Baltimore's Birthday Bash 2023: Event Program

Live Baltimore's 9th annual

friday, July 28

rye street market

BENEFITTING:

It couldn’t be more fitting, then, that nine years ago the organization that brought you the “I ♥ city life.” bumper sticker began producing Baltimore’s annual birthday party. Birthday Bash is a celebration not only of Baltimore’s most recent trip around the sun, but of life— city life, that is—in general.

Because of the energy you bring each year, we often describe this party as a lovefest. The Baltimore-based chefs, bakers, brewers, distillers, and performers joining us tonight have certainly poured their hearts into the offerings they’ve prepared. We hope, as you enjoy the feast for all your senses that this evening’s festivities provide, you also drink in the positivity of this special civic occasion.

As Baltimore marks its 294th year, Live Baltimore observes its 26th. Thank you for supporting our ability to celebrate our city, its neighborhoods, and you—its residents— every day with the proceeds of tonight’s magical event.

Here’s to life in this beautiful city!

Gratefully,

ANNIE MILLI Executive Director Live Baltimore

A MESSAGE FROM OUR MAYOR:

Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Fellow Baltimoreans,

As your Mayor, and proud life-long resident of Baltimore City, I am elated to wish our city, our community, and our Baltimore a very happy birthday.

As we celebrate another milestone in the history of the City of Baltimore, it is a moment for reflection and gratitude. I am incredibly fortunate to call Baltimore my home – a place where I was born and raised, played for days, gave praise, and supported in many ways. This day reminds us of the remarkable journey our city has embarked upon and the remarkable people who have contributed to its growth and prosperity.

Over the years, Live Baltimore’s visionary leadership has helped develop our city into a thriving hub of diversity, innovation, and progress, attracting people from all walks of life into our beloved city. When celebrating Baltimore’s birthday, we are celebrating the residents who make our city what it is: a thriving, unique community, with an abundance of opportunities. Each individual, with their unique talents, stories, and perspectives, forms an integral part of the vibrant tapestry that makes Baltimore so special. It’s because of their unwavering dedication Baltimore continues to be a place of support, kindness, and resilience.

As we celebrate Baltimore’s 294th Birthday, let us come together as one, to cherish our connection to one another and the milestones we have achieved together. May this birthday celebration be a reminder of the indomitable spirit that courses through the veins of our city, inspiring us to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Happy 294th Birthday Baltimore. May this year be a time of joy, unity, and hope for an even brighter future!

In service,

BRANDON M. SCOTT

MAYOR,

CITY OF BALTIMORE

BALTIMORE’S BIRTHDAY HISTORY

294 YEARS AGO, BALTIMORE CITY WAS THE DREAM OF ITS FOUNDERS.

It was 1729, and Charles Carroll of Annapolis was ready to see the land he shared with his brother, Daniel, developed. Along with eight Baltimore County leaders, Carroll successfully petitioned the Maryland General Assembly to pass an act— on July 30th—allowing “the building of a Town on the North side of the Patapsco River.”

Build a town they did! Within months, sixty acres were assembled, surveys were conducted, and sixty equally sized lots were offered for sale to residents who could erect a home within 18 months time. Baltimore was on its way to becoming the city we know and love!

What began as fewer than 100 households is over 251,000 today. Charles Carroll’s land has grown to 81 square miles— the largest independent city in the nation and the 30th largest city overall.

Since 2015, Live Baltimore has thrown a party to celebrate our residents, our neighborhoods, and the birth of our beloved home on the final weekend in July. Thank you for making Baltimore’s Birthday Bash a summer tradition to look forward to!

Sample treats from these Baltimore-based restaurants and businesses. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite!

at the bar:

RESIDENTS MATTER

Live Baltimore works to grow Baltimore City's population. Why?

More residents mean more funding for the services we all share.

More residents mean greater representation for Baltimoreans at the State and Federal level.

More residents mean fewer vacant homes and more thriving communities.

More residents mean more champions of our city — in Baltimore and beyond.

DID YOU KNOW?

Resident spending supports 40,000+ local jobs.

In the first six months of 2023, more than $993 million in homes have been purchased in the City.

More than 52% of the City’s general fund revenue is generated by residents.

LIVE BALTIMORE'S IMPACT

use Live Baltimore as a resource each year.

More than 2,215 individuals attended a Live Baltimore event in fiscal year 2023.

Over 250,000 visitors researched Baltimore City neighborhoods on LiveBaltimore.com in the past 12 months.

87% of Live Baltimore’s customers report gaining knowledge of cultural and community assets in the City.

With a Net Promoter Score of 76 Live Baltimore is considered an “excellent” organization.

What makes a great birthday party? Cake!

Singing! Dancing! And…Presents!!! Enter our raffle to unwrap a surprise in support of Live Baltimore’s mission to recruit and retain City residents. 38 winners will be selected to receive a gift!

Gifts have been donated by the following local businesses:

Assorted jams and a $50 gift card to Atwater’s

A one-year family membership to the Baltimore Museum of Industry

Two tickets to an upcoming Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concert.

A bottle of Blue Pit’s private single barrel bourbon.

Four platinum exterior washes from Canton Car Wash

A $25 gift card and bag of dog treats from Chateau de MarMutt

Over $100

Two best-seat admission tickets to a Chesapeake Shakespeare Company performance.

TWO chances to win a $50 gift card and apparel to Fells Point Surf Co

A shower steamer gift set plus journal from Found Studio.

Over $200

TWO chances to win a From Baltimore With Love classic tote bag, apparel, and accessories.

