Clapp Communications Adds Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric to Its Growing Client List

Baltimore-based, award-winning marketing and public relations firm Clapp Communications is pleased to announce Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric as its newest client.

Clapp Communications will manage advertising and media buying for the venue’s Broadway and Opera shows, as well as provide public relations and development consulting services.

Originally called The Music Hall when opened in 1894, the Modell Lyric hosts a variety of entertainment options, from Broadway shows and Operas, to stand-up comedians and speakers. Some of this year’s acts include the Broadway musicals Elf, The Wizard of Oz and Man of la Mancha, the Operas Puccini’s Tosca and Verdi’s Nabucco, as well as the Joffrey Ballet and The Nutcracker.

Officially named the Lyric Theatre in 1909, the center was home to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for over 65 years until 1982. In 2010 the venue welcomed its newest name, the Patricia & Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, after the Modell family funded a renovation to modernize and expand parts of the building, which allowed for larger acts.

“We couldn’t be happier to be partnering with the Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric,” said Barb Clapp, President & CEO of Clapp Communications. “The theatre has been a landmark in Maryland and the venue is a wonderful addition to our growing client list.”

Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric is located on W. Mt Royal Avenue in Baltimore. For more information on the Modell Performing Arts Center, visit www.lyricoperahouse.com. For more information about Clapp Communications’ services, visit www.clappcommunications.com.

Clapp Communications Signs Mustang Alley’s Bar, Bowling, and Bistro as Its Newest Client

Baltimore-based, award-winning marketing and public relations firm Clapp Communications is pleased to announce Mustang Alley’s Bar, Bowling, and Bistro as its newest client. Clapp Communications will create and manage public relations campaigns for the East Baltimore bowling alley, bistro and bar, helping them promote their dining and entertainment offerings.

“Mustang Alley’s is truly a unique place,” said Barb Clapp, President & CEO of Clapp Communications. “Mustang Alley’s has it all—great food, atmosphere and location. We are excited to help Mustang Alley’s grow their brand.”

Mustang Alley’s provides an all-in-one dining, bar, and bowling experience.  There are 12 lanes of bowling provided including both duckpin and ten-pin lanes.  The menu offers a wide variety of upscale pub fair, from burgers and pizzas to crab cake and steaks, along with delicious appetizers and desserts.  With their motto “dress up and let the good times roll,” Mustang Alley’s has all the necessities for a memorable night.

Mustang Alley’s is located near Little Italy on the corner of Bank Street and South Central Avenue. To learn more about Mustang Alley’s, visit www.mustangalleys.com. For more information about Clapp Communications’ services, visit www.clappcommunications.com.

Where are the Cicadas?

In a previous blog we warned you about a potential cicada invasion of the East coast, but now we find ourselves asking where they are?

Residents up and down the East coast braced themselves for a cicada invasion. Billions of cicadas were predicted to ascend from their 17-years of hibernation underground. Experts called this invasion “Brood II,” because the cicadas were predicted to inhabit areas from North Carolina to New York. Cicadas sport a 90-decibel mating call, causing many residents in these states to cringe at the thought of the loud disturbance. While many dreaded their arrival, others were excited to experience this aspect of nature.

The cicadas were expected to emerge in May and stay throughout June. After emergence, the cicadas would mate, lay their eggs and die off. May flew by and June passed with very few cicada sightings. As we reach July, many are wondering, where are the cicadas?

Although there are some cicada hot spots in the North, including northern New Jersey and Staten Island, cicada swarms here in Maryland and other states have been very limited. Some experts believe that the cold spring delayed the cicada outbreak, but the temperatures are now warm enough for the cicadas to emerge. Entomologists and horticulturists have determined that the cicadas are only popping up in specific locations, rather than all over each state like first predicted.

Now that it is July, if you haven’t seen any cicadas yet, you probably aren’t going to. Whether you find cicadas an annoying pest or a marvel of nature, you might have to wait another 17 years to experience the massive swarms that Maryland was expecting.

Jamie Mullady, Guest Blogger

My Baltimore Summer Bucket List

It is here once again, the beauty and warmth of summer. Summer is that wonderful time of year when we can go out and enjoy some of our favorite traditions and perhaps make some new ones. If you’re new to the Baltimore area, like me, you may not know too much about what happens in the city during summer. Here are some awesome (and some free) activities to enjoy!

Baltimore Restaurant Week is a great and affordable way to try a number of local restaurants. Enjoy special dining deals and fixed menu prices in Baltimore City during the week of July 26-August 4th and during the week of August 9 – 25^th Baltimore County. Visit www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com and http://www.baltimorecountyrestaurantweek.com/ for more details.

Summer weather is perfect for a trip to the zoo. The Maryland Zoo is a great place for families and is open daily during the summer months. They offer group rates and birthday parties. Tickets range with age from free to $16.50, and parking is free.  You can also get a head start on your visit and order tickets online at www.marylandzoo.org.

