This Friday's indie rock fest benefit for the Senator Theatre, spurred by actor David Arquette's MySpace blog entry early this year, has grown into an all-weekend bash! The Senator, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has felt the effects of the recent economic downturn. Fixed overhead costs threaten to shutter the stunning landmark theater before the transition into a community-owned non-profit facility can be accomplished.
Tickets for the Friday night lineup are currently set to include popular local headliners The Payola Reserve, Wye Oak and U.S. Royalty in an evening of live music, film and performances. An exclusive Senator Theatre Benefit Auction is offering a chance to win a one-of-a kind Paul Reed Smith SE One guitar with custom Senator Theatre body design, hand-signed by Paul Smith. On Saturday, acoustic love songs by bluegrass trios will be played and local singer/songwriters will perform. Harvey Shugarman will provide gourmet vegetarian fare starting at 1 p.m.
On Sunday, the fest goes out with a bang with a full day of activities beginning at 3 p.m. and ending at 11 p.m. The line-up starts with a tribute to Baltimore's Left Bank Jazz Society of the '60s and '70s. Expect performances from the Michael Raitzyk Quartet, Ebony & Irony (a vocal and piano duo) and the Be Mo Jazz Ensemble. Later that evening, participate in the Drum Circle. The festival invites you to bring a drum and jam out with The Senator's own Tom Kiefaber and members of Telesma. Blending ancient and modern instrumentation and spirit, the Baltimore-based group Telesma bridges the gap between primal and futuristic. The band sets themselves apart with their intoxicating sound and extraordinary live performances. Additional entertainment includes Adrian Bond, an electronic, drum and bass performance.
Those who want to ensure admission for the most exciting event this weekend are encouraged to purchase tickets at the Missiontix Web site http://www.missiontix.com/index.cfm?venue=-ms. Prices increase at the door. Proceeds will assist The Senator's transition into a community-owned non-profit facility, offering a wide variety of live music concerts, HD simulcasts, films and special events. The weekend fun starts at 8 p.m. on Friday. The Senator is located on 5904 York Rd. Single tickets are $12, a ticket for two is $20 and a weekend pass for two is $50.
