Annapolitan Gerald Winegrad, 73, grew up in Annapolis during the 1940s through the ‘60s. He was a member of the House of Delegates from 1978 to 1983, and the Senate from 1983 to 1994. Over the years, he rose to the rank of Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves, and is an environmental activist. And, through it all, he’s been a musician, too.
As a young man, Winegrad became very involved in the soul music scene. In that segregated era, he was drawn to the spectacular concerts staged at Carr’s Beach, one of the rare places African-Americans could enjoy a day at the beach in this region.
Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m., Winegrad is hosting a multi-media presentation, “Searching for the SOUL of Annapolis,” at 49 West Coffeehouse, 49 West St., Annapolis.
The presentation, Winegrad said, is the product of much research and gathering of old photos of the City scenes from that era and those of Carr’s Beach – and created after much cajoling from Brian Cahalan, owner of 49 West..
The show will consist of Winegrad doing a PowerPoint with great old photos of the Annapolis soul music scene, including some of Carr’s Beach, famed Radio Station WANN DJ Hoppy Adams, and the great performers Winegrad knew, met, saw live in concert, or listened to during the period of his youth growing up in Annapolis starting in 1946.
He said Hoppy Adams took him under his wing and arranged for Winegrad, then a teenager, and his friends to meet James Brown between the performer’s Bandstand-on-the-Beach Shows at Carr’s Beach.
As Winegrad discusses the various soul greats who performed at Carr’s Beach, their music will be playing. He will also present “an awesome live performance by James Brown, the King of Soul, in 1964, perhaps the best ever captured on video.”
He will also discuss race relations, segregation, and overt discrimination occurring back then, including to the performers, and how soul music helped soothe the wounded soul of Annapolis and break down racial barriers.
Admission is free, with donations to the Crystal Spring Legal Defense Fund accepted. Call 410-626-9796.
Speedy service is a hallmark of the best eateries in the region. On Monday at noon, 20 of the area’s restaurants will compete in the family-friendly event, “Fastest Servers On The Bay.” The winning restaurant, and the two runners-up, will take home cash prizes and bragging rights.
The servers in this goofy contest will navigate an obstacle course as part of the relay competition.
The fun, first-ever event takes place at a pavilion on a side beach at Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, located near the Bay Bridge. The park’s toll booth operators can direct attendees to the event site.
In addition to the contest, there will be food and beverages provided by the competing restaurants, desserts, a silent auction, live music by local bands, a playground, yard games and more. Swimming is permitted on a nearby side beach.
Payment for food and drinks is cash only. Credit cards cannot be accepted. Proceeds from the sale of food, beverages, and auction items will be donated to the Annapolis Immigration Justice Network.
Admission is free, but there is a park entrance fee of $4 for each vehicle as it enters the park. For information call 443-223-6810.
Take a break from a hectic week by unwinding outdoors with a good meal, a drink and a live performance of Moliere’s play, “The Miser,” a classic comedy, directed by Annapolis Shakespeare Company’s Sally Boyett. Weather permitting the show goes on at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through September 25 at Reynolds Tavern’s patio. Tickets are $30 to $48. Call 410-415-3513 or visit www.annapolisshakespeare.org .
Death-defying magician David Blaine is making a tour stop with his show David Blaine Live, 8 p.m. Sunday at MGM National Harbor.
What will he do in Maryland? Blaine’s escapades include being buried alive in New York City for a week, encased inside a six-ton block of ice for three days, surviving standing atop a 100-foot tall pillar in Manhattan’s Bryant Park for 36 hours without a safety net, and enduring one week submerged in a sphere-shaped aquarium at NYC’s Lincoln Center. Tickets start at $49.50. Call 844-346-4664 or visit mgmnationalharbor.com .
Celebrate the 4th of July early with Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra, singer William Edwards, and guest pianist Frederick Hodges as the hits of the Great American Songbook come back to life 7 p.m. June 29 at Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., Annapolis.
PRSO and Frederick Hodges kick off the Summer Concert Series in Maryland Hall’s Main Theatre with an evening of patriotic music and accompaniment to the short Buster Keaton film, “One Week.”
Admission is free. Call 410-280-5640 or visit https://marylandhall.org/ .
How well do you know the history of Historic Annapolis’ architecture?
For a different tour of the olde towne, on the Architrex Tour, a professional architect will take you on a journey of 300 years of architecture in the historic district. This program of Annapolis Tours is led by local architect Craig Martin and historian Will Scott.
The next tour, which includes stops at Shiplap House, James Brice House, Patrick Creagh House, the Maryland State House, Hammond Harwood House, and Chase Lloyd House, is June 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. It departs from the Information Booth at City Dock, 1 Dock St., Annapolis. Adults $22, Children $14, Children ages 2 and under free. Call 410-268-7601 or visit http://annapolistours.com/our-tours/architrex-architecture-tour .
