The post Black Crossword Puzzle: April 24, 2025 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

The raw, pulsating energy of Miami bass—with its thunderous 808 kicks and crisp, rapid-fire hi-hats—is a sound that resonates deeply, even if its name remains unfamiliar to many. This distinctive sonic signature, a hallmark of the genre, recently experienced a resurgence when JMSN’s “Soft Spot,” though released over a year prior, exploded on TikTok and Twitter. Listeners instantly recognized—and tweeted about—its sonic kinship with Ghost Town DJs’ “My Boo,” highlighting the indelible impact of the Miami bass sound.

Born from the vibrant club culture of 1980s Miami, this genre, also known as “bass music” or “booty music,” is an ode to uninhibited dance and pure, unadulterated fun. Emerging from the electro-funk, electro, and early hip-hop tracks by artists like Afrika Bambaataa and Egyptian Lover, Miami bass evolved into a distinct sound, driven by DJs and producers who masterfully wielded the Roland TR-808 drum machine. This sound became synonymous with skating rinks and strip clubs, places where brown and Black people would congregate to hear the music reverberate through the bass-heavy sound system.

Groups like 2 Live Crew, JJ Fad, and the 69 Boyz propelled Miami bass into the mainstream, creating club and party anthems that were, ultimately, summer soundtracks. Beyond these legendary groups, the genre also fostered the development of early club music trends, cementing its place as a pivotal force in southern music. As we approach summer, and the need for communal joy grows stronger, Miami Bass gives us the perfect soundscape for celebration. 

JaySwann is an electronic artist, producer, and DJ making waves in Baltimore’s music scene and helping to champion a distinct Miami bass boom here. Also a budding event curator and promoter, his events around Baltimore guarantee dancing and fun. Swann is deeply rooted in the city, with his family’s history here spanning generations. When asked to describe his artistic practice, JaySwann prefers the term “electronic artist.”

 “I identify the most as a producer/DJ, but [it’s] not just like one thing or the other. The two kind of coincide and go together, and electronic artist is the best way to describe that,” he says.

His journey as a musician has traversed into a genre that you’ve definitely heard but might not have had the name for: bass music. 

“I first started producing in 2015. That was the first creative endeavor I ever had,” he recalls.

DJing followed in 2016, almost by accident. The artist recounts being part of a collective that was organizing a show: 

“We didn’t have a DJ, and because I was like, the main producer in the group…I kind of just took it over,”  he says.

His first set wasn’t a traditional DJ set, but rather a mix crafted in his production software. The experience, however, sparked a desire to learn the art of DJing.

Looking back on his projects, JaySwann considers his recent release, “BOOTY BASS INFINITI,” to be his best work yet. His previous album, “Lou Dolph,” released in 2023, was more in the electronica vein, which he describes as “cool if you just want to chill.” 

Since then, JaySwann has been leaning more into his DJ practice, wanting to create music that fits into his sets and that his peers can also play.“Booty Bass Infiniti” represents a significant step in that direction. He explains the inspiration behind the project: 

“The thing about doing what I do and living in Baltimore is that there’s so many DJs…like everybody DJs and everybody is good,” JaySwann says. 

To carve out a niche, he started exploring Miami bass, inspired first by artists like Ghostwhip.

 “I think it really started with me getting super into ghetto tech…It really opened up the floodgates for me to get more into Miami bass and Atlanta bass,” he recalls.

The more he listened, the more he appreciated the genre’s energy and its potential to stand out in Baltimore’s scene.

 “I really like playing this out loud, like for crowds. The music itself is really fun, and I like it because nobody else really plays that type of stuff here,” JaySwann says. 

His EP, released on all streaming platforms on March 27, is a 10-track project that the artist has been working on since last summer.

 “I knew that I wanted to take a minute before I put out another project. I’ve been really trying to  figure out what my sound is, but I feel like with this, with “BOOTY BASS INFINITI, I’m grasping that a little bit more,” he says.

To complement the EP, JaySwann is also bringing back his “booty bass” parties. 

“I definitely wanted to pair it with the rollout for the album, just because the two go hand to hand,” he says. 

While the first party will be local, he has plans to take the concept to other cities like New York, Philadelphia, D.C., and Miami. 

When asked about staying inspired, JaySwann credits his love for what he does and the support of his peers.

 “I genuinely just love what I do,” he says. 

“Where I’m at in life, I have a pretty fun, very enjoyable life. I like the things that I do, and I feel like it’s a privilege to be able to do the things that I do. I just draw a lot of happiness from it.” 

Seeing his friends’ dedication also fuels his own drive.

 “All of my artist friends are extremely hard working, I’ll see what they’re doing. And it kind of makes me want to go harder,” he says.

Now in its third year and returning on April 24th, Garden Hours is the result of JaySwann’s hard work and dedication. The residency began as a way for him to gain visibility as a DJ. 

“When I first started doing Garden Hours, I felt I wasn’t really getting booked like that. It’s kind of hard to get booked when people don’t really see you play,” he explains. 

So he decided he’d like to establish a residency and approached the co-owners of Current Space, an artist-run art space in Bromo Arts District, with the idea. They gave him the green light.

“I like the venue a lot,” JaySwann says. “At the time, nobody was really doing DJ nights. It felt like a really untapped thing that I’m kind of surprised nobody else has hopped on.” 

The first few Garden Hours were low in attendance, with five or 10 visitors tops. Today, they are typically packed. Despite a slow start, he stuck with it, and the residency has grown into a Baltimore staple.

 “I just trusted the process, and then everything just kind of started to grow,” he explains.

 “You know, shit just takes time. That’s another big thing that I learned.You can’t rush anything. And if you have a good idea that you know is good, and you stay intentional about it, you got to stick with it, even if you feel like it’s not working.” 

Garden Hours typically runs from late April to October. JaySwann usually begins the night, DJing for the first hour and a half before passing the torch to a guest DJ. The event is also free, something he considers important. 

For the past two years—or, really, every other Thursday, and a few Saturdays—folks have been able to visit the garden bar and leave all of their stresses on the dance floor. He also held a listening release party on March 28th for his latest release at Peabody Heights, a brewery located in Waverly (where the Baltimore Beat will be having our beer release event on May 17).

When I asked the artist if he had any advice for upcoming creatives in the city, he said “trust the process.” With faith in his talents, creativity, and strength—and the help of a cadre of creative collaborators—JaySwann has built Garden Hours into a platform for emerging talent to play to a captive audience and get paid to do so, giving Baltimore a chance to dance. For him and his audience, it’s all about the music.

The post Baltimore Music Right Now: JaySwann appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Wednesday, February 26

Gallery Reception for Brooklyn Park Middle School Apex Arts Exhibition: Come see the amazing art made by the students from Brooklyn Park Middle School. Complimentary drinks and light snacks will be provided. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane. For more information, go to chesapeakearts.org/upcoming-events. 

Wu Wednesday: Sound of Baltimore DJs presents ‘80s through early 2000s hip-hop, R&B, and Reggae music. 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at The Point In Fells, 1738 Thames St. For more information, follow @wuwednesdaysbaltimore on Instagram.

