First of all, what is “fringe”? If you’ve been to the Fringe Festival in downtown Annapolis before, you know that this type of gathering that’s sweeping the nation is quite eccentric. The premise is this: the festival praises alternative art forms that push beyond the bounds of paper, stage, and structure. The Fringe Festival in Annapolis brings together local artists, downtown businesses, and artsy crowds to take joy in living life on the fringe. See what “fringe” is all about on Saturday, October 26, with the activities we detail here.
Festival organizers have finally recognized the need for two distinct festivals within one. At the Fringe Festival, there will be two sets of entertainment–one planned for day-time, family-friendly activities; and a set of nighttime fun for adults only. During the day, anyone and everyone is welcome. There is both indoor and outdoor fun scheduled, as detailed below. First though, we must say this schedule is not quite complete; there are more performances to be performed and arts shows to be seen!
At noon, GQ (Girls Quartet) Acapella Group performs instrument-less genres of folk, indie, and pop at Jeremy Ragsdale Voice Studio on West Street. Further up the street at Lemongrass Restaurant, the Wooden Sculpture Garden will be on display for viewing pleasure. What’s more, attendees can watch the process of making outlandish wooden sculptures using fire and tools.
An hour later at 1 p.m., Metropolitan Kitchen and Lounge hosts “The Pear Tree” by Omar Said. Said’s show is, according to Annapolis Fringe Festival’s site, “a one and a half man show.”
At three in the afternoon, “Telesma: The Color of Sound” begins at Metropolitan. This show is ideal for all ages as it blends instruments, funky colors, lights, song, and even futuristic vibes. The show lasts for two hours. Anna Perry, PR for the event, is looking forward to this “world fusion music group” as she describes them. “Their band features strong rhythmic beats, belly dancers, didgeridoo, and a light projection show. It’s going to be primal and psychedelic” she excitedly explains.
The last event of the daytime section (at 5 p.m.) is also scheduled to occur at 49 West Coffeehouse. Mentalist Lucas Simmons performs “A Deadly Game of Chance” for the crowd, a show that puts his own life in the balance. This show continues to 6 p.m.
Nighttime activities are equally entertaining, though with a bit more of an adult spin. This part of the festival is referred to as “Fringe After Dark,” and will be ushered in by special happy hour promotions from 5-7pm. Your combined day/night ticket gets you access to Fringe Happy Hour specials across downtown, as the festival makes the transition from family friendly to uncensored and exotic. The fact that Fringe After Dark is reserved for the over 21 crowd is indicative of the things planned.
Fringe After Dark kicks off at 7 p.m. with activities planned in two locations. Annapolis Collection Gallery hosts a celebrity, Bill Ward of Black Sabbath, until 10 p.m. Not only does he entertain the crowd with stories, but he discusses his art on display in Annapolis Collection. Just a few steps down the street at Tsunami, two models will pose with sushi all over their bodies until 8 p.m.
After meeting a celebrity, participating in a sushi-filled visual show, and cocktailing, enjoy Metropolitan’s burlesque show, “For Whom the Belle Twirls” 10 p.m. is the time of this very adult show.
The night of artsy indulgences ends at 11 p.m., with another burlesque performance by Dingleberry Dynasty.
The price of the Fringe Festival is dependent upon which set of entertainment you wish to attend. Daytime entertainment costs $10 for anyone over 12. Children 12 and under are free. The ticket price for nighttime entertainment is also $10 but only those over 21 can attend. Tickets that are valid for both daytime and nighttime entertainment are also available at the cost of $15. Purchase tickets and find out more via the following site: Annapolis Fringe Festival.
Aside from the unique entertainment you won’t find elsewhere, the Fringe Festival awards you the chance to support local arts and local businesses. The performers are, for the most part, from the Baltimore-D.C.-Ananpolis area, and as Perry explains, most of the performers are new. This festival generates traffic to downtown businesses too.
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