Photo courtesy of Tru TV
Embarrassment, Humility & Best Friends: The Perfect Recipe for Success
Imagine laughing so hard you can’t breathe, tears running down your face, all while having the time of your life. Now imagine doing all of that with your best friends. brbrJoe Gatto, James Murray, Brian Quinn, and Sal Vulcano. Sound familiar? How about, Joe, “Murr,” “Q,” and Sal. These four guys are the stars of the popular and well-known TV series, Impractical Jokers, and the New York-based comedy group, The Tenderloins.
brbrWhile most people would consider this a “prank show,” the show’s primary focus takes real friendship to a whole new level of embarrassment. Ultimately, it’s a show about friends. Friends who spend their time developing hilarious and uncomfortable situations for each other.
brbrWith a combination of hidden mics and cameras, the jokers dare one another to the highest level of embarrassment, pushing and poking fun at each other’s fears. Currently filming their sixth season of the TruTV reality series, the fun is about to get funnier.
br Each one of the jokers has something that makes them cringe ... except Joe. Known as the shameless joker, heading into every challenge and punishment without hesitation, he admits he has a favorite of his own to put in the spotlight. “Sal. Hands down. Because you can physically see Sal’s body react to embarrassment. His skin actually wrinkles. You see his skin crawl. It’s great. And I love when he breaks down and he can’t even get the words out.” – Joe Gatto
brbrDon’t miss out on what could be the funniest night of your life! The jokers will be performing Wednesday, December 28th at The Theater at MGM National Harbor as part of their “Santiago Sent Us” Tour. The show is set to start at 7:30 p.m.
Read the full interview here
Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo! Talks about Dreams, Music, and Fame
Photo from baltimoresoundstage.com
brbrWith 2016 bringing in enough negative energy, Ballyhoo! serves as one of the few loud, but upbeat and optimistic voices. Striving to find the bright side in almost every situation, the laid back, reggae tunes not only relieve a little tension, but also inspire you to take it easy, summer-style, even in these cold winter months.
brbrLead-singer and guitarist, Howi Spangler, describes this effect as therapeutic: “I’m also a big fan of the idea of our music being a therapy for people. There’s something really powerful in being able to say what you’re feeling and know that people are feeling the same way, it forms a sort of unique bond and connection.”
brbrIn addition to breaking into the Billboard top 200 charts at 189 with their album Pineapple Grenade as well as reaching #4 on Billboard Heat seekers and #5 at iTunes Alternative charts. The band has released several albums and is looking forward to the release of their next album Girls which will be available for pre-sale in January.
brbrHowi has always been in love with music and successfully commits wholeheartedly to the industry. From a young age, Howi has enjoyed playing with friends and even his brother who has been a part of the band for as long as he can remember. More than just a family tradition, Howi has turned his passion into a career.
brbrBe sure to catch the boys live on stage, December 30th, at Baltimore Soundstage! Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Read the full interview here
The What's Up? Weekend Rundown
Anne Arundel County
A Very Merry Holiday 2016
brThursday, December 22nd, 7 p.m., Friday, December 23rd, 7:30 p.m., & Saturday December 24th, 7:30 p.m.
brJoin the Talent Machine Company as they celebrate A Very Merry Holiday 2016! This high-energy production will feature the holiday classics that we have grown to love and enjoy… a Celebration of the holiday season with the Talent Machine Kids, Rudolph, the Elves, Frosty, and many more of Santa’s North Pole Friends, in a spectacular show of singing and dancing. Traditional holiday favorites will be performed as well as some new high-energy numbers that will delight audiences of all ages. The production will be performed by a cast of 63 talented children, ages 6–18 from all over the region.
Ugly Sweater Party
brThursday, December 22nd, 7 p.m.
brBreak out your ugliest sweater and join Red Red Wine Bar in clothing chaos! Prizes for the most fashionably flawed and drink specials for all participants.
Paula Poundstone
brFriday, December 23rd 6:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
brHeralded as one of our country’s foremost comics, Paula Poundstone's quick-thinking, unscripted approach to comedy makes for a perfect fit as a regular panelist on NPR’s #1 show, the screwball weekly news quiz show WAIT WAIT...DON'T TELL ME! where she holds the record for game losses. Paula tours regularly, performing standup comedy across the country. Paula’s interchanges with the audience are never mean or done at a person’s expense. She even manages to handle politics without provoking the pall of disapproval received by less artful comics.
