Managing Editor, Brandon Sampson
WHAT’S HAPPENING… in December 2005!
MUSIC CONCERTS
Jazz
NAJEE (smooth jazz)
Thursday, December 8th, 7:30pm
With two platinum and four gold albums, Najee is one of the pioneers
of what is commonly known as contemporary jazz. A combination of jazz
improvisation and R&B, this genre forms a bridge from the jazz fusion
of the late 70s to the jazz pop of the mid 80s.
Location: Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria,
VA
Cost/Info: $35 / (703) 549-7500 or www.birchmere.com
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS - A SMOOTH JAZZ CHRISTMAS
Friday, December 9th, 8pm
Smooth Jazz WSMJ 104.3 presents this second annual holiday show!
Location: Hippodrome Performing Arts Center, 12 North Eutaw Street,
Baltimore, MD
Cost/Info: $37.50-$57.50 / (410) 547-SEAT (7328) or www.ticketmaster.com
ART SHERROD JR. (smooth jazz)
Friday, December 30th, 6:30pm & 9:30pm
Art began his musical journey at the age of 5 singing in the church
choir and listening to his mother sing and play the Hammond organ. By
the time Art had graduated from high school he had received numerous
awards and had been recognized as an All-Area, All Region and All-State
Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophonist and chosen as an alternate to the
McDonalds All-American Band. In 1996, after 4 years of college, Art
decided to focus on his music career. By 2003 he had begun performing
professionally as a solo artist. As of today Art has performed and/or
co-headlined shows with Chuck Loeb, Marion Meadows, Roy Ayres, Everette
Harp, Bob Baldwin, Randy Scott, Noel Webb, Najee, Michael Henderson,
Jean Carne, Cuba Gooding & the Main Ingredient, and a host of others.
He has also performed on the Brazilian-American Jazz Festival in Rio
de Janeiro, the Beantown Jazz Festival in Boston, the Volvo Jazz Festival
and several others.
Location: Rams Head Tavern, 33 West Street, Annapolis, MD
Cost/Info: $24.50 / (410) 268-4545 or www.ramsheadtavern.com
BRIAN CULBERTSON (smooth jazz)
Thursday, December 29th, 7pm & 10pm
Culbertson has been steadily amassing a faithful audience with his seven
smooth jazz recordings, then sealing the deal with his high energy concerts.
He grew up loving genre-crossing jazz-pop artists such as Chicago, Blood
Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power, the Brecker Brothers, David Sanborn,
Yellowjackets and Chick Corea. Location: Rams Head Tavern, 33 West Street,
Annapolis, MD
Cost/Info: $44 / (410) 268-4545 or www.ramsheadtavern.com
Neo-Soul
LYFE * GOAPELE
Wednesday, December 7th, 7:30pm
Life is what this alternative rhythm and blues artist delivers to the
world. A celebrated singer/songwriter/producer, Chester "Lyfe"
Jennings, a 26 year-old Toledo, Ohio native and self-taught musician
plays the guitar, bass and piano. Lyfe incorporates these and other
live instrumentation into most of the tracks he produces. To date, Lyfe
has over 200 songs in his catalogue, and is set to release his highly
anticipated debut album on Sony Urban Music, Lyfe 268-192, summer 2004.
Lyfe's original folk/R&B/hip-hop style and Sam Cook/Al Green reminiscent
voice, profess an intellectual stream of elevated consciousness. Songs
like, "She Got Kids", "26 Years, 17 Days" and "Stick
Up Kid", broadcast street life for the world to absorb. Lyfe's
romantic side emerges in love songs like, "Must Be Nice,"
and "I Can't". "I say the things that people think about
but won't say," comments Lyfe. It's this level of honesty and originality
that has already won him worldwide fans of all ages in markets such
as Europe, Japan, and throughout the U.S.
