Rams Head The Blog

This week we’ve announced some of our favorite RHOS alum as well as a couple of shows playing their Rams Head debut! Tickets for the following shows are on sale now, so call our box office at 410.268.4545 or go online to grab your favorite seats.

05.29  Sister Hazel All Ages Matinee

It’s been 10 years and over two million records sold for Sister Hazel since the catchy love-struck first single “All For You” hit airwaves and Sister Hazel’s creative train just keeps rolling. 2009′s well-received “Release” reached the band’s highest ever spot (#37) on the Billboard Album Charts, and they kept the momentum going with last year’s “Heartland Highway”, marking the band’s quickest album-to-album turnaround in their 15-plus-year career. After all their years together, the band is feeling like they’re reaching new milestones with “Heartland Highway.”

07.07  The Doerfels

Drawing comparisons to Nickel Creek and The Infamous Stringdusters, this young, Bluegrass-influenced group of gifted siblings ranges in ages from 13 to 21 with several years of touring already under their belts. Criss-crossing the country from California to the New England coast, they make close to 250 appearances a year including appearances at some of Branson’s finest theatre stages as well as Silver Dollar City. During their tenure they’ve appeared with artists such as Asleep at the Wheel and Jon Conle.

07.09  Poncho Sanchez And His Latin Jazz Band

If music were about pictures, percussionist and Grammy Award winner Poncho Sanchez’s music would best be described as a kaleidoscopic swirl of some of the hottest colors and brightest lights to emerge from either side of the border. At any given show, on any given record, fragments of Latin jazz, swing, bebop, salsa and other infectious grooves collide and churn in a fiery swirl, with results that are no less than dazzling.

07.10  Marshall Tucker Band

From their first LP in 1973, to their powerful stage presence today, the Marshall Tucker Band has played countless concert venues around the world. Years of rigorous tour schedules earned the band the respect of critics and countless dedicated fans. With hit singles like “Heard It In a Love Song,” “Fire On The Mountain,” “Can’t You See,” and “Take The Highway,” The Marshall Tucker Band earned seven gold and three platinum albums while they were on the Capricorn Records label. Now, thanks to the expanding scope of today’s music, a new generation of fans is learning what the rest of their fans have known for so long- that good music knows no boundaries.

08.13  Dan Navarro

Dan Navarro is better known as one half of the acoustic duo Lowen & Navarro, who, for the past 20 years, have barnstormed the country on the heels of their 11 albums.The distinguishing marks are the same for Dan solo as they have been with Eric Lowen all these years — songs of insight and experience, delivered straight up with honesty, passion and grace.

09.09  Slim Man

Mr. Man got his start as a songwriter at Motown, where one of his first songs was recorded by Angela Bofill on her critically-acclaimed debut CD, Angie. Slim Man was also a member of the band BootCamp, which had 2 of the first 100 videos ever played on MTV. The Slim Man Band was started in 1994, had a Top Ten Hit the following year, and has been recording and touring ever since. With his lively stage presence and acute Jazz sensibilities, Slim Man’s return to Rams Head On Stage is an evening you won’t want to miss.

09.10  Capitol Steps

The Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. In the years that followed, many of the Steps ignored the conventional wisdom “Don’t quit your day job!”, and although not all of the current members of the Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers, taken together the performers have worked in a total of eighteen Congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience.

09.16  Rare Earth

An established name in the music industry for over two decades, Rare Earth is back performing with the same unique and recognizable sound that has always been their own! Rare Earth has their audiences up and out of their seats dancing and singing along with their million selling classics such as “Get Ready”, “Hey Big Brother”, “Losing You”, “Born to Wander”, and “I Just Want to Celebrate” creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the Madison Square Garden Concert in 1970, the Atlantic Pop Festival in 1971 or the California Jam which was one of their most memorable concerts broadcast nationally in 1974.

We are creatures of habit and sometimes that also means we get ‘stuck’ and ‘shortsighted’….
We love our favorite bands, we know every word to every song, we go to their concerts, download their music and call ourselves dedicated fans ! Until… an artist branches out or breaks away from his/her band to explore another side of their creativity … then, we often become skeptical that the artist can sustain the ‘magic’ of their previous efforts ! Rams Head recently hosted one of these scenarios with John Popper (of Blues Traveler) and the Duskray Troubadours…. I think there is some validity to my theory above as the show sold about ½ the house… But, I am here to tell you Nay-Sayers that the fans who came out were entertained to-the-max with great music, side splitting humor, favorite old hits and impressive new material ! It was a well-rounded, well-received performance by guys who are the real deal !! So, next time you are feeling, oh let’s say dubious about an artist’s new project…. Jump in with an open mind and allow yourself to experience the next level !

