Just in from Nevermore2009.Com:
"January 19, 2009 marks the 200th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe and to commemorate this historic milestone, the city of Baltimore will host Nevermore 2009, a year-long celebration of the life and works of one of Baltimore's most famed residents. The year will be filled with a variety of events, including birthday celebrations, lectures, wine tastings, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, special tours and more."
OK, I'm already on board. The Poe schedule is amazing and begins with the launch in January '09. Here are just three highlights - the scope of this year-long project is facinating:
January 17
7 p.m.
Westminster Hall
EDGAR ALLAN POE BICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Come toast Poe’s 200th birthday while enjoying a rare exhibition of Poe artifacts along with a number of special performances. Only in Baltimore will you experience this world-famous event. The evening will include:
- An Edgar Allan Poe tributeby noted actor John Astin of “The Addams Family” fame. Mr. Astin will present a spellbinding hour of Poe’s most beloved works interspersed with comments and observations on Poe’s life.
- Theatrical performance of Hop Frog, Poe’s chilling tale of revenge,complete with special effects, life-size puppets and live actors. A feast for the eyes and the imagination.
- A musical tribute to Poeby soloist Paula McCabe from the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Ms. McCabe sang at the funerals of beloved sportscaster Jim McKay and football legend Johnny Unitas.
- A sparkling apple cider toastto Poe conducted by Jeff Jerome from the Poe House and Museum and John Astin will conclude the evening’s event.
- This event is sponsored by the City of Baltimore
and
March 27
Time TBA
Westminster Hall and Catacombs
CASK OF AMONTILLADO WINE TASTING AMONG THE BONES
Sample the wines mentioned in Poe's stories while enjoying the ambience of the Westminster catacombs. Witness Montressor luring Fortunado to a gruesome death in a theatrical performance of The Cask of Amontillado. Enjoy characters from Poe's stories as they mingle among the living.
and
October 10
Two services – noon and 4:30 p.m.
Westminster Hall
POE'S FUNERAL SERVICE
A horse-drawn funeral hearse will bring Poe's body from his home on Amity Street to the Westminster Hall for burial services. A drum and fife corps will lead the procession. The funeral service will include musical selections performed by a pianist, soloist, violinist and a choir. Guest speakers will include five people who knew Poe, "legacies" such as "Alfred Hitchcock," "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle," "Charles Baudelaire" and "H. G. Wells" will present eulogies. Invited representatives from the literary, stage and movie industries will present their own eulogies for Poe. Tributes from ambassadors from many countries will also be read.
The full year schedule is amazing and will grow.
Check it out & let's find a great source for some fine Amontillado. Then, let's all meet up at Annabelle Lee Tavern... and lift a glass.