BEST GATHERINGS
1. 510 Readings
Scottish-born Baltimore writer Susan McCallum-Smith, the literary editor of Urbanite, is the guest of honor with poet/fiction writer Richard Peabody and essayist Patricia Schultheis. The latter’s collection of short stories about a fictional street in Baltimore — St. Bart’s Road — was a finalist for the 2008 Flannery O’Conner Award. Details: 5 p.m. Saturday; Minas Gallery, 815 W. 36th St., Baltimore; Free; 410-732-4258; www.minasgalleryandboutique.com
2. ‘Portraits Re/Examined: A Dawoud Bey Project,’ ‘Class Pictures’
African-American photographers Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems team up for an exploration of Bey’s current exhibitions, “Portraits Re/Examined: A Dawoud Bey Project”at the Walters and “Class Pictures” at the Contemporary Museum. The artists will discuss Bey’s approach to the human subject in photographs, his work with young people and his involvement with a number of curatorial projects across the country. Details: 3 p.m. Monday; The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore; $5 to $10; 410-547-9000; www.thewalters.org
3. 34th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast and Discussion
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., The Y of Central Maryland presents the 34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast at the Baltimore Hilton Hotel. At a time when the country is moving toward a radically new era in race relations, both Smith and Hill will come together with community members to examine the issues related to equality and opportunity in athletics. Details: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thursday; Hilton Baltimore, 401 W. Pratt St., Baltimore; $75; 410-837-9622; www.ymaryland.org
4. Discussion: ‘The Black Exotic’
In her discussion, “The Black Exotic: Representing Blacks in 19th-Century Orientalist Art,” University of Maryland College Park curator Dr. Adrienne L. Childs will explore how images of blacks by major Orientalist painters and sculptors index a complicated system of ideas and assumptions about race and “romantic” cultures operating in 19th-century Europe. Details: 2 p.m. Sunday; Graham Auditorium at The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore. $5 to $10; 410-547-9000; www.thewalters.org
5. Unity Week 2009 Hunger Banquet
Maryland Institute College of Art holds a week-long celebration that recognizes the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to explore multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. Among the highlights: a hunger banquet that focuses on the issues of social justice and features guest presenters. A small monetary donation or canned goods will be accepted to benefit hunger relief efforts. Details: 6 p.m. Wednesday; MICA, 1601 Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore. www.mica.edu
BEST FAMILY
1. Southern Cookin’ Class for kids in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Children ages 5 to 10 learn to make some yummy Southern cuisine in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., including homemade macaroni and cheese and sweet potato pie. Details: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday; Culinary Kids Cooking School, Ellicott City; $27; 978-223-3068; www.CulinaryKidsCookingSchool.com
2. Free MLK Day Movies
The Carroll Arts Center will present two free movies in celebration of Martin Luther King Day — the 1999 animated film “Our Friend Martin” and the acclaimed 2008 film “The Great Debaters,” a powerful drama based on the true story of a professor who inspired his students to form the school’s first debate team (and become the first African-American team to go up against Harvard). Details: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday; 91 W. Main St., Westminster; 410-848-7272; www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org
3. Winter Wonder Party
Take in a breath of cool, crisp air and then tuck into the library for some reading time at today’s Winter Wonder Party for children ages 6 to 12. Details: 3:30 p.m. Thursday; Enoch Pratt Free Library, Southeast Anchor Branch, 3601 Eastern Ave., Baltimore; 410-396-1580; www.prattlibrary.org
4. “I Have a Dream” Weekend
The 9th annual “I Have a Dream” Weekend honors the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. by teaching kids the art of quilt-making. Guests can also get the beat going with Jonathan Murray and the FunDrum Rhythm Circle and enjoy a special Story Theater performance of “Black and White.” Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday to Monday; Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, Baltimore; free with paid admission; 410-727-8120; www.portdiscovery.org
