Rams Head The Blog

Now that Memorial day is done and you’ve had at least 18 hours to recover from the lighter fluid fumes in your back yard it’s time to start planning for the 4th of July, right? It’s hot enough out there it feels like July. Speaking of hot, the tickets are moving fast for the shows that went on sale at noon today, so here’s your official invitation to jump on it!

Monday, July 4th | Doc Hochman’s Dixieband

The Doctor of Jazz, Rick Hochman, and his Dixieband will again bring excitement to Rams Head On Stage, featuring outstanding Jazz and Blues musicians and the piano artistry of Dr. Hochman. A summer tradition in Annapolis, you won’t want to miss this 4th of July summer clebration! Catch the show before the fireworks begin!

Wednesday, August 3 | Ambrosia

Los Angeles quartet Ambrosia, fuse symphonic art rock with a slickly produced pop sound. In its brief recording history, Ambrosia garnered 5 Grammy nominations, 5 hit singles, heavy FM airplay, and the admiration and respect of the music community. Today the band is more alive than ever. With three of the four original members intact plus the addition of the very talented and inspiring David Lewis on keyboards, Doug Jackson on guitar, and Ken Stacey on vocals.

Saturday, August 27 | N’Dambi

Like many singers, N’dambi (meaning: most beautiful) developed her musical skills by singing and playing piano in her parents’ church in Dallas, TX. Her talents are multi-faceted incorporating singing, songwriting and producing as well as writing short stories and novels. She rekindles our relationship with soul music flawlessly as her rich voice resounds the energies of past icons like Nina Simone, Tina Turner and Chaka Khan.

Tuesday, September 20 | Renaissance
Performing Two Timeless Albums In Their Entirety
Turn Of The Cards & Scheherazade And Other Stories

English progressive rock band Renaissance rose from the ashes of the seminal UK rock group, the Yardbirds, with vocalist Annie Haslam and principal songwriter and guitarist Michael Dunford joining at the dawn of the 1970′s to define their work with folk rock and classical fusions. The band had their first Top Ten UK hit with “Northern Lights” in 1978 as well as creating progressive rock classics “Mother Russia” and “Ashes Are Burning”. In 2009 they embarked on a special 40th Anniversary Fall Concert Tour and they are currently composing and recording a new album that will be released in 2012.

Wednesday, September 21 | Tristan Prettyman

With laid-back melodies springing from finger-picked acoustic guitar, plaintive pedal-steel guitar, Wurlitzer, Hammond organ, and strings, Prettyman exudes her love of country-blues and folk from the ’60s and ’70s, artists like The Band, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan. Praised by Rolling Stone as, “one of the more promising young pop folkies,” Prettyman says she’s “stepped it up a notch,” with her sophomore release, Hello, chalking up the artistic leap between twentythree and Hello to the confidence that comes from incessant touring.

Sunday, October 23 | David Bromberg – Quartet

He’s played with everyone, he’s toured everywhere, he can lead a raucous big band or hold an audience silent with a solo acoustic blues. Bromberg’s sensitive and versatile approach to guitar-playing earned him a coveted position as the first-call, “hired gun” guitarist for recording sessions, ultimately playing on hundreds of records by artists including Bob Dylan (New Morning, Self Portrait, Dylan), Link Wray, The Eagles, Ringo Starr, Willie Nelson, and Carly Simon. Bromberg’s range of material, based in the folk and blues idioms, continually expanded with each new album to encompass bluegrass, ragtime, country and ethnic music.

Monday, October 24 | Little River Band

Little River Band was the first Australian band to successfully conquer foreign markets from an Australian base. Headlining their own major shows in America, and touring internationally with the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Supertramp, America, and the Eagles was a huge learning curve that honed LRB into one of the finest live bands in the world. Fans of the band are treated to an entertaining mix of classic songs and new material, delivered as always with that trademark LRB blend of impeccable vocals, soaring harmonies, kick-ass playing and the unmistakable feeling of a band really enjoying itself.

