Edited Press Release
1/ST EXPERIENCE and Baltimore's own Kevin Liles, CEO and Chairman of 300 Entertainment and Elektra Music Group, have teamed up to launch Preakness LIVE Culinary, Art & Music Festival as part of an expanded Preakness entertainment and cultural celebration set to take place on Black-Eyed Susan Day, Friday, May 20. The festival is a part of 1/ST's new long-term campaign, Baltimore 1/ST, kicking off this year.
In consultation with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and in collaboration with Liles, Preakness LIVE will be the first event to take place as part of Baltimore 1/ST, a holistic new campaign that heralds the Preakness's lifelong home Baltimore and represents a commitment from 1/ST, owner and operator of the Preakness, to support and build on the optimism and enthusiasm for the future of the city.
“I am incredibly excited about this new collaboration being led by a true son of Baltimore. This will not only improve the Preakness experience, but also support and elevate Baltimore culture through art, sports, fashion, and food year-round,” said Scott. “I look forward to the profound impact this new focus on Baltimore art and culture will have on our city's next generation of creative minds. I want to thank Kevin Liles, 300 Entertainment and Elektra Music Group, and 1/ST EXPERIENCE for their investment in our city and itss unique cultural fabric.”
Taking place in the iconic Pimlico infield, Preakness LIVE will feature performances by Grammy Award winners Ms. Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion, NAACP Image Award winner D-Nice and Baltimore-bred talent, including rising singer Brittney Spencer, Darin Atwater & The Soulful Symphony, plus a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by WanMor and more. Local talent will also perform on the Charm City Stage throughout the evening. Preakness LIVE is produced in collaboration with Karlitz & Company.
“Baltimore is more than a city, just as the Preakness is more than a race,” said Liles. “What we're building with Preakness LIVE is a movement, not a moment. As a native son of this great city and a life-long fan of the Preakness, I'm so proud to help bring an event of this scale and scope home, creating a cultural milestone both for residents and visitors rediscovering Baltimore's charms.”
Celebrity chefs Tom Colicchio, Marcus Samuelsson, Gail Simmons, and beloved Baltimore chefs Saon Brice of BLK Swan, and Mario Moise of Bar ONE will perform culinary showcases on the main stage. Chefs Colicchio, Samuelsson and Simmons will collaborate to develop unique offerings for guests in the Finish Line Suites, Turfside Terrace and the Home Stretch Pavilions. Preakness LIVE will also debut Restaurant Row made up of a diverse group of local eateries featuring regional culinary delights serving fans on both Black-Eyed Susan Day and Preakness Day.
Baltimore's vibrant art scene will be given a showcase in the Pimlico infield during Preakness weekend with unique installations throughout the art garden, curated by acclaimed Baltimore multidisciplinary artist and founder of “The Last Resort Artist Retreat” Derrick Adams. The art garden will display works from a multitude of local artists as well as entrants of the Preakness 147 Art of Racing campaign, among other exciting activations.
To further connect the Preakness weekend celebrations to Park Heights, Park Heights Renaissance will sponsor and lead the first annual George “Spider” Anderson Preakness Music and Arts Festival in recognition of the first African American jockey to win the Preakness Stakes in 1889. The day-long festival on May 21 will feature live music, arts & crafts, the days' races live streamed, top food trucks and will highlight community businesses and partners.
Tickets for Preakness LIVE range from $49-$175. These and other Preakness weekend tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.preakness.com/tickets. As part of the ongoing partnership between 1/ST and Park Heights Renaissance, tickets for Preakness LIVE and for InfieldFest will be distributed to the Parks Heights community through Park Heights Renaissance.
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