After Dark: This weekend jam-packed with great music, art

The clocks have turned, Halloween is over, the regattas have left town and thoughts are turning to the holiday season that lies ahead. Between now and then, though, there is plenty to do - art shows, concerts, festivals, special dinners … the list goes on and on and, most importantly, includes the Maritime Republic of Eastport's 12th annual Tug of War! Take advantage of all Annapolis has to offer in this great time between the summer rush and holiday craziness.

Twice a year, a group of artists in Eastport get together for a fantastic show of local art, housed in a temporary gallery at the Annapolis Yacht Club's Sailing Center at the foot of the Spa Creek Bridge, on the Eastport side. This year, the Art Between the Creeks artist's group hosts "Point" tomorrow through Sunday.

While some of the work is traditional, the artists in this group consider themselves different from the mainstream, or Main Street, art scene in Annapolis. They seek to challenge themselves, their audience and other artists with their eclectic work. Eighteen artists comprise the group, and they work in a variety of media, including watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, photography and mixed three-dimensional media.

The show officially opens with a public reception at the gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow, complete with refreshments. The hours of the show are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday the artists will bring additional works to the gallery for a tent sale known as "Bin Sunday - Beyond the Show." These are works that could not be accommodated in the regular run of the show. They will be for sale on Sunday only, just in time for holiday shopping! For more information, see www.artbetweenthecreeks.us.

If you're over in Eastport, you may want to check out Wild Country Seafood (124 Bay Shore Ave.), the only local seafood place owned and run by local watermen. They've got great crab and oyster specials right now, perfect for picking up and enjoying a late fall feast. Call 410-267-6711 for times and more information.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow night is jam-packed with great music, art and more. In addition to the reception in Eastport, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts (801 Chase St.) will host a gallery talk and reception from 5 to 7 p.m. for two new exhibits. "Ahni Sallaway: New Energy" is a solo exhibit by the local artist and fashion designer, and "Mary J. Arthur: CAUSE" is a solo exhibit showcasing work Arthur has done as an artist-in-residence at Maryland Hall. Both exhibits will be on display through Dec. 16.

The Annapolis Bookstore (68 Maryland Ave.) hosts former Annapolitan Michael Silitch to discuss his adventures as a guide in the Alps as well as multiple ascents of Denali and Yosemite. The only American guide to be a member of both the French and the Swiss mountain guides associations, Silitch will share the story of his journey from St. John's College to the Alps. The discussion begins at 7 p.m.

Laurel Masse, one of the founding members of Manhattan Transfer, will join guitarist Tom Mitchell, pianist Robert Redd and bassist Tommy Cecil at 49 West (49 West St.) for two shows at 8 and 10 p.m. This amazing group of musicians has shared the stage or recorded with some of the best in the jazz and swing worlds, and this is your chance to see them live in an intimate venue with great food and drink. Cover is only $20 for this fantastic show featuring "the best friend a song has ever had," according to Dave Guard of the Kingston Trio. Visit www.49westcoffeehouse.com or call 410-626-9796 for more information. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra celebrates the 200th anniversary of Edgar Allen Poe's birth with performances of "Masks and Mysteries" at 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday at Maryland Hall (801 Chase St.). The concerts will feature the principal harpist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Elizabeth Hainen, in Andre Caplet's "Conte Fantastique," based on Poe's "The Mask of the Red Death." The work, composed for harp and string orchestra, is unique in its portrayal of death using the harp, which frequently portrays more angelic settings.

ASO Music Director Jose-Luis Novo also will lead the orchestra in one of Mozart's final symphonies, the Symphony No. 39 in E flat major, plus Edward Elgar's heroic "Enigma Variations." Concert-goers may also attend the ASO's educational and entertaining preconcert lecture, featuring pianist and musicologist Rachel Franklin at 6:45 p.m. before each performance.

Single tickets to the ASO's Lexus Classic Series are $34 to $44 for adults, and $10 for students ages 8 to 25. FlexPass packages also are available, allowing music lovers to purchase three or four concerts at a discount and enjoy the flexibility to choose concerts that fit their schedule.

