baltimoresun.com

July 4, 2011

Baltimore's best places to watch the fireworks

At 9:30 p.m. today, fireworks will explode over the Inner Harbor in the annual Independence Day show.

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts, which produces the show, says the best place to see them is at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater or the West Shore Park. 

Below, are some of the suggestions Midnight Sun has culled over the years.

Beyond the fireworks show, today the city has also scheduled several children’s shows, starting at noon at Inner Harbor West Shore Park with a magician and comic, and followed by the Grammy-nominated Baltimore children’s band Milkshake at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The Pennsylvania Air National Guard Band and the Electric Brigade, the U.S. Naval Academy band, will perform at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater starting at 4 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

The music that accompanies the fireworks show can be heard best at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater and on the harbor’s west shore, according to BOPA.

Continue reading "Baltimore's best places to watch the fireworks" »

Posted by Erik Maza at 8:00 AM | | Comments (0)
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June 28, 2011

Video: Baltimore reservoir rangers bust more swimmers this summer


You might have missed this story in Saturday's paper about increased enforcement at Baltimore's reservoirs, Loch Raven, Liberty and Prettyboy. The rangers have the highest number of members since they came back from a hiatus three years ago, and fines and warnings - $100 for swimming - have been steadily increasing, peaking last year at over 2,500. A reader commented on the story: "If I get a $200 fine for enjoying nature I'll gladly pay it as 'my dues'.  I will cooperate with Rangers and gladly accept my ticket(s). If I drown, that's OK, I lived life to the fullest." Thoughts? Above, a video of the rangers busting some illegal swimmers.
Posted by Erik Maza at 4:14 PM | | Comments (5)
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June 23, 2011

Did Nancy Pelosi break bread with Matt Damon at U2 show? More celebity sightings at the Baltimore show

In what is likely my last post on U2 in a while, I bring you the celebrity sightings at the show, for those of you who care about this stuff. A source at Live Nation spotted Matt Damon and John Krasinski, "The Office's" Jim, at the VIP Riser hanging out with show opener Florence Welch.

And while the Guv could not make it to the show, he did send an envoy. His wife Katie made an appearance.

From late last night: "Our Head of Digital Trif Alatzas spotted House Minority Leader and Baltimore native Nancy Pelosi in the audience. Apparently the California Democrat decided to watch U2 rather than President Obama's speech on Afghanistan."

Photo: Nancy Pelosi at M&T (@trifalatzas)

Posted by Erik Maza at 8:00 AM | | Comments (5)
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June 22, 2011

Tailgaiting at M&T Bank Stadium for U2?

The parking lots at M&T Bank Stadium will swell up with people this afternoon as if the Ravens were back in season.

They'll be there in anticipation of the U2 show. Tailgating parties are supposedly starting around 3 p.m., according to my super informal twitter survey.

WNST is at least throwing a slightly more organized party starting at noon at the Tiki Barge. They're planning on moving to Stalking Horse at 4 p.m. and then making their way to the stadium. 

Who else has tailgaiting plans for U2?

Posted by Erik Maza at 10:34 AM | | Comments (8)
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June 20, 2011

Share your favorite U2 memory

"I literally cry at every U2 concert. There is a powerful energy that you cannot help but feel."

That's how much U2 fan Jason Siemer loves U2.

The band's fans are many and extremely devoted. When I asked for superfans last week for a story previewing the concert, I didn't anticipate all the e-mails I'd be flooded with. I'm still getting some of them. Thanks!

Some of those fans, like Siemer, are quoted in today's story about the show.

But if you weren't, here's your space to tell us why you love U2, where you're coming from to see the show, how many times you've seen them live, and your favorite U2 concert memory.

The comments are yours. 

The show is likely to be special for another reason: it may be one of the last music concerts M&T Bank Stadium gets to host. The stadium concert as a concept is on the wane, as we reported last year when the U2 show was announced. 

Continue reading "Share your favorite U2 memory" »

Posted by Erik Maza at 2:48 PM | | Comments (13)
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June 15, 2011

Seeking U2 superfans

We're working on a story to preview U2's performance at M&T Bank Stadium next week and we're looking for superfans who either live in the area or are traveling in for the show. If you're interested in speaking with us, e-mail me, erik.maza@baltsun.com, or Chris Kaltenbach, chris.kaltenbach@baltsun.com.
Posted by Erik Maza at 11:10 AM | | Comments (0)
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June 2, 2011

Crowdsourcing: Calling all Baltimore plankers

Reporter Jill Rosen is looking to interview local plankers for a story. The fad, which consists of lying down in random places and being photographed, is big overseas but has apparently popped up recently in Baltimore. Jill can be reached at jrosen@baltsun.com.
Posted by Erik Maza at 2:02 PM | | Comments (3)
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May 4, 2011

What's missing from the Baltimore Bucket List?

Performing at a Night of 100 Elvises. Watching a thunderstorm from the bar at the 13th Floor. Taking in breakfast at Jimmy's. These are all on The Sun's Baltimore Bucket List, which was posted online today. Disagree? Agree? No doubt there are must-do's in Baltimore that are missing, like say, going to Sidebar for a punk show or getting drunk at Mt. Royal Tavern. What's missing from the list?

Posted by Erik Maza at 1:50 PM | | Comments (5)
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April 18, 2011

Top 50 county restaurants?

Dining@Large's Richard Gorelick is putting together a list of the best 50 county restaurants for an upcoming story, and he's looking for suggestions.

Go here to leave yours.

Posted by Erik Maza at 10:47 AM | | Comments (2)
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March 30, 2011

Is InfieldFEST's Kegasus an Old Spice rip-off?

The birth of a product pitchman is a complicated process that sometimes involves focus groups, lots of spit-balling, and drinking twenty Old Fashioneds in a row a la Don Draper.

Other times, it just boils down to watering down another firm's more successful campaign and adding a nipple ring.

That may just have been what Elevation, the DC-based firm, did to come up with Kegasus. 

It's hard to imagine there was a pitch meeting to cobble together this thing, but even "The Rural Juror" had its own spitballing session.

InfieldFEST's topless, deep-voiced pitchman already sounded and looked a lot like Old Spice's Isaiah Mustafa as played by Danny McBride. 

But AdFreak points out that Old Spice had already used a centaur pitchman created by Portland-based firm Wielden+ Kennedy about two years ago. 

Compare and contrast:

Continue reading "Is InfieldFEST's Kegasus an Old Spice rip-off? " »

Posted by Erik Maza at 2:31 PM | | Comments (6)
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Maryland State Fair wants Justin Bieber crowds again, books girlfriend Selena Gomez

When Justin Bieber performed at the Maryland State Fair last year, 12,500 fans turned up to see him toss his hair and perform.

Organizers can't book the Biebs again this year, so they're settling for the next best thing: his girlfriend, or anyway the girl he's been seen making out with, Selena Gomez. The Disney Channel star will perform at the fair August 26. Tickets, at $42.50, go on sale Saturday.

Posted by Erik Maza at 2:28 PM | | Comments (6)
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March 28, 2011

Elton John's front row at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena: Young, hot guys, mostly

elton john in baltimore Does Elton John like a good-looking front row? Sam Sessa hears from a fan who saw John at 1st Mariner Arena.

Hi all, it's Midnight Sun alum Sam Sessa (Erik is on vacation until tomorrow) with a funny Elton John tidbit.

I wasn't able to make John's Baltimore concert Saturday night at 1st Mariner Arena, but my good friend Kristin did. She scored second-row seats ("10 feet from Elton!") from a local radio station.

Once she and her date were situated, they turned to the young, good-looking guys ahead of them and asked them how they'd managed to land front row seats. They had been sitting further back when one of John's crew came up and offered them seats in the front row.

