Fine Arts Building at Towson University. All proceeds from the concert will go to the Mickey Fields Scholarship at Towson University.

There is one other event coming up that I want to tell you about now, because my next column will come out after this special event. The 2023 WMEL Radio Honors, honoring the legends of Soul and R&B Black Tie Ceremony & Show, will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 5 p.m., at the Best Western Hotel Conference Center, located at 5625 O’Donnell Street in Baltimore. Your ticket will include dinner and a cash bar. The honorees include The Manhattans, The Moments/Ray, Goodman & Brown, Gene Chandler, SKYY, Spyder Turner, Baker, Harris & Young, Keith “Showtime” Busey & The Unit Band, The NOW Horns, Wilbert Hart of the Delfonics and George Kerr. For more information, call 410-493-3512.

Now look, I can’t talk to you anymore. I am out of time and out of space, but 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.

Rosa Pryor
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