When The Avenue at White Marsh opened in 1981 it was an innovative approach to the shopping mall, imitating the old-fashion open air “downtown” shopping centers of yore instead of an enclosed space. As such, The Avenue at White Marsh is a success and has become one of the most prominent and unique shopping areas within our community.
The Avenue strives for a family atmosphere where small shops contend with a variety of eating places as well as one of the most popular movie complexes in the area. The Avenue is also distinctive for its youth escort policy, which limits unruly and disruptive behavior. Youths under the age of 15 must be escorted by an adult after 9 p.m., making the Avenue a safe environment for patrons as well as the merchants.
The Avenue presents some of the most anticipated events each year. In the early winter, there's the holiday parade and a visit from Santa.
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In the summer, the beautiful stone plaza is a place where you can just hang out and watch the water dancing in the fountain, gaze at the passersby, or meet someone special for dinner, a movie, or shopping.
Since May 27 the plaza has hosted the annual Party on the Plaza Concert Series, which features some of the best local musicians. There is entertainment on the plaza both Friday and Saturday from 7-9 pm.
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The concert series has been an on-going event for the past 10 years. Best of all, it is totally free. The coveted performance spots go quickly and are selected through an audition process. This year, perennial favorites such as the Junkyard Saints and Lawnchair are back. You can check out the entire roster of entertainers as listed on The Avenue’s website.
In addition to the wonderful musical performances in the great outdoor setting, part of the fun of the concert series is the joy of visiting with your neighbors in this relaxed setting. With crowds of up to 500 in the plaza, chances are you will run into several people you know. And if you don’t see anyone you currently know, the friendly family atmosphere is conducive to finding new acquaintances.
You’ll find lots of free expression dancing from young and old, so don’t be afraid to get out front and shake your groove thang. The dance floor is open!
Red Brick Station and the Tilted Kilt abut the plaza. They both have wonderful side cafés where you can sit, eat, drink and enjoy the music. The so-called Beer Garden at Red Brick Station opens at 6:30 p.m. during the concert series performances. Just an FYI … in order to promote The Avenue’s varied and fantastic food vendors, only food purchased from Avenue vendors may be consumed or brought to the concerts.
I recently had the pleasure of communicating with Lisa Geiger, who is the marketing manager for The Avenue. She explained her approach to showcasing musical talent at the concert series.
“Within the past several years, we have focused on presenting a diverse mix of regional bands offering a selection of original music," she said. "The Series is as much a part of the atmosphere and experience of The Avenue as it is in keeping with our goal to bring something unique to the area.”
Artists do have the ability to submit demos and materials for consideration for a performance slot. As Lisa states, “Bands interested in being considered for inclusion in the series can visit www.headonentertainment.com and submit band information/demos via the sonic bids link.”
The performances from each year are evaluated by Lisa along with promoter, Chris Huntington at the end of the series. A recap/evaluation of the 2011 performances and all new submissions will be completed some time in February 2012. By April 2012 Lisa and Chris will finalize the 2012 line-up, so get your entry in if you wish to be considered.
Your friends and neighbors have already discovered this wonderful community tradition, so come on over to the Avenue and join in the fun.
