Nevermore 2009 Events
January 19, 2009 marks the 200th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe and to commemorate this historic milestone, the city of Baltimore will host Nevermore 2009, a yearlong celebration of the life and works of one of Baltimore’s most famed residents. The year will be filled with a variety of events, including birthday celebrations, lectures, wine tastings, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, special tours and more. The Nevermore 2009 events are listed below, but please continue to check back as more will be added throughout the year. (Events subject to change.)
November 2008 (Preview)
November 6
8 p.m.
The Music Center at Strathmore
BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S
MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO EDGAR ALLAN POE
Composer and conductor Leonard Slatkin will lead the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in a musical tribute to Baltimore’s hometown hero—the late Edgar Allan Poe – in honor of the legendary poet’s 200th birthday, on Thursday, November 6, at The Music Center at Strathmore and Friday and Saturday, November 7 and 8, at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Slatkin, former music director of the National Symphony in Washington, D.C., will conduct the BSO in his own composition, “The Raven,” a musical setting of several of Poe’s classic poems, narrated by John Astin of “The Addams Family” fame. The dramatic and witty overture to Rossini’s opera “The Thieving Magpie” and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2, a heroic picture of the composer’s native Finland, round out the program.
November 7 and 8
8 p.m.
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO EDGAR ALLAN POE
Composer and conductor Leonard Slatkin will lead the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in a musical tribute to Baltimore’s hometown hero—the late Edgar Allan Poe – in honor of the legendary poet’s 200th birthday, on Thursday, November 6, at The Music Center at Strathmore and Friday and Saturday, November 7 and 8, at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Slatkin, former music director of the National Symphony in Washington, D.C., will conduct the BSO in his own composition, “The Raven,” a musical setting of several of Poe’s classic poems, narrated by John Astin of “The Addams Family” fame. The dramatic and witty overture to Rossini’s opera “The Thieving Magpie” and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2, a heroic picture of the composer’s native Finland, round out the program.
January 2009
Launching in January
Ongoing
Enoch Pratt Free Library
“POE-STER” CONTEST
In January, the Enoch Pratt Free Library will launch a “Poe-ster” contest as part of the bicentennial of Edgar Allan Poe’s birth. The “Poe-ster” contest will be open to high school students across Baltimore. The winning “Poe-ster” will be displayed in one of the famous Cathedral Street windows of the Central Library in May.
January 3
2:00 p.m.
Southeast Anchor Library
3601 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
200 Birthdays: A Toast to Edgar Allan Poe
For the second time this January, a toast is raised at Pratt Library
For Baltimore’s quaint and curious master of dark, romantic lore
In the past his name was toasted; now his presence too is boasted
Forgotten films will follow what the master has in store!
Films include:
The Tell-Tale Heart (1941)
The Fall of the House of Usher (1975)
Edgar Allan Poe: A Background for his Works (1958)
January 17
7 p.m.
Westminster Hall
EDGAR ALLAN POE BICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Come toast Poe’s 200th birthday while enjoying a rare exhibition of Poe artifacts along with a number of special performances. Only in Baltimore will you experience this world-famous event. The evening will include:
An Edgar Allan Poe tribute by noted actor John Astin of “The Addams Family” fame. Mr. Astin will present a spellbinding hour of Poe’s most beloved works interspersed with comments and observations on Poe’s life.
Theatrical performance of Hop Frog, Poe’s chilling tale of revenge,complete with special effects, life-size puppets and live actors. A feast for the eyes and the imagination.
A musical tribute to Poe by soloist Paula McCabe from the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Ms. McCabe sang at the funerals of beloved sportscaster Jim McKay and football legend Johnny Unitas.
A sparkling apple cider toast to Poe conducted by Jeff Jerome from the Poe House and Museum and John Astin will conclude the evening’s event.
This event is sponsored by the City of Baltimore
Ticket Information:
Tickets purchased in advance using the downloadable ticket form: $30
Tickets purchased at the door (if available): $35
Please note: Children under 10 years are not permitted.
Purchase tickets online at www.poebicentennial.com
January 18
4:30 p.m.
Westminster Hall
EDGAR ALLAN POE BICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Come toast Poe’s 200th birthday while enjoying a rare exhibition of Poe artifacts along with a number of special performances. The evening will include:
An Edgar Allan Poe tribute by noted actor John Astin of “The Addams Family” fame. Mr. Astin will present a spellbinding hour of Poe’s most beloved works interspersed with comments and observations on Poe’s life.