Lights on the Bay
brThursday, December 22nd through Sunday, December 24th, 5–10 p.m.
brAnne Arundel Medical Center’s (AAMC) 22nd annual holiday light show, Lights on the Bay, will 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. In addition to popular classic displays that visitors have enjoyed for years, including a colonial village inspired by historic Annapolis and one of the USNA midshipmen tossing their hats in the air, guests will also be treated to two new themes this year: North Pole Village & Enchanted Fairy Tales. Lights on the Bay has something for everyone in the family. Children can participate in a nightly scavenger hunt, challenging them to find items within the show, answer display-related questions and enter a drawing to win prizes.
Military Bowl
brTuesday, December 27th, 10:30 a.m.
brThe Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman takes place at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. The past two years have been sellouts – Navy beat Pittsburgh, 44-28 last year—and this year promises another exciting matchup between teams from the ACC and the American Athletic Conference. Game day starts at 10:30 a.m., with the Military Bowl Parade led by the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, starting at City Dock and continuing to the stadium. Don’t miss the official tailgate party, followed by pregame festivities and kickoff at 3:30 p.m.
Eastern Shore
Kids Holiday Bazaar
brThursday, December 22nd, 5–9 p.m.
brChildren will enjoy fun-filled activities such as crafts, group games, a movie (rated G) and a special visit from Santa! Kids, don’t forget to bring your piggy banks and gift list to do some holiday shopping for family and friends! Meanwhile, parents enjoy some adult time without their sidekicks in tow, knowing their children are in a safe, fun, familiar place with trained staff. A nutritious dinner and snack will also be provided.
The Nutcracker – A New Musical
brThursday, December 22nd and Friday, December 23rd, 7 p.m.
brWhat has become as traditional as hot cocoa, family dinner and presents around the tree during the holidays is The Annual Holiday Play at The Avalon Theatre. This year the Avalon is proud to present The Nutcracker: A New Musical as its holiday fare. This “new musical” is a 2007 release, based upon the original story by ETA Hoffmann. In this fantasy, story, featuring interactive sets, music and dance and over 40 actors, Clara and The Nutcracker along with some very special come-to-life friends struggle against The Rat King and its minions to save Christmas before it is too late.
Nativity Scenes from Around the World
brSunday, December 25th, 2–5 p.m.
brSee more than 25 Nativity scenes (also known as creches) from around the world on display at the historic Cambridge House Bed & Breakfast. A $15 per person admission fee includes holiday cookies and hot chocolate. Payment must be made in advance.
Regional
Christmas Village
brThursday, December 22nd, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Friday, December 23rd, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., & Saturday, December 24th, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
brChristmas Village in Baltimore will again transform West Shore Park into a traditional, indoor and outdoor German Christmas Market, open until Christmas Eve. The Inner Harbor is invites you to enjoy Holiday sights and sounds with thousands of twinkling lights, two Christmas Trees, live music at the main indoor stage, entertainment, children’s activities, and more than 50 vendors. Shop for high-quality, international, local gifts, and decorations. Warm up with a glass of warm mulled wine or hot chocolate while enjoying the great variety of European food and drinks. New additions for the season will include photos with Santa Claus, arts and crafts classes, kids Friday programming, and so much more!
Symphony of Lights
brThursday, December 22nd through Sunday, December 25th, 5:30–10 p.m.
brSymphony of Lights, a 20-minute drive-through spectacle of more than 100 larger-than-life holiday light displays benefiting Howard County General Hospital, returns for another great year. Drive-throughs will introduce light displays refurbished with LEDs and 20 new custom displays, a laser light show, and a 3-D holiday video projected 50 feet high. New this year will Howard County’s only outdoor ice skating rink.
What's Up? Weddings Bridal Expo 2017
What to Expect
brA perfect event for all of you brides-to-be ready to take action. Browse and talk to the best local vendors that can help from start to finish of the big day. From the venue, to the invitations, cake and catering, photography, and honeymoon travels -- we have you covered all in one location! Oh, and not to mention, there will be complimentary champagne, appetizers, and raffle giveaways to add some fun to your planning.Door Prize Giveaways
brWin incredible prizes from the What’s Up? Weddings 2017 Bridal Expo vendors!brMust be present at the event at the time of drawing to win, so be sure to stay for all of the giveaways! Check back soon for list of giveaway items.brTime & Ticket Info
Sunday, January 29, 2017
br1-4 pm at Loews Annapolis Hotel
Online: $15 per ticket; At the Door: $18 per ticket
Purchase Tickets Online Here or contact mquinn@whatsupmag.com
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.
