Arts briefs: Baltimore

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs for two nights to celebrate America’s independence. Photo courtesy of BSO, credit Chris Lee.

BSO performance includes fireworks

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra presents “Star-Spangled Spectacular” on July 3 and 4 at Oregon Ridge (13555 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville) at 8 p.m.

The symphony, conducted by Robert Franz, will perform songs like Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” and more, all choreographed to a fireworks display.

The evening will also feature the BSO’s “Oh, Say Can You Sing” contest winner performing the national anthem.

Tickets range from $9 to $18 and can be purchased online at bsomusic.org.

‘Big Show’ at Creative Alliance

The Creative Alliance at the Patterson (3134 Eastern Ave.) presents “The Big Show 2012″ opening on Friday.

The show will feature 200 pieces of artwork from any CA member who wanted to participate. This annual show was the first project Creative Alliance mounted when it first started.

There will also be a Big Show Big Party that night from 7 to 10 p.m. with the Motorettes. The party is $5 for general audience and free for CA members.

The gallery is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

NOW conference in Baltimore

The National Organization for Women is having its national conference in Baltimore this year at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport hotel (1739 West Nursery Rd., Linthicum Heights) starting Friday and running through Sunday.

This year’s conference theme is “Energize! Organize! Stop the War on Women” and attendees can look forward to various speakers, skill-building workshops, issue hearings and networking sessions.

The conference will feature speakers such as MSNBC contributor and former congressional candidate Krystal Ball; former NOW president Patricia Ireland; Sarah E. Reece of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and more, as well as keynote speaker Eve Ensler.

For more information, including a complete list of speakers and workshops, and to register for the conference, visit now.org/organization/conference/2012.

Drag, dance parties at Hippo

Club Hippo (1 West Eager St.) has a couple of events this week.

On Friday, drag queen Alexis Mateo will be performing as well as Alondra Sanchees, Sue Nami, Scarlett Dupry and Brillet Garrison. DJ Dann will be providing music. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 day of show. Doors open at 10 p.m.

Saturday is a dance party with DJ Kuh Meleon starting at 10 p.m. There is a $6 cover and all attendees must be 21 or older.

Thursday is hip-hop night at Hippo with DJ Rosie spinning from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover is $6 before 11 p.m. and $8 afterward.

For more information, visit cluphippo.com.