7 things to do in Annapolis this weekend: pro football, pickle ball

Tuesday marks 60 years since President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the landmark law banning segregation in businesses such as theaters, restaurants and hotels. Events and tours are available to explore the role Annapolis played in achieving this landmark moment in American history.

In January, Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County released a guide to 60 historic sites, with QR codes that expand when using smartphones to provide additional information. The Civil Rights Guide to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County includes a history of critical events and once-segregated black communities, as well as a walking tour of museums, monuments, statues, and other sites in downtown Annapolis.

“We are very excited about this project,” said Kristen Pironis, executive director of Visit Annapolis. “We are very excited about the way we have brought the community together. We’re very excited about the reception we’re getting, and I haven’t seen anyone in the state or country do anything like this.”

The guide’s release followed Governor Wes Moore’s declaration that 2024 would be Maryland’s Civil Rights Year during a ceremony at the Banneker-Douglass Museum.

Maryland was part of the Jim Crow South in the 1960s. Annapolis Congressman Richard Lankford voted “present” when the bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, shortly after announcing he would not seek another term. Annapolis was the site of sit-in protests during segregated dinners, marches, rallies, and major court battles.

The guide was based on research from Black History 365, a collection of stories, art and events celebrating Black Marylanders in and around Annapolis, developed in collaboration with the Banneker-Douglass Museum.

Showcase Market House

Friday 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Three area artists will perform at the new Local Songwriter Showcase at the Annapolis Markethouse.

Dana Denise starts at 8:00 PM, followed by Tavair Dominque at 9:00 PM and ends with Alex G Lee at 10:00 PM. The showcase continues on the fourth Friday of the month. Free.

When museums groove

Saturday from 10am to 4pm

Banneker-Douglass Museum, which added Harriet Tubman to its hyphenated identity on Monday, is doing its part to celebrate its 60th anniversary with Rhythm & Hues, a summer block party filled with history, heritage, music, art, wellness and community engagement.

Located on Alpha Phi Alpha Way, recently renamed from Franklin Street in honor of local Black College sorority members, the centerpiece of the event is the Revisit/Reimagine Civil Rights exhibit.

But it’s surrounded by a full day of music from Black Alley, a DC band that plays a mix of trap, rock and go-go they call “Hood Rock,” and R&B artist Lauren White. There will also be life demonstrations, artwork and food available.

The event is free, but reservations are required.

Two more games to go

7pm Saturday

Annapolis Blues are atop the NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference with two games remaining in the regular season.

Football Club Blues (7-1) plays against Virginia Beach City (1-7) at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. A win would set the Blues up well for home field advantage in the divisional play-off semi-final on July 10. The team is two games ahead of the second-place Alexandria Reds in the conference and is fifth overall in the National Professional Soccer League. .

Adult tickets cost $12 plus fees, $10 for children under 12.

Watch pickleball

Sunday from 8am to 4pm

Seventy of Annapolis’ top pickleball players are registered to compete in the second Fire in the Kitchen Pickleball Classic at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center.

Registration is closed, but you can still watch the men’s, women’s and mixed doubles play as participants raise money for fire safety programs and equipment at the Eastport Volunteer Fire Company. Free.

Gable can

8:00 PM Sunday

Clark Gable, the 20th century movie star, appeared in 60 films with two generations of major costars over 37 years, but he won the Academy Award only once – for the classic 1934 rom-com ‘It Happened One Night’ with Claudette Colbert .

It was good. It is one of only three films to win all five major Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Writing. The Frank Capra-directed film also ranks 35th on AFI’s list of 100 Greatest Films.

You can watch it on your couch at home or catch it at Reynold’s Tavern Beer Garden as part of the free outdoor film festival. Happy Hour runs from 3 to 7. Free.

Floating melodies

Tuesday from 6:45 PM to 8:30 PM

There are concerts on the water and there are concerts in the water. Capital SUP, the Annapolis watercraft rental company, is hosting its Tuesday Concert Series at its Eastport location.

Jordan Sokel of Pressing Strings will perform from a catamaran. Paddle in yourself to listen; tickets cost $35. Paddleboard and kayak rentals start at $45. There will be food and drinks available for purchase.