Friday (11.30.07), the Creative Alliance hosts an evening of old school swing blues from the 20’s and 30’s as Tom Mitchell & the Blue Rhythm Boys take the stage with their special guest Phil Wiggins. It’ll be a lot of talent under one roof, and the hot jazz, blues & hokum-filled show begins at 8pm at the Patterson Theatre located at 3134 Eastern Avenue, and more information is on-line at www.creativealliance.org
Friday night (11.30.07) and Saturday night (12.1.07), the Lithuanian Hall in Sowebo becomes Baltimore’s own little Graceland as the 14th annual Night of 100 Elvises celebrates all things Elvis as dozens of bands and Elvis impersonators will take the stage to perform covers of Elvis’ greatest hits. Audience members can enjoy the music while feasting on some of the King’s favorite Southern recipes, with proceeds from the event benefiting the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Doors open at 6pm both nights, and you can find a list of performers and much more at www.nightof100elvises.com
On Saturday (12.1.07) the Charm City Craft Mafia presents the Holiday Heap craft show featuring handmade gifts and one of a kind items made by dozens of talented local designers and craftspeople, just in time for all of your shopping needs. The Holiday Heap runs from 10am to 5pm at St. Johns Church, located at 2640 St. Paul Street. So skip the mall, support local artists, and bring along some canned goods for the on-site food drive too. More information is online at www.charmcitycraftmafia.com
Finally, there are two events coming up that truly herald the start of the holiday season in Baltimore: The Mayor’s Christmas Parade in Hampden and the Monumental Occasion & lighting of the Washington Monument in Mt. Vernon. The parade begins at 2pm Sunday (12.2.07) at Poly & Western High Schools and continues down Falls Road to the Avenue in Hampden and features over 100 marching units, and Santa of course, and the Monumental Occasion begins at 5:30pm on Thursday evening (12.6.07) and includes music, refreshments, strolling performers, and a colorful fireworks finale. Seasons Greetings!