Wednesday, January 11
Virtual Screening: Shut Up and Paint: Join the Baltimore Museum of Art for a screening of “Shut Up and Paint,” an award-winning documentary short about the painter Titus Kaphar as he looks to film as a medium in the face of an insatiable art market seeking to silence his activism. This free virtual screening will follow a pre-recorded conversation with Asma Naeem, BMA Interim Co-Director and Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown Chief Curator. They will discuss what led Kaphar to make the documentary, the relationship between his paintings and film, and how the documentary unpacks the challenges that Black artists face in today’s art world and market. Free. 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Watch online via Facebook or Youtube. For more information, go to: artbma.org/event/screening-shut-up-and-paint or call: 443-573-1700.
The Brent Birckhead Quintet at Keystone Korner: Saxophonist Brent Birckhead is an award-winning artist, whose aesthetic is an intersectional amalgam of traditional and popular styles, earning him a spot in Lauryn Hill’s touring band. Unbound by genre, Birckhead’s approach to woodwind artistry is driven by his compulsion for creative risk and deep respect for legacy. Featuring Akua Allrich (vocals), Romeir Mendez (bass), Noble Jolley (piano), and CV Dashielle III (drums). ($20 – $25; $10 to stream) 7:30 p.m. at Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster Street. For more information, go to: keystonekornerbaltimore.com or call: 410-946-6726.
Thursday, January 12
JJC Talks: Akea Brionne: This two-part event will feature a screening of the artist’s film “Mississippi Goddamn,” followed by a conversation in dialogue with curator Jessica Bell Brown. Conceived alongside her commission for A Movement In Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration, and shot and directed by Felix B. Abeson, “Mississippi Goddamn” uses documentary form to unpack the artist’s family connection to Columbus, Mississippi, where her grandfather William T. Brown was born and raised. Akea and her grandfather return to their family homestead, to reckon with the complexity of memory, and to come to terms with the past. (Free) 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. For more information, go to: artbma.org or call: 443-573-1700.
Baltimore Music on Film Screenings and Panel Discussion w/ Dan Deacon, Lydia Woolever and Abdu Ali: Join us for an evening of short films which explore pioneering Baltimore musicians, from Beach House, Dan Deacon and DDm to trailblazing bluegrass musician Hazel Dickens. This collection of three short films chronicles various corners of Maryland’s rich music scene. It’s also the Baltimore debut of “Don’t Put Her Down,” a new work by Baltimore filmmaker Julia Golonka. Plus: A sneak preview of the forthcoming Baltimore House Music documentary “Music Liberated: Baltimore’s in the House.” Join WTMD’s Sam Sessa and directors Golonka, Joe Tropea, in a Q+A with Dan Deacon, Lydia Woolever and Abdu Ali after the screening. 5:30 p.m. at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue. For more information, go to: creativealliance.org or call: 410-276-1651.
Friday, January 13
Opening Reception: Well Being: Rituals for a Sacred Life: The first solo presentation of artwork by ceramicist Angelique Scott. The immersive sensory exhibition presents over 30 ceramic pieces that encourage personal reflection, collective meditation, and communion by transforming the gallery into a sacred space for solace and rest. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Black Artist Research Space, 426 West Franklin Street. For more information, go to: blackartistresearchspace.com, or email blackartistresearchspace@gmail.com
DYKE NITE: FRIDAY THE 13TH EDITION: Downstairs there will be a dance party with musical curation by Trillnatured! Upstairs Kotic Couture will be hosting a newcomers drag event from 10 p.m to midnight, with a DJ set after the show. ring cash to tip the performers and bar staff. Come out and support your friends and heckle your ex lovers as they take the stage for the first time! Dyke Nite is an inclusive space, transphobia, racism, or any other kinds of discrimination will not be tolerated. Please wear a mask. 21+ ($5 – $10) 9 p.m. at Ottobar, 549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: theottobar.com or call: 410-662-0069.
Saturday, January 14
Midnight Club at The Crown Vol.15 w/ Tromac & Aybigjohn: Midnight Club Collective is back at The Crown Baltimore for their first party of the year. This time featuring special guests Tromac and Aybigjohn, with residents Histo, DJ Beast and S.Dot. ($7) 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Crown Baltimore, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: thecrownbaltimore.tumblr.com or call 410-625-4848.
Sankofa Closing Celebration: Say goodbye to the Sankofa Experience and Sankofa Dance Theater at this closing celebration, featuring music, movement and folkways. The interactive Sankofa exhibition features a look back at the work of Sankofa Dance Theater, utilizing costumes, archival materials, historical footage, and built environments designed to transport visitors into the past, and into the future. ($15) 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Peale Museum, 225 Holliday Street. For more information, go to: thepeale.org, or call: 667-222-1814.
Writers LIVE! Ben Jealous, “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free”: Ben Jealous, former national NAACP president and CEO, will reflect on race in America and offer his thoughts on how to address the country’s social and political issues. Jealous will be joined in conversation by WBAL NewsRadio talk show host C4. Free parking vouchers are available to program attendees who park at the Franklin Street Garage (15 West Franklin Street). Ask Pratt event staff for your parking voucher prior to or after the program. (Free; RSVP to reserve a spot). 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to: prattlibrary.org, or call: 410-396-5430.