In the world of restaurant marketing, there is a belief that a photo should never be taken of an empty restaurant.  The thought is that human beings are attracted to other human beings and a photo of an empty restaurant will not attract human beings.  While I will give credit to the laws of human nature, I find myself enjoying the solitude of of our facilities when they are empty.  For me, the energy seeps in from the walls of the building, the details become more apparent and the building hums in preparation for a day ahead of serving others.

Just yesterday, I spent the morning at our Rams Head Tavern location in historic Savage Mill.   And with me was my trusty camera.  My intentions were to take a few photos for our facebook page, but as I start to take the photos I found myself enjoying the details of the building.   I was thinking about each individual decorative item and the thought behind it’s selection.  And I decide to bring you a blog post instead…

Me & my trusty companion documenting the day.

we were setting up for a small party for lunch

I will admit that I am biased; but, I believe that our dining room is one of the most beautiful that I have ever seen.

Many aspects of the historic textile mill, 1822-1947, are evident in the building

This Rams feels really powerful to me; overlooking the entire dining room.

This is my favorite booth in the restaurant.

Rams Head Savage Mill has 3 distinct floors & 5 different dining areas. This is the 2nd floor Tavern.

Reminding us, we are here to serve.

This glass shade is hand blown...

Ahhh... summer on our deck. Perfect.

Through the greens, you can see the 30 foot water wheel that powered the machines that wove the cloth

And downstairs to our Rathskeller, fondly referred to as "The Rath"

Remnants of last night's game. I can see the smiles & hear the laughter.

Can you feel the buzz in the air?

I can only imagine the wonderful conversations under these lights.

Everyone's favorite taps.

As I turned off the lights, I couldn’t help but notice who was waving me goodbye. For a small moment, I laughed and remembered the glory days of my college years.

Yours in Food, Fun & Beer ~
Erin

Looking to drink a cold good brew on a hot summer day? Come try the NEW  Fordham Brewing Company’s summer beer, Wisteria Wheat, on Thursday, June 2nd,  from 4-6pm at a Rams Head restaurant near you.                    

The Wisteria Wheat beer will be tapped at 4pm. “Wisteria Wheat is one of the most unique beers we brew. It’s got all the flavor and character of any true hefeweizen and it’s a perfect escape from this warm weather” says Rams Head Tavern Annapolis General Manager, Corky Fertitta.

The Rams Head restaurants will have limited edition glasses for the beer release. The special glass for Wisteria Wheat will be available for $4 at 4pm on release day.  Patrons who purchase the glass also receive a fill-up of the Wisteria Wheat and $1 refills during the 4-6pm release party. 

During the Wisteria Wheat beer release, each Rams Head restaurant will be running a contest to celebrate the release. Each customer that purchases the Wisteria Wheat glassware will receive a raffle ticket. The manager will pick one raffle ticket and the winner will receive a pair of tickets to Creedence Clearwater Revisited and Three Dog Night show at Pier Six Pavilion on Friday, June 3rd.

According to Walter Trifari, Head Brewmaster at Fordham Brewing Company, “Wisteria Wheat is a medium bodied beer with soft, velvety carbonation and a spiced, wheaty finish to make this golden brew the perfect summertime thirst quencher. We brewed this beer with Hefeweizen yeast, Pale malts, Wheat malts, Tettnang and Magnum hops that make this brew perfect to enjoy all summer long. This beer also pairs well with tangy cheeses, fresh salads, grilled chicken, seafood and citrus style desserts.”

Locations:

Rams Head Tavern Annapolis | 33 West Street, Annapolis MD | P: 410.268.4545

Rams Head Tavern Savage Mill | 8600 Foundry Street, Savage MD | P: 301.604.3454

Rams Head Roadhouse | 1773 Generals Hwy, Annapolis MD | P: 410.849.8058

Rams Head Shore House | 800 Main Street, Stevensville MD | P: 410.643.2466

Music:

