Yay! We think we can finally declare that spring has arrived! Flowers are blooming, food trucks are rolling and events of all sorts are popping up across Baltimore. Get out there and take advantage before we have to deal with the hazy, hot and humid days of summer. They’ll be here before you know it.
Here are 10 of the events we’ve marked on this month’s to-do list.
This one’s for vinyl art toy collectors (hi!) and admirers, alike. It’s a DIY toy show/exhibit featuring creations by more than 30 artists, including Basement Puke, Doom and Company, Green Plastic Tunnels, Banshee, Filth Bucket Toy Company, Creature Feature, Mr. Blank Toys, Dirt House Resin and Spider Mike Designs. Sounds like fun, right?
Atomic Books, April 5
The Gnome and Garden Show
This is the Conservatory’s annual spring show – a time for tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, lilies and more to really strut their stuff. That’s all fine and dandy but we’re really excited about the gnomes. We’re BIG gnome fans, gnome-matter the setting. Stop and smell some flowers while you see if you spot any of the short-statured fellas.
Rawlings Conservatory, April 6-21
The Hamburger family, Baltimore, 1877 (Handout image)
Stitching Historyfrom the Holocaust
The JMM’s newest exhibit explores the innovative dress designs of Hedy Strnad, who died in the Holocaust with her husband, Paul. To coincide with this exhibit, Fashion Statement (April 7-Sept. 15) delves into the idea that people are what they wear. You know the phrase, “The Clothes Make the Man”? Visitors are asked to consider what different items of clothing can represent from a socio-economic view. Additionally, the museum is hosting lectures, discussions and events having to do with both exhibits, including Behind the Seams on April 7 and Fashioning Identity on April 14.
Jewish Museum of Maryland, April 7-Aug. 4
Also see: Gilbert Sandler’s Hat to be featured in Jewish Museum of Maryland Exhibition
We’re rollin,’ rollin,’ rollin’ to eat good food while benefitting Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland. This celebration includes several of the best food trucks in the region, offering every type of cuisine. Events include an official kick-off at South Point on April 12 and a Foodie Bash at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on April 19. We call shotgun!
Around Baltimore, April 12-21
Trevor Noah
The Loud & Clear Tour is the “Daily Show” host’s firstever arena tour. The South African comedian is known for his authenticpolitical commentary. Noah’s insights on social issues and the current state ofpolitics in the U.S. are always worth a listen.
Royal Farms Arena, April 13
The MdHS celebrates its new “Hometown Girl” exhibit thatfeatures contemporary quilts by Baltimore’s Mimi Dietrich. At thisfamily-friendly event, you’ll be able to make your own creation with BaltimoreModern Quilt Guild, take a workshop with Baltimore Applique Society and more.So, get crafting!
Maryland Historical Society, April 14
GreatTalk
The next installment of this lectureseries is Pleasures or Poisons: The Science & Culture of Food and we’reparticularly stoked because Alan Hirsch (previously of Donna’s) is one of thepanelists. Joining him are Michael Jacobson of the Center for Science in thePublic Interest, Chef Malcolm Mitchell of Food Network Star and Washington Postreporter Maura Judkis. Deborah Weiner moderates. Sounds like it’s going to be agreat talk (see what we did there?).
DoubleTree by Hilton Baltimore North, April 17
Also see:
- Great Talk Series Launches 2nd Season of Public Conversations and Illuminating Discussions
- Alan Hirsch to Run Palio at Foundry Row
(Image from facebook.com/AlvinAileyAmericanDanceTheater)
Let’sdance!
The Modell Lyric is featuring two great – and very different – dance events this month. First, Derek Hough of “Dancing with the Stars” shows off his endless talent and versatility with a performance that spans ballroom, tap, salsa, hip-hop and more. Then, the incomparable Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates its 60th year of celebrating African-American culture through modern dance. Included in the program is “Revelations,” the group’s signature work. So, tap those feet, move those hips and get down there.
The Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric: Derek Hough Live! April 16, Ailey 60 April 23-24
“Come from Away”
Sure, we always want to tell you to go see the beloved, hilarious and just so wrong “The Book of Mormon” (April 2-7), but we’re guessing you’ve seen it already (Note: A limited number of day-of lottery tickets will be available for $25). Instead (or in addition), get acquainted with a newer, heavier musical. “Come from Away” tells the moving true story of 7,000 stranded passengers on 9/11 who were taken in by a small Newfoundland town.
The Hippodrome Theatre, April 23-28
Also see: Guitarist Adam Stoler Pulls Some Strings for ‘Come From Away’
“The Diary of Anne Frank”
The classic play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett has been newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman with additional writings and survivor accounts. You think you already know the story and that you’ve read or seen all the possible interpretations, but this one is especially gripping and updated for contemporary audiences.
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, April 26-May 26
Jmore Publisher Scott Rifkin, M.D., pays tribute to Marc Terrill and his 20-plus years leading The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore.
The battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar reflects a deeper fissure in the rap industry, writes scholar Jonathan Branfman.
The bottom line is that people working in hybrid environments feel the most engaged at work, writes Candice White of the Ignite Career Center.
On Israel Independence Day, which this year falls on May 13-14, we need to recommit ourselves to the Israeli flag and what it stands for, writes Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev.