East coast and West coast members of the artists collective Cytoplastik will perform at Metro Gallery tonight in their annual electronic music face-off.

The battle, which is really more of an excuse for a dance party, will pit the Baltimore-based trio Megadrives against another trio, Intergon, the Los Angeles-based makers of "intelligent electronica". Also performing will be Florian Mosleh (there as duo English), DJ Infinity, Free Sauce and VJ Chroma, among others.

Organizers have added live video accompaniment to the live music performances. They're calling it an "acoustic performance art experience."

My favorite part of this thing are the directions to attendees: "COLD hooping, spinning, etc. encouraged ON THE DANCE SIDE ONLY, NOT ON THE GALLERY SIDE!D respect the artwork on display PLEASE!"

Yes, respect the artwork. Please.  Anyway, it's the official start of New Year's Eve celebrating.

Continue reading "East vs. West electronic music throwdown tonight at Metro Gallery" »

Posted by Erik Maza at 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Get Out, Local music
        

Aaron Thompson performs tonight at Hexagon Space.

Thompson is a singer-songwriter from Washington DC who performs with a harmonica strapped to his chin and a guitar.

His specialty is moody love songs that recall David Gray.

Baltimore is the first stop of his short North East coast tour, which he's doing with DC duo Fall Catalogue.

Doors open at 7 p.m.Tickets are $6-$10.

Hexagon Space is at  1825 N. Charles St.

Photo: MySpace

Posted by Erik Maza at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
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A Mexican happy hour sounds dangerous. Images of blurry nights at Mr. Frog's and early morning taco binges come to mind.

But you're not likely to find that at Diablita, a Mexican tavern in Little Italy, even though the name translates literally to little devil girl.

It even calls itself "la cantina mas fina," or the fanciest watering hole.

Fancy or not, their happy hour lasts three hours, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Drafts go for $3, and Margaritas are just five bucks. Sangria during happy hour sells for $5. On Wednesdays, the bar offers $10 sangria pitchers.

Come to think of it - that does sound pretty dangerous. 

Diablita is at 1300 Bank St.

Posted by Erik Maza at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (30)
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Is Electric Six a novelty band or a serious rock act? Probably somewhere in between.

The six-piece band is like that character actor who shows up in all of Sam Raimi's movies, Bruce Campbell. They're half-serious, half-joking, and entirely self-mocking.

Even lead singer Dick Valentine's name sounds like a put-on. Just see the video for "Danger! High Voltage," where Valentine wears a giant codpiece. And that's only an old preview to what they are like live.

They're one of those bands whose sound is enhanced in person, if only because their performances engage all senses.   David Johansen was already mocking rock stereotypes as Buster Pointdexter years before Electric Six, but the Detroit-based band took the kitsch-factor to a whole new level.

Call it muscular camp.They're now touring with their new album, "Zodiac."

Continue reading "Get Out: Electric Six at Sonar" »

Posted by Erik Maza at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
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The alt-country singer Alejandro Escovedo performs at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis tonight.

Escovedo, the son of Mexican immigrants, specializes in guitar-driven love songs that bear the stamp of his Texas upbringing.

 He's touring with his new album, "Street Songs of Love," and will be performing with his band, The Sensitive Boys.

Tickets start at $39.50. 

Event listing: Rams Head On Stage is at 33 West Street, Annapolis. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Photo: Alejandro Escovedo Myspace

33 West Street
Annapolis 33 West Street
Annapolis 33 West Street
Annapolis

Posted by Erik Maza at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
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The owner of Springfield Farms in Sparks wants to build a new 6,000-square-foot barn to accommodate all the new business he has from local restaurants and customers .

But in a battle that's now lasted four years, David Smith's neighbors have challenged his zoning appeal. To help with the farm's legal fees, a group of local restaurateurs and musicians are throwing a benefit concert tonight at Golden West Cafe in Hampden. 

Local duo Wye Oak will perform, as will Birdland, Pilgrim, and DJ Jason Willett. 

The event was originally scheduled for Sunday, but was canceled and moved to the cafe. 

Admission is $10 to $15. All proceeds go to the farm. Doors open at 9 p.m.

Golden West Cafe is at 1105 W 36th St.

The situation at Springfield is not uncommon; it highlights the difficulty local farmers have in expanding business. For more information on that, read Arthur Hirsch's Sun story.

Photo: Barn Aid

Posted by Erik Maza at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Of all the singer-songwriters who became famous during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Jimmy Webb was perceived as perhaps the squarest. James Taylor and Kris Kristofferson were heroes to the anti-war left, but Webb was associated with conservative country singer Glen Campbell, who had memorably performed several of Webb's songs and made him a commercial success.