5. Family Festival Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Enjoy theater programs and videos highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the American civil rights movement. Watch “A Salute to African-American Heroes,” “Our Friend Martin” and a theatrical production of “Heroes in Conversation with MLK.” Details: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday; The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore. www.thewalters.org
BEST MUSIC
1. Gary Wright and Leah Weiss
Gary Wright and Leah Weiss bring their mix of roots-Americana music to the 333 Coffeehouse stage. Drawing from the traditions of Appalachian old-time and country music, their repertoire is a blend of originals, reinvented traditional songs and tunes and innovative contemporary covers. Details: 8 p.m. Friday; Annapolis Unitarian Universalist Church, 333 DuBois Road, Annapolis; $8 to $10. www.toad.net/~uuca
2. “La Valse”: Stephane Deneve and Frank Braley
Two of classical music’s rising stars will be guests in the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s presentation of Ravel’s “La Valse,”Franck’s “Symphonic Variations” and Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances.” Stephane Deneve, music director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, brings mastery and native affinity to Ravel’s powerful tribute to a lost era in the complex work, “La Valse.” Pianist Frank Braley offers up his acclaimed poetic sensibility for the piano solo in Cesar Franck’s “Symphonic Variations.” Details: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore; $25 to $80; 410-783-8000; www.bsomusic.org
3. Johnny Winter
“Rollin’ & Tumblin'” long-haired rock-and-roller Johnny Winter dazzles on-stage, with his mix of blues and grit. This time around, he’s in town for two nights. Details: 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis; $45; www.ramsheadonstage.com
4. Brooks Tegler Orchestra
The Brooks Tegler Orchestra, led by John Tegler, re-creates the 1938 Benny Goodman Carnegie Hall Concert with Joe Midiri as Benny on clarinet. It’s considered one of the most important jazz concerts in history, with musical numbers that set the tone for the genre’s future. Details: 8 p.m. Friday; Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis; $23 to $28; 410-263-5544; www.marylandhall.org
5. Chris Smither
Common Ground on the Hill presents folk bluesman Chris Smither, part of its regular Roots Music Concerts Series. Smither has been hailed as “an American original” and “one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world” by The Associated Press. His song “Origin of Species” was ranked No. 42 of the 100 Best Songs of the Year in 2006 by Rolling Stonemagazine. Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday; Carroll Arts Center Theater, 91 W. Main St., Westminster; 410-848-7272; www.carr.org/arts
BEST EXHIBITS
1. 2009 Historic Annapolis Antiques Show
A gorgeous display, featuring “Chinoiserie” pieces that show the Chinese influence through use of elaborate decoration and intricate patterns, awaits at this three-day exhibit/show. Proceeds benefit the Historic Annapolis Foundation. Details: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; Medford National Guard Armory, 18 Willow St., Annapolis; $12 to $15; www.annapolis.org
2. “Joanne Scott: A 50-Year Retrospective and Angels with Flat Feet”
The founder of the Annapolis Watercolor Club and Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts presents us with watercolor and acrylic paintings, etchings, monoprints, pen-and-ink drawings and handmade books. See the exhibit during daytime hours, and on Friday, join Scott for a lecture with Philadelphia artist Lynne Dian Gulezian. Details: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis; Free; www.Mdhallarts.org
3. “Rough Gods: Brutal Truth and Beauty”
Opening tonight, “Rough Gods: Brutal Truth and Beauty”features a live Polaroid photo shoot by photographer and music producer Michael Alago and his favorite model, Timothy Corscadden. Through March 14. Details: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday; S.C. Lord Design, 3000 Chestnut Ave., Baltimore; 410-961-4597; www.sclorddesign.com
4. “Talking Heads … Figuratively Speaking”
Baltimore Gallery 321’s latest collection of artwork explores the figure in various mediums and styles. Artists include Rebecca Waring, Regina Brown, Gil Jawetz, Thomas Del Porte and Craig Paul Nowak. Through Feb. 5. Details: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Baltimore Gallery, 321 W. Madison Ave., Baltimore; Free; www.baltimoregallery321.com
5. “Travel Exhibit: Where Have You Been?”
