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Articles by Mark Smith
What do data centers mean for MD commercial real estate?
As new policy, moratoriums and one full-on ban shift the growing data center landscape in Maryland, the commercial real estate industry still aims to become more intertwined. Used in conjunction with artificial intelligence, data centers have received strong community pushback due to their environmental impact and fears for property values. In response, Gov. Wes Moore instituted an executive order this month outlining guardrails for their development.
Archdiocese, Catholic schools working to move forward, grow
Key takeaways: Archdiocese filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 over abuse claims Baltimore Catholic school enrollment down 80% since mid-1960s peak Mercy High School enrollment grew 50% since 2017 Judge Michelle Harner rejected reorganization plans in August The Archdiocese of Baltimore began the 2026-27 school year with one less school than it operated last year.
Maryland’s new energy law intertwines with data center boom
Key takeaways: Maryland Utility RELIEF Act passed in 2026 session Data centers must pay for infrastructure upgrades Harford County is first in Maryland to ban data centers Maryland Tech Council CEO Kelly Schulz supports fair cost sharing The passing of the Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act during Maryland’s 2026 legislative session means some financial respite in today’s inflationary climate is, hopefully, on the way for its residents and businesses.
MD tourism sees ‘uneven recovery’ amid convention center, downtown challenges
Key takeaways: Downtown Baltimore hotels are struggling. The Baltimore Convention Center needs upgrades to stay competitive. The Maryland Hotel & Lodging Association calls for more tourism funding. Maryland attracted 45.8 million visitors, generating $1.4 billion tax revenue, in 2024.
Baltimore Peninsula: Was Kevin Plank ‘overly optimistic’?
Key takeaways: Developer Kevin Plank exited the Baltimore Peninsula project to focus on Under Armour. Less than 10% of the 235-acre Baltimore Peninsula site is currently in use. Leasing office space has been difficult due to market conditions and negative publicity, including viral YouTube videos. Residential development is progressing steadily with 28 Walker’s townhomes and apartments nearing completion.
Parking, Plowing and Sidewalk Clearing: What Norwalk Residents Should Know This Winter
NORWALK, Conn. — With winter weather on the horizon, drivers, homeowners, and anyone who parks on city streets should be aware of Norwalk’s snow removal rules, including when to move cars, how sidewalk clearing deadlines work, and where to go during a snow emergency.
District Music Hall to Host Third Annual ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ on Dec. 13
NORWALK, Conn. — On Dec. 13 at 6 p.m., District Music Hall will host its third annual I’ll Be Home for Christmas, a holiday celebration benefiting two local nonprofits and featuring Grammy and Oscar-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer, along with many other acclaimed performers.
Blackman Santana, with husband Carlos, perform at Keystone Korner
Cindy Blackman Santana is a scintillating jazz and rock drummer who was, earlier in her career, known for her long stint in rocker Lenny Kravitz’s band. Among those who noticed her panache was Rock + Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana, which led to her not only joining his band about a decade ago, but marrying him five years earlier.
Big band meets classical in upcoming concert at Baker Community Center, St. Charles
John Dorhauer's Heisenberg Uncertainty Players big band will play jazz versions of classical works on Saturday, April 5, at the Baker Community Center, St. Charles. Courtesy of John Dorhauer Big band jazz will meet classical favorites in “Classical Jazz,” a concert Saturday, April 5, at the Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles.
NIU Steelband to bring Caribbean sounds to Norris Center concert
Liam Teague is bringing the NIU Steelband, the top U.S. collegiate steel drum ensemble, to Norris Cultural Arts Center on March 28, playing calypso, jazz, pop and classical. Courtesy of NIU Steelband One of the best collegiate steel pan ensemble in America, the NIU Steelband returns to the Norris Cultural Arts Center for a concert on Friday, March 28.
‘Your Hit Parade: Global Edition’ concert launches new season of Saturday Night Lights in St. Charles
On March 1, enjoy “Your Hit Parade: Global Edition” with vocalist Maureen Christine and the Michael Bazan Quartet at the Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles. Courtesy of Maureen Christine On March 1, vocalist Maureen Christine and the Michael Bazan Quartet will kick off a new season of “Saturday Night Lights” concerts at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles.