Thursday, February 27

Sketching Session: Novice, student, and practicing artists are welcome to spend the evening drawing in The Walters’ gallery. Materials are provided, and music will be performed by Peabody Institute students. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. For more information, go to thewalters.org/events, or call 410-547-9000.

In His Own Words: Zora’s Den: Artist and poet Ainsley Burrows hosts “In His Own Words”: a night where men are invited for open-mic poetry at Zora’s Den. Featuring E the Poet Emcee. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Charm City Cultural Cultivation HQ, 3100 Greenmount Ave. For more information, follow @charmcity_cc on Instagram.

An Intimate Evening featuring Ami Dang w/Eyas: Celebrating “Scene Seen”: Listen to the music of acclaimed musicians Ami Dang and Eyas while celebrating the release of “Scene Seen.” ($17.85 to $39.19) 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at good neighbor design garage, 3901 Falls Road. For more information, go to goodneighborshop.com. 

KRS-ONE: Hip-Hop mastery with KRS-ONE, Eze Jackson, Ullnevano feat. God Sense, Kudo NYC, and DJ Excel. ($35.75) 7 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place. For more information, go to baltimoresoundstage.com/events-feed. 

Friday, February 28

Making With MICA!: Join MICA Community Artists for an artmaking session. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at BMA Lexington Market, 112 N. Eutaw St. For more information, go to artbma.org/events.

SoulFull Sip & Paint: Celebrating Baltimore’s Cultural Legacy: This event offers much more than painting and sipping: it honors Baltimore’s great legacy of jazz performers, from past to present. There’ll be a panel discussion featuring Ms. Rosa Pryor Trusty, live jazz performances, and, of course, a chance to sip and paint. Volunteers enter for free. ($15-$30) 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Baltimore Unity Hall, 1505 Eutaw Place. For more information, email lightwithinbmore@gmail.com, or call 443-414-6973.

Urban Oasis Closing Reception & Artist Talk: This exhibit shows the harmony between human-made environment and nature, featuring the works of over 20 artists. Get the chance to hear from some of the artists who contributed to the exhibit. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Stem & Vine, 326 N. Charles St. For more information, go to stemandvinebaltimore.com/events. 

Divine Nine / HBCU Night at The Lion King: NPHC Metro Baltimore and HBCU family can enjoy a pre-show reception with ClassAct Catering, DJ Black Reignbow, and MegapixelsMedia. Guests get exclusive aftershow access to a talk back session with the cast. ($58.50 to $169, SIMBA15 for 15% off) 6 p.m. at the Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. For more information and where to send your RSVP, email Chandra@theallenlewisagency.com. 

Saturday, March 1

Charm City Connections: An Improv Welcome to Baltimore: Alongside performers at Highwire Improv, enjoy and participate in the magic of improvisation, while making new friends. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Hampden Library, 3641 Falls Road. For more information, go to highwireimprov.com/shows. 

”Ultra’s Pre-Birthday Bash!” Deep Sugar Afterhours: Back by popular demand, this “Afterhours” celebration features the legendary “DC House Mother” DJ Sedrick. Vibe out to House, Afro House, and more. 18+ ($20 to $25) 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Club 1722 Afterhours, 1722 N. Charles St. For more information, go to ra.co/events/us/baltimore. 

Unfold presents: BlackLauren: Unfold presents a night of techno jams from Mr. BlackLauren, DJ Self, and A’phreaq. 21+ ($30) 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. For more information and location information, go to ra.co/events/2087568. 

Sunday, March 2

28 Days of Black Futures – Baltimore’s Legacy of Black Liberation: Join CLLCTIVLY for an all day celebration of Black excellence. From early morning coffee and networking, to short film watching and local business vendor shopping. ($23.18) 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave. For more information, go to cllctivly.org.

Getting to Grown: A Diaspora Journey Reception: Made by artists Angela Franklin and Chevelle Makeba Moore Jones, this exhibit features textile works, paintings, and collaged images around Black life and becoming “grown.” 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the James E. Lewis Museum, The Carl Murphy Arts Center, 2201 Argonne Drive. For more information, go to jelmamuseum.org/events, or email gettingtogrown@gmail.com. 

Immortal Technique: The rapper activist will be hosted by Brooklyn legend Poison Pen with Ill Conscious and DJ Static. All Ages. ($33.99) 9 p.m. at Metro Baltimore, 1700 N. Charles Street. For more information, go to metrobmore.com, or call (443) 425-5139.

Tuesday, March 4

Open Lab Ascend Through Music Drop-In Hours: Enjoy free use of all of Ascend Through Music’s music equipment and instruments. Includes beat-making software, instrument practice, recording space, and more. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the UA House at Fayette, 1100 E. Fayette St. For more information, email ccampbell@livingclassrooms.org. 

“How to Become a Black Writer” Book Talk: Award-winning author Marita Golden discusses her autobiography, which spans her life from mentorship under Audre Lorde to groundbreaking journalism at Essence Magazine, and lessons on how to cultivate your voice. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Central Library, 400 Cathedral St. For more information, go to calendar.prattlibrary.org. 

Thursday, March 6

Collage Workshop: In the spirit of Getting to Grown: A Diaspora Journey, join a collage workshop. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at James E. Lewis Museum, The Carl Murphy Arts Center, 2201 Argonne Drive. For more information, go to jelmamuseum.org/events or email gettingtogrown@gmail.com. 

Phreestyle: This event brings hip hop enthusiasts and artists together for an evening of beats, freestyling, and community bonding. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Phlote, 300 W. Pratt St. For more information, email baltimoreflips@gmail.com or follow @phreestylethursdays on Instagram.

Friday, March 7

How to Sing… Black?: A Black History Scinguistics Special: Come support the inclusion of Black vocal tradition in academia through an exploration of the history, sociolinguistics, ethics, and SCIENCE of the modern world’s most influential singing style. 6 p.m. at Red Emma’s, 3128 Greenmount Ave. For more information, go to redemmas.org/events. 

Saturday, March 8

Cafe Disco: A Coffee Shop Rave: House and disco music from DJs Alex Blanks, j:drive, and Remy Sounds. 21+ ($10) 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Ceremony Coffee Roasters, 1312 Point St. For more information, go to thebentleybrvnd.com/events. 

Glorian Album Release Party: Celebrate the release of Glorian’s debut album “Dance Songs for Strangers.” Enjoy a night filled with music, dancing, and more. With 50’♀ & the Worms, DLI, Amy Reid, and DJ Abject Relations. ($12.51) 7 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. at The Club Car, 12 W. North Ave. For more information, go to bmoreart.com/event/glorian-album-release-party. 

Hip-Hop Karaoke “The Biggie Tribute”: Bmore Hip Hop Karaoke kicks off their 2025 season with a Biggie Smalls tribute. ($10) 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Mobtown Ballroom, 30 W. North Ave. For more information, follow @bmorehiphopkaraoke on Instagram.

Sunday, March 9

Drop-in Art Making: Build a Neighborhood: Design a neighborhood where everyone has access to transportation, food, culture, and more. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. For more information, go to thewalters.org/events, or call 410-547-9000.

