In the Wake Of: Resilience and Revolution: Focusing on the intersection of social unrest and artistic expression, this exhibition features the works of Devin Allen, Joe Giordano, and Paul Abowd. All three artists document the emotion, tension, and solidarity that defined the Uprising and what took place in the aftermath, blending personal experiences with collective memory. The exhibition offers a vivid exploration of how art can both challenge and inspire change in jarring moments of societal shifts. March 28 – April 19 at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue. For more information, call 410-276-1651 or go to creativealliance.org

April 9

Looking Back. Moving Forward: A Special West Wednesday: A special West Wednesday event to commemorate the lives of Tyrone West, Freddie Gray, and so many more. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Red Emma’s, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, email distribution@baltimorebeat.com.

April 10

Freddie Gray & The Baltimore Uprising: 10 Years Later Reflecting, Reckoning, and Rebuilding: A two-day symposium examining the impact of Freddie Gray’s death and the movement that reshaped Baltimore policing. April 10-11 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street, and Coppin State University – Tawes Ballroom, 2500 W. North Avenue. For more information, go to: lewismuseum.org.

April 11

Still Rising 10 Years After Freddie Gray’s Death: How Legal, Faith-Based, and Community Advocacy Changed Policing in Baltimore: Conversations with community advocates, clergy, and attorneys who worked to hear and respond to Baltimore residents’ demands for fair and accountable policing. William H. “Billy” Murphy Jr., JD ’69, who served as the attorney for Gray’s family, will be a featured speaker. There will be panel discussions reflecting on federal, state, and local advocacy for fair and accountable policing in Baltimore, lessons learned, and the work ahead. April 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Westminster Hall, Maryland Carey Law, 519 W. Fayette Street. For more information, go to law.umaryland.edu.

April 16

Heavy with History: Devin Allen and the Baltimore Uprising: A focus exhibition of rarely shown photographs by Baltimore-based artist Devin Allen. Guest curated by Lisa Snowden-McCray, Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of Baltimore Beat. This exhibition will be on view through June 22, 2025. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. For more information, go to artbma.org.

April 19

REFLECT & REVIVE: West Baltimore Beautification Project – Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the Baltimore Unrest: Local West Baltimore residents, organizations, and elected officials will join forces for a day of reflection and revitalization, including a community-wide clean-up. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1679 West North Avenue. Click here to pre-register.

Rise Bmore: A free evening of words and music in honor of Freddie Gray. 7 p.m. at 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul Street. For more information, go to risebmore.com. 

April 24

Write-In for Freddie Gray: Hosted by Writers in Baltimore Schools and Baltimore Beat. Facilitated by Bry Reed. Open to students and the community. Dinner provided for K-12 students. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Red Emma’s Free School Classroom, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. Click here to RSVP.

World Premier of the Baltimore Legacy Project: Baltimore Still Rising: This world premiere of Baltimore Still Rising combines a powerful documentary screening with a panel discussion featuring activists directly involved in the 2015 Uprising. This event offers a rare opportunity to connect the themes of resistance, activism, and policy change — core ideas in historical scholarship — to the lived experiences of a modern movement. 7 p.m. at The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Road. For more information, go to srasheem.com

April 30

Slow and Sudden Violence: Why and When Uprisings Occur:  a panel discussion based on Prof. Derek Hyra’s recent book Slow and Sudden Violence: Why and When Uprisings Occur (University of California Press, 2024) To confront American unrest, Hyra urges that we end racialized policing, stop Black community destruction and displacement, and reduce neighborhood inequality. Hyra will be in conversation with UMBC Professors Derek Musgrove (History) and Nicole King (American Studies) on the issues the book addresses and the future of U.S. cities. 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery, 1000 Hilltop Circle.

The post Events in Baltimore that honor the life of Freddie Gray and remember the 2015 Baltimore Uprising appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Here are some traditional and not-so-traditional ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve weekend in Baltimore. Many of these will sell out, so we recommend buying your tickets now. 

