Rams Head The Blog

Congratulations Ryan Bingham, on winning your first Oscar! Crazy Heart’s ‘The Weary Kind’ was honored by the academy as the Best Original Song of the year. Annapolis loved you when, and loves to watch you receive the recognition that you deserve.

And thank you 103.1 WRNR for bringing this shining talent to Rams Head On Stage for one of our favorite Private Artist Showcases… seems like just yesterday:

Greetings from the Ramosphere!…Ok, lame… whatever…moving on, pretend it didn’t happen.

This week we’ve got some very exciting digs for you from Naptown, to BMore and out to the Pier Six Pavilion so you can rock the docks!

First up, we are thrilled to announce the coming of Michael Franti & Spearhead with special guests The Wailers on Saturday, May 29 at the Pier Six Pavilion. This one goes on sale 2/25 @ noon. One Rams Header recently attended a Franti show and this is a small portion of that testimonial.

“It was just such a party, so much fun, he comes into the audience and dances with people, takes pictures. The man was just runnin around the verizon center with no shoes…can’t wait to see him again.”

 Even more noteworthy, the music from these two acts, while highly acclaimed within the industry, is extremely attentive to global issues and concerns. Bring on equality, bring on peace and happiness, bring on relevance…just bring it.  And please, for the love of art, check out the new Wailers logo in the top left corner of their website. Beautiful.

Next up, we’ve got Landon Pigg at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis on Tuesday, March 16. He was a shy guy from Nashville, Tennessee and, well…he’s still a shy guy from Nashville, Tennessee. He’s also mad good at Chemistry and Algebra.  He sounds like a strange character to hit the stage but don’t be fooled. This personality lends itself very well to putting on a good show and creating some very viable and poppy, singer-songwriter tunes. Check this stud out in his vid below.

Finally, at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, we’ve brought you a favorite dig that’s usually too expensive to catch the real thing. 2U: The World’s Greatest U2 Tribute hits the stage after being snowed out twice.  The stars have stopped criss-crossing and are looking to be re-ALIGNED for Saturday, April 17th.

Also Coming To Pier Six Pavilion:

7/24 – The Big Bad Voodoo Daddy opening for The Beach Boys

4/20 – Ben Harper

7/30 – Dave Koz & Jonathan Butler w/ special guest Sheila E.

Also Coming To Rams Head On Stage:

3/15 – Murder Mystery Dinner – Deadly Housewives

4/1 – Pat McGee

4/22 – Raul Malo

4/27 – the church

5/21 – Tony Levin

5/27 – Tab Benoit

7/3 – Chuck Brown

8/21 – The Rippingtons

The Rams Head Tavern and Old Dominion Brewing Company are pleased to announce the five course beer dinner on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 from 7pm-9pm.       

All dishes will be paired with beers from one of the most acclaimed craft breweries in the Mid-Atlantic, Old Dominion Brewing Co. Founded in Ashburn, VA in 1989 and now brewed in Dover, Delaware.

This particular evening will feature 5 of Dominions craft beers….from the bold and spicy Hop Mountain Pale Ale to the rich, warm Oak Barrel Stout. In an effort to perfectly pair these various hops and malts with the appropriate dish, Chef John “J J” Jennings has designed a menu that combines both local favorites and traditional classics.

Spend a winter evening tantalizing your taste buds with one of Rams Head’s semi-annual beer dinners. “Our first beer dinner was a huge success. We sold out the event quickly and everyone highly enjoyed the evening” says Rams Head Tavern General Manager, Mark Colberg.

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

Time & Date: Thursday, March 4th, 2010 @ 7pm

Details: 21 or Older

Cost:  $70 includes tax & gratuity; you can purchase tickets at www.ramsheadonstage.com or by calling the Box Office at 410.268.4545

Menu:

Old Dominion Lager: Four Cheese Fondue

Gruyere, Emendable, Pepper Jack and Cheddar cheeses served Fondue style with mixed breads and vegetables.

Old Dominion Spring Buck: Stuffed Baby Iceberg

 Baby head of iceberg lettuce stuffed with julienne prostitute ham, roasted beets, chevron and candied figs drizzled with a light Champagne vinaigrette.

 Old Dominion Ale: Creole Brochette

Bounding Noir and large marinated shrimp showered and char grilled, served over fried polenta cake with roasted tomato compote.

 Old Dominion Hop Mountain: Veal Sirloin Roast

 Whole veal sirloin roasted perfectly and hand carved, presented with brandied cherry veal glaze. Served with raced white truffle potatoes and fresh spinach au gratin.

 Old Dominion Oak Barrel Stout: Chocolate Mousse

Dark Belgian chocolate mousse with Bourbon whipped cream.

For tickets or more information please visit: www.ramsheadonstage. com or Call Box Office:410.268.4545

Rams Head Group wanted to start of February by trying to find the Rams Head Love Bird couple. We hear stories all the time about how patrons went on dates to Rams Head, or how they meet their husband/wife at one of the locations. So, why not put together a contest?

We asked the patrons to tell us their ‘Love Bird’ stories and why they thought they should be the Rams Head ‘Love Bird Couple’. We’ve been hearing some great stories so far. We picked a few that we thought had a lot of meaning and wanted to share.