Kristin marveled at this, until she realized that most of the folks in the front row -- at least the ones near John -- were young, hot guys.

Continue reading "Elton John's front row at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena: Young, hot guys, mostly" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:54 AM | | Comments (3)
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February 7, 2011

Got Valentine's Day stories? The Sun wants to talk to you

How did you fall in love? blind date? OkCupid? after a few bottomless mimosas? If you're not camera-shy, The Sun wants to talk to you. Email Leeann Adams at leeann.adams@baltsun.com.
Posted by Erik Maza at 2:47 PM | | Comments (0)
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January 13, 2011

What are the best and worst scores by pop musicians?

The news that Dan Deacon would score a new Francis Ford Coppola movie follows a time-honored tradition of pop musicians scoring motion pictures. That trend hit something of a peak last year, with Trent Reznor scoring "The Social Network" and Daft Punk scoring "Tron: Legacy." Gutter magazine compiled a list of the best and worst scores by pop musicians. In the worst category? A surprise: the Alan Parsons Project's score for "Ladyhawke," a Michelle Pfeiffer movie by the guy who made "Lethal Weapon" about a lady who, duh, turns into a hawk. No doubt Deacon can live up to their legacy. Gutter's list is here.

Posted by Erik Maza at 2:40 PM | | Comments (5)
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January 10, 2011

Maryland Bartending Academy grad lands a steady gig

In lighter news, Susan Watkins, a graduate of the Maryland Bartending Academy I interviewed two months ago, writes that she's found a job.

As a bartender no less. 

The 57-year-old took the bartending class after her marriage of 30 years ended. She hoped for a new, late-in-life career. 

She had worked a few private parties since graduating in November, but hadn't landed a job until early last month, when looking at  usajobs.gov, of all places, she saw an opening at a bar.

She offered to mix a margarita, and has been bartending at The Lanes of Fort Meade's lounge since Friday. The next day, she was running the bar by herself.

The bartending school didn't help her find a gig, but Watkins says it gave her a crash course on mixing. She beams in her e-mail, "I guess you never get too old for something new."

Related to the controversial bartending school: the Midnight Sun Mixer, inspired by my story, is coming up January 20

Photo: Susan Watkins in November (Jed Kirschbaum/Baltimore Sun) 

Posted by Erik Maza at 3:03 PM | | Comments (6)
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January 7, 2011

Four Loko now used as gasoline. Prepare for gasoline to be banned

When several states ko'd Four Loko, the poison swill that almost hijacked the November news cycle, bottlers were forced to buy back loads of cases of the thing and other caffeinated beverages. Now, a Virginia company named MXI Environmental Services is converting all that discarded booze into ethanol. To power your car. The company will distill the ethyl alcohol in the drinks and ship it to gasoline blenders to make a powerful brew that's almost indistinguishable from ethanol made from corn. So that Four Loko now won't just taste like gasoline, it will actually be gasoline. A warning however: don't blame your ethanol-powered car next time you crash into a ditch. They might get banned too soon after. (via)

Posted by Erik Maza at 4:38 PM | | Comments (1)
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December 13, 2010

The better Christmas songs: Mariah Carey out, Kirsty MacColl in

Last week, even holiday album maker Aaron Neville complained about the sheer number of Christmas-themed songs. There are still too many of them, but The Awl today has a round up of the better ones. Mariah Carey does not make an appearance. "Fairytale in New York," naturally, does.
Posted by Erik Maza at 11:29 AM | | Comments (0)
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December 6, 2010

Video: When Justin Bieber met John Waters

You know what Justin Bieber really wants? Not loads of teenage fans, or his own fragrance, which, by the way carries hints of Frankincense & candy corn. Justin Bieber wants facial hair. Like most boys his age, he's impressed with anyone who can grow it, even if that hair is waifer-thin and on John Waters' face. Visiting the "Graham Norton Show" last week, Bieber gushed to Waters, "Your 'stache is the jam," before tossing his bangs. And John Waters, being awesome, retorted by asking the teen to sign a bottle of Proactiv, of which Bieber is a spokesman. NB to a studio executive somewhere: that remake of "Cry-Baby" you wanted? You just found your new Johnny Depp. Video of Waters, Bieber, and Norton in their historic meeting, our generation's Yalta Conference, after the jump. The 'stache line clocks in at 3:08.

Continue reading "Video: When Justin Bieber met John Waters" »

Posted by Erik Maza at 4:36 PM | | Comments (0)
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Forget iTunes, this is the only way to listen to the Beatles

If you ever wanted to see a modern-day's Dionne Warwick's "Psychic Friends" lip-sync the Beatles's "Let it Be" - and have I ever - the Interwebs have your back. Actually, a Norwegian TV series that celebrates has-been stars has your back, but the Internet made it viral. Appearing in the video? George Wendt (TV's Norm from "Cheers"), Jason Alexander ("Seinfeld"), David Faustino ("Married with Children"), and the Goot himself, Steve Guttenberg. Video after the jump.

Continue reading "Forget iTunes, this is the only way to listen to the Beatles" »

Posted by Erik Maza at 12:39 PM | | Comments (5)
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November 30, 2010

"Tron: Legacy" soundtrack previewed on MySpace

Nerds rejoice: MySpace today posted the longest preview yet of the music in "Tron: Legacy." The preview begins with Jeff Bridges ominously intoning: "The Grid. A digital frontier," followed by 21 minutes of the Daft Punk-scored soundtrack. Of course, a couple of tracks have been playing on the movie's official website since the summer, and at the soundtrack's own website.  The soundtrack goes on sale next week. 

Posted by Erik Maza at 11:27 AM | | Comments (2)
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October 28, 2010

Midnight Sun seeks contributors

Readers know I'm a big Rye Rye fan - while others, confusingly still wonder why I write about her at all. I had been planning on going to see her and Die Antwoord Wednesday night at the 9:30 club but I had to work late and couldn't make it.

It was the saddest part of my week after learning Sony retired the cassette Walkman. But as a reporter who blogs - not vice versa - sometimes (read: most of the time) I get pulled into other assignments.

This is why I'm still looking for occasional contributors to the blog in order to keep it fresh as often as possible.  Jay Trucker and Christeen Roden have already dispatched some great posts, and I'm looking for more writers like them.

Generally, I'm looking for bar and concert reviews, but feel free to pitch the occasional post too -- one reader will start doing a straight man's guide to local gay bars soon.

A contributor should have personality and the writing chops to match it. Ideally, you've written for someone other than livejournal before; even Splice Today will do.   

I can't pay, but I can get you review tickets, and sometimes, set-up Q&As. The idea is to show off the work of more Baltimore culture writers. 

Interested? e-mail erik.maza@baltsun.com three writing samples and a bio.

Posted by Erik Maza at 11:46 AM | | Comments (10)
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October 26, 2010

Document a whole day in Baltimore with The Sun's Picture This

The Baltimore Sun invites readers to submit photos to an online feature called Picture This, Baltimore: October 26.

The feature is a constantly updated fotolog for locals. The idea is to have a visual record of a day in the city by the end of Tuesday, created by those who walk its streets. 

At Midnight Sun, I've asked for nightlife and concert photos; this is more general.

Say you woke up this morning, went sailing, and took a picture of the skyllne with your phone (right). Just e-mail it to pictures@baltimoresun.com sometime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

You have complete discretion over the subject. The only directions? Include the photog's name and a caption.