Despite three Grammys and several top-10 hits over a 40-year-career, that perception has stuck. Webb is a virtual unknown among young listeners today, while contemporaries like Taylor have been passed on to kids by their boomer parents.

When the 64-year-old kicks off two nights of sold-out shows here in Baltimore on Sunday, he'll do so at the intimate — read: small — Cabaret at Germano's Trattoria.

The cascading lyrics and nuanced politics in his new anthology album, "Across the River," might make him hopelessly retro in a mainstream market that lacks introspection and likes its musicians wearing meat dresses. But Webb is as perceptive today as he was then — if just as misunderstood.

To read the rest of this story, click here. The two nights of shows are sold out, but Germano's is keeping a standby list. 

Posted by Erik Maza at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
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Four local activists are participating in the Susan G. Komen's foundation three-day walk to raise money for breast cancer awareness.

With the 60-mile walk, they plan on raising $10,000 for breast cancer awareness. So far, they've raised 6,000, runner Nelly Khalil says.

So tonight Riptide by the Bay in Fells Point will donate 10 percent of all drink and food sale proceeds to the Komen foundation.

Khalil also says there will be a raffle of prizes totaling $1,000. So guys, if you need a good reason to get wasted tonight, do it for breast awareness.

Event starts at 6 p.m. and is 21+, natch.

Riptide by the Bay is at 1718 Thames Street. Proper invite is on Facebook.

Photo: Boozin for Boobs 

Posted by Erik Maza at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
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Gucci Mane is performing at the Ibiza club in DC tonight in one of his first stops promoting his new album.

The Atlanta rapper - and compulsive tweeter - has been on a roll in 2010, popping out mixtapes the way Sarah Palin pops out Tea Party endorsements. 

His new album, "The Appeal," goes on sale September 28. It includes collaborations with Nicki Minaj and Swizz Beatz.

At what time does the show start? At #guccitime. Just kidding, doors open at 8 p.m. Ibiza says early arrival is strongly suggested. The show is 18+

The venue is at 1222 1st St NE, Washington DC.

Update, 9 p.m.: Gucci Mane abruptly canceled his show at Ibiza tonight, the venue just posted on its Web site. No explanation was given. The rapper will appear on 93.9 WKYS later tonight to explain the cancellation. Several other shows will be canceled.  The post doesn't say when the make-up date will be, or if tickets will be refunded.

Posted by Erik Maza at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Get Out
        

The city is still recovering from last night's Ravens win. In the midst of our collective hangover, it's best not to listen to any loud music.

A singer/songwriter will do. Someone with an ukelele maybe, or someone strumming his guitar barefoot and shyly tucking his hair behind his ears. Matt Hires is that barefoot balladeer.

He'll perform at The 8X10 tonight. And as someone in the Jack Johnson, John Mayer mold, he won't strain your ears, for better or worse.

In August, the Tampa, FL native released a new album, "A to B." He's currently in a multi-city tour that will end mid-January. 

Find Local: The 8X10 is at 10 E Cross St. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Photo: flickr user apartmentlife 

Posted by Erik Maza at 12:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Janelle Monae's "The ArchAndroid" is both the danciest and brainiest album of the year. A concept album inspired by Fritz Lang's "Metropolis," it marries James Brown, funk and psychedelic rock.

The post-neo-soul singer, only 25, opens for arty indie band Of Montreal tonight at DC's 9:30 club. It's a good marriage, and not just because Of Montreal lead singer Kevin Barnes guests on Monae's album.  The two are pushing the boundaries of mainstream music.

The by-now established Athens, GA band is promoting their new album "False Priest" -- in stores Tuesday -- but the real attraction tonight is Monae. Come for Of Montreal, stay for her.

After the jump, a local option at Metro Gallery, and Monae's network television debut on the Late Show with David Letterman. 

Continue reading "Get Out: Of Montreal and Janelle Monae at 9:30 Club and No Rule at Metro Gallery " »

Posted by Erik Maza at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
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To kick-off NFL season, the Ravens are throwing a free Buckcherry concert at Power Plant Live tonight. Local bands Charm City Devils will open, and the Ravens cheerleaders will be hand for, err, moral support.

I know what you’re thinking -- what kind of mixed signals is Midnight Sun sending? From the preppy punks in Vampire Weekend to Ravens cheerleaders and the guys who made “Crazy B**ch.” But! the show is free, which is 100 percent cheaper than anything else happening tonight.

Plus, the band won’t be performing alone: Los Angeles-based Aussies Sick Puppies and Christian rock band Flyleaf will also perform before Buckcherry.

Continue reading "Get Out: Ravens Countdown to Kickoff Party with Buckcherry" »

Posted by Erik Maza at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
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What's on the menu at tonight's Budweiser Superfest at Pier Six Pavilion?

