Great Escape: Jazz, Drama and St. Patrick's Day Fun

A chance to get out can be difficult sometimes.

Even if you have an opportunity to break away from your busy schedule, it can be tough to find something to do.

Patch has done the work for you. From local expos to music events, Patch has put together several options for you to choose from over the next week. So relax and enjoy.

1. Business Networking and Conferencing

• When: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m on March 1.
• Where: Aloft Hotel – BWI, 1741 W Nursery Rd, Linthicum, 21090
• Why Go: Breakfast, Book Lovers’ Café, workshops, panel discussions and guest speakers.  Friday’s Keynote: Eric Brotman, Author:  Debt-Free for Life: The Tools You Need to Free Yourself from Debt
• Pricing: Breakfast only $25 each; one full day $45; both days $75.  Questions: Dawn Converse 410-377-6440 or e-mail conference@womensexpo.forum.com.

 2. Godspell presented by the Mount Carmel Players.

• When: Friday/Saturday shows, 8 p.m.; Sunday dinner/show, 12:30 p.m., Matinee only 2 p.m.
• Where: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School, 1706 Old Eastern Ave.
• Pricing: Evening shows: In advance: children $8; adults $11.  At the door: $9 and $12. Dinner & show: In advance: children $12; adults $16. At the door: $13 and $17.
• Tickets: Call 410-893-4461 

3. UMBC Jazz Festival

• When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday; 3 p.m. and  7:30 p.m. on Saturday
• Where: UMBC Fine Arts Recital Hall
• Why Go: The UMBC Jazz Ensemble (directed by Matthew Belzer) and United States Navy Commodores  will perform on Friday. At 3 p.m. on Saturday tenor saxophone great Walt Weiskopf will perform. At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Maryland All-State Jazz Band and the Tom Lagana Group featuring Walt Weiskopf will perform.
• Pricing:  Admission is free. Suggested donation for the evening concerts is $15. Proceeds will be administered by the UMBC Foundation for the benefit of UMBC. 

4. Folk Music Night

• When: 7 p.m. on Saturday
• Where: Perry Hall United Methodist Church, 9515 Belair Rd.
• Why Go: March's featured performer is Paul Harrison. You will also hear local talent performing traditional folk songs, as well as songs written by Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Gordon Lightfoot, Jackson Browne, Tom Paxton, Harry Chapin, Paul Simon, James Taylor, John Denver and more.
• Pricing: Admission is free, but donations are welcome

5. St. Patrick’s Day All-You-Can Eat Buffett Dance

• When: 7 - 11 p.m. on Saturday.
• Where: Essex-Holly Neck Memorial VFW Post 2621, 206 Riverside Rd..
• Why Go: Live music by musicologist Reggie Kelly. Catering by KS Catering. Beer, Soda, Coffee.  Proceeds benefit the Heritage Society of Essex-Middle River Museum.
• Pricing: $25 a person
• Tickets: Call 410-574-6934.