Posted by Erik Maza at 10:00 AM | | Comments (0)
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October 4, 2010

"If Baltimore is a blowzy broad, your city is" contest winner

Baltimore might be the blowzy broad with a million stories, but San Francisco is "the uppity vegan taking you aside at Whole Foods to explain why your choice of oat bran crackers is supporting the packaged food industrial complex."

That's the winning caption of the contest that was inspired by last week's nightlife column.

After Midnight Sun anthropomorphized Charm City as a chatty broad, colleague John McIntyre launched a small-stakes contest to see who could come up with the snappiest city comparison. 

This blog even upped the ante by offering the new Gucci Mane album, "The Appeal" to the winning writer.

Commenter 'fermata' wrote the winning caption, but others submitted some real gems:

Continue reading ""If Baltimore is a blowzy broad, your city is" contest winner" »

Posted by Erik Maza at 12:53 PM | | Comments (0)
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October 1, 2010

'If Baltimore is a blowzy broad, your city is...' contest

In today's nightlife column, Midnight Sun refers to Baltimore as the blowzy broad at the bar with a million stories to tell. And to Miami as the brain-dead babe with nothing to say.

Our inimitable John McIntyre is running a contest on his blog for other city comparisons. Call it the  "anthropomorphize your city" contest. So far it's resulted in this gem: "San Francisco is the uppity vegan taking you aside at Whole Foods to explain why your choice of oat bran crackers is supporting the packaged food industrial complex."

I'm upping the ante: you come up with something snappy, you get the new Gucci Mane album, "The Appeal."

Leave your comments here or at You Don't Say.

Posted by Erik Maza at 3:01 PM | | Comments (6)
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Midnight Sun seeks contributors, haters of Vampire Weekend

Readers, Midnight Sun is looking for contributors to review concerts and bars. Hopefully, not at the same time. Although, sometimes that yields interesting results.

A contributor should have an authentic voice and the writing chops to match it. Your taste in beer or music is actually irrelevant, though if you're the kind of person who started to like the Ting Tings after P4K gave them a 3.8, you'd be starting off on the right foot. Lovers of Ale Mary's in Fells Point also get gold stars.

Those interested, e-mail erik.maza@baltsun.com three writing samples and a small bio. 

(If you have ideas for blogs beyond reviews -- like, say, a Tipsy Tuesday - pitch them along with your writing samples and bio. Also if you have 800 words in you about the importance/irrelevance of celebrity spawn and meme Willow Smith).

Posted by Erik Maza at 12:00 PM | | Comments (14)
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September 10, 2010

Babez for Breakfast by Eurovision winner Lordi is worst album cover of 2010

Stop the search! 2011 is still four months away, but I've already found the worst album cover of the year. It is worse than the Klaxons' LOLspacecat. It is worst than anything Ted Nugent's ever produced. It is "Babez for Breakfast" by Finnish band Lordi. 

In the cover art, if it can be called that, a flesh-toned demon baby devours a woman's  - his mother's? - bloody, heaving bosom. I imagine this is what Quran-burning pastor Terry Jones' nightmares are made up of.

I hadn't heard of Lordi until I opened my mail. Music writers get all sorts of tripe that way - just recently I got a 2-disc greatest hits album by Pantera! 

But the Finnish band is best known for winning the Eurovision contest in 2006. Their Web site doesn't name the person who so lovingly illustrated the pink gromit to your right. But all fingers point to bandleader Mr. Lordi. He is also, you see, their costume designer. 

In the comments, suggest the worst album covers you've seen this year, and I'll rank them by the end of the day. 

Posted by Erik Maza at 7:50 AM | | Comments (10)
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September 7, 2010

New nightlife reporter Erik Maza tries to buy sunscreen, gets flat tire on first day

eiufz9hp94eiph4f.jpgThe first day at a new job is usually fraught with alarm, sweat-stains, disorientation. Not me. As Sessa wrote earlier, I'll be your new live music and nightlife reporter.

For my first day on the gig, I woke up eerily prepared. I ironed my shirt, didn't drop cereal on my pants, even added a dimple to my tie. Notes? Check. AP Style Book 2008 edition? Check. Missing from my to do list was some sunscreen. You know what they say: moisturize, moisturize. It was 7 a.m. and I didn't have to be in the newsroom for another two hours, so I drove to the nearest Rite Aid to my digs to be totally spiffed up for the office.

Ah, Greenmount Avenue in the morning. As I'm parking, BANG! PFFF! Had I been shot? It's only been a week, Baltimore! Turns out I'd driven too close to the curb and punctured my tire. Two hours before work. Great. Greenmount and 32nd St. -- just where you want to be with a pooped car. Did I mention I hadn't ever changed a tire before? Or that I'm the nightlife reporter, what in the world do I need sunscreen for? Que Sera Sera. This was my welcome.

Before coming here, I was a reporter at another whacko news town: Miami ...

Continue reading "New nightlife reporter Erik Maza tries to buy sunscreen, gets flat tire on first day" »

Posted by Erik Maza at 2:47 PM | | Comments (23)
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Everything that's right -- and wrong -- with America

kfc!Obviously, this has nothing to do with nightlife, but I drove past this KFC the other day and had to snap a photo.

God bless America.

(Photo by me)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 6:31 AM | | Comments (4)
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September 6, 2010

I survived Justin Bieber at the State Fair

'sha boy, JB!They should make T-shirts with that logo on it. I'd wear one, and I'll bet half the parents who were at the Maryland State Fairgrounds last night for Bieber-mania would, too.

Bieber fever is real, folks. My ears still hurt from all the screaming. And I woke up with his hit "Baby" stuck in my head.

I had two stories in today's paper, a scene piece about people at the fair, and a Bieber concert review. And here's a photo gallery from the show, courtesy of Sun photog Gene Sweeney Jr.

For some reason, Bieber kept dashing off back stage between songs and then reappearing a minute or two later. Meanwhile, an a capella group would sing some pop hits, or the video screens would display a montage of Bieber photos and video. Then he would pop back out -- sometimes in a new outfit, sometimes not -- and play another song. It felt like Bieber was a guest at his own show. Bieber sang most of his songs, and lip-synched one or two ...

Continue reading "I survived Justin Bieber at the State Fair" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:02 PM | | Comments (8)
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September 1, 2010

Septimius The Great's Artscape performance video

Though Nikc posted a link to this video under the original Septimius the Great thread, I thought it deserved its own special little spotlight.

Septimius The Great did indeed perform at this year's Artscape Festival, and what a spectacle it was.

There were three -- not two, not four, but three -- dancers who performed a choreographed routine. Septimius himself was front and center, in a body length white cape, singing (lip-synching, perhaps?) one of his singles. Check it out ...

Continue reading "Septimius The Great's Artscape performance video" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 12:44 PM | | Comments (5)
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August 10, 2010

Fergie's oldest fan?

esther lenettEsther Lenett might not be the Black Eyed Peas' biggest fan, but she's probably their oldest.

At 92, Lenett is a passionate fan of the pop group, and will be at the 1st Mariner Arena tonight to see the Peas live.

Lenett has followed the Peas for years, she said. She especially likes Fergie, who, at 35, is about a third her age.

"First of all, I love music -- any kind -- and I love the beat they have," she said. "Know what I mean? I may be old and aged but I’m young at heart. Even my daughter says, 'Mom, aren't you ever going to grow up?' I say, 'No.' I think young."
 ...

Continue reading "Fergie's oldest fan?" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:47 AM | | Comments (2)
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August 6, 2010

B.o.B.'s "Airplanes" was written by a kid from Rockville

If you've turned on the radio for as much as a minute this summer, you've probably heard B.o.B.'s hit "Airplanes." It's everywhere. Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams sang the chorus, and Eminem even threw down a verse.

