Photo by C. Taylor Crothers
A Man and His Guitar: A What’s Up Exclusive Interview with Musician Keller Williams
By Caley Breese
brbrIt’s not too often that you see a music artist release albums so frequently—in consecutive years, more specifically. But then again, Keller Williams is not your average artist.
brbrDubbed as a “one-man band jam,” Williams has been on the music scene since the early 1990s, releasing his first album, Freek, in 1994. Now, over 20 years and 20 albums later, Williams is on the move again with releasing not one, but two albums, Raw and Sync, in 2017.
“In the world of record releases, we’re not changing the world in any way. It’s just documentation and representation of where I am.” –Keller Williamsbr
brAlthough he may be considered a solo artist, Williams has worked with a number of artists throughout his career, a lot of them who have made appearances in some of his albums, such as Bob Weir from the Grateful Dead, solo performer Leo Kottke, and Larry and Jenny Keel. Williams has also been a part of several bands, including Keller and the Keels and Keller Williams’ KWahtro, a band assembled in 2016.br
brKeller Williams will be performing alongside Leo Kottke at the Lincoln Theater in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, February 18th at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35.br
Read the Full Interview Here
The What's Up? Weekend Rundown
Anne Arundel County
Sly 45 at Union Jack’s Annapolis
brFriday, February 17th, 9:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.
brFormed in Baltimore, from a couple local guys who wanted to add the sound they loved to an already booming local jazz, blues, and pop scene, the gentlemen (and we use the term loosely) of Sly 45 set out to not only give new life to those forgotten hits, but also to breathe a little of that old-time energy into modern pop and classic tunes. If its stuck in your head, ringing in your ears, or that song you can’t quite remember the words to but always sing along anyway, odds are Sly 45 are playing it tonight.
25th Annual Pasadena Sportfishing Flea Market/Show
Saturday, February 18th & Sunday, February 19th, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
brNew and used fishing tackle, crabbing supplies, nautical crafts, and art at sale prices can be found at the Pasadena Sportfishing Flea Market and Show at the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company. Over 150 tables with discounted prices and a big tent outside, grand prize raffle, Firehouse hot pit beef and ham sandwiches, oysters on the half shell, cold beverages, custom built rods, custom made lures, fly, spinning and conventional rods and reels are for sale! Charter Boat Captains, MSSA & DNR representatives will be on hand to discuss their activities for the coming season. This show to fishermen is the same as a candy store is to kids!
Full Snow Moon Party
brThursday, February 16th, 7 p.m.
brUsually the heaviest snow falls in February. Hunting becomes difficult, so to some Native American tribes this was the hunger moon. Head over to The Boatyard Bar & Grill for blue moon specials, live music by The Shatners, and don’t forget to dance and howl through the night!
Heartbeat for Health
brSaturday, February 18th, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
brDon’t miss this free, informative, and fun filled event celebrating the benefits of dance and exercise in the prevention of heart disease, while reinforcing community awareness and education about overall health and wellness at the Y in Arnold. Dance demonstrations will be presented by local dance studios and attendees are encouraged to participate by trying the various dance styles showcased. Free health screenings including heart health screenings, foot screenings, oral cancer screenings, CPR demonstrations, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and educational displays for cancer and heart health will be offered.
Cirque Zuma Zuma
brNew and used fishing tackle, crabbing supplies, nautical crafts, and art at sale prices can be found at the Pasadena Sportfishing Flea Market and Show at the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company. Over 150 tables with discounted prices and a big tent outside, grand prize raffle, Firehouse hot pit beef and ham sandwiches, oysters on the half shell, cold beverages, custom built rods, custom made lures, fly, spinning and conventional rods and reels are for sale! Charter Boat Captains, MSSA & DNR representatives will be on hand to discuss their activities for the coming season. This show to fishermen is the same as a candy store is to kids!
Full Snow Moon Party
brThursday, February 16th, 7 p.m.
brUsually the heaviest snow falls in February. Hunting becomes difficult, so to some Native American tribes this was the hunger moon. Head over to The Boatyard Bar & Grill for blue moon specials, live music by The Shatners, and don’t forget to dance and howl through the night!
Heartbeat for Health
brSaturday, February 18th, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
brDon’t miss this free, informative, and fun filled event celebrating the benefits of dance and exercise in the prevention of heart disease, while reinforcing community awareness and education about overall health and wellness at the Y in Arnold. Dance demonstrations will be presented by local dance studios and attendees are encouraged to participate by trying the various dance styles showcased. Free health screenings including heart health screenings, foot screenings, oral cancer screenings, CPR demonstrations, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and educational displays for cancer and heart health will be offered.
Cirque Zuma Zuma
Saturday, February 18th, 7:30 p.m.
brAmerica’s Got Talent finalist, Cirque Zuma Zuma, is known as the “ultimate African circus,” and will perform at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. This show is filled with non-stop action and African culture, including dance, acrobatics, tumbling, and music. Cirque Zuma Zuma combines mysticism of Africa with excitement of a theatrical cirque performance. With live music and percussionists, they perform an action-packed show of pole and aerial acts, Egyptian limbo dances, South African gumboot dances, Gabonese tumbling, and South African contortionists’ feats which will keep the audience breathless. Tickets are $26 for adults and $21 for children.
