By Rosa Pryor, Special to the AFRO
Hello everyone, hoping you all are in great spirits, enjoying life, keeping a positive mind and treating others as you wish to be treated.
Rolling out a taste of history and culture at the Avenue Bakery located at 2229 Pennsylvania Ave., with Baltimore African-American sports icons mural unveiling, May 5 at 4 p.m. (Courtesy Photo)
The Avenue Bakery, where Jazz, sports, Baltimore history and tasty baked goods intersect, now entering its seventh year, is the first stop on the Pennsylvania Ave. National Heritage Trail tour. The business continues to attract a robust, eclectic statewide and international following. The Avenue Bakery is known for its tasty offering of original “poppy’s rolls,” heirloom inspired bakery treats, a museum quality experience featuring a gallery of archive footage and framed photos. The Avenue gallery includes some of the photo archives from my books. The bakery brings the golden era of Pennsylvania Ave. to life under one roof.
Worshipful Charles R. Owens, district deputy grand master at large, and first vice and worshipful Albert Queen, president of the Prince Hall board of trustees at the Prince Hall Grand Lodge. (Courtesy Photo)
In celebration of Baltimore’s African American sports legacy of excellence, the Royal Theater and Community Heritage Corporation (TRTCHC), has commissioned “Baltimore’s African-American Sports Legacy,” a photo montage created by noted archivist and historian, Stuart Hudgins. The exhibit is set to be installed on the grounds of Baltimore’s popular Avenue Bakery at 2229 Pennsylvania Ave., on May 5 at 5 p.m. The 4’x 8’ montage of archival photographs and original drawings selected by Hudgins from his rare collection of images capture the African- American presence throughout the history of Baltimore’s premier sports leagues. The Courtyard Music Series featuring performances by Baltimore’s most consummate musicians and performing artists continues throughout the summer months with scheduled performances 4 p.m.-8 p.m. The performances will take place May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, and September 1.The May 5 event is open to the public and free. Food and beverages will be on sale. Take your lawn chairs, sit back and relax for an enjoyable Saturday afternoon every month this summer. Special guests attending are Baltimore Colts icon Lydell Mitchell (#26), and Maryland Boxing Hall of Famer, Marvin McDowell. They will join James “Jim” Hamlin, President of (TRTCHC) to host the unveiling ceremony honoring Ed Reed and other Baltimore sports legends. For more information, contact Jim Hamlin at 443-280-2702. We will see you there.
Todd Marcus, Baltimore based musician is one of the most renowned bass clarinetists in the world and one of only a few jazz musicians who focus solely on that instrument. For the past 20 years, Marcus has lived and worked in West Baltimore at the community based nonprofit “Intersections of Change”. (Courtesy Photo)
Another person who gives back to the community is Todd Marcus. The Baltimore-based musician is one of the most renowned bass clarinetists in the world. As one of only a few jazz players who focus solely on that instrument, he has carved out a unique sound in the world of modern jazz. His music abounds with a reverence for the jazz lineage while showing a thoroughly modern compositional strain. But, music is only a part of what makes Marcus so special. For the last 20 years, Marcus has lived and worked in West Baltimore at the community-based nonprofit Intersections of Change, working alongside Rev. Elder C.W. and Amelia Harris. Together, they have transformed the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave. and Pressman St., converting abandoned buildings and 18 vacant lots from an open-air drug market to a place of hope and opportunity. There are programs offering supportive recovery and housing for women overcoming substance abuse and homelessness, art classes and community beautification projects for children and adults, and employment for citizens returning from incarceration. This work, along with the creation of community green spaces, over two dozen prominent murals and an urban farm have resulted in tangible, positive change in a community otherwise neglected and overlooked.
I am so proud of my musician son giving back to the community as well as my dear friend Jim Hamlin, whose goal is to keep the legacy of our city strong and beautiful. God bless you both.
Oh! By the way, Todd Marcus’ new release is, “On These Streets: A Baltimore Story,” is available April 27.
Well, my dear friends, I got to go. I am out of space. Remember, if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. Until the next time, I’m musically yours.