Hello Everyone,
July has been a very busy month full of parties, shows, and festivals. My husband, Shorty and I, tried to attend as many of them as we could depending on the weather and our health. There’s been a lot of downright fun to have here, there, and everywhere. There will be more excursions to come since the month of August offers just as much fun. I will let you know about some of what we did, and what is scheduled to happen, so just keep reading.
One of our summer highlights was receiving an invitation from the Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival’s Operations Director, Tracy Allison. She extended an invitation to attend the event in Pennsylvania that was held on Friday and Saturday, July 9-10, 2022. Activities were spread out throughout the little town, during the unique festival. Live entertainment was offered. Local artists also displayed their work. Both elements of festivities were available at the Lancaster Convention Center’s main stage and front porch at the Marriott Hotel; The Holiday Inn’s grand ballroom and Imperial Blue Ballroom; the Southern Market; The Elks Lodge; The Village; and Tellus 360 and Freedom Hall, just to name a few of the places where musical talent and shows could be enjoyed.
Local entertainment consisting of diverse music was offered on more than 10 stages as a part of the festival of music and art. While attending the festival, someone told me about an initiative called Keys for the City. It involves placing pianos throughout the town for the public to play on. I thought that Lancaster’s street piano program was different and unique.
The festival’s main entertainment was held at the Belvedere Hotel. That is where Shorty and I stayed. Live jazz shows took place in the main ballroom both nights when we were in town. Our hostess, Tracy Allison, was very accommodating and supportive. She had a beautiful personality, too. Thanks for the invitation, Ms. Allison. Keep in mind that the Reading Blues Fest is coming to Reading, Pennsylvania from November 17-20, 2022, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading. Find out more about it by visiting www.readingbluesfest.com.
Now, I’m going to tell you about what is going on in our hometown of Baltimore. The 27th Annual Ruth M. Kirk Family Fun Festival is coming to town on Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7, 2022, from noon until 8 p.m. at Franklin Square Park, located 1300 W. Fayette Street between Fayette and Lexington Streets. The festival will include a variety of vendors who will sell food, drinks, and arts and crafts. You can come enjoy music played by a DJ, plus live entertainment, too. Come check out Serenity Gospel Group. That’s not all though. My group, Greg Hatza ORGANization, will perform there, too. MC Booze Band, The Spindles, and The Family, just to name a few, will all perform. We hope to see you there.
Another upcoming weekend festival is the Charles “Rudy” Faison Dip Nip. This event was cancelled a few weeks ago because of rain. It has been rescheduled for Sunday, August 7, 2022, at the Pearlstone Resort Center, located 5425 Mt. Gilead Rd., Reisterstown, Maryland. For more information about buying tickets, call Rudy at 443-801-1100.
The Royal Theater & Community Heritage Corporation will present Matinee’@ the Royal. If you want to attend performances, take a trip to the Avenue Bakery Courtyard, located 2229 Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday, August 6, 2022, from 4-8 p.m. Rosa Pryor Productions will present it and provide live entertainment with Jim Bennett Unique Creations Band. The band is based in the District of Columbia, but you can see them in Baltimore. Vendors will be there, too. Food and drinks can be purchased but go ahead and bring your own lawn chairs to enjoy some music in comfort. The mistress of ceremony is yours truly, “Rambling Rose.” For more information, call 410-833-9474. This event is free and open to the public.
Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts has added to the Baltimore Farmers’ Market lineup. The good news is that more entertainment will occur the first Sunday of the month, from now through October. It is a special monthly extension of the Baltimore Farmer’s Market called the “B-Side.” It will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the same space as the Market, underneath the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday & Saratoga Streets. After the regular market ends, you can enjoy an afternoon filled with a free performance showcase featuring local artists, musicians, doers, and performers. Food and drink vendors will be there if you are interested in patronizing them.
Shirley Duncan will present an “Afternoon Dance Party” on Sunday, August 7, 2022, from 5-9 p.m. at the Café 12, located 5627 Reisterstown Road. For more information, call 410-370-8489.
Wilson Lambert’s Blue Philly Magic will be performing at the West Goshen TWP Park on Sunday, August 7, 2022, at 6 p.m. That is when you can find their show being held at the intersection of N. Five Points Road and Fern Hill Road in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Ralph Magwood, Baltimore’s own recording artists and the Vintage Band, will be performing at the Rev. Keith Bailey Appreciation Concert on Saturday, August 6 from 12 noon to 4 p.m., located at the 1900 block of McKean Avenue in Baltimore. Bring your lawn chairs and wear a mask. Food and vendors will be available. For more information, call 410-669-1999.
Okay my friends, I’m now out of space. Remember to call me at 410-833-9474, if you need me. You can also reach me by sending an email to rosapryor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.