The holiday fun continues with tons of performances, gatherings and music throughout the region. Plus, it’s time to make those New Year’s Eve plans.
Theater
1. “Puss in Boots”
Back by popular demand, this fairy tale for the whole family calls for audience participation (hiss the villain, warn the good guys, and sing along when needed). The Puss in Boots tale begins with Peter, a strong, handsome lad, who is also a dreamer. With his nose in adventure stories, he is not much use in helping his mother, poor Widow Weptalot, and the two of them can barely scrape out a meager existence, living in a farmhouse with their faithful cat, Puss. To make things worse, the family is being terrorized by their evil landlord, Scratchenbitem, who threatens to throw them out to starve if they do not pay the rent they owe. Indeed things get so bad that they fear they can no longer keep Puss, who is so kind-hearted that he can’t even catch mice to feed himself. Details: 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Tuesday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday; Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston Street, Baltimore; $12 to $25. 410-752-8558; www.theatreproject.org
2. “Concert Tribute to Rogers and Hammerstein”
Everyman Theatre’s post-Christmas “Concert Tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein” features songs from the greatest hits of Broadway’s most popular duo including “The Sound of Music,” “The King and I,” “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma!” and more. Details: 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Everyman Theatre, 1727 N. Charles Street , Baltimore. 410-752-2208, www.everymantheatre.org
3. “A Christmas Carol at Toby’s”
There are many adaptations of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol but this one is the official Broadway version. Music and Lyrics by Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime and Seussical, the Musical). Through January 4. Details: Various times; Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Best Western Hotel and Conference Center, 5625 O’Donnell Street, Baltimore. 410-649-1660; www.tobysdinnertheatre.com
4. “Peter Pan”
Take a magical adventure to Neverland with the Darling children to meet the mischievous Lost Boys, Tiger Lily, swashbuckling pirates, a spunky fairy, and of course, Peter Pan himself. This musical stage adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s children’s classic is sure to delight audiences of all ages, so it’s okay if you want to grow up! Details: 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday (except Dec. 25); 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday; Olney Theatre, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney; $25 and up. 410-924-3400, www.olneytheatre.org
5. “Caroline, or Change”
Change is in the air in 1963 Louisiana. A black maid, working for a middle-class white family, tackles issues of race, faith, money and change in this Motown musical. Details: Center Stage, 700 North Calvert St., Baltimore; Various times through Jan. 18; Tickets $10-$65; 410-332-0033; www.centerstage.org
Gatherings
1. Champagne and Sparking Wine Tasting
Join Executive Chef Daniel Wecker for a sampling of seven champagnes and sparkling wines along with a sampling of light hors d’oeuvres. A special prix fixe dinner will be available following the tasting for guests who wish to stay. Details: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday; The Elkridge Furnace Inn, 5745 Furnace Ave., Elkridge; $40. 410-379-9336
2. Annual Kwanzaa Festival
Eubie Blake’s annual family festival features a live jazz performance by Craig Alston on saxophone (with trio), an African marketplace, mini art classes, an open mic, a gallery exhibit, and dance interpretations from Tracie Jiggetts and the Imani Dancers. Canned goods and other non-perishable food donations will be accepted. Details: 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Eubie Blake Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard Street, Baltimore. 410-225-3130; www.eubieblake.org
3. Baltimore Gallery 321 New Years Eve Party
Peruse Baltimore Gallery 321’s new Ben Franklin exhibit, while nibbling on gourmet munchies. A night of music, dancing, and art — plus the customary champagne toast — awaits. Details: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday; Baltimore Gallery 321, 321 W. Madison Avenue, Baltimore; $55 to $85. 410-523-0249; RSVP to [email protected]
4. USS Constellation New Year’s Eve Deck Party
Toast the New Year aboard USS Constellation, and watch the fireworks high above the Inner Harbor explode. A special twilight menu will be served with local ale, wine, mulled cider, and coffee. Proceeds benefit the Museum’s education programs and restoration projects. Call to reserve your spot now. Details: 8 p.m. Wednesday; Pier One at the Inner Harbor, 301 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore; $60 to $75. 410-539-1797
5. Wu Year’s Eve
Hip, hop and get down on your way into ’09 at Sonar’s Wu Year’s Eve party. The lineup is so good it’s sick: Method Man, Rza, Gza, Ghostface, Raekwon and Masta Killa are joined by a slew of Taxlo deejays. A champagne toast at midnight seals the deal. Details: 8 p.m.; Sonar, 407 E. Saratoga Street, Baltimore; $55 to $150. 410-783-7888; www.sonarbaltimore.com
