Rams Head The Blog

You know what they say… the third Jay’s the charm. And by “they” I mean, of course, those of us who find ourselves randomly singing “Then I heard the guitar player say ‘Vamoose, Jose’s on his way’ [everybody sing along now] and I knew, yes I knew I should run, but then I heard her sayy-ayy-ayy.” Speaking of charm, get ready for the Governor to show off his Irish, the original Luke Duke to croon like Sinatra, Jesse Cook to turn up the steam with his latin influenced guitar, and many more. So here’s what went on sale today at Rams Head On Stage:

Thursday, December 29 | O’Malley’s March

The region’s favorite Celtic rockers are back with a double serving of holiday cheer! Join Martin and the boys for a rollicking evening of traditional and original tunes, seasonal classics, and general merriment!

Friday, January 6 | Jesse Cook

Over the course of a dozen years and numerous best-selling albums, the virtuoso guitarist has explored the outer limits of popular music, breaking new ground with each successive recording. The resulting body of work is sublime, a continuation of Cook’s insatiable appetite for world music in all its forms. Loyal fans will be thrilled with is latest offering “The Rumba Foundation”, while those who have never before experienced Cook’s creativity will find themselves tapping their feet to these extraordinary Latin rhythms wondering why they have not experienced Cook before.

Wednesday, January 18 | Robert Earl Keen

Painting musical portraits that are as vivid as sunsets over the great Southwest and stories as compelling and timeless as Cormac McCarthy novels. But what separates the Americana music pioneer from other songwriters is that he matches this lyrical literature with irresistible melodies, resulting in music that attracts thinkers and dancers alike. His songs are infused with such deep insight and humor that a new meaning and perspective is revealed with each listen, allowing his songs to grow more profound with time.

Saturday, January 21 | Tom Wopat

The friendly, fun-loving and engaging Wopat first came to public attention as Luke Duke on the origial TV series The Dukes Of Hazard. But it wasn’t long before his classically trained vocals whisked him away from car smashes and corny humor to the bright lights of Broadway. It’s no surprise that he went on to become a successful recording artist and with his 2000 release Still Of The Night, Tom Wopat introduced a new dimesion of his talent effortlessly reinventing a set of beautiful standards in a smooth, intimate and sexy stiyle reminiscent of the crooners of the 40′s and 50′s.

Wednesday, January 25 | Griffin House w. Matthew Perryman Jones

A Nashville-based musician with a Midwestern upbringing, Griffin House has won critical acclaim for his mix of sentimental melodies, ambient guitars, and sparse arrangements and his heartfelt musicianship has captured the hearts of audiences across the nation. Opening the evening will be Matthew Perryman Jones. An articulate songwriter with a versatile and gritty tenor voice — a combination that has drawn comparisons to everyone from Jeff Buckley to Leonard Cohen — Matthew Perryman Jones has the touch of a poet and the narrative reach of a short story writer, making the best of his songs deeply resonant.

Saturday, February 25 | Suede

Sassy. Smooth. Simply intoxicating. Like Diana Krall meets Natalie Cole meets Bette Midler. Pop/Jazz/Blues phenom Suede plays piano, trumpet and guitar but voice is her first instrument and entertaining is clearly her first love. She is a consummate entertainer and song stylist among the likes of Michael Buble and co. — the classic singer’s singer. One part Rat Pack and one part Rosie Clooney. Think classic pop/jazz. Think steamy blues with a sizzling trumpet. Think love songs that’ll make you swoon. Think funny. Think wow, what a voice, what a show!

Tuesday, February 28 | Cowboy Junkies

Although it didn’t originally have anything to do with their sound, the Cowboy Junkies’ name wound up seeming pretty accurate: their music was grounded in traditional country, blues, and folk, yet drifted along in a sleepy, narcotic haze that clearly bore the stamp of the Velvet Underground. The vast majority of their songs were spare and quiet, taken at lethargic tempos and filled with languid guitars and detached, ethereal vocals courtesy of Margo Timmins.

Thursday, March 1 | Jay & The Americans

Very few bands have ever reached the musical heights of Jay And The Americans. From 1962-1971, this group charted an unprecedented dozen top 10 records. With three original band members, Sandy Yaguda (aka Deane) founding member, Howie Kirschenbaum (aka Kane) original member, and Marty Kupersmith (aka Sanders), original member, plus the addition of “Jay” Reincke, the third Jay and probably the best yet, they have recreated the authentic sound of all of their great hits that everyone remembers. Hits include Cara Mia, Come A Little Bit Closer & This Magic Moment

Sunday, March 25 | The Sax Pack feat. Kim Waters, Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole

The Sax Pack is a class act consisting of three signature sax players; Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole and Kim Waters. Backed by a tight rhythm section, the talented trio combine their life-long love of music and their passion for performance, to make an impact on audiences that love music as much as they do. The well-known saxophonists are excited to create a show that combines their individual styles and diverse backgrounds for a fresh approach to the music that inspired them all to become musicians; jazz. Highlights of the tour will feature original music written specifically for The Sax Pack, as well as each sax player’s signature hits.

