Heartfelt crimes from Vagabond Players
In the late 80s and into the 90s, America was treated to a number of films, some based on successful stage plays, that introduced us to a new genre that might be called “the tough Southern ladies movie.” These included Steel Magnolias, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, to name a few. Imagine a combination of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof... READ MORE
Making plans for a grandchild on the way
You’ll forgive my puffed-out chest and my 24-hour smile. My wife and I are about to become grandparents for the first time. Put it this way: Yipppeeeeeeeeeeeee! This little boy (yes, it’ll be a boy) will not lack for attention — or for engaged “grands.” My wife will immediately teach him how to make her signature salad dressing, and how to endure his grandfather’s... READ MORE
A city icon with an inner secret
Those familiar with downtown Baltimore can’t miss the Bromo-Seltzer Clock Tower, which has overlooked the Charm City skyline since 1911. But in the last decade, changes have been afoot inside the iconic landmark. Now known as the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, since 2007 the Tower has provided studio space for artists, as well as a venue for free exhibitions, receptions and live... READ MORE
Local writers cover the White House
The Bibliophile The focus of the following books is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, the most famous address in the world. The authors live in D.C. and Virginia, and two of them have served inside the White House — giving their works a unique perspective. Obama: An Intimate Portrait, The Historic Presidency in Photographs, by Pete Souza, forward by Barack Obama, 352 pages, more than 300... READ MORE
A revealing production of Gypsy at Toby’s
The musical Gypsy — loosely based on the early life of striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee — is really more the story of her single-minded narcissistic mother Rose. And if Rose brings to mind Ethel Merman, there’s a good reason: Merman not only starred in the original 1959 production, she was one of the forces behind the whole project, working with producer David Merrick and... READ MORE
Love music? Time to get jazzed
“You must join a jazz band!” shouted my sight-singing teacher after I played a few bars on the piano. “What? I’m 76 years old. Who would want me?” I replied. Well, the Jazz Workshop did. Paul Pieper, who runs the 18 two-hour classes and jam sessions every week in Tysons Corner, had me sit in on a session so we could size each other up. Since I took jazz piano lessons in... READ MORE
A workshop for jazz singers
In 2008, when the Jazz Workshop was in its early stages, director Paul Pieper realized some students didn’t play any instrument at all; they were singers. So Pieper enlisted a colleague, jazz pianist Chris Grasso, to teach a session for vocalists only. Now, almost a dozen years later, the jazz singer subgroup is still going strong. Every Thursday, Grasso meets with three groups for a... READ MORE
Sample Baltimore’s markets and food halls
Several years ago, food trucks were all the rage. Now food halls are popping up all over the country, giving restaurateurs the opportunity to lower their overhead by sharing space, while also giving diners the opportunity to partake of a variety of food offerings in one location. Baltimore has long had its own version of food halls, with its traditional city markets. These include some... READ MORE
Enjoy free Mardi Gras concert and more
Music lovers should be grooving at St. Louis Church in Clarksville on March 1, when the Howard County house of worship continues its 13th season of concerts with “Les Bons Temps” — a celebration of Mardi Gras, a swinging session by a jazz combo, and a New Orleans-style reception. The free concert is part of a series hosted by the Clarksville Catholic Church each year in the fall... READ MORE
A father’s harrowing memoir
Columbia resident Morey Kogul’s recently published book is about an immigrant who illegally makes a border crossing to escape almost-certain death, and who then, after incredible hardships and adventures, is able to settle in a free country and raise a loving family. But while the story seems pulled from today’s headlines, the protagonist of this hair-raising non-fiction story is... READ MORE
