It’s that time again. The air is just beginning to warm. Those harsh and bitter winds are settling as if the sun commands it. Bold beams of light break through a winter wall of grey. From our offices (and surely up and down West Street) we can hear the kegs rolling out to the back lot. Site leaders shout helpful hints to their crew as these pink-cheeked recruits hoist that mighty party tent. Wires are crossed, static buzzes, and the stage is set. Anxious locals peek over the fences or sneak back to the lot in hopes of being the first to guzzle that glowing green delight.

Mmmmmmmmmm…… 50¢ Guinness Drafts, $2 Green Beer, $4 Fordhams, and $5 Car Bombs….. Must be St. Patty’s at the Rams Head of your choice! Where there’s NEVER A COVER – especially if you’re Irish.

St. Patrick's Day 2009

Beer and Drink specials? CHECK.

T-shirts designed and ordered? CHECK.

We’re just finishing up our live music line-ups for each location. When we do we’ll be sure to post each band at each location with the appropriate times – so stay tuned!

And it’s not St. Patty’s YET, but…….. HAPPY ST. PATTY’S! (sorry, we’re really excited!)

A definite highlight amidst a run of fabulous shows, was a marriage proposal at Saturday night’s Michael Franti & Spearhead performance at Rams Head Live! Luckily, we were able to catch it on video – so if you know Brandon and Chelsea, please send them the link.

Rams Head wishes you all the luck in the world, and a life full of Franti-esque love and positivity.

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 I saw this article on Toptenz.net the other day and I think it perfectly explains the “Tribute Band”….

What’s the story with tribute bands anyways? Often the musicians playing in tribute bands are amazing musicians in their own right so why are they devoting their energy to copying someone else? Is it the ultimate compliment, a cash grab, or just a lack of original material? Playing in a tribute band takes more dedication than just being in a cover band; in fact, many tribute band members seem to have made the leap from fan over to fanatical.

The really good tribute bands celebrate their love for a specific musical group together with their audiences. They are motivated by love, not just money. They also have that little extra something that sets them apart from the many other tribute acts out there. Here are my top ten tribute bands:

Guidelines I used:

1. 100% tribute band (not too many other covers, no original songs)
2. Active (if I didn’t see recent activity, I disqualified them)
3. Tribute to a band, not a single performer
4. Musicianship (must actually sing and play instruments)
5. Can not contain any members of the original band

 

With this being said, I think I am going to go see The Dave Matthews Tribute Band on Valentines Day. Big thanks to Toptenz.net for firming up my V-Day plans! Any one care to join me?

Rams Head Live
Saturday February, 14 2009
Doors 8pm
$10 Adv / $12 Dos plus tax
ALL AGES

This morning started off with a bang.  I skipped (aka drove) down to ‘RNR to record our new Rams Head On Stage spot with the ever magical and always charming Rob Timm.   Nailed a sweet parking spot right by my destination. Followed up my appointment with a short walk to City Dock Coffee with my favorite sales guy  Terry P.  to grab a yummy mocha.  I finish the trip by dropping some goods off at Zachary’s Jewelers to help support their cool Love Letter Contest.  The skies were blue, the sun was shining and all was right with the world.   Then it happened.  I hopped out of the car, grabbed my 2 mochas (one for my coworker ’cause I’m nice like that), grabbed my bag, grabbed my phone…spillage occurs.  I’m covered in foamy, chocolatey mocha.  There’s coffee in my hair, coffee on my scarf (white!), coffee on my coat (also white!!), coffee on my phone – which at this point is now flying across my office.  It lands  with a thud on my floor…in two pieces.  Stellar.

I move on to my next task of the day – the blog.  We caught some awesome footage of the uber talented British crooner James Morrison’s WRNR Private Artist Showcase  on our nifty Flip camera yesterday that I’ve been dying to share with you all.  8 hours later…my dang computer still can’t manage to be friends with my Flip.  So no video either.

Crunchy hair, broken phones and cranky computers will not break me.  I WILL bring on the James Morrison love.  It was a pleasure to have him here with us in Annapolis.  Hope he comes back again real soon. Enjoy.

Courtesy of Dave Barnes, who is ALWAYS good for some laughs!  Check him out at Rams Head On Stage with The Alternate Routes on March 19th.  Seriously, not only is he an incredibly talented songwriter but, of all the performers who I’ve seen come through our family of venues, Dave is by far one of the most hilarious and engaging of all time.

So take Dave’s advice, go on and have a good time falling in love…grab  your sweetheart and join us for a Valentine’s Day celebration dancing, dinner, and The BOSS!  Come on, what more could you ask for??

Slip into your fanciest dancing duds and come celebrate Valentine's Day with Bruce in the USA!

We are proud to be presenting this incredible man at Rams Head On Stage on Feb. 6th.  I think of all the acts that have come through here, Wayman may be at the top of my list for ‘Artists I’d Like To Meet’.  Wayman recently underwent intensive treatment and won his battle against cancer.  What an encouragement are his faith and positive spirit.  Check out his story…

Rams Head On Stage-Annapolis

SLIM MAN

Sunday, January 11
7:30pm
$22.50

Artist’s Website: www.slimman.com
Song Sampling: Faith in Us, Secrets of Your Heart, Don’t Say Goodbye
Critical Acclaim: J.D. Considine (Rolling Stone) said of the Slim Man style”…a near perfect example of how jazz and soul can be combined as pop.”
For Fans Of: Rick Braun, Wayman Tisdale, Doc Powell

THE REMNANTS

CD Release Party!
w. The Names
Wednnesday, January 14
8pm
$20
**All ticket buyers will receive a copy of the new Remnants CD “American Grit”!!**

Band of MySpace: The Remnants
Song Samples: Check Small Circles, One Horse Town
Why You Should Attend: Be one of the first to hear their latest release “American Grit” (2008), their most personal and political yet while sticking to their own brand of the alt-country, roots rock and rock and roll sound they have mastered.
For Fans Of:  Old ’97s, Southern Culture on the Skids

Rams Head Live-Baltimore

THE FIF & ODD GIRL OUT

w/ Laredo, Savagemill, Vespertine Movement
Friday, January 9
Doors 7pm
$9 + applicable fees
ALL AGES

The FiF‘s sound is a tasty mix of go-go rhythms with a dash of Latin-tinged trumpet and some classical riffs, all backing up energetic hip hop flow and soulful hooks.

Baltimore-based Odd Girl Out: 4 girls, 60% power-pop, 30% bubblegum-punk, 10% melodic rock, and 100% tired of playing by your rules since 2004.

FALLING IN DECEMBER & PAPERBACK TRAGEDY

w/ Stupid Hero, Kill Meow, King Belvedere
Saturday, January 17
Doors 7pm
$9 plus additional fees
ALL AGES

Falling In December is a powerful pop/rock band straight from Baltimore, Maryland. FiD is made up of former Honest Mistake members, Carl Goldys (guitar/vocals) and John Parrish(drums), along with James Goldys adding vocals.

Paperback Tragedy is a pop/hardcore punk foursome from Baltimore, MD. Though once described by the Baltimore City Paper as “Snowboard Punk,” these boys work hard to defy genre while remaining true to their dirty little punk rock souls.

Rams Head Tavern-ANNAPOLIS

33 West Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Rams Head Tavern-SAVAGE

8600 Foundry Street Savage, Maryland 20763

Rams Head Roadhouse

1773 Generals Highway Annapolis MD 21401

Rams Head Shorehouse

800 Main Street Stevensville, Maryland 21666

Christmas time is here
We’ll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year…