Tim Sommers, a guy who grew up in Rockville, wrote the song with his friend when they were freshmen at Cornell a few years ago. True story. I did a piece about it in today's paper. Check it out.

Something that didn't make it into the story: I asked Sommers if he ever brags about writing the song, or even just tells people about it. I chuckled at his response ...

Continue reading "B.o.B.'s "Airplanes" was written by a kid from Rockville" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:00 AM | | Comments (4)
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August 5, 2010

The inflatable Irish pub, or, 'I want that'

Do you have a big yard you're tired of mowing? Would you rather open an Irish pub there, but don't want to waste time buying materials/building it?

Portable Pubs to the rescue! ...

Continue reading "The inflatable Irish pub, or, 'I want that'" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 12:11 PM | | Comments (14)
Categories: Bars & Clubs, Drink-ology, Random stuff
        

August 2, 2010

"Bikini Barista" by Quickie

While Java Divas, the coffee shop with scantily clad employees, is new to Maryland, the idea is pretty common on the west coast.

Drive-thru coffee shops with baristas in bikinis are all over Seattle. A band named Quickie even wrote a song and made a music video about them. Check it out ...

Continue reading ""Bikini Barista" by Quickie" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 4:09 PM | | Comments (0)
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Java Divas has baristas in bikinis (and other outfits)

Lindsay Krebs is one of the Java Divas

On the side of Ritchie Highway in sunny, beautiful Pasadena, there's a little gray coffee shack called Java Divas.

It's a drive-thru coffee shop with beans roasted by Caffe Pronto in Annapolis, snowballs and all-natural smoothies.

Oh, and all the baristas are young women in skimpy outfits. Seriously.

Here's my story on Java Divas, which ran in today's paper. And here's a photo gallery of three of the divas.

The whole bikini barista idea isn't anything new. Shops like Java Divas are all over the west coast, in states like Washington ...

Continue reading "Java Divas has baristas in bikinis (and other outfits)" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:42 AM | | Comments (10)
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August 1, 2010

My Keane interview was more candid than expected

keaneI've interviewed a decent amount of musicians over the years, and gotten my share of by-the-book answers.

Typically when you ask an artist about record sales -- especially if they haven't sold many lately -- they'll tell you they don't care about the numbers and yadda yadda.

Since Keane is coming to Merriweather Post Pavilion this week, I spoke with lead singer Tom Chaplin about the band's new EP, hip-hop collaborations and their struggles with fame. But I also wanted to know what he thought about their sales figures. Here's a link to the piece, which ran in today's paper.

Keane's first album, "Hopes and Fears," was huge. It sold millions upon millions, and made them overnight stars. But every album since then hasn't sold as much. 

I asked Chaplin if he ever thought about that, and instead of giving me a stock answer about not caring, he was quite frank about it. Check it out ...

Continue reading "My Keane interview was more candid than expected" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 12:25 PM | | Comments (6)
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July 13, 2010

The Smashing Pumpkins hecklers

There were more than a few hecklers in the crowd for last night's Smashing Pumpkins show at Rams Head Live (here's my review of the show). Something feisty must have been in the air, because people were hurling curse words at the stage -- at least from where I was standing near the back bar. Here are a few of the heckles I wrote down ...

Continue reading "The Smashing Pumpkins hecklers" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 8:34 AM | | Comments (19)
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June 12, 2010

Port in a Storm's germaphobe-friendly door string

port in a storm doorOn my way into Port in a Storm the other night, I noticed a piece of white twine tied around the front door handle.

"What's this?" I said to myself. Or maybe I said it to jmgiordano. Could be either.

I used the string to open the door, instead of touching the grimy grungy dingy door handle with my spic and span hand.

I know more than a few germaphobes who would be pleased to have such an option. You see, the string is the new thing.

In all sobriety, it might not have been a conscious move on the bar's part, so much as a celebration of someone's birthday.

I noticed party fare (including a cake!) inside ...

Continue reading "Port in a Storm's germaphobe-friendly door string" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:10 AM | | Comments (11)
Categories: Bars & Clubs, Random stuff
        

May 6, 2010

Happy (belated) birthday to Midnight Sun

sams identical twin enjoys some bday cake

I was busy worrying about what I was going to blog about this afternoon when I realized I'd totally forgotten about Midnight Sun's third birthday, which was technically April 30. Oops.

Happy belated blog birthday, Midnight Sun.

Man, I can't believe it's been three years since my very first post. A quick look at the numbers:

Over the years, I have written more than 2,600 posts, and Midnight Sunners have left more than 24,000 comments.

In its first week, Midnight Sun had 800 page views. Last week, Midnight Sun had 41,000 page views. 

Midnight Sun has been more fun (and more frustrating) than just about anything else I've done as a writer ...

Continue reading "Happy (belated) birthday to Midnight Sun" »

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April 27, 2010

Lingerie football is coming to Baltimore

lingere football Ladies and gentlemen (but mostly gentlemen), let's give a warm welcome to the Baltimore Charm -- the newest branch of the Lingerie Football League.

Read it and rejoice. Or weep, if you're a feminist.

Yes yes, women will soon be playing football in lingerie at 1st Mariner Arena. Tackle football, no less. None of that flag football fluff (insert pun about two-hand touch). The arena is hosting open tryouts 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday.  

This is the best thing to happen to women's football since Anita Marks retired. Ba-Zing! ...

Continue reading "Lingerie football is coming to Baltimore" »

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April 23, 2010

Is the new Preakness ad campaign "Get Your Preak On" in poor taste?

preak on billboardIn the ad, a feisty young volunteer at a retirement home gushes about getting his "preak on" with an elderly woman.

"How could I resist, especially considering this might be her last chance,” he says. “I was a little concerned with how her hip would hold up, knowing we'd be at it all day long."

The commercial, one of six ads airing on local radio stations, is part of a controversial ad campaign for this year’s Preakness Stakes. Listen to it here. The "Get Your Preak On" slogan also appears online, in TV ads and on billboards and bus stops around Baltimore.

Do you think it's in poor taste? Or is it effective? E-mail me at sam.sessa@baltsun.com ...

Continue reading "Is the new Preakness ad campaign "Get Your Preak On" in poor taste?" »

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April 21, 2010

A day in the life of Sam Sessa

The Baltimore Chop's comment about shadowing me got me thinking: What does my typical day look like? It looks something like this ...

Continue reading "A day in the life of Sam Sessa" »

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April 19, 2010

British woman banned from every pub in England for two years

A 20-year-old woman named Lauren Hall has been formally banned from every liquor store and pub in Britian, the Daily Mail reports. She also can't carry an unsealed container or consuming alcohol in a public place.

Two things jumped out at me when I read this article ...

Continue reading "British woman banned from every pub in England for two years" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 9:11 AM | | Comments (8)
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April 14, 2010

My new project: "Sheilly Dan," a reality TV show

get  ready, world. "sheilly dan" is coming!Attention world: There is a new reality TV show in the works, and it's going to blow your mind.

We're going to get former mayor Sheila Dixon and experimental music genius Dan Deacon to live together for a month -- inside the Bromo Seltzer Tower -- and film the whole thing.

We're going to call it "Sheilly Dan."

Lookout, Baltimore -- this show is going to drop the awesome bomb. You can't see it, but right now, I'm rubbing my hands together in a decidedly devious way.

Don't hate. Don't doubt. I already spoke with Deacon, who was reluctant at first, but quickly warmed to the idea.

"I don't know, man," he said. "Maybe. Sure." ...

Continue reading "My new project: "Sheilly Dan," a reality TV show" »

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April 7, 2010

Charm City Roller Girls see record crowds, contemplate move

the charm city roller girlsThe Charm City Roller Girls need a bigger place to play.