Herstory in Hues: This exhibition will reclaim art history by highlighting Black and Brown women artists. With paintings, sculptures, photographs and other mediums from over 20 artists. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 326 N. Charles St. For more information, go to stemandvinebaltimore.com/events. 

Tuesday, March 11

Fire and Ice: The Music of Barbara Strozzi and Isabella Leonarda: Bird in Hand will host music group Basso Celestia as part of their spring 2025 tour, and celebrate the music of seventeenth century women musicians. 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Bird in Hand Coffee & Books, 11 E. 33rd St. For more information, go to birdinhandcafe.com/events. 

The post Baltimore Arts and Culture Events 02/26/24 – 03/12/25 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Trump and Republicans want resegregation 

Since he took office last month, President Donald Trump has been on a tear as he and the Republican party try their hardest to resegregate the United States. The president has used executive orders as his weapon of choice against real or perceived measures of economic justice for people who are not white and born a man. One order, issued Jan. 21 and titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” specifically brings up the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That piece of legislation banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. 

“It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employment agency to fail or refuse to refer for employment, or otherwise to discriminate against, any individual because of his race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, or to classify or refer for employment any individual on the basis of his race, color, religion, sex, or national origin,” reads one part of the Civil Rights Act. 

Trump wants to stop the protections the act provides for marginalized people (that is, those who are Black, brown, women, queer, or disabled) not just in the federal government but in private business, too. 

“These illegal DEI and DEIA policies also threaten the safety of American men, women, and children across the Nation by diminishing the importance of individual merit, aptitude, hard work, and determination when selecting people for jobs and services in key sectors of American society, including all levels of government, and the medical, aviation, and law-enforcement communities,” Trump’s order reads.

Those policies are, of course, not illegal, nor do they threaten anyone’s safety. 

The order codifies the same sentiments Trump expressed at a press conference after a deadly airline crash on Jan. 29 in Washington, D.C. There he said, without merit, that the crash was the result of DEI practices in the airline industry.

Baltimore City Council sues the Trump Administration 

As Trump and Republicans seek to establish a new social order (or, rather, reestablish an old one), attorneys, advocacy groups, and even Democrats are pushing back.

On February 3, Mayor Brandon Scott, the Baltimore City Council,  the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors, and the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United announced a joint lawsuit against the Trump administration.

“The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the district of Maryland alleges the orders exceeded the president’s authority under the U.S. Constitution and asks the court for preliminary and permanent injunctions to block the orders, in addition to finding them unlawful and unconstitutional,” wrote Reuters. 

A New Exhibition Explores “Growness” and the Diaspora at JELMA 

The James E. Lewis Museum on Morgan State University’s campus continues its impressive slate of exhibitions featuring the work of Black artists under the direction of Dr. Schroeder Cherry, an accomplished artist in his own right.

This stunning show features the work of Angela Franklin and Chevelle Makeba Moore Jones, two mixed-media artists from the Black diaspora with ties to Baltimore.

The exhibition is a visual meditation on navigating life and becoming “grown,” told through an array of mixed-media textiles and collage images. According to the exhibition text, “For both artists, their ‘grown journey’ culminates in the realization that there will be better days.” A visit to this show will provide enough creative fuel and inspiration to get through another week. 

We recommend visiting the exhibition and Morgan’s beautiful campus. The exhibition, which opened on January 20, is on view through March 14, 2025. Be sure to check out a reception and special theater presentation on Sunday, March 2; the artist talk on Wednesday, March 5; and a collage workshop on March 6.

For more information, visit jelmamuseum.org, email gettingtogrown@gmail.com, or call 470- 342-4143.

The James E. Lewis Museum (JELMA) is located in the Carl Murphy Fine Arts Center, Morgan State University, 2201 Argonne Drive.

The post Around Baltimore: Trump’s war on diversity, Baltimore City takes on Trump, and a new exhibit at JELMA appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Shortly after the COVID-19 lockdown was lifted, I went to Keystone Korner for the first time. My classmate Noah invited me to see a show with legendary jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers. It was a special night in October of 2020. Everyone was on edge being around each other in public, but we all wore our masks. It was one of the first times I remember being out and enjoying live music with others. It felt familiar and hopeful. Seeing Ayers perform, and hearing the notes of “Searching,” gave me enough fuel to move through the next week. 

Jazz is a distinctly Black American modern tradition, and Baltimore City has one of the preeminent jazz clubs in the world. Keystone Korner offers a unique and intimate live music experience. The Harbor East jazz club has been integral to the city’s cultural landscape since 2019. 

It attracts both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and neophytes with its authentic atmosphere and diverse offerings, including jam sessions and performances by national legends like Ayers and avant-garde jazz alto saxophone great Marshall Allen. Despite the romantic setting and decor, Keystone Korner welcomes individuals seeking a solitary musical experience as well. It provides a space for creative individuals to gather and experience the unique musical genre.

Founder Todd Barkan, a Columbus, Ohio, native, is the driving force behind Keystone Korner.  His own journey in music began at a young age, influenced by his parents’ diverse record collection and the mentorship of jazz multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Released in 1974, Kirk’s live “Bright Moments” album features a young Barkan on tambourine and synthesizer. 

Barkan was also a friend of the late jazz guitar legend Russell Malone. He recalls his first meeting with the Georgia native artist, known for working with musicians like Diana Krall and Harry Connick Jr.

“He was gracious and humble, a true master of his craft,” Barkan told Baltimore Beat. 

Malone, alongside jazz bassist Ron Carter and composer and pianist Donald Vega, graced the stage for Keystone Korner’s grand opening on April 30, 2019, which also happened to be International Jazz Day.

The club’s first iteration came to life in San Francisco and was open from 1972 to 1983. Barkan’s goal was to provide the best music in the world at the most affordable price, in the most loving environment. This remains the goal of Keystone Korner Baltimore, where Barkan has joined forces with an all-star culinary team (led by chef Robert Wiedmaier) to make sure that the food is as enticing as the entertainment. 

Keystone Korner hosts its Bright Moments Jazz Jam Sessions on Tuesday nights, offering a unique experience for musicians and audiences to connect through spontaneous jazz improvisation. The sessions happen weekly from around 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Unlike pre-arranged big band or rehearsed small group jazz performances, these jam sessions are entirely off-the-cuff. Barkan sees them as essential tools for keeping the tradition of great jazz alive in Baltimore, while fostering community.

Led by bassist, composer, and educator Obasi Akoto, the sessions encompass a variety of styles from bebop and post-bop to avant-garde and fusion. Akoto views the weekly jam session as more than just a musical occasion; it’s a social gathering that transcends boundaries and brings people together. Akoto is also a passionate educator, deeply committed to sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of musicians. 

“Jazz is more than just music,” Akoto explains. “It’s a way of life. It teaches discipline, collaboration, and the ability to think on your feet.”

On Tuesdays, Akoto assembles a rotating house band, featuring talented musicians like Lucas Netto on tenor saxophone, Aidan Francia Cotter on piano, and Amin Gumbs on drums. Together, they lay down unrehearsed tunes from the jazz canon, inviting professional and semi-professional musicians to join in the spontaneous creation of a new sound. 

