Rams Head The Blog

The English Beat

Who’s got the beat……Oh yes, the English Beat! The English Beat is a 2 Tone ska revival band founded in England in 1978. Their songs fuse ska, pop, soul, reggae, and punk rock, and their lyrics talk about love, unity, and sociopolitical topics.

In the 80’s they had popular songs like ,” Mirror in the Bathroom”, “Too Nice to Talk to”, “Hands off She’s Mine” and “All Out to Get You”. With songs like these, it was easy to see why this band became a popular act in the UK.

Once they the band started to get a lot of air play. They started to tour alongside of some of the biggest performing artist such as The Clash, The Pretenders, The Police, REM, Talking Heads, and The Specials.

The band grew their fan base by having such a high energy show. This band reached out to hundreds of thousands of fans across the world, communicating positive and freedom through their music.

In 1983, the Beat broke up and members joined other bands. But, their songs still touched the fans and lived on by record sales. Meanwhile, “March of the Swivelheads,” an instrumental version of the Beat’s song “Rotating Head,” was used in the climactic chase scene of 1986’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” the band was listed in the end credits as “The (English) Beat”.

Years passed by and know one knew what was going to happen with this famous Ska band. But, in 2003 members of the The Beat’s original line-up, minus Cox and Steele, played a sold-out one-off gig at the Royal Festival Hall. Many had the same question, ‘Was the Band getting back together for good?’

Yes, the band still is touring! I guess you can’t stop the beat….. The English Beat will be coming to Rams Head Live with the band Fishbone on Wednesday, February 24^th. So, come get your beat on with the English Beat!

Fishbone

Fishbone formed in 1979, a year after the band English Beat formed. Fishbone is an American alternative rock band that plays fusion of ska, punk rock, funk metal and more. Fishbone is from the South Central Los Angeles area.

Fishbone was known for being one of the most diverse bands in the alternative rock genre. The band influenced many rock bands in the 90’s. I mean, who doesn’t remember the album, ‘In Your Face’ that was released in 1986.

Fishbone started to tour the country with the famous Hip-Hop/ Rock band, The Beastie Boys. They grew their audience by having lyrics that reflected many people in the 1990’s. Their lyrics talked about fascism, breakup of families, nuclear war, and the oppression in lower income housing projects.

After the bands first music video on MTV, “Freddie’s Dead”.(originally written by Curtis Mayfield). The band started their next tour with, Red Hot Chili Peppers and became nationally known in the burgeoning alternative music scene.

In 1993, the band releasing their album,’ Give a Monkey a Brain and He’ll Swear He’s the Center of the Universe’ focused largely on hard rock and heavy metal. And, the time of the album’s release, the band began to tear apart. Fishbone was then dropped by Sony Records.

Today, Fishbone members include singer Angelo Moore. (Angelo Moore was one of the first performers to “stage dive” and “Crowd surf” during legendary performances in the mid-eighties.) John Norwood Fisher (Vocals/ Bass), John Steward (Drums), Rocky George (Guitar; Former member of the Suicidal Tendencies from 1984-1985), Dre Gibson (Keyboard/Vocals) and John McKnight (Trombone/Vocals/ and Guitar).

The English Beat and Fishbone are two highly influenced Ska/ Rock bands that have been touring for over 30 years. Having these artists tour together and come to Rams Head Live is going to be incredible. And, you don’t want to miss this show.

The English Beat , Fishbone  and Outlaw Nation at Rams Head Live, Wednesday, February 24^th. Tickets are only $25 plus Tax. And, can be bought at www.RamsHeadLive.com

These days you can’t turn on your radio without hearing singer/ songwriter Charlie Mars. He has two singles being played right now on the radio-“Listen to the Darkside” and “Meet me by the Back door”. He’s a southern boy from Mississippi with charm and talent.  Charlie has been playing music since the age of 14. All the ladies love him and the guys want to be him.

Mars hits a groove that does not hit any specific genre. His songs have sexy melodies, soul and groove. It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting in a room with friends, jamming out in your car or sitting at work listening to your ipod. His songs make you want to shake your booty or whistle along to his tunes.

“Songs hit boiling points at unexpected moments; their melodies remain subtle but always present. Because they are so rhythmically textured, while at the same time spacious, songs reveal new things upon each listen” says Charlie Mars.

Charlie Mars is becoming a favorite to the Maryland area. You might have heard him on XM Radio, WRNR, WTMD, or open for Bob Schneider at Rams Head On Stage. The first time I met Charlie was at the Rams Head show. He walked up to the box office around 9am with a blueberry muffin in one hand and his guitar in the other. He told me, “You know that I’m opening for Bob at this show, but the next time you see me at Rams Head On Stage I will be the headliner”. I didn’t put this past Charlie because he has so much passion about his music -his shows are just amazing! Not only does he sing catchy songs, but he’s a great storyteller. During his show, he usually tells a few good stories and has the crowd interact with him.You will see hands in the air, and people singing along- “ If you want to come over and get high and listen to the Darkside of the moon”. And, no I’m not talking about Pink Floyd.

Charlie will be performing at Rams Head On Stage Thursday, January 7^th .This could be YOUR special night to ‘Get Charmed By Charlie.’  All ticket buyers to the January 7^th show will be entered for a chance to win dinner for 2 with Charlie prior to the show.  That’s right – You + your best bud + Charlie + dinner = 1 kick butt night at Rams Head.  You can pick his brain about his songwriting, get the dish on that video with Mary Louise, or whatever come to mind. Get your tickets today and be entered to win!

 For Tickets:

www.ramsheadonstage.com or Call the box office: 410.268.4545

*Looking to pre-game before the Charlie Mars show? Get there early and stop by the Rams Head Tavern for dinner ( the performance package- you can receive 1o% your meal and that same night is the  Scotch Ale Beer Release Party @ Rams Head Tavern from 4pm-6pm.$4 special event glasses with $1 refills.

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

Monday, August 3 – 2009

1 – Growing Old is Getting Old
2 – Well Thought Out Twinkles
3 – There’s No Secrets This Year
4 – The Royal We
5 – Little Lover’s So Polite
6 – It’s Nice to Know You Work Alone
7 – Future Foe Scenarios
8 – Sort Of
9 – Kissing Families
10 – Panic Switch
11 – Lazy Eye

Encore:
12 – Catch and Release
13 – Rusted Wheel
14 – Common Reactor

photos by Stacy Richarsdon Photography