All that jazz (and blues) returning to Federal Hill Sunday

by Mary Helen Sprecher
newsroom@baltimoreguide.com

Nothing quite says summer like a festival, and the first of the season rolls out this weekend. The Historic Federal Hill Jazz and Blues Festival takes place on Sunday, June 10, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of S. Charles Street.

There is no admission charge which means, according to organizers, there’s no excuse for not hearing some really good music.
“I think we’re getting higher-profile bands all the time,” said Bonnie Crockett, executive director of the Federal Hill Main Streets program. “People are hearing about the festival, and we’re getting better bands as a result.”

This year’s headliners include The Nighthawks and Big Tubba Mista. (A complete schedule can be found at the conclusion of this article.)

Just don’t get the idea that this is a beer garden blowout with pounding music and a wild crowd. In fact, according to Crockett, the Jazz and Blues Fest is family-friendly.
“Little One’s Lane (activities for children, held on Cross Street) has gotten really, really popular. It’s just exploded in popularity.”

Little One’s Lane will be held on Cross Street, near the market. According to Crockett, all activities are being coordinated by “three stay-at-home-moms, Libby Shadis, Cathy Brock and Anna Muher.” The word about the family-friendly activities, said Crockett, has been spreading through the Federal Hill Family e-mail list, and a strong turnout is expected.

In addition, said Crockett, the arts and crafts tables are featuring higher-end vendors, since jazz and blues music tends to skew toward more sophisticated tastes. Additionally, there will be food and beverage vendors, and shopping along the Main Street area.

Volunteers are still being sought to help out with various tasks at the festival, including selling tickets, greeting people, providing information and more.
“You receive free drinks and a festival T-shirt,” promises the ad on the Federal Hill Main Street web site, www.historicfederalhill.org. Those who want to volunteer can e-mail volunteer@historicfederalhill.org or can call 410-727-4500.

“It just keeps getting better,” Crockett said happily.

Entertainment Schedule

(Little Ones’ Lane is held along Cross Street near the market)

Hamburg Street Stage
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. — Elliot Levine & Brian Marsella
1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m. — Trio Incat
2:40 p.m.-3:40 p.m. — Devin Gray Trio
4 p.m.-5 p.m. — Lafayette Gilchrist
5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. — Big Tubba Mista
West Street Stage
11:45 a.m.-12:35 p.m. — Mobtown Hipcats
1 p.m.-2 p.m. — Blues Therapy
2:20 p.m.-3 p.m. — Robert Lighthouse
3:15 p.m.-4 p.m. — Cathy Ponton King
4:20 p.m.-5:20 p.m. — The Nighthawks
5:40 p.m.-7 p.m. — Big Joe Maher Trio

Note: The Historic Federal Hill Jazz and Blues Festival takes place on Sunday, June 10, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of S. Charles Street, with Little One’s Lane being held along Cross Street near the market.
There is no admission charge. Info: www.federalhillmainstreet.org or 410-727-4500.