Location: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street, NW Washington, DC
Cost/Info: $36.50 / (202) 397-SEAT (7328) or www.ticketmaster.com
FLOETRY * LYFE * VIVIAN GREEN
Thursday, December 8th, 7:30pm
The neo-soul duo of Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart, known as Floetry,
perform their unique blend of soul and poetics. Also scheduled to appear
are Lyfe Jennings and Vivian Green.
Location: Lyric Opera House, 140 West Mt. Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Info: $35-$65 / (410) 547-SEAT (7328) or www.ticketmaster.com
R&B
ATLANTIC STAR
Thursday, December 1st, 7pm
While never achieving super group status, Atlantic Starr was one of
the most consistently successful – and underrated – soul
bands of the 80s, with a basketful of memorable songs that still sound
good today.
Location: Mirrors Restaurant & Lounge, 33 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC
Cost/Info: $20 / (202) 397-SEAT (7328) or www.ticketmaster.com
BABYFACE * EN VOGUE * CHARLIE WILSON
Thursday, December 8th, 8pm
Poetry In Motion presents these Titans of R&B.
Location: Showplace Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro,
MD
Cost/Info: $65 / (202) 397-SEAT (7328) or www.ticketmaster.com
CAFE SOUL ALLSTARS featuring GLENN JONES * VESTA * R. MCLEAN
Tuesday, December 27th, 7:30pm
Ready for some good ole’ Soul? Check out his show!
Location: Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria,
VA
Cost/Info: $27.50 / (703) 549-7500 or www.birchmere.com
Rap
THE GAME
Friday, December 2nd, 8pm
The University of Maryland Student Entertainment Events & Ikon presents
"The Game". The Game work with 50 Cent and G-Unit. The arrangement
was to help build a growing buzz around The Game would fuel interest
in G-Unit. Dr. Dre and 50 Cent were executive producers on The Game's
debut album, The Documentary. The album debuted at number one on the
Billboard music charts and spawn hit singles such as "How We Do,"
"Hate It or Love It," and "Dreams."
Location: University of Maryland -Cole Field House, College Park, MD
Cost/Info: $32-$39 / (202) 397-SEAT (7328) or www.ticketmaster.com
Gospel
JEFF MAJORS
Saturday, December 17th, 8pm
Radio and TV music ministry and recording artist Jeff Majors brings
his gospel voice and harp to the Playhouse for a special holiday performance.
GospelCity.com describes Majors as possessing "a profound and inspiring
spirituality." His performance will include traditional and contemporary
gospel and stirring originals that speak to everyone.
Location: Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD
Cost/Info: $25 advance, $30 day of show / (301) 277-1710 or www.ticketmaster.com
Reggae
DAMIAN "Jr. Gong" MARLEY
Thursday, December 1st, 8pm
One of Bob Marley's sons updates his family's musical legacy for the
21st century.
Location: 9:30 Club, 815 V Street, NW Washington, DC
Cost/Info: $25 / (202) 265-0930 or www.930.com
MAXI PRIEST
Friday, December 2nd, 8pm
Christened the "King of Lovers Rock" by his fans, British
reggae star Maxi Priest was one of the most internationally popular
reggae singers since Bob Marley. Priest's pop and modern R&B influences
didn't exactly endear him to reggae purists, but they gave him a strong
crossover appeal that paid off in the trans-Atlantic chart-topper "Close
to You." At times he strayed too far from his reggae roots to deliver
a true stylistic hybrid, but his silky-smooth voice was ideally suited
for light, romantic material, and his best music was as sensual as it
was soulful.
Location: Crossroads Club, 4103 Baltimore Avenue, Bladensburg, MD
Cost/Info: Call / (301) 927-1056 or www.crossroadsclub.com
PLAYS
BLACK NATIVITY
Thursday, December 1st, 11am
2005 is yet a new look at Langston Hughes’ gospel-song play. In
its third annual production, Theatre Morgan can now say that Black Nativity
is Baltimore and the surrounding area’s premiere family holiday
celebration. Fellowshipping with family, friends, fellow church members
is the finest way to enjoy the season. Director David Mitchell promises
you that this holiday tradition will be a spiritual evening of theater,
song and dance. A local Baltimore pastor and radio personality will
be featured in this production. Who? Come see for yourself.
