May 17 Friday
As part of the League of American Bicyclists’ Bike Month, Bike to Work Day is commemorated around the country each year. Did you know that 40% of all trips in the U.S. are less than two miles, making bicycling a feasible and fun way to get to work? With increased interest in healthy, sustainable, and economic transportation options, it’s not surprising that in the last two decades, the number of reported bike commuters has nearly doubled.
Central Library is hosting a pit stop in coordination with Baltimore Metropolitan Council. Ride along the Cathedral Street protected bike lane during your commute, and stop by our table for a free cup of Ceremony coffee, information about upcoming events and other offerings, some swag, and enthusiastic support. Plus, if you register at biketoworkmd.com, we will have a tee shirt reserved for you.
While this event's origin is around commuting to work, of course patrons commuting to the library on bike are welcome and encouraged as well!
String players ages 12-20 are invited to audition for Young Musicians of Baltimore's 2024-2025 Season. Under the artistic leadership of music directors Doug Jameson and Melissa Hullman, students explore chamber orchestra repertoire ranging from the 17th century to the present day. With regular faculty coaching and individualized feedback, students develop technique in ensemble playing, style, and musical phrasing. Young Musicians of Baltimore is dedicated to developing artistic talent through adventuresome programming, building musical community, and equity and inclusion in the arts. Auditions will be held live on Saturday June 22nd and Saturday August 24th beginning at 10am. There is no fee to audition. Audition information is available at ymobmusic.org.
First Saturdays is a series of free hands-on projects and activities for children held on the first Saturday of each month. This series will feature local community partners showcasing their skills in movement, storytelling, arts, tinkering, and more!
2nd Annual Rotunda Rocks Returns to Hampden Neighborhood this SpringFamily-friendly Night of Rockin’ Fun Begins May 3 and Runs Every Friday Until End of September
Whether you like to jam to rock, folk, blues, Indie, Latin or reggae, there is something for everyone as the second annual Rotunda Rocks concert series returns to Hampden this spring/summer (711 W 40th Street). This family-friendly FREE concert series, presented by MCB Real Estate, features live music on the plaza and a street festival atmosphere with delicious local food and drinks, fun games and local vendors on Fridays, 6-9 p.m. beginning May 3 and running until September 27. Rotunda Rocks is open to the public and welcomes families and pets. A portion of proceeds from beverage sales benefits the Maryland SPCA. For more information, log onto Rotunda Rocks | The Rotunda (rotundabaltimore.com) or call 410-662-0104.
SCHEDULE OF BANDS: May 3 Mambo Combo (Latin and tropical rhythms)May 10 Strykers Posse (reggae)May 17 Go Dog Go with special guest Garage Sale (garage rock and hot rockin’ Surf)May 24 Harlan County Kings (original rock)May 31 Patrick Alban & Noche Latina (Latin and acoustic rock with a touch of salsa and South Beach feel)June 7 Barry Prosser and the Vaguely Absurd (classic rock)June 14 Monkton Road Band (rootsy folks laced with deep country)June 21 The Natty Brohs (classic rock and blues)June 28 The Soularites (SoulFULL reggae and Ska)July 5 Kyf Brewer & Friends (hues of 60’s pop radio, British invasion, early Nashville, rhythm and blues and ancient Celtic melodies)July 12 Justin Trawick and the Common Good (Americana-bluegrass, country and folk)July 19 The Players Band (infectious rhythms and horn-heavy ska sounds)July 26 Gaelic Mishap (Celtic rock)August 2 Tumblehome (rock, soul, rhythm & blues)August 9 Kurt Deemer Band (guitar driven rock & roll)August 16 Barleyjuice (Celtic rock)August 23 Red Sammy (honest, slow-burn Americana folks rock)August 30 La Unica (Irish Latin)September 6 ZOCKO! (surf garage)September 13 Western Run (funked-up country rock)September 20 Guys In Thin Ties (Alternative 80s band)September 27 The Rock-A-Sonics (rockabilly, vintage country and atomic age rock n’ roll)
Walter Beasley is considered to be the Highest selling full-time Professor/Recording Artist in modern history. He is an award winning soprano saxophonist and singer, composer and producer, founder and CEO of Affable Publishing and Affable Records and was a professor at Berklee for several years.
Walter has been in the top 10 best-selling African American saxophonists in the world since 1998. Also, he released 12 educational DVD's, a book and 8 APPs. Later this year, Walter will be releasing a new album. After many years of his career, he continues to be an inspiration and role model for many people, including people from the new generations.
"Walter Beasley is an anomaly: a successful performing musician who possesses the rare skill of understanding the musical process beyond the intuitive. This special ability enables Walter to communicate with aspiring musicians in a way that removes the sense of mystery that sometimes enshrouds our profession." - Branford Marsalis
Keystone Kards are not applicable for this show.
May 18 Saturday
Join us at the Walters for free art-making activities! Change can be difficult for many reasons, but growth cannot happen without it. People throughout history have used banners to share messages advocating or announcing important changes. At Drop-in Art Making, you can create your own banner to honor a change that helped you grow. All ages are welcome.
Learn to find and identify:Animal habitats and tracks Native and invasive plants Poisonous plants Bird speciesTree Fungus Find mud crabs & salamandersCollect woodland elements to make a natural bird feederGather interesting bits of nature to make your own earth Mandala.