ARTSCAPE TAKES PLACE JULY 17, 18 and 19, 2009

The 28th annual summer arts festival showcases the visual and performing arts

Mayor Sheila Dixon and the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts announce the return of Artscape, America’s largest free festival of the arts, on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 from noon to 10pm and Sunday, July 19 from noon to 8pm centered on the 1200 block of Mount Royal Avenue and the 1400 block of North Charles Street. Artscape features visual art exhibits both on and off-site; incredible live concerts on three outdoor stages; a full schedule of performing arts including dance, opera, theater, fashion and film, interactive family fun projects, children’s entertainers; and a delicious international menu of food and beverages available throughout the site.

Performers on the Main Stage in 2009 include legendary singer Dionne Warwick on Friday, July 17 at 8pm; the progressive band Cake on Saturday, July 18 at 6:30pm; funk, rock & soul group Robert Randolph & The Family Band on Saturday, July 18 at 8:30pm; and pop and R&B crooner Robin Thicke on Sunday, July 19 at 6:30pm. The Festival Stage is the home area’s top local bands such as The Cheaters, Bio Ritmo and Whop N The Global Soul Revue. With support by the Baltimore Blues Society and the Baltimore Jazz Alliance, the Charles Street Stage hosts jazz and blues groups including Matt Wigler, Felicia Carter Quintet and Todd Marcus Orchestra.

New in 2009, festival-goers are encouraged to bike to Artscape and park in the new Bike Parking Zone sponsored by the University of Baltimore located at Maryland Avenue between Oliver Street and Mount Royal Avenue. Volunteers from the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee will be on hand to organize the zone and offer giveaways. In addition, the new Baltimore Free Bus Shuttle will circle the festival site to help guests to get to various areas throughout the event.

http://www.baltimore.biz/blog/artscape-takes-place-july-17-18-and-19-2009/