Norris Cultural Arts Center presents fifth annual Baker’s Dozen Holiday Festival Dec. 8-20
Vocalist Tatum Langley revives “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” in a wickedly engaging performance of the song written for the 1966 animated film, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Jazz pianist Jeremy Kahn accompanies Tatum. This festival episode is scheduled for Dec. 12. Courtesy of Kassandra McConnell The Baker’s Dozen Holiday Festival returns for a fifth season with 13 daily online video episodes starting Dec. 8 and concluding Dec. 20.
Montell-Holmes Duo performs holiday, opera favorites Dec. 15 in St. Charles
Diva Montell and Jeorge Holmes sing holiday favorites and Puccini opera arias and duets Dec. 15 in the art gallery of the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles. Courtesy of Diva Montell Two of the Chicago area’s favorite vocalists, Diva Montell and Jeorge Holmes, are joining talents in a performance of inspiring holiday season classics and a tribute to the great opera composer, Giacomo Puccini, on the centennial of his passing in 1924. The concert will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec.
Norris presents jazz, steelpan concerts and a program on ‘St. Charles Lost Railroad’ in November
On Sunday, Nov. 10, the TNTeague, featuring steelpan virtuoso Liam Teague and his son, Jaden Teague-Nunez, will perform at the Norris’ “Music in the Gallery Series.” Courtesy of TNTeague Variety is the name of the game in three diverse events presented during November by the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles. First on the calendar is a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, on The Norris’ “Music in the Gallery Series,” featuring the steelpan and piano duo, TNTeague.
Two-time Grammy winner Howard Levy to perform at Norris concert series
Two-time Grammy Award winner Howard Levy will be joined by guitarist Chris Siebold in a concert Oct. 19 at the Baker Community Center in St. Charles. Courtesy of Howard Levy A concert on Oct. 19 by two-time Grammy Award-winning pianist, diatonic harmonica artist and composer Howard Levy will be a highlight of the fall season of “Saturday Night Lights” events at the historic Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles.
Norris Gallery Concert Series presents ‘Strings, Songs and Steelpan Music’
Share Concerts honoring composers Giacomo Puccini and Gabriel Faure will highlight the fall season of “Music in the Gallery” events in the art gallery of the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles. The three-concert series also includes an eclectic, multi-genre performance by a steelpan and piano duo. The Sunday afternoon series, now in its 11th season, begins Oct.
Norris Gallery Concert Series presents ‘Strings, Songs and Steelpan Music’
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, featuring (from left) cellist Sara Sitzer, violinists Carol Dylan and Caroline Slack, and violist Loretta Gillespie, will perform popular masterworks Oct. 6 in the art gallery of the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles.
Alyssa Allgood joins jazz quartet for ‘Saturday Night Lights’ May 18 in St. Charles
Jazz vocalist Alyssa Allgood will be joined by quartet of Chicago jazz all-stars for the “Saturday Night Lights” concert on May 18. Courtesy of Ryan Bennett Chicago-based jazz vocalist Alyssa Allgood and a quartet of Chicago jazz all-stars close out the Spring season of “Saturday Night Lights” concerts at 7:30 p.m., May 18. The concert series, produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center, is presented at the historic Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St. (Route 31) in St. Charles.
‘Chicago and the homefront in World War II’ wraps up Wednesdays @ One spring season in St. Charles
The popular image of “Rosie the Riveter” typified the commitment of U.S. civilians to supporting the war effort throughout World War II. Author Jerome O’Connor presents “Chicago and the homefront in World War II” on May 1 at the Baker Community Center in St. Charles. Courtesy of U.S. National Archives The spring season of “Wednesdays @ One” events concludes May 1 when author, investigative journalist and educator Jerome M.
Celebrate the centennial of Gershwin’s 'Rhapsody in Blue' with Shout Section Big Band and pianist Jeffrey LaDeur
The Shout Section Big Band will be joined by pianist Jeffrey LaDeur in a performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” on Saturday, April 20. Courtesy of Shout Section Concert includes favorite selections from ‘The Great American Songbook’ Celebrate the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s jazz-infused classic, “Rhapsody in Blue,” in an April 20 concert by the Shout Section Big Band, directed by Brett Dean, and featuring pianist Jeffrey LaDeur.
