City Youth Showcase Their Talents in 'Idol'-Like Contest
Immanuel "Mannie" Payne is practicing daily for what he calls his big chance. At 12, the West Baltimore middle schooler will be the youngest of seven contestants to take the stage in the first Charm City Talent Contest Thursday. And, he is the only performer who hopes to drum his way into first place.
Mannie will solo with his own composition in the competition at Baltimore City Community College's Fine Arts Building.
"I am just gonna go along with it," Mannie said. "Just being in the contest is a great achievement that I can look back on later in life."
The finalists all secured their spots during tryouts at area recreation centers last spring. They will sing, rap and play for a panel of judges, who are local radio personalities and performing artists.
"I want to share my talent and know what other opportunities are out there," said Ferlyn Virtudes, 15, who immigrated from the Philippines a few years ago and will graduate from Northwest High School two years ahead of schedule next year. She has never sung in public and is rehearsing at home with her guitar for accompaniment.
Octavius Johnson, who plans to enter Stevenson University this fall, may be the most seasoned of the performers. He has appeared in a few area theater productions and at arts festivals and had a walk-on role in HBO's series "The Wire."
"I like to get myself out there and gain experience," he said.
The aspiring actor and musician plays drums, trombone and piano and will sing a ballad he wrote with his father.
"We were just sitting at the piano and we came up with 'Righteous Love — Oh Girl,'" he said. "It is all about standing up for what you want."
Terrell Talbert, 17, chose a love song that he said "shows my range." He has always found inspiration and escape from peer pressure and problems in music, he said. "It empowers me and makes me feel happy," he said.
Leah Reid, 17, said she chose a soulful tune "that complements my voice and my deep tones." She plans to study voice, or maybe politics, in college. Either career path will benefit from an appearance in the talent show, she said.
"Even if I lose, this is great exposure," she said.
Angelique Fuller, 16, has always wanted to sing professionally and plans to study music in college after her graduation next year from Dunbar High School. She also plays trombone and writes her own lyrics.
"I think of singing as a way to express myself," she said. "I am nervous, but that will only make me sing better."
Mannie, who would like one day to study at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, said he is not fretting about performing solo and debuting his composition. This musician has been drumming since he was two years old and plays in the Thomas Johnson School's band.
"My parents don't mind the noise," he said. "Drums are really loud and exciting. They describe me."
Taylor Owens, a recent Towson High School graduate, will also show off his vocal talents for the judges.
"This is just about a funky bunch of kids trying to chase their dreams," said Lester Davis, spokesman for City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young, who organized the contest with the Citizens Planning and Housing Association. "They are pursuing their talents instead of hanging out on the corner."
"As a city, we need to give our youth opportunities to shine," Young said. "We might be launching a career. We could have an 'American Idol' spin-off right here in Baltimore."
The winner of the competition, loosely based on Fox TV's popular "American Idol," will receive an artist development package that includes a professional photo shoot and a recorded demo CD, courtesy of Task Force Marketing. There will also be the opportunity to perform in a concert with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and a gift card from fashion retailer DTLR.
"This is just a big opportunity for me," said Talbert. "But, whether I win or lose, I will still keep on singing."
Curtain rises at 7 p.m. on the Liberty Campus, 2901 Liberty Heights Ave. Admission is free.
*Story from July 12, 2011 edition of The Baltimore Sun.
Council President Welcomes Healthy Options
Kicking off Kaiser Permanente's weekly summer farmers' market, Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young was adamant about his support for healthy eating options for all Baltimoreans.
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| Council President Young is greeted by Celeste James at the Kaiser Permanente Friday Fresh Farmers' Market on Friday, July 8. |
"Eating right is a huge part of living a healthy lifestyle," Council President Young said. "Having more farmers’ markets in Baltimore is key to our city’s health and future. Too many residents in Baltimore lack access to healthy food options. But providing access to fresh produce is the healthiest way to fight this issue."
The Friday Fresh Farmers’ Market, which is held in Hopkins Plaza between W. Baltimore and Lombard Streets, also supports local farmers and the local economy, which the Council President said is essential as Baltimore continues to recover from the Great Recession.
The market will also help fight obesity in Baltimore. Council President Young has made efforts to fight against childhood obesity in Baltimore with his P.L.A.Y. campaign (Productive Lives, Active Youth). This effort began last year with several events designed to keep kids active and off the streets.
"I know how important it is to keep our city healthy," Council President Young said.
The Fresh Friday Farmers' Market is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. every Friday through September. Enjoy fresh fruits,
vegetables, flowers, breads, crêpes, and more. Every three weeks starting Friday, July 29, come for BMI, blood pressure and lung capacity screenings. Massages will also be available free of charge.