Harborplace, located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, is the home to summer socials all summer long. May through August, events will be help at West Shore Park including live music, beer and wine, food trucks, and a waterfront kid’s zone. These events are free to the public and are great for a night on the town, or an evening with the family. For more information and specific event dates check out www.waterfrontpartnership.org.

There’s nothing like catching a game of America’s past time! The beloved O’s will be hitting homeruns at Camden Yards all summer long. Check out their game schedule and purchase tickets on their site, http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com.

If art is what you love, The Baltimore Museum of Art is a great place to visit this summer… and it’s free! On Sundays the museum even offers family programs including hands on art and workshops. To plan your trip to the Baltimore Museum of Art, visit www.artbma.org.

Now that you’ve read my “Baltimore Summer 2013 Bucket List,” what’s yours?

-Abbey Wenk, Intern

Meet Abbey Wenk!

Where were you born and raised?

I am from Livonia, Michigan. I have lived in Michigan for my entire life, and am new to Maryland. I cannot wait to explore and see what the cities have to offer!

What are you studying in school and where?

I am a senior at Central Michigan University, graduating in December 2013. I have an Integrative Public Relations major with a minor in Advertising.

If you could be a character on a TV show, who would you be? Why?

I don’t watch much television, but I occasionally watch ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ and I get a kick out of watching Penny. She is not only funny and friendly, but she has a great group of friends that supports her.

If you could live in any other country of the world, where would you live and why?

Traveling to Europe has always been something I am extremely interested in. I would love to live in Spain. The beautiful weather and beaches make it a hard place to resist!

What three things make you the happiest?

The satisfaction I feel when completing a large assignment has to be one of the best feelings. Along with spending quality time with my loved ones, and singing in ‘OnTheRox,’ the only all-female a cappella group at CMU.

Any guilty pleasures?

Shopping for school supplies. I don’t know what I am going to do when I graduate!

Who is on your iPod right now?

I’ve really been listening to everything lately. I’ve been especially favoring Imagine Dragons and Pentatonix. Pentatonix is an a cappella group who won the ‘Sing Off,’ a television competition show.

What company or individual do you admire most, and why?

I admire Adele. She not only has an unmatchable voice, but she has a strong and classy personality. She doesn’t live off of the “Hollywood” drama, and makes music because it is something that she is really passionate about.

What is the riskiest thing you have ever done?

Going to a gun range and shooting on a tactical target course. However, this may not be risky, it sure was an adrenaline rush. I had an instructor teach me how to protect myself. It was not only educational, but I think it has helped in making me a well-rounded person!

Meet Molly!

 

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Timonium, Maryland.

What are you studying in school and where?

I just finished my junior year at the University of Maryland, College Park.  I am in the Robert H. Smith School of Business studying marketing.

If you could be a character on a TV show, who would you be? Why?

I would be Brooke from One Tree Hill.  Brooke is a woman who never takes no for an answer.  She is a go-getter and has always dreamed big.  She started her own fashion company right out of high school, and became a full-blown business in New York City by the time she turned 23.  Along with being determined, she is also light-hearted, spunky and fun. 

If you could live in any other country, where would you live and why?

I would live in Italy!  I recently took an Italian language and culture course, and have since been determined to learn more.  I love the culture, from what I have learned, and the food!  I would love to see all the historic places, and also travel around the country just to see the various lifestyles throughout.  I would want to spend a significant amount of time in Milan.

What three things make you the happiest?

The beach, my friends and a good cup of coffee.

Any guilty pleasures?

Romantic comedies…  I own way too many of them!

Who is on your iPod right now?

I like a variety of different music.  Now that summer is here, I like to listen to more country music.  Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, and Keith Urban are some of my favorites.  Beyond that, I love Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Band and Jack Johnson.

What company or individual do you admire most, and why?

I admire Kelly Cutrone and her business People’s Revolution.  She works in a hard industry and always manages to get the job done.  Her fashion Public Relations firm is one of the best around, and she continues to make the business grow.  You may have seen her on ‘The Hills,’ where she is definitely one tough cookie!  However, she has accomplished so much in the industry, and is a great businesswoman and mother.  After reading two of her books, I aspire to be as strong as her, and one day I’ll be able to grow my company as she did.

What are the riskiest things you have ever done?

I am not much of a risk taker—so this is kind of a big deal.  I went camping for a music festival in Florida over spring break with a group of friends and I am not much of an outdoorsy person. Needless to say, I have a hard time “roughing it.”  We had limited shower access, no electricity, and loads of fun; I survived camping for five days, barely.  I also swam in a lake that had poisonous snakes in it, which I would have never swam in it had I known!

Clapp Communications Adds Seasoned Media Professional to Growing Agency

Clapp Communications is pleased to announce the addition of Karen Meekins-Benckini as Media Director. Karen will manage all media campaigns for the agency, including University of Maryland University College, Maryland School for the Blind, University of Baltimore, Cohen’s Clothiers and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She officially joins Clapp Communications after freelancing for several months there, as the firm continues its accelerated growth as a full-service marketing agency.