As the night winds down, Barkan, affectionately known as “the Toddzilla,” takes the stage. He sings the club’s theme song (and jam session namesake) “Bright Moments,” a fitting tribute to the spontaneous and joyful spirit filling Keystone Korner.

Late jazz saxophonist and composer Ornette Coleman, the founder of the free jazz movement, once said, “Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.” You can return to Keystone Korner every Tuesday to hear and feel this musical community, and allow it to carry you into the next week. If jazz is a language, the notes reverberating from the stage at Keystone Korner are the soundtrack for the bright moments that echo in the background of our lives.

Jam sessions are well documented by the venue’s house photographer, the talented Mr. Michael Friedman. If you visit a session, be sure to take a pause to admire his work on the walls — you might see some faces you recognize. If you want to sit in and join, there’s a sign-up sheet next to the stage. Please note that the club recommends that “jazz standards are preferred repertoire and get the best results” to keep the vibes going. Bright Moments Jazz Jam Sessions carve out space for local, national, and international jazz artists to meet up, and heat up. 

This ethos — this mixing of talents from emerging to established, local to international — echoes the spirit of the club in its programming, showcasing internationally lauded acts like Ayers while providing a consistent practice space for rising jazz talents.

 “We’re committed to showcasing the best of the best, but we also want to give emerging artists a chance to shine,” Barkan said. “We’ve created a space where people can connect with each other and with the music. It’s a place where friendships are formed and memories are made.”

“Baltimore has a vibrant jazz scene, and I’m grateful to be a part of it,” Akoto said. His presence at Keystone Korner has enriched the club’s musical offerings and fostered a deeper connection between the club and its patrons. His commitment to education and his passion for sharing his knowledge with aspiring musicians resonate with the club’s mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of jazz.

As Akoto reflects on his journey and the evolution of jazz, he muses, “Jazz is constantly evolving, but its essence remains the same. It’s about freedom, expression, and the power of music to connect people.” His words echo through the intimate space of Keystone Korner, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness his artistry.

Even amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with other venues shuttering, Keystone Korner has persevered, adapting to restrictions and finding creative ways to keep the music alive. With Akoto as maestro, the club’s legacy is further solidified, ensuring that the soulful sounds of jazz continue to inspire and uplift future generations.

Since its rebirth in Harbor East in 2019, Keystone Korner has quickly become a cornerstone of Baltimore’s jazz community, embodying founder Barkan’s philosophy that “Jazz is more than just music. It’s a feeling, a way of life.” This philosophy permeates every aspect of the club, from its carefully curated programming to its intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Barkan’s diverse background, coupled with the influence of mentors like Kirk, has shaped a unique vision for the club that honors jazz traditions while embracing innovation and improvisation. 

Beyond showcasing established artists, Keystone Korner is committed to nurturing emerging talent, providing a platform for them to share their music and grow as artists — which it accomplishes with every Tuesday night jam session. This commitment extends to educational programs and workshops, fostering a sense of community and ensuring the future of jazz in Baltimore.

Running a jazz club is a labor of love, and Keystone Korner has faced its share of challenges. From navigating licensing hurdles to weathering the impact of the pandemic, the club’s resilience is a testament to its staff’s dedication and its patrons’ unwavering support. “They’re the heart and soul of this place,” Barkan said,” emphasizing the community’s impact on its longevity.

As more cultural institutions disappear, it is crucial to support venues like Keystone Korner that keep the city’s soul alive.

Join the Bright Moments Jazz Jam Session every Tuesday night, or visit the club’s website for upcoming performances by world-class musicians. Keystone Korner is located at 1350 Lancaster Street.

The post Keystone Korner facilitates bright moments appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Baltimore Beat was designed for times such as these. 

When Baltimore Beat relaunched in 2020 it was in the shadow of Trump’s first presidency. His time in The White House taught our team a few things. The most important lesson: the importance of community support. We set out to be a newsroom that supported the community in a variety of ways.

We knew that the news needed to be accessible for everyone – you don’t have to pay to read Baltimore Beat and our print copies are distributed all over the city, for whoever wants one. We knew that our community calendar was vital as a tool to support the community organizing that’s already happening in our city. Our Beat Boxes aren’t just places to pick up the paper. They are places of community care. Our neighbors have left things for other neighbors like toothbrushes, snacks, and canned goods. 

And of course, our content is just as important. We bring you stories that you won’t find anywhere else. And, as Baltimore Sun owner David Smith has done away with that paper’s arts and culture content, ours has become even more vital to this city.

But we can’t do this without you. To keep shining a light on our communities, we need resources. We need support from those who believe that Baltimore deserves better. Your donation isn’t just a contribution; it’s a statement. It says you won’t stand by while others decide our city’s fate. It says you believe in Baltimore, our people, and our potential.

So I’m asking you, with all my anger and hope, to stand with us. Donating any amount helps us amplify voices, dig deep into the issues, and directly support the communities most affected. We are deeply grateful for your support in advance. Thank you for believing in Baltimore and our potential.

Lisa Snowden, Editor-in-Chief

Baltimore Beat

The post A  Fundraising Note from Our Editor-in-Chief  appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

The rate at which Baltimoreans are dying of overdoses finally seems to be slowing, mirroring a nationwide trend that has offered hope amid a devastating crisis.

There were 566 fatal overdose deaths in Baltimore as of September, according to preliminary data from the Maryland Department of Health. That puts the city on track to end the year with fewer than 800 deaths, marking a notable decline compared to recent years.

The last time the city saw less than 800 deaths was in 2017, which preceded a pandemic-era surge in fatalities as fentanyl rocked the drug market.

“It seems like overdoses are significantly lower this year than last year or other recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kenny Feder, assistant research professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Department of Mental Health. “And it’s not just a Baltimore phenomenon.”

The decline in fatal overdose rates has been mostly experienced in the eastern U.S., Feder said. Last year, the country’s fatal overdose numbers decreased for the first time in five years, though Baltimore’s increased by nearly 6% — marking a death toll of more than 1,000.

Now, however, Baltimore seems to be catching up to the trend as the decline becomes more significant.

The rebound comes after a “tragically high” surge in deaths that was worse than experts could have expected, Feder said. Deaths in Baltimore peaked in 2021, when the state reported 1,079 deaths.

Three years later, although the numbers are still relatively high — particularly in comparison to pre-pandemic levels — the new data shows the death rates may have reached their limits, Feder said.

The recent decline in Baltimore and beyond more definitively indicates that harm reduction initiatives are working.

Cities such as Baltimore have perhaps most importantly ramped up the distribution of naloxone, an opioid antagonist that is at the crux of strategies to prevent fatal overdoses.

Emergency service personnel administered the life-saving drug, which reverses overdoses, more than 1,600 times in Baltimore this year, according to the state health department.

Locally, city officials have teamed up with local harm reduction organizations to augment their efforts, with both parties offering syringe service programs, or SSPs, as well as other resources. In tandem, they aim to reduce overdoses, prevent the spread of diseases such as HIV and help individuals access treatment.