Rams Head Tavern Annapolis: Pasadena Acoustic set at 4pm-7pm

Rams Head Shore House: Joe Singer plays at 4pm-7pm

Rams Head Roadhouse: Pete Best at 8pm

Rams Head Tavern Savage: Vs. the Earth at 7pm

In case you haven’t noticed, we here at the Rams Head have gone a little “country crazy” here this year. We are lucky to be promoting some of country’s biggest stars across our three venues. Stay tuned to our good friends at WPOC to hear interviews with these artists and for your chance to enter great contests all summer – but in the meantime, don’t sit on the opportunity to great seats for all of these shows soon. Here’s a full rundown:

Ronnie Dunn’s Pier Party – June 10 – Pier Six Pavilion

Our country kickoff party at Pier Six! One half of Brooks and Dunn comes to the Pier performing a full set – half of which will be Brooks and Dunn songs and half will be new songs from his acclaimed new CD. Ronnie Dunn is more than just the first-ever solo album by one of country music’s most beloved artists — a man who’s already learned a thing or two about being a singer in a cowboy band. As familiar as his winning voice has become, Ronnie Dunn has only now taken the time to explore once and for all his own powerful voice as a brand new solo artist. And as Dunn himself notes with a laugh, “I have to say, I’m sure enjoying feeling ‘new’ all over again.” Buy Tickets

Justin Moore – June 3 – Rams Head Live

When Justin Moore found himself homesick and missing his mother’s Southern cooking after moving to Nashville several years ago to pursue his musical dream, he was inspired to write “Small Town USA,” an ode to the spirit and simplicity of small-town life. “A lot of people called it prison when I was growin’ up/But these are my roots and this is what I love,” sings Justin about Poyen, Ark. That song has become a massive country radio hit, and Justin has become one of the genre’s biggest rising stars. We are excited to welcome him to Rams Head Live Friday night June 3^rd!

Buy Tickets

Trace Adkins – July 1 – Pier Six Pavilion

Trace Adkins has long been country music’s alpha male, a man whose commanding presence and once-in-a-generation baritone have made him a pillar of the contemporary Nashville sound.

He is the man who gave us one of modern-day country’s rowdiest classics, “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” and one of its most touching, “You’re Gonna Miss This,” which earned two of his four Grammy nominations, became his third chart-topping hit, and was named the ACM’s Single of the Year. He is equally convincing across a musical spectrum that stretches from “Hot Mama” to “Songs About Me,” from “(This Ain’t No) Thinkin’ Thing” to “Then They Do.” Buy Tickets

Dierks Bentley – July 21 – Pier Six Pavilion

Dierks Bentley is one of country music’s most successful hitmakers – since 2003 he has had SEVEN #1 singles, including his debut single “What Was I Thinkin’”, as well as “Come a Little Closer”, “Settle for a Slowdown”, “Every Mile a Memory”, “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)”, “Feel That Fire” and “Sideways”. It’s his live show, however, where Dierks sets himself apart. One of country’s most exciting and impassioned live shows, Dierks always leaves his audience wanting more.

Buy Tickets

Phil Vassar – Sept. 29 – Rams Head On Stage

Phil Vassar’s unbounded energy and limitless talent have proven him, again and again, as one of Nashville’s most prolific and versatile stars. Those who best understand Phil Vassar — good-time, piano playing, boundless energy on stage, hardest-working-man-in-the business– also understand the ongoing evolution of his original music. This Virginia-born songwriter and musician has undoubtedly made his mark in Nashville as an acclaimed artist. Phil’s known not only for his gift for hit songwriting, but also for his compelling and highly entertaining skills on the piano. His uniquely piano-based, rhythm and blues-infused, infectiously buoyant brand of music has carried Phil throughout his career and remains his specialty in the genre. Buy Tickets

As I drove to work this morning and passed the digital signs on Rt. 50, it stopped me in my tracks as I read “Cancelled This Year” in reference to the Blue Angels.  It was in the quiet moments of my brain (that seem to only exist from 5-7am), that this cancellation was finally able to set in.

Probably like you, I read about it on facebook or twitter yesterday that Navy had to cancel the Annapolis show.  The official letter announcing their cancellation (BLue Angels canx 23 May 2011) quickly circulated through the digital ranks within the city of Annapolis.  And although we all want to protect their safety above our own joy, I felt as though there was a silent sigh amongst the Annapolis community.

