By Rosa Pryor, Special to the AFRO

Hello my friends, my goodness so much has gone on since I talked to you last. I will only mention a few. First I want to publically and personally thank Greg Hatza and Marshall Booze for performing at my brother’s Joseph Pryor funeral services. They were awesome as usual. I also want to thank my pastor, Rev. Henry Turner for presiding over the services as all of these guys has done for every member of my family who has passed away. Thank you again. Thank all my friends, classmates, Jazz Expressways Foundation members, my chapter, Trinity No 5 at Prince Hall for beautiful plant. Thank you my dear friends and FB friends for the many cards of condolences.

World renowned gospel singer, Donnie McClurkin will headline the first Gospel Series at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races on March 8th at 9 p.m.

Now let’s talk about the Gospel Concerts coming to the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. I am tickle to death about this. Yes it is true! The casino will be hosting the beginning of a gospel series monthly for the next few months. The first of this series they will kick off with one of my favorite gospel singer, Donnie McClurkin, one of the top selling gospel music artists selling over 12 million CD worldwide. McClurkin is known world-wide as the tall raspy tenor who commands your attention with his powerful and rich sounding vocals. He has received 3 Grammy Awards, 10 Stellar Awards, 2 BET Awards, 2 Soul Train Awards, 1 Dove Award and 1 NAACP Image Award. He will be performing live on Friday March 8th 9 p.m. I will see you there! Look out for Fred Hammond and Hezekiah Walker who is also on the agenda. Thanks Emily Noto of TBC and the casino for keeping me informed.

John R. Lamkin II and his Favorites Jazz Quintet will be performing at the legendary Blues Alley in Washington, DC. On March 5th for 2 shows, 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. He will be playing selections from their new CD entitled “Transitions.”

“Potables from the Past” is what the Peale Center; located 225 Holliday Street is calling it. On March 2, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., the Peale will host an event focused on the year 1819. Guests are encouraged to dress in at from the period. I guess you have to go to a costume store, or a Good Will store to find such attire. But it sounds like fun. Check it out and let me know how it was.

The Peale Center for Baltimore History and Architecture, 225 Holliday Street,Baltimore is hosting a “Back in the Past” event. Guests are encouraged to wear attire from the early 1800’s. The event is March 2, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

See Brad Collins, renowned saxophonist and his band at our Jazz Expressways Foundation breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, March 9th 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Forest Park Senior Center. For more information call me at 410-833-9474. We only have a few tickets left.

Ethel Ennis, November 28, 1932-February 17, 2019, Jazz Musician, Singer is gone and will be missed by folks all over American, especially her home town Baltimore. Sorry to say, there will not be a funeral service or viewing for Ethel. As far as a Memorial Services it has not yet been planned. May she rest in peace. Prayers for her brother, Andy and husband, Earl.

Finally, mark your calendar for Mrs. Maybelle hosting her 12th full-figured fashion show. on Saturday, March 16th from 5-9 p.m.; also featuring comedians, live entertainment, BYOB, lite fare. The event will be held at the Forest Park Senior Center, 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue, March 16, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Well, my dear friends, I will catch up with you somewhere. 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.