Family
1. Annapolis Holiday Horse and Carriage Ride
Relax in style in a vintage horse-drawn carriage, on an enchanting two-mile ride through the animated lights of the season. Listen as your coachman recites 300 years of Annapolis history. Details: 1 to 10 p.m.Thursday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday; Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis; $12 to $120 (children under two free). For directions and reservations, visit www.annapoliscarriage.com
2. Kid’s Interactive Cooking Class
Encourage little Johnny to develop his inner chef with basic kitchen skills and cooking knowledge. Elkridge Furnace Inn’s class teaches kids to prepare their own breakfast and lunch. The class will focus on making crepes and fillings for the crepes, both savory and sweet. They also will be making vegetable stock and minestrone soup. Details: 9 a.m. to noon Monday; The Elkridge Furnace Inn, 5745 Furnace Avenue, Elkridge. 410-379-9336
3. The Sweetest Little Mini Museum in Town
View the unveiling of a mini Port Discovery made of gingerbread bricks, and then make a gingerbread man. Details: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, Baltimore; free. 410-727-8120; www.Portdiscovery.org
4. Maryland Science Center’s Holiday Week Exploration
Kids off school under age 8 can enjoy a new activity daily in the Learning Lab, focusing on the scientific aspects of some seasonal traditions. Details: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, Jan. 2; Maryland Science Center, 601 Light Street, Baltimore; free with admission. 410-685-5225; www.mdsci.org
5. Winter Break Activities at The Walters
Is winter break a little too long? If your kids are bouncing off the walls at home, then come to the Walters Art Museum for free fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Young artists and their favorite adult companions can make star lanterns, jeweled votive candles or holiday greeting cards. Activities are suitable for children aged 3 and up. Details: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday to Thursday, January 1, 2009. The Walters Art Museum, 600 North Charles Street, Baltimore; free. 410-547-9000; www.Thewalters.org
Music
1. Alison Miller, Josh Davis, Jeff Antoniuk, Wade Beach
New York’s hottest jazz stars head to Baltimore for a program highlighting the inventive time signatures that characterize great jazz. The set list includes remarkable tunes such as Paul Desmond’s “Take Five” and Frank Churchill’s “Some Day My Prince Will Come.” Performers include percussionist Alison Miller, bassist Josh Davis, saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk and Baltimore-born pianist Wade Beach. Details: 8 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, An Die Musik Live, 409 N. Charles Street, Baltimore; $20. www.andiemusiklive.com
2. Todd Rundgren
Todd Rundgren’s best-known songs — the Carole King hit “I Saw the Light” and the ballads “Hello, It’s Me” and “Can We Still Be Friends” — prove he’s a talented pop craftsman. Details: 7 p.m. Tuesday; Rams Head OnStage, 33 West Street, Annapolis; $56.50. www.ramsheadonstage.com
3. Be Mo Jazz 2008 Holiday Concert
The Craig Alston Ensemble, featuring Craig Alston an tenor sax, Tim Green on alto sax, Tom Williams on trumpet, Warren Wolf on piano, Jeff Reed on bass and Eric Kennedy on drum, makes for an earful of joy on a cold winter’s night. Details: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday; Frederick Douglass/ Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum, 1417 Thames Street, Baltimore; $15 to $25. www.douglassmyers.org
4. Little Feat
New Orleans-style blues rockers Little Feat return to the stage; Jesse Harper of Old School Freight Train opens the Towson leg of their tour. Details: 7 p.m. Tuesday; Recher Theatre, 512 York Road, Towson. 410-337-7178; www.rechertheatre.com
5. Joe Byrd: Concert of his Career
Mr. Byrd the bassist is joined by Chuck Redd on vibraphone, Robert Redd on piano, Jand Steve Abshire on guitar for this fine, jazzed up night. Details: 8 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday; An die Musik, 409 N. Charles Street, Baltimore; $20 to $25. 410-385-2638; www.andiemusiklive.com
Exhibits
1. “Barbie: Fifty Fashionable Years”
Since her 1959 swimsuit debut, Barbie has been a symbol of America’s changing and sometimes controversial perception of the role of women in our society. Geppi Entertainment Museum’s newest exhibit looks at a half-century of dream houses, sports cars, shifting fashions and hairstyles, and how Barbara Millicent Roberts has changed the face of pop culture. Details: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday (closed Christmas Day). Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, 2nd Floor, 301 W. Camden Street. Baltimore. 410-625-7060; http://geppismuseum.com
2. “Mummified”