Thursday, Dec. 28

Tromac, S.DOT, and JaySwann: Start your New Year’s Eve weekend at this dance party featuring sounds by DJs Tromac, S.DOT, and JaySwann. (21+, Free) 10 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.

Friday, Dec. 29

Ducky’s Dungeon 2023 Finale: Celebrate two years of Ducky’s Dungeon and close out 2023 by letting loose and celebrating the burgeoning underground community and culture that gives Baltimore its charm. Featuring sounds by resident DJs Ducky Dynamo, Ayymelo, and special guest K-Deucez. (21+, $10) 9:30 p.m. at The Crown Baltimore, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to thecrownbaltimore.com or call 410-625-4848.

Dyke Nite Baltimore’s Fourth Birthday:  Celebrate Dyke Nite’s fourth birthday as well as the dawn of the New Year. Hit the dance floor downstairs with DJs Jacq Jill, Rox Reed and Pancakes. Featuring midnight birthday cake from Butterscream Baby, latex vending by Allure Bond, and resident bootblack Bird will be on duty. Don’t forget to bring cash tributes for the entertainers. Please wear a mask. ($15, 21+) 10 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.

Saturday, Dec. 30

New Year’s Retributions: A Double Feature Evening of Evil: Watch a thrilling double feature screening of “New Year’s Evil” and “Terror Train.” Presented by Vintage View Cinema. (21+, Free/Donations) 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 East 30th Street. For more information, go to peabodyheightsbrewery.com, vintageviewcinemas.com, or call 410-467-7837.

Ultra Nate’s DEEP SUGAR “Night Before” NYE: Celebrate the end of an epic year of underground house music with the Deep Sugar family. A night dedicated to lovers of house music, with original speakers brought in from the legendary Paradox. Featuring sounds by selectors Wayne Davis and Mookie Brock. Cash bar until 1:30 a.m. (21+, $20 Adv.) 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Factory 17, 1722 North Charles Street. For more information, email: deepsugarparty@gmail.com, or call: 410-547-8423.

3AM GANG SH!T: Continue your New Year’s Eve warmup with sets by DJs JaySwann, Tromac, CASH.LISS, DJ-SUN, and Cadeem Lamarr. (18+, $16 – $20) 10 p.m. to late, Studio 10 Warehouse. Address will be provided to ticket holders. Contact organizers for more information.

Sunday, Dec. 31

The Charmery’s 10th Kiddie Scoop Ball Drop: Bring your family to experience the joy of a New Year’s Eve ball drop a little bit earlier. Featuring glitter tattoos, New Year’s ice cream flavors, Union Craft Brewing beer, and DJ Sir Scoops-A-Lot spinning killer tunes to ring in the New Year. The event’s highlight is the much-anticipated ball drop, scheduled for 8 p.m. (Free, all ages, with ice cream treats available for purchase) 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Charmery Ice Cream Factory, 1700 West 41st Street #400. For more information, go to: thecharmery.com, or call: 443-759-4905.

New Year’s Eve at Melba’s Place: Enjoy free parking, a light buffet, and a complimentary champagne toast. Featuring sounds by DJs Greg Dahamma, Marty Mar, Fella, and Nitro. (21+, $25) 8 p.m. at Melba’s Place, 3126 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to melbasplacebaltimore.com, or call 410-366-6536.

NYE23: Drone Show & Fireworks: Ring in the new year with Baltimore’s traditional fireworks display – with a twist. The skies will dazzle at midnight with a custom drone display alongside fireworks. The Inner Harbor Ice Rink will be open. Featuring music by DJ Curtis of C.James Experience and performances by Soul Cannon. (All ages, Free) 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at The Inner Harbor Amphitheatre, Light Street and Pratt Street. For more information, go to: promotionandarts.org, or call 410-752-8632.

Royal Blue NYE: Uncle Quincy & Chris Brooks:  Dance into the new year with music from  Chris Brooks and DJ Quincy. Drink specials (21+, $10) 9 p.m. to close at The Royal Blue, 1733 Maryland Avenue. For more information, go to: royalbluebar.com or call 443-869-6111.