Witness Poe’s tale of a scientific experiment gone awry in a theatrical performance of Some Words with a Mummy. See a mummy brought back to life through electricity (shades of Frankenstein!) and the mayhem it causes with the doctors who raised him from the dead. You think Universal Studios was the first to resurrect a mummy? Think again, it was Poe!
A musical tribute to Poe by soloist Paula McCabe from the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Ms. McCabe sang at the funerals of beloved sportscaster Jim McKay and football legend Johnny Unitas.
A sparkling apple cider toast to Poe conducted by Jeff Jerome from the Poe House and Museum and John Astin will conclude the Sunday event.
A cake in the shape of the Poe Monument with a black raven enveloping the top of the stone designed by Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes will be raffled off at the conclusion of the Sunday event. Duff’s show on the Food Network, Ace of Cakes, is one of the highest-rated shows on that network.
This event is sponsored by the City of Baltimore
Ticket Information:
Tickets purchased in advance using the downloadable ticket form: $30
Tickets purchased at the door (if available): $35
Please note: Children under 10 years are not permitted.
Purchase tickets online at www.poebicentennial.com
Beginning January 20
Ongoing and open during Library hours
Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library, The First Floor Annex Corridor
ENOCH PRATT FREE LIBRARY: EDGAR ALLAN POE: MORE THAN A POET
Stop by the library to view a collection of photographs, letters and other memorabilia belonging to Edgar Allan Poe from the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s archives. This special exhibition will provide the public a rare opportunity to view significant artifacts from the Pratt’s Poe Collection.
January 19
7 p.m.
Westminster Hall
519 W. Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
HONOR BY HORROR
Westminster Hall will celebrate Poe’s 200th Birthday with Honor by Horror!
Featuring “Pit and the Pendulum” (1961 movie) followed by a theatrical performance of “The Black Cat” with Tony Tsendeas.
Event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required and a stamped self-addressed envelope must be mailed in for tickets. Public parking available at the Baltimore Grand Garage, 5 N. Paca Street (parking fee is $8 after 5pm).
Sponsored by Westminster Preservation Trust, Inc.
Click here to register for the event.
January 19
7:30 p.m.
Maryland Public Television
DIRECT CONNECTION SPECIAL EDITION: EDGAR ALLAN POE
On the 200th anniversary of the birth of world-renowned author and poet Edgar Allan Poe, MPT will broadcast an original production focusing on Poe’s life, legacy and the city in which he lived. The special will include a mini-documentary by Charles Robinson, a live question-and-answer session in studio with a Poe expert and live reports from Poe’s gravesite.
January 25
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Elkridge Furnace Inn
EDGAR ALLAN POE DINNERS
In honor of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe and due to popular demand, we are again offering our five-course Poe-themed dinner. Between courses you will be treated to theatrical readings of some of Poe’s most well-known works including “The Cask of Amontillado.”
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Five-course dinner, no wine included, cash bar available. $30 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Five-course dinner, paired with wine. $50 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required
Additional information and ticket s available online www.elkridgefurnaceinn.com.
January 31
7 p.m.
Westminster Hall
EDGAR ALLAN POE BICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Come toast Poe’s 200th birthday while enjoying a rare exhibition of Poe artifacts along with a number of special performances. The evening will include:
An Edgar Allan Poe tribute by noted actor John Astin of “The Addams Family” fame. Mr. Astin will present a spellbinding hour of Poe’s most beloved works interspersed with comments and observations on Poe’s life.
Witness Poe’s tale of a scientific experiment gone awry in a theatrical performance of Some Words with a Mummy. See a mummy brought back to life through electricity (shades of Frankenstein!) and the mayhem it causes with the doctors who raised him from the dead. You think Universal Studios was the first to resurrect a mummy? Think again, it was Poe!
A musical tribute to Poe by soloist Paula McCabe from the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Ms. McCabe sang at the funerals of beloved sportscaster Jim McKay and football legend Johnny Unitas.
A sparkling apple cider toast to Poe conducted by Jeff Jerome from the Poe House and Museum and John Astin will conclude the evening’s event.
Bicentennial Poe T-shirts and calendars will be on sale.
This event is sponsored by the City of Baltimore
Ticket Information:
Tickets purchased in advance using the downloadable ticket form: $30
Tickets purchased at the door (if available): $35
Please note: Children under 10 years are not permitted.
Purchase tickets online at www.poebicentennial.com
February 2009
February 1
4:30 p.m.
