Celebrating in Star-Spangled Style!

Sep. 08 2014

Celebrating in Star-Spangled Style!

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs | 1 Comment

Two hundred years ago, America was once again at war with Britain, and Baltimore was the scene of some of the most dramatic fighting in that conflict. The events of September, 1814 are being commemorated in some very creative ways, so I thought I’d share a few with you.

First, a bit of shameless spousal promotion. My husband, Jim Knost, is playing Major General Robert Ross in O’er the Ramparts, a world premiere musical by Anne Lefter and William Watson, commissioned especially for this occasion. (I have other friends in the cast, including Christine Thomas-O’Meally, who will be portraying Mary Pickersgill.) There are just three public performances, and tickets are free, but must be reserved at 443-840-2787. More information can be found here: http://www.ccbcmd.edu/news/media/2014_releases/july14/ramparts.html

If you’d like to spend some time contemplating the actual ramparts that Francis Scott Key wrote about, Fort McHenry has numerous events planned during their “Star-Spangled Spectacular,” including visiting ships, living history demonstrations, musical performances, and more. Details can be found here: http://www.starspangled200.com/star-spangled-spectacular/fort-mchenry/#.VAckomP_2Kv

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is getting into the spirit of things with a series of patriotic Midweek Concerts: http://www.bsomusic.org/calendar/events/2014-2015-education-concerts/midweek-concert-star-spangled-banner.aspx

At the Fell’s Point Visitors Center, my friends at New Old Theater are presenting The Star-Spangled Banner and All Its Cousins, a concert of popular (and often pointedly political!) songs from the War of 1812. Please note that although only the September 10th sing-along performance is mentioned in this link, the program will be repeated on September 17th. http://www.starspangled200.com/star-spangled-spectacular/detailed-schedule/star-spangled-banner-cousins/

And over at the Creative Alliance, they’re gearing up for the Hampstead Hill Festival, featuring everything from historical reenactments to a rock opera: http://culturefly.org/calendar/event/1426/creative-alliance-presents-hampstead-hill-festival#.VA3KEldU2Qo

I seem to be coming down with the reenactment bug myself, so when the town of Brookville, MD recently held its “U.S. Capital for a Day” events, I attended in full period attire. Here’s a photo gallery from the event; I’m in pics # 25, 26, & 41. http://www.gazette.net/article/20140903/NEWS/140909725&template=gazette

If you know of any upcoming Star-Spangled events that I’ve neglected to mention here, please leave a comment – thanks!