All the the annual Maryland Renaissance Festival just out side of Annapolis, Maryland.  

Enjoy over 35 groups of musicians and dancers, or cheer for your favorite mounted knight during the exciting jousting match.  But don’t miss some of the faire’s classic Renaissance food – like the hot apple dumplings, steak-on-a-stake or a classic smoked turkey leg, fit for a king.

Rent a costume or come dressed as your favorite knight, friar, wench or lady in waiting for even more fun. 

Maryland Renaissance Festival  
1820 Crownsville Road
Crownsville, MD, just outside of Annapolis, MD (map it)

Dates and Times – Saturdays and Sundays, through October 19, 2008. 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tickets – Adults – $18.00, Seniors – $15.00, kids 7-15 – $8.00, under 7 are free.  Two-day pass $28.00.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – New Carrollton – Orange line, then a 30 minute cab ride.

Parking – Free

Images – dandy, knight, jester, 

________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

If your travels take you to Reagan National Airport , expect a 30+ minute delays on Metro’s Blue and Yellow line subway trains this weekend. Metro is replacing tracks south of Reagan National and riders arriving from the south or heading towards Alexandria , Virginia , will be shuttled by bus around the effected area.

And if your plans take you to a final summer weekend at the beach, your fun in the sun time may be cut down a bit, due to construction and resulting congestion on the Bay Bridge near Annapolis , Maryland . The work is being done to repair some damage from the major truck accident on the bridge earlier this month. The deadly accident caused traffic to be snarled for miles. One lane of traffic on one of the two spans will be closed for the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Images – Bay Bridge, Metro

________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

At The Birchmere, check out:

• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy plays 100 years of Cab Calloway. Monday, June 16, 2008 at 7:30 – $35.00
• Smooth jazz singer Michael Franks with Genevieve. Saturday, June 21, at 7:30 - $45.00
• For something different, Trixie Little will be staring in Dial ‘P’ for Pasties, an original burlesque who-dun-it that combines striptease, acrobatics and some naughty fun.  Trixie will be coming from her recent competition in Las Vegas at the Grand Prix of Burlesque. Sunday, June 22 at 7:30 – $20.00

Etta James and The Roots Band brings her sultry blues and R&B voice and her classic hit “At Last”. Sunday June 29, 7:30 – $105.00

The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22305 (map it)

The State Theatre’s line up in Falls Church includes:

• The intense acoustic guitarist and singer Monte Montgomery. Sunday, June 8, 8:00 – $15.00
• Former Allman Brothers guitarist Dicky Betts & Great Southern brings his southern rock sound including hits such as “Ramblin Man”, and “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed”. Sunday, June 15, 8:00 – $30.00

State Theatre
220 Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
703-237-0300 (map it) 

At Blues Alley:

• Pianist David Benoit delivers his five-time Grammy nominated smooth jazz sound to the intimate Blues Alley. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 27-29, 8:00 and 10:00 – $32.50

Blues Alley
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007 (map it)

9:30 Club is hosing some fun:

• For people who can’t sing or even lip sync, it’s the 2008 Air Guitar Championships, the last hurdle before the finals in San Francisco. Expect some performers to be so lane, that they’re laughable.  Wednesday, June 14, 7:30, $15.00

9:30 Club
815 V Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-393-0930

At the Black Cat on 14th Street:

Mission of Burma brings it rebellious post-punk energy that influenced many bands to come. Saturday, June 28 at 9:00 – $15

Black Cat
1811 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-667-7960

Live at the Ram’s Head in suburban Annapolis, MD catch:

• The soft jazz of Acoustic Alchemy. Friday June 13 at 6:30. $29.50
• The sexy sax of David Sanborn. Friday June 20 6:30 and 9:30. $50.00
• The Neville Brothers as they bring their jazzy New Orleans R&B sound led by Aaron Neville singing hits like Everybody Plays the Fool and Tell It Like It Is. Monday, June 30 7:00 – $75.00

Ram’s Head Tavern
33 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401 (map it)
410-268-4545

At the Belmont Country Club in Ashburn, VA, after a shaky start with rain canceling the season’s first show, it looks like they are Riding the Storm Out.