Just announced and on sale now at Rams Head On Stage:

05.14 Jennifer Knapp All Ages Matinee

Grammy nominated, Dove Award winning Jennifer Knapp returned from a seven year hiatus last year with a new album, Letting Go. Recorded in Nashville with producer Paul Moak, it features ten folk rock songs showcasing Knapp’s astonishing straightforwardness and spirituality. With her impressive history of selling over one million albums with her previous releases Kansas, Lay It Down, and The Way I Am, the Kansas-born musician toured the globe with artists such as Jars of Clay and was featured on the Lilith Fair Tour in 1999 and again in 2010.

06.06 Atlanta Rhythm Section

Often described as a more radio-friendly version of Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Allman Brothers, the Atlanta Rhythm Section was one of many Southern rock bands to hit the upper reaches of the charts during the late ’70s. They’ve been part of the Southern Rock scene for more than 30 years with hits including So Into You, Champagne Jam, Imaginary Lover, and Spooky that make them classic representatives of all the good things the phrase “classic rock” implies.

06.07 Zoë Keating

Zoë Keating is a one-woman orchestra. Using her cello and a foot-controlled laptop to record layer upon layer of cello, Zoë has earned critical acclaim for creating intricate, haunting and compelling music. Increasingly considered a role model for DIY artists, Zoë’s self-released albums have sold over 35,000 copies and she has amassed an incredible 1.3 million Twitter followers. As a former member of the cello-driven band Rasputina, Zoë is no stranger to the innovative possibilities of her instrument; lessons which she has taken to great hights.

06.11 Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot perf. the music of Billy Joel & more

BIG SHOT, featuring the amazing vocals and piano of Michael DelGuidice backed by one of the most dynamic and seasoned bands in the industry, is packed with hit after chart-topping hit in a high energy, interactive stage performance. Aside from numerous uncanny renditions of Billy Joel’s music, they will also astonish you with songs by Elton John, The Beatles, Journey, Paul McCartney, Marc Cohn, and many others. In a New York Times article Billy Joel himself was quoted saying “They had a hard time convincing me it wasn’t me. It’s uncanny.”

06.27 Martin Taylor

Award winning guitarist MARTIN TAYLOR has established a unique musical career as an internationally acclaimed musician, and his inimitable style has seen him recognised as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing. As well as being a true guitar innovator, he is also a master concert performer, dazzling audiences with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humour, with a strong stage presence.

08.20 Kindred The Family Soul w. spcl guest Noel Gourdin

Husband and wife Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon seemingly came out of nowhere in 2003 to release what was likely the most critically acclaimed soul album of that year, Surrender to Love, under their moniker Kindred the Family Soul. Sounding something like an updated Womack and Womack but with the underlying joyousness of Ashford & Simpson, the duo was a breath of fresh air as they sang of their deep love for each other and their family, even while acknowledging the challenging, often monotonous existence of daily life.

Amos Lee, Josh Ritter, Eric Hutchinson, Mason Jennings, Justin Jones and Bobby Long. Okay, now read that again. Yes, they’re all playing the  Sunday Funday show on May 15 at Pier Six. All of them. And finally, today, you can start to imagine what it’ll be like. I mean, honestly; it’s 65 and sunny out there. You mean to tell me you’re not spacing out thinking about cornhole and beer and windows rolled down right now? Okay so you weren’t a minute ago, but now you can’t help yourself, can you? So in the spirit of sunshine and happiness I thought I’d give you a little teaser of the unbelievable lineup of six headlining artists all making the all-day festival of singer/songwriters, sun and fun at Pier Six. Enjoy!

Oh yes, that’s right: John Popper, the Hungarian harmonica-headliner and Blues Traveler Big Boy, is putting down some Americana Roots with the Duskray Troubadours this year and the result is something sweet!

If you forgot to pick up your copy of their self-titled debut album here’s your chance to win a signed copy! All you have to do is leave a comment answering our “Popper pop-quiz” and we’ll (completely subjectively, no wait, make that randomly!) pick someone deserving who will go home with his latest album! While your googling the answer (admit it, that’s your plan) don’t forget to pick up you tickets to see him live at Rams Head On Stage next  Tuesday night!

The Popper Pop Quiz: Which Awards Show for improvisational music did John Popper play at in 2002?

Lets be honest. How badly do you want a beer, a hot dog, some friends, a frisbee, some great music and, for the love of god….some summa summa time?! Well my friends like the rising and setting sun, the glory days of 2011 are on the horizon and by the good grace of the music gods we will party, and we will dance, and we will throw down like we neva gonna leave town.

