June – the first official summer month – is good for Father’sDay grilling, Pride celebrations and lots of outdoor festivals.
Here are our picks for enjoying all the summer fun in and around Baltimore.
This is your chance to hang in Hampden, hon, and do it inappropriate beehive/Spandex-clad-style! Strut your stuff down The Avenue whileenjoying craft and food vendors in this colorful Bawlmer tradition.
Hampden, June 8-9
Brian Wilson — Cancelled due to illness (updated 6/11)
Wilson is so much more than just one of the Beach Boys. He’salso considered one of the most influential composers of his generation – a.k.a.The Mozart of Rock — and this could be your last chance to see him. He’stouring with what’s billed as “Pet Sounds: The Final Performances.” Al Jardineand Blondie Chaplin also perform.
Hippodrome Theatre, June 12
Mahler Symphony No. 9 / Movie with Orchestra: “West Side Story”
You have a moral responsibility to attend these concerts.Since the BSO had to cancel its summer concerts, including the New MusicFestival, these events represent your last opportunities until the fall seasonto support Baltimore’s world class orchestra.
In Symphony No. 9, Marin Alsop conducts Mahler’s battlebetween his passionate love life and his fear of death.
Alsop also conducts the 50th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s score accompanying the remastered film show in hi-def.
Go. Support. The Arts.
Mahler — Meyerhoff Symphony Hall: June 7 and 9, Strathmore Music Center: June 8
“West Side Story” – Meyerhoff: June 13, 14 and 16, Strathmore: June 15
Grown Up Field Trip: The Upside Down
Relive your old school days and act like a kid again “StrangerThings”-style with activities like seeing if you can crush a soda can with yourmind (or science) entering an Eggo-eating contest and sipping themed cocktails,of course! Admission includes a drink ticket, activities and access to theexhibits. Costumes encouraged. No weapons.
Maryland Science Center, June 14
In our humble opinion, there should be a wine festival every week. There are certainly not enough to go around. That’s why we love that this one is back for its 5th year. It includes more than 160 wines from around the world. Let’s repeat that: 160 wines. So much to try. So little time. The event also includes live music, cooking demos, wine seminars and even craft beers.
Canton Waterfront Park, June 15
Also see: The Kosher Decanter
Baltimore Pride 2019
The tradition continues with this year’s theme: Unity Through Diversity. There are various events around the city through the weekend, but the biggies include Twilight on the Terrace (Gertrude’s June 14), the official tailgating spot: Rainbow Lot (Graffiti Alley June 15) and the Pride Parade and Block Party (Station North, June 15). It all culminates with The Pride Festival, a kid-friendly environment with drag shows, food trucks and more (Druid Hill Park, June 16).
Around town, June 15-16
“Queens Girl” inrepertory
We love theconcept behind Caleen Sinnette Jennings’ plays about a young girl growing up inQueens, attending a predominately Jewish private school and moving to Africaduring the Civil Rights era. It’s even better because Everyman is performingboth plays, “Queens Girl in the World” and “Queens Girl in Africa,” inrepertory for the first time. And, there’s a third “Queens Girl” play on theschedule for the 2019-20 season: “Black in the Green Mountains.” We can’t wait!
Everyman Theatre, through June 23
Also see:
- Paige Hernandez Directs World Premiere Repertory of ‘Queens Girl’ Plays
- Everyman Theatre Announces 2019/20 Season — Includes August Wilson, Agatha Christie, 3rd ‘Queens Girl’
Jonestown Festival
Do you know what Jonestown is? It’s that area downtown thatincludes all sorts of fun stuff and attractions like the Shot Tower, the FlagHouse, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, the Jewish Museum of Maryland and theLloyd Street Synagogue. It’s likely you’ve explored Jonestown without evenrealizing that’s where you were. This festival marks its fourth year with a celebrationof Baltimore’s revolutionary roots. There’ll be crafts, performances andactivities.
The Jewish Museum of Maryland, June 23
Only when we see the bigger picture do we understand that God has a bigger plan, writes Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev.
Former Baltimorean Mindy Sager Dickler, who made aliyah in 2021, writes about the experience of living in Israel over the past week.
The city’s not a winner when little girls can’t walk through a shopping mall with their mothers without getting shot, writes Michael Olesker.
When interviewing for a job, focus on everything you have to offer a prospective employer, advises Karen Hammer of the Ignite Career Center.