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Jordan Sokel of Pressing Strings Redefines Dedication
By Robyn BellbrbrJordan Sokel has proven his dedication to music by working nonstop for the past seven years to better hone his craft. In addition to his self-titled solo project, Jordan also leads a band, Pressing Strings, that brings out a mixture of folk, rock, and blues. The drummer, Brandon Bartlett, and bassist, Nick Welker, have combined together with Jordan over the last few years to make their collective sound unforgettable.
brbrApart from raising a family and leading performances, Jordan is the sole author of over 100 originally penned songs and has released four full length albums. As the sole author of these songs Jordan has a unique, laid-back process of creation.
“I fool around, test the music first, get a concept of structure and after that I tend to sort of figure out a melody that goes over it and mumble words until the words form and then you have a song.” – Jordan Sokel
Ring in the New Year with Pressing Strings at Red Red Wine Bar on December 31st at 10:30 p.m. Cover charge is $10 starting at 10 p.m. and there will be a free champagne toast at midnight!
The What's Up? Weekend Rundown
Anne Arundel County
Safe Sitter
Thursday, December 29th, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
brUM BWMC will host Safe Sitter, which teaches preteens ages 11 to 13 babysitting skills and abilities in caring for young children in emergency and non-emergency situations. brThe session will be held at The Y in Pasadena and costs $50.
New Year’s Eve 2017: Little Black Dress Ball
brUM BWMC will host Safe Sitter, which teaches preteens ages 11 to 13 babysitting skills and abilities in caring for young children in emergency and non-emergency situations. brThe session will be held at The Y in Pasadena and costs $50.
New Year’s Eve 2017: Little Black Dress Ball
Saturday, December 31st, 7 p.m.–1:30 a.m.
brUnion Jack's invites you to their New Year 2017 Countdown Extravaganza with Rita Band live on stage. You won't want to miss this special night. This is the best bang for your NYE buck! They sell out every year! Get your tickets early - as the price will be higher at the door. Included will be heavy hors d' oeuvres, champagne toast at midnight, pool and darts, party favors, and don’t forget, dress to impress!
A New Year’s Eve with Pressing Strings
brUnion Jack's invites you to their New Year 2017 Countdown Extravaganza with Rita Band live on stage. You won't want to miss this special night. This is the best bang for your NYE buck! They sell out every year! Get your tickets early - as the price will be higher at the door. Included will be heavy hors d' oeuvres, champagne toast at midnight, pool and darts, party favors, and don’t forget, dress to impress!
A New Year’s Eve with Pressing Strings
Saturday, December 31st, 10:30 p.m.
brRing in the New Year with Pressing Strings at Red Red Wine Bar. Cover charge is $10 starting at 10 p.m. and there will be a free champagne toast at midnight!
New Year’s Eve 2017: Annapolis Lights Up the Night
brRing in the New Year with Pressing Strings at Red Red Wine Bar. Cover charge is $10 starting at 10 p.m. and there will be a free champagne toast at midnight!
New Year’s Eve 2017: Annapolis Lights Up the Night
Saturday, December 31st, 3 p.m.–12 a.m.
brFamily activities fill the day and music and dancing fills the night at this annual celebration welcoming the New Year. For the first time, kid’s activities will take place on the ball fields behind Maryland Hall and Bates Middle School. Participants are invited to park at Park Place garage and take City of Annapolis-provided shuttles to and from the new location. Activities will include face painting, an obstacle course, moon bounce and music performed by kids’ rock bands. The first round of festivities wraps up with on-site fireworks at 5:30 p.m. Then it’s off to area restaurants for dinner with the kids. The second round of festivities includes live music and dancing at Susan Campbell Park at City Dock beginning at 8:00 p.m. and ending with midnight fireworks.
New Year’s Eve Party
brFamily activities fill the day and music and dancing fills the night at this annual celebration welcoming the New Year. For the first time, kid’s activities will take place on the ball fields behind Maryland Hall and Bates Middle School. Participants are invited to park at Park Place garage and take City of Annapolis-provided shuttles to and from the new location. Activities will include face painting, an obstacle course, moon bounce and music performed by kids’ rock bands. The first round of festivities wraps up with on-site fireworks at 5:30 p.m. Then it’s off to area restaurants for dinner with the kids. The second round of festivities includes live music and dancing at Susan Campbell Park at City Dock beginning at 8:00 p.m. and ending with midnight fireworks.
New Year’s Eve Party
Rams Head Dockside, Rams Head Tavern, Rams Head Roadhouse
Saturday, December 31st, 9 p.m.–1:30 a.m.
brWe’re ringing in the New Year in festive fashion with live music, drink specials, and our complimentary Miller High Life (the champagne of beers) toast at midnight – a tradition that has become a favorite over the years. As always, there’s never a cover to join the party at Rams Head and we’ll be celebrating all night! Drink specials include, $3 Drafts, $4 Jack Fire, and $5 Bombs (Rams Head Dockside), $5 Black Velvet, $5 Cherry Bellini, and $5 Orange Bellini (Rams Head Tavern), $8 Caramel-Chata Martini, $7 Cinnamon Cider Bourbon, and $6 American Honey Shots (Rams Head Roadhouse).