This exhibit illustrates travel stories through black-and-white photography, paintings and other media. See the works by dozens of local and out-of-area artists. Details: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday; Towson ARTS Collective, 406 York Road, lower level, Towson; Free; www.towsonartscollective.org
BEST THEATER
1. “I Am My Own Wife”
Opening Jan. 14, this Tony- and Pulitzer-winning play depicts the controversial life of famous transvestite Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, who survived both the Nazi and East German Communist regimes. Through Feb. 22. Details: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Everyman Theatre, 1727 N. Charles St., Baltimore; $16 to $38; 410-752-2208; www.everymantheatre.org
2. “Robin Hood”
Local actors rehearse for a week and then perform this merry musical — for two shows only. Details: 3 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday; Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick; $6 to $10; 301-600-2828; www.weinbergcenter.org
3. “The Homecoming”
Nobel laureate Harold Pinter’s play tells the story of a British man bringing his American wife to England for the first time to meet his family. Through Feb. 16. Details: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann St., Baltimore; $15 to $17; 410-276-7837; www.fpct.org
4. “Tooth of Crime”
Taffety Punk Theatre Company takes on Sam Shepard’s play about a rock star/mob boss political pawn. The play opens Tuesday for a two-week run, through Jan. 25. Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday; Round House Theatre, 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring; $12 to $15; 240-644-1100; www.roundhousetheatre.org
5. “Two Rooms”
“Two Rooms” is about two hostages: a man held by Lebanese radicals, and his wife, who is held by his captivity and her government’s implacable inability to free him. Details: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; Colonial Players, 106 East St., Annapolis; $20; www.cplayers.com
CHEAP DATE
1. “Marionetas de la Esquina — A Moon Between Two Houses”
This award-winning puppet theater from Mexico presents a heartwarming story written by acclaimed children’s playwright Suzanne Lebeau. Details:3 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday; Smith Theatre, Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia; 410-997-2324.
2. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebration
Join the Reginald F. Lewis Museum as they commemorate the great legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a day full of activities, including dance and musical performances, film and art activities. Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore; $5; 443-263-1832
3. Lecture: “South African Beadwork: Identity and Politics”
Explore identity and politics with Gary van Wyk, author of “African Painted Houses: Basotho Dwellings of Southern Africa.” The lecture will illuminate how identity and politics manifest visually through South African beadwork. Details: 2 p.m. Saturday; Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore; Free; www.artbma.org
4. “Mummified”
The exhibition displays approximately 20 ancient Egyptian objects, showing images of mummified persons, animals and deities — such as Osiris and Ptah — while explaining the resurrection symbolism of ancient Egyptian mummies. Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore; Free; www.thewalters.org
5. Jazz at the Cabaret with The Ashton Fletcher Trio
Jazz great Ashton Fletcher, on bass and vocals, is joined by Charlie Edsel on piano and John Kessell on drums. Details: 7 tonight; Germano’s Trattoria, 300 S. High St., Baltimore; $10; 410-752-4515.
POSH DATE
1. Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Ladies”
A sophisticated celebration that swings with a nonstop succession of Duke Ellington classics, such as “Satin Doll,” “Take The A Train” and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” Details: 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 5 p.m. Sunday; 10:30 a.m. Thursday and Sunday; Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Baltimore; $34.50 to $54; www.tobysdinnertheatre.com
2. Maysa
Baltimore-born-and-raised jazz soul singer/songwriter Maysa Leak embarked on her singing career at an early age, and by 6 she had already determined she was going to be a professional singer. Details:5 and 8 p.m. Sunday; Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis; $30; www.ramsheadtavern.com
3. Live Arts Maryland/Annapolis Chorale Gala
Maestro J. Ernest Green and Co. will dazzle the ear with the great variety of music that has become the organization’s hallmark. Guests will also enjoy dancing, raffles, a live auction, gourmet food and a Hard Bean coffee bar. Details: 6 p.m. Saturday; Loews Annapolis, 126 West St., Annapolis; $100 to $190; 410-263-1906.
4. Ingrid Fliter, pianist
Recognized at an early age by fellow Argentine pianist Martha Argerich as an exceptional talent, the fast-rising 35-year-old Ingrid Fliter debuts on the Shriver Hall Concert Series in a program of works that includes Chopin and Schumann. Details: 5:30 p.m. Sunday; Shriver Hall, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore; $17 to $33; 410-516-7164.
BEST MOVIES
This true story tells the harrowing tale of three Jewish brothers’ struggle to survive in dense woods while Nazis massacre thousands and eventually come for them. For the sake of even a moment’s freedom, men, women and children seek shelter under the brothers’ leadership. The team re-creating the forest haven includes two-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer Eduardo Serra, production designer Dan Weil and Oscar-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan.