Susan G. Komen Concert for the Cure ft. The Paul Reed Smith Band
brFriday, February 17th, 8 p.m.
brRooted in Annapolis, the Paul Reed Smith Band carries their music as far as sound can reach. They’ve traveled all over the world, including their favorite venues in Germany, Italy, and Japan, to spread love through good music. The heart of their music can best be described as Chesapeake Gumbo, true to their roots with a heart of funky rock. Seating includes lite fare food, drinks and pre-concert reception with the band. Come out for a great music event while making an impact on the lives of those who are affected by breast cancer. This concert is a fundraiser for Susan G. Komen® Maryland. The net proceeds from this event will go to support community programs, education, support services for survivors and their families across Maryland, while also supporting national research.
A Winter Romance in St. Michaels
brAmerica’s Got Talent finalist, Cirque Zuma Zuma, is known as the “ultimate African circus,” and will perform at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. This show is filled with non-stop action and African culture, including dance, acrobatics, tumbling, and music. Cirque Zuma Zuma combines mysticism of Africa with excitement of a theatrical cirque performance. With live music and percussionists, they perform an action-packed show of pole and aerial acts, Egyptian limbo dances, South African gumboot dances, Gabonese tumbling, and South African contortionists’ feats which will keep the audience breathless. Tickets are $26 for adults and $21 for children.
Eastern Shore
Susan G. Komen Concert for the Cure ft. The Paul Reed Smith Band
brFriday, February 17th, 8 p.m.
brRooted in Annapolis, the Paul Reed Smith Band carries their music as far as sound can reach. They’ve traveled all over the world, including their favorite venues in Germany, Italy, and Japan, to spread love through good music. The heart of their music can best be described as Chesapeake Gumbo, true to their roots with a heart of funky rock. Seating includes lite fare food, drinks and pre-concert reception with the band. Come out for a great music event while making an impact on the lives of those who are affected by breast cancer. This concert is a fundraiser for Susan G. Komen® Maryland. The net proceeds from this event will go to support community programs, education, support services for survivors and their families across Maryland, while also supporting national research.
A Winter Romance in St. Michaels
Thursday, February 16th through Sunday, February 19th, times vary
brVisiting St. Michaels during the Winter is the perfect time for a romantic getaway, especially around Valentine's Day. Participating lodging partners are embracing "A Winter's Romance" and offering their guests romance packages. Restaurants will offer a variety of tantalizing dishes during the event, focusing on tempting your taste buds with special menu items. St. Michaels boutiques, jewelry and gift shops are also offering our visitors a unique shopping experience during A Winter Romance in St. Michaels.
Third Thursday in Denton
brVisiting St. Michaels during the Winter is the perfect time for a romantic getaway, especially around Valentine's Day. Participating lodging partners are embracing "A Winter's Romance" and offering their guests romance packages. Restaurants will offer a variety of tantalizing dishes during the event, focusing on tempting your taste buds with special menu items. St. Michaels boutiques, jewelry and gift shops are also offering our visitors a unique shopping experience during A Winter Romance in St. Michaels.
Third Thursday in Denton
Thursday, February 16th, 5–7 p.m.
brWhere can you shop for the freshest floral arrangements, find one-of-a-kind gifts and home decor, dine on the porch with views of the Choptank River or enjoy a delectable fusion of Irish-American fare in a traditional public house? Downtown Denton during Third Thursdays! Come rediscover downtown Denton as restaurants and businesses extend their hours and offer specials on the third Thursday of every month.
Daddy Daughter Dance
brWhere can you shop for the freshest floral arrangements, find one-of-a-kind gifts and home decor, dine on the porch with views of the Choptank River or enjoy a delectable fusion of Irish-American fare in a traditional public house? Downtown Denton during Third Thursdays! Come rediscover downtown Denton as restaurants and businesses extend their hours and offer specials on the third Thursday of every month.
Daddy Daughter Dance
Sunday, February 19th, 5–7 p.m.
brEscort your princess to a special evening full of smiles, dancing, and fun at the 11th Annual Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance. Dads and daughters ages 3–12 will enjoy dancing, refreshments, souvenir photos and great music! You can avoid the picture line by getting your pictures taken early from 3–5 p.m. at the Fretterd Community Center. Dance is $35 per couple and $5 for each additional daughter.
Frozen Harbor Music Festival
brFriday, February 17th & Saturday, February 18th, 5 p.m.
brFrozen Harbor Music Festival is a 140+ act event held annually at Power Plant Live, Rams Head Live and Baltimore Soundstage. Going into its fourth year, which was born out of what use to be known as Pirate Rob's Birthday Bash there will be 10 stages of music covering all genres including: rock, reggae, hip hop, pop, R&B, country, metal, singer/songwriter and EDM. The event focuses on drawing attention to the tremendous original musicians from our great state of Maryland. Some of this year’s acts include: Dru Hill 20th Anniversary Full Band Show, Joe Pug, Bumpin Uglies, The Joey Harkum Band, Richie Fields, Dean Crawford, Sweet Leda, and many more. While this is a whole festival, the event is held in 10 different rooms and you can get tickets for one act or for the whole event. So, there’s an option for every fan and their budget!