For the past few years, Baltimore's all-female roller derby league has performed at Du Burns Arena in Canton. These days, Du Burns is starting to feel a little snug for the Roller Girls.

Approximately 1,800 people have turned out for the past few bouts this season, according to roller girl Hilary "Rosie the Riveter Rioter" Rosensteel. They've had to turn away people from at least one event.

"The crowds keep topping off," she said. "We're going to have to look somewhere else." ...

Continue reading "Charm City Roller Girls see record crowds, contemplate move" »

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March 23, 2010

What was your high school graduation song?

after four years of intensive schooling, it's time to graduate and  move on to new things. many of the people i graduated with went away to  school and wound up right back where they started, on the eastern  shore.Close your eyes and think back to your last year in high school.

Well, don't really close your eyes. Then you wouldn't be able to keep reading. Are your eyes back open? OK.

What was your class song? Did you even have a class song?

I had one, but I can't remember it that well (my memory of high school as a whole is a little hazy) ...

Continue reading "What was your high school graduation song?" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:34 AM | | Comments (36)
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March 15, 2010

I've already decided on a Halloween costume for this year

Halloween may be months away, but I've got my costume on lock down.

I'm going as Ruby Rod, Chris Tucker's character from "The Fifth Element." Bzzzzzt!!! Most people probably won't get the reference, but this movie's been on TV a lot lately and Ruby Rod brings me to tears. Tears of joy. Witness: 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:44 AM | | Comments (15)
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March 11, 2010

So I got that City Paper award

midnight sun's various awardsBehold, the physical proof of Midnight Sun's award-winning-ness.

This makes up for all those blue ribbons I never got at the county fair as a child.

Damn you, tractor pull!

With all these awards, I'm going to have to get a bigger desk. And a bigger ego.

All this recognition was too much for my old ego, which split at the seams.

No, wait, that was my waistline, from all those $1.25 Clipper City Golds at Down the Hatch ...

Continue reading "So I got that City Paper award" »

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March 6, 2010

What I sing in the shower ...

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:41 AM | | Comments (7)
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March 5, 2010

A fistful of Bacon Pop, or, 'What's that smell?'

mark plants a kiss on his new love, bacon popA couple months ago, someone (maybe pets blogger Jill?) gave me a bag of Bacon Pop.

That's right -- bacon-flavored popcorn. 

Individually, I love popcorn and bacon with almost religious fervor. But how would they taste together? 

Too afraid to find out, I let the bag be. Then Editor Amanda spotted it, and said, 'Mark might like that.'

You may remember Mark from such posts as this one, from last year's Virgin Mobile FreeFest. Mark's an adventurous guy. He lives on the edge. Or in Brewer's Hill. One of the two.

About an hour ago, Mark fired up the microwave. The smell hasn't gone away yet. I think the newsroom may be on the verge of mutiny ...

Continue reading "A fistful of Bacon Pop, or, 'What's that smell?'" »

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March 3, 2010

'We're just taking notes for work'

the killersI make a living talking to people. If I don't talk to people, I don't get tips or quotes for stories.

When I review concerts, however, I don't have to talk to anybody. I just need to take notes.

But when I'm at a concert and people see me whip out my notepad and start jotting things down, they want to know what I'm up to. It's inevitable. Someone -- or multiple someones -- at each show point to my notepad and ask me what I'm doing.

I used to tell them the truth. "I'm reviewing the show," I'd say. They'd ask who I work for, and I'd tell them.

A funny thing happens when you tell someone that. They suddenly get the urge to tell you what they thing of the show. It all depends on how much they've been drinking (I don't drink alcohol when I'm reviewing concerts) ...

Continue reading "'We're just taking notes for work'" »

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February 23, 2010

What, pray tell, is a snot rag?

snot ragsKids these days, blowing their snot into a rag and then wearing it like a hat.

Savages!

Back in my day, we ain't use no rags -- we blew our snot into our hands, and shook hands with other folks, like gentlemen.

But oh no ... these kids just can't be stopped. It's such a terrible issue, Dead Freddie's went and made a rule about it. It's on their Official Dress Code.

Seriously, does not knowing what a snot rag is make me an old geezer? I feel like one.

To better understand the snot rag culture, I looked up the term on Urban Dictionary (witness). ...

Continue reading "What, pray tell, is a snot rag?" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:40 AM | | Comments (9)
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February 22, 2010

Flipside flops

flipside, flapside, flopside

Flipside Footwear, the summery retail store which replaced The Vineyard Wine and Spirits in South Baltimore, is closing, much to the chagrin of the popped-collar set.

In all seriousness, I've never been one to gloat over the demise of any business -- not even Canton Arts and Entertainment (is it technically closed yet?).

I just never understood how a boutique surf wear shop could generate enough business to stay afloat (pun!) in the neighborhood.

But let's give Flipside the credit it deserves -- the shop survived two summers but just couldn't last through the recession. Oh well.

Goodbye, Flipside. See you ... on the flipside.

Zink!

(Photo by Midnight Sunner Evan)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:17 PM | | Comments (21)
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February 19, 2010

A fond farewell for Elizabeth Large

diningatlarge.jpg

It is one of the great mysteries of journalism that someone could write about anything -- especially food -- for so long with such insight. There are, after all, only so many ways to describe a crabcake.

Somehow, Elizabeth Large has written about food for the Baltimore Sun for nearly 40 years. Unfortunately for us, today is her last day.

I've been lucky enough to work with Elizabeth Large for the last five years. During that time, I've come to know and admire her conversational but authoritative tone and her wry sense of humor ...

Continue reading "A fond farewell for Elizabeth Large" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:32 AM | | Comments (6)
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This is where I get my hair did

umbertosI won't settle for anything less than ... THE TOTAL LOOK!

Don't judge me.

(Photo by me)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 8:55 AM | | Comments (10)
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February 16, 2010

I'm baaack ... and boy do I miss Argentina

I could live in Buenos Aires. And after spending a week in the warm, sunny South American city (dodging not one but two back-to-back Baltimore blizzards), I want to go back. Now.

Returning to 30-some inches of snow was a shock to the system. Two things flashed across my mind as we pulled into Baltimore:

'Are the roads really that bad?' (they were), and 'Is that mound of snow really our car?' (It was) ...

Continue reading "I'm baaack ... and boy do I miss Argentina" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:32 AM | | Comments (5)
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February 15, 2010

The infinity rotation

the white stripesI can't tell you how many times I've heard a song for the first time, liked it and played it to death. Here is Midnight Sunner Duffster with a guest column about what he calls the Infinity Rotation:

Do you ever hear a song that is so unbelievably awesome that you play it over and over and over again and you can never get sick of it? I mean ever.

That doesn't mean that you can listen to it incessantly for a week or two and then discard it because it's old. These are lifetime-adders. Songs that you will look to play and will have no problem playing years from now. Songs that you know exactly where they are on your iPod and probably go there first before you play anything else, unless there's some hot new album you've got to hear first, but you know once you get sick of that album you'll just go back to your old standards.

That seems to happen to me about once every three months. I'll add a new song to the lifetime list. I call it my "Infinity Rotation." ...

Continue reading "The infinity rotation" »

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February 12, 2010

Tif's tales: The Alicia Keys 'wannabe' and a music video

alicia keysToday Midnight Sun guest columnist Tif discusses a close encounter with a "wannabe" Alicia Keys and the making of a high-profile music video. Take it away, Tif:

Once, an artist I represented was scheduled to perform at a venue, but couldn’t find her.

I went to the green room, and when I inquired about her whereabouts, a short fair-skinned girl in braids rolled her eyes at me and brushed by me.

