Photo by Mats Bakken
Blending Genres and Breaking Boundaries: Ben Ruttner of The Knocks Talks about Creativity in Modern Music
by Aaron Kilbourne
brbrThe origin of the electronic music duo known as The Knocks sounds like that of a film or comic book. Two young New Yorkers meet, almost by fate, and proceed to embark on a journey into the music industry. Their musical prowess and do-it-yourself attitude lead them to success as they had collaborations with some of the world’s most famous artists. Despite what they have already accomplished, Ben Ruttner and James Patterson know that this journey is only just beginning.
brThe Knocks have just released their fifth EP, Testify, to kick off the Feel Good Feel Great Tour. Don’t miss their performance at the 9:30 Club Thursday, March 2nd, 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Check out the Full Interview Here
Creating an Ecologically Responsible Garden with Director of Horticulture Travis Beck
Photo courtesy of Mt. Cuba Center
by Aaron Kilbourne
brbrOriginally attending college as an English major, Travis Beck found his true calling when he received a master’s degree in Environmental Horticulture. He would then go on to be the author of Principles of Ecological Landscape Design, as well as an accomplished landscape and garden manager of the New York Botanical Garden.
brDon’t miss Travis Beck: “Design with Native Plants", Sunday, March 5th, 2 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Phillip Merrill Center. In addition to the lecture there will be a wine and cheese reception, tours of the Philip Merrill Center, and book signings. Tickets are $60 and selling fast! All proceeds will fund community greening grants for schools and non-profit community organizations in Anne Arundel County.
Check our the full interview here
The What's Up? Weekend Rundown
Anne Arundel County
Annapolis Spring Home & Garden Expo
brSaturday, February 25th, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. & Sunday, February 26th, 12–5 p.m.
brThe Annapolis Spring Home Expo is coming to the Byzantium Event Center offering guests an opportunity to discover opportunities and new products for their home improvements, enhancements and services in one great location. The event will feature over 70 companies showcasing kitchens, baths, decking, counter-tops, sun rooms, exterior products, landscape design and hardscapes, closet organization, design and build, whole house remodeling, and more. The Expo also offers free educational seminars on a variety of topics from remodeling to lawn and garden. HGTV and DIY Network host Matt Muenster will be part of the show all weekend, providing free educational seminars and helping homeowners with their projects.
12th Annual Gumbofest
brSunday, February 26th, 1–4 p.m.
brThe 12th annual Gumbo Fest is set to kick off Mardi Gras week. Put on your beads and bring your appetite to the Double Tree Hotel! The event features gumbo tastings, live music, the MD Lottery, and a cash bar. Attendees will sample the gumbo entries and vote on their favorite for the “People’s Choice” trophy. Attendees also vote on “Best Booth Display”. All proceeds of the event benefit the Annapolis Light House, a homeless prevention center.
Saltwater Fishing Expo
brSaturday, February 25th, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
brMark your calendar for the Saltwater Fishing Expo at Annapolis Elks Lodge. This event has become one of the most popular winter fishing shows in the area. It combines many of the best local tackle dealers offering the latest light tackle jigging, bay trolling and offshore tackle with an outstanding seminar series. There will be numerous professional charter captains and guides to answer questions, provide advice, or book a trip for the upcoming season.
Annapolis Restaurant Week
brThursday, February 23rd through Sunday, February 26th, times vary
brAnnapolis’s finest restaurants are joining together for another year of awe-inspiring, multi-course meals prepared especially for Annapolis Restaurant Week! Enjoy discounts and delicious dining experiences at the best Annapolis area restaurants. With a wide variety of amazing restaurants participating, you’ll have a hard time deciding where to go first. Each participating restaurant offers a two-course breakfast ($12.95), two-course lunch ($15.95), and a three-course dinner ($34.95).
The Look 2017 – What’s Up? Media’s Fourth Annual Beauty and Wellness Event
brFriday, February 24th, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
brWhat’s Up? invites you to spend a well-deserved night that is all about you. This event is the perfect start to achieving your desired “look” for the spring season. Enjoy three solid hours of being pampered with spa treatments, getting your hair, makeup, and nails done, listening to professional speakers, engaging in conversation with experts, and shopping your heart out with retail vendors. Purchase your tickets now for this not-to-be-missed at the Loews Annapolis Hotel.
Eastern Shore
Mardi Gras Dance Party
brFriday, February 24th, 7 p.m.
brHead over to the Garfield Center for the Arts for this not-to-miss party featuring two incredible New Orleans-style bands, The Dixie Power Trio and Philip Dutton & The Alligators, hors d’oeuvres provided by Krewe members, and king cakes served half way through the evening. There will be a cash bar with beer and wine. Don’t forget to try the Garfield special drink! Costumes are encouraged.