“The thing is, those strategies are effective,” Fedder said. “They were effective before overdoses went up as the saturation of fentanyl went up, and we need more of them. It’s really positive we’re seeing overdoses going down, and those strategies are still saving lives.”

It’s important to note that the data indicating “significant” decreases in death rates is preliminary, so numbers will likely grow as cases are confirmed, said Michael Coury, spokesman for the state’s Office of Overdose Response.

Still, the data is still encouraging and indicative of a downward trend. And that comes after a concerted push by the state and local governments to tackle the crisis.

“Far too many people in Maryland continue to lose their lives every day to preventable overdoses, and Maryland is working to increase access to care for people with substance use disorders in every corner of the state,” Coury said. “We’re continuing to expand access to crisis services, for example, by investing over $100 million to expand mobile crisis services and crisis stabilization centers.”

Earlier this year, Gov. Wes Moore signed a budget that included a 14% increase in funding for substance use disorder services alone. In total, $1.4 billion was allocated for addiction and mental health services.

Mayor Brandon Scott’s signed budget buffs up services even more, including a 44% increase in funding for mental health and substance abuse programs.

The result has been a “robust” harm reduction infrastructure in Baltimore. Statewide, programming is also up, with a majority of countries having SSPs and programs offering fentanyl test strips.

The investments reflect a dedication to drive overdose deaths down. But that’s not to say that experts and public officials expect this year’s downward trend to remain consistent, as numerous roadblocks remain.

“We cannot afford to be complacent in our efforts to save lives,” Coury said.

In addition to the stigma surrounding drug use itself, barriers to treatment and life-saving medications still exist, whether it be because they’re illegal or not done in practice.

Overdose prevention centers, which permit people to use drugs in-house alongside medical professionals, are largely illegal in the U.S. This comes despite the fact they have been proven to significantly reduce overdose deaths.

And, even though pandemic-era laws made it easier to prescribe and distribute life-saving medications such as methadone and buprenorphine, many still go without access.

That is particularly true among minority groups, who are hardest hit by health disparities. That fact is manifested in Baltimore’s death toll, as a majority of deaths are Black residents. Data shows that deaths are most concentrated in the city’s “Black Butterfly.”

All of this is compounded by the fact that the drug supply has become increasingly dangerous with the proliferation of xylazine, a tranquilizer that’s often mixed with fentanyl and is resistant to naloxone. Nitazenes, a stronger form of synthetic opioids, have also become more prevalent.

“This is a major emerging threat to all people who use drugs,” Feder said, adding it’s unclear how they will impact death rates in the future.

The data showing declining overdoses locally places the city at a key juncture in the overdose crisis — and in its mission to address it.

The crisis has killed more than 8,000 Baltimore residents in the past decade, and the city’s death rate remains the highest in the nation, coming in at 144.4 deaths per 100,000 people, based on 2020 U.S. Census data.

That quadruples Maryland’s average while dwarfing the death rates of other counties.

And, for Baltimore to end the year with less than 800 overdose deaths, its death rate would have to remain steady, despite some studies showing an increase in fatalities during colder months.

However, as winter approaches, the city is also in hot pursuit of funds to continue to drive numbers down through litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors over their role in the crisis.

The Baltimore City Health Department declined to comment, citing the litigation.

Baltimore is slated to receive more than $400 million from five settlements, more than $100 million of which has been earmarked for opioid remediation efforts. Ongoing litigation against  McKesson and Censora, formerly called AmerisourceBergen, could bring in significantly more.

The windfall of funds will drastically bolster funding for overdose prevention initiatives and other harm reduction measures, officials have said. That comes on top of historical investments already included in the state and city’s most recent budgets.

Although not much has been said beyond that as officials look to prevent hurting their chances in court, they’ve expressed confidence in putting funds through a governance structure to ensure it’s used most effectively.

Officials are now waiting to see just how much money they can obtain to fill their war chest against the crisis. And the city will have to wait to see whether the trend of declining overdoses is sustained.

The post Baltimore’s fatal overdose rate finally shows signs of slowing, prompting cautious optimism appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Wednesday, October 23

Drop-In Lantern Making Workshop: Make a lantern to celebrate 25 years of The Great Halloween Lantern Parade. All Ages (Free – $10) 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue. For more information contact info@creativealliance.org, call 410-276-1651, and or go to creativealliance.org.

Moms Unhinged Standup Comedy Show:  A night of laughter exploring everything from motherhood, midlife crisis, marriage, divorce, online dating, and other things that irritate us. 21+ ($29 – $39) 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 401 West Fayette Street. For more information, go to momsunhinged.com.

Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop: A night of Hip-Hop under the gentle glow of candle light. ($32-$55) 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or 8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. For more information, go to feverup.com.

Thursday, October 24

Clay for Everyone w/ Bmore Clay Series: A Black and queer-led program created to present an alternative to predominantly white ceramic spaces. 18+ ($60) 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave. For more information, contact info@creativealliance.org, call 410-276-1651, and or go to crativealliance.org.

Halloween Hootenanny: Performances by Crown Me King, Liquid Courage, Brotherhood of Trees, and a costume competition. 18+ ($15) 7 p.m. at The Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, call 410-662-0069 or go to theottobar.com.

Dark Side of the 80s-90s-2000s: DJs Jerrod Bronson and Hell O’Kitty play a hell-raising Halloween edition of BLACK CELEBRATION! A dark dance night created by POC, where all are welcome! 21+ (Free) 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com.

Halloween Rally In The Alley Part 1:  Listen to DJs blasting the latest EDM and top 40 hits, festival and bar games, confetti cannons, massive inflatables, and more.and more. 21+ ($35) 10 p.m. at Power Plant Live! 34 Market Place. For more information, contact 410-908-0650 or go to powerplantlive.com.

Friday, October 25

ESSENTIAL TEASE: Burlesque Student Showcase: An eight-month workshop with Essential Tease instructors Jacqueline Boxx, Ruby Rockafella, and Tempete La Coeur has transformed its students from the inside out. Come see their debut. ($15-$20) 8 p.m. Virtual and at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue. For more information, contact info@creativealliance.org, call 410-276-1651, or go to creativealliance.org.

DYKE NITE: Annual Halloween-themed event featuring a performance by Mister Sister, sounds by Sayra and Nomiii, and more. Costumes are encouraged. 21+ ($25) 10 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, call 410-662-0069 or go to theottobar.com.

Saturday, October 26

Ottobar’s 5th Annual Halloween Market: Check out all the handmade goodies and Halloween-themed cocktails. 18+ (Free), noon to 4 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, call 410-662-0069 or go to theottobar.com.

The Great Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival: The diverse communities of Baltimore come together each year to create The Great Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival! All ages. 4 p.m. at Patterson Park, 2601 East Baltimore Street. For more information, email info@creativealliance.org, call 410-276-1651, and or go to creativealliance.org.

Baltimore’s Biggest Annual Halloween Bar Crawl Party in Federal Hill: Hit up all the hottest bars in Federal Hill for the craziest Halloween party of the year. 5 p.m. to midnight. Mother’s Federal Hill Grille, 1113 South Charles Street. Email: Thirdparty@joonbug.com for tickets.