>> Stars: Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell
>> Director: Edward Zwick
>> Rated R for violence and language
>> Running Time: 129 minutes
2. “Last Chance Harvey”
In London, late middle-aged love grows between strangers — a Brit named Kate smothered by her mother’s constant phone calls and New Yorker Harvey, a failed jazz musician who, on his daughter’s wedding day, finds himself unwanted and alone in crowded rooms during the celebration. Oscar-winners Thompson and Hoffman depict the sentimental principle “It’s never too late” without making us puke or nod off.
>> Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson
>> Director: Joel Hopkins
>> Rated PG-13 for brief strong language
>> Running time: 99 minutes
3. “The Wrestler”
After a successful run in the 1980s, professional wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson performs in New Jersey high school gyms and community centers. A heart attack takes away the few fans and adoration he has left. As he re-evaluates his life, he tries to re-establish a relationship with his daughter and find love with an exotic dancer, but his passion for wrestling threatens to pull him back into the ring.
>> Stars: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis
>> Director: Darren Aronofsky
>> Rated R for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use
>> Running time: 115 minutes
4. “Hotel for Dogs”
When their new guardians forbid 16-year old Andi and her younger brother Bruce to have a pet, Andi has to use her quick wit to help find a new home for their dog. The resourceful kids stumble upon an abandoned hotel, and, using Bruce’s talents, transform it into a magical dog-paradise for their four-legged friend — and eventually for all his friends. When barking dogs make the neighbors suspicious, Andi and Bruce use every invention they have to avoid anyone discovering their dog hotel.
>> Stars: Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon and Don Cheadle
>> Director: Thor Freudenthal
>> Rated PG for brief mild thematic elements, language and some crude humor.
>> Running time: 80 minutes
5. “Notorious”
The story follows the rapper and cultural icon Notorious B.I.G. from his childhood (he was an honor-roll student) to hustling drugs on Brooklyn’s streets to eventually changing the sound of hip-hop before his unsolved 1997 murder. In his prime, Biggie struggles to balance marriage, fatherhood, fame and riches, a complicated relationship with rapper Lil’ Kim and rivalry with West Coast rapper and Baltimore School for the Arts grad Tupac Shakur.
>> Stars: Jamal Woolard, Angela Bassett, Christopher Jordan Wallace, Derek Luke
>> Director: George Tillman Jr.
>> Rated R for pervasive language, some strong sexuality including dialogue, nudity, and drug content
>> Running time: 122 minutes
READER’S CHOICE
John Hoey
Occupation: President & CEO Y of Central Maryland
Residence: Roland Park
1. Slumming it
We’ve had “Slumdog Millionaire” on our must-see list for a while now. On Friday night, my wife Holly and I will go to the Charles Theatre (our favorite pace to see the kind of quirky, offbeat movies we favor) to check it out. Having done some work in India over the years, I’m really looking forward to this one. Details: Charles Theatre, 1711 N. Charles St., Baltimore; $8; 410-727-FILM, www.thecharles.com
2. Pop the Corks
Corks was one of our favorite restaurants in the city. Now that it has reopened, we’re looking forward to checking it out. This Saturday, we will head to Federal Hill for a nice dinner and some good wine. Details: Corks, 1026 S. Charles St., Baltimore; 410-752-3810, www.corksrestaurant.com
3. Get physical
On the weekends, it always important to incorporate some physical activity. My wife and I are planning to take a spin class on Sunday morning at the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Family Center on 33rd Street. Details: Harry and Jeanette Weinberg YMCA at Stadium Place, 900 E. 33rd St., Baltimore; www.Ymaryland.org
4. Planning the escape
It’s cold in Baltimore! I love to travel so my wife and I will look at tropical destinations for our next trip. We’re not sure where we want to go, but we know it will be warm with lots of sun
5. Go, Ravens!
We’re so excited that the Ravens are in the AFC championship game. Our friends in Guilford are having a small gathering so we will put on all of our Ravens gear and root the team on to the Super Bowl. Details: 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Pittsburgh Steelers (Hines Field); WJZ-TV Ch. 13
