Born and raised in Washington, D.C., I couldn't help but develop a keen interest in politics, but music, theater and visual art also proved great attractions. Music became my main focus after high school. I thought about being a cocktail pianist, but I hated taking requests, so I studied music history instead, earning a B.A. in that field from Eisenhower College (Seneca Falls, N.Y.) and an M.A. from Occidental College (Los Angeles). I then landed in journalism. After freelancing for the Washington Post and others, I was classical music critic for the Sun-Sentinel in South Florida, where I also contributed to NPR. I've written for the New York Times, BBC Music Magazine and other publications, and I'm a longtime contributor to Opera News. My book, The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Classical Music (Perigee, 2002), can be found on the most discerning remainder racks.
I joined the Baltimore Sun as classical music critic in 2000 and, in 2009, also became theater critic, giving me the opportunity to annoy a whole new audience. In 2010, my original Clef Notes blog expanded to encompass a theatrical component -- how could I resist calling it Drama Queens? I hope you'll find both sides of this blog coin worth exploring and reacting to; your own comments are always welcome and valued (well, most of them, at least).
Think of this as your open-all-hours, cyber green room, where there's always a performer or performance to discuss, some news to digest, or maybe just a little good gossip to share.
Note: Tim Smith now writes about the fine arts at
baltimoresun.com/artsmash. This blog will be kept in place as an archive for an indefinite period. Please visit the new location to get the latest Mid-Atlantic arts coverage.
View the Artsmash blog
Comments
Lord. Just a tad on the scary side too. On the positive, the backdrop is perfect for the tune.
And that little wave at the end -- perfection. TIM
Posted by: ruth | March 8, 2010 6:59 AM
No Tim!!! Not you too (seems like every friend I have on facebook posted this last week)... while I agree the singing is not bad the lip-syncing, costume, poor acting can only be described as craptastic. However, it is a disgustingly catchy tune. I have theorized that the song must be called " the people ya meet in the Potemkin village".
You didn't mention the bad toupee! TIM
Posted by: operainBaltimore | March 8, 2010 9:25 AM
You evil man.
Posted by: symphonyguy | March 8, 2010 9:48 AM
Oh no, not more trolololo! It's everywhere!
http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/edward-hill-russian-rickroll
Posted by: Matthew | March 8, 2010 9:51 AM
Matthew had to mention Rickroll. Now THAT song is in my head! "Never gonna make you cry"..... Thanks
Posted by: Adell | March 11, 2010 5:57 PM