Most likely, you’ve seen many a mummy in your museum-trotting days. But in this exhibit, you actually learn about the mummification process. This focus show will feature approximately 20 ancient Egyptian objects depicting images of mummified people, animals, and deities. A section of the installation will focus on the “Mummimania” of the 17th to 20th centuries. Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday (closed Christmas Day); Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street, Baltimore. 410-547-9000; www.thewalters.org
3. “Analog Photography”
Rocket to Venus’ walls are decked out in Baltimore photographer Sam Holden’s latest exhibit. The local shutterbug’s photos are step back in time, before the days of the digital camera. Details: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday; noon to 2 a.m. Sunday. Free; food sold separately. Rocket To Venus, 3360 Chestnut Avenue; Baltimore. 410-235-7887
4. “Grace Hartigan: Works on Paper”
This low-key, holiday time exhibit features artist Hartigan’s watercolor, collage, pastel drawings, and prints from the 1950s up to 2007. Through January 10. Details: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; C. Grimaldis Gallery, 523 N. Charles Street, Baltimore. 410-539-1080; http://cgrimaldisgallery.com/
5. Living Labyrinth For Peace
This exhibit comprises an interactive labyrinth with lights, light box wall pieces, innovative prints, photo etchings, monotypes, photos, and fabric wall hangings on themes of peace using symbols like a labyrinth, spirals, and cycles by Sandra Wasko-Flood. Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday or by appointment; Sub-basement Art Studios, 118 N. Howard Street, Baltimore. 410-659-6950; www.subbasementartiststudios.com
Posh Date
1. Graze with the Greats of ‘58
Join the surviving NFL legends and Hall of Famers such as former Colts Lenny Moore, Raymond Berry, Art Donovan, Gino Marchetti, Sam Huff and Don Maynard. The evening benefits the Baltimore Football Club, The Brigance Brigade and the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation. Details: 6 p.m. Friday; M&T Bank Stadium, Geppi Entertainment Club Level, Baltimore; $150; www.bcf.org/colts.
2. Atmospheric
Work from American portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz, the woman who defined Rolling Stone’s look, is on display beside Hollis Sigler, Patricia Tobacco Forrester and other master artists’ contibutions. Details: Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through Dec. 27; Steven Scott Gallery, 9169 Reisterstown Road, Owing Mills; Free; 410-902-9300, www.stevenscottgallery.com.
3. Winter Wonderland Tea at Belair Mansion
Celebrate the holidays with scumptuous goodies and high tea inside the Belair Mansion, a Georgian estate built in 1745. Details: 4 p.m. Saturday; The Belair Mansion, 12207 Tulip Grove Drive, Bowie; $24; 301-575-2488.
4. The Prime Rib
Posh but not pricey, The Prime Rib, dubbed the civilized steakhouse, offers three courses for $33 every Sunday. Enjoy roasted tomato soup or the house salad, imperial crab, filet of salmon, flat iron steak or the house’s special cut of prime rib served with creamed spinach and classic mashed potatoes. Finish the meal with your choice of creme brulee or key lime pie. Details: Sunday; 1101 N. Calvert St., Baltimore; $33; 410-539-1804, www.theprimerib.com.
5. Ravens vs. Jaguars
Cheer the home team to victory as they decide their playoff destiny and take on the Jaguars. Details: 1 p.m. Sunday; M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore; $50 to $345; www.baltimoreravens.com.
Cheap Date
1. Cabin fever relief
Break free from the indoor family fun to grab a warm pretzel hot dog and stroll Fells Point’s piers and shops. Details: The Pretzel Twist; Broadway Square and Thames St., Baltimore; $2; www.fellspoint.us.
2. The Miracle of Israel
The Miracle of Israel is part of the documentary series “Faith and Fate: The Story of the Jewish People in the 20th Century.” Historians and eyewitnesses, together with never-before-seen imagery, bring to life the journey of the Jewish people, culminating with the realization of their two thousand year old dream of Jewish statehood. Beverly Beard, the film’s supervising editor in charge of archival research will give remarks. Details: 1 p.m. today; Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Loyld St., Baltimore; $10 JMM members, $15 non-members.
3. Kwanzaa Celebration
Celebrate the second day of Kwanzaa — Kujichagulia, which means self-determination, with performances, films, art activities and educational sessions. Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore; $1; www.africanamericanculture.org.
4. Caffe Pronto Coffee Cupping
Learn how the pros taste coffee to observe its body, acidity, balance and finish. Sniff, slurp and smile.
Details: 2 p.m. Friday; Caffe Pronton Coffee Roastery, 2329 Forest Drive, Suite G, Annapolis; Free; 410-626-0011, www.caffeepronto.com.
5. Post-game party
Watch the Raven’s last regular season game at home before heading to M&T Bank Stadium’s Bud Light Backyard Bash. Inside the party tent, you can enjoy grab a beer and watch post-game coverage on the big screen while listening to Danger Barbie. Details: Immediately following the 1 p.m. game Sunday; outside Gate D, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore; Free admission and live music; www.baltimoreravens.com.