Jazzy Soul at Sankofa 2024: Saxophonist Isaac S. Parham is an energetic and versatile composer and entertainer who has performed with such artists as The Jacksons, Regina Bell, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ramsey Lewis, Ron Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Dennis Chambers, The Chi-Lites, Maysa, Maurette Brown Clark, Marion Meadows, Kim Waters and many others. ($45) 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Cultures, 4330 Pimlico Road. For more information, go to sankofakids.org.

Sunday, October 27

JT & JEEZY at Ikonic Live: Including music by Supa DJ Big L, DJ Mr Incredible, and DJ Loco. Hosted By 92Q LiL Black and Bmore Princess. 21+ ($55.20) 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Ikonic Live, 316 Guilford Avenue. For more information, go to ikoniclive.com. 

Monday, October 28

Frightful Forest Friends: Listen to great music and laugh with friends while a professional artist guides you in creating your own masterpiece. 18+ ($40) 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Painting with a Twist, 1134 York Road. For more information, go to paintingwithatwist.com.

Tuesday, October 29

Bright Moments Jam Sessions:  Join Obasi Akoto and members of the jazz community for a night surrounded by great company, soul-lifting music, and great food. ($10 streaming, free in person) 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Keystone Korner Baltimore, 1350 Lancaster Street. For more information, go to keystonekornerbaltimore.com.

Thursday, October 31

Trick or Treat at Baltimore Peninsula: A spooktacular night full of candy, costumes, crafts, and more. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1 Distillery Street. For more information, go to baltimorepeninsula.com.

Hazel Presents: Spit! Halloween Party: Come party with performances by Cher Rub, Hennessey, Ryder Roughly, John Alucard, Orion Ridgley, Jinx Demon, Psychosis, Kae, and DJ Aave! 21+ ($15) 8 p.m. at Metro Baltimore, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to metrobmore.com.

R&B On Halloween: A night of frights and fun and good music. ($24.57-$30.23) 8 p.m. to midnight at Euphoria’s Outdoor Venue, 1301 Ponca Street. 

The Phantom Ball – Halloween Night: First annual Phantom Ball featuring DJ Ty Alexander, costume contest with cash prizes, and more. ($33.85-$55.20) 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 401 West Fayette Street. For more information, go to mtbankexchange.com/upcoming-events.

Friday, November 1

TFCon Baltimore: The ultimate convention for Transformers fans the world over. Nov. 1-3. ($7-60) 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, 401 West Pratt Street. For more information, go to tfcon.com.

Words, Wings & Wine: An evening of amazing food selection, fine wine, and even better vibes with a mixer. Followed up by poetry and comedy. 18+ ($28.52) 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at La Familia Sound Stage, 836 Guilford Avenue. For more information, go to lafamiliasoundstage.com.

Mobtown Comedy Presents: Honey I’m Home Tour: Comedian ShaCorey Young and musician Life of Zhae are returning to their roots for a night filled with laughter and live music. 18+ ($12.51-$23.18) 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Manor, 924 North Charles Street. For more information, go to mobtowncomedy.com.

Saturday, November 2

Dia De Los Muertos Open Bar at Barcocina: Multiple DJs and $40 open bar. Masks and costumes are suggested. Best mask and best costume will win a $200 Barcocina gift card. 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at Barcocina, 1629 Thames Street. For more information, go to barcocina.com.

Monday, November 4

Script Tease: Glitter in the Glass: This series offers audiences an early look at new plays and a unique glimpse into the creative process of playwriting, while also giving local creatives the opportunity to bring these stories to life. All Ages ($5) 6 p.m. at the Everyman Theatre, 315 West Fayette Street. For more information call 410-752-2208 or go to everymantheatre.org.

The post Baltimore Arts and Culture Events 10/23/24 – 11/06/24 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Wednesday, May 8

Black Folx Book Club March: “Lakewood” by Megan Giddings: Join Greedy Reads bookseller Leela Chantrelle for the Black Folx Book Club, a reading space for Black women and Black queers reading works by Black women and Black queers. The May book pick is “Lakewood.” 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Greedy Reads Remington, 320 West 29th Street. For more information, go to: greedyreads.com.

Thursday, May 9

Wine Village in Baltimore: Enjoy a wine and food market in addition to local and international wines as well as European delicacies, summer appetizers and desserts. May 9-27 at West Shore Park, Inner Harbor, 501 Light Street. For more information, go to baltimore-wine.com.

Blockbuster Film Classics: From “Lawrence of Arabia” to “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Superman,” Damon Gupton conducts an all-orchestral program with classic film scores from the Golden Age of Cinema to the present day. ($15-$92) May 11-12 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to bsomusic.org or call 410-783-8000. 

Friday, May 10

First Date Friday: Bring your first date here to get a lovers’ special on drinks. 4 p.m. at Bird in Hand Coffee & Books, 11 East 33rd Street. For more information, go to birdinhandcafe.com/events.

Party on the Porch: A Market Day Preview: For “plant-a-holics” who want first pick of Market Day merchandise! Plants, crafts, and gifts from local and regional vendors. Food trucks on site to purchase dinner. ($50-$60) 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue. For more information, go to cylburn.org or call 410-367-2217.

Station North Art Walk: An evening of simultaneous exhibits, performances, and special events in the Station North Arts District. (Free; registration recommended). 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at various locations. For more information, go to stationnorth.org.

Crosscurrence: Happy Accidents: A night of readings, performances, and music curated by Andrew Shenker. ($12-$20, or pay what you can) 6 p.m. at Current Space, Garden Bar, 421 Tyson Street. For more information, go to currentspace.com or email info@currentspace.com.

King & Queen of Baltimore PRIDE Pageant 2024: Do you have what it takes to lead PRIDE’s Royal Court? ($15-$20) 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Downtown Cultural Arts Center, 401 North Howard Street. For more information, go to pridecentermd.org.

Block Party! Baltimore’s Best Black Improv Comedy: Block Party is a monthly showcase of Baltimore’s Best Black improv. ($12-$15) 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Blakwater House, 218 West Saratoga Street. For more information, email highwireimprov@gmail.com. 

Deem N’ Bass Release Event: A night of club, ghetto tech, miami bass, and more. Featuring sounds by flotussin, Tromac, Jayswann, and Cadeem LaMarr. Ages 18+. ($10 – $15) 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Phlote, 300 West Pratt Street. For more information, go to phlote.xyz. 

Saturday, May 11

Sun Dress vs Freak Em Dress Pre Mothers Day Brunch  Celebrate all the hardworking mamas out there with a delicious brunch and some much-needed fun. Sounds by DJ Menace & DJ Elmo. Ages 21+. ($20) Noon to 6 p.m. at Safari Club, 5625 O’ Donnell Street. For more information, email partyatsafari@gmail.com, or call 410-624-5662. 

2024 AAPI Festival: Third annual free celebration, with live performances, food trucks, and vendors all showcasing the diversity of AAPI cultures. Noon to 5 p.m. at The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park, at Symphony Woods, 10431 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. For more information, go to innerarbortrust.org, email info@innerarbortrust.org, or call 443-832-3223. 