With a few in the fuel system I mumbled "go head with yourself you little Alicia Keys wanna-be."...

Continue reading "Tif's tales: The Alicia Keys 'wannabe' and a music video" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 8:00 AM | | Comments (0)
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February 10, 2010

Tif's tales: Mos Def is a thief!

mos defToday, Midnight Sun guest columnist Tif shares another one of his hip-hop memories. Take it away, Tif:

I remember when I was invited back to the green room at Rams Head @ Power Plant Live for a Mos Def performance. 

My partner was getting Mos to wear his new clothing line when Mos yelled to his people "yall find that Wire DVD yet?"

They replied, "Best Buy didn't have it, we can't locate a copy, etc."

I said, "Mos, I have all seasons on DVD." ...

Continue reading "Tif's tales: Mos Def is a thief!" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 8:00 AM | | Comments (1)
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February 2, 2010

And I'm off!

iguazu fallsIn a few short hours, I'll be en route to (hopefully) warmer climates, far south of clammy Baltimore.

I'd like to thank all of the folks who volunteered to write Midnight Sun guest columns and help keep the blog going while I'm gone.

All in all, we've got close to 30 guest columns coming over the course of the next couple weeks. I'll be back in about 15 days.

See you then!

(AP photo of Iguazu Falls)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:30 AM | | Comments (1)
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January 30, 2010

Make your own spiked cider

a glass of delicious-looking apple cider may be in your near futureIn last week's City Paper, Michelle Gienow wrote about her (successful) attempt at brewing homemade hard cider.

Her piece is a great read, and makes me want to try it for myself -- except the part where I'd have to press my own. I'd rather just buy a jug from Weber's Farm.

Here's an excerpt from the article:

It turns out that fermenting your own hard cider is in the same category as home-brewing beer--unlike distillation (the making of actual moonshine), brewing is legal without a license so long as you don't sell your product. ...

Continue reading "Make your own spiked cider" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:24 AM | | Comments (3)
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January 21, 2010

Introducing Tragedy, the all-metal Bee Gees tribute band

tragedy, the all metal bee gees tributeGet ready, gang.

Get ready for Tragedy.

Ever heard of Tragedy? No? Well, that's a ... heh, do I need to say it?

Tragedy is the world's premiere all-metal Bee Gees tribute band. They are quite awesome. And tomorrow, they're coming to Rams Head Live.

Look at those outfits! Listen to their music! It's like Judas Priest meets the brothers Gibb.

Why the Bee Gees? Lead singer Robin Gibbens (the dude in the middle of the photo) explains:

"It's the best material to work with," Gibbens said. "The melodies were phenomenal. They just needed some crunch. They needed some distortion pedal."

I couldn't agree more.

Here's a link to a piece I did on the band, which ran in today's paper.

(Photo courtesy of the band)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 9:21 AM | | Comments (2)
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January 14, 2010

Midnight Sun is also in the motel business

midnight sun motelSleepy?

Well, Midnight Sun's got what you need: Comfy beds, a sauna, pool, laundry services and more. And by "more," we mean "laundry."

Hee hee.

Midnight Sunner Shankman spotted this awesome business while on vacation in sunny Florida. 

I'm still trying to get the Midnight Sun Brewery in Alaska to send me merchandise/suds. So far, I've had no luck. I blame Sarah Palin.

Midnight Sun Brewery, if you're reading this, I formally request as much Midnight Sun apparel/beer as possible.

(Photo by Shankman)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:47 AM | | Comments (6)
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January 11, 2010

The Situation from 'Jersey Shore' to guest bartend at Mad River

jersey shore style

The Situation from "Jersey Shore" will be guest bartending at Mad River Feb. 11.

All the details about the show and The Situation can be found right here

Get ready for some six-pack abs IN YOUR FACE!

(AP photo)

 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 4:07 PM | | Comments (13)
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January 6, 2010

Dixon not mayor at Baltimore City Hall ... on Foursquare

Baltimore City HallMidnight Sun King Sam Sessa isn't on Foursquare -- a growing social networking site where users can "check in" at bars, restaurants and the like, letting their friends know where they are eating and drinking. But I (guest poster and Community Coordinator Carla) am, and when news came down via an e-mail from Marc Steiner that Mayor Sheila Dixon would be resigning, there was a mad rush for Foursquarers to check in at, you guessed it, City Hall.

See, the person who's checked in the most at a place becomes the "mayor." For example, I'm the mayor of The Reserve in South Baltimore. And, sometimes, mayors get perks. I hear the mayor of Teavolve gets a free entree. Pretty neat? Some of you think so (others will make fun of Foursquare in the comments, I'm sure).

So, people began to check in at City Hall, joking that they had to become the mayor before Stephanie Rawlings-Blake steps in. But who is the mayor of City Hall on Foursquare? That would be Steve Kruskamp Jr., who says his first order of business will be "appointing the entire cast of Jersey Shore as my staff."

Sounds like a fabulous plan to me.

Baltimore Sun photo by Jed Kirschbaum

 

Posted by Carla Correa at 4:32 PM | | Comments (17)
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December 31, 2009

The (unpublished) comment of the week

Back when I posted about how it's not cool to send in evil/wicked/nasty/eviler comments, I never expected people to stop sending them in. I just stopped posting them. 

Then I got this comment from someone named Carl. It's so bogusly negative, I kind of want to publish it. Not under the original thread about DuClaw closing, but here, where it can get the attention it deserves ...

Continue reading "The (unpublished) comment of the week" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:02 AM | | Comments (12)
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December 21, 2009

So, today is Frank Zappa Day, eh?

frank zappaHave you heard the news?

Today, Dec. 21, 2009, is Frank Zappa Day.

Mayor Sheila Dixon issued the proclamation, which makes it official. Why today? Well, today was his birthday, and he was born in Baltimore.

I did have one question, however: Is Frank Zappa Day just today? Or every Dec. 21 from now on?

So I called Scott Peterson, the mayor's spokesman, and asked him. His response was pretty funny ...

Continue reading "So, today is Frank Zappa Day, eh?" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 4:45 PM | | Comments (11)
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December 17, 2009

Frank Zappa statue to go near Highlandtown library

frank zappa statueSo the Public Art Committee finally found a home for that Frank Zappa statue: Outside the Southeast Anchor Library, a branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Highlandtown.

The bust of Zappa (who was born in Baltimore) will go up sometime next year, according to committee chair Anne Perkins.

"We think this is a great place for it -- a terrific neighborhood" Perkins said. "I think it will be the focal point for a lot of really fun festivals."

Here's a link to the full story.

At first, I was a little surprised at the site they chose. Highlandtown might get a decent amount of foot traffic, but probably not as much as the other sites they were considering -- such as Fells Point.

And besides the Creative Alliance, Highlandtown really isn't known for its arts and entertainment.. 

Then I spoke with Zappa's widow, Gail, who cleared things up for me ...

Continue reading "Frank Zappa statue to go near Highlandtown library" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:12 PM | | Comments (10)
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December 13, 2009

You know what I need?

Posted by Sam Sessa at 8:59 AM | | Comments (4)
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December 11, 2009

What was your very first favorite song?

Do you remember the very first song you were fixated with? Think way back -- waaaaay back to when you were a little kid.

What was the first song you played over and over and over again?

For me, it was "All I Need is a Miracle" by Mike + The Mechanics. I hope I'm not dating myself here. I was a little kid, and I had a little record player that spun 45s. I'm not sure where I got my hands on the single, but I had it, and I played it to death ...

Continue reading "What was your very first favorite song?" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 8:28 AM | | Comments (52)
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December 9, 2009

Daft Punk is playing on my keyboard

Do you like Daft Punk? Or do you like wasting time on silly Internet things? I know you do, and you're definitely going to like this. ...