Westminster Hall
EDGAR ALLAN POE BICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Come toast Poe’s 200th birthday while enjoying a rare exhibition of Poe artifacts along with a number of special performances. The evening will include:
An Edgar Allan Poe tribute by noted actor John Astin of “The Addams Family” fame. Mr. Astin will present a spellbinding hour of Poe’s most beloved works interspersed with comments and observations on Poe’s life.
Marvel at a theatrical performance of Hop Frog, Poe’s chilling tale of revenge,complete with special effects, life-size puppets and live actors. A feast for the eyes and the imagination.
A musical tribute to Poe by soloist Paula McCabe from the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Ms. McCabe sang at the funerals of beloved sportscaster Jim McKay and football legend Johnny Unitas.
A sparkling apple cider toast to Poe conducted by Jeff Jerome from the Poe House and Museum and John Astin will conclude the evening’s event.
A cake in the shape of Poe’s coffin will be raffled off at the conclusion of the Sunday program.
This event is sponsored by the City of Baltimore
Ticket Information:
Tickets purchased in advance using the downloadable ticket form: $30
Tickets purchased at the door (if available): $35
Please note: Children under 10 years are not permitted.
Purchase tickets online at www.poebicentennial.com
February 27-28
8 p.m.
Black Box theatre at the Gateway 1601 Mount Royal Avenue
Fall of the House of Usher
This one-act, experimental performance piece is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s masterpiece and features artwork and sets by MICA illustration students. As part of Baltimore’s Nevermore 2009 celebration, Baltimore native and Obie Award-winning playwright and director David Drake has conceived and will direct The Fall of the House of Usher, a one-act, experimental performance piece inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s masterpiece. It will be performed by MICA students from across disciplines and features lighting and multimedia projections designed by MICA staff member Kel Millionie–performance space technician for BBOX–and artwork and sets by illustration students from faculty member Jose Villarrubia’s classes. FREE
March 2009
March 27
Time TBA
Westminster Hall and Catacombs
CASK OF AMONTILLADO WINE TASTING AMONG THE BONES
Sample the wines mentioned in Poe’s stories while enjoying the ambience of the Westminster catacombs. Witness Montressor luring Fortunado to a gruesome death in a theatrical performance of The Cask of Amontillado. Enjoy characters from Poe’s stories as they mingle among the living.
Additional details to be announced.
April 2009
April 25-26
Time to be announced
Various locations throughout Baltimore
BALTIMORE FOR LESS WEEKEND
The second annual BaltiMORE for Less Weekend will provide discounts on parking, attractions and more. To celebrate Nevermore 2009, BaltiMORE for Less Weekend will include a number of “Poe-tastic” events. Additional details to be announced.
June 2009
June 13
Westminster Graveyard
THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER
Enjoy Poe’s classic tale of insanity and premature burial among the graves of Westminster’s historic dead. A local Baltimore historian will present a brief discourse on the history of Westminster and touch upon the many historical figures that now rest in its hallowed grounds. A period drum and fife corps will pay homage to the veterans of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 who are buried in the cemetery. Characters from Poe’s stories will mingle with the living during the pre-show seating. Bring a lawn chair or cozy up to a tombstone.
Additional details to be announced.
July 2009
July – September
Kicking off in July
The Greater Baltimore History Alliance Scavenger Hunt
Explore Edgar Allan Poe’s Baltimore through exhibits, displays and programming at more than seven Baltimore historical attractions. Visit each attraction to receive stamps that will allow you to enter to win great prizes. Downloadable scavenger hunt forms will be available in the spring on www.baltimoremuseums.org. Check back for more details.
July 17-19
Friday and Saturday noon–10 p.m.; Sunday noon–8 p.m.
Mount Vernon
ARTSCAPE
In 2009, Artscape, the largest free public arts festival in the country, will include a special tribute to Edgar Allan Poe. The outdoor festival features 150+ artists, fashion designers and craftspeople; visual art exhibits on and off-site, including exhibitions, outdoor sculpture, art cars, photography and the Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize; incredible live concerts on four outdoor stages; a full schedule of performing arts including dance, opera, theater, fashion, film, experimental music and performances by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; family events such as hands-on projects, demonstrations, competitions, children’s entertainers and multiple street theater locations; and a delicious, international menu of food and beverages that is available throughout the festival site.
September 2009
September 25-27
Friday and Saturday noon-8 p.m.; Sunday noon-7 p.m.
