It's Only Rock And Roll But I Like It

It's Friday, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Plans got a little changed last night. My plans of doing laundry before the show last night were scratched when I got out of work and received a message from Nick asking if I wanted to join him and his parents for dinner at Dogwood before hitting the show. Needless to say, that was a great big "Yes!" so I rushed home and got ready and met them at the restaurant. It was really good. Pretty pleased with what I made my first meal in two days, I suppose--- Maryland Crab soup, what was essentially a Caesar salad with radishes and a vegan horseradish dressing (and ryebread croutons), and a side of mashed potatoes. None of the entrees or small plates appealed to me, so I decided to make my meal from the starters and sides, and with the exception of the mashed potatoes (and dark chocolate chip black cherry ice cream for dessert--- I know, I know) the meal was rather light. But it was delicious and fun hanging out with Nick and his parents. His dad said I can use him as a reference, which is very kind and may add a little boost to my resume. It's funny, I forget that he is who he is now, I don't even notice it anymore. He got this birch beered marinated beef roast that was amazing, Nick got bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin (bacon, of course!), his mom got something with grilled eggplant (didn't try that). All in all, the meal was awesome and it wasn't what you'd call overly pricey, either. Have to take Mom and Tony there sometime, too. Clementine has opened up again, so that is definately a place I want to go to again and take them there, as well. After dinner, we walked down to Rob's to give him a ticket to the show, then headed over to Fletcher's. Called Angel since Laurie was in Carrol County, so she met us there later on. The show itself was really good, and I'm really glad Craig gave us those tickets. The first band, The Annuals, Nick really enjoyed, but I didn't care for. Actually, I really didn't like them, one song was alright. If I had heard them first and then saw them, I may have liked them more, but I didn't like the looks of them. I know that sounds wrong, but what I mean is they just acted weird, showboating and making silly faces, pretentiously changing instruments between and even during songs. It was a little self-indulgent in my opinion. The Black Kids, however, who played second, were awesome, as expected. I was surprised that they played "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You" as soon into their set as they did, but like Nick said, they only have so many songs. Really enjoyed them and would see them again next week when they play Ottobar, should funds be available. I think tickets are only like $14. The third act was Tom Morrello, from Rage Against The Machine, which I wasn't too interested in initially, but let me tell you, I am fucking sold. The guy is amazing, as a guitarist, as a political activist, as just a fucking cool guy. I'm so impressed with his solo material, I really enjoyed it. Afterwards we made our way over to The Wind-up--- had to congratulate Russell on winning Best New Bar In Baltimore for the City Paper. He was so sweet, hugged us and said that we helped make it happen by supporting it and bringing people out and I couldn't be more pleased for him. I just hope everybody and their brother doesn't start invading the joint and it bringing undesirables--- a.k.a. Wham City types. It's that whole catch 22 like with bands, you want them to get exposure because they are awesome, but you want them to remain your own and not sell-out. Eh, tonight's the official grand opening party tonight so we are going to check that out. May go to Joe Squared for dinner beforehand, I still want to try their pizza since I've heard such good things and it is right across the street.

I am very glad it is Friday and also that The Ravens' game is in the afternoon on Sunday, so hopefully Nick can stay over Saturday and just get up around 11 Sunday to still get there with his dad early for tailgating. If I hear from Victor I will try to get them to come to The Wind-up for their B-day festivities.