A Rams Head team of judges will review the final submissions and evaluate the candidates on the following criteria:

-> The level of passion the individual expresses for his or her love

-> The most interesting story about your date

-> Why you and your “Love Bird” should be the 2010 Rams Head Love Bird Couple

-> Why you and your “Love Bird” picked Rams Head Restaurant for your date

->Photo of couple

The Rams Head “Love Bird Couple” will be picked by Friday, February 12th @9am, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The ‘ love Birds’ will receive a $50 Rams Head Gift Certificate ,a pair of tickets to see a show of your choice at the intimate Rams Head On Stage in downtown Annapolis, and Floral Bouquet by the Annapolis Florist Company, INTRIGUE.

So…. who will be the Rams Head ‘Love Bird’ Winner? Stay tuned……

Love Bird Story #1

Couple: Patrick & Jeanette

What perfect timing, we realized we were falling in love during the last blizzard, Dec. 19! Our first date was in October but over Thanksgiving, I got nervous and decided that we should “just be friends”. Fast forward to the blizzard, my friend and I walked from my house (1.5 miles) to Calvert to get her car before the city towed. While waiting for the tow truck we went to Ram’s Head. Patrick and his friend happened to be in the area and they came to drink with us. Unfortunately (actually fortunately now) the tow called and told us they couldn’t make it. Patrick and his friend helped us dig out my friend’s car, which took 2 hrs. He left that night and I realized in my gut that I had fallen for him. I saw him the next day and after a kiss, we have been inseparable ever since.

Love Bird Story #2

Couple: Tianna B. and Nicholas S.

I was working a double shift at a restaurant, chatting with a co-worker as we prepared for dinner. I was completing my daily rant of why I hate working doubles and how I have sworn of all men. Fresh from a disatrous
date, I was sure that if I stayed away from men for a while, the right person would come my way someday. That someday just happened to be at that moment. As I walked to the kitchen, I noticed a tall, handsome
young man, in a server uniform, talking with another co-worker. Our eyes met and in that moment I said to myself, “who is that?”, as he was saying, “who is she?” to someone else. After the first date, we were
hooked and we have been madly in love ever since. That was two years ago and we are approaching our anniversay on February 23rd.

Love Bird Story #3

Couple: Amber & Carlos O.

?OK, so we go to happy hour at Ram?s Head?.?

?Ram?s Head?? (She looks skeptical.)

?Yes.? (He gives her a sarcastic glare back)

?Anyway,? he continues, ?we go to Ram?s Head, have a few beers. Then we
start walking. When we?re tired, we know the farthest we can live from
Ram?s Head.?

We made it two blocks.

Since then, Amber and Carlos O. have lived those same two blocks
from the Tavern, been to every Keg Tapping since September of 2007 (25
in all), got married (recovered on Sunday Bloody Sunday), celebrated
their birthdays (and yours), won a 7-lb lobster, seen 4 concerts, and
finished the World Beer Club?all while making others loyal to Ram?s
Head.

Love Bird Story #4

Couple: Noreen and Marcin

It was the twentith day of April in the year 2006, my girlfriends called and told me we were going to see Tone Locke and Rob Base that night at Ramshead Live.  I got dolled up in a white dress, fixed my
short brown hair and was out the door.

The beats were right and the drinks were strong, we danced, we laughed, we were having a fabulous time. There was a break in the show and as I was looking over the balcony watching everyone else chatting
and having as great a time as I was, that’s when I spotted him! Tall, dark and handsome with long shaggy hair under a raggity old baseball cap. He was the most attractive man I had ever seen and I felt compelled by some unknown force to let him know.  I mustered up all my strength and ran down the stairs; approaching from behind, my heart was beating out of my chest, my hands were shaking, and I was right behind him! Taking a deep breath, I tapped him on the shoulder.  ”Excuse me.” He turns around and gives me the biggest smile and I
melted! “I saw you from up there and I wanted to tell you, I think you are the sexist man I’ve ever seen!” And before he could say anything, I walked away as fast as my stileto heels could carry me!

After a while, the show was over and we were standing near the stage, someone was tapping me on the shoulder.. “I want to take you out for coffee, but I don’t have my phone so you’ll have to take my number and
call me.” “What’s your name,” I ask. “Marcin, like a Marching Band” ”Well Marcin, we’ll see about that!”

Almost 4 years later, I can still say it was love at first sight!

Love Bird Story #5

Couple: Sean & Karma

Sean and Karma began dating in 1995, while both worked at Rams Head in Annapolis. Even though they eventually found other careers, Rams Head has been a lynchpin in their lives since bringing them together. The Down Bar was where Sean first introduced his mother to Karma. The Up Bar was where they celebrated after she said, “I will” to his proposal. The Barbershop is where they toasted to Sean’s first job promotion. They ate on the patio on the way home from the hospital with their first child. Every St. Patrick’s Day they stop by for a pint of Genius Stout, every Spring they visit for a Maibock, and every Christmas the Dobblebock is as traditional as decorating their tree. For Sean and Karma, Rams Head isn’t just been a place that brought them together, it is a place of celebration and great spirit.