Heels & Ties: A Queer New Year’s Eve Surprise: Dress to the nines for an unforgettable LGBTQIA+ New Year’s Eve party! Sip your favorite cocktails and enjoy small bites while dancing the night away. Featuring sounds by DJ Rosie and DJ Missy. Appetizer buffet until 11 p.m. and champagne toast at midnight. Presented by The Queers Upstairs. (21+, $30 – $75) 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Aliceanna Social Club, 1603 Aliceanna Street. For more information, go to: aliceannasocialclub.com, or call 410-864-6397.  

REFLEXIONS: A NYE Party featuring DJ SWISHA: The Compound x Break-A-Leg invites you to dance and bring in the New Year with two rooms offering club, house, and techno. Featuring sounds by DJ SWISHA (Juke Bounce Werk/NYC), Syd, Jacq Jill, Kade Young x JiaLing, and more. (18+, $22.85) 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. at The Compound, 2239 Kirk Avenue (22nd Street). For more information, contact info@compound.org. 

NEW YEARS EVE! 2003 v. 2023: It’s an epic music battle royale featuring the future classics of 2023 vs 2003 classics. Featuring DJ Mills and DJ Amsies . Ring in the new year with your fellow freaks and geeks and a free champagne toast at midnight. (21+, Free) 10 p.m. at Ottobar, Upstairs, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.

Sweet Spot New Year’s Eve Dance Party:  Celebrate New Year’s Eve with this iconic dance party featuring your favorite pop anthems. Featuring sounds by DJ Sweet Spot and hosted by Baby. Advance tickets are $15 for entry and include a champagne toast at midnight, a balloon drop, and party favors. (21+, $15) 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to metrobmore.com, sweetspotbmore.com, or call 443-425-5139.

New Year’s Eve Dopo Style: A night filled with delightful drinks and a vibrant atmosphere designed to captivate. Open bar and DJ. (21+, $125) 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Prima Dopo Cucina & Cocktail House, 1724 Thames Street. For more information, go to primadopobaltimore.com, or call: (443) 449-5605.

VERSION: A Queer Dance Party | NYE: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at VERSION, a dance party and space carved out for queer and trans people, by queer and trans people. Featuring sounds by resident DJ Trillnatured, hosted by Kotic Couture, and photographs by Sydney Allen. If you need a hand with cover this month email: letsversion@gmail.com (21+, $15 – $20) 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Crown Baltimore, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: www.thecrownbaltimore.com or call: 410-625-4848.

It’s New Years, Again. The Sequel: Come dance and ring in the New Year again at this curated affair that will create memories to take with you all year long. This event will feature champagne, burritos, cocktails, and beer. Sounds by Chipleh, Mr. Doc, High Tension, Brian Murphy, and CheekyWillie. (21+, $20 – $55) 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Zo Gallery Studio, 3510 Ash Street. Contact organizers for more information. 

UZUMAKI: A sophisticated lo-fi New Year’s Eve celebration with vinyl records from DJ Graham Hatke. 10 p.m. at Fadensonnen, Upstairs Tavern, 3 West 23rd Street. For more information, go to: fadensonnen.com.

The post 2023 New Year’s Eve Weekend Events appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Wednesday, October 4

Wellness Wednesday Kemetic Yoga: An evening of Kemetic Yoga with Michele Blu. ($20) 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Quench Juice Bar, 32 South Calvert Street. For more info, go to quenchjuicebar.com, micheleblu.yoga, or call 443-813-5042. 

“Get Out” Screening: Watch Jordan Peele’s 2017 thriller. 7 p.m. at Warehouse Cinemas, 727 West 40th Street. For more information, go to rotunda.warehousecinemas.com.

Thursday, October 5 

Chocolate Covered Rocky Horror: This racy rendition of the iconic movie that debuted in 1975 encourages unity and reminds us all that we have greater enemies as a people. Since 2015, Chocolate Covered Rocky Horror has been a tribute to the queer experience while showcasing and exposing minorities to liberating art forms.  ($32-$35) Oct. 5-7 at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue. For more information, go to creativealliance.org or call: 410-276-1651.

Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival: ​The 2023 festival will include four international shorts programs, a Baltimore showcase program, a Young Audiences program, a Guest Animator Retrospective, independent feature films, workshops, and more. Oct. 5-8 at various locations. For more information, go to sweatyeyeballs.com.

Jazzy Summer Nights: Featuring a performance by Joi Carter, food trucks, retail vendors, and more. ($25+) 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 101 West Cromwell Street. For more information, go to thefinngroup.net/jazzy-summer-nights.

Friday, October 6

Charm City Blues Festival: This special night of emotive lyrics and guitar-driven accompaniment features performances by King George, Calvin Richardson, Lenny Williams, Theodis Ealey and Pokey Bear. ($59-$175) 8 p.m. at The Lyric Baltimore,140 West Mount Royal Avenue. For more information, go to lyricbaltimore.com

Saturday, October 7

Pindrop: A blend of Baltimore club, electro, and EDM sounds. ($10) 2 a.m. to 7 a.m., location to be announced. For more information, go to ra.co/events/1772506.

Vision & Spirit African-American Art Workshop for Kids with Charles Mason III: A fun and interactive artwork workshop, dabbling with drawing and mixed media materials. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 East Pratt Street. For more information, go to lewismuseum.org or call: 443-263-1800.

BLKYARD BOOGIE MKT: Hand-crafted drinks, amazing music, and some of the dopest BLK creatives and makers to shop with. Noon to 5 p.m. at Good Neighbor, 3827 Falls Road. For more information, call: 443-627-8919 or go to goodneighborshop.com.

Free Congolese Dance Class with Andoche Loubaki: Learn Congolese dance moves. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Cahill Recreation Center, 4001 Clifton Avenue. For more information, call 410-396-0259.

Jason Reynolds, “There Was a Party for Langston”: Award-winning author Jason Reynolds will share his debut picture book that celebrates the life and legacy of Langston Hughes. He will be joined in conversation by bestselling author D. Watkins. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to: prattlibrary.org.

Creating Art, Creating Change: Art as a Tool for Social Justice: An evening of art and storytelling to explore the connections between racism, anti-Semitism, and the transformative power of art and stories to counter hate and build a thriving democracy. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway. For more information, go to: avam.org or call 410-244-1900.

The ReUnion: Morgan State Homecoming Party: Music from DJ Flow, DJ KI, DJ C-Stylez, DJ Reem, and more. 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Ikonic Live, 318-316 Guilford Avenue. For more information, go to mvemnt.com.

Beatitude One Year Anniversary: Featuring sounds by livwutang, Coco Bryce, Beautiful Swimmers, CalvoMusic, Babypufff, flotussin, and Black Grealish. ($20 – $30) 10 p.m., location to be announced. For more information, go to ra.co/events/1777158.

Sunday, October 8

Free Animation Workshop for Kids: Participants ages seven to 12 can learn stop-motion animation using sand, drawing, and puppets. 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at MICA’s Fox Building, 1305 West Mount Royal Avenue. For more information, go to sweatyeyeballs.com.

Deep Sugar Rooftop: Dance like nobody is watching to grooves across the spectrum of house music. Sounds by selectors Ultra Naté, DJ Oji, DJ Scoob, and DJ Cel. ($27) 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 West Baltimore Street. For more information, go to: lordbaltimorehotel.com, or call 410-539-8400. 

Hip-Hop & Soul Cafe’: Special guest DJs spinning classic 80s & 90s hip-hop, R&B, classic soul samples and more. Sundays. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Nola Seafood & Spirits, 36 East Cross Street. For more information, go to nolaseafoodandspirits.com.

Astroknot Collective presents: Pride in Black w/ Kotic Cotoure, Neru Thee Fourth Fugee, D.T., Berkolover, and more: Baltimore’s month-long celebration of Black LGBTQ Pride happens every October. This year, Blaq Equity Baltimore partners with the Black Arts District and various local artists and organizations to promote and produce events throughout the month. ($10-$15) 9 p.m. at The Crown Baltimore, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to thecrownbaltimore.com.

