Rams Head The Blog

Riddle me this, Riddle me that… who’s putting free tickets in their hat?

We’re looking for a tagline for Pier Six and we want you to be the star of the show.  Suggest a new tagline for Pier Six Pavilion and automatically be entered to win two free tickets to every show at Pier Six for the year!

tag line also tag·line (tāg’līn’)
n.
1. a phrase or catchword that becomes identified or associated with a person, group, product, etc., through repetition
2.  an often repeated phrase associated with an individual, organization, or commercial product; a slogan.

Send your tagline suggestion to contest@ramsheadtavern.com and be entered to win!  Deadline is Sunday, February 14th 2010.

There’s something about a ‘one hit wonder’ jingle; the lyrics & melody seem to have an infectious way of occupying your mindless thoughts for hours, days and sometimes if your (un)lucky, weeks.  Recently our office was infected with the Circus melody.  Yes, the under the big top kind that you only remember when you were 5 years old.  It haunted us for at least a week…..  And probably after today, it’s back for more.

I digress.

It was the year of 1996 that I want to reflect on today. That precious time in between my high school and college days… filled with being carefree of the world around us and filled with visions of promise and the wonderful unknown of the future.  It was during that time that an infectious melody of a band known as The Verve Pipe took over the radio airwaves.  The name of the band, I must admit, nearly 15 years later had escaped me… but the song, when refreshed for my memory, certainly took me back.

The first line, sung with such deep emotion, spoke so eloquently to my young generation as we began to step out into the world:

When I was young I knew everything…

Perhaps somehow it reminded us that even with our high school diploma in hand and acceptance letter for college tacked onto our refrigerator, that the track we were on was going to be filled with more knowledge.  Perhaps the words told us that there were still plenty of lessons to be learned, that our parents did still know a thing or two.   I seriously  doubt many of us took the time to learn what the song really meant, or what exactly the band was so guilt stricken over to write such a heart-heavy song.  But the words, they seemed to spin in and out of the teenagers ears and voices as the verses continued on in The Freshmen:

For the life of me, I cannot remember
What made us think that we were wise and we’d never compromise
For the life of me, I cannot believe we’d ever die for these sins
We were merely freshmen

Freshmen.  That word, in and of itself, carried so much weight.  The mistakes that are made when you are so impressionable. At one time or another we were all about to relate to what being “The Freshmen” was; and perhaps that was enough strength to carry this song to the top of the charts that year.  But for many, I am sure, the song did speak to the sadness of suicide and the gut wrenching reflection of signs and opportunities missed.  Regardless of the meaning, the title or the words, this song hit the charts.

But, it is important to note that since 1996, this band has continued to evolve, adding three more studio albums to their collection [The Verve Pipe (1999) |Underneath (2001) Family Album (2009)] and sales of more than three million worldwide.  They have a reputation for spectacular live performances, which will certainly be the case when they visit Rams Head On Stage on February 22nd, when they promise to perform both old favorites as well as music from their new album.

Often compared to Better Than Ezra, Collective Soul, Stone Temple Pilots and perhaps a hint of Bruce Hornsby, I am certain The Verve Pipe’s first appearance at Rams Head On Stage will be full of new memories made as well as reflection of days of years past.

An Acoustic Evening with
The Verve Pipe
Rams Head On Stage
February 22, 2010
8pm
$22.50
click here to buy tickets

Rams Head On Stage was lucky enough to enjoy the soulful tunes of singer, songwriter & pianist Alexa Ray Joel this past August. The 24 year old daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley, put on a wonderful show which many compared to melodic voices of Sara Bareilles or Norah Jones. We know that Miss Joel’s stop at Rams Head On Stage will not be her last, we look forward to seeing her continue to grow as an artist!

Most recently however, Miss Joel’s personal life was suddenly thrown into the spotlight with a recent attempted suicide this past December.    Many have indicated that this was related to the recent breakup of her boyfriend and band member and what many call her “first love”.  As fans, friends and family sent positive messages and support to the young woman, you never know how one will surface back into the public eye.

I am quite impressed with the courageous stance Miss Joel has taken; she has come out publicly to get involved in being a spokeswoman for Heart-Break related depression:

” have many exciting new developments for the New Year, and I hope all of you can be a part of it!! This includes new creative projects, and even more volunteer work in hopes to give back to the community and, most importantly, to help young girls with something I feel I know a GREAT deal about: Heartbreak-Related Depression.Although it does not get much attention in our society, it is a very serious and painful condition that often gets “swept under the carpet”. I hope to bring this topic more to light… I’m even going back to school for Psychology in hopes to learn more about this and many other afflictions that many of us have had to face… after all, there’s nothing more fascinating than the human mind and it’s respective conditions…” (from Miss Joel’s facebook page)

We look forward to Miss Joel’s return to the music industry as she heals both her heart and body and we support her efforts in educating  young women everywhere who feel the pains of heartbreak while supporting solutions for healthy ways to combat those feelings.

It’s that time of year… to say good-bye to the celebrations of 2009 and welcome in the new of 2010! Just think, 10 years ago tomorrow we thought that the sky was falling with Y2K, that our computers would never work again and that all systems would be down.

But instead of worry about years past, I think for many of us, we are reveling in the idea that 2010 will be brighter than ‘09… we’re all feeling hopefully optimistic about the year ahead.  For the Rams Head, 2010 is already looking great as we’re excited about our Pier Six Pavilion summer calendar and how that is shaking down (cliff-hanger).  We’re feeling good that a new deck will make an appearance at a restaurant in 2010 (another cliff-hanger).   Our marketing office is settled in at our new digits on West Street and we even just upgraded our Anti-Virus spyware (it’s the little things, right?).  But truly, we’re thankful for all of you… our amazing customers… who believe in our Food, Fun & Beer 364.5 days of the year (we do close for a 1/2 day on Christmas).   We look forward to bringing you a lot more FUN in 2010…

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE FUN FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE

LIVE MUSIC = FUN
Rams Head Live celebrates with Dark Star Orchestra, the return of the Cosmic New Year.  Your $64-75 ticket gets you  3 Sets from Dark Star Orchestra  including a rare acoustic set plus Donna Jean Godchaux as a special guest on vocals, and an extended opening set from Baltimore’s own, The Bridge.   Plus, a champagne toast, finger foods, party favors and more.  There’s discounted hotel at Baltimore’s Sheraton.

Rams Head On Stage celebrates with the return of Deanna Bogart.  Hopefully you already got your tickets because this event is sold out.   Be sure you don’t miss future great events (Valentine’s night to be announced soon), by signing up for our email blast here.  This event includes a gourmet buffet, dancing, party favors, your concert ticket & a champagne toast at midnight!

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EASTERN SHORE = ISLAND GIRL FUN

Anything Goes "The Force Be With You". Halloween 2009

2009 is almost over, 2010 is just beginning! Come bring the New Year at Rams Head Shore House in Stevensville, Maryland brings down the house with  Anything Goes (Rock/Pop/Funk).

FREE champagne toast at midnight, party favors and de-lish sounding drink specials:  $5 Peppermintinis | $3 Midnight Kiss Shooters | $3 Ball Dropper Shooters.

All sound like they’ll ensure a kiss for you at midnight!!

The Island Girls featuring both Kathryn and Lynn (plus the rest of the motley crew) can’t wait to ring in the New Year with you.

Rams Head Shore House
800 Main Street | Stevensville, MD | 21666
410.643.2466
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SAVAGE MILL = HISTORICAL HYSTERICAL FUN

Executive Chef Brent “Turbo” Shellem has put together a phenomenal dinner menu for Rams Head Tavern Savage Mill.  Sea Bass, King Crab Legs & Ribeye – yum!  Plus, the entire Rams Head menu will be available for those looking for something more diverse.  But anything with a drizzle of truffle oil is always a seller for me,  double yum!

Savage’s famous DJ Dance Party Friday night makes a rare weekday appearance for New Year’s Eve in the Rathskeller.  Dance to your little heart’s content and enjoy $2 Fordham’s & Old Dominion bottles til their gone (starting at 9pm).  Complimentary Champagne Toast at Midnight and the ever important party favors!!

You can’t beat the price (FREE) for this dance party!   Be sure to line-up your safe ride home, 240-210-6688 with Columbia Taxi Service.

The staff at Savage is ready to show you why they were voted “Best of the ‘Burbs” by Baltimore Sun.  Don’t miss the opportunity to start your New Year’s off right!

Rams Head Tavern Savage Mill | 8600 Foundry Street | Savage, MD | 20763
301.604.3454

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ROADHOUSE = ROADHOUSE FUN. PLAIN & SIMPLE.

Dinner Specials:   New York Strip, Grilled Salmon, Chicken Marsala.  Chef Jimmy Donlin did things up right for this New Year’s!  All your choice for just $24.95

Music:  Collide (Alternative / Funk / Classic Rock)

Drink Specials:  Free Champagne Toast @ Midnight! $5 bombs from 9pm-close

Raffle:  Everyone that enters the Rams Head Roadhouse will receive a raffle ticket. At 11:30pm we will draw a winner for a $50 Rams Head Gift Certificate and 12:30am we will draw again, the winner will have a chance to pick a show at Rams Head Live and receive a pair of tickets.

Party Favors too!  Can I get kazoo please?

Rams Head Roadhouse
1773 Generals Highway
Annapolis, MD 21403
410.849.8058

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ANNAPOLIS = THE ORIGINAL FUN

Going to start with the best here folks.  Champagne Toast?  Nah.  This is a beer bar folks.  We’re toasting cheap beer style, Miller High Life pony’s!  Bring your own booty call, we’ll supply the pony to coincide with the midnight kiss!

