Pictures from Happenings in Pigtown: Barnum & Bailey and Mobtown Ballroom

So I'm very late on posting these pictures.  But they are worth your wait, I promise.


Pigtown is named for the pigs that were brought by train from the Midwest, dropped off at the B&O terminus where the museum stands today, and then the pigs were herded to their destination, south of the neighborhood.

This tradition of transporting animals by train and walking them through the neighborhood continues today in a different way.  The circus!  Barnum & Bailey makes a visit to Baltimore annually, and their most precious cargo is dropped off in Pigtown.
I have no idea how you plan ahead how to catch this in the future.  I found out by seeing the train parked on the tracks as I passed by on Arlington St, and then received a tip from a friend that confirmed it.  This was on Monday, March 21st.  So I'm guessing you can keep an eye out for the Monday before the circus starts in town, and they will be offloading just before dusk, after rush hour traffic is cleared.

 They offloaded 9 Elephants (Asia, Assan, Baby, Banko, Luna, Sarah, Siam II, Toy and Tonkaw) and 24 Horses!  From there, they hurry them up Arlington St, make a right onto Pratt St, and continue down to the Baltimore 1st Mariner Arena.  This was my first time going to watch, and I will not miss this tradition next year!


If you haven't found out already,  Mobtown Ballroom is the place to go for dancing and entertainment in Pigtown.  They have classes for salsa, belly dancing, aerial silks, and much more!  There are open dance nights every Monday and  Friday, where you'll find most people swing dancing.  You can check out a panorama of their ballroom to help get yourself acquainted.  They also rent the joint out for events and weddings if you wish!  The pictures below showcase Mobtown Ballroom's Variety Show held on March 19th.  Check out these aerial dancing ladies!

And here's a shot of everyone having fun dancing after the show. 

I'm sorry, the combination of mood lighting and camera phone have never resulted well.  You'll just have to go see the place for yourself!  Everyone was super nice, and everyone dances with each other... wall flowers don't stay that way long.  So don't fear going solo, or going with a group of friends that aren't all couples.  BYOB.  Pick up something to-go from Miller's Liquors or Chris's Liquors, or join most of the crew for pre-party drinks at Cafe Calypso.  Afterwards, visit any of the nearby bars - personally, I find Cafe Calypso and Tommy's Downtown Tavern to be the most welcoming (read: no uncomfortable comments or glances) for the lady-folk.  Most importantly, have fun and get home safely.  If you live in the neighborhood, you're so lucky to already be home ;)

April 2012 Community Events

April in General:
The dilapidated units at the end of the 900 block will be torn down.(Washington Blvd/W Cross St)
Work is being done at the old Sid's Tavern (1100 Washington Blvd) to become a convenience store and carryout. 
Charm City Wings & Waffles (807 Washington Blvd) is open and taking delicious orders!
The tulips planted by the Main Street Design Committee in the planters and under the "Welcome" Mural are blooming - go check out your handy work. (They meet the second Monday of every month 7pm @ Tommy's Downtown Tavern - 839 W Cross St)
Work is being done to open a community tool bank near Wicomico/Scott Streets. 
Progress on construction continues at 761 -767 Washington Blvd

Saturday, April 7 - Community Pit Bull Day
12:00pm to 3:00pm
Franklin Square Elementary/Middle School (Playground at Calhoun and Lexington Streets)
1400 West Lexington Street, Baltimore, MD


Wednesday, April 11 - Live Baltimore's Buying Into Baltimore West Pop-up Shop
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Live Baltimore will pop up smack dab in the middle of downtown for a rooftop cocktail party in Pigtown. Close to everything, this area will highlight Pigtown along with Barre Circle,Hollins Market, Ridgely's Delight and Union Square.
They're keeping the exact Pop-up location under wraps, so you'll have to RSVP on their website (use the link above) to hear more. The April 11th Pop-up location will serve Barre Circle, Hollins Market, Pigtown, Ridgely's Delight, Union Square.  Interested residents can volunteer to talk with homebuyers interested in your neighborhoods! Email volunteer@livebaltimore.com for details.

Saturday, April 14 - 1st Annual Lot O Spring Flea Market
7:00am - 12:00pm
Raven's Stadium Lot O (Intersection of Ridgely Ave and W Ostend St)

$15 dollars to have a spot if you're not already registered.


Saturday, April 14 - Yelp's Totally 80s Wedding Party at Mobtown Ballroom
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
861 Washington Blvd
You must click the RSVP button for a chance to attend.  If there is still room available, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know that you are in!

Saturday, April 28 - Rebuilding Together Baltimore's Rebuilding Day

This is the second (and last) year in a row that this community beautification will occur in partnership with Rebuilding Together Baltimore.  Last year was a blast, and so much was achieved that continues to influence our neighborhood.  Please email sally at RTBaltimore dot org if you have any questions, concerns, or feedback.