Buzzing with anticipation, the Pier Six Pavilion sits stoically upon the Baltimore inner harbor like a sleeping dragon. Water churns around the edge of the docks and winds gust beneath the canopy. The lights are low but the energy is high and this dormant dragon is ready to breathe some serious hell fire in 2011.

Rarh! (10 points if you can tell us what movie this dragon is from? (or a pair of tickets))

In launching the this season, we had to bear in mind that Baltimore is no city to be messed with. Baltimore will drop it like a bad habit if they ain’t down so we knew we needed a band that could set the stage for the entire summer to really rip something righteous. So who better than one of the most epic rock bands of all time?!?!

…a little vintage STP…

Stone Temple Pilots are not only set to kick off the Pier Six season on April 26, they are gearing up to blow a damn hole in the tent. Scott Weiland, Dean and Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz come to Baltimore with their infamous brand of grunge meets alternative rock. They will be joined in true Baltimore fashion by the one and only 98 Rock who will be airing live from the party on the lawn so get there early! b Daily will be celebrating their Birthday as well and will have 500 drink tickets to hand out to the first lucky fans!

And if STP wasn’t all you need, then remember we’ve got … beer, we’ve got hot dogs, we’ve got burgers…more? We’ve got margaritas, hula hoops, cornhole, ticket winning stations…more? We’ve got lemonade, chicken fingers, merchandise, lawn party, drink tickets. Phew, alright you’re on your own! Tickets are on sale but going fast. Start your summer off right in the temple of awesome!

Buy Tickets –> Here

When I found out that we’d booked Bootsy Collins, I started to grin. I almost said that I started to get star-struck, but I just can’t do that much cheese this late in the day. Grinning I did. By the response, everyone else has done some grinning too! He seems like he’s just one of those figures that people have stories about. Jason, our new graphic designer, had a teacher in High School who told him that whenever she was down she pulled out Bootsy and he made everything better (which she carried with her in her wallet)…I can see it though. I don’t know of anyone who isn’t cheered up by a red-alligator-skin top hat with a star on it! And then we announced that we’re bringing the Fabulous Thunderbirds back (because they’re fabulous, of course), as well as the woman who penned hits for Linda Ronstadt and others, a Grammy winning Jazz-man, Eric Brace and co visiting their home (or close anyway) as well as a dash of local Irish fun, and we’ve got another batch of shows ready for you to get excited about! Tickets to all these shows are on sale now, so call, stop in, or check us out online to purchase your seats for the show!

06.22  The Fabulous Thunderbirds

For over 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up”. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation. “We started as a straight blues band”, vocalist and harmonica player Wilson says. “We now incorporate a mixture of a lot of different styles. We’re an American music band and we’re much higher energy than we were before.”

06.23  Bootsy Collins

With his iconic starry-eyed sunglasses Bootsy Collins is best known as the bassist for Parliament/Funkadelic and leader of Bootsy’s Rubberband in the late 70′s. Bootsy got into music long before he became a part of Parliament/Funkadelic. At a young age, Bootsy’s band so impressed the Godfather of Soul that he asked them to become his regular band in 1969 and Bootsy’s band was re-named the J.B’s. In 1971, they decided to launch their own career and that is when Bootsy met up with George Clinton and became a part of Parliament Funkadelic. In 1975 Bootsy did some recording under the name Bootsy’s Rubberband, based on their single, Stretching Out. Together, Parliament/Funkadelic and the Rubberband put on some of the most stunning and evolutionary live Funk shows.

07.02   Eric Brace & Last Train Home

“One of the country’s most formidable roots-rock bands.” That’s the assessment of Nashville’s Tennessean newspaper about Last Train Home. And while roots-rock is at the heart of LTH’s sound, don’t overlook the country, bluegrass, swing, blues, folk, pop, and Tin Pan Alley influences you’ll find if you lend this band an ear. What began as a part-time band in Washington D.C. back in 1997 has evolved into an acclaimed full-time touring group based out of Nashville.

08.19  The Rovers

Formed in 2006, The Rovers have taken the Celtic music scene by storm thanks to an eclectic mix of traditional roots and blazing instrumentals with an amped up rock twist. Their musicianship and show is nothing short of high octane. Their fan base is continually expanding and covers people of all ages from all walks of life. Fronted by Ray Murphy (lead guitar) from Dublin Ireland and backed by Jenn Garmen (fiddle), Eddie McGowan (bass and bagpipes), Jim Martin, (percussion), and drummer Garet Howard. They are sure to keep you on edge until the final track has been played.

10.09  Norman Brown

Norman Brown has a lot to live up to. Since the release of his critically acclaimed 2002 album, Just Chillin’ – which won a Grammy® in the prestigious Best Pop Instrumental Category – this innovative and original guitarist has been front and center in the fast evolving fusion of pop, R&B and jazz that has captured the imagination of true music aficionados across the country and around the world. Now, with the release of West Coast Coolin’, Norman Brown consolidates his reputation as a premier recording and performing artist with a collection of ten tracks — written and co-written by the artist – that take the sonic adventure of Just Chillin’ into breathtaking new spheres.

