Hello and welcome! It’s time for another week of new media. Whether you’re on the lookout for inspiration, entertainment or both, the Arts & Entertainment section is here with our list of fresh recommendations. This time, we are trying out a different format in order to list more exciting media in each section. I will be summarizing a few of the releases listed below, but if you would like to learn more about any of our picks, simply click on the link we’ve attached to each title.
This time of year is especially thrilling for movie fans. Since it’s close to award season, most studios are releasing their buzzy, big-name, big-budget films around this time. Personally, I am most excited to see Starring Jerry as Himself. This is one of those experiences where it is difficult to separate what is true from what is just part of the movie, as it seems to operate much like a documentary — but not quite. It follows Jerry — a retired immigrant dad who gets contacted by the Chinese police to conduct an undercover investigation. His family, who ends up somewhat entangled in his secret job, appears throughout the film to share what they think in interview-style scenes. It is wholesome, it is funny, it is dark, it is thrilling.
There is plenty to look forward to in the world of books as well. From writer and physician Oliver Sacks, described by The Washington Post as “the poet laureate of medicine,” we will receive a collection of personal letters. Within these correspondences are his friendships, romances, intellectual aspirations and consistent love for humanity. Released nearly a decade after Sacks’ death, this collection is compiled and presented by his longtime editor Kate Edgars. This should be a beautiful insight into the mind of one of the most fascinating thinkers of our times.
As for the music world, my pick for the coming week would be Personification by Maxo Kream. Featuring musicians like Tyler, the Creator and That Mexican OT, this album promises a fresh range of rap tracks. “Cracc Era,” the catchy single which was pre-released a few months ago, has already become the artist’s most played song. If you are looking for creative verses and satisfying sounds, then you should check out this album.
Finally we have live events. Most excitingly, the Johns Hopkins Theatre will be presenting Passage on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The play — directed by Annalisa Dias — investigates several complicated relationships between our current world and the people who inhabit it. Despite living under the dynamics of dominance and power, can we still form meaningful friendships and connections? Be sure to catch one of the performances!
Please enjoy our full list of upcoming media below.
To watch...
Starring Jerry as Himself, directed by Law Chen — Nov. 6
Small Things Like These, directed by Tim Mielants — Nov. 8
Heretic, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods — Nov. 8
Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point, directed by Tyler Taormina — Nov. 8
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, directed by Dallas Jenkins — Nov. 8
To read...
Letters, by Oliver Sacks — Nov. 5
The Teller of Small Fortunes, by Julie Leong — Nov. 5
The Name of This Band is R.E.M., by Peter Ames Carlin — Nov. 5
To listen...
Soul Burger, by Ab-Soul — Nov. 8
HAUTE COUTURE, by Misamo — Nov. 6
Personification, by Maxo Kream — Nov. 8
Strange Little Bird, by Chløë Black — Nov. 7
Live events...
Johns Hopkins Theatre presents Passage at the Merrick Barn — Nov. 8 and 9 from 8–10 p.m. and Nov. 10 from 2–4 p.m.
(Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for seniors and Hopkins affiliates; registration is required).
Peabody Concert Orchestra at Miriam A. Friedberg Concert Hall — Nov. 9 from 7:30–9 p.m.
(This event is free; registration is not required).
Baltimore Honky Tonk at Waverly Brewing Company — Nov. 7 from 7–10 p.m.
(Tickets are between $15 and $25; registration is required).
Music on the Square feat: Ari and the Buffalo Kings in Canton — Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
(Tickets are a suggested donation of $25 to Music on the Square; registration is required).
