Hello everyone, how are you? Oh, I am wonderful, thank you. I am not trying to rush winter or anything like that, but doesn’t it feel like you need to put away the sandals, shorts, and sleeveless tops? Terrible situation! I am not ready to unpack long johns and fur coats. Okay, let’s think happy thoughts.
I had a grand time at the Jazz Expressways Jazz Breakfast last week at the 5 Mile House. The music was awesome! Gamel Moore, the drummer and the leader of the quartet, I had never heard of before, but honey child! I along with the other 150 guests will know him from now on and I promise neither I nor any the other guests will ever forget him. He was fantastic and he can sing. Jazz Expressways has always had a reputation for bringing the best of the local jazz artists for their breakfast.
I joined the organization in 1986 when they officially formed and Leonard “Lenny” Yorke was president and founder. A steering committee came together and started planning trips and arranging for some live entertainment events. They put the word out to join them for those who enjoyed live jazz and taking trips to jazz festivals, and the rest is history.
There is an event coming up called “Old School Clubs Reunion All Black Party.” The party is about the old school Baltimore folks who enjoyed the clubs in their hey day. Clubs such as O’Dell’s, Volcanoes, Gatsby’s, 32nd Street Plaza, The Place and Stars Palace, just to name a few. This event will be featuring all of the music and atmosphere of all the clubs you loved so long ago and still do. They offer free set-ups, for BYOB as well as a fully stocked cash bar. So put on your all black outfit and dance the night away on 7-11 p.m., Sept. 25 at the St. Peter Claver Church Hall, 1546 N. Fremont Ave. For ticket information, call 410-215-8893.
The Baltimore Book Festival, Sept. 23-25, a place where readers and authors connect, features nationally renowned, celebrity and local authors, book signings, readings, panel discussions, workshops, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, exhibitors, live music, food, beer and wine. It will be held from noon to 7 p.m., in Mount Vernon Place, centered on the 600 block of N. Charles Street. Terry McMillan will be one of the authors there with her book, “Getting to Happy”; others are Travis Smiley, Shirley Strawberry and Roland S. Martin, just to name a few. I remember when I was a guest author at this festival when I was promoting my book in 2003 and 2004; “African- American Entertainment in Baltimore,” the book I wrote about Pennsylvania Avenue in its heydays. How time flies.
Before I leave you, I want to extend an invitation to all my readers to come out and support me at my Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund Press Reception Party on 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sept. 28, at the Arch Social Club on the corner of North and Pennsylvania Avenues. Meet and greet the children who won our scholarships and at the same time enjoy live entertainment provided by Phill Butts and his band and other special guests such as Morris Dow playing his harmonica. There will be free food, 50-50 raffle and a last chance for you to get tickets to our Black & Gold Ball in October. For more information, call me at 410-833-9474.
My friend, James “Biddy” Wood, is in Harbor Hospital so please keep him in your prayers.
Well, my dear friend, it is about that time. I am out of space. If you need me, email me at rosapryor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.