AFRAM 2018
Expanding from last year’s one-day affair, Baltimore’s “celebration of African American life, music and culture” returns for a weekend of music, food, arts and kids’ activities, plus exhibits on financial literacy, employment and job training, health and wellness and more. The impressive talent lineup includes Carl Thomas, Ella Mai and Jacquees on Saturday, Dru Hill (of course), Vashawn Mitchell and Baltimore’s favorite “The Voice” phenom, Davon Fleming, on Sunday. Noon-8 p.m. Aug. 11, noon-6 p.m. Aug. 12 in Druid Hill Park, 3001 East Drive. Free. aframbaltimore.com.
Moonrise Festival
Four stages pulsing with dance music from more than 80 acts, including Diplo, DJ Snake, Kaskade, Marshmello, Nghtmre, Zeds Dead and dozens more. If BGE could somehow tap into this energy, we could all get a serious break on our electric bills. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 11-12 at Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. $99-$159 daily, $274.50 for both days. moonrisefestival.com.
Thomas Dolby: An Evening of Music and Storytelling
The Johns Hopkins University professor of the arts, who’s certainly no slack when it comes to creating music (“She Blinded Me With Science,” anyone?) of his own, presents the stories behind and shows what went into the making of six of his most celebrated songs. 8:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. $45. centerstage.org.
‘Can’t Buy Me Love (But You Can Buy All the Art)’ Celebration
The chance to purchase all sorts of unique art, courtesy of Art With a Heart, an organization that offers youths ages 14-24 the chance to create and market their art, while learning some of the ins and outs of the working world. With food, plus live music from The Beatles cover band the Mahoney Brothers. 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 10 at 3000 Falls Road. Free. Event name on facebook.com.
The Breeders
If you love “Cannonball” (who doesn’t?), here’s your chance to hear it performed live, along with a bunch of other alt rock staples. Also on the bill: Post Pink. 8 p.m. Aug. 9 at Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place in Power Plant Live. $27.50-$32.50. ramsheadlive.com.
‘BlacKkKlansman’
A black police officer from Colorado infiltrates the local Ku Klux Klan in this latest from the uncontainable Spike Lee. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes, which is nothing to sneeze at. With John David Washington, Adam Driver, Alec Baldwin and Topher Grace. In theaters Aug. 9.
‘Betty: They Say I’m Different’
Weekend Watch
Philip Cox’s documentary traces the life, career and (sadly neglected) legacy of Betty Davis, one of the great funk performers of the 1970s — her ex, Miles Davis, once called her “Madonna before Madonna, Prince before Prince.” Followed by a tribute to Davis from Joe Keyes and The Late Bloomer Band. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. $12-$18. creativealliance.org.
Jason Mraz
The Virginia-born singer-songwriter who gave the world “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up” sets up shop for the night at Columbia’s Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway. Also on the bill: Brett Dennen. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10. $45-$75. merriweathermusic.com.
1 West: ‘A Seat at the Table’
Ceramics artist Roberto Lugo, offering insight into how people interacted in the 19th century, is joined by artist Ezenwa “Shane” Wosu in a participatory performance piece that explores the question, “Who gets a seat at the table?” 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Free. Registration encouraged. thewalters.org.
Muslim Food Festival
Feast on some of Baltimore’s best halal food. Includes games, a grand bazaar, a kids’ zone and music from Jeremy McLellan. Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Islamic Society of Baltimore, 6631 Johnnycake Road. $5-$10 admission, $20-$30 per family. muslimfoodfest.com.