In a nod to the history of Baltimore’s Korean community along Maryland Avenue and W. 22nd and Howard streets, Motor House and the surrounding blocks will soon transform for three days into a festival of art, food, vendors and shows celebrating Asian traditions.
The Asia North Festival, set for March 29-31, will be based largely in and around Motor House on North Avenue.
The opening party on Friday, March 29 (6-9 p.m.) at Motor House includes a reception to kick off “Intricate Layers,” an exhibition from the Asian Arts and Culture Center at Towson University with works by Asian and Asian-American artists nodding to their heritage and the fusion of cultures. Sikh-American Baltimore electro-pop artist Ami Dang and Los Angeles Koreatown-bred R&B artist EN’B will perform as well, and there will be complimentary food.
Saturday brings a slate of performances at Motor House—including from Korean percussion group Washington Samulnori, the Washington Guzheng Society and local beat boxer extraordinaire Shodekeh, among others—plus Asian food vendors and a storytelling showcase on how Asian cultures traditionally celebrate, doubling as a fundraiser for the Baltimore Asian Pasifika Arts Collective.
And that evening, the well-tagged alley out back of Motor House will host Night Market Underground, a continuation of the Chinatown Collective‘s string of pop-ups that drew throngs to downtown’s west side last fall and filled the lobby of Baltimore Center Stage in November during the run for “King of the Yees.” Shoppers can take in sake cocktails and music, plus fare from D.C. ramen spot Daikaya, Arlington rice ball stand Lei Musubi, Japanese comfort food from Otabe and Phil Han’s forthcoming Broadway Market stall Old Boy.
Sunday will be food-centric, with Bite of Baltimore‘s “Taste of Koreatown” food tour highlighting the neighborhood’s Korean eateries, with samplings of K-BBQ, bibimbap and other dishes, plus lessons on the history behind the food, the makers and the area.
Motor House has the full schedule.