Having grown up in the Annapolis area for 20 years, the Blue Angels are a spring to summer rite of passage: a day when families take their kids out of school to witness this amazing spectacle; a day when teenagers may happen to skip class; when businesses in Annapolis climb to their rooftops to enjoy the amazing show that the Blue Angels perform; when the Severn River is bustling with boats.   As locals, we embrace the US Naval Academy as part of our own.

But truly, those who are most forlorn are the men and women who have been committed the last 4 years to reach this pinnacle moment, with the vision of the Blue Angels as part of their send off from Annapolis.   So as residents & businesses in town, let’s do our best to rally the spirit of the Blue Angels and ensure that the final days for the Class of 2011 are met with enthusiasm, appreciation and thankfulness for their commitment to not only their own excellence, but for our country.

Thank you graduating Class of 2011.  We salute you.

Celebrating with Food, Fun & Beer in your honor ~
Erin

Thank you to JimBooking’s You Tube channels for these videos.

Solid. I look at this announce and all I can think of is solid. Going down the list I see one soulful songwriter after another, and some of the best voices I’ve ever heard! Enough from me though, here’s what went on sale today…

Thursday, July 28 | Marc Broussard w. Scars On 45, Sarah and Christian Dugas

The son of Boogie Kings guitarist (and Louisiana Hall of Fame member) Ted Broussard, singer/songwriter Marc Broussard was seemingly destined for a life as a music man. His upbringing in Lafayette, LA, instilled in him an affinity for R&B alongside the Cajun trappings of southern Louisiana. Drawing vocal and stylistic influence from Otis Redding and Brian McKnight while bearing the preternaturally gruff vocals of John Hiatt and Dr. John, Broussard was barely 20 at the time of his first album’s release.

Thursday, August 4 | Toad The Wet Sprocket

Named in honor of a sketch by the Monty Python comedy troupe, Toad the Wet Sprocket became one of the most successful alternative rock bands of the early ’90s, boasting a contemporary folk-pop sound that wielded enough melody and R.E.M.-styled jangle to straddle both the modern rock and adult contemporary markets. Their breakthrough single “All I Want” became a Top 20 hit. After “Fear” went platinum, another single, “Walk on the Ocean,” also became a major hit on the pop charts. The band continues to actively tour and since 2006, the band has played to enthusiastic crowds of all ages across the country, proving that great music truly is timeless.

Tuesday, August 9 | Steve Earle & the Dukes (and Duchesses) feat. Allison Moorer New Show Added by Popular Demand!

In the strictest sense, Steve Earle isn’t a country artist; he’s a roots rocker. Earle emerged in the mid-’80s, after Springsteen had popularized populist rock & roll and Dwight Yoakam had kick-started the neo-traditionalist movement in country music. At first, Earle appeared to be more indebted to the rock side than country, as he played a stripped-down, neo-rockabilly style that occasionally verged on outlaw country. However, his unwillingness to conform to the rules of Nashville or rock & roll meant that he never broke through into either genre’s mainstream. Instead, he cultivated a dedicated cult following, drawing from both the country and rock audiences.

Sunday, August 21 | Joan Osborne (duo)

“It’s good to strip down to the bare bones again – just voice and piano. The experience of these duo tours is, for me, so much about interaction with the fans, being in intimate venues, and meeting people after the shows. Road life can be a grind – it’s hard to be away from my daughter when she needs to stay in school – but on the last tour connecting with fans never failed to lift my spirits and make me grateful for still being able to live a life in music. There’s also something great about reimagining songs I’ve done with a band hundreds of times as piano/vocal pieces.

Sunday, September 11 | The Yardbirds

Three years after their 1992 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (“We had roast duck,” Chris Dreja says of that special night), the Yardbirds reformed, but they chose to stay below the radar, tweaking their lineup and working up material. That has changed with the release of their first new studio recording since 1967′s Little Games. What’s surprising about the new longplayer, Birdland, is that, a full 35 years later, the sound remains distinctly and electrifyingly that of the Yardbirds. It’s also very much of the moment, as another generation of gritty, guitar-slinging units like the White Stripes, the Hives, the Strokes and the Vines connects with the reinvigorated rock audience.