Soul, soul and more soul.

Singer Anthony Hamilton, who has been nominated for something like six Grammys, headlines the fest, which also features Kem, Jaheim and Raheem DeVaughn.

The action starts at 7 p.m. at Pier Six, and tickets are $43-$77.

(Photo by Jonathan Mannion)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
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I've always been wooed by women who sing in French.

Feist, Keren Ann and French chanteuse Marianne Dissard can all make my heart melt a bit.

I'm excited that Marianne Dissard is coming to The Ottobar tonight. Her new album will be out next year, and though I've never seen her live, I'd imagine it's a fun show.

Plus, the local group A Cat Called Cricket opens. Nice! Tickets are $10. The show starts at 8:30 p.m.

(Photo by Dave Good)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
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If you believe R&B singer Trey Songz, the neighbors know his name and he invented sex. 

Tonight, Trey Songz will be in Baltimore -- performing at Pier Six Pavilion. Monica opens. 

Sun freelancer Al Shipley interviewed T.S. and wrote this piece on him for today's paper, in fact. Shipley also wrote a short piece about some of T.S.'s more notable collaborations. Here's the link.

(Handout photo)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
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The Baltimore Independent Music and Arts Fest, a three-day showcase of live music and film, starts tonight.

This is the first year for the festival, which is being run by Morphius Records founder David Andler. While the festival is modeled after the ill-fated Baltimore Music Conference, Andler said it will be better organized. BMC founder Lisa Suit had limited input on the BIMA, and Andler booked the lion's share of the BIMA's shows, he told me. Various clubs around town, including Bourbon Street, The Ottobar, Windup Space and the Depot are participating.

Hopefully, the BIMA will be a well-organized showcase of local and national arts and music.

Note: An earlier version of this blog misstated Suit's involvement with the festival. The BIMA is not just a re-branding of the BMC -- it's a new entity altogether.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 12:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
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I've been leery of plugging the Films on the Pier in Fells Point these past few weeks, because it's always been overcast. Well, since we're just about at the end of the season, I say why not?

Tonight's screening is of "500 Days of Summer" a charming flick with Joseph Gordon-Levitt (who has really come into his own as a star lately) and Zooey Deschanel (who is quite the singer).

The movie starts at 8:45 p.m. in the heart of Fells Point. Have fun!

Posted by Sam Sessa at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
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From the locally based Trixie Little and the Evil Hate Monkey to other nationally touring acts, Baltimore gets a ton of burlesque shows.

But the Coney Island Cockabilly Roadshow, which comes to the Sidebar Tavern tonight, sounds like a particularly colorful celebration. They've got live music as well as burlesque babes. Now we're talking!

Posted by Sam Sessa at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
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I might be on vacation, but Midnight Sun never sleeps. 

Today's best bet is Tears for Fears, which will be performing at the 9:30 Club tonight and at Rams Head Live tomorrow. Here's the info on tonight's show.

Tears for Fears are one of those rare '80s pop bands that critics and the general public can agree to like. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" is one of the decade's best hits, if you ask me. Tickets are $45 for tonight's show.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
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With summer in its last gasps and the evenings getting darker by the day, outdoor film screening season is almost finished for the year.

But there's still time to lay down a blanket on grassy Federal Hill Park and catch a movie tonight, as part of the American Visionary Art Museum's Flicks From the Hill. 

Tonight's film is a real classic: "Rocky." There will also be a beer garden, and the proceeds going to charity and a "Post Secret" meet-and-greet with author Frank Warren. The fun starts at 9 p.m.

(Granted, this isn't the side of Federal Hill Park which faces AVAM, but I love this photo, taken by Baltimore Sun photographer Algerina Perna.)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 9:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Since one just wasn't enough, I wanted to plug another event today: Organic Soul Tuesdays at Eden's Lounge.

Olu Butterfly (pictured), Fertile Ground and the rest of the crew has been doing Organic Soul Tuesdays for years now. I remember going to one in 2006 when it was at the 14 Karat Caberet.

It's a night of great local poetry, spoken word and hip-hop, as well as live performances from promising jazz artists and singer/songwriters.

The fun starts around 8 p.m.

(Baltimore Sun photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
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Remember that list (real or imaginary) of all the things you wanted to do this summer?

I make mine in April or May, and then, when summer is in its last gasps, frantically try to cross everything off the list. I'm just a deadline guy, I guess.

Today's weather forecast is lookin' good, lookin' great, and the Maryland Zoo is slashing ticket prices in half every Tuesday this month.

That's what I call synergy.

Don't let the end of summer be a bummer. Do the Zoo, boo.

(Handout photo of young penguins at the zoo)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 9:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Get Out
        

Let the games begin.