If U2 is Ireland’s King of Rock Music (and really, who in their right mind is going to dispute that), then Bell X1 is the Crown Prince. With that in mind, guess who’s coming to Rams Head On Stage on November 21? Also get ready for these four ladies to prove to you that the phrase “Hilarious Canadians” doesn’t land on the mythical creature chart between Jackalope and Yeti. Throw in a little blues,  bluegrass, boys, klezmer a bunch more and that is this week’s announcement.

Here’s everything that was announced and went on sale at noon today:

Wednesday, November 9 | Women Fully Clothed

Take an all-star cast of four renowned Canadian comedy artists, give them today’s challenges of careers and family dynamics and you get Women Fully Clothed. Eugene Levy calls them “…funniest women in Canada.” This hilarious sketch show captures life as they see it. Starring Kathryn Greenwood from Whose Line Is It Anyway, Robin Duke from Saturday Night Live and SCTV, Jayne Eastwood from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Chicago and Billable Hours, and Teresa Pavlinek from History Bites and The Jane Show.

Monday, November 21 | Bell X1

Second only to U2 as Ireland’s most popular rock band, Bell X1 crafts a tight, melodic pop sound that calls to mind pre-electronic Radiohead and the more sedate side of Coldplay. Hailed by the likes of Vanity Fair who heralded their US arrival as an international phenomenon and the New York Daily News who said, “Paul Noonan has sweated out enough smart work to make him one of pop’s most promising writers,” the band showed no signs of stopping.

Tuesday, November 22 | Tower Of Power

While they have long been considered one of the greatest horn sections in the business, and although they have (collectively and individually) recorded as sidemen for Elton John, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, David Sanborn, Michelle Shocked and Aaron Neville amongst many others, Tower Of Power’s sum is truly greater than its parts. Their brassy-reedy-rich grooves, their tight-and-right turns, their bleeding ballads and orchestral funk are monuments to the enduring stature of soul.

Friday, November 25 | Thunder From Down Under

Australia’s Thunder From Down Under, the internationally acclaimed male revue, is sizzling these days and nights and has become one of the hottest tickets in Las Vegas, the “Entertainment Capital of the World”. The sexy Australian imports crackle with high energy as they show off their buffed bodies to adoring fans who can’t seem to get enough of them. That’s fine with the handsome blokes. They love to perform and interact with the ladies who scream with anticipation from the moment the show begins.

Sunday, December 18 | Metropolitan Klezmer All Ages Matinne

Metropolitan Klezmer, founded in 1994, is the collaborative adventure of eight exceptional New York musicians creating inspired interpretations and original compositions around a panorama of traditionally eclectic Yiddish repertoire. Since their debut at John Zorn’s New Jewish Music Fest, the group has expanded to include vocalist Deborah Karpel and a dynamic horn section: Debra Kreisberg (clarinet/alto sax), Pam Fleming (trumpet/fluegelhorn), and Rick Faulkner (trombone). Collectively, their experiences span genres from Albanian to Zydeco as well as jazz, Latin, classical, funk, ska and many other styles.

Friday, December 30 | Seldom Scene

“We try to find material that’s a little bit different, and approach the music in a little bit broader way than most bluegrass bands do,” said the Seldom Scene’s Dudley Connell to the Baltimore Sun in 1998. Since its inception in 1971, the Seldom Scene has thrived on playing bluegrass a little differently than everyone else. If other bands used a fiddler, the Seldom Scene used a Dobro; if others relied on old standards, the Seldom Scene played rock classics like J.J. Cale’s “After Midnight.” Through skilled musicianship and an urban approach to bluegrass, the Seldom Scene has become one of the most influential — if not the most influential — bluegrass band of their time.

Friday, January 13 | The Smithereens

For anybody with a deep appreciation of New Jersey’s rock ‘n’ roll history, and for anybody who cherishes the American underground rock scene that emerged in the 1980s, a Smithereens/Dixon project is a big deal. Much like Sylvester Stallone’s iconic Rocky Balboa character, The Smithereens went from underdogs to champions through hard work, determination, talent and a bit of good fortune. Dixon, a South Carolina-born musician and studio ace, became a devoted audio ally about five years into the blue-collar band’s career, and there’s no denying that his involvement had a lot to do with The Smithereens’ success and acclaim.