In Our Mothers Garden Film Screening and Discussion: Film screening followed by a post-film conversation with filmmaker Shantrelle Lewis and author Marita Golden. Light refreshments will be served. ($9-$12, free for children under 6) 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 East Pratt Street. For more information, go to lewismuseum.org or call 443-263-1800.

The Art of Journal Binding: Join Alisa Brock of Drama MaMa Bookshop for a guided journal binding workshop that will unlock new insights and revitalize your ideas at each stage of the process. (Free) 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at BMA Lexington Market, 112 North Eutaw Street. For more information, go to artbma.org.

I Will Always Love My Momma Comedy Show & After Party: A night of great comedy, poetry, music. Open bar and food included. ($40) 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., at Downtown Cultural Arts Center, 401 North Howard Street. For more information, contact Beadman at 443-993-1090. 

RENAIDDANCE : Beyoncé Celebration: Dance and celebrate the ballroom, country, disco, and techno scenes that inspired Beyonce’s latest albums. Expect to hear all of your favorite songs from Beyoncé and more. ($12-$15) 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Mobtown Ballroom, 30 West North Avenue. For more information, go to: whatthedance.com.

Dyke Nite: Dance party featuring sounds by DJs Hissyfit and Hykes. Masks encouraged. Ages 21+. ($10) 10 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. Please email dykenitebaltimore@gmail.com to inquire about Pay It Forward ticket availability or accessibility concerns. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069. 

Sunday, May 12

Mother’s Day in the garden at good neighbor: Your reservation includes reserved seating, a handmade cake, and tableside service. ($35; reservations required) 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at good neighbor, 3827 Falls Road. For more information, go to goodneighborshop.com.

Mother’s Day Vin Doux Brunch & Wine Pairing: Celebrate Mother’s Day with a waterside exquisite brunch paired with sweet wines. ($25 – $65) 11 a.m. to  2 p.m. at V-No Wine Bar, 905 South Ann Street. For more information, go to v-no.com or call 410-342-8466

Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch: Celebrate Mother’s Day with the annual Soul II Soul Mother’s Day Brunch. Hosted by Miss Erikca J, with performances by Y’Anna Crawley, Eryka Edmund, and more. ($30-$400) 1 p.m to 4 p.m. at La Familia Soundstage 836 Guilford Avenue. For more information, go to soul2soulentertainment.com or email soul2soulsundays@gmail.com.

The Hot L Poetry Series: Enjoy this open mic event with two featured poets. Bring a poem if you’d like to perform. 4 p.m. at The Ivy Bookshop, Back Patio, 5928 Falls Road. For more information, go to theivybookshop.com or call 410-377-2966.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Pay What You Choose Sunday: Inspired by the timeless desire to feed our youthful spirits, director Noah Himmelstein has brought together 12 talented performers to explore a different take on ‘young love.’ ($20) 7 p.m. at Everyman Theatre, 315 West Fayette Street. For more information, go to everymantheatre.org or call 410-752-2208.

Wednesday, May 15

Trivia & Karaoke Night: Ottobar trivia (and karaoke). Play as a team or solo. Ages 21+. (Free) 7 p.m. Upstairs at the Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.

Thursday, May 16

The Set List: Monthly music series highlights Baltimore’s most vibrant musical acts. This month’s event features Shonay K, SilverSity, and Chad Grey. ($10) 7 p.m. at the Motor House, 120 West North Avenue. For more information, go to motorhousebaltimore.com. 

Art x The Beat: A Baltimore Beat Fundraiser A musical and visual art fundraiser for the Baltimore Beat. It will be an energetic evening of art, drinks, and dancing, with performances by popular local musicians Outcalls, DJ Ducky Dynamo, Glorian and more. With visual art displayed by Micah E. Wood, James C. Waller and more. Produced by students in the Arts Production & Management program at the University of Baltimore. ($15 suggested donation) 8 p.m. at The Compound, 2239 Kirk Avenue. For more information about this event, please reach out to University of Baltimore Arts Professor Ian Power at ipower@ubalt.edu.

Friday, May 17

Bmore Hip Hop Karaoke: Ellen Gee, Eze Jackson, and DJ Harvey Dent curate a turntable spin on traditional karaoke. Come early to sign up to perform. Ages 21+. ($10) 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at La Familia Soundstage, 836 Guilford Avenue. For more information, go to lafamiliasoundstage.com, call 410-446-8997, or email bmorehiphopkaraoke@gmail.com.

1920s Speakeasy Murder Mystery: Get ready to solve this “whodunnit” mystery at this murder mystery party open to all. ($40) 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ministry of Brewing, 1900 East Lombard Street. For more information, go to ministryofbrewing.com or call 410-624-5623.

Saturday, May 18

Waves Film Screening: An enlightening afternoon dedicated to mental health awareness through a film screening. ($25) 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Impact Hub, 10 East North Avenue. For more information, go to baltimore.impacthub.net. 

Black Women Genius Conversations Art & Healing: Roundtable conversation exploring Black women’s identity through the contemporary works of fiber artists Aliana Grace Bailey, Murjoni Merriweather, and Nastassja Swift. ($9-$12, free for children under 6) 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 East Pratt Street. For more information, go to lewismuseum.org or call 443-263-1800.

YG Teck, YBS Skola, Roddy Rackzz, NASG Chaz & Friends: Rap concert featuring YG Teck and friends. Ages 21+ ($20-$40) 4 p.m to 8 p.m. Euphoria Night Club, 1301 Ponca Street. For more information, call 443-554-8585 or 410-205-9299, or text 202-441-6877.

Sunday, May 19

Baltimore Vintage Spring Expo: A highly curated event celebrating the thriving community of exclusively vintage and antique sellers. ($20) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Union Craft Brewing, 1700 West 41st Street, #420. For more information, go to baltimorevintageexpo.com or email baltimorevintageexpo@gmail.com. 

The Black Mall: Two floors of Black Baltimore excellence in a day of fun, networking, and community. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 6 East Lafayette Avenue. For more information, go to thebaltimorescene.org or email thebaltimorescene@gmail.com.

Dutch Courage Gin Fling: Gin tasting with complimentary oysters, music, and more. ($50) 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dutch Courage, 2229 North Charles Street. For more information, go to dutchcouragebar.com, or call 667-309-7167. 

Ultra Naté’s Deep Sugar Rooftop Jam: Celebrate the return of the summer house music series. Extended DJ set by Ultra Naté. ($28.55) 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lord Baltimore Hotel, LB Sky Bar, 20 West Baltimore Street. For more information, go to: lordbaltimorehotel.com, email deepsugarmusic.com, or call 410-539-8400. 

The post Baltimore Arts and Culture Events 5/8/24-5/22/24 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Editor’s note: On Jan. 30, the City of Memphis released additional videos of the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols.

In the last three years, Andre, a 61-year-old Black man, has been pulled over by police at least five times. It has never been for a moving violation, he says, such as speeding or running a red light. Instead, the reasons have been more suspect. He characterizes them as “overpolicing” and “profiling.”