Resources for Doing Business with Baltimore City
Click HERE for a list of helpful contacts and information that will help companies and individuals do business with the city. City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young has a fond appreciation for the importance of small businesses, how they fuel our economy and how they facilitate jobs and a better quality of life for our residents.
Free Job Training for Youth Ages 16-21
Attention all Baltimore City Youth! The Housing Authority of Baltimore City and Office of Resident Services are offering free job training to city residents from ages 16 to 21. If you are a high school graduate or are looking to obtain a GED, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Occupational skills training is offered for the healthcare industry, Microsoft Office certifications and other exciting career fields. Reserve your space today by calling 410-396-3212.
Druid Hill Farmers Market
Every Wednesday, June 1 through September 28 from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Druid Hill Park near the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Garden
For more information, call 410-396-7012 or visit www.druidhillpark.org.
Friday Fresh Farmers' Market
Every Friday from June through September from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Hopkins Plaza, between West Baltimore and Lombard Streets
Support your local farmers. Enjoy fresh fruits,
vegetables, flowers, breads, crêpes, and more. Every three weeks starting Friday, July 29, come for BMI, blood pressure and lung capacity screenings. Massages will also be available free of charge.
Rec & Parks Outdoor Summer Concert Season
All summer long
Concerts will be held throughout the season. Jazz Wednesday evenings at Druid Hill Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. run on the first Wednesday of every month from June 1 to Sept. 7. First Thursdays at Mount Vernon Park from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. run on the first Thursday of every month from May 5 to Oct. 6.
For more information and the complete schedule, call 410-396-7459 or visit baltimorecity.gov.
Thursdays at the Lewis
Thursdays from June to August from 5:00 PM to 8 PM
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street
Do you wish that you could tour the museum after work? Every Thursday this summer, the museum offers extended hours from 5 p.m. 8 p.m. for a reduced admission price of $5. On the Third Thursday of every month, visitors can enjoy live music and free appetizers.
For more information, visit www.africanamericanculture.org.
JustAdvice Legal Services
Tuesday, July 19 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
University of Maryland School of Law, 500 W. Baltimore Street
Thursday, July 21 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Center for Urban Families, 2201 N. Monroe Street
Thursday July 14 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
University Hospital, 22 S. Green Street
Sit down with a lawyer at JustAdvice to discuss any of your legal questions and get brief advice. The cost is $10 – cash only. The lawyers can also help with expungement of court records for only the cost of the court filings.
For more information, call 410-929-4809 or email justadvice@law.umaryland.edu.
Second Sundays in the Park
Second Sunday of each month from May to November from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, 1920 Eagle Drive
Come spend an enjoyable afternoon in the park with activities for many interests and ages, including miniature steam train rides, guided tours of the historic orianda house, a labrynth, hikes and live music.
Studio Artist Biennial
Saturday, June 25 through Saturday, August 20
School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street
Experience an exhibition highlighting the original works of current School 33 Art Center studio artists. An opening reception will be held Saturday, June 25 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon to 6:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.school33.org.
Youth Bmore Summer Block Parties 2011
July 21 (Perkins Public Housing), July 29 (C.C. Jackson), August 5 (Central Rosemont Recreation Center), August 11 (Gilmore Public Housing Complex), August 18 (Westport Public Housing Complex) and August 25 (Patapsco Recreation Center ) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Come enjoy performances by Smash, Jessica Greene, Caddy Da Don, Lano Shire, Bossman, Baltimore Ray and more! Get there early for 92Q free giveaways and prizes.
JumpStart Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Recruitment session held Friday July 15 at 11:30 AM
EBDI, 1731 E. Chase Street
This FREE, three-month program provides interactive, hands-on and in-class training that will prepare
you for a career in construction and qualify you to enter a state-approved apprenticeship program.
For more information or to register, call 410-234-0660 x205.
Base Camp Discovery
Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, June 22 through August 31 from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Druid Hill Park
Participate with your family this summer in a “Walk on the Wild Side.” Join a Zoo educator for a fun and informative walk through a featured area of the Zoo, exploring a new topic or zone each week.
Limit of 20 people. Please gather at Base Camp Discovery by 10:15 a.m. First come, first served! Free with regular Zoo admission. Ages (recommended): 5 and up
For information about this and other zoo events, visit www.marylandzoo.org.
How to Preserve a Neighborhood Green Space
Wednesday, July 13 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Peabody Room of the Cathedral House, Cathedral of the Incarnation, 4 E. University Parkway
Join Baltimore Green Space and The Greater Homewood Community Corporation to learn how to make your community garden, pocket park, or other urban oases last forever! Baltimore Green Space works to protect these green areas and other open spaces created and cared for by city residents.