See you out there! ;)

Mobtown Ballroom Events

Mobtown Ballroom
861 Washington Blvd  Baltimore, MD 21230


TONIGHT, Monday March 19, 2012:
FREE Monday night swing: 8pm drop-in lesson followed by 9pm-12:30am boogie

March 31
From the Facebook Event
"Ladies and Gentlemen--it's happening. The Mobtown Ballroom is putting on a variety show. We've lined up the acts, and we're preparing to put on an evening so titillating, so thoroughly alluring, that you will never be the same again. The lovely (and thoroughly buff) Kelly... Jo Stull will perform high-flying feats. There will be stage kittens. There will be clowns. There will be stage ninjas. There will be a woman crushing an egg with her bosoms.
The show runs from 8-9:30, and to amp you even more, we will follow it up with a SOUL DANCE PARTY from 9:30 until you're all danced out. The best part? The show and party cost only $10. You can't beat it."

Pigtown Spring Flea Market

FLEA MARKET

WHERE: Official Ravens Lot O, corner of Ridgely Street and W Ostend Street

WHEN: Saturday April 14^th, 2012 7am to Noon

Cost: $13 a spot if Registered by April 1^st or $15 at the gate

(each spot gets one vehicle in for free)

PARKING IS $1 PER CAR TO COVER THE COST OF THE LOT

There will be a donation truck at Noon; donations will benefit 

American Veterans

For reservations or more information :

Call Nina Nescio at 727-481-1586  pigtowngirlnina at gmail dot com

Board at citizensofpigtown dot org    www.citizensofpigtown.org

Friends of Carroll Park: Meeting January 3, 2012

The lastest meeting notes are up on the Friends of Carroll Park blog.  Please go to their website to check it out, and subscribe!

Also, check out all of the pictures from their free summer concert and mural painting this past July!  They are up on the blog as well.

10th Annual Pigtown Festival

Did you miss this year's festival?  Or did you have a great time and can't wait for the Pigtown Festival in 2012?  Flip to September 15, 2012 October 20, 2012 and mark your calendar so you'll be sure not to miss it!

We both already know you're going.  How could you not?  So what am I writing about?

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!!
Go to the Festival's Facebook Page and click "Select Guests to Invite".  This is a festival for Pigtown and all our closest friends, so make sure they're there to party with you!  The festival is this Saturday, September 17 2011 at 800 Washington Blvd, from 12-7pm.   Almost every group and business in the community has something going on down there.


There will also be a fundraiser for the festival because Pigtown Main Street loves putting on the event for everyone, and will do everything in its power to keep this event FREE for their friends.  So come out and be social... heck, you might even make some new friends!  Actually, I've been making a lot of new friends in the area at these sort of events.  Besides, who doesn't like a good excuse to get the party started early?  Man, there should be more parties around here!  Check out the Fundraiser's Facebook Page , RSVP and invite your friends.  The fundraiser party is this Thursday, September 15, upstairs at Calypso Cafe 771 Washington Blvd, from 7-10pm.

The Past Month - Pigtown in the news

We're all well aware that Pigtown makes the news.  For better or for worse, we are news-worthy.  But with a name like that and our strong diversity, how can we not be? 

Here are a few articles over the past month where we got a positive the mention:
Baltimore Magazine - Off the Wall
Article about Pigtown native, Frank Arthur.




Washington Post - Baltimore integrity trumps D.C. importance
"Baltimore is Charm City because its neighborhoods exude a grubby kind of charm. You’d never find a Pigtown, a Dickeyville or even a Hampden in Washington."
Are you glad that we ditched "Washington Village" yet?  Pretty sure we wouldn't have been mentioned.



Baltimore Sun - Concert news: Ziggy Marley, Pigtown Festival, Crooked Fingers
"The date and line-up for the 10th Pigtown Festival was announced Sunday. Erin McKeown ("Slung-Lo"), Baltimore's Soul Cannon, Karter Jaymes and Margot MacDonald will perform September 17 at the free festival, which takes place between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the 700-900 blocks of Washington Boulevard.
McKeown is a folk musician in the vein of Ani DiFranco; Soul Cannon is a hip hop quartet; Jaymes is a Baltimore two-time Grammy nominee and MacDonald is a 19-year-old Washington D.C. pop vocalist.
In addition to live music, there will also be food, arts and crafts vendors and the annual Running of the Pigs event."
Wanna know more about the Pigtown Festival?  Visit www.pigtownfestival.com and like Pigtown Main Street on Facebook.

Art & Fitness Celebration in Carroll Park

This Saturday.  6-8pm.  Be there.  

Please visit the Friends of Carroll Park blog post for all the info!

Neighborhood Pit Bull Day July 10, 2011 10am-2pm

Flier and Event by Best Friends Animal Society.

Please share this event with friends and neighbors!  Click here to download the flier for distribution.