Sunday, January 29 | Tinsley Ellis

Hard-rocking blues-soaked guitarist/vocalist/song-writer Tinsley Ellis sings and plays with the energy and soul of all the great Southern musicians who have come before him. Ellis attacks his music with rock power and blues feeling, following in the tradition of Deep South musical heroes Duane Allman, Freddie King, Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes. His live shows feature extended fretwork filled with melodic and rhythmic experimentation, in the spirit of jam bands like his friends Widespread Panic and The Allman Brothers. Atlanta Magazine declared Ellis “the most significant blues artist to emerge from Atlanta since Blind Willie McTell.”

In eager anticipation of this monster bill for Sunday Funday on May 15th, we are offering up the chance to win tickets to catch all the action of Sunday Funday in the palm of your hand. Answer the two questions below for a chance to win. All eligible answers must be written in the comments section below.  We will select a winner and they will be able to check out all the boys of Sunday Funday for free! Hang out with WRNR! Enjoy the cornhole tournament on the lawn. Bring the kids for hula hooping, facepainting and Dippin Dots! Join in the open air yoga session. Dance the day away at the side stage featuring Kentavius Jones, Taylor Carson and Sweet Leda. Oh and it will be for FREE!!! Good Luck!

1. Name this famous actress with a famous daughter that graduated from the same Maryland high school that Eric Hutchinson attended.

2. Name this notable singer-songwriter that was in Amos Lee’s graduating high school class?

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!

As a favorite of the Rams Head, Pete Yorn came through our Annapolis location to play a private show about a year ago. Now, in honor of his show at the Rams Head Live in Baltimore with Ben Kweller on March 15th, we thought it only right for us to share that experience with fellow Yorn lovers. As he is a big ole supa star now, making albums with Scarlett Johansson and what not we enjoy knowing that once we were close enough the touch him (but we didn’t).

Starting with that intimate footage, here is your chance to enjoy Pete Yorn’s deep, thoughtful vocals and even more deep, thoughtful eyes, up close.

This is a brief clip of “Life on a Chain”….swoon.

…And we all know this classic…”For Nancy”…swoon.

Growing to greater prominence over the years, his music has been featured on hit shows such as House with his song “Lose You”. Here…non-sharers

He also recorded a full album in 2009 with the very talented actress Scarlett Johansson, appearing on the Ellen show and many others to promote their work. I threw in a bunch of vids down here because in the process of my youtube-ing I could not find just one clip to settle on. Yay, no filter day.

Tickets on sale now.

Pete Yorn
w/ Ben Kweller, Wellspring
Tuesday, March 15
Doors 7pm
$25 plus tax
All Ages

It’s Tuesday Night! You’ve made it past Monday, through most of Tuesday, and now that you’ve caught up on the weekend emails you can, for a moment at least, let your mind wander to things not pertaining to work. You know fun things; like avoiding raking the leaves in favor of gulping down some steaming cider or planning for the in-laws’ arrival next week (What? That’s not fun for you?), and of course taking in some of the best live music in the WORLD. So what does this have to do with Tuesday, you may ask. Well, Tuesday is the day that all the freshly booked shows get announced and go on sale here at Rams Head On Stage. If you’re that person who simply has to know before everyone else, and must have your shot at that front row seat as soon as the tickets go on sale at noon, you’ve already signed up for the weekly newsletter which tells you who is coming before the tickets go on sale, but I wanted to make sure that the slightly less hyper-enthusiastic people among you get a chance to jump on these good seats as well. So here are the shows that went on sale at noon today:

Priddy Guitar Academy is back for another Battle of the Bands January 8th! Catch these remarkable students strutting their Rock Star stuff! See what they were up to last year:

ARRIVAL From Sweden and ABBA original musicians bring The Music Of ABBA back on Jan. 12th!

Dead-”ring ring“-ers for the originals, costumes by the original designer, they dance like it’s 1974 and we had so much fun with this show last time around, we just had to bring them back. When all is said and done, you’ll relive the glory days of ABBA with the world’s most spectacular tribute.

If You and me and the bottle make three, than what is the math for you and me and a bunch of big band aficionados? However you end up calculating that question, you know the answer will add up to Big Bad VooDoo Daddy playing On Stage (Jan. 13). (Did you see how cleverly I set that up? See, see?)

Globetrotting master of rumba flamenco guitar Jesse Cook makes his way to Annapolis March 2. Do you have no idea what rumba flamenco is? Well give it a listen. It will change your life (or at least move your hips)

Stephen Bishop, known for his memorable compositions such as On and On and It Might Be You, has long been recognized as one of the greater songwriters of our generation composing instant classics which have been performed by everyone from The Four Tops to Barbra Streisand and Phil Collins.

Known as one of the finest contemporary jazz performers, Jeff Lorber Fusion has hit the road with Eric Marienthal and they’ll be stopping in Annapolis for one night on March 30 blending traditional jazz with elements of rock, R&B, funk and other electrified sounds!