James and the Giant Peach
brFriday, February 24th, 7 p.m. & Sunday, February 26th, 3 p.m.
brThe musical James and the Giant Peach is based on the beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl, written in 1961. It’s a delightfully imagined tale of a boy, his giant insect friends and their incredible journey across the ocean on a giant, juicy piece of fruit. James, tragically loses his parents in a freak accident and is sent to live with his awful aunts, Spiker and Sponge. A strange man named Ladahlord appears in James’ miserable life and encourages him to try a magic potion. The experiment goes wrong and ends up creating giant insects: a ladybug, a grasshopper, a spider, an earthworm and a centipede. A peach magically grows to outrageous proportions in James’ backyard and he and his new friends climb inside through a small door. The peach somehow detaches from its tree and rolls down the hill, over the cliffs of Dover and into the sea. Off go the unintentional traveling companions on a thrilling transatlantic ride to New York City, discovering much about themselves, each other and the meaning of family.
Chester Gras
brSaturday, February 25th, 12–4 p.m.
brChestertown's Mini Mardi Gras celebration is a family friendly event that benefits the local backpack programs. Mardi Gras style parade with all other events in a heated tent! Silent auction, 50/50 raffle, music, dancing, and food/beverage sales. New for 2017 will be a dance lesson, dance contest, costume contest, photo booth, and more!
Better Living Expo
brSaturday, February 25th, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. & Sunday, February 26th, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
brThe Better Living Expo returns to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center and is presented by the Optimist Club of Salisbury and has become an area tradition. The show will feature 100 vendors showcasing products and services for home and garden, as well as 50 local arts and crafts vendors. Find answers about everything from home improvement to personal well-being. There will also be demonstrations and family entertainment. Bring the entire family to see live performances including Carlos the Juggler, clowns and animals from the Salisbury Zoo.
Regional
Baltimore Heart Ball
brSaturday, February 25th, 6:30–10 p.m.
brHeld during Heart Month, the Heart Ball is an elegant, black-tie celebration of life, bringing together more than 500 of Maryland's most prominent physicians, corporate, health care and community leaders for an inspirational evening of dinner, dancing, entertainment and live and silent auctions. The Heart Ball is the premier social event that salutes the American Heart Association’s impact on the Greater Maryland Community. The celebration focuses on our work and mission; our donors and volunteers; and – most importantly – the lives saved and improved because of everyone’s efforts. The event will be held at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.
Zaching Against Cancer Living the Dream Gala
brSaturday, February 25th, 6:30–11:30 p.m.
brThe Zaching Against Cancer Foundation is hosting its third annual Living the Dream Gala at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The organization’s signature event will aid the Foundation’s efforts to support cancer patients and their caregivers through greatly needed funds and services, scholarships and more. During the event, attendees will enjoy delicious food, an open bar, live music from Misspent Youth, and a live and silent auction.
American Craft Show
brFriday, February 24th, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday, February 25th, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, February 26th, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
brCelebrating the American Craft Council’s 75th anniversary, the American Craft Show returns to the Baltimore Convention Center where more than 650 of the country’s top contemporary craft artists will present their latest handmade creations in jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home décor. Show-goers will enjoy the return of Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft, Hip Pop, and Let’s Make programs, as well as the Show’s newest program, Style Slam. With a variety of specialty categories, the show offers something for everyone. Shoppers will experience the work of hundreds of the country’s most talented artists under one roof, while exploring the process each artist uses to create his or her work.
2017 Oscar Nominated Shorts
brFriday, February 24th, 7 p.m. & Saturday, February 25th, 6 p.m.
brThe Frederick Film Festival will be presenting The Oscar® Nominated Short Films 2017 at the Weinberg Center Friday, February 24th and at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center Saturday, February 25th. This will be the only time film goers in the Frederick area will be able to see all of these nominated short films in one city immediately before the 89th Academy Awards® ceremony. This event will showcase the Live Action, Animation, and Documentary short film nominees as three separate theatrical events. The nominated Animated films will show at 7 p.m. and the nominated Live Action films will screen at 9 p.m. at the Weinberg Center. The following night the Documentary short film nominees will show in two blocks at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Delaplaine.
D.C Distillers Festival
brSaturday, February 25th, 12–3 p.m.
brGet ready for a trip back to pre-prohibition DC when the DC Distillers Festival kicks off! Over 20 specially curated Craft Distillers join a 1920’s jazz band at Long View Gallery and serve patrons tastings over a three session, all-day, all-night speakeasy experience. This speakeasy event showcases specially-selected, premium craft spirits from incredible craft distilleries. You’ll sample over 60 craft spirits to your hearts content while a 1920′s style jazz band keeps the party lively during this one of a kind experience. There are three VIP sessions, (12–3 p.m., 3:30–6:30 p.m. & 7–10 p.m.) and three general admission sessions (1–3 p.m., 4:30–6:30 p.m. & 8–10 p.m.) Modern-Gatsby attire suggested.
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.
