Events
The List: February 2024
From The Walters' annual Lunar New Year Celebration to Max's Belgian Beer Fest, here are the events to pencil in this month.
To 9/30: Black Woman Genius
It is officially the season of Elizabeth Talford Scott. Twenty-five years ago, the Maryland Institute College of Art presented a landmark retrospective on the mixed-media fiber artist and her narrative tapestries. Now, those efforts are being revived by present-day MICA professor Deyane Moses, who is helping to spread the word of Scott’s life and legacy even farther.
In addition to the current Eyewinkers, Tumbleturd, and Candlebugs exhibition at the Baltimore Museum of Art, new acquisitions at the Maryland Center for History and Culture, and forthcoming events at other institutions around town, art lovers can now visit the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for Black Woman Genius, centered around Scott’s imaginative oeuvre and her inspirational influence. Up through September 30, the exhibit explores themes of ancestry, tradition, and healing, with additional works by contemporary Black women artists of the same medium, such as up-and-coming sculptor Murjoni Merriweather and the feature artist’s own daughter, Joyce J. Scott.
2/2-4: Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
In honor of the 100th anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra celebrates the great American composter George Gershwin, plus Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and Duke Ellington. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Fri. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $15- 70.
2/2-3/2: Come Through
On the second-floor gallery, this resident artist showcase features a variety of works by local creatives of varying practices like Hoesy Corona and Bria Sterling-Wilson. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Fri.-Sat. 12-6 p.m.
2/2: Patti LaBelle
This vocal R&B powerhouse, known as the “Godmother of Soul,” brings her soul-stirring melodies and iconic ballads to the Mt. Vernon stage. The Lyric, 110 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 8 p.m. $65-479.
2/3-3/1: Uninhibited Black Space II
In this new group exhibition curated by Charles Mason III, several local artists celebrate the cultural impact of Morgan State University. Gallery CA, 440 E. Oliver St. Mon.-Fri.- 12-4 p.m. Free.
2/4: Garrick Ohlsson Piano Concert
This highly acclaimed New York pianist performs works of Beethoven, Chopin, Mamlok, and Schubert in Mount Vernon. Shriver Hall, 3400 N. Charles St. 5:30 p.m. $46.
2/4: Elizabeth Talford Scott Community Celebration
Inspired by the Eyewinkers, Tumbleturds, and Candlebugs exhibition, celebrate the life and legacy of late Baltimore artist Elizabeth Talford Scott with food, drink, conversation, and a live performance. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 1 p.m.
2/7-5/18: Dream Refuge for Children Imprisoned
In this new exhibition at TU, artist Na Omi Judy Shintani holds space for children separated from their families during the likes of Japanese-American internment camps and Native Americans boarding schools. Towson University, Asian Arts Gallery, 1 Fine Arts Dr., Towson. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
2/8: BSO Lunar New Year
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra welcomes the Year of the Dragon with an evening of festive performances for the whole family, led by South Korean conductor Moon Doh. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7 p.m. $35-58.
2/8: Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family Virtual Tour
With the artist’s daughter, take a virtual tour of this beloved AVAM exhibit (on view through January 2025) and delve into the artworks about survival and remembrance, including her mother’s own escape from the Holocaust. RSVP encouraged. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 7 p.m. Free.
2/8: Collecting as History Making: 19th-Century Ottomans and their Objects
This evening talk explores the practices of collecting pre-Islamic and Islamic antiquities from the Ottoman Empire. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 5:30 p.m. Free.
2/9-10: BSO Fusion: The Resurrection Mixtape
Conductor Steve Hackman and the BSO explore the life, death, and legacy of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur alongside Mahler’s “Resurrection” symphony. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 8 p.m. $35-75.
2/9-17: Baltimore Docket
True stories from the Baltimore City court and criminal justice system are brought to life in this seven-part play by Sun columnist (and rising playwright) Dan Rodricks, with six performances at the BMA’s Meyerhoff Auditorium. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Times and prices vary.
2/9-3/3: Mahalia
This new play celebrates the legendary life and music of late gospel singer and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson, featuring hymns and spirituals by the artist herself. Arena Players, 801 McCulloh St. Times and prices vary.
To 2/10: I Will Eat You Alive
Interrobang Productions presents a new play written and directed by Kate Hileman, in which three women confront diet culture and fat phobia in the age of Ozempic. The Voxel, 9 W. 25th St. Times and prices vary.
