Things To Do in Baltimore

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED FOR STAR SPANGLED SALUTE TO MICHAEL PHELPS

Local bands Chopteeth, Reverb, and The Players to join Navy Concert Band, Morgan University Choir, and Billy Bush in salute to Maryland’s Olympic Heroes;

Visitors encouraged to reserve parking early

BALTIMORE, MD (September 30, 2008) – Event organizers announced today the live entertainment line-up for Saturday’s Star Spangled Salute to Michael Phelps at Fort McHenry.  Entertainment on Saturday, October 4^th, will include live performances from local bands Chopteeth, Reverb, and The Players Band.  During the evening program hosted by Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush, the Navy Concert Band and the Morgan University Choir will each perform special tribute performances for Maryland’s Olympic athletes.

Visitors to the Fort McHenry event are encouraged to reserve parking early at a nearby lot by visiting Baltimore.org/phelps.

Entertainment begins at Fort McHenry at 3:00 pm on October 4^th with live music, a festival atmosphere, and activities for the entire family.  A food court will also be open as crowds arrive to spend the day at historic Fort McHenry.  Fort McHenry facilities will also be available for public use, including demonstrations at the Water Battery, living history demonstrations, and historical exhibits.

The Naval Academy Concert Band, now in its 155th year, will also be on hand to perform a special tribute to Maryland’s Olympic Heroes.  The Morgan University Choir will lead the crowd in the singing of the National Anthem, to honor the Olympic heroes, including Michael Phelps, who inspired all Americans.

Chopteeth is a 12-piece big band funk orchestra, championing a unique style known as Afrofunk.  Hailing from Washington, DC, Chopteeth was voted Best World Music Group by their peers in the Washington Area Music Association.  Reverb has traveled internationally performing their a capella styles for a variety of audiences, winning the Washington Area Music Association’s Whammie award for best a capella group in 2006.  The Players Band, an 8-piece ska band formed in Baltimore in 1999, has performed over 315 shows throughout the United States.

Live music begins at 3:00 pm, and the official program will begin at 7:00 pm, culminating in a fireworks display at approximately 7:50 pm.

WBAL TV will broadcast the evening’s program live from 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  Members of the public are encouraged to seek further parking and travel information, including a link to reserve parking for the day’s festivities, at Baltimore.org/phelps.

The day-long celebration also features a Parade of Gold in Towson, beginning at 3:00 pm.  Additional information for the parade can also be found at Baltimore.org/phelps.

Parade Info Ellen Kobler Baltimore County 410-887-2470 ekobler@baltimorecountymd.gov

Star Spangled Salute Info Tracy Baskerville BOPA 410-752-8632 TBaskerville@promotionandarts.com

Media Credentials Shaun Adamec 410-974-2316 Governor’s Office sadamec@gov.state.md.us

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