July 06, 2003|By Sloane Brown | Sloane Brown,Special to the Sun
Avast, mateys! That was a heckuva hullabaloo thrown aboard the USS Constellation last weekend. We're talking about the fund-raiser that Baltimore's wacky performance-art group Fluid Movement threw. This is the group that has made Baltimore history by putting on all those zany swim shows in the Patter-son Park pool.
This year, Fluid Movement changed venues to the Constel-lation, where it performed "Go-Go Pirate Show," a rather loose interpretation of Treasure Is-land set to a '60s go-go theme. And the company ended the show's run with its "Pleasure Island Pirate Jamboree" costume party.
FM's Stacey Mink says about 175 folks climbed aboard. Many were in costume -- bandannas, blacked-out teeth and plastic-parrots-on-shoulders being the accessories of choice. And that was just for starters. There was that show by burlesque artists from Boston, N.Y.C. and L.A., followed by a scavenger hunt, buffet dinner from local restaurants and, naturally, a boatload of rum. Yo-ho-ho.
Stacey says some of the night's highlights (like you could really pick one or two!) included a "charming" striptease by burlesque queen Tallulah Starlight. She shivered her timbers behind a screen painted to look like a bait and tackle ship, inviting audience members to "fish" various items of clothing off her body.
Stacey says one performance had a surprise ending -- particularly for the performer. Adam Gertsacov, who calls himself "The Clown Laureate of Greenbelt," was presenting his "Oedipus Barbie" (We didn't ask!), and just as his Oedipus met a tragic fate, the sky exploded. Thanks to a Camden Yards fireworks display.
So, how much fun was it? Perhaps the best description comes from an e-mail from Constellation executive director Chris Rowson, in which he states it was the kind of party that won't be seen on the ship again anytime soon. It's probably going to take the crew quite some time to recuperate.
Meanwhile, Fluid Movement raked in some $5,000 in plunder.
Then there was the seaside she-bang thrown for B-more media maven Edie Brown last week. Edie has just celebrated a certain birthday milestone (How many miles, we ain't saying!). A bunch of Edie's gal pals -- such as Frances Reaves, Karen Bokram, Suzi Cordish, Peggy Daidakis, Joan Davidson, Mary Sue McCarthy, Pat Bernstein, Renee Ades, Anne Riggle, Beth Dana, Nancy Hinds, Karen Patten, Gengy Vaikness, Roz Healy, Sandra Long, Claire Copsey, Gail Kaplan, Marilyn Waranch and Linda Moxley -- surprised her on Little Havana's outside patio. There, they toasted her many accomplishments and heaped her with presents. Our fave was the gift from Allison Parker. Not only had Allison whipped up her own wrapping paper with "The Fabulous Edie Brown" printed all over it, but she had designed a "cover" of Playboy's 50th anniversary edition featuring Edie as the cover girl. No wonder Edie's hubby, Stan, always has a smile on his face!
About 200 local folks started their day right when they attended the "Hometown Heroes Awards Breakfast," an annual event put on by the American Red Cross Central Maryland Chapter.
The Red Cross' Ruth Tyler says guests not only noshed but also heard an inspiring talk by Ravens' coach Brian Billick about what it takes to maintain your enthusiasm and focus to achieve your goals. And folks got to meet and hear about a dozen Marylanders who were honored for their community service. They included Beth Tfiloh Community High School senior Avidan Ackerson. Ruth says that after Avidan wasn't allowed to give blood after 9 / 11 because he was 16 at the time, he worked to successfully change state law so 16-year-olds can give blood if they have parental permission.
The breakfast raised about $29,000 for the Red Cross.
Associated Black Charities fundraising gala
There were a few added attractions at the Walters Art Museum when Associated Black Charities held its "2003 Annual Fundraising Gala" there.
Not only could you find statues in the sculpture court, but you could also groove to the tunes of a dance band there.
Or you could drop into the Walters' auditorium for a few laughs. Literally. That's where you could enjoy a couple of stand-up comedians.
Meanwhile, you could peruse the work of some top African-American artists, or cruise on into the museum cafe for a taste of live jazz.
How could you have anything but a highly entertaining evening?
