“Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, when I put out to sea, but such a tide as moving seems asleep, too full for sound and foam, when that which drew from out the boundless deep turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, and after that the dark and may there be no sadness of farewell, when I embark; for tho’ from out our borne of time and place the flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face when I have crossed the bar.” Lord Alfred Tennyson
“Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer; those days of soda and pretzels and beer…” Nat King Cole
Like August Wilson’s “Joe Turner Come and Gone” the summer of 2015 has come and gone but not without fanfare. There were countless cookouts, swim parties, Sundazes on the harbor, festivals, weddings, birthdays, jazz concerts in the park, engagements and, unfortunately, funerals but we survived “the joy of living.” Special thanks to promoters Sonjae deCaires, John Lee, David Couser, Tarsha Fitzgerald, Zach McDaniels, Moses, Yale Madison, George Ray, DJ Tanz, LeRain Finney, Reggie Haysbert and Irvin for creating Baltimore’s hot summer venue; the hottest place to be this summer.
“You got me going in circles round and round I go”… Friends of Distinction
The unofficial last week of summer was full of invitations, far too many to accept. This upcoming birthday has me singing the old tune “the old gray mare.” We did attend as many events as possible. John Lee and Marama Nengel’s, of BAHA “Pure Hospitality,” Industry Mixer at Rusty Scupper is a can’t miss event. Rusty Scupper’s spectacular view of the harbor created the picture-perfect venue for more than 300 people feasting on endless mounds of assorted seafood dishes including lobster, oysters and shrimp while sipping complimentary drinks. Guests received cigars from Davidus Cigar to enjoy later. Flowers and Fancies, Gala Cloths and Quintessential Image added to the charm of Rusty Scupper. It’s always a pleasure seeing our gracious host Brenda Lee, who brings an extra touch to the festive night.
Midweek Pier 5 and Pier 7 was the idyllic spot to enjoy the sounds of Santana performing at Pier 6 to a sold-out audience; Boaters in their yachts lined the harbor waterway and thousands partied on the promenades creating a holiday atmosphere for a warm summer evening.
“A touch of class” was the bridal reception for Zoey Washington hosted by her best friend and sister, Jackie Washington at one of their favorite restaurants Mc McCormick & Schmicks Inner Harbor. The look on Zoey’s face when she walked in the private dining room was priceless. After she regained her composure, the blushing bride -to -be said “wished I had known, I would have spruced up a little” and laughed. We all know this fashion icon is always a pace- setter when it comes to fashion since her early days at Garrison Forest and her days in New York working as a fashion editor for Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan and Marie Clair, later starting her own company, LITTLE bird, for teens and tweens. Guests in attendance were family, friends and classmates from Garrison Forrest, alum from Columbia University and members of the fashion industry.
The menu selected by Zoey’s special waiter Scott consisted of mixed greens with candied walnuts, cedar roasted Atlantic salmon, chicken masala, beef medallions with bordelaise sauce and chocolate truffle cake with bleu cheese raspberry coulis and wine pairings. A meal perfect for the Princess who found her Prince Charming.
In an interview with a local newspaper, when asked how she compared Baltimore to New York in fashion Zoey said, “Baltimore is a special lady. Baltimore is like your fun aunt who has done some really cool things in her life, but you didn’t realize it until you were older. She is eclectic, slightly preppy, quirky, but then you raid her closet and find an old Chanel or Ferragamo bag.”
“Hit them straight” Calvin Peete
The weather was a golfer’s dream, ideal for Frazier and Lorna Brice’s 17th annual Brice Family Golf Tournament and BBQ at the Forest Park Golf Course and their beautiful Mohawk Avenue home. More than 74 golfers and supporters including family golfers David Brice, Thomas Jones, Rhonda Brice-Jones, Helen Brice-Shelton, Karen Brice, John Shelton and Lydell Mitchell enjoyed swimming and a delicious BBQ menu catered by Damon Hughes. Golfer and founder of the tournament, Frazier Brice greeted everyone, thanking them for their support.
The Caton Castle is celebrating their 10th anniversary and the success of 3rd Fridays on Sept. 18th. For more info call 410-675-6379.
Happy birthday Virgos: Sharon Richmond Miss Shirley Ball, Dr. John Lampkin, Loretta Walden, Delores Chambers, Herb Brown, Beta Dotson, Eric Stewart, Eunice Robinson, Freddie Vaughn, Grace White, Clarissa “Aunt Sis” Johnson, happy 80th birthday Earline Fraling and happy 93rd birthday to Thelma Evans. I’ll be celebrating my birthday September 17th at Colin’s Restaurant. See you there.
As the sun set Sept. 3, the State of Maryland mourned the death of two Maryland history makers, General Frank Petersen’s service at the Naval Academy complete with the “pomp and circumstances” befitting the man who broke color-barriers accomplishing the first of many firsts as the first Black pilot in the marines. The Honorable Marvin Mandel’s death was the end of an era when politics and decisions transpired over a handshake, cigar and a brandy. He was a renaissance governor who moved the state into a new millennium.
Sending prayers to Deborah Courtney-Peterson on the death of her father Louis Frazier, to the family of Allegra Bennett on her death and to the family of my longtime friend Tobias Allen on his death.
Remembering 9/11, the day that changed our lives forever and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