Norris ‘Wednesdays @ One’ welcomes Chad Goodman, new ESO conductor, April 3
Chad Goodman, the new music director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, discusses his conducting career, trends in orchestral music and the future of classical music April 3 at the Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles. Courtesy of Elgin Symphony Orchestra The Norris Cultural Arts Center’s “Wednesdays @ One” event series continues April 3 at the Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles, with a program featuring Chad Goodman, the new music director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
Contemporary folk duo Kallet and Larsen to perform April 14 for Norris ‘Music in Gallery’ Series
Contemporary folk music duo Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen will be coming to St. Charles’ Norris Cultural Arts Center on Sunday, April 14. Courtesy of Alison Shaw Photography LLC The Norris Cultural Arts Center’s “Music & More in the Gallery” event series concludes its spring season with a performance by renowned contemporary folk music artists Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14.
Norris Gallery Series welcomes Tricia Park in ‘Violin Solos: From Bach to BTS’ March 24
Violinist Tricia Park performs “Violin Solos: From Bach to BTS,” March 24 in the art gallery of the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles.
Comedic pianist, WFMT Radio host Robbie Ellis performs March 2 at Baker Community Center
Robbie Ellis, comedic pianist and Chicago radio personality, will perform a concert of his own songs March 2 at the Baker Community Center in St. Charles. Courtesy of Robbie Ellis Comedic pianist and WFMT radio host Robbie Ellis is coming to the Baker Community Center on March 2, kicking off the spring season of “Saturday Night Lights” concerts produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center.
Norris Cultural Arts Center to present three ‘Saturday Night Lights’ concerts this season
Robbie Ellis, host of WFMT’s “Sunday Afternoons with Robbie Ellis,” will perform a selection of his comedy songs during the March 2 concert at the Baker Community Center in St. Charles. Courtesy of Robbie Ellis On March 2, comedy songwriter, pianist and WFMT radio host Robbie Ellis kicks off the spring season of “Saturday Night Lights” concerts at the Baker Community Center.
UW-Madison Varsity Badger Band performs Feb. 16 at Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Varsity Badger Band will perform pop music as well as Wisconsin classics at the Feb. 16 concert. Courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Madison Varsity Badger Band One of America’s premier collegiate ensembles, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Varsity Badger Band will be making a visit to the Norris Cultural Arts Center to perform in concert on Friday, Feb. 16.
Norris' fourth annual Baker's Dozen Holiday Festival is a free gift to the community
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, jazz vocalist Tatum Langley kicks off Norris' "Baker's Dozen Holiday Festival," a daily online program featuring some of the area's top talent. Courtesy of Tatum Langley The Norris Cultural Arts Center presents its fourth annual Baker's Dozen Holiday Festival, a free, 13-episode online video series featuring popular local performers. Episodes will be posted daily, Dec. 12-24.
Pete Ellman Big Band wraps up Saturday Night Lights' fall season on Dec. 16
The Pete Ellman Big Band will perform jazz standards and holiday tunes at the Dec. 16 concert at the Baker Community Center in St. Charles. Courtesy of Pete Ellman By Mark Smith Norris Cultural Arts Center Updated 11/27/2023 11:09 PM The 18-piece Pete Ellman Big Band will perform in concert on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the historic Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles. The event concludes the fall season of "Saturday Night Lights" concerts produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center.
Norris Gallery concert series presents pianist Jeffrey LaDeur and mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich
Pianist Jeffrey LaDeur, a St. Charles native, joins mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich for a recital of piano classics and art songs on Sunday, Nov. 26, in the art gallery of the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles. Courtesy of Norris Cultural Arts Center Pianist Jeffrey LaDeur, a St. Charles native, will perform a recital of piano classics and art songs on Sunday, Nov. 26, at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles.
Lee Murdock brings his Christmas Ship Concert to St. Charles Nov. 18
Lee Murdock, who first wrote his song "The Christmas Ship" 35 years ago, will be bringing his annual concert to the historic Baker Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 18. Courtesy of Jane Toohey By Mark Smith Norris Cultural Arts Center Updated 10/26/2023 5:55 PM Lee Murdock, the leading performer and composer of folk songs about the Great Lakes region, brings his annual "Christmas Ship" concert to the Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles on Saturday, Nov. 18.
Norris Gallery concert series presents pianist Jeffrey LaDeur and mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich
Pianist Jeffrey LaDeur, a St. Charles native, joins mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich for a recital of piano classics and art songs on Sunday, Nov. 26, in the art gallery of the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles. Courtesy of Norris Cultural Arts Center Pianist Jeffrey LaDeur, a St. Charles native, will perform a recital of piano classics and art songs on Sunday, Nov. 26, at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles.
