SINGERS FOR SUPPER: Maryland's premiere professional chamber orchestra and vocal ensemble, the Concert Artists of Baltimore, are working hard to make sure its benefit scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22, is a bravura performance. It's a black tie concert, auction and dinner. The dinner will be prepared by Chef Fred Lewis, who has come to the Engineering Society from the Center Club. Jon Levinson will auction an array of neat items and WMAR-TV's Beverly Burke will emcee. Tickets for the benefit are $85). Call 628-0027.
THE ONLY WAY TO GO: If you like to travel on a shoestring, Diversions is not the way to go. Diversions, according to owner Lenny Shapiro, is a cultural arts organization made up of dues-paying members who travel the world for art, theater, ballet, opera and sports events. Everything is first-class, from hotel accommodations to the best seats in the house. Last week, Shapiro took five bus-loads of Baltimoreans to New York to see "Miss Saigon" and "Will Rogers." Michael Fox, son of Roberta and Jim Fox, was one of her ticket holders and delighted everyone when he brought Lea Salonga, "Miss Saigon" star, to the buses to answer questions about the show. Folks who'd seen "Will Rogers" were also treated to a visit from its star, Keith Carradine, who was said to be equally gracious.
KUDOS: The Maryland State Lottery's television commercials were big winners recently at the 1991 Batchy Awards held in Washington, D.C. Thanks to the talents of Trahan, Burden and Charles, "It Could Be You," and "Second Draw" television commercials won top honors. More than 40 state lotteries competed for the awards.
IT'S ALL IN A NAME: In Baltimore, when you have a name like Richard Bluefeld, you're expected to be a caterer. And that's just what Bluefeld is. Two years ago, he started Selective Caterers in Columbia, with former colleague Darryl Wolod. Bluefeld is the son of Milton, nephew of Lou and Phil and grandson of Bessie, the founder of Bluefeld's. He spent most of his younger life in the Bluefeld's kitchens, where meals were fixed for presidents and kings before the 48-year-old business was sold in 1984. Richard will never forget when President Reagan asked his family to cater several receptions and festivities for Israel's Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
WEEKEND GLIMPSES: On Sunday, why don't you drive out to the Hunt Valley Inn between 3-7 p.m. and pig out at the Fourth Annual Food For All, a benefit for the Maryland Food Committee and the Maryland Food Bank? Tickets are $40, which entitles you to sample a variety of foods prepared by area restaurants and served from booths around the ballroom. Plus you get to meet WJZ weatherman Bob Turk, who is hosting the event. If you need a little exercise between bites, you can dance to the music of the Ed Williams Big Band. For more information, call 947-4441, or better yet, if you want to go tickets will be sold at the door.
On Nov. 12, the Hunt Valley Inn will host a fund-raiser for Santa Claus Anonymous. Hundreds of Baltimore business leaders will tend bar from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $5 to get in, then you purchase your drinks, eat lots of free nibbles and dance to good music. This is a great way to mingle and meet people, but do remember to tip your favorite bartenders, because the money goes to Santa Claus Anonymous.
Many thanks to my friend Hirsh Goldberg, Orchard Inn owner, for sending me info on the first annual Baltimore-Washington Jewish Food & Life Expo, which will be held Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pikesville Armory. More than 80 international, national and local exhibitors will expose folks to all facets of Jewish culture and heritage. The Expo is sponsored by the Etz Chaim Center for Jewish Studies. Tickets for the event are $5. Call 764-1553.
BIRTHDAYS: Gov. William Donald Schaefer, Nov. 2; State Sen. Nathan C. Irby Jr., Nov. 7; Delegate Charles W. Kolodziejski, Nov. 4; V-103's Roy Sampson Nov. 8.
Our Guy Friday
Edward Polochick
CLAIM TO FAME: Founder and artistic director of Concert Artists of Baltimore.
WORK LIFE: Baltimore Symphony Chorus director, Peabody faculty member, conductor, pianist, harpsichordist.
PASSIONS: Music, movies, travel.
HEROES: Toscanini and Mrs. Anne Liva, my first piano teacher.