Love Bird Story #6

By: Amy L

We didn’t meet at Rams Head, but our love for music took us to Rams Head’s shows on many occasions. That’s why, on a frigid Monday afternoon in 1997, we had our “wedding reception” at Rams Head Tavern. We’d gotten married in the atrium of the Annapolis courthouse, and our whole group strolled over to Rams Head for our reception. We had fried calamari, plenty of seafood entrees, our champagne toast (my husband prefers beer, as you’ll see), and even a cake for two. A grander wedding was not in our budget, but our reception was perfect none the less.

Twelve years and five babies later, we still love to catch a show at the Rams Head (when we can get a babysitter, of course). Rams Head is classy, cool, and intimate-perfect for young AND old lovers!

Love Bird Story #7

Couple: Jordan L & Will M.

My name is Jordan L. and I met my ‘lovebird’ Will M., at Rams Head Live on August 3, 2009.  I went to the showto see Silversun Pickups, and ended up running into a few friends, who introduced me to Will.  We started chatting, and he told me he worked in the Entertainment industry.  As I am getting ready to graduate college, I took it as a perfect opportunity to set up an interview to potentially become his intern.  When that date finally came, we set out to have an informal interview at a local restaurant.  When talking about our passion for music, the industry, and so on, the interview turned into a date.  From that point on Will and I have been inseparable.  We have been dating for five months now, and hope to share the rest of our lives together.  Will has kept his dedication to our interests and me by taking me to shows at Rams Head Live, to ‘woo’ me even more than the first time we met.  We should be the 2010 Rams Head Love Bird Couple because I believe we are the epitome of what the venue portrays.  We are fun, social, love live music, and aren’t afraid to try something new. Even-though I didn’t get to be his intern, I got something even better, to be his love bird, hopefully forever!

Love Bird Story #8

Couple: Ed & Lindsay

My name is Ed S. and my love story occurs on the night of February 7, 2009 at the Taylor Hicks show which was the first official date with my girlfriend, Lindsay T..   We had dinner before the show in the Tavern and as luck would have it the hostess seated us at the table directly in front of the fireplace which was incredibly romantic.  Also, I had flowers sent to Rams Head for Lindz and during the beginning of dinner the hostess brought the flowers to our table.  Lindz put the flowers not on the table but on the hearth which allowed me to gaze upon her lovely face all night.  During the show Taylor Hicks sang the song “What’s Right is Right” and the lyrics of that song mirror our relationship and now that is “our song”.  We fell in love that very night at Rams Head.

Love Bird Story #9

Couple: John & Jessica D

“To the 10! The 20! The 30!”

Who Dat?! No. The Saints aren’t plowing through a punt return. We’re plowing and shoveling through 30+ inches of snow in the DC-Metro and Baltimore areas as this final blizzard roars through. We’re knocking icicles off of our gutters, cleaning off our cars and hanging up our snow gear (soon, I promise) in the hopes of FINALLY going out and getting our party on. And it looks like the sun will be returning just in time for Mardi Gras. Ca c’est bon (’that’s good’)!

Rams Head On Stage brings the sound of New Orleans to Annapolis with performances by Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Doc Hochman’s Dynamic Dixieband, and Nawlins’ own Eric Lindell with Jamie McLean.

As the snow settles and the cabin fever reaches its climax (all snow and now play makes Jack a dull boy) join us Thursday, February 11 for Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Big Sam blows the funk out of his trombone and refuses to let the audience sit still. Between solos and trombone riffs, Big Sam second-lines (a uniquely New Orleans style of street-dance) and gets the crowd going both in movement and in replies to his call-and-response MC-style. A talented group of jazz-trained musicians make up the Funky Nation, bringing with them the improv-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that’s the hallmark of big band funk.

Tuesday, February 16 – Fat Tuesday to be exact – brings Doc Hochman’s Dynamic Dixieband. Annapolis’ own “Doctor of Jazz”, Rick Hochman, and his Dixieband bring excitement back to Rams Head On Stage, featuring outstanding Jazz and Blues musicians and Dr. Hochman’s piano artistry. Do Fat Tuesday right folks! The official start of Mardi Gras isn’t just about the boozin’, although that’s an important part. No Mardi Gras party is complete without the appropriate music – a soundtrack for the famed debauchery.

And finally, New Orleans’ own Eric Lindell performs with newcomer Jamie McClean on Wednesday, February 17. Blues guitarist and singer Eric Lindell has been described by the Chicago Sun-Times as “A tremendous raw talent with a poet’s soul…Lindell writes from the heart with a fully realized musical vision.” This time Lindell rolls into town with the well-versed and well-traveled Jamie McClean. Best known for providing his tasteful guitar textures to the New Orleans based jazz outfit the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, along with the Jamie McLean Band, McLean’s fret board mastery has garnered worldwide praise. (For Fans of: Marc Broussard, Delbert McClinton, Dr. John)

So, my friends, when it comes to this ‘Blizzardacalypse’ just remember that the end is in sight! And that shining light at the end of the tunnel is Mardi Gras!

Bonjour Mes Amis, et Laisser les bons temps rouler!