UM BWMC Blood Drive
brFriday, February 17th, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
brUM Baltimore Washington Medical Center is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive at 301 Hospital Drive in Glen Burnie in the Dr. Constantine Padussis Conference Center, located on the third floor of the medical center. To give blood, donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the last 56 days or donated double red cells in the last 112 days. Following the donation process, donors can spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments.
Old Dominion
brFriday, February 17th, 8 p.m.
brTipped by Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Huffington Post as a 2015 band to watch, Old Dominion brings their spirited take on modern country to their RCA Nashville debut, Meat and Candy. While undeniably country, the songs sparkle with clever lyrics, innovative instrumentation, genre-busting arrangements and finger-popping melodies. Even the album’s title alludes to the set’s versatility. “When we first sat down to pick songs for the album, we had a lot of sing-a-long, fun, ‘candy’ songs,” says lead singer Matthew Ramsey. If fans aren’t yet familiar with the quintet’s vibrant sound, they have heard the members’ collective handiwork as songwriters on hits for Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and The Band Perry, among others.
The Look 2017
What's Up? Media's 4th Annual Beauty & Wellness Event
brEnjoy three solid hours of being pampered with spa treatments, getting your hair, makeup, and nails done right on the spot, listening to professional speakers, engaging in conversation with the experts, and shopping your heart out with our retail vendors. There will also be complimentary champagne and snacks for attendees.
Best Of 2017: Don't Forget to Vote!
brVoting for Best Of Retail & Professional Services is Now Live Until Feb. 28th. Vote online now!
What's Up? Media Promotions
brWhat’s Up? Media loves our community and wants to give back. Check out our promotions page for opportunities to win amazing giveaways such as tickets to the most happening local events around, gift cards to your favorite local restaurants, and more! More details here.
brEscort your princess to a special evening full of smiles, dancing, and fun at the 11th Annual Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance. Dads and daughters ages 3–12 will enjoy dancing, refreshments, souvenir photos and great music! You can avoid the picture line by getting your pictures taken early from 3–5 p.m. at the Fretterd Community Center. Dance is $35 per couple and $5 for each additional daughter.
Regional
Frozen Harbor Music Festival
brFriday, February 17th & Saturday, February 18th, 5 p.m.
brFrozen Harbor Music Festival is a 140+ act event held annually at Power Plant Live, Rams Head Live and Baltimore Soundstage. Going into its fourth year, which was born out of what use to be known as Pirate Rob's Birthday Bash there will be 10 stages of music covering all genres including: rock, reggae, hip hop, pop, R&B, country, metal, singer/songwriter and EDM. The event focuses on drawing attention to the tremendous original musicians from our great state of Maryland. Some of this year’s acts include: Dru Hill 20th Anniversary Full Band Show, Joe Pug, Bumpin Uglies, The Joey Harkum Band, Richie Fields, Dean Crawford, Sweet Leda, and many more. While this is a whole festival, the event is held in 10 different rooms and you can get tickets for one act or for the whole event. So, there’s an option for every fan and their budget!
UM BWMC Blood Drive
brFriday, February 17th, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
brUM Baltimore Washington Medical Center is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive at 301 Hospital Drive in Glen Burnie in the Dr. Constantine Padussis Conference Center, located on the third floor of the medical center. To give blood, donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the last 56 days or donated double red cells in the last 112 days. Following the donation process, donors can spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments.
Old Dominion
brFriday, February 17th, 8 p.m.
brTipped by Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Huffington Post as a 2015 band to watch, Old Dominion brings their spirited take on modern country to their RCA Nashville debut, Meat and Candy. While undeniably country, the songs sparkle with clever lyrics, innovative instrumentation, genre-busting arrangements and finger-popping melodies. Even the album’s title alludes to the set’s versatility. “When we first sat down to pick songs for the album, we had a lot of sing-a-long, fun, ‘candy’ songs,” says lead singer Matthew Ramsey. If fans aren’t yet familiar with the quintet’s vibrant sound, they have heard the members’ collective handiwork as songwriters on hits for Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and The Band Perry, among others.
The Look 2017
What's Up? Media's 4th Annual Beauty & Wellness Event
brEnjoy three solid hours of being pampered with spa treatments, getting your hair, makeup, and nails done right on the spot, listening to professional speakers, engaging in conversation with the experts, and shopping your heart out with our retail vendors. There will also be complimentary champagne and snacks for attendees.
We are asking guests to visit the Peach vendor booth at the event, to donate new or gently used bras for women in need.
Friday, February 24, 2017 at Loews Annapolis Hotel from 6-9pm.Best Of 2017: Don't Forget to Vote!
brVoting for Best Of Retail & Professional Services is Now Live Until Feb. 28th. Vote online now!What's Up? Media Promotions
brWhat’s Up? Media loves our community and wants to give back. Check out our promotions page for opportunities to win amazing giveaways such as tickets to the most happening local events around, gift cards to your favorite local restaurants, and more! More details here.