• With four consecutive Grammy for “Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, 1980-83, Pat Benatar was an early 80s vocal powerhouse.  I wonder…Is love still a battlefield? Sunday, June 22, gates open at 5:00. $17.00 and $30.00
• REO Speedwagon was another big late 1970s-early 80s hit maker, with hard driving music and power ballads. Saturday, June 28, gates open at 5:00. $17.00 and $35.00

Belmont Country Club
19661 Belmont Manor Lane
Ashburn, VA 20147  (map it)
703-726-8867

Images – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Dickey Betts, Acoustic Alchemy

___________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

In May, there’s lots of great music in and around Washington, DC,  including the first shows at Wolftrap and lots of classic bands. So lets take the highlight tour.

At the Birchmere this month, a couple great guitarists, a killer mandolin player and a smooth piano player.

• Smooth jazz guitarist, Norman Brown. Sunday May 4, 2008  at 7:30 -$45.00
• Another guitarist, this one acoustic, Leo Kottke, brings his unconventional folksy 6 and 12-string slide guitar picking sound. Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 – $35.00

• Sultry sounding jazz pianist, Alex Bugnon – Saturday May 24, 7:30 - $29.50
• Bluegrass mandolin player David Grisman – Sunday May 25, 7:30 - $37.50

The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22305 (map it)

At the State Theatre, it’s some great 80s and 90s sounds.

• On of DC’s favorite 1980s retro tribute bands, The Legwarmers, cover bands metal to pop, Brian Adams to the Go-Gos.  Friday and Saturday, May 16 & 17, 7:00 – $16.00
• The Gin Blossoms bring their big hits from the 1990s such as “Hey Jealousy”, “Found Out About You” and “Till I hear from You” to The Birchmere.  Thursday, May 22, 7:00 – $26.00

State Theatre
220 Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
703-237-0300 (map it) 

At Georgetown’s Blues Alley, a pop jazz great, and a band I loved in college and still enjoy today. 

Blues Alley
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC, 20007 (map it)

• In 1965, trumpeter Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass released two albums that swept America, Whipped Cream (and other delights) and Going Places. Both records became instant hits.  The cover of Whipped Cream, showing a female model dressed only in whipped cream was considered racy and quickly became a mid-1960s classic album cover. It also spurned a bunch of copycat album covers.  “Spanish Flea” and “Tijuana Taxi” are tunes just about everyone can hum. And one his tunes became the theme song for the Dating Game.  He’s performing with Bossa Nova singer, Lani Hall. Monday and Tuesday, May 12 & 13, 8:00 – $50.00
• The dynamic jazz-fusion of Yellowjackets – Thursday through Sunday, May 29 – June 1, two shows nightly, 8:00 & 10:00 – $32.50

MORE —>

9:30 Club in DC is hosing a very unique and politically active artist, Serj Tankian.

• System of a Down singer and guitarist, and co-founder of musical artist-based political activist organization, Axis of Justice, Serj Tankian brings his unconventional and unique sound of his latest CD, Elect the Dead. Thursday, May 15, 7:30, $25.00

9:30 Club
815 V Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-393-0930

Along with nightly up and coming bands, the Black Cat brings back an experimental psychedelic band from the late 1960s. Who knew they were still playing?

• Not sure if you’ll ask your kids to go with you, or your kids will want to invite you to join them, but The Electric Prunes are back.  I Had Too Much to Dream and Get Me to the World on Time were their biggest hits in 1966. Too Much was later covered by the punk band The Damned almost 20 years late.  A couple of the Prune’s tunes ended up on the soundtrack of the classic film, Easy Rider.

Black Cat
1811 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-667-7960

The Ram’s Head in Annapolis brings a powerhouse, a fun singer and a forgotten member of the Beetles.

• Rock powerhouse Wishbone Ash inspired the aggressive sounds of band that would come years later, such as Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. And was a staple of my high school record collection, with other bands like Uriah Heep, King Crimson and Deep Purple. Check out this 1973 clip of the band playing one of their classics, Blowin’ Free. Monday, May 5, 7:00 – $23.50
• Singer-songwriter Vonda Shepard had a breakthrough when she was featured weekly performances on the hit television series Ally McBeal. Wednesday, May 7 – 7:00 & 9:30 – $35.00
• If you’re a Beatles fan, the band’s original drummer, Pete Best, was replaced in 1962 by Ringo Starr just a couple weeks before the band’s first recording session. For a few years he tried to recapture the magic of a new band, but failed. He worked as a government worker for over 20 years before deciding to get back into music.  He then formed The Pete Best Band and plays the classic early 1960s Liverpool sound. Thursday, May 29, 8:00 – $23.50

If you’re a Beatle’s fan, check out The Beatle Invasion, another great b5media blog.

Ram’s Head Tavern
33 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401 (map it)
410-268-4545

And finally, the outdoor season opens at Wolftrap at the end of the month.

• The fast-footed Celtic dancers of Riverdance start things off with a bang. Thursday – Sunday, May 29 – June 1, Lawn – $20.00, Reserved seats – $40.00-$65.00 – 8:00, plus 2:00 shows on Saturday and Sunday.

Wolf Trap
1551 Trap Road
Vienna, VA 22182 (map it)

Images – Gin Blossoms, Leo Kottke, The Electric Prunes, 

____________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

At the Birchmere, in suburban Arlington, VA, there’s jazz, country, a 1960s folk icon and a bit of comedy:

• Smooth jazz saxophonist Candy Dulfer brings her cool sounds to the Birch – Thursday, April 3, 2008 – $39.50    
• Flamenco guitarist Otmar Leibert will play solo and host a conversation with the audience – Sunday, April 6 – $29.50
• Country music legend Roy Clark – Sunday  April 20 – 45.00
• Jazz from The Rippingtons with Russ Freeman on Wednesday, April 23-  $39.50
• 1960s era folk music icon Judy Collins – Friday. April. 25 – $49.50
• The always funny comedy of Paula Poundstone – Saturday, April 26 – $39.50

Judy Collins – “Both Sides Now“

The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave
Alexandria, VA 22305 (map it)

Over at the The State Theatre in Falls Church check out the classic reggae and a Led Zeppelin tribute band:

• Don’t let the “Pressure Drop” on your “Punky Reggae Party” with Toots and The Maytals – Thursday April 17 – $26.00
• The all-girl tribute band, Lez Zeppelin – Friday, April 18, 2008 – $16.00

State Theatre
220 Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
703-237-0300 (map it) 

At Blues Alley in Georgetown:

• The classic big band sounds of The Duke Ellington Orchestra – 2 shows nightly, Friday, April 18 – Sunday, April 20 – $37.75    

Blues Alley
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC, 20007 (map it)

9:30 Club is hosing some fun and unique sounds, including:

• The BoDeans – Wednesday, April 2 – $25.00 
• “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” Joe Jackson – Thursday, April 10 -$40.00

BoDeans – “She’s a Runaway”

9:30 Club
815 V Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-393-0930

At the Black Cat in DC’s U Street district:

• Chicago alternative rock band Urge Overkill. Their remake of the Neil Diamond’s hit “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” was featured in the hit movie Pulp Fiction – Sunday, April 27, $15.00

Black Cat
1811 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-667-7960

A couple sets of brothers, plus more are playing at the Ram’s Head in Annapolis, MD:

• Alan Parsons Live Project, Tuesday, April 1 (two shows) – $79.50

Alan Parsons Project – Time Machine

• The folksy sound of The Bacon Brothers  (yes, actor Kevin and his brother Michael), Saturday, April 5 (three shows, including a 2 p.m. all ages show) – $49.50
• 1960s flashback counterculture comedy and folk duo, The Smothers Brothers, Monday, April 14 – Wednesday April 16 – $79.50 (retro is getting expensive)
• A personal favorite, virtuoso rumba flamenca guitarist Jesse Cook, Sunday, April 20 – $33.50

Jessie Cook – “Rattle and Burn”

Ram’s Head Tavern
33 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401 (map it)
410-268-4545

Images – Flickr – Paula Poundstone – mjkmjk, Candy Dulfer – bartjanvanvugt, Bacon Brothers – Steve Lacey

_______________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

In it’s 34th year, the race is also commemorating the Annapolis Subscription Plate, the first recorded formal horse race ever run in Maryland, back in 1743.

While not as well attended as the Virginia Gold Cup on May 3rd (watch here for upcoming details), the Marlborough Hunt Races usually have around 5,000 spectators.