Continue reading "Daft Punk is playing on my keyboard" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 8:04 AM | | Comments (1)
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December 5, 2009

Midnight Sun endorses this T-shirt

carpe noctumAfter the monument lighting Thursday night, City Paper held one of their Illuminate events in a building on West Read St.

The events showcase local arts and crafts, as well as apartments and condos. 

I came across this T-shirt, which was part of a display from Shine Collective. I didn't ask how much it cost (I'm too poor to afford clothes), but if I had some greenbacks, I'd buy one.

That's why I'm endorsing it on behalf of Midnight Sun.

Carpe noctum!

(Photo by me)
Posted by Sam Sessa at 12:09 PM | | Comments (2)
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November 29, 2009

Susan Boyle, "As seen on YouTube"

susan boyle, i dreamed a dreamWhen I got my review copy of Susan Boyle's new CD, "I Dreamed a Dream," in the mail the other day, the sticker on the front caught my eye.

Stickers like this one on the cover of CD jewel cases are fairly common. Usually, they list the singles, or maybe a few kind words from a magazine like Rolling Stone.

This one read "As Seen on YouTube."

That's the first time I've seen something like that.

If you're not familiar with Boyle, she's the 48-year-old Scottish singer who became an overnight sensation on "Britain's Got Talent" in April. She is perhaps YouTube's biggest success story, as well.

I plugged Boyle's name into YouTube, and did a quick tally. Boyle-related videos have been watched more than 100 million times.

According to a press release, pre-orders of "I Dreamed a Dream," which was released Tuesday, made her No. 1 on Amazon.com's best-sellers list ...

Continue reading "Susan Boyle, "As seen on YouTube"" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:48 AM | | Comments (25)
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November 28, 2009

Are Baltimore bums getting more innovative?

parking ticketYou know the old standbys: The scruffy dude on the corner with a wad of newspaper and a bottle of blueish water, offering to wipe your windshield -- or the guy banging on the overturned bucket.

But the other day, I saw something I'd never seen before.

I had parked on Broadway in Fells Point, and was walking up to the automated parking kiosk when a panhandler approached me with an offer:

"Four hours, half price," he said.

At first, I didn't get what he was saying. Then he stuck out his hand, which had a couple crumpled parking slips in it.

Oh, I thought. I firmly but politely declined ...

Continue reading "Are Baltimore bums getting more innovative?" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:17 AM | | Comments (13)
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November 27, 2009

I finally found Ful

fulFor years, I've been trying to find Ful, the city's most exclusive yet elusive club.*

Dreamed up by Midnight Sunner BryaninTowson as an answer to Pur, Ful is high-end underground -- or so I heard. I never knew the secret location. Until now.

I was walking down Calvert Street when I saw the sign, and it opened up my eyes. 

By Jove, I thought, I finally found it, after all these years.

Why had Ful been so hard to find? Because Ful wasn't in one place. It changed locations, depending on the night. Genius! Or is it ingenious? I'm never sure ...

Continue reading "I finally found Ful" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:41 PM | | Comments (1)
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Rolling Stones in Baltimore, part 2

rolling stones baltimoreWith the help of archivist Paul McCardell, here is one more clip about the Rolling Stones' 1969 appearance at the Baltimore Civic Center. This article, published on November 28, 1969, focuses more on the music and less on the violence:

Crowd Devastated by Rolling Stones

Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones devastated a sellout crowd at the Civic Center Wednesday night with basic, unsophisticated, harder-than-steel rock.

The show started an hour late, and was not helped appreciably by the appearance of Terry Reid, a British singer who looked and sounded like the Artful Dodger of "Oliver Twist."

But the pace quickened with B.B. King and his band, who showed a together audience where Mick and the Stones got some of their roots ...

Continue reading "Rolling Stones in Baltimore, part 2" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:35 AM | | Comments (12)
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Rolling Stones in Baltimore -- 40 years later

the rolling stones in 1969This week in 1969, the Rolling Stones performed a sold-out show at the Baltimore Civic Center (now called the 1st Mariner Arena).

Now, 40 years later, here is The Baltimore Sun's recount of the show. There were fistfights and at least one karate chop to the throat, but somehow, no one was arrested. Oh, and the Stones played.

Rolling Stones Rock Civic Center

The shrieks of thousands of young females filled the Civic Center last night as the Rolling Stones, the English rock group, brought their brand of the electric apocalypse to Baltimore.

Mick Jagger, the head Rolling Stone, pranced out on the stage dressed in a red scarf, silver collar and a black costume amid the hysterical roar of the 13,000 persons who filled the Center to capacity ...

Continue reading "Rolling Stones in Baltimore -- 40 years later" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:43 AM | | Comments (2)
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November 24, 2009

Is Adam Lambert the new Chris Sligh?

Discuss.
Posted by Sam Sessa at 4:19 PM | | Comments (28)
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Why Jackson Browne likes Baltimore

jackson browneA couple weeks ago at the Lyric Opera House, Jackson Browne took a moment to tell the audience why he likes Baltimore.

Is it because he recorded much of his acclaimed 1977 release "Running on Empty" at nearby Merriweather Post Pavilion and the Cross Keys Inn (which is now the Radisson Hotel, I believe)? Is it because he loves crab cakes or Berger cookies?

Nope. Browne likes Baltimore because he watches "The Wire."

"I think it's a good show," he told the crowd (here's a link to my review of that show).

"Do you have an awareness that show was shot here?" he asked.

Sigh ...

Continue reading "Why Jackson Browne likes Baltimore" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 10:04 AM | | Comments (9)
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November 19, 2009

Checking in with Jim Gaffigan

jim gaffigan

Tomorrow night, comedian Jim Gaffigan is going to be in town for two shows at the Lyric Opera House (get tickets here).

It's been a few years since the last time I talked to Gaffigan, but he still plays the whiny, lovable lazy butt like few can. And his bits about food (especially bacon, bologna and Hot Pockets) are still hilarious.

Gaffigan has accepted the notion that, at this point, he's probably The Food Comedian.

"Every time there's a new bacon-scented envelope, I get 50 e-mails or messages or tweets about it," he said. "It's the same whenever there's a new Hot Pocket. ... It's very flattering."

Here is a link to my piece on Gaffigan, which ran in today's paper.

(Handout photo)

 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 1:04 PM | | Comments (2)
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November 17, 2009

Bruce Springsteen blowout coverage

bruce springsteen in 1975Since Bruce Springsteen hasn't played in Baltimore since 1973, we're pulling out all the stops and going all Bruce, all the time.

Dig if you will this entire online section devoted to Bruce Springsteen.

It has Springsteen photos.

It has a test-your-Bruce-knowledge pop quiz.

The page also has a ton of Springsteen stories. Sun researcher Paul McCardell and I spent a good deal of time yesterday digging through the vast, dusty archives looking for colorful old Springsteen stories and photos.

You would not believe how many times The Baltimore Sun has gushed about Springsteen.

Former Sun writer Rafael Alvarez called Springsteen "the messiah of rock and roll." Columnist Dan Rodricks wrote a couple columns in the '80s that were blatant ploys to get free Springsteen tickets.

Surprisingly, we could only find one actual interview with Springsteen -- back in 1975 after a show at Painter's Mill (here's a link to the piece) ...

Continue reading "Bruce Springsteen blowout coverage" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:30 PM | | Comments (7)
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November 12, 2009

A look at Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse

sam seltzer's steakhouseMidnight Sun commenter (and liquor board commish) LiquorBoarding (aka Stephan Fogleman) was in Florida the other day, when he spotted a Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse.