Location: Turpin-Lamb Theatre, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore,
MD
Cost/Info: $5-$15/ (443) 885-3625 or www.murphyfineartscenter.org
WHY GOOD GIRLS LIKE BAD BOYS
Thursday, December 1st-4th, 8pm
"Why Good Girls Like Bad Boyz" rose to national notoriety
when it was initially launched in 1995, becoming one of urban theater’s
top-grossing stage plays of all time. Bringing this unforgettable musical
back to the stage is a stellar cast of performers including legendary
R&B/funk singer Charlie Wilson; the First Lady of Neo Soul, Angie
Stone; gospel singer, Wanda Nero-Butler; former lead singer of the award-winning
group Kirk Franklin & the Family and star of Tyler Perry’s
Meet the Browns, singer David Mann. Actor David Whitfield and actress
Taral Hicks round out the incredible cast of talent.
Location: Lyric Opera House, 140 West Mt. Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Info: $26-$38 / (410) 547-SEAT (7328) or www.ticketmaster.com
CUTTIN’ UP!
Tuesday, December 1st-20th, times vary
This world premiere play with music by Charles Randolph-Wright, captures
the soul of Craig Marberry’s new book, shedding light on the intimate
world inside African-American barbershops. Listen in and I think you’ll
find a real kinship with the men (and women) telling the tales of their
lives. Enter a world still known as "the black man’s country
club" with Charles Randolph-Wright’s clever and poignant
adaptation of Craig Marberry’s Cuttin’ Up: Wit and Wisdom
Inside Black Barbershops. Cuttin’ Up focuses on three barbers:
Howard, Andre and Rudy. Over the course of the play, we spend several
days in the lives of these barbers and their customers, sharing stories
that vividly bring to life various characters from their past and present.
Location: Arena Stage-Kreeger Theatre, 1101 Sixth Street, SW Washington,
DC
Cost/Info: $42-$47 / (202) 554-9066 or www.arenastage.org
DANCE & OTHER PERFORMANCES
AFRICAN HERITAGE DANCERS & DRUMMERS
Monday, December 19th, 10:15am & Noon
In celebration of Kwanzaa, Melvin Deal and his renowned African Heritage
Company will have you dancing in your seat and maybe joining them on
stage as the drums beat out African excitement. Recommended for all
ages.
Location: Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly. MD
Cost/Info: Call / (301) 277-1710 or www.pgparks.com
THE SPIRIT OF KWANZAA
Thursday, December 29th, 8pm
Dance Institute of Washington Co-Founder and Artistic Director Fabian
Barnes and dancers from his Washington Reflections Dance Company present
the annual favorite The Spirit of Kwanzaa, a "shake-the-rafters,
rattle-the-floorboards, unabashedly uplifting" (The Washington
Post) pageant of dance, poetry, video, and song in honor of the African
American holiday. The seven principles of Kwanzaa come alive as never
before with a talented lineup of local artists, guest performers, and
Washington Reflections Dance Company, the professional company of the
Institute. Showcasing the talents of DIW's Youth Repertory Company,
the performance also gives the youngest dancers the opportunity to perform
in the Concert Hall with professional dancers.
Location: Kennedy Center-Concert Hall, 2700 F Street, NW Washington,
DC
Cost/Info: $15-$25 / (202) 467-4600 or www.kennedy-center.org
SOUL ENCHANTMENT: MAGIC IN BLACK
Thursday, December 1st, times vary
"Soul Enchantment" Magic in Black! is a magical stage presentation
performed by elite African American magicians telling the history and
culture of their unique craft and the African American trailblazers
who made this possible. For the first time ever on any stage in North
American "Soul Enchantment" Magic in Black! will present an
all Black cast of magicians and hypnotist that will educate and entertain
audiences young and old about the art of magic. With mind blowing stunts
and fast paced illusion and historical insight to the early African
American magician, "Soul Enchantment" Magic in Black! will
carve a new entertainment niche in the multi-cultural market in North
America with a foot print that will be symbolic with pride, achievement
with world class entertainment.