The eleven steeplechase races over the course of the day include distances from ½-mile to over 3 miles. Check out the final race, the Governor’s Cup Hunt Club Challenge team competition, where teams of 4 riders pass a baton from rider to rider over the 2 mile course.

Attendees are encouraged to wear colonial costumes to celebrate the Annapolis Subscription Plate and the 300th anniversary of Annapolis.  And as usual, there will be a woman’s hat competition.

Marlborough Hunt Races at Roedown Farm
3836 Wayson Road
Davidsonville, MD 21035 (about 1 hour from DC) (map it)

Date and Time – Sunday, April 6, 2008. Gates open at 10:00 a.m., post time at noon. Rain or shine. No pets.

Tickets – General admission is $5 with parking at $20.  Other options include advanced reserved railing parking ($80-$300 depending on location). Tickets are available at the gate.

Images – Flickr – steeplechase,  hunt race, pink hat

______________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

At the State Theatre in suburban Fall Church, Virginia:

• Johnny Winter and his “Rock N Roll…Hoochi Coo” sound.  Saturday, March 22, 2008.
• Pat Metheny Trio, with Christian McBride & Antonio Sanchez – It’s unlikely that he’ll bring his 38 string Pikasso custom guitar, but 6 stings is enough to make his unique jazz sound. Friday, March 14.
   

State Theatre
220 Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
703-237-0300

At the Birchmere, in Arlington:

• The Robert Cray Band  – Robert Cray is one of my favorites “she broke my heart, I messed up, but I still love you, please take me back baby” rockin’ blues singers. I first saw Robert Cray in Austin in 1986 immediately after he released Strong Persuader, a CD that catapulted him to mainstream music.  He puts on a great show. Tuesday, March 4.

Robert Cray Band – Right Next Door

• Robin Trower – Rock guitarist Robin Trower started his career with Procol Harum in 1967. After he left the band, his album Bridge of Sighs became an huge hit. Saturday, March 9.
• Cut the Cake with The Average White Band – Thursday & Friday, March 14 & 15.
• Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy has influenced  guitarists from Jimmy Hendrix to Eric Clapton. Wednesday & Thursday, March 26 & 27

The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave
Alexandria, VA 22305 (map it)

At Blues Alley in Georgetown:

• Jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan brings his two-handed string tapping to play melody and chords simultaneously in a solo show.  Thursday through Sunday, March 6-9, two shows nightly.

Stanley Jordan – Eleanor Rigby

• Argentine jazz tenor saxophonist Gato Barbeie had one of the most popular jazz CD ever released, the 1976 album, Caliente. It included the romantic cover of Carlos Santana’s Europa. Friday – Sunday, March 214-16, two shows nightly.

Blues Alley
1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC, 20007

9:30 Club is hosing some fun and unique sounds, including:

• The Hives with the Donnas – From Sweden, probably the best dressed garage band in history. Dressed in black and white suits, they are touring to promote their latest CD, The Black and White Album, with about half of the tunes shifting from their garage band roots into a more experimental sound.  Saturday, March 8 – UPDATE – THIS SHOW IS NOW SOLD OUT.

9:30 Club
815 V Street, NW
Washington, DC
202-393-0930

At the Black Cat on 14th Street:

• The Cribs – The 3-piece indie post-punk band from England recently backed-up the Sex Pistols at their November comeback concerts. Wednesday, March 19.
• If you were to blend the 1960s  Philly sound of The Ronnettes with rock pioneer Buddy Holly, and then add a dose of The Velvet Underground, you might come up with the two-part harmonies and driving beats of The Raveonettes. Also joining them will be Black Acid and Glasvegas, Saturday, March 29.

Black Cat
1811 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 
202-667-7960And finally, at the Ram’s Head Tavern in Annapolis, check out some of the more eclectic range of performers.

• Dave Mason – Legendary rocker Dave Mason, grew up in the influential band Traffic, with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood.  His big hit, “Feelin’ Alright” became a rock anthem, made popular by Joe Cocker, among others. Here’s one of my fav Mason tunes. Monday & Tuesday, March 3-4.

• Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes -
  the Jukes set sound for a bunch of later Jersey shore soul and R&B bands. Friday, March 7.
• Davy Jones – Hey, Hey, We’re the Monkees!!  Davy Jones was the British lead singer of The Monkees, (probably the the first TV-created band).  Along with Peter, Mike and Mickey, he became a huge teen idol in the 1960s. Sunday, March 9.

Ram’s Head Tavern
33 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-268-4545Images – Johnny Winter,  

__________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

I fell in love with gumbo on my first trip to New Orleans, close to 20 years ago.

Since then, I’ve been working on the perfect gumbo recipe. 

And to celebrate Mardi Gras, twenty area professional chefs will show off their idea of a perfect gumbo.  They’ll compete in the 9th annual Chesapeake Chefs Association’s Signature Gumbo Competition on Sunday in suburban Annapolis, Maryland.  

Besides tastings of 20 different versions of New Orleans’ favorite dish, enjoy music, Mardi Gras beads, and more.

While I won’t be submitting my recipe to the competition, I will put my version up against any of the pro’s gumbos.  And while there is no “perfect” gumbo recipe, I think mine is ready for prime time.  My recipe follows.

Chesapeake Chef’s Signature Gumbo Competition
Doubletree Hotel – Annapolis
210 Holiday Court
Annapolis, MD 21401 (map it)
410-224-3150

Date and Time – Sunday, Feb.10, 2008 1:00 p.m., until 4:00

Tickets – $10.00 and are available at the door

Parking – free parking is available.

Click More for the recipe of Jon’s Big Easy Gumbo —>

Images – Flickr 

Jon’s Chicken, Shrimp and Sausage File’ Gumbo

Ingredients

• 4 boneless-skinless chicken breasts diced into 2’ by 2’ pieces or one whole chicken – cut up in to 12-14 small pieces, with most of the skin removed.
• 4 links Andouille sausage (the real stuff), sliced in thin (½ inch) rounds
• 1 lb. peeled and deveined large shrimp (tails removed)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (canola, corn, etc.)
• ½ cup flour – all purpose
• ½ cup diced red pepper
• ¼ cup diced green pepper
• ¾ cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion (about one large onion)
• 1 cup frozen okra
• 5 cups chicken broth – low sodium is best
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 cloves of garlic – smashed and diced
• 2 Tablespoons Tabasco brand hot sauce (2 Tablespoons will make it rather spicy)

Gumbo Seasoning Mix

• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (less if you like our gumbo mild, 2 if you like it very spicy, 3 or more if you love pain)
• 1½ teaspoons file’ powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Put the half of the chicken in a plastic zipper bag with ¼ of the seasoning mix and ¼ cup flour. Shake to coat well. Remove the chicken and place on a plate. Add the remaining chicken and another ¼ of the seasoning mix and another ¼ cup of flour. Again, shake to coat and remove.

Heat the chicken broth in a pot or in the microwave until boiling.

In a second pot (Dutch over or large stockpot), heat the oil over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s hot, but not quite at the smoking point. Carefully add half of the chicken pieces and cook on each side for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove chicken to a plate with a paper towel and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Into the second pot, add the remaining seasoning mix and flour, plus any left over from the plastic bag. Add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of oil if the pot is dry.

Reduce the heat to low.  Using a whisk, stir the flour and seasoning mixture slowly, making a roux. Stir constantly until it turns medium brown in color, (about the color of a peanut’s skin). This should take 7-10 minutes. If the roux mixture starts to burn, reduce the heat.

Add all of the vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat.

Add ½ cup of the hot chicken broth to the pot and stir until mixed well. Add another ½ cup of the broth and stir again. Add the remaining broth and stir well.

Add the sliced Andouille sausage and bay leaves. Cook over medium heat (simmering, but not a full boil) for 15 minutes.

Add the chicken, garlic, okra and Tabasco hot sauce and cook over low-medium heat for another 30 minutes. The pot should be lightly simmering.

After 30 minutes, add the shrimp and cook another 4-5 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked.

Before serving, skim off any excess oil or grease from the top of the pot, using a skimmer or paper towels.

Serve with a big spoonful of cooked white rice in the center of the bowl and enjoy!!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!! (Let the Good Times Roll!!)_________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler