Feeling adventurous tonight?

Got an e-mail from Lexie Macchi of the Lexie Mountain Boys. This photo -- of Robert Goulet, who passed away last night -- came with it.

The subject line was "GET OUT OF YOUR BODY." This was the text of the e-mail:

conjure a smooth, fur-lipped spirit with us tonight at the golden west
1105 W 36th st
ghet in touch with the other side
seance led by shaman jake and beastmountain lexie beastmt fortunes told ahoy on the seas of service TONIGHT 10 - 1 AM stop by on your way to or from the bank or talking head or everywhere else every day is halloween

Anybody wanna go? 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Here's the new video for Georgie James' single "Need Your Needs."

Cute stuff.

Georgie James - Need Your Needs

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Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

The Next Great American Band was not the Dirty Marmaduke Flute Squad.

But that was no big surprise.

These guys dress up in costumes -- one with a unicorn head -- and play songs like "Don't Let Jesus Ruin Your Day."

But they did make it through the first round of the reality show, which started airing earlier this month. 

Of the 7,000 bands who applied to the show, only 60 were picked to perform in front of the judges in Las Vegas.

DMFS was one of them.

"It was all so chaotic," said guitarist Ryan Graham. ...

(Photo courtesy of the band) 

DMFS was in Vegas for four days partying like rock stars. But they didn't trash their hotel rooms like rock stars. 

"We were too busy in the casino getting drunk," Graham said. "That's what we spent a lot of time doing. they were giving us a lot of comp drinks."

Unfortunately, the band didn't make the cut.

But Goo Goo Dolls front man John Rzeznik did say he'd buy their album. Score! 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 1:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

All kinds of new clubs have either opened or reopened this year.

The newest one is the Local High Rise, a 10,000-square-foot venue in East Baltimore near Patterson Park.

The space, at 2706 Pulaski Highway, was a movie theater in the 1920s-1960s, and until recently, a grocery store.

If everything goes on schedule (which is always a big "if"), the club should open Nov. 16.

"There are a couple things we have to finish before that can happen," said co-owner Rebecca Lancaster.

Lancaster is sending me photos of the space. I'll post them when I get them. 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 3:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

It's run primarily by Al Shipley, who also writes for the City Paper.

Shipley posts album reviews, show fliers (like the one pictured at right), songs and all kinds of artist/industry gossip.

If you're looking to get into the local scene, Government Names is the place to start.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

The other night, someone added this comment to the post about the Federal Hill hookah bar Three Kings of Egypt:

Three Kings of Egypt is reopening very soon under new ownership and management.  Lots of new menu items, more hookah flavors, prices, entertainment and still the best place to hang out and have fun.  Watch for Grand Reopening!!!!!  It will be well worth the wait.  Also special College Night with great specials. 

I'm emailing them to see if I can get more information. I'll keep you posted. 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

How freaky is this?

Apparently, a guy from Baltimore makes a living impersonating Justin Timberlake.

But he doesn't sing.

He just appears for autograph signings, etc.

What do you think of Timberfake?

Posted by Sam Sessa at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Last week, I heard the Admiral's Cup in Fells Point plans to close Wednesday.

Anybody know more about this? I tried calling the place last week, but got no answer. One of the guys from Max's Taphouse said the Cup is not even open during the day anymore.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 9:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

In the mid-'70s, Jay LaMont, who now owns the piano bar Jay's on Read, was a partner in the New York City restaurant River's Edge.

River's Edge was a favorite afternoon watering hole for author Truman Capote (pictured).

Around 1975, after an embarrassing college graduation speech, Capote pledged to never drink again.

"I thought, 'Hmm, we'll see about that,'" LaMont said. ...

(Associated Press photo from 1980) 

LaMont recalls:

Two weeks later, it was a very hot summer Sunday, and I was getting the restaurant ready for lunch.

Truman was knocking on the French doors at about 10 minutes to noon. I went over and here I am looking Truman Capote right in the face. I see him all the time and I say, 'Sorry, sir, we don't open for another 10 minutes, you'll have to come back.

He said, 'Oh, fine,' he walked around the block, and 10 minutes later he came back in.

I went back behind the bar and said, 'What will you have?'

He said 'I think I'm going to have a glass of orange juice.'

As I started to turn, he said, 'Wait a minute! And another glass of vodka!'

That was the end of that oath. He was a character.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 6:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Check back tomorrow, when I'll reveal the connection between the Mount Vernon piano bar Jay's on Read and the famous author Truman Capote.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 4:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Fans of fashion and local music have a new go-to in the Station North Arts & Entertainment District.

DryTear opens tomorrow at 1728 N. Charles St. above The Depot. The boutique will sell clothes, accessories and CDs from Baltimore bands.

Ada Ruiz of the local group Red This Ever (pictured) is one of the co-owners. 

"Anybody can walk in here and find something," she said.

The grand opening is 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and features live music from E. Joseph and a few other acoustic acts.

Ruiz said one of her goals with Drytear is to make enough money so Red This Ever can go on tour. 

"We've pretty much dumped everything we have into this," Ruiz said. "We figure we'll get the band to start working here one by one. Then we'll be able to go on tour." 

(Photo by Klawdya Rothschild) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

As promised, here are the five best places to get martinis in the area.

This one was tough for me, because I'm not a huge martini fan.

And though some bars try hard to be like New York City hot spots, Baltimore is still not a huge martini town.

So thanks for all your input.

... 

(Nanine Hartzenbusch/Sun Photographer) 

1. Ixia, 518 N. Charles St.

Ixia takes its martinis more seriously than any other Baltimore bar I've been to. And molecular mixologist Tom Cusack setting a national nightlife trend with his liquid nitrogen martinis.

