Rams Head The Blog

I know when I first think of a ukulele, I automatically think of the hula girls on the beaches Hawaii that lightly strum beautiful medleys on the tiny stringed instrument for any who wish to hear them… even though I have never been to Hawaii! In fact, the first time I ever touched a ukulele was when one of my friends was taking the class and let me have a strum. Sadly, I could only barely manage Symphony #9 on it (due to my slow, but ever progressing guitar learning). But, never did I think that there would be Jake Shimabukuro, a professional musician with a talent for playing on the ukulele. Jake Shimabukuro (she-ma-BOO-koo-row), according to his website, is becoming one of the world’s top ukulele musicians. He is well known for his lightening-fast fingers and his cutting edge performing techniques.

Once I looked into Jake Shimabukuro and listened to his music, I quickly became interested. I had never really thought that the ukulele was something to be taken onto a stage. He has done several different and interesting renditions of his favorite songs, from Sarah McLachlan to Cyndi Lauper, and even some tunes from Led Zepplin and The Beatles. Have you ever heard the Wizard of Oz classic song, “Somewhere over the Rainbow” on an ukulele? Yes, Jake plays an absolutely beautiful rendition of it on his ukulele.

Jake Shimabukuro plays \"Somewhere Over The Rainbow\"

So, I am looking forward to seeing Jake Shimabukuro live here at Rams Head On Stage this Sunday, May 14th. I absolutely encourage you to go onto Youtube and take a listen to the truly unique style of Jake Shimabukuro. Then come see him here at On Stage at 3pm, tickets are only $27.50.

Hope to see you there!

Your Trusty Intern,

Cymantha

Knees still knocking, hands still shaking… most boney body parts tender from receiving thrown bows – and throwing a few of our own; Lastnight’s Beastie Boys show was huge.

98 Rock is already calling it an instant classic and the Baltimore Sun’s Sam Sessa may have summed it up best when he shared one fan’s sentiment: “I can’t believe I am only ten rows back from the Beastie Boys!”

Indeed, last night’s show here was something special. “Balltown”….er, B-More, represented well, responding appropriately to the Beasties’ song choices: moshing furiously during hardcore sendups like “Heart Attack Man”; grooving oh so sweetly on the slow jam instrumentals and, in general, vibing out with a Chesire size #@*%-eating grin. Encores aside, the most memorable moments for me were the big-timing entrance to “Root Down”, and the sheer playfulness of “Remote Control” and “Something’s Gotta Give.” Oh yeah…lets not forget about Mix Master Mike. He somehow managed to outshine the amazing set piece that the Beasties are carrying with them for Bonnaroo. Its always great when hyped shows live up to the billing – this one did so and more, and by the time the Beasties get to Manchester, Bruce and Phish better watch their backs: it seems like Mike D, Ad-Rock and MCA got show-stealin’ on their mind.

Photograph by Jim Hendershot

Photograph by Jim Hendershot

Photography by Jim Hendershot

Want more pics like the one below? Check out the Baltimore Sun’s stash on flicker.

Baltimore Sun

Gogol Bordello…..

Sample, Mangold and myself braved this show and I have the limp to prove it. We knew it would be loud. We knew it would be great. Most nights, I conceede to my age and stay on the fringe of the crowd. With a little encouragement from Sample: “I’m coming off Chilli Cook-Off, follow me!”, we braved the pit:

Okay, that was fun… Mangold: “Check Please.” And we move to V.I.P. giving us just enough time to catch our breath, catch a song on the flip…. and dance!

Yes, that’s “Start Wearing Purple” at the end of that clip, and I wanted so desperately to share it with you, but I wanted more desperately to dance and party!

Right about now, is when Sample decided she was “going back in”….

And although we should all be thankful that she stayed to catch the grande finale, right about here is where she lost her Blackberry (note to self: enter pit with nothing, lose nothing).

Party Party!

Top 5 – we’ve all played it. Our offices favorite: “Okay okay, top 5 American bands of all time. Remember! They have to be a band, not an individual singer…. American….. Mark, you’re first – go.” Together, “eclectic” doesn’t begin to describe our group’s range of taste and musical preferences. And somehow we’re all able to agree that one of those “oh, this is too hard” slots definitely, absolutely and without a doubt goes to the Beastie Beastie Beastie Beastie Boys.

In february, to mark the 20th anniversary, the Boys reissued their classic Paul’s Boutique via a digital download that included 3D interactive digital artwork. The remastered reissue is available on their interactive album-specifc site where they invite fans to upload photos and stories, tour the band’s crawlspace, and make some noises and rhymes of their own.

The Boys have also issued a Collector’s Edition of Check Your Head that includes the deluxe remastered album on 4 seperate pieces of Vinyl, immediate album and b-sides download, and a digital download of 7 music videos and one commentary video directly from the fellas. Recently, the Boys performed “So Whatcha Want” with The Roots on NBC’s Jimmy Fallon – who did not pull a Letterman and  hide under his desk.

Finishing up their soon-to-be-released Hot Sauce Committee, just two years after their fully instrumental release The Mix-Up, and now on their way to Bonaroo the Beaste Boys are showing their Baltimore fans a little gratitude – reference intended. Pay attention.

They’ve scheduled just two stops as they travel from NYC to Manchester,  the first being at our very own Rams Head Live in Baltimore on Tuesday, June 9th… Surprise!

Tickets go on sale today at 4pm. And with local radio stations betting on sell-out time down to the minute,…. what rhymes with punctual?

Do you love Bloody Mary’s?  Do you think you have the best recipe? Every Sunday from 10am-2pm we have the best Bloody Mary Bar for only $10.00 at any Rams Head location.  At our Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis you can enter the” Best of the Bloody Mary Contest”. Congrads! Jeff Grover. You are this weeks contest winner.

Jeff Grover’s Original Recipe

4 shakes of celery salt

Tabasco (to desired level of heat)

Pinch of horseradish

3 shakes of Worcestershire

Splash (1 tsp) A1

Lime (1)

Celery stalk (1)

Top off with V8!!! or tomato juice