If you call their toll free number, it provides more information.  A few smart things that they mentioned are:

- Children are to be supervised by an adult at all times

- Dogs should attend the event on a non-retractable leash, handled by an adult

- If your dog is nervous around other pets and people, please contact the organization through the toll-free number for separate assistance

- Registration is required, and takes place during the event hours, on site

- Free and/or low cost veterinary assistance will be available

- Food, treats, and toys will be given at the event

- Crates will be available for doggie breaks

- Please pick up after your dog.  Bags will be available at the event.

Pit bulls are known for being the most tolerant breed, and therefore considered America's Nanny Dog, and in fact the national breed of the United States!  They can be difficult to adopt because many home owners insurance companies forbid them.  State Farm and Travelers are two that I know do not.  While I'm talking the breed up, I should mention that dogs will not be for sale at the event. But it is a great opportunity for owners to get affordable products and services for their dogs, and be stewards for positive pit bull ownership.  Pass it on!

The Great Baltimore Check-In

If you haven't heard about this, give the website look-see!
http://www.thegreatbaltimorecheckin.com/ 

Urbanite is hosting an event utilizing four-square, a location-based social networking website.  And Housewerks is in it! Ahem... with no check-ins... get on that people!  Ok, so it launched yesterday, we'll forgive you.

What do you need?  A smart phone.  A four-square account.  Tenacity. 

Me?  I fail at requirement number one and two, so I'm relying on you other people who are more tech-savvy than myself.  But you know what?  If you're like me, and you can't participate in a way that wins you prizes, don't fret.  The Check-In is still an awesome way to get ideas.


Want to see the secret some places around Baltimore that you probably haven't been to?   Check out the Who Knew? category.

Going on a date?  Check out the Go Picnic or Foodie category.  Boom!  Done.  Really, every category is date worthy if you need ideas that will impress.  Guaranteed.  Ok, maybe not guaranteed.  But ditch them if they're not impressed.  See? Great weed-out tool.  You can thank Urbanite for saving you from a destined-to-fail relationship.

And please tell your friends!  Lets make Housewerks the top Check-In!!  Check out the Housewerks website for hours of operation.


 

Civil War History with the 1st Maryland Volunteer Infantry

 

An organization of Union living historians dedicated to the preservation of history and honoring the men who served during the Civil War

The First Maryland Infantry, U.S. was founded on the grounds of Carroll Park .  June 18, 2011 marked the 150th anniversary of the presentation of unit's flag. Colonel John Kenly assumed command of the regiment and received “a flag from the patriotic ladies of West Baltimore .” This one-day encampment will present demonstrations of Civil War camp life, circa 1861.

Schedule for Saturday July 9, 2011

(times are approximate)

                                          10:00 am                Guard mount

                                          11:00 am                Equipment & uniforms of the war

                                          12:00 pm                Musket firing demonstration

                                          1:00 pm                  Mail call

                                          2:00 pm                  Mustering in ceremony flag presentation

                                          3:15 pm                  Company drill

Field music by the Fort McHenry Fife and Drum Corps Guard in Civil War attire, will be heard throughout the day as well as typical camp life activities when other activities are not scheduled. Please feel free to come into camp, look around and ask questions. 

Book Signing by Civil War historian, Dan Toomey, throughout the day.

                       Family Day Activity at the Mount Clare Stable

From 11 – 2pm at the Mount Clare Stable a costumed interpreter will demonstrate using a “Civil War Trunk” filled with period reproductions relating to a soldiers life and a citizens life to engage both children and adults about the affect of this conflict.  Children may also take part in a Flag making craft and present their colors to the infantry at Camp Carroll at the 2 o’clock ceremony in front of the mansion.

All activities are free and open to the public.  Free Parking.

 

"Artfisch: The Work of Erica Hinson Denny" Opening at Gallery 788

This Thursday, Gallery 788 will once again be the hottest spot in Pigtown  with the opening of their June show, "Artfisch: The Art of Erica Hinson Denny." Of course, 788 has been mentioned here previously.

Courtesy of Gallery 788

Unlike most shows there, this month will be dedicated entirely to the works of a single artist, Erica Hinson Denny, aka "Artfisch" who passed away last November. Erica was an extremely popular and influential nightlife photographer in DC and Maryland who was published extensively throughout the region. If you've been to 788 before, you've likely seen her work, which captures the energy and motion of those up-all-night hours when you feel most alive.


788 has made its reputation as an egalitarian co-op offering a mix of styles (and admittedly, a wide range of talent levels) at affordable prices for any start-up collector. Whats great about this gallery is the welcoming nature and lack of pretension. Its a great gathering place for the community and shows off an unexpected (at least to outsiders) side of Pigtown. In fact, the presence of 788 and its partner gallery, 21G, were one of the things that attracted me to move here. So if you're looking for something to do and a friendly crowd, head to Washington Blvd tomorrow and celebrate the work of one of Baltimore's unique artistic voices.

 Every first Thursday in Pigtown, Gallery 788 opens their doors with a new set of art on the walls, and a party to celebrate it all.  Be sure to join us!