2. Champps, 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia

For a suburban chain, Champps is not a bad place to drink. And, according to Midnight Sun reader Diane, they have half-price martinis and $10 manicures on Wednesdays.   

3. Cazbar, 316 N. Charles St.

Free valet parking, belly dancing and untraditional martinis sometimes served at half-price. What's not to like?   

4. Cosmopolitan Bar & Grill, 2933 O'Donnell St.

Cosmo has a long martini list, but its late-night scene has been lame every time I've been there. Go for post-dinner drinks and then head somewhere else in Canton Square for dancing. 

5. Shorty's Martini Bar & Lounge, 3301 Foster Ave.

Totally unpretentious neighborhood joint with tons of great drinks. Might be closed soon, though -- it was on the market a couple months ago. 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Here's a special round up of some delicious Halloween activities: 

1. Club Charles Halloween extravaganza, 1724 N. Charles St., Friday and Saturday

David Keltz performs Edgar Allan Poe and DJ Dead Elvis(!) spins tomorrow night. Saturday, the gore hits the fan: scary movies, a costume contest and prizes galore. 

2. The Bruiser's Ball at The Ottobar Halloween night

The Charm City Roller Girls' parties are more bashes than balls, and this one's no exception. When they say "music, madness and mayhem," they mean it.

3. Damn Right at The 8x10 Halloween Night

Members of Basshound and Earthtone came together to form this band. They throw out some solid improvisational bass, percussion and keyboard jams. Check 'em out.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 5:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Confession: I'm not a big fan of bobbing for beers, apples, or anything else.

I was never any good at it.

My face gets numb, my teeth hurt, and I almost always come up empty-mouthed.

So I won't be at Mad River Halloween night when they break out the trash cans filled with cold water and apples.

However, I like their idea: Fill a tub with ice water, drop in some unmarked apples and others labeled B for Budweiser and BL for Bud Light.

You can bob for free, and, if you come up with a B or BL, drink for free too.

The bobbing goes hand in hand with haunted trivia, which starts at 8 p.m. Be there at 7:30 p.m. if you want to register for trivia.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
                    

In the movies, bartenders let their patrons run up big bills over the course of a week or two. For example:

Me: Frank, put it on the bill.

Frank: The bill, sir, is very high.

Me: So am I!

*By the way, if anyone gets that reference (without Googling!), I'll see if I can send you a Baltimore Sun tchotchke.

I just wonder sometimes -- do bars ever let you run up a bill anymore? Did they ever let you do this back in the day? 

I've never seen it. I've had bartenders who wrote down what I drank all night and then made me pay before leaving.

But I've never been able to walk out of a bar without paying and say, "Put it on my bill."

Have you?

(David Hobby/Sun Photographer) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
                    

Thinking of taking in a show tonight?

Go to the Lo-Fi Social Club and see Avengers (pictured).

The late '70s punk mainstays reformed a little while back with a couple of original members, including singer Penelope Houston and guitarist Greg Ingraham. 

West Coast indie punk outfit Pansy Division, Baltimore-based hardcore post punkers Lovers&Killers and the Degenerettes also perform.

It's only $10, too.

Doors at 7 p.m., and the music starts at 8 p.m.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 4:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Using top secret computer technology, I have discovered that at least one (maybe two) faithful Midnight Sun readers are in Iraq!

I assume this person or persons is a soldier stationed there, but my top secret computer software isn't that specific.

However, I'd just like to say to the person (or persons) in Baghdad: "Hi! Thanks for reading. Leave a comment!"

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Has anyone been to the weekly wine tasting at Charlotte's on Light Street in Federal Hill?

I've heard it's five wines for $5 on Tuesday nights -- the same deal the Vine used to have before it closed for renovations.

I'm curious to know how wine tastings at Charlotte's compare.

(Algerina Perna/Sun Photographer) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
                    

Luca's Cafe, a restaurant and bar specializing in pizza could open as early as December in the Fort Avenue space Truman's formerly occupied, according to co-owner Chris Maler.

Since we're getting out of my territory here, I'm turning it over to Baltimore Food Empress Elizabeth Large. She'll keep you posted on her blog.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Last week, a bunch of you weighed in on the best places to get martinis in and out of town.

I'm not a big martini drinker myself, but the topic is definitely worth a Fab Five Friday.

You guys got any more suggestions on where to get the best martinis in town?

I'll give you some of mine on Friday. 

By the way, the one pictured is a pomegranate martini from Ixia.

(Matthew Paul D'Agostino/Special to the Sun)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Guess not.

Oh well, it was worth a shot. 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 3:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Truman's (pictured), the bar and restaurant on Fort Avenue in Locust Point, has closed.

Chris of Matthew's Pizza, who is one of the place's new owners, confirmed it today.

He's going to call tomorrow and let me know all the details of the restaurant and bar they plan to bring to the space. 

Thanks to Sobo Bob and Missy for the tips. 

(Elizabeth Malby/Sun Photographer) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 3:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Until today.

I called Bertha's in Fells Point to see if they have started serving their famous hot buttered rum.

It's a seasonal drink, made with brown sugar, butter, hot water and dark rum and served with a cinnamon stick. It is also unquestionably delicious.

Much to my dismay, they have not started making hot buttered rum yet.  

"It's too hot!" said general manager Andy Norris. "Nobody wants these hot drinks yet. Check us out when the temperature changes."

That's when it hit me: We're almost in November and it's still too warm outside for hot buttered rum.

What is happening to the world? This is more than just an inconvenient truth! Help us, Al Gore!

(Elizabeth Malby/Sun Photographer) 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)