Black Celebration: DJs Jerrod Bronson & Hell O’Kitty play goth, industrial, post-punk, new wave and beyond. A dark dance night created by POC, where all are welcome. 9 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: theottobar.com or call 410- 662-0069.

Monday, October 9

Kizomba Mondays: Kizomba/Semba classes and social dancing. Mondays, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.at The Point In Fells, 1738 Thames Street. For more information, go to thepointfells.com.

Tuesday, October 10

Sing-Along Tuesday: Weekly karaoke. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Melba’s Place, 3126 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, call 410-366-6536 

Thursday, October 12

Baltimore Blaq Pride 2023: Opening Reception: Enjoyy happy hour snacks, drinks, and more to celebrate Black LGBTQIA Pride Month. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 West Baltimore StreetFor more information, go to baltimoreblaqpride.org.

Halle Hill Presents “Good Women”: Author Halle Hill discusses her new short story collection. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Greedy Reads Remington, 320 West 29th Street. For more information, go to greedyreads.com.

The Vibe Check: Musicians from all over the city come here to jam, vibe, and connect with Love Harris. Featuring “The Storage Unit” fusion collective. Bring your instrument, your voice, and your energy. 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Motor House, 120 West North Avenue. For more information, go to motorhousebaltimore.com.

Friday, October 13

Bry Reed Presents “Surviving the Future: Abolitionist Queer Strategies”: “Surviving the Future” is a collection of the most current ideas in radical queer movement work and revolutionary queer theory. 7 p.m. at Red Emma’s, 3128 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to: redemmas.org or call 410-601-3072.

TWUK (Vol. 5) Tricks & Treats: This event features DJ Zephyr and special guest Vosh, as well as performers Letty, Scarlet, Pixie, Sativa, Kiley, Nikki, Eden and Royal. Tricks & Treats is goth-themed, and costumes are encouraged. ($15-$100) 8 p.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to metrobmore.com or email: ericmach@themetrogallery.net.

Art After Hours: Hear DJ Pangelica spin a mix of deep house with classical influences and female vocals. Enjoy European-inspired appetizers and cocktails by H3irloom Food Group, and don’t miss a pop-up performance by genre-spanning violinist Melissa Hullman and hands-on paper quilling with artist Kim Rice. ($25-$30) 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. For more information, go to artbma.org or call 443-573-1700.

Joy Postell  DJ Shay Alienood: Ages 18 and up. ($15-$20) 9 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: theottobar.com or call 410- 662-0069.

Saturday, October 14

Black Canni Conference: This event celebrates Black entrepreneurs and leaders in the cannabis industry. Oct. 14-15 at Baltimore Unity Hall, 1505 Eutaw Place. For more information, email admin@livewellbemore.com or call 410-212-5953. 

Sensory-Friendly Morning: A sensory-friendly hour of The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited. The multi-media exhibition will be modified to provide a low-sensory experience with dimmed lighting and lower, consistent volumes of its installations. Free with $17-$19 museum admission. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Maryland Center for History and Culture, 610 Park Avenue. For more information, go to https://www.mdhistory.org/ or call 410-685-3750.

Fela Kuti Birthday Celebration 2023: Kalakuta Speakeasy Style: Fela vinyl set courtesy of DJ Natty KooL and African art and fashion courtesy of Umri Siki and Gallery Denkyem Ase. Please RSVP. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Baltimore Spirits Company Cocktail Gallery, 1700 West 41st Street. For more information, go to baltimorespiritsco.com or call: 443-687-9099.

Monday, October 16

Seven Deadly Sips at Black Acres Roastery: Join Yelp Baltimore and Black Acres Roastery for a complimentary coffee tasting and home brewing workshop. RSVP required. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Black Acres Roastery, 1400 Greenmount Avenue. For more information, go to blackacrescoffee.com

Tuesday, October 17

Public Art Panel Discussion: A night of discussion on public art. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at NoMüNoMü, 709 North Howard Street. For more information, go to brushmuralfest.com. 