A $25 gift card to Greedy Reads.

A basket of Hon’s Honey products.

Hotel Revival complimentary night stay and valet parking.

Two Maryland Zoo in Baltimore guest admission tickets and cheetah plush toy.

TWO chances to win a $50 gift card from Mera Kitchen Collective

A $50 gift card from Milk & Ice Vintage

Over $400

Purchase raffle tickets for only $20 each. 38 winners will be selected!

Every gift’s value is at least $20. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the present station, located across from the main entrance.

General admission tickets to the National Aquarium

A $50 gift card plus goodies from Niecy’s Fabulous Juice Bar

A bottle of Old Line Spirits Single Malt, Aged Caribbean Rum.

Four each of Orioles game tickets, shirts, hats, and attendance at batting practice.

A $50 Pandora’s Box gift card, Baltimore t-shirt, and hat,

A $30 gift card to the Paper Herald.

TWO chances to win a four-person family membership to Port Discovery Children’s Museum.

A $30 R. House gift card.

A $50 gift card to Restore Hyper Wellness

Sagamore Pendry Hotel complimentary night stay and poolside cabana.

Four distillery tour tickets at Sagamore Spirit plus a four-pack of canned cocktails, a tote bag, and a 375ml bottle of Sagamore Spirit Rye.

A $50 gift card to the Silver Queen Cafe

A $50 gift card good for a Station North Tool Library membership or toward any class.

Two wooden “Baltimore” signs and 1 Charm City puzzle from Su Casa Furniture

Four free cone coupons to The Charmery

A $25 gift card to The Sporty Dog

A Baltimore-themed prize package of architecture cards, coasters, tea towel, and ornament from Tiny Dog Press.

A set of Wight Tea Company’s popular tea blends and tea accessories.

Thank you to the businesses and organizations who made tonight’s event—and Live Baltimore’s

platinum:

presenting:

gold:

silver:

bronze:

media and In kind:

GOOD NEIGHBORS

Thank you to the following individuals, whose contributions have allowed us to recognize community leaders from across the City at this year’s event.

LA Benn | Mia Blom | Auna Cooper | Esther Corbett | Shauntee Daniels |

Aaron Dante | Anne Draddy | Timothy Evans | Jason Filippou |

Aaron Fishbein & Hannah Goldberg | Larry Ford | Paige Forte | Ben Frederick |

Elizabeth Hafey | Ari Hamilton-Gery | Bill & Ruth Henry | Deborah Ivory |

Shawnol Jemison | Audrey Johnson | Daryl Jones | Ellen Karajan |

Xanthe Key | Laurie & Carl Kinkel | Elizabeth Koontz | Jody & Cecilia Landers |

David Lothamer | Anna Mabrey | Colleen Martin-Lauer & Mark Lauer |

Jennifer McCahill | Geri McCarter | Nancy Mead | J.D. Merrill | Jayne Miller

& Janice Bledsoe | Michael Milli | Kenyona Moore | Rhonda Pringle |

Sue Rode | Jennifer Ross | Hudi Schorr | Dominque Segar | Nanette Segar |

Arnetta Shelton | Larry Simmons | Aliza Sollins | Crystal Sykes |

Denise Taylor | Beth & David Tohn | Robert Vorhees | Tom Waldron |

Ashiah & Keith Warren | Danielle Wharton | Chanel White | Pamela Whittaker

*Good Neighbor ticket purchases as of July 24.

Ballard Spahr City Life

We are proud to support Live Baltimore’s tireless efforts to grow and sustain thriving neighborhoods throughout our city. Happy Birthday, Baltimore!

The Lifestyle

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Baltimore City is truly a city worth celebrating, and as one of its largest employers, we’re proud to call it “home.” At CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, we remain committed to identifying innovative ways to better serve the health and well-being of our Baltimore neighbors—today and for many years to come.

As proud Baltimoreans, we pledge to serve Baltimore City and its residents

Getting involved is important.

Tonight's Rye Street Market

In the thriving Baltimore Peninsula community, Rye Street Market is Baltimore’s newest hotspot for changemakers and innovators. Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects with a center courtyard for markets and events, this waterfront retail and office building embraces Baltimore’s industrial past while layering in modern and innovative elements, creating a hub that nurtures creativity and welcomes collaboration. Located at the heart of Baltimore Peninsula directly across from Sagamore Spirits and the soon-to-be open Rye Street Tavern, the public spaces around Rye Street Market are activated for the public with arts, salsa dancing, sports leagues, flea markets, movie nights, kayaking and boating, and more.

LIVE BALTIMORE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kate Williams, President; Jennifer McCahill, Vice President; Barry Cronin, Treasurer; Taylor Stewart, Secretary; Pierce Flanigan, Board Development Chair; Alyssa Domzal, Member-At-Large; Jerome Gray, Member-At-Large; Ashiah Parker, Member-At-Large; Rick Abell; Kristerfer Burnett; Liam Davis; Aaron Fishbein; Darius Graham; Elizabeth Hafey; Roger Hartley, Ph.D.; Ben Hyman; Brooke Kaine; Elizabeth Koontz; Jon Kucskar; Jonathan Maakestad; Douglas B. McCoach; Jennifer Mielke; Karl Popp; Susan Schipper; Eric Stephenson; Toni St. John; Maggie Villegas; Anthony Watters; Calvin Young

LIVE BALTIMORE STAFF

Annie Milli, Executive Director; Chadras Coples; Jasmine France; Julie French; Misty Keens; Neekta Khorsand; Jordan Klumpp; Suzi Senna; Amy Soukup