Mount Vernon Place
BALTIMORE BOOK FESTIVAL
The mid-Atlantic’s premier celebration of the literary arts features well-known authors, local bookstores, publishers, children’s writers, storytellers, author signings, crafts, refreshments and entertainment. The 2009 Baltimore Book Festival will salute Edgar Allan Poe in celebration of his 200th birthday.
September 21-October 4
Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.,
and Sundays at 7 p.m.
Baltimore Theatre Project
45 West Preston Street
POE IN PERSON
Critically acclaimed actor David Keltz presents his one-man show, “POE In Person,” in a two-week residency at Baltimore Theatre Project. Feast your imagination on Poe’s masterpieces with veteran Poe actor David Keltz in his multi-character solo tour de force recreations of Poe’s ingenious tales of humor and horror, his romantic poetry, and his incisive literary criticism.
Scheduled performances between September 21 and October 4, 2009 are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $20, seniors and artists are $15, and student tickets are $10.
September 25
7 p.m.
National Museum of Dentistry
Berenice at the National Museum of Dentistry
Dare to discover one man’s maniacal obsession with his betrothed’s gleaming white teeth in a performance of Edgar Allan Poe’s controversial horror story Berenice. Explore an exhibit about 19th century dentistry and take an after-hours tour of this one-of-a-kind museum. Refreshments included. Enjoy a theatrical performance of Berenice, Edgar Allan Poe’s controversial short horror story that follows one man’s maniacal obsession with his betrothed’s gleaming white teeth. The museum will feature a small exhibit on 19th century dentistry with a focus on Baltimore during Edgar Allan Poe’s lifetime and the establishment of the world’s first dental school here in 1840. A slide show of historic images and artifacts includes a look at grave robbing to sell teeth for dentures. Tours of the museum will be offered after the performance or groups can explore on their own. Refreshments will be provided and are included in the price of admission to the event. Fee.
October 2009
October 4, 2009 – January 17, 2010
The Baltimore Museum of Art
ART OF DARKNESS: INSPIRED BY POE
The Baltimore Museum of Art presents a dramatic exhibition of works by some of the greatest artists of the 19th and 20th centuries who were inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling and unforgettable tales. Drawn largely from the BMA’s renowned collection, these rarely seen prints, drawings, and illustrated books explore the enduring legacy of Poe’s uniquely dark fiction on modern artists. Included in the exhibition are vivid illustrations for The Raven by Edouard Manet and a haunting portrait of Poe by Henri Matisse. The exhibition also features works by contemporary artists from Maryland responding to the universal themes taken up in Poe’s poems and stories—love, loss, silence, obsession, and terror. Film screenings, performances, and writing and poetry workshops will complement the exhibition.
October 7 – date of Poe’s death
Private viewing, family and friends only – 9-11 a.m.
Public viewing – Noon-11 p.m.
Edgar Allan Poe House in Mourning
VIEWING OF POE’S BODY
This will be the public’s only opportunity to view Poe’s body before interment alongside his grandfather, grandmother and brother Henry in Westminster cemetery on Saturday October 10.
October 7
Midnight to 6 a.m.
Westminster Graveyard
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AT THE POE MONUMENT
Beginning at midnight, join hundreds of people as a vigil is held at Poe’s grave. Throughout the vigil, celebrities and members of the public will get a chance to read excerpts from Poe’s works or just read their own tribute to Poe at his gravesite. Free.
October 10
Two services – noon and 4:30 p.m.
Westminster Hall
POE’S FUNERAL SERVICE
A horse-drawn funeral hearse will bring Poe’s body from his home on Amity Street to the Westminster Hall for burial services. A drum and fife corps will lead the procession. The funeral service will include musical selections performed by a pianist, soloist, violinist and a choir. Guest speakers will include five people who knew Poe, “legacies” such as “Alfred Hitchcock,” “Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,” “Charles Baudelaire” and “H. G. Wells” will present eulogies. Invited representatives from the literary, stage and movie industries will present their own eulogies for Poe. Tributes from ambassadors from many countries will also be read.
Additional information to be announced.
November 2009
November (date to be announced)
Time – to be announced
Location – to be announced
THE TELL TALE HEART COURT CASE
Did you ever wonder what happened to the narrator in The Tell Tale Heart? Did he stand trial? Was he found guilty or innocent by reason of insanity? Witness the chilling confession of the accused as he relates why and how he murdered an old man. A retired or sitting judge, a prosecutor, a defense attorney and the arresting police officer will conduct the case. The audience will be the jury.