Urban Discoveries Baltimore

Happy Chanukah, Baltimore! The festival of lights is upon us, and apparently that means that not a whole lot is going on in the city. Which is fine, because we’ve got candles, loved ones, and the stern gaze of history to keep us warm, right? Also, these things:

1.    The B’nai Israel Sisterhood is throwing a family Chanukah party predictably enough at the B’nai Israel Synagogue in the Inner Harbor (27 Lloyd Street). Bring some non-perishable food items (cans, that means cans) and enjoy a wholesome evening of eating, socializing, and dancing. Admission’s free, but you should call (410 732-5454) for a reservation. Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

2.    The Baltimore Museum of Art in Charles Village (10 Art Museum Drive) is hosting a free screening of the results of a special 48-hour Film Project. These pictures were conceived, shot, and edited by local filmmakers all in the span of 48 hours, and this particular batch is devoted to the endlessly fecund theme of Mr. Poe. Having participated in one of these projects as a sweet young naïf living in Athens, Georgia, I can tell you that the screening will be a great deal of fun, which is not to say that the quality of the movies will be staggering. If you’ve gotten bored with the gargantuan, soul-scuttling Charybdis that is the studio system, then you may find this event refreshingly unprofessional. These people make movies purely out of love. Proper amateurs. Friday at 8:00 p.m.

3.    Centerstage in Midtown (700 N. Calvert Street) presents a stage adaptation of David Sedaris’s “The Santaland Diaries.” This story, originally narrated by Sedaris himself on NPR back in 1992, translates surprisingly well to the stage. It’s a one-man show relating Sedaris’ experience working at Macy’s as an elf named Crumpet in the declining kingdom of Santa Claus. I haven’t seen this particular production, but if you feel torn between cynicism about all things holiday themed and a trace of childlike desire to celebrate the season, you could hardly choose a more entertaining compromise. Now through December 20. Show times vary. Tickets are $35.

What are your plans for the eight nights of extraordinarily efficient lamp oil?

Posted in: Things To Do This WeekendNo Comments