 

Karen, a Maryland native, brings more than 20 years of advertising, marketing and business development expertise to the company.  She was a Media Supervisor at a local advertising agency where she handled clients such as Strayer University, E-Z Pass Maryland, Maryland Athletic Club and Delaware Eye Institute. She also served as Director of Marketing for two broadcast entities in Baltimore, WBAL-TV and WBFF FOX 45 TV. During the 2012 political season, Karen placed both Issue and Candidate advertising across the country while working with a local political agency.

 

“Karen’s knowledge of the advertising industry will be a valuable asset as our firm continues to grow,” said Barb Clapp, President and CEO of Clapp Communications. “She has developed strong relationships with clients and is a trusted advisor to them on all aspects of their media, marketing, and advertising plans. We are happy to welcome Karen to our team.”

Karen graduated from Loyola University (formerly Loyola College), with a Bachelor’s in English/Mass Communications.

Meet Jamie!

 

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Baltimore but raised in Millersville, Maryland. When I was 13, my family moved to Annapolis where I now currently reside. I love going downtown or boating out on the Severn River.

What are you studying in school and where?

I just finished my sophomore year at Loyola University Maryland. I am a communications major with a specialization in PR/Advertising.

If you could be a character on a TV show, who would you be? Why?

I would be Emily from ABC’s Revenge, played by Emily VanCamp, because she is strong, determined and independent. She is financially and emotionally independent and is always able to keep focused despite all of the distractions. She has the ability to balance a beautiful appearance and a tough personality.

If you could live for awhile in any other country of the world, where would you live and why?

I would live in Italy, which is actually what I will be doing next semester! For the fall of my junior year, I will be studying abroad in Florence. It is something I have always wanted to do. Italy is like no other country, it has a number of famous cities, artworks and historical monuments. I’m excited to travel all over Europe while I am there!

What three things make you the happiest?

The people I love, a beautiful day and laughing from a good joke.

Any guilty pleasures?

Anything chocolate, and chick flicks.

Who is on your iPod right now?

I love country, especially: Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, and more! I also try to keep up with the Top 20 latest hits.

What company or individual do you admire most, and why?

I admire Facebook the most because Mark Zuckerberg was so young when he started the company. He was around my age when he had the idea, which illustrates his genius. Facebook has set the trend for social media sites and sparked a wave of innovation. Although the website started in a college dorm, it took off at speeds no one could have predicted. The hard work and creativity of Mark Zuckerberg and the Facebook team is very admirable in this age of technology.

What is the riskiest thing you have ever done?

The riskiest thing I have ever done is jump off a 25-foot-rock into a lake in South Carolina. I am very afraid of heights and it was difficult for me to find the courage to jump. The adrenaline rush, however, was worth the fear!

Is ‘The Great Gatsby’ Getting Even Greater?

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is set to premiere as a movie for its sixth time.  The book, originally written in 1925, is said to be one of the best reads of our time. Director Baz Luhrmann hopes to have achieved the grandeur that is The Great Gatsby in his on-screen adaptation, which (as seen in the trailer) pulls out all the stops!

The story line is everything a movie lover could possibly want—action, suspense, glam, and mystery. The movie is expected to be a huge success, complete with a cast of A-list actors—Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan, and Isla Fisher. And not to be forgotten, Jay-Z, the “King of Hip-Hop” and Executive Producer of the film, created the soundtrack of the decade, including his own work and songs by Beyonce, Andre 3000, Q-Tip, will.i.am, Florence & The Machine and more.

The bar for The Great Gatsby has been set sky high and I can’t wait to see this latest take on the classic American tale.

The movie opens on Friday, May 10^th.

 

Derek Chavis, Guest Blogger

Too Much Profanity from CNN?

CNN attempted to boost ratings through shock value—but was it worth it?

On Sunday, April 14th at 9:00 p.m., Anthony Bourdain pushed the limits during the premiere of his new series on CNN, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Bourdain cursed multiple times on his prerecorded cable television show. Many viewers believe this is inappropriate for CNN and television in general. According to Fox News, Media Expert Angie Olszewski responded to the situation by saying, “CNN is clearly deflecting families from their programming, and doing so rather proudly.”

Any parent would be concerned about what is said on television shows that their children are watching, but is Anthony Bourdain’s show really going to be seen by such young viewers? Children that are too young to hear curse words will most likely not be watching the station and this show is aired at a time when they would most likely be sleeping.

Although some people do not agree with Bourdain’s use of profanity on television, there are many people who didn’t seem to mind. According to the Washington Post, the premiere of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown was viewed by 747,000 people, a clear ratings boost for CNN.

Do you think CNN’s new program pushed the envelope too far?

 

Alex Watts, Intern