For more information or to order tickets, call the ASO box office at 410-263-0907 or visit www.annapolissymphony.org.

Saturday

The fall rugby tour is taking place this weekend and the games begin with England playing Australia at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by Wales vs. New Zealand at 12:15 p.m. The games will shown live at Fado (1 Park Place), which will serve up fantastic Irish breakfasts and brunches, as well as perfectly poured Guinness.

It's that time of year - the time for holiday fairs - and Fusion Ltd. will hold its 15th Holiday Artisan's Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1168 Mainsail Drive in Annapolis. Featured artists' wares include fused glassware, quilts, custom handbags, pottery, note cards and original art, handmade lotions and soaps, jewelry, lanterns, children's apparel, teas and more. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. There will be door prizes donated by each vendor, and a monetary donation will be made to the Light House homeless shelter.

Once a year, a battle takes place across the Gulf of Eastport, otherwise known as the Annapolis Harbor, which pits the citizens of Annapolis against the citizens of the rest of the world. The 12th Annual Tug of War takes place on Saturday, with tugging beginning at the crack of noon.

The tug is a charity event that raises money for great causes while throwing a fantastic party for the community. As with all things MRE, the goal of the tug of war and Tugfest is to celebrate the unique community that is Eastport - its people, its business and its maritime heritage, and to have some neighborly, competitive fun with our brethren across the harbor.

In the past few years, the MRE has worked to increase participation on the Annapolis side and increase the fun as well. This year, there will be tuggers and cheerleaders at City Dock from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition, there will be a family funfest sponsored by the city of Annapolis and the Downtown Annapolis Partnership with entertainment provided by Bridgette, The Chesapeake Steel Drum Band, the Caledonian Pipes and Drums, and the Kid's Caribbean Band, as well as face painting, balloon animal artistry and kettle korn.

Once the tugging is over, e-cruisers will be providing free rides over to Eastport, where Annapolitans can join in the Tugfest that begins on Second Street at 11 a.m. Tugfest will feature fantastic food from Harbour Deli and It's the Pits BBQ, as well as beverages from Buck Distributing Co. and Travelin' Taverns. Music will include the Eastport Elementary School Band, The Tiki Barbarians with Jefferson Holland, the Sunny Isle Blues Band, Sweet Leda and Dean Rosenthal. The MSP Polar Bear Plunge Family Zone will include all sorts of fun for the whole family, including a moon bounce, arts and crafts, and face painting. Entrance to Tugfest is free.

Tuggers are always welcome, on both sides of the gulf, and registration begins at 10:30 a.m. It costs $20 to tug, and you receive a T-shirt and bragging rights if you do. More information can be found at www.themre.org. The first of seven tugging heats begins at noon. It's a party you won't want to miss, no matter what side you're on.

Another party, albeit smaller, will be held at Tastings Gourmet (1410 Forest Drive), which is celebrating its third birthday at noon Saturday. Allison Hooper, president and Cheesemaker at Vermont Butter and Cheese Co., will perform a cooking demonstration and sign her new cookbook, "In a Cheesemaker's Kitchen." The celebration also will include great food, cheese, wine and music.

If you're a fan of swing dancing, head to the Annapolis Rec Center (the old one at 9 St. Mary's St.) for a night of dancing and music from the Daryl Davis Swing Band. The fun starts at 8 p.m. with a drop-in swing lesson, followed by the dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Led by praised boogie and blues pianist Daryl Davis, this group will keep you on the floor all night long with its danceable tunes. Tickets are $15 at the door. For more information, call 202-253-7894.

If you're not ready to wrap things up in Eastport after Tugfest, check out some of the great bars on that side of the bridge. The Boatyard (400 Fourth St.) and Davis' Pub (400 Chester Ave.) won't have live music, but they will have a party you won't want to miss. At The Rockfish (400 Sixth St.), The Greg Phillips Trio will perform from 10 p.m. to close.