The most recent incident happened in September. Andre, who asked to be identified only by his middle name, was shadowed by an unmarked car with tinted windows on Raines Road [in Memphis, Tenn.]. He thought it could be a police vehicle, but since he wasn’t speeding he didn’t think he could be subject to a police stop. The car pulled alongside him. He slowed down to let it pass, but the car slowed with him. He slowed down again, and the car slowed with him again. 

“Tyre Nichols popped in my brain,” Andre said. “So I unbuckled my seatbelt, pulled out my phone, and I tried to call my family.”

Andre says he wasn’t sure what was happening until the police officer, who was also Black, flashed interior lights and signaled for him to pull over. 

Andre thrust his arms out of the car window to show he was not holding a weapon.

After some confused negotiations about where he would put his hands, the officer cited him for not wearing a seatbelt.

In the year since Nichols’ beating death by five police officers, followed by the release of footage showing the event, there have been cries for justice, accountability, and police reform. Yet less has been made of the toll his death — and the deaths of other Black people at the hands of police — may have taken on community health.

Social media and news coverage of police violence have created trauma that affects not only victims and their families but the wider community. A Harvard public health study suggested that the police killing of an unarmed Black person had a negative mental health effect on the African American community in the entire state. Other studies have specifically shown that watching videos of police violence disproportionately contributes to sleeplessness, feelings of being on guard and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in Black Americans. 

And it’s not just the mind that’s affected.

“When you look at higher rates of diabetes or high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, mortality rate [in the Black community], we can’t dismiss the impact of racialized trauma on our physical and psychological beings,” said Dr. Janet Taylor, a Florida-based psychiatrist.  

In fact, studies have shown that stress caused by racial discrimination is associated with changes in the DNA of African Americans, which lead to premature aging on the cellular level, or “weathering.”

As for Andre, after his encounter with the police, he was hyperventilating and felt “despair.”

But he got home. 

‘The scariest thing I ever saw’

Trauma is defined in different ways but generally refers to experiences that cause intense physical and psychological stress reactions. PTSD, which occurs after a person has experienced or witnessed a distressing event, includes symptoms such as disturbing thoughts and feelings long after the event has passed, flashbacks, nightmares, feelings of sadness, fear or anger, or feelings of detachment.

Taylor said that witnessing violence, whether directly or in videos broadcast on the news or through social media, can have a significant psychological and physical impact. This particularly impacts people who have previously experienced trauma.

“People who live in communities where they witness a lot of physical violence or emotional violence and abuse or racism — all those factors — it impacts your brain, which impacts your body,” she said. “So exposure to trauma, especially consistently, is a public health factor.”

The more trauma you witness or are involved in, the more your stress levels increase. Trauma has a cumulative effect, she said.

Andre says he wasn’t always afraid of the police. Growing up in Orange Mound, the retired FedEx employee had pleasant interactions with “Officer Friendly” — every neighborhood cop was Officer Friendly back then.

So he remembers being shocked by what he saw on a trip to see the play “Cats” in New York’s theater district. It was 20-some years ago when Rudolph Giuliani held the mayoral office. Giuliani had installed the infamous “stop and frisk” policy, and Andre saw police in Times Square grabbing “random Black men, slamming them against the wall and just start searching them.” 

“That was the scariest thing I ever saw,” he said.

Until Jan. 27, 2023. On that Friday afternoon, Andre saw the chyrons scrolling on the bottom of his TV screen announcing the release of videos depicting the Jan. 7 beating of Nichols. The city was going to release the videos after 6 p.m., when people were home from work, to lessen, officials hoped, the chance of civil unrest. Andre made a point to run to Kroger well ahead of time. After he got home, he watched the footage on the news in his living room.

“I was traumatized,” he said, particularly when he saw the perpetrators were Black officers. “They should have been the ones that have more compassion than anyone.”

A 2020 study of the impact of police violence noted how several factors make it uniquely stress-inducing, including that it is state-sanctioned, there is limited recourse, police culture deters accountability and police are usually armed.

Harvard public health professor David Williams and others affirmed in a 2018 study the spillover effect of police violence on the Black community — how it harms not only those involved and their families but also those who have witnessed or heard about it. In cases where an unarmed Black person was killed by police, the researchers correlated worse mental health in the African American community in the whole state.

The negative mental health effects of a police killing among Black people were long-lasting, enduring three months. No effect was observed in the white community.

The fact that the police killing of Nichols was so evidently unjustified has created a fear in the Black community that “at any point, at any turn … I could experience great violence, and I have no way to avoid it,” said Josh Adams, field director of Memphis for All and a member of the steering committee for the official Black Lives Matter chapter in Memphis. “And I think that needs to be examined on a mental health level.”

Addressing trauma in the Downtown jail

Keedran Franklin, a professional organizer, said he intentionally avoided watching the full Nichols videos, though he has seen snippets. Through a program of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Inside Circle, begun last fall, Franklin facilitates weekly sessions to address trauma at the Shelby County Jail in Downtown Memphis. In these healing circles, gang members and other violent offenders discuss topics of their choice in a nonjudgmental environment. The goal is to reduce recidivism.

“In my circles, people are continuously dealing with those atrocities, so they don’t stop at Tyre Nichols,” he said. “There’s a lot of other stories like Tyre Nichols that never really made it to the light.”

He said both victims and police need to do the work to address their personal trauma: “Getting into spaces where we can release and not get so caught up in the emotional baggage of the up and down and the grief.”

But the first step is to admit the trauma and the sadness. Otherwise, “it’s going to always come out as anger because that’s what’s acceptable to society,” Franklin said. “Society don’t make it acceptable for you to cry.”

Taking positive action

Andre agrees that many of his peers adhere to the “G” code, which holds that men should not show vulnerability. He feels that many acquaintances were afraid after the release of the Nichols videos but will not discuss it. He understands this — but is having none of it himself. Police scare him, he admits, and “I’m terrified for my son.”

His young adult son is autistic and takes medication that can make his movements erratic. Andre said he is afraid that one day his son might make a movement that will be interpreted as aggressive by police.

But Andre is taking action against police violence and a justice system where he feels ignored — a step that experts say can help people to move beyond their trauma.

Last summer, the Department of Justice initiated a civil rights investigation of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department to examine the use of force and its stops, searches and arrests, as well as whether it engages in discriminatory policing.

Andre attended a Department of Justice meeting for the public last fall, where he told investigators about his experiences. He said he is hopeful about the DOJ’s efforts and felt that his comments were taken seriously by the investigator he spoke with.

This is in stark contrast with his dealings with police and courtroom personnel.

He made the decision to fight his recent citation for not wearing a seatbelt. He went to court in October, but his case was not heard that day. An assistant district attorney encouraged him to just pay the $25 ticket, but Andre told him he wanted to tell the judge about his experience — that he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt as a result of being afraid of the officer.

“He was like, ‘Well how much did you pay to park?’ I said, ‘Twenty bucks.’ He said, ‘Man, if I was you, I’d just go pay the $25.’”

Andre refused and will pay another $20 for parking when his date comes around again.

He says he just wants to be heard.

Sono Motoyama is the science writer for MLK50: Justice Through Journalism. Contact her at sono.motoyama@mlk50.com.

The post It’s time to pay attention to how police violence harms community health appeared first on Baltimore Beat.