Friday, September 23 | Suzy Bogguss

“You can’t deal me the aces and think I wouldn’t play,” says Suzy Bogguss with a twinkle in her eye as she discusses her latest studio album Sweet Danger. It’s a line from one of her signature songs, but it’s also the philosophy with which the Illinois-born singer manages her career, and the stepping-off point for a collection of her strongest songwriting and most evocative vocals to date. She’s always been the type of artist to boldly listen to her instinct and chase that wily muse where it leads her — and her latest offerings are no exception. Gracefully stepping across genre lines, Suzy Bogguss’ has always, and will always take the road less traveled…and that has made all the difference.

Saturday, October 1 | Livingston Taylor w. Seth Glier

Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar at the age of thirteen, beginning a forty-year career that has encompassed performance, songwriting and teaching.From top-forty hits “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” to “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman” both recorded by his brother James, Livingston’s creative output has continued unabated. His musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire, and he is equally at home with a range of musical genres–folk, pop, gospel, jazz–and from upbeat storytelling to touching ballads.

So every once in a while we play this game in the office. It’s a musical round-robin where someone picks a theme “heat/hot” or “days of the week” and then we go in order and play our selected song. It fascinating because it becomes very competitive… will the song load faster on youtube or myspace? If the person in front of you plays the song you were thinking of how quickly can you come up with a decent second option? Who has the most obscure musical tastes? How flexible do you have to make the rules so that The Goo Goo Dolls make it onto every playlist – (how does Nicole do that every time) ?

This week, and for the life of me I can’t remember why, the theme ended up being the best cover songs. There were two rules: 1) no covers of “hallelujah” and 2) Glee songs don’t count. So then it grew and we just had to share with you.

So we put together a playlist of covers and I wanted to share it with you so that you can experience our weekday madness away from the office without the danger of having a stapler thrown at you.

Hello Festival Patrons!

Sunday Funday is on the horizon and we want to make sure you have all the info you need to maximize your good times.

I’ve made the list. Now you check it twice.

1. Bring your yoga mat and get there at doors if you plan to join in the mass open-air session on the lawn.

2. Sunscreen will be a must for when you are out in the lawn hula hooping to your hearts content.

3. If you’ve got lawn seats be sure to bring your blankets and low-back chairs.

4. Study up on your music trivia! We’ll be handing out autographed festival posters for trivia and hula hooping winners.

5. Umbrellas just in case!

All the gear is rolling in! Bring the little ones and they can curl up on the lawn with a lemonade, some crayons and color in their very own Sunday Funday original poster! And we’ve got Frisbees! We’ve got T-Shirts! Snag an adult T for $15, kids are $10.

And for those very lucky others, do you notice anything different about this poster below? We will have 10 of these autographed at the show by Amos Lee, Josh Ritter, Eric Hutchinson, Mason Jennings, Bobby Long and Justin Jones. The gang’s all here! Meet us at the Rams Head Live tent for trivia to win one. If you’ve got mad skills we might even let you hula hoop to win. Trust these showdowns get silly.

If you can’t tell, we are pretty fired up for our Sunday Funday Festival this Sunday at Pier Six. We recently had the opportunity to have our three headliners take some questions from our staff here at Rams Head Headquarters. Answers below….

Josh Ritter

Josh Ritter is widely regarded by critics and peers as arguably this generation’s finest songwriters. He recently completed his first novel, Bright’s Passage. He will be bring his full band to Sunday Funday.

RH: A novel? Cool! How did you find the time to get it finished?

JR: There’s often a certain amount of free time on the road that, if not properly used, will turn into sandwich eating time.  I filled my sandwich time with running and writing a thousand words a day of stuff that didn’t rhyme.

RH: Tell us about the book. Would make for a good movie? Who would
you want to do the soundtrack?