Norris Gallery concert series presents EYSO Honors Chamber Music Ensembles
On Oct. 29, the Earl Clemens Wind Quintet (shown here) joins the Hanson String Quartet in a concert featuring two of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras Honor Chamber Ensembles at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles. Courtesy of Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras The Hanson String Quartet will be joined by the Earl Clemens Wind Quintet for a concert at the Norris Gallery in St. Charles. The two groups are part of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras Honor Chamber Ensembles.
'The Essential Houdini' opens fall Wednesdays @ One season Sept. 27
Updated 8/22/2023 6:31 PM A performance of "The Essential Houdini," by storyteller and magician Bill Pack, will kick off the fall season of "Wednesdays @ One" events, presented at 1 p.m. Sept. 27 at the historic Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles. It is produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center. Pack's program brings to life the true story of an American icon and reveals the secrets of Houdini's baffling magic and escapes.
Harp-violin duo leads fall season of Norris Gallery Sunday concerts in St. Charles
Updated 8/18/2023 3:40 PM The Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles will host three Sunday afternoon chamber music concerts for its fall "Music & More in the Gallery" series, starting Sept. 24 with a performance by harpist Alison Attar and violinist Rika Seko. Appearing together as Mi Luna Duo, Attar and Seko are among the Chicago area's most prominent performers on their respective instruments.
Ella Fitzgerald Competition winner to sing at St. Charles Jazz Weekend event Sept. 8
Updated 8/10/2023 7:55 PM Julia Danielle, winner of the 2022 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, will perform in concert Friday, Sept. 8, along with a jazz quartet led by renowned pianist Jeremy Kahn. The concert marks her debut performance during the annual St. Charles Jazz Weekend. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St. in downtown St. Charles. For more information and links to online ticketing, visit www.NorrisCulturalArts.com.
Dean-Dorhauer Jazz Orchestra performs 'Big Band Beatles' concert May 20 in St. Charles
Posted5/13/2023 12:19 AM For those who enjoy the Big Band sound, and are Beatles fans, the Dean-Dorhauer Jazz Orchestra performs a "Big Band Beatles" concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the historic Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles. The concert concludes the Spring season of "Saturday Night Lights" events produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center. For more information and a link to online ticketing, visit www.NorrisCulturalArts.com.
Norris Gallery event series concludes April 30 with Mark Twain portrayal
Posted4/24/2023 11:13 AM On Sunday, April 30, the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles is wrapping up its spring season of "Music and More in the Gallery" events when Terry Lynch performs "Between Two Comets: The Life of Mark Twain." Remembered for his wit as well as his writings, Mark Twain lived his life between the Halley's comet appearances of 1835 and 1910. During that time, he penned some of the most beloved and controversial literature of the 19th century.
Grammy winner Jim Peterik headlines Norris' 45th anniversary event April 15
Updated 3/17/2023 6:17 PM On Saturday, April 15, Grammy Award-winning rock music legend Jim Peterik will headline a special event celebrating the Norris Cultural Arts Center's 45th anniversary at the historic Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles. The event includes festive hospitality (gourmet charcuterie, craft beer, fine wine and other treats), valuable raffle baskets, and a few surprises. Hospitality begins at 6 p.m., followed at 7:30 p.m. by Peterik's performance.
Irish folk band Ragged Rascals to perform March 18 in St. Charles
Updated 2/24/2023 5:47 PM On March 18, the Norris Cultural Arts Center resumes its "Saturday Night Lights" concert series at the historic Baker Community Center with a St. Patrick's Day-inspired performance by the Ragged Rascals, one of the Chicago area's most popular and longest-established Irish folk bands. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St. (Route 31) in downtown St. Charles. For a link to online ticketing, visit www.NorrisCulturalArts.com.
'Music and More' series returns to Norris Cultural Arts Center
By Mark Smith Norris Cultural Arts Center Posted1/10/2023 11:39 AM The Norris Cultural Arts Center recently announced a revival of its "Music and More in the Gallery" event series, including two music concerts and two historical portrayals. All events will be presented at 3 p.m. on Sundays in the Norris Gallery at the St. Charles arts center. The series kicks off on Sunday, Jan.