But don’t let me get ahead of myself.  We can’t forget Chef John Jennings III and Doug Walden’s delicious dinner selections.  There are so many fancy ingredients in these descriptions that automatically equal mouth-watering options, but for the overview:  Sea Bass, T-Bone, Chicken Alfredo with a serious twist!

We’ll also be highlighting some champagne special deals for the night to be sure you get your bubbly in before the ball drops.  Enjoy an entree and we have some great deals on Freixent splits, Moet & Chandon.

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

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NEW YEAR’S DAY = HANGOVER FUN

We’re opening the doors and extending our brunch and breakfast options for you this New Year’s Day.

So, if you feel like this:  We’ve got just what you need!!  With the purchase any entree, enjoy a free Bloody Mary or Mimosa. OR, take advantage of our 30+ ingredient Bloody Mary bar (all you can drink for just $10 with the purchase of an entree)

Rams Head Annapolis, Savage & Roadhouse brunch : 11am until 3pm
Rams Head Shore House breakfast: 9am until 12noon

When Timbaland brings his Shock Value II Tour to Baltimore January 17^th, Baltimore will have a rare chance to see one of the true hip-hop legends and pioneers in action live.

 “Genius” is an overheated adjective when used to describe the talents of most producers, but it is appropriate for Timbaland, who has an impressive career dating back to his teenage years in Virginia Beach. When Timbaland — born Timothy Mosley in 1971 — acquired his first drum machine at age 13, he immediately began crafting beats and DJing at Virginia Beach clubs under the name “DJ Timmy Tim.” In high school, he approached a fellow aspiring producer named Pharrell Williams about forming a group, which the pair dubbed “Surrounded by Idiots” (SBI). The experience of making music under the SBI moniker proved critical to the careers of both Timbaland and Williams, who each went on to become the most sought-after producers in the music business. When SBI dissolved, Timbaland began making music for an R&B group from nearby Portsmouth, VA, called Sista, which was led by a young singer and rapper named Melissa “Missy” Elliott, with whom Tim had an instant chemistry.

 In 1995, his work with Sista attracted the attention of Elektra Records, which hired Timbaland to work with the teenage R&B singer Aaliyah who had just begun recording her second album for the label. Timbaland and Aaliyah re-mapped pop and R&B’s sonic landscape with 1996’s One in a Million, on which Timbaland set fluttering high hats moving in sensuous slow motion against the sound of chirping birds — an outré sound that yielded four hits and led to two million in sales. “I’m drawn to artists who are willing to work outside of their comfort zone”, says Timbaland. “Music, for me, is instinctive. I draw upon my natural environment for inspiration; what the average person sees as noise or distraction, I see as music. My style and passion for music inspires the artist to give everything they have inside. True artistry lies not only in creativity but in having the confidence to execute your vision and be a true forecaster of music.”

 For more than a decade, Timbaland has dominated the pop charts by producing an endless stream of hits for the likes of Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, and Nelly Furtado. So prolific a hitmaker is he that in the span of a single year — 2006 to 2007 — Timbaland produced more than 10 international chart-toppers, including Furtado’s “Promiscuous,” Timberlake’s “Sexy Back,” and 50 Cent’s “Ayo Technology.” “2006 to 2007 marked a rebirth in my career”, says Timbaland. “I was so blessed to have had so many of my personal and professional endeavors come to fruition at once. I came back more determined than ever and I my fans accepted me with open arms; the connection my fans felt to my music was a result of the renewed sense of confidence I had in myself.”

 Timbaland’s touch extends to his own solo work — he scored three Top 10 singles alone from his 2007 solo album Shock Value. As he racked up the hits, Timbaland re-defined the possibilities of what pop music could sound like, from the bhangra-infused hip-hop of Missy Elliott’s smash “Get Ur Freak On,” to Furtado’s eerie, yet soulful “Say it Right,” to the orchestral R&B of Timberlake’s “What Goes Around Comes Around.” Unsurprisingly, he has been hailed by musicians and music critics alike as a sonic auteur in the tradition of such iconic, history-making producers as Brian Eno, Gamble and Huff, and Phil Spector. In fact the music industry’s praise for Timbaland has been so persistent for the past decade that the Village Voice remarked that “it gets boring, doesn’t it, acclaiming Timbaland’s genius for the tenth year in a row.”  Now, more than a decade after he launched his career as a DJ and beat-maker in Virginia Beach, he has done just that. “I’ve had amazing success in this business and will continue to be successful as long as my fans remain open to my innovation. I’m always looking to challenge myself and my listeners. That’s why I’ve had such longevity. Right now, we’ve moved into this new era of change across the globe. From politics to music we’re constantly evolving. As long as people are looking for something new, they’ll be looking for a Timbaland beat.”