Wednesday, October 18 

Jada Pinkett Smith: “Worthy”: Jada Pinkett Smith’s new unconventional memoir “Worthy” is an invitation to join her adventure in search of love and self-worth. During this special event, Jada will recount her story in an intimate conversation with readers. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to https://www.prattlibrary.org or call 410-396‑5430. 

The post Baltimore Arts and Culture Events 10/04/23-10/18/23 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Here’s the thing about “American Psycho”: It’s a movie full of violence toward women, specifically sex workers, who are frequent targets of violence both in real life and onscreen. In life, it’s appalling; in film, it’s a frustrating if dull trope. Story goes Gloria Steinem talked Leonardo DiCaprio out of getting involved in the movie for that reason (I guess that was before she became stepmom to Christian Bale the same year the film premiered). But here’s the other thing about “American Psycho”: It’s directed and written by women (Mary Haron directed; she and Guinevere Turner adapted the novel) who reconfigured author Bret Easton Ellis’ misogynist blood lust as a biting though still questionable satire of toxic masculinity—at the very least, they cut Ellis’ unforgivable scene where Bateman performs rat torture on a woman in the worst possible way. All of this is to say, I just want to watch that bumptious dickhole Jared Leto get butchered, Huey Lewis blasting, all the time. He’ll be turned into pulp on the big screen tonight in the latest installment of Gunky’s Basement, co-hosted by Dan Deacon and Jimmy Joe Roche. Feb. 28, 9 p.m., The Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave., (410) 752-8083, mdfilmfest.com, $10 ($8 for members).

The post Gunky’s Basement presents “American Psycho” tonight at The Parkway appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

The product of thousands of devil-centric found footage clips slowed down, sped up, and spliced together, “The Great Satan” is a profoundly dense 75 minutes of Christian hip-hop puppets, the little known superhero “Bibleman,” pasty televangelists proclaiming that “if you listen to heavy metal music, the devil will make you kill your mom,” occult porn, somehow a lot of singing ducks, and even more cursory blips of what just happened at Vine speed.

This dizzying visual essay on humanity’s desperate attempts to both squash and indulge in hedonism is the work of Everything Is Terrible, the Los Angeles-based collective responsible for six found footage features including a remake of “Holy Mountain” comprised entirely of dog-related clips, plus a still-growing collection of 15,000 “Jerry Maguire” VHS tapes amassed to eventually form a pyramid in the desert. EIT will present “The Great Satan” with a live show complete with costumes and puppets at the Parkway on March 7 as part of their nationwide tour (during which they will be accepting “Jerry Maguire” VHS donations).

While “The Great Satan” leaves one spinning and likely nauseated, it’s the logical culmination of modern life, especially for viewers like myself who were born during and in the wake of Satanic panic and whose religious upbringing coincided with the dawn of YouTube and randomcore. EIT approaches found footage filmmaking as an exquisite corpse: In this case, Satan is something of a unifier as the film shuffles through a loosely connected stream of thematic threads ranging from dogs to she-demons, drugs to literal rebirth, law enforcement to Dungeons & Dragons, demonstrating that the devil is indeed everywhere you turn.

The majority of these clips are saturated with a certain dread—the laughing-to-keep-from-crying kind that comes with the glass half empty sense that nothing matters—that would be paralyzing if not for the rapid fire speed that leaves no time to dwell, which is really a blessing. Audio of children singing a quasi-reggae rendition of Matthew 6:34—“Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself”—plays over footage of a sad polar bear sitting on melting ice cap. The most time we’re given to meditate on a single image is about 15 seconds, and it’s just a single shot of an obese, bewildered cat sitting up next to the words “it’s a wonderful life” painted in what appears to be blood. The rest is too-brief-to-register snippets of dicks getting ripped off in B-horror movies, that one brilliant hip-hop number from “Teen Witch,” a poorly rendered CGI demon fucking a guy from behind, and celebrity cameos from Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Bee Gees, a three-eyed Whoopi Goldberg, what appears to be a young Keegan Michael Key of “Key & Peele,” and Gene Simmons, obviously.