Steep Canyon Rangers are leading bluegrass into a new decade. Garnering widespread support, the quintet has won multiple awards and the International Bluegrass Music Association’s recognition as 2008′s emerging artist of the year. Pick your way to On Stage April 1st to catch them live!

Vicki Lawrence and Mama are coming back! You know Vicki… The Carol Burnett Show… and you know Mama… Mama’s Family… Well they’re both (yes, both) coming to Rams Head On Stage on April 15th and they’re bringing the laughter!

It is rumored to be true that Rams Head Tavern Annapolis is home to the oldest wisteria vine in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.   I wish I had that documented, stamped and signed so that I could really go to town on that claim and maybe get in on some horticulture tour in Annapolis, or listed in 1,000 Things to See Before You Die, or have it be part of our tagline… Food Fun & Wisteria.   But, for now… it’s just an undocumented rumor.

Regardless of documentation, these gorgeous wisteria blooms have cast great purple haze over thinkers in town… inspiring beers of Fordham past (R.I.P. Wisteria Wheat.  You will never be forgotten) and exciting writers to dream of lazy afternoons;

Sitting on the back patio under the enormous wisteria vine on a sunny afternoon is the way to properly enjoy these brews.  -Eric Brace, Washington Post

For us, the arrival of the bloom is a highlight to the spring season, marking the kick-off to warmer weather, happy hours highlighted by the sunset, longer days full of sunlight, and the arrival of a favorite Annapolis past-time: live outdoor music on the patio.

Friday, May 1st marks the arrival of our summer music calendar which includes all the local favorites… The Geckos , Dean Rosenthal, Matt McConville just to name a few.  If you haven’t spent an evening on the patio, at rams head, listening to these guys while drinking a Fordham brew, well… you just can’t call yourself an Annapolitan.  It’s a rite of passage, an Annapolis must.

So, if you’ve been waiting for your official invitation to come and see us on the patio…  it just arrived…  purple and sweet as they come, and full of hosptitality.

2009 is a big year for The Rams Head Group. As a company we’re celebrating 20 years of bringing you the freshest eats and the coldest liquid treats. While we work on building the anniversary celebration of all drunken anniversary celebrations, let’s not overlook each location’s individual milestones. Rams Head Roadhouse has decided to get this party started rooiiiight - kicking it off with their annual Kegs’n'Eggs birthday bash on Saturday, April 11th in Crownsville.

Kegs'n'Eggs 5 Year Anniversary at Rams Head Roadhouse

Join us in celebrating 5 fuzzy and wonderful years of food, fun and beers!

Saturday | April 11, doors open at 7am
Breakfast Menu, 7am – 1pm
$7: 2 eggs any style served with meat, fruit, spuds & toast.
Beverage Menu
50¢ Fordham drafts, 7am-8am
$1 Fordham drafts, 8am – 9am
$3 Fordham drafts, 9am – 1pm
$2 Bloody Marys & Mimosas, 7am – 1pm
*First 50 people through the door get free ticket to Rams Head LIVE!

Live Music
Justin Ryan, 7am – 9am
Jeremy Rossbach, 9am – 11am
Damion Wolfe, 11am – 1pm

If the good times are killing you because the show sold out before you could snag tickets, check out the videos below and visit us online at ramsheadlive.com where you can sign up to receive Rams Head Rock Alerts.

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We’d also like to thank very own Justin Chaplin for sharing his experience with us via video. Justin loves Modest Mouse enough to have their album logo tattooed on his body… dang. Thanks for sobering from your euphoria long enough to capture some really great moments.

Rabid Fan and devoted Rams Header

The St. Patty’s Day debauchery begins at 2pm on Tuesday, March 17 and our live music line-ups are officially ready! Check below for the live music roster at the Rams Head nearest you:

Rams Head Tavern Annapolis, 33 West Street, Annapolis MD | 410.268.4545
2-4pm | Jeremy Rossbach
4.30 – 6.30pm | Dan Haas
7 – 9pm | Sweet Leda

Rams Head Roadhouse, 1773 Generals Hwy, Annapolis MD | 410.849.8058
2-4pm | Dean Rosenthal
4.30 – 6.30pm | Bushmaster Trio
7 – 9pm | Tommy Lepson Band

Rams Head Tavern Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage MD | 301.604.3454
2-4pm | Corey Jenkins
4.30 – 6.30pm | Danger Barbie
7 – 9pm | Live DJ, spinning all your favorites!

Rams Head Shore House, 800 Main Street, Stevensville MD | 410.643.2466
2-4pm | Dave Hawkins
4.30 – 6.30pm | Remnants
7 – 9pm | High Test

Join us for $2 Green Beer, $4 Fordhams, & $5 Car Bombs ALL DAY & 50¢ Guinness from 2-3pm! At Rams Head we never charge a cover for live music or for bein’ Irish.

The countdown begins….!