2/10: Lunar New Year Celebration
Usher in the Year of the Dragon at this beloved annual event at The Walters, featuring a family-friendly day of art making, story time, and performances by the Baltimore Chinese School and Yong Han Lion Dance Troupe. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
2/10-11: Galentine’s Day Flamingle
For two days, ladies can grab their girlfriends for the Zoo’s annual Galentine’s celebration, with this year’s adult-only, Vegas-themed brunch. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. 12 p.m. $110.
2/10-11: Shen Yun
For two nights, the New York-based Shen Yun performing arts troupe returns to the Hippodrome for a transformative performance featuring classically trained Chinese performers. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. Sat. 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $102-255.
2/10: Candlelit Concert Society
The CCS presents award-winning singer and Howard County native Rosalinda Sherman for a night of Valentine’s-themed love songs from the past and present, with a piano accompaniment. The Peale Museum, 225 Holliday St. 3 p.m. $25.
2/10: Dino Day
During this dinosaur-themed day of family-friendly activities, kids can find fossils, use the tools and techniques of scientists, and learn about the creatures that lived on Earth millions of years ago. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 12 p.m. Free-$26.95.
2/10: Mortified: Doomed Valentines
The Mortified Baltimore troupe presents two performances of its beloved annual Valentine’s tradition, in which everyday adults sharing their most embarrassing love stories in front of strangers. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 6:30 & 9 p.m. $15-25.
2/13: Swan Lake
Once of the world’s most famous ballets heads to Mt. Vernon for one night only, full of high-caliber dance performances and Tchaikovsky’s iconic symphony. The Lyric, 110 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 8 p.m. $39-89.
2/14: A Date with John Waters
Lectures & Classes. Spend your Valentine’s Day with the city’s own Pope of Trash during this beloved annual one-man show. Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 7 p.m. $44-78.
2/14: Sex at the Zoo
Learn about the sex, secrets, and scandals of the animal kingdom in this annual evening affair, featuring an open bar, food, music, and meet-and-greets with the animals. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. 6 p.m. $95.
2/15: Celebration: Uplifting and Honoring the Culture and History of Black Dance
This showcase highlights the culture of Black dance, featuring original performances by local artists, dance companies, and dance studios across a variety of styles. Gordon Center for the Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills. 7:30 p.m. $15-35.
2/15-18: Marin Conducts Time For Three
Music director laureate Marin Alsop returns to the Meyerhoff stage to lead the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Time For Three string trio through works by Haydn, Strauss, Ravel, and Kevin Puts. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 3 p.m. $15-85.
2/16-19: Max’s Belgian Beer Fest
Now in its 20th year, this nationally renowned, three-day beer festival, founded in the heart of Fells Point, returns with an ever-expanding tap list, featuring dozens of rare and beloved imported beers from Belgium. Max’s Taphouse, 737 S. Broadway. Times vary. maxs.com.
2/16: Karaoke Night at The Maryland Science Center
Unleash your inner rockstar underneath the Maryland Science Center’s planetarium dome during this karaoke night with drinks, after-hours exhibit access, and more. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 7 p.m. $30.
2/16: Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba Tribute
Local singer-songwriter Akua Allrich performs the blues, soul, jazz, and R&B sounds of two Black music and civil rights legends of the 20th century. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $15-25.
2/16-18: Svadba
Presented by the Peabody Chamber Orchestra and composed by Ana Sokolović, this opera tells the tale of a bride-to-be on the night before her wedding and the power of ritual and community, sung a cappella and in Serbian. Theatre Project, 35 W. Preston St. Times vary. $15-25.
2/16-3/10: How I Learned To Drive
This Pulitzer Prize-winning play follows a woman through a deeply funny and human reckoning with her childhood. Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. $21-24.
2/16-3/10: The Oresteia
Adapted from Aeschylus, this new classic Greek tragedy delves into the complex web of relationships in a family torn apart by murder and revenge during the early days of democracy. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St. Times vary. $24-69.
2/17: Tassels & Champagne
For the 12th year, the Gilded Lily Burlesque troupe presents its love-themed Valentine’s spectacular, celebrating all forms of romance, sexuality, and connection and featuring the region’s best burlesque performers. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7 and 10 p.m. $15-150.
2/17: Stevie Nicks
The legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame frontwoman behind Fleetwood Mac takes to the Baltimore stage for a night of greatest hits. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore. 7 p.m. $94-800.
2/17-25: Oregon Ridge Maple Sugaring Weekends
For two weekends, head to the county to learn how to tap local trees for sap and then make your own syrup in this family-friendly event. Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
To 2/17: Blooming Scapes!
This main gallery group exhibition focuses on the variable use of landscape within art, from hills and water to topography, featuring works by both local and national artists. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Fri.-Sat. 12-6 p.m. Free.