Soon enough, Christian, Satanic, and secular material become fairly indistinguishable. Every fragment feels like humanity flailing about in search of direction where there is none, twisting some moral significance out of anything and everything. Here, evil at work looks like feminism, Limp Bizkit, and a man’s face adhered to a wall like a taxidermy buck head claiming that he’s there “hiding from god.” Righteousness is praying with such intensity that it literally sets off explosions in Satan’s lair. Dredged in historical precedent, ministry as warfare is taken to the next level here; cue a beheading montage set to the kids’ marching tune ‘I’m in the Lord’s Army.’

Altogether, this is unequivocally an endurance test, less a hate watch than exposure therapy to human folly distilled into its core kitsch. Heed the advice delivered at the film’s introductory sequence—“fasten your spiritual seatbelts.”

The post Found footage collective Everything Is Terrible brings “The Great Satan” to the Parkway appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

If you missed the blessing that was AMC theaters screening Jordan Peele’s social thriller for free on President’s Day, you can still see it again on the big screen today—which is especially useful considering folks (The Golden Globes) who misinterpreted “Get Out” as a comedy apparently need a careful rewatch. Because really, it’s more “a documentary,” as the director tweeted. That “Get Out” opened last year and has already earned a spot in The Charles’ Revival Series speaks volumes to its deserved status as an instantly iconic film, and moreover a resonant indictment of white liberalism. See it tonight ahead of the Oscars next week, when it may or may not be awarded Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and/or Best Original Screenplay. By the way, look out next week for The Beat’s Fake Oscars issue, in which we’ll award the true movie winners this year—because as we all know, more often than not, there’s no justice in the Academy. Feb. 22, 9 p.m., The Charles Theatre, 1711 N. Charles St., (410) 727-3464, thecharles.com, $11.

The post Tonight: “Get Out” screens at The Charles appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

I was born in 1980, which makes me a super official ‘80s baby and as such, I’d like to give you a list of the things I usually watch on TV these days: reruns of “The Golden Girls,” reruns of “227,” reruns of “Mama’s Family,” and reruns of “A Different World.” Nostalgia, I’m learning, is comforting even when real life is not (plus “The Golden Girls” tackled subjects like immigration, sexual harassment, and mental illness—everything old is new again). That may be part of the reason why the people behind The Stoop Storytelling Series are putting on an event this week focused on all things ’80s, promising tales of “excess, fear, big hair, and the Bomb.” Storytellers include Robin Yasinow, Gillian Stewart Quinn, Steve Parke, Naomi Cross, Bill Henry, and Louis Hughes Jr. There’s no rule that you should pull out your best neon-colored off-the-shoulder-top, or sport a banana clip hair thingy, but of course you should. And The Beat is a sponsor, so we’ll be there handing out papers and waving hello. Feb. 22, cocktails and live music at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Road, stoopstorytelling.com, $20. (Lisa Snowden-McCray)

The post Tonight: The Stoop Storytelling Series presents That ’80s Show appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

Activist Kim Trueheart says that her Investing in Parents town hall was her New Year’s resolution. For many parents and caregivers, figuring out how to guide their children through the city’s educational system can be confusing and not very inclusive, and she wants to do something about it.

“We’ve made no strategic investments in helping parents navigate the system,” she says.

Things like getting your kids access to needed services or negotiating with a teacher can be stressful and fraught for many parents. Trueheart wants to help parents navigate those processes

Frances Frost, the U.S. Department of Education’s parent ambassador, will deliver a keynote address at the town hall, with Baltimore City Schools CEO Sonja B. Santelises, City Councilman Zeke Cohen, and Del. Mary Washington also in attendance. There will be time for parents to ask questions.

“I’d like for parents to ask questions around challenges they’ve had . . . and get credible answers about how to go back and reengage. It’s not a matter of giving up the first time. Your child is worth you trying again and again.”

Trueheart says she wants to plan a parenting institute in March to keep helping city parents help their kids.