Tonight, the Baltimore Ravens take on the Carolina Panthers in the first preseason game of the year. 

The Ravens starters aren't expected to see much playing time, but who cares? It's football, baby!

The shoulder pad-rattling action starts at 8 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium.

(Baltimore Sun photo by Amy Davis)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 1:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
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Known for her breathy singing and breezy songwriting, Colbie Caillat broke through a couple years ago with the acoustic hit "Bubbly."

Caillat's most recent album is last year's "Breakthrough," which gave us the pleasant, comforting tune "Fallin' For You."

Tonight, Caillat and her band will be at Rams Head Live. Get more info here. This has all the makings of a feel good show.

Tickets are $29 and doors open at 7 p.m.

(Photo by Meredith L. Ward Photograph)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
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The obvious choice for today's Get Out would be Keane at Merriweather Post Pavilion. But I've never been one to take the easy road.*

So instead, I'm going with the Silly Bandz Swap party at Muggsy's Mug House.

In case you've been living on a boat in the Inner Harbor for the past few months, Silly Bandz are these little rubber bracelets that, when you set them down, form various shapes. They're the new Beanie Babies -- only much, much cheaper. Recession Beanie Babies, if you will.

Anyway, Muggsy's is poised to cash in on the trend at tonight's party ...

Continue reading "Get Out: Silly Bandz Swap Party @ Muggsy's Mug House" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
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Quartet Offensive's name couldn't be farther from the truth. The Baltimore jazz group is actually five members, not four, and their music is far from offensive.

Tonight, Quartet Offensive is playing a free show at Joe Squared. If you like pizza, rum, jazz or all of the above, you should really check it out.

Posted by Sam Sessa at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
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Canadian songstress Sarah McLachlan (pictured) brings her revived Lilith Tour to Merriweather Post Pavilion tonight, with a bevy of notable female performers in tow.

Some of the acts are old favorites like the Indigo Girls, but many are newer, up-and-coming stars on the music scene.

Highlights on the bill are the lush, breathy Sara Bareilles and the enigmatic Cat Power, as well as Jesca Hoop and Missy Higgins. Tickets are $77-$127, and doors open at 2:30 p.m.

A few years ago, I met Hoop during a music conference in Louisville, Ky., sat next to her during dinner and interviewed her the next day. I ended up writing one of my all time favorite ledes ...

Continue reading "Get out: Lilith Fair at Merriweather Post Pavilion" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
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Rockers the Dead Weather have a charismatic front woman (Alison Mosshart) and a renown drummer (Jack White).

Tonight, they'll be at Rams Head Live for a sold out show. Will you be there?

Recently, bad things are happening to bands with the word "Death" or "die" in their name. First, a member of the group You Say Party! We Say Die! passed away. Then, Deadmau5 collapsed on stage.

If I were a member of the Dead Weather, I'd be shaking in my leather pants. Or whatever the kids are wearing these days.

Doors open at 7 p.m. 

(AP photo)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
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Did you think Dru Hill was down for the count? Think again.

The hit Baltimore R&B group is back with a new album, the questionably titled "InDRUpendence Day," which came out this past Tuesday.

Why didn't it drop on July 4? Because Dru Hill makes its own holidays, that's why.

At 6 p.m. today, Dru Hill is performing at Sound Garden in Fells Point. Dru Hill for free? I'm there.

But wait, that's not all. I have more important Dru Hill info to share ...

Continue reading "Get Out: Dru Hill at Sound Garden" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)
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Tonight, Rabbi Brian Leiken is discussing the Jewish legacy in rock 'n' roll, from way back in the Tin Pan Alley days to more modern music.

The lecture, called Jews Rock - From Tin Pan Alley to Woodstock: Jews and Rock-n-Roll, is one of the Jewish Museum of Maryland's Brews and Schmooze events.

I like both boozing and schmoozing (and ... Jewzing?), so this event gets the Sessa stamp of approval.

My guess is, he'll talk about Gene Simmons, Bob Dylan and Norman Greenbaum, among many others.

It costs $10 and runs 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the museum.

(AP photo of The Tongued One)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
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Has everyone shaken off their Artscape hangover? I caught Cold War Kids and Gov't Mule Saturday night, and wrote this review. Both bands were better than I expected.

With another Artscape just put to bed, there isn't much on the radar tonight in terms of Baltimore nightlife.

If you're itching to check out something fun, head on over to the AFI Silver Theatre for the Totally Awesome Films of the '80s series.

At 9:15 p.m., they're screening "Used Cars," a 1980 film about dueling used car salesmen. Tickets are $6-$10. Other films in the series include "Back to the Future" and "The Blues Brothers."

(Photo courtesy of the theatre)

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