Stan and Joe's (37 West St.) will be hosting Annapolis tuggers as well as the live roots and rock music of The Remnants. At the Federal House (22 Market Space), another home of Annapolis tuggers, DJ Chris Hart will spin tunes from 9:30 on.

At Fado (1 Park Place), the Rovers will be celebrating lead singer Eddie McGowan's 40th birthday with a night of performances and fun at the pub. Expect bagpipes, great music and lots of Guinness.

Sunday

Sunday morning, West Annapolis hosts the monthly Second Sunday Green Market along Giddings Avenue between Ridgely Avenue and Annapolis Street. Featuring a mix of produce, plants, locally grown products, green crafts, and vintage and antique wares, the Green Market is a great destination for a Sunday stroll. Enjoy food at BB Bistro and Regina's, as well as live entertainment and face painting. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Philip's Episcopal Church (730 Bestgate Road) is kicking off its 2009-2010 music series with a concert by The Harmonic Fifth, a local jazz band, at 4 p.m. Sunday. The Harmonic Fifth is a jazz group composed of musicians from the Annapolis area. The group performs popular favorites in a balanced, flowing style that features instrumental solos and improvisational riffs. It's a great way to end your weekend. Call 937-266-9755 for more information.

Rams Head Tavern (33 West St.) is hosting a Wedding Murder-Mystery dinner at 6 p.m. Sunday. This fun-filled evening of murder, mayhem and delicious food features a buffet with three entrees, dessert and a cash bar, as well as a murder-mystery show revolving around the wedding reception of Buzz and Alma Gahner. The cost is $47.50 and tickets are available online at www.ramsheadonstage.com or by calling 410-268-4545.

Grammy-winning Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys will perform at Maryland Hall (801 Chase St.) at 7 p.m. Sunday. Stanley's career has included honors such as induction into the Grand Ole Opry, the National Medal of Arts and multiple Grammy awards, including two for his work in the 2002 film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Opening for Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys is the Annapolis bluegrass group Tim Finch and the Eastman String Band. Tickets are $38, or $33 for Maryland Hall members. For more information or to order tickets, call the Maryland Hall box office at 410-280-5640 from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays; 24-hour ticketing is available online at www.marylandhall.org.

Monday

Carrol's Creek (410 Severn Ave.) is bringing back the three-course dinner menu Sunday through Friday nights. For $29.95, enjoy a choice of a soup, salad or appetizer followed by one of five entrees and finished with one of three desserts. The regular menu is also available. This is a great way to get out and enjoy a fantastic meal in a restaurant with one of the best views in Annapolis, all for a price that can't be beat. Visit www.carrolscreek.com or call 410-263-8102 for more information or to make reservations.

From 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, enjoy a great meal at Carrol's Creek while helping to support the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra. For $30, enjoy salad, entree, dessert, tax and tip. Music will be performed by the LSO String Trio. Call 410-798-8770 for more information.

Tuesday

Pub quiz action is getting back into full swing around town, especially at Galway Bay, the old stalwart for the quizzing action. Bring in your team, get settled and answer well to win prizes for the charity of your choice.

Wednesday

Stan and Joe's (37 West St.) has opened its new upstairs wine and martini bar, which features a large selection of great wines by the bottle and glass, classic and well-mixed cocktails, and a delicious bar menu. Great for drinks and conversation, it is open Wednesday through Sunday nights beginning at 6 p.m. It's also a great spot for parties of up to about 60 people.

Thursday, Nov. 12

Another Eastport tradition takes place on Thursday night at the Boatyard Bar and Grill (400 Fourth St.), when everyone gathers to don their socks to make it through the winter until sock burning comes back around in the spring. Show up with your best/funniest socks, and don them and dance to the sounds of Mike and Kelly Lange. The party starts at 7 p.m. and goes until all the socks have been donned and all the dances danced. Call 410-216-6206 or visit www.boatyardbarandgrill.com for more information.

Tell Jessica about your next event, party or gig at afterdark@hometownannapolis.com.