10.15  Karla Bonoff

Karla Bonoff has been described as one of the finest singer/songwriters of her generation. And in her case, that description is not hyperbole. With a career spanning four decades, Bonoff has enjoyed critical acclaim, commercial success, enduring popularity and the unwavering respect of her peers. In addition to achieving chart success with her own recordings, Karla has seen her songs become hits for such stellar artists as Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd and Linda Ronstadt. All the while, she has continued to tour extensively, playing sold-out shows around the world. Karla’s moving vocals on her rich, expressive songs are overwhelmingly refreshing, exhilarating and restorative. And hearing them live can be transformative.

If you’ve been to a Rams Head restaurant, we hope that you’ve had the opportunity to fill out a comment card detailing your visit to our facility.    The comment cards themselves are pretty basic… name, address, email, date of your visit, rate your experience, who was your server & what would you do to improve.   But, what happens to these notes filled with your valuable insight? Do you wonder if anyone ever sees them?

For a small piece of paper our comment cards actually travel quite the distance within the Rams Head walls…

Our comment cards are printed at our neighboring print shop, Sir Speedy on West Street (shop local!).  They are then delivered to our various restaurants by way of the Kyle & Erin shuttle express.  The manager inserts them into the check presenters where they are housed until they arrive at your table.   Our hope is that you fill them out and give them back to the server, who returns them to the manager.  The manager then reads them, responds (if needed) & makes changes or praises (as needed) and they are hand delivered to my office in Annapolis where I review. Afterwards, we collect them and then send them to our Microsoft Excel guru Miss Madison at our Savage location who types in your email info to get you loaded into our e-marketing database.  And then they are recycled.

I read through each and every comment card for all of our locations.  I look for advertising trends (how did you hear about us?) and food trends (“I am very dissapointed to find out that the crab puffs were removed from the menu”) and often get a kick out of the some of the responses which may, or may not, have been written after a few cocktails.

There are quite a few themes that prevail no matter what the location, the year or the author:  free beer for all,  server X deserves a raise and I’m always shocked at the alarming number of requests for pole dancers?!?

We of course love the praises of our servers or food or better yet, both!  After all, we are in the business of service and it’s what we strive to accomplish each and every day we open our doors:

We often receive great bits of advice, which we try and take into account when strategizing for the future. I wish everyone left their contact information to allow me the opportunity to respond.  For this comment, I would tell them that we rotate our menu every 6 months.  So while not quite every 4 months as requested, we are getting in a regular rotation:

And of course we wouldn’t ask the question, if we couldn’t take the heat.  But as a small business, sometimes it’s hard to not to be hurt by some of the responses/comments, especially when you feel as though the customer’s perception is not in line with the company reality:

After taking a humbling moment, I realize that this is a review of my job – I must not be telling out story well enough, clear often or often enough in the ways that we are supporting our local community that surrounds us.   That perhaps I need to toot our own horn a little louder about our involvement & countless volunteer hours with Special Olympics of Maryland, The Chad William Muehlhauser Education Fund at the Baltimore Aquarium, the Toys for Tots, AM|FM fund, Annapolis Business Association, Annapolis Restaurant Week, Annapolis West Street Association to name a few.  In essence, I need to do a better job of telling our volunteer story.

This reminds me of a wise quote from Ryder Carrier Management Brian Koval, “Lessons are usually where you look for them.  You can learn something from anyone.” Imagine the lessons I’m learning each week with your comment cards – thank you for giving me a weekly dose of Rams Head education.

Until next time… enjoy some Food, Fun & Beer.
Erin

Posted on behalf of Stevens

Badda Boom ! Badda Bing ! It’s Spring !! We’ve had a few false alarms, a few teasers, but today feels like the real deal !! Can you just picture yourself, cold frosty beverage in hand, sun setting over the sparkling Inner Harbor and your favorite band’s songs washing over your happy ears ?  Feel it people ! Make some plans, get online and get your tickets ! Pier Six Season is upon you !

Rock The Docks!

Rams Head Promotions is proud to announce that two of their clubs ranked among the Top 25 in the World in ticket sales for the 1st quarter of 2011. According to Pollstar, the concert industry’s leading provider of information, Baltimore’s Rams Head Live and Annapolis’ Rams Head On Stage place 10th and 25th respectively. The clubs were the only two Maryland concert venues listed in the Top 50. Rams Head Live sold 35,065 tickets and Rams Head On Stage sold 22,856.