A What's Up? Weekend 11/17/16

Taking the Stage with Artistic Director Dianna Cuatto

brWhen you know what you want, you can’t be afraid to go after it. That’s exactly what Dianna Cuatto, the Ballet Theatre of Maryland (BTOM) Artistic Director, did when she was just three years old. She always knew being a dancer was her calling and over the years she developed countless experiences and knowledge that she would later bring to the BTOM in 2003.

brbrOver the last 14 years, Cuatto has taken the ballet to all new heights. Having very little staff at the ballet, Cuatto’s responsibilities extend from choreography and scheduling to fundraising and marketing. Balancing more responsibilities than most directors, Cuatto admits that in the end, it’s always rewarding.


The Nutcracker will be performed at three different locations this holiday season: at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts , December 10th and December 17th (7 p.m.) and December 11th and December 18th (1 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.); at Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, December 3rd and December 4th (1 p.m. & 5 p.m.); and at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, November 26th (7 p.m.) and November 27th (2 p.m.). Get Tickets online Here.

Check out a What's Up? Exclusive interview with Dianna here

The What's Up? Weekend Rundown

Anne Arundel County

Severn Town Club’s Annual Holly Ball
brFriday, November 18th, 6–11 p.m.
brCome out and join Severn for the annual Holly Ball including cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour with keyboard player, dinner, an open bar, dancing, and live music by the Oracle Band. Also included will be silent and live auctions, and a 50/50 raffle. The proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, which provide a safe haven and exceptional programs year-round for more than 2,200 youth.

Bountiful Harvest 
brFriday, November 18th, 7–10 p.m.
brMake plans to celebrate The Light House at the annual Bountiful Harvest Gala. Be sure to wear blue to support The Light House. Anything will do: blue jeans, a blue tuxedo, and even blue suede shoes! Enjoy music, cuisine from local chefs and restaurants, an open bar, and live and silent auctions.

AAMC Lights on the Bay

Saturday, November 19, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (AAMC) 22nd annual holiday light show, Lights on the Bay, will open to the public on Saturday, November 19 and run through January 2, 2017. Taking place at Sandy Point State Park, the event features a two-mile scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay with approximately 70 animated and stationary displays illuminating the roadway.


Rubix Kube at Union Jack’s Annapolis

Saturday, November 19, 9:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
brRUBIX KUBE is taking the universe by storm as the most original ‘80s tribute band of all time. The KUBE is more than just a cover band - it's a totally awesome, true '80s Experience! Every super-charged show takes it to the max and guarantees to set the roof on fire and burn down the house. (Metaphorically speaking of course).

Presidential Election and World Events with NBC’s Tom Brokaw
brSunday, November 20th, 4–6 p.m.
brSt. John’s College invites you to a special conversation about the presidential election and world events featuring Tom Brokaw, veteran NBC Nightly News anchor and award-winning author of The Greatest Generation, and Admiral Mike Mullen, Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mr. Brokaw and Admiral Mullen welcome ticketholders for a book signing and wine and cheese reception after the event.

Eastern Shore

An Evening with Public Radio Host Krista Tippett

Thursday, November 17th, 7 p.m.

Experience a live conversation led by On Being radio host Krista Tippett, journalist, author and National Humanities Medal winner. Onstage at the Avalon Theatre, Tippett will interview Anil Dash, an entrepreneur, activist and advocate working to make technology and the tech industry more humane, inclusive and ethical. This conversation will be recorded for broadcast. On Being is a top iTunes podcast, airs on over 400 national public radio stations and is distributed by PRX (Public Radio Exchange.)


Wild and Scenic Film Festival
brFriday, November 18th, 6 p.m.
brThe Wild & Scenic Film Festival is a call-to-action that transforms film-goers into committed activists dedicated to saving our increasingly threatened planet. We show environmental and adventure films that illustrate the Earth’s beauty, the challenges facing our planet, and the work communities around the world are doing to protect the environment. Special guest appearance from photographer Jay Fleming with a short film about his brand new photographic book, Working the Water, which chronicles the production stages of Chesapeake Bay seafood.

Dancing for the Future
brSaturday, November 19th, 7–11 p.m.
brDancing for the Future is the premier fundraising event which benefits students in all fifteen of Queen Anne’s County public schools! In cooperation with Mid-Shore Community Foundation, funds raised over the last few years have identified financial needs within our educational community that fall outside the scope of traditional Board of Education funding focusing on technology, cultural arts, and athletics. This year’s event will be held at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club. Please join us at this great event and cast a vote to determine the three “People’s Choice” disco ball trophy winners and the grand prize “Judge’s Choice” winner!

31st Annual Turkey Trot