New Year’s Eve Bash
Saturday, December 31st, 9 p.m.–1:30 a.m.
brWe’re ringing in the New Year in festive fashion with live music, drink specials, and our complimentary Miller High Life (the champagne of beers) toast at midnight – a tradition that has become a favorite over the years. As always, there’s never a cover to join the party at Rams Head and we’ll be celebrating all night! Drink specials include, $3 Drafts, $4 Jack Fire, and $5 Bombs (Rams Head Dockside), $5 Black Velvet, $5 Cherry Bellini, and $5 Orange Bellini (Rams Head Tavern), $8 Caramel-Chata Martini, $7 Cinnamon Cider Bourbon, and $6 American Honey Shots (Rams Head Roadhouse).
New Year’s Eve Bash
Saturday, December 31st, 8:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
brCome celebrate New Year's Eve in the Ballroom at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, hosted with Pusser's Caribbean Grille. Enjoy the following: full open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, DJ and Dancing in the ballroom with the best view of the Midnight fireworks on our Waterfront Patio, champagne toast, photo booth, raffles, and more! A portion of the ticket proceeds go to The SPCA of Anne Arundel County (but please leave your four-legged friends at home). Must be 21 years or older. Tickets are $95 per person, if purchased ahead of time. $120 at the door.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Pusser’s on the Waterfront
brCome celebrate New Year's Eve in the Ballroom at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, hosted with Pusser's Caribbean Grille. Enjoy the following: full open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, DJ and Dancing in the ballroom with the best view of the Midnight fireworks on our Waterfront Patio, champagne toast, photo booth, raffles, and more! A portion of the ticket proceeds go to The SPCA of Anne Arundel County (but please leave your four-legged friends at home). Must be 21 years or older. Tickets are $95 per person, if purchased ahead of time. $120 at the door.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Pusser’s on the Waterfront
Saturday, December 31st, 5-7 p.m. and 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
brNYE dinner at Pusser's on the waterfront. Early Seating 5-7pm: A La Carte Menu / Late Seating 9pm-12am: 3-Course Dinner & Champagne, Toast for the Fireworks at Midnight, $65/person (not including tax, gratuity or alcohol). For NYE Reservations CALL 443-837-1264
First Night Talbot New Year’s Eve Celebration
brNYE dinner at Pusser's on the waterfront. Early Seating 5-7pm: A La Carte Menu / Late Seating 9pm-12am: 3-Course Dinner & Champagne, Toast for the Fireworks at Midnight, $65/person (not including tax, gratuity or alcohol). For NYE Reservations CALL 443-837-1264
Eastern Shore
First Night Talbot New Year’s Eve Celebration
Saturday, December 31st, 6 p.m.–12 a.m.
brFor the 23rd continuous year, First Night Talbot returns as the only first night event in the Maryland on Saturday, December 31st, 6 p.m.–12 a.m. This family-friendly, alcohol-free event includes five indoor venues in downtown Easton, including two crab drops, “Midnight in the Mid-Atlantic,” and the Traditional Countdown at midnight! Crab drops include Parades of Sea Creature puppets, led by a bag piper. There will also be local and regional performers including music of all varieties, dance, gospel groups, clown comedy, photo booth, face painting, juggling, and crafts. In order to gain entrance into all venues, you must purchase a collector-quality crab button, $8 for adults and $4 students in advance and $10 adults, $5 students, and free for children under five the day of.
Penguin Swim
brFor the 23rd continuous year, First Night Talbot returns as the only first night event in the Maryland on Saturday, December 31st, 6 p.m.–12 a.m. This family-friendly, alcohol-free event includes five indoor venues in downtown Easton, including two crab drops, “Midnight in the Mid-Atlantic,” and the Traditional Countdown at midnight! Crab drops include Parades of Sea Creature puppets, led by a bag piper. There will also be local and regional performers including music of all varieties, dance, gospel groups, clown comedy, photo booth, face painting, juggling, and crafts. In order to gain entrance into all venues, you must purchase a collector-quality crab button, $8 for adults and $4 students in advance and $10 adults, $5 students, and free for children under five the day of.
Penguin Swim
Sunday, January 1st, 1 p.m.
brAtlantic General Hospital Foundation’s 23rd annual penguin swim returns New Year’s Day at Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel. Each year, hundreds of penguins raise funds to help the hospital provide the excellent quality care the community depends on. Awards are given for top fundraisers! This event is fun for all ages and includes a costume contest, gifts for oldest/youngest penguins and dollar carnival games. Swimmers earn an official 2017 Penguin Swim short-sleeve t-shirt for their $25 registration fee. Additional prizes can be earned.
Movie and Music: Star Trek into the Darkness
brAtlantic General Hospital Foundation’s 23rd annual penguin swim returns New Year’s Day at Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel. Each year, hundreds of penguins raise funds to help the hospital provide the excellent quality care the community depends on. Awards are given for top fundraisers! This event is fun for all ages and includes a costume contest, gifts for oldest/youngest penguins and dollar carnival games. Swimmers earn an official 2017 Penguin Swim short-sleeve t-shirt for their $25 registration fee. Additional prizes can be earned.
