Join us for the culmination of the first phase of Opera on the Avenue! The free day-long festival will feature live performances, food, community vendors, and activities for kids. The highlight of the event will be a ticketed premiere performance created by soprano and writer Adrienne Danrich, focused on the story of African-American opera singer Anne Wiggins Brown, the first Bess in Gershwin’s iconic opera Porgy and Bess. Ms. Brown grew up in Old West Baltimore, just two blocks from the Arch Social Club where her father was a prominent early member.

Emmy-winning soprano, writer, and educator Adrienne Danrich, whose specialty is inviting the audience to listen, feel, and be inspired, is the lead creative on the project. Ms. Danrich has created an extraordinary program amplifying Anne Wiggins Brown's story, honoring her life and legacy in opera, spoken word, poetry, and dance.

This project is in partnership with the Arch Social Community Network, the Enoch Pratt Free Library, the Black Arts District, the No Boundaries Youth Organizers, and the Shake and Bake Family Fun Center. Special thank you to our event media sponsor, WYPR.