He writes:

I'm running late to the airport, and what do I see on Route 41 but Sam Seltzers Steakhouse. I had to take one quick pic for you. P.S. Kids, if you were trying to find Nemo, you can stop now. He's at Sam Seltzers.

Thanks for the photo, Mr. LiquorBoarding, sir!

I love how he's got the badge out there. I imagine a cheesy commercial, where LiquorBoarding is "arresting" the restaurant.

"At Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse, you have the right to a thick and juicy steak, rich mashed potatoes and delicious sea scallops."

Hee hee!

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:41 AM | | Comments (1)
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November 6, 2009

So I got a sample of Usher's new cologne ...

usherR&B star Usher recently released a new cologne called VIP. And guess what? I got a sample of it!!! OMG!!!

Heh.

I've read that wearing this new fragrance is supposed to empower you to be your own VIP. This weekend, I'm going to put that theory to the test.

Either tonight or tomorrow night, I'm going to drench myself in Usher's VIP and try to breeze past the bouncers at one of Baltimore's high-end clubs.

What do you think will happen? 

There's only one way to find out.

(Photo by Getty Images)

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:17 AM | | Comments (6)
Categories: Bars & Clubs, Random stuff
        

How to open a bottle of wine with your shoe

This could have come in handy in college, when corkscrews were hard to come by. I can't tell you how many times we ended up jamming the cork down into the wine, which almost always meant tiny bits of cork bobbing in your glass.

Not only does this shoe method look like a fun party trick (or an ace in the hole, if you don't have a corkscrew), it seems like even tipsy Frenchmen can do it. And if tipsy Frenchmen can do it, so can we. Thanks to Owl Meat for sharing the vid:

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:30 AM | | Comments (13)
Categories: Bars & Clubs, Random stuff
        

November 2, 2009

"The Recession Nation Project" is released

andres zapata recession nationWay back in April, I did this piece about local artists, photographers and musicians who were using the recession as inspiration.

One of the people I spoke with was Andres Zapata (pictured), who was working on a project called Recession Nation.

Zapata collected photos, short stories, visual art and poems from Baltimore and abroad, and recently published them in the book "The Recession Nation Project."

You can preview and buy a copy here.

I flipped through the book online and was pleasantly surprised at how well it came out ...

Continue reading ""The Recession Nation Project" is released" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:54 AM | | Comments (0)
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October 23, 2009

Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse

OK, OK, I admit it -- sometimes, I Google my own name. Yes, I know, it's super lame. I like seeing where my stories end up online, that's all.

Anyway, you know when you start to type something into Google's search bar and it gives you suggestions? Well, as I was typing my name in, the words "Sam Seltzer's Restaurant" popped up. Intrigued, I clicked on it ...

Continue reading "Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:30 AM | | Comments (4)
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October 22, 2009

Dancers are gearing up for Saturday's mass "Thriller" performance

thriller dance rehearsalsSeveral months ago, dozens of dancers began training to zombie walk and booty swim their way through a mass synchronized performance of Michael Jackson's thriller.

The celebration, called "Thrill the World" will take place in the Inner Harbor at 8 p.m. Saturday.

As of today, about 275 have registered to perform the dance.

At the exact same time, thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) will join them around the world, in an effort to set a record for the largest synchronized dance routine at various venues ...

Continue reading "Dancers are gearing up for Saturday's mass "Thriller" performance" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:01 PM | | Comments (4)
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October 21, 2009

Fix up the Inner Harbor carousel? Or put something new there?

inner harbor carouselI loved your suggestions for where to put the Frank Zappa statue. 

Today, I read where the Baltimore Development Corp. is taking a hard look at the shabby (but long-standing) carousel on the South side of the Inner Harbor, near the Science Center.

You don't need to spend much time near the carousel to notice that it's not used much and in need of some pretty major repairs.

The question is, should the carousel be restored? Or removed altogether and replaced with something else?

The Inner Harbor "has to be re-energized," said Jim Seay, president of Premier Rides of Baltimore, who presented ideas yesterday. "We have to return some of the magic of the Inner Harbor."

I'm with you, Jim ...

Continue reading "Fix up the Inner Harbor carousel? Or put something new there?" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 9:09 AM | | Comments (28)
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October 20, 2009

Where would you like to see the Frank Zappa statue?

frank zappa statueMore than a year ago, Baltimore accepted a bust of Baltimore native Frank Zappa. Valued at $50,000, the bust was a gift from a Lithuanian Zappa fan club.

Since then, officials have been debating where to put it.

For a while, it looked like the statue would be placed at Fleet Street and Broadway in Fells Point. But the Fells Point location wasn't suitable for the statue, officials said.

Tomorrow, officials from the Baltimore Public Art Commission will scout two new locations: The intersection of South Conkling Street and Eastern Avenue in Highlandtown and a Patterson Park annex.

"They want to have more room so people would be able to interact and congregate around the sculpture," said Tracy Baskerville, spokeswoman for the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts.

"That's what the Fells Point location lacked. These two locations have that. More than one person can be next to it."

Personally, I think neither of these new locations are appealing.

Where would you like to see the bust? I have a suggestion ...

Continue reading "Where would you like to see the Frank Zappa statue?" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:04 PM | | Comments (40)
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October 18, 2009

Outings for kids with autism

I had a story in today's paper (link) about a rise in the number of events that are geared toward autistic children. I'm talking about movie screenings, restaurant nights, local trips, church services and even play zones. For someone who mostly covers entertainment, this was an interesting piece to research and write.
Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:08 AM | | Comments (0)
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October 15, 2009

Catching up with Ray LaMontagne

ray lamontagneTonight, enigmatic singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne will play the first of two sold-out shows with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

The first is at Strathmore, and the second is tomorrow at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

I talked to Ray for an article which ran in today's paper (here's a link). I was shocked to find out he's never played one of his songs for his wife, and that, at first, he didn't like his voice.

This is the second time Ray has played with an orchestra. The first time was this past July at the Hollywood Bowl.

Ray had a funny perspective on what it's like to be backed by an orchestra:

"When you play with an orchestra, you have to go back and re-learn all the songs," he said. "It's just a pain in the ass." 

Hee hee ...

Continue reading "Catching up with Ray LaMontagne" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 7:39 AM | | Comments (1)
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October 10, 2009

Alliance Comics celebrates its grand opening tonight at Illusions

illusions magic bar

Looks like today is all about the grand openings.

The new Alliance Comics in South Baltimore is celebrating its grand opening 8 p.m.-10 p.m. tonight with a celebration at Illusions Magic Bar (1025 S. Charles St.).

According to Alliance's owner Amy McNeal, there will be drink specials, snacks, and of course, a live magic show.

She writes:

If you're looking for some relaxation at a beautiful art deco style bar with delicious drinks and an awesome magic show , come and join us!

(Photo by me)

 

Posted by Sam Sessa at 2:00 PM | | Comments (0)
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October 2, 2009

Sipping Michelob Ultra Pomegranate Raspberry beer

michelob ultra pomegranate raspberry

This post might just put a permanent dent in my manliness. But that's OK.

Last week, Amie saw an ad for Michaelob Ultra Pomegranate Raspberry beer (think they could have made the name any longer?).

When she asked me to pick her up a six-pack at the local liquor store, I cringed to myself.

I figured she would try one, not like it, and I'd be stuck drinking the other five bottles of fruit-tastic beer.

Oh boy!

Turns out, it's not actually that bad ...

Continue reading "Sipping Michelob Ultra Pomegranate Raspberry beer" »

Posted by Sam Sessa at 11:57 AM | | Comments (13)
Categories: Bars & Clubs, Drink-ology, Random stuff
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