At the request of community groups, Baltimore Green Space acquires community-managed open spaces and provides support to those who care for them. This allows communities to ensure that their urban oases will endure without taking on the responsibilities of acquisition, ownership, and liability.
Join us to learn about the processes and benefits for your neighborhood. The evening will also feature a virtual tour of some of the loveliest community green spaces throughout Baltimore.
For more information, visit baltimoregreenspace.org.
Artscape
Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 17 from 12:00 PM until close
Mount Royal Avenue and North Charles Street
Join in Baltimore's celebration of visual and performing arts! This year marks Artscape's 30th anniversary. The festival offers an assorted selection of live music, cultural exhibitions, visual art, dance and theater performances, fashion, film, children's activities, and more.
For more information, visit www.artscape.org or call 877-BALTIMORE.
Foreclosure Intervention Workshop
Saturday, July 16 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Oliver Economic Development Corporation, 1400 E. Federal Street
It's important to understand your options as early as possible! This workshop will give you insight into basic steps you can take to save your home from foreclosure. Come speak with HUD-certified counselors, learn to create and stick to a budget, know your consumer rights and get out of financial trouble.
To register for this free workshop, call at 443-388-9809.
Towing Town Hall
Thursday, July 21 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
War Memorial Building, 1010 N. Gay Street
Come meet Baltimore City Department of Transportation officials and DOT consultant RK&K as they discuss their efforts to research current towing operations and potential improvements to the towing process. Issues to be addressed include customer service provided at the tow yards; prices and costs of service for tows, vehicle storage and processing, licensing of medallion towers; and general efficiency and equity of efforts to obtain and return vehicles to owners. This Town Hall provides all attendees with the opportunity to express their concerns about towing operations and suggest issues for the City should address. Attendees should feel welcome to bring suggestions and concerns in writing to leave with Department officials, and/or prepare statements to deliver orally in person. Public parking is available for a fee at the Baltimore City parking garage located at 501 East Lexington Street. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 410-396-6854 or email
Barbara.Zektick@baltimorecity.gov.
Grace Beauty Speed Organization Track Clinic
Saturday, July 23 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Registration begins at 9:00 AM)
Mervo High School Art Modell Field, 3500 Hillen Road
This one-day track clinic will cover key running mechanics, breathing techniques, strength building , resistance training, and more! Register at www.active.com.
For more information, visit www.gracebeautyspeed.org or email deborah@gracebeautyspeed.org
Pavement to Prairie Party
Monday, July 25 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Academy for College and Career Exploration, 1300 W. 36th Street
Ever wonder what’s possible with 300+ volunteers, a few Bobcats, and a bunch of shovels and pick axes? Let’s find out! Our goal is to remove 3/4 of an acre of unused parking lot at a local Baltimore City school and transform the area into a vibrant, engaging outdoor classroom and community green space. Not that jazzed about breaking a good sweat while breaking rocks? We’ll also be adorning the school with a beautiful mural (minimal experience needed, think painting by numbers). Just knowing you’re joining in a monumental greening event that will help restore our streams and beautify our neighborhoods might well be motivation enough for you. But just in case a little added incentive is needed, the bands and crews for the 2011 Vans Warped Tour (200 of them!) will be joining the effort. So come on out and bust up some rock with the rock stars! In addition, the ten volunteers (ages 21 and under) who work the most hours with us from now through July 25th will each receive two free tickets to the Vans Warped Tour on July 26th.
For more information, visit bluewaterbaltimore.org.or email volunteer@bluewaterbaltimore.org.
CollegeBound Scholars' Luncheon
Thursday, July 28 at 11:30 AM
Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel, 401 W. Pratt Street
CollegeBound Foundation works with city students to help them achieve a post-secondary education. Tickets for the foundation's annual scholars luncheon are $50 and sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information, visit www.collegeboundfoundation.org and click "What's New."
International Festival
Saturday, August 6 and Sunday August 7 from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Poly/Western High School near Falls Road and West Coldspring Lane
Come enjoy this celebration of Baltimore's cultural diversity with music, dancing and a variety of free ethnic foods. Vendor space is available. Also, come see the 7th annual Baltimore International Festival Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament!
For more information, call 410-396-3141 or email alvin.gillard@baltimorecity.gov.
Summer 2011 Concerts in Riverside Park
Sunday, August 28 and Sunday, September 4 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Riverside Park
Come for great music and FREE admission to see Mambo Combo (Aug. 28) and Baltimore School of Rock Show Team (Sept. 4). Pack a picnic, a chair and a blanket and bring a few dollars for bake sale goodies and a raffle. |