Shout Section Big Band performs Dec. 17 at Baker Community Center
Posted12/9/2022 9:41 PM On Saturday, Dec. 17, the Shout Section Big Band, directed by Brett Dean and featuring vocalist Tatum Langley, will perform a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee. Presented as part of the Saturday Night Lights series produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center, the concert also will include arrangements of holiday season songs popularized by the two female jazz greats. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the historic Baker Community Center, 101 S.
The NBA schedule tonight and the ESPN schedule - Dec. 7
The NBA schedule tonight sees two games broadcasting and streaming live on the ESPN schedule with the Atlanta Hawks traveling to face the New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. ET before the blockbuster clash between the Boston Celtics at Phoenix Suns at 10:00 p.m. You can watch the Knicks (11-13) playing host to the Hawks (13-11) at Madison Square Garden on WatchESPN and the ESPN App as both teams look to improve on their last five-game fixtures. Both Atlanta and New York are 3-2 in the last five games.
'Tale with a Twist' brings to life Charles Dickens and his Christmas stories
Updated 11/19/2022 1:20 AM The Wednesdays @ One event series continues Nov. 30 when actor Terry Lynch portrays the Victorian era novelist Charles Dickens. Lynch will reflect on Dickens' life and discusses some of his best-loved holiday works, including "A Christmas Carol" and "The Cricket on the Hearth," at 1 p.m. at the Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to register online through a link at www.NorrisCulturalArts.com.
Enjoy 'A Little More Mozart' with members of St. Charles Singers Nov. 19
Updated 10/21/2022 9:28 PM On Saturday, Nov. 19, eight members of the St. Charles Singers, accompanied by a string quartet and keyboardist, reprise highlights from the Singers' recently completed 12-year "Mozart Journey" in a concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Baker Community Center. The program also will include popular arias and duets from three Mozart operas.
Vocal duo to bring 'A Night of Song' to Baker Community Center Oct. 15
Updated 10/5/2022 4:08 PM Enjoy the artistry and passion of two of the Chicago area's favorite vocalists -- Jeorge Holmes and Marisa Buchheit -- on Saturday, Oct. 15, in the historic Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles. The performance, featuring a variety of songs ranging from Broadway to opera and other popular categories, marks the return of the "Saturday Night Lights" concert series produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center.
Laurie Milbourn brings 'Comedy Confidential' to Wednesdays @ One Sept. 28
Updated 9/16/2022 2:37 PM The popular, free-admission "Wednesdays @ One" event series resumes Sept. 28 at the historic Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles, when Laurie Milbourn performs "Comedy Confidential." Register online to attend at www.NorrisCulturalArts.com. Share some laughs -- and a behind-the-scenes look at the comedy club circuit and some of your favorite TV shows -- with St. Charles' own Laurie Milbourn.
Jeremy Kahn and Chicago All-Stars a highlight of St. Charles Jazz Weekend
Posted9/3/2022 12:47 AM Kick off St. Charles Jazz Weekend on Friday, Sept. 9, at the Baker Community Center with a performance by four of Chicago's brightest jazz stars -- pianist Jeremy Kahn, saxophonist/clarinetist Eric Schneider, bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer George Fludas. "A Swingin' Affair with Jeremy Kahn and the Chicago All-Stars," produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30-$35.
Baker Center Concert Series Presents Dennis O'Brien Band on April 16
St. Charles, April 4 - The Dennis O'Brien Band is featured in the next Saturday Night Lights concert at 7:30 p.m., April 16, presented at the Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles and produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center. Tickets are available online. The Dennis O'Brien Band is a group of Chicago-based musicians who have been performing classic covers with meaningful arrangements for over 40 years.
Dean-Dorhauer Jazz Orchestra to play 'The Wiz vs Diz' at March 19 concert in St. Charles
Submitted by Mark Smith Updated 3/7/2022 11:33 PM The Dean-Dorhauer Jazz Orchestra gives the Big Band treatment to iconic songs from Disney films and "The Wizard of Oz" in the next Saturday Night Lights concert at the Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. March 19 at the center, 101 S. Second St. The concert series is presented by the Norris Cultural Arts Center.
Norris Plans Series of Four Concerts at Baker Community Center
Skip to main content Geneva, IL Batavia, IL Elgin, IL Aurora, IL Wheaton, IL Montgomery, IL Glen Ellyn, IL Naperville, IL Lisle, IL Oswego, IL Illinois Top National News See All Communities This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. St. Charles, February 8 – The Saturday Night Lights concert series resumes February 19, produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center and presented at the Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles.
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