2/17-18: Maple Magic at Ladew
For one weekend, take a county nature hike, learn how to identify winter trees, and enjoy maple syrup and candy made on site. Ladew Topiary Gardens. 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton. 12-4 p.m. Free-$15.
2/17-25: Maple Magic at Irvine Nature Center
For two weekends, the Irvine Nature Center taps into the wonders of its woods, with family-friendly hikes, tree identification, and syrup-making over live fires. Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. Times vary. Free-$10.
To 2/18: In the Open Air
This group exhibition is a survey of contemporary landscapes, including works by Mary- land artists such as Raoul Middleman, Eugene Leake, and Henry Coe. C. Grimaldis Gallery, 523 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
2/18: Journey
The classic 1970s rock band behind “Don’t Stop Believin’” will be swinging through Baltimore for a night of hits, alongside fellow beloved era band Toto, of “Africa” fame. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore. 7:30 p.m. $30-733.
2/20: Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
This genre-busting Americana musician brings his rock-and-rolling sound rooted in rich storytelling to the Mt. Vernon stage. The Lyric, 110 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 8 p.m. Sold out.
2/20-25: Peter Pan
For six nights, the beloved story of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and the Darling children will take over the downtown stage with this brand-new musical adaptation fit for all ages. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 & 6:30 p.m. $57-179.50.
2/21: Rhythm of the Industry
With BLK ASS FLEA MKT, get to know the Black creatives making waves in the city’s food and beverage industry, featuring conversation, music, and more. The Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 5 p.m. Free-$15.
2/22-3/3: Adrift
Happenstance Theater presents a dynamic Medieval tale that involves tarot, puppetry, and live music about fools lost at sea. Theatre Project, 35 W. Preston St. Times vary. $15-25.
2/23-3/30: Just Among Us
In this new group show, artists explore themes of intimacy, friendship, family, and togetherness. Waller Gallery, 2420 N. Calvert St. Sat. 1-5 p.m. Free.
2/24: Ethiopia at the Crossroads
In collaboration with the current Ethiopia at the Crossroads exhibition, this series of performances celebrates Ethiopian identity, culture, and art, with music and dance hand-selected by Ethiopian-American artist and former Sondheim finalist Tsedaye Makonnen. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 2-4:30 p.m.
To 2/25: Crumbs from the Table of Joy
A teenage girl navigates grief and loss while settling into a new life in 1950s Brooklyn and searching for her own American Dream. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times vary. $39-75.
2/26-3/2: CIAA Basketball Tournament
The nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference returns to Baltimore for the 2024 championship, including Maryland’s own Bowie State. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore. Times and prices vary.
2/28: Mary Timony
Acclaimed DMV singer-songwriter and Ex Hex guitarist Mary Timony will bring her cult-followed post-punk sound to Remington for the release of her fifth solo album, Untame the Tiger. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 7 p.m. $20.
2/28-3/3: Eugene Onegin
Now in its 15th anniversary, the Opera Baltimore presents this semi-staged opera concert of dashed love set in 19th century Russia. The Engineers Club, 11 W. Mt. Vernon Pl. Times & prices vary.
To 3/3: Atlantika Collective: Climate for Change
Curated by María Sáenz, this group show features works that address the current ecological crisis and urge human intervention. MICA, Pinkard Gallery, 1401 W. Mount Royal Ave. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Free.
To 3/5: Womens Rights Are Human Rights
This exhibition features international posters on gender-based inequality, violence, and discrimination, acknowledging the role of average citizens in protecting human rights. MICA, Meyerhoff Gallery, 1303 W. Mount Royal Ave. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Free.
To 3/23: Embodiment
In this new group show, local artists showcase various artworks about the human body and how it informs our identity and world experience. Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
To 3/31: Heaven Is In Baltimore
This new solo exhibition features works of varying mediums by Baltimore native and up-and-coming artist Mark West Jr. Eubie Blake Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard St. Wed.-Fri. 1-6 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.
To 3/31: The Birth of Jazz: Billie Holiday’s Baltimore
This new exhibition shines a light on the 20th-century jazz legend’s upbringing in Baltimore and her connection to the historic Black Arts District of Pennsylvania Avenue in West Baltimore. Eubie Blake Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard St. Wed.-Fri. 1-6 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
To 6/2: (Re)valuing Black Baltimore
This new exhibition uses maps, photographs, and personal anecdotes to explore the past and present of three historic Black settlements in North Baltimore: Bare Hills, Cross Keys, and Hoes Heights. Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Museum, 3400 N. Charles St. Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.