Location: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street, NW Washington, DC
Cost/Info: TBA / (202) 328-8000 or www.thelincolntheatre.org
AN EVENING WITH DEBRA MIMS
Thursday, December 29th, 7pm
Celebrate Kwanzaa and enjoy an evening of storytelling by Debra Mims.
Meet Grandmother Mims as she searches through an old trunk in her attic.
Each item she pulls out sparks a memory of days past and of courageous
black women and their struggles to be free, to vote, and to get an education.
Using monologues, poetry and songs, Debra Mims leads the audience in
this highly interactive walk through an important part of America's
history.
Location: Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort
Washington, MD
Cost/Info: $2-$3 / (301) 203-6040 or www.pgparks.com
EXHIBITIONS
MCDONALD’S WILLIAMS SISTERS TOUR: EXHIBITION TENNIS MATCH
VENUS VS. SERENA WILLIAMS
Thursday, December 8th, 8pm
The night kicks off with a night of entertainment by various artists
including world-renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips followed by a tennis
match between Venus and Serena Williams. Benefit Ronald McDonald House
Charities.
Location: MCI Center, 601 F Street, NW Washington, DC
Cost/Info: $20-$150 / (202) 397-SEAT (7328) or www.ticketmaster.com
2005 ANNUAL HOLIDAY FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA featuring TRAVIS WINKEY &
ART SHERROD
Saturday, December 10th, 11am-2pm
Featuring World-renowned Fashion-show Producer, Travis Winkey; Saxophone
sensation, Art Sherrod Jr; and more! Get into the spirit of the season
with Lexington Market's Annual Holiday Fashion Extravaganza produced
by Baltimore's world-renowned fashion-show producer and modeling-studio
owner, Travis Winkey. Lexington Market is honored to have Winkey bring
his fashion show flair, which will feature holiday, winter, and evening
fashions from national and local labels. Co-hosts for the event will
be Patrice Harris from Fox 45 and Randy Dennis from WSMJ radio. Starting
off the fashion festivities at 11:00 a.m., Cynthia McCrory of Cynthia's
Cosmetics will be performing on-site beauty makeovers, as well as providing
cosmetic and skincare tips for spectators. Art Sherrod, Jr., a local
saxophone sensation will warm things up with the soothing sounds of
holiday jazz. The performance will be one of the many special features
during Lexington Market's Annual Holiday Fashion Extravaganza. Join
us for a day of entertainment and find that perfect holiday gift too!
Location: Lexington Market, Market Arcade Stage, 400 West Lexington
Street, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Info: Call / (410) 685-6169 or www.lexingtonmarket.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
JAMES MOODY 80th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION featuring
THE DIZZY GILLESPIE ALUMNI ALL-STAR BIG BAND
Saturday, December 10th, 8pm
An NEA Jazz Masters on Tour Event featuring James Moody, Slide Hampton,
Jimmy Heath, Paquito D' Rivera, Randy Brecker, Roy Hargrove, Antonio
Hart, and other members of the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, plus
special guests. For nearly 60 years, James Moody has been a jazz institution,
whether showcasing his improvisational genius on the saxophone or flute,
or yodeling through his signature hit, "Moody's Mood for Love."
In 1946, the NEA Jazz Master joined Dizzy Gillespie's seminal big band,
forming lifelong friendships with the bandleader and his orchestra mates.
As part of the first NEA Jazz Masters on Tour event at the Kennedy Center,
Moody is joined by an all-star ensemble of Dizzy alumni featuring three
other NEA Jazz Masters--Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, and Paquito D'Rivera--for
a concert bash heralding their colleague's 80th birthday.
Location: Kennedy Center-Eisenhower Theater, 2700 F Street,
NW Washington, DC
Cost/Info: $50 / (202) 467-4600 or www.kennedy-center.org
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