MLK Jr. Celebration by Kondwani Fidel: In honor of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., an afternoon of spoken word poetry curated by Kondwani Fidel, author, poet, and professor at Coppin State University. Special guests include local rapper Eddie Vanz. To cap off the performances, Fidel will perform new work accompanied by John Tyler, musician and founder of the Love Groove Festival. (Free, registration required) 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Walters Art Museum, Graham Auditorium, 600 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: thewalters.org, or call: 410-547-9000.
Baltimore Official Silent Party (MLK WEEKEND EDITION): A silent party featuring dueling DJS spinning to compete for your attention. When you arrive you’ll receive a pair of wireless headphones. You can adjust the volume and choose between up to three DJs with a flip of a switch. Each headset has a color that shows what channel you are listening to, so you can dance along with those listening to the same DJ. There’s no loud music that you have to talk over. Plus, there’s no ringing in your ears when you leave! ($11 to $100) 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at RYMKS Bar & Grille, 819 East Pratt Street. For more information, go to: rymks.com or call: (410) 878-2067.
Monday, January 16
Martin Luther King Day : Where Do We Go From Here?: This event will feature presentations, performances, panels and a Criminal Injustice Reform Symposium in Partnership with the Greater Baltimore Urban League, the Baltimore Branch of the NAACP, and the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. Noon to 6 p.m. at Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 East Pratt Street. For more information, go to: lewismusuem.org, or call 443-263-1800.
Tuesday, January 17
Anastasia Curwood presents “Shirley Chisholm: Champion of Black Feminist Power Politics” in conversation with Jacqueline Patterson of the Chisholm Legacy Project: A conversation about Black feminist power, the fight for civil rights, and the future of a just transition. (Free, RSVP) 7:00 p.m. at Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to: redemmas.org, email: info@redemmas.org, or call: 410-601-3072.
Wednesday, January 18
The People’s Ball: Celebrating the Inauguration of Wes Moore & Aruna Miller: Celebrate the Inauguration of Wes Moore and Aruna Miller as Maryland’s next governor and lieutenant governor. Attire is celebratory chic. ($125 – $1000) 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt Street. For more information on the swearing-in ceremony, and other Inauguration events, go to: mooremillerinauguration.com, or email tyler@wesmmoore.com.
Thursday, January 19
Edgar Allan Poe Birthday and Poe Toaster Murder Mystery: Join Poe Baltimore and Poe’s Magic Theatre for a special birthday celebration for Edgar Allan Poe. This party, complete with cake and toasty refreshments on a cold January evening, will include a special mystery game and a tour of the historic Catacombs. Attendees will follow clues around the old cemetery where Poe is buried and follow in the footsteps of a killer. General admission includes murder mystery hosted by Vince Wilson of Poe’s Magic Theatre, complimentary party refreshments, a guided tour of Westminster Hall and Burying Grounds, including the catacombs and a grave-side birthday toast to Edgar Allan Poe. ($29 – $69) 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, 519 West Fayette Street. For more information, go to: poeinbaltimore.org or call: 410-462-1763.
Tarsha Fitzgerald Productions Presents Tribute to Teddy P: Remember the life and legacy of the legendary Teddy Pendergrass in a musical celebration at Keystone Korner. Renowned vocalist Steven “Fresh” Straughter will grace the Keystone Korner Stage as the male lead vocalist who will be joined by an All-Star Band led by Music Director Robert “Wawa” LeGrand, who was Teddy Pendergrass’ guitarist for many years and is featured in the official documentary about the artist. ($30 – $35. $10 to stream) 7:30 p.m. at Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster Street. For more information, go to keystonekornerbaltimore.com or call: 410-946-6726.
Saturday, January 21
Fly & bo͞oZHē (Bougie): Food, cocktails, a live DJ, and a photoshoot. (Admission is free, but please RSVP) 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Eat Drink Relax Restaurant, 1001 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to: eatdrinkrelax.net, or call 443-449-5591.
Lunar Night Cultural Festival: A weekend-long, family-friendly, waterfront event filled with Asian art, food, and performances to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Featuring over 30 folk artists and performers and over 20 food vendors. (Free – $30. Kids under the age of 12 have free entry). January 21, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and January 22, noon to 8 p.m. at West Shore Park, 201 Light Street. For more information, go to: waterfrontpartnership.org/do/lunar-night-cultural-festival, or call: 443-743-3308.
Sunday, January 22
Drop-In Art Making: Lunar New Year: Make a work of art inspired by the museum’s collection. you can create your masterpiece at the museum or take supplies home. Free, no registration required. All ages welcome. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Walters Art Museum, Third Floor, 600 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: thewalters.org, or call: 410-547-9000.
Magic Mike and Safari Club Presents The Aquarius Bash “It’s a MFKN Party”: Celebrate Aquarius with the sounds of DJ Reddz and DJ Supream. This event will include VIP sections, smoking patios, 360 cameras, a frozen bar, arcade, full food menu, and more. ($10) 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Safari Club, 5625 O Donnell Street. For more information, go to: safaribaltimore.com, or call 410-624-5662.