JR: I’m extremely proud of Bright’s Passage.  It’s a novel about a young soldier returned from the First World War, and the sense he attempts to make of the home he’s returned to.  Some of the best advice i ever got was from Stephen King’s book on writing.  He said to envision the movie in your head as you’re writing.  I think it will make a great movie!  Daniel Day Lewis, are you listening?

RH: We remember back when you played our Annapolis Rams Head room
– do you remember playing that room, and do you have any fond memories you’d like to share of playing in Annapolis?

JR: I’ve always loved playing in Annapolis.  Some of my first shows were in the area and I’ve always had a special love for the Ram’s Head. They make you feel at home, if your home happens to be a place with exceptional beers and lots of white uniforms.

RH: Are you currently writing any new songs? Will we hear any at Sunday Funday?

JR: I’m in the middle of a really fertile time for my writing.  I have a lot to say all of a sudden, and the prospect of playing new songs with my incredible band is something i’m looking forward to this summer. Thanks for asking!

RH: Finish the sentence….so far 2011 is….JR: The strangest, hardest, most rewarding, most inspiring time in my life so far.  To be alive at the beginning of the twenty-first century is an experience everyone should have at least once!

Eric Hutchinson

Eric Hutchinson is a Maryland native and by all accounts one of the nicest musicians in the business. After years of playing support slots all around the region, Eric had a well-deserved breakthrough with the monster hit “Rock and Roll.” He now stands on the doorstep of big things, and his brand new record (out later in 2011) is generating major heat in the industry.

RH:  Been hearing a lot of buzz about the new record. When will it be released, how do you feel about it, and what can we expect from it?

EH: The album is called “Moving Up, Living Down” and it’ll be out this Fall. I wrote it in New York City and recorded it in London and Los Angeles. It’s the soulful sound of the city.  I’m really proud of it and can’t wait to start sharing the songs with my fans! I’m premiering a bunch of new songs on 5/15.

RH: Tell us about who will be playing with you in your band at Sunday Funday.

EH: I’ve got my band that has been touring together with me for a few years now. We’ve been everywhere together, all over the country and the world. Love those guys!

RH: You are a Maryland native – what shows that you have played on locally over the years stand out to you?

EH: There are so many great venues in the area. I’m really excited to be playing Pier Six, because I saw Stevie Wonder play there a few summers ago. I’m going to spend most of my set looking for leftover Stevie artifacts on stage.

RH: We are blessed to have great radio stations here in the D.C./Baltimore area….what stations did you listen to growing up in the area. Do you remember any of the DJ’s?

EH: I grew up in the 90s listening to the now defunct WHFS. When I get to do radio events and interviews now, I remember being a kid and listening to the interviews of all those great bands back then.

RH: Fill in the blank…a musician you may not have heard yet that you check out is…

EH: Me?

Amos Lee

With a #1 Record (Mission Bell) and a single (“Windows Are Rolled Down”) crushing on the radio right now, it appears as if 2011 is the Year of Amos Lee. He’s always been a Rams Head favorite – the Philly native has played our Annapolis venue more than ten times. We are stoked that he is no headlining our first ever Sunday Funday Festival at Pier Six.

RH: #1 Album! Congrats. What did it feel like seeing your name at the Top of the Charts?

AL: It felt like warm butter being drizzled over my body.

RH: This is an incredible bill you are closing. How much do you know about the artists? Anyone in particular you are looking forward to checking out?

AL:  Iknow them all, and am a fan of them all.

RH: Incredible guest spots on the new record (Lucinda Williams, Iron and Wine’s  Sam Beem, Calexico). How did they come about?

AL: All of the guests on the record are artists that i really like, so when it came time for us to reach out to people, I went for a wish list. Fortunately, they were all interested in the songs enough to add their voices.

RH: What do you like most about playing outdoors?

AL: The possibility of calamitous events.

RH: Philly guy….are you a Phillies fan? Off to a pretty good start, huh?

AL: Phillies fan indeed, though i have a soft spot for the o’s too.