“Oftentimes the services are there but you have to ask for them,” Trueheart says. “Oftentimes that doesn’t happen, especially in the instance of a troubled child. The system would rather reject that child than embrace that child.”

Free food, transportation, and childcare will be provided. Call Trueheart at (443) 255-9413 to arrange transportation.

The event will be held on Feb. 22, 6-8 p.m. at the Baltimore City Community College Fine Arts Theater, 2901 Liberty Heights Ave. Go to here to register and for more information.

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Feb. 9 & 10

Years ago, my partner and I decided to celebrate our anniversary by driving to Philadelphia to visit the Mütter Museum, a collection of artifacts, skeletons, and parts in jars illuminating medical history and pathology. There you have slices of Einstein’s brain, malformed fetuses, a corpse that turned into soap (look it up)—it’s creepy stuff. At the time, we thought we were being real original with our romantic date choice, but it turns out that place hosts weddings all the time. All this is to say that the macabre is a more popular gateway to romance than you may expect. This Valentine’s weekend, there are two ways for you and your flame to get shivers (other than the standard Netflix-horror-movie and chill): Baltimore Ghost Tours offers a special trip through local spooky love stories, including a failed fling of Baltimore’s doomed sad boi Edgar Allan Poe; and DSW shoestore-turned-haunted house attraction Bennett’s Curse hosts a themed production wherein an evil spirit overthrows cupid and makes people miserable, or something like that. Think romantic date at the Prime Rib, except more like Prime Ribcage trap in “Saw III.” Haunted Hearts Pub Tour: Feb. 9 and 10, 7 p.m., meet outside Max’s Sidebar, 731 S. Broadway, baltimoreghosttours.com, $22. Bennett’s Curse Presents A Valentine Fear Experience: Feb. 9 and 10, 7 p.m., Bennett’s Curse Haunted House, 7875A Eastpoint Mall, bennettscurse.com, $30-$50.

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February Fells Point Residents Association Meeting. Monthly meeting of Residents’ Association. Feb. 7, 7-9 p.m., Bertha’s Mussels, 734 S. Broadway, fellspoint.us/news.html.

West Wednesday. Tawanda Jones, the sister of Tyrone West, a man killed in police custody in July 2013, has been gathering every Wednesday with other activists in the city to call attention to West’s death and police brutality in Baltimore. Feb. 7 and 14, usually held at the intersection of 33rd Street and Greenmount Avenue, check facebook.com/justicefortyronewest for details.

20/20 Campaign Conversation. Join the Baltimore Housing Roundtable to discuss next steps in the campaign to make equitable housing a priority in the city budget. Feb. 8, 6-8 p.m., United Workers, 2640 St. Paul St., facebook.com/Baltimorehousingroundtable.

Free Keith Davis Jr. Fundraiser. Music, performances, and more. Feb. 9, 7-11 p.m., The Motor House, 120 W. North Ave., facebook.com/events/908363906003667, suggested $15 cover.

HCPI Spruce-Up Community Grant Workshop. Learn about the Spruce-Up grant application, explore potential project ideas, and more. Village Learning Place, 2521 St. Paul St., centralbaltimore.org/spruce-ups.

Politics 2018: Maryland Candidates’ Forum. Hear from candidates running for a variety positions. Feb. 10, 10 a.m.-noon, Greater Baltimore Urban League, 512 Orchard St., (410) 523-8150, gbul.org.

Plants and People Sunday Free Educational Program Series. Children learn about plants, gardening, and more. Feb. 11,1:30-3:30 p.m., Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 3100 Swann Drive, (410) 396-0008, rawlingsconservatory.org/plants-and-people.

Board of School Commissioners. Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The public is invited to attend and offer comment. Feb. 13, 5 p.m., Baltimore City Public Schools District Office, 200 E. North Ave., baltimorecityschools.org/school_board/meetings.

Healing BMore Activists. Healing space for Baltimore’s black and brown activists. Feb. 14, 6-8 p.m., GLCCB, 2530 N. Charles St., third floor, healingbmoreactivists.eventbrite.com, $15 donation suggested.

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