Regional
Movie and Music: Star Trek into the Darkness
Friday, December 30th, 8 p.m.
brDirector J.J. Abram’s thrilling reboot is touching down at the Meyerhoff! The BSO performs Michael Giacchino’s thrilling score live for two nights of warp-speed blockbusters. Join us for the action-packed second installment in which a devastated Starfleet contends with a threat to Earth from within its own ranks.
Ballyhoo!
brDirector J.J. Abram’s thrilling reboot is touching down at the Meyerhoff! The BSO performs Michael Giacchino’s thrilling score live for two nights of warp-speed blockbusters. Join us for the action-packed second installment in which a devastated Starfleet contends with a threat to Earth from within its own ranks.
Ballyhoo!
Friday, December 30th, 8 p.m.
brThrow rock, reggae, punk, and pop into a blender, power it up and you get Ballyhoo!, acclaimed by fans to be "America's-Favorite-Feel-Good-Party-Band." It's hard to argue with the masses, but these road-warriors have tirelessly toured to bring their music to the people. Between the road and the studio, Ballyhoo! has crafted a sound distinctly their own; fresh, fun, and embodied by the soul of the party lifestyle. Lead singer and guitarist, Howi Spangler, has a reputation for mixing slick lyrics with his smooth but powerful voice. Drummer Donald "Big D" Spangler lays out the hard-hitting beats, which are underlined by JR Gregory's funky and witty bass lines. Scott Vandrey (aka DJ Blaze) rounds it out on the turntables and keys.
New Year’s Eve
brThrow rock, reggae, punk, and pop into a blender, power it up and you get Ballyhoo!, acclaimed by fans to be "America's-Favorite-Feel-Good-Party-Band." It's hard to argue with the masses, but these road-warriors have tirelessly toured to bring their music to the people. Between the road and the studio, Ballyhoo! has crafted a sound distinctly their own; fresh, fun, and embodied by the soul of the party lifestyle. Lead singer and guitarist, Howi Spangler, has a reputation for mixing slick lyrics with his smooth but powerful voice. Drummer Donald "Big D" Spangler lays out the hard-hitting beats, which are underlined by JR Gregory's funky and witty bass lines. Scott Vandrey (aka DJ Blaze) rounds it out on the turntables and keys.
New Year’s Eve
Saturday, December 31st, 7 p.m.
brCelebrate New Year’s Eve with Pandora’s Box, an Aerosmith tribute Band, and an opening act by the Bamboo Chicken Band at Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa. Tickets are $49 and include party favors and a champagne toast at midnight! You must be 21 or older. Don’t miss out on a great evening, make your reservations now!
Once Upon a Time: A New Year’s Eve Tale 2017
brCelebrate New Year’s Eve with Pandora’s Box, an Aerosmith tribute Band, and an opening act by the Bamboo Chicken Band at Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa. Tickets are $49 and include party favors and a champagne toast at midnight! You must be 21 or older. Don’t miss out on a great evening, make your reservations now!
Once Upon a Time: A New Year’s Eve Tale 2017
Saturday, December 31st, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
brEver dreamed about dressing up and attending a ball? Dreams do come true. The ninth annual charity event gala of the year is themed “Once Upon A Time…” Dine, Dance, Drink, Dream. Tickets to the ball include: over 12 party zones with the region's top entertainers, dancing, live music, DJ’s, open bar and buffet feast fit for a king! Tickets to the charity ball make a great holiday present for you, your friends or your staff. Proceeds benefit Caring Communities. The theme is sort of a cross between fairy tale enchantment and the magic of Neverland. You are welcome to come dressed in elegant NYE cocktail attire or a themed costume. A costume is not required, but may make your experience more Fun! Some costume elements might be cool, too, and, if you want to dress like your favorite King, Queen, Princess, Sorcerer or other Fairy Tale character, that’s great!
What's Up? Weddings Bridal Expo 2017
Sunday, January 29, 2017
br1-4 pm at Loews Annapolis Hotel
Online: $15 per ticket; At the Door: $18 per ticket
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.
brEver dreamed about dressing up and attending a ball? Dreams do come true. The ninth annual charity event gala of the year is themed “Once Upon A Time…” Dine, Dance, Drink, Dream. Tickets to the ball include: over 12 party zones with the region's top entertainers, dancing, live music, DJ’s, open bar and buffet feast fit for a king! Tickets to the charity ball make a great holiday present for you, your friends or your staff. Proceeds benefit Caring Communities. The theme is sort of a cross between fairy tale enchantment and the magic of Neverland. You are welcome to come dressed in elegant NYE cocktail attire or a themed costume. A costume is not required, but may make your experience more Fun! Some costume elements might be cool, too, and, if you want to dress like your favorite King, Queen, Princess, Sorcerer or other Fairy Tale character, that’s great!
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.
