Baltimore Beat Photographer Myles Michelin took these photos on June 17 at the Black Artist Fair. As part of the official Baltimore Club Music Day celebration, The Black Arts District brought its monthly series focused on Black artistic production and resources to the Shake & Bake Family Fun Center.

Attendees experienced a dynamic blend of community and culture: they enjoyed refreshments from Chef CB’s Bistro Catering, got professional headshots by Sydney J. Allen, and witnessed electrifying performances by Bmore Than Dance youth, all set to the sounds of DJ Ducky Dynamo and a workshop facilitated by Sanahara Ama Chandra.

The fair also provided resources from Associated Black Charities, empowering Black creatives with resources for sustainability and wealth. And Bmore Than Dance showcased its vital children’s program, connecting young folks to Baltimore’s iconic dance legacy. Baltimore Club Music isn’t just a genre; it’s the signature of our city, and this event was a powerful testament to its continued impact and the future of Black Arts in Baltimore, with an emphasis on Baltimore Club Music’s indelible impact on our cultural legacy. 

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AFRAM took place on June 21 and 22, over two steamy days in Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park. A host of local and national entertainers performed on two stages. The festival concluded with a performance from 81-year-old Patti LaBelle. Organizers call it one of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast.

Day One

Day Two

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Local vendors, live music, and families filled the streets surrounding Hollins Market on May 25 for Sowebo Fest’s 49th year kicking off summer. The festival is produced and staff by volunteers from the neighborhood.

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Baseball is back in Baltimore.

Despite the worries of downpour, Camden Yards and much of downtown was a sea of orange and black on March 31 as fans celebrated the first home game of the season and the surprisingly warm weather.

As household names and newer players made their way down the orange carpet on the field before the first pitch, fans were on their feet to welcome them back home, particularly beloved closer Félix Bautista, who pitched in a game at Camden Yards on Monday for the first time since his elbow injury in August 2023.

The Orioles gave them even more reason for joy over the course of the afternoon, winning 8-5 against the Boston Red Sox. (Sanya Kamidi)

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Baltimore held its first-ever Black History Month parade on Feb. 17. It began at noon and started at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and Eutaw Street. Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony M. Thompson was the parade’s Grand Marshal. The event featured bands, city organizations, and more. 

Read more about the parade at AFRO News. 

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The Baltimore Crown Awards is a love offering. The annual award show gives flowers to hard-working Baltimore artists, DJs, curators, dancers, producers, and more. Attendees dress in purple as a nod to the Baltimore Ravens football team.

The 2024 ceremony, themed “Our Beautiful Baltimore,” took place on Dec. 8 at Ikonic Live. The awards were given to everyone from living legends to up-and-comers just beginning to make a name for themselves. 

Chin-Yer Wright, founder of The Baltimore Scene, started organizing the awards show in 2006. The Baltimore Scene is a curatorial platform that unites many facets of the Baltimore arts community, including poets, MCs, musicians, dancers, promoters, and community activists.

“I started it because I love Baltimore,” Wright said. “It’s a Mecca full of genius, talent, love, authenticity, and unity. I noticed that when I travel outside of Baltimore, the city isn’t seen accurately.” 

Wright said she has grown the celebration through a mixture of “persistence and destiny.” She’d like to take it even further.  

“I would love everyone in the city to be familiar with it and, more importantly, for everyone in the city to take the time to give someone their flowers. When people think of the word Baltimore, I want [them to] automatically think of talent, togetherness, creativity, and love.”

Wright’s goal of celebrating Baltimore’s artists recently expanded. She now hosts The Baltimore Scene radio show on WEAA 88.9 on Thursdays at 7 p.m. 

The Baltimore Scene was founded by curator and author Chin-Yer in 2006.

The group’s collaborative mission is to “connect, celebrate, enhance, serve, encourage, and affirm Baltimore’s thriving artistic community.” (Eze Jackson)

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More than four inches of a snow fell in Baltimore on Monday. With Baltimore City Public Schools closed today, families around the city are hitting their favorite sledding spots. Baltimore Beat photographer Myles Michelin stopped by Wyman Park Dell to capture the fun.

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Junior Arabber Adventure, held November 23 in southwest Baltimore, was an interactive program made for youth in Baltimore to learn about Arabber horse culture. Featuring hands on activities, kids were able to learn Arabber history, walk through the neighborhood with the horses and paint horseshoes.  The event not only celebrated a cherished Baltimore tradition but also inspired the next generation to carry forward the legacy of Arabber horse culture in their own unique ways.

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This year’s event, spearheaded by Mayor Brandon Scott, was headlined by rappers Method Man and Redman, and R&B singer Monica.

The post Photostory: Charm City Live 2024 appeared first on Baltimore Beat.

This event, held September 12, offered visitors the chance to visit spaces like The Black Genius Art Show, Lexington Market, and the Bromo Seltzer Art Tower. The evening concluded with an after party at Current Space’s Garden Bar. (Lisa Snowden)

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