Tuesday's baseball game was the first in a long time for me...which just goes to show that even when the O's are winning, no one goes. The good news is that they are offering a deal where you get free food and good bleacher seats on Thursdays for $15 per person (a deal if you know what they usually charge for things). So go see the O's while they're winning and giving themselves up on the cheap.

Thursday, May 1st begins the 10th Annual Maryland Film Fest. It should be a good one given that it's the anniversary, so head down to the Charles or MICA, and hit me if you want a recommendation or comment with yours...I'm good at giving unsolicited opinions, but I acknowledge that solicited ones are more valuable. Thursday Thee Lexington Arrows will also be playing just around the corner from the Charles at the Charm City Art Space.

Saturday, May 3rd the Current Gallery is host to a 9:30 p.m. show with Japanther, Double Dagger and the Black Ladies. Rock for the Feast (one of many benefits for Moveable Feast) will be held at Frazier's on the Avenue in Hampden. The show will feature Secret Crush Society (yeah, Joe will be here from NYC to play for us!), South Carey, Dreaded Sunny Day and Miss Kitty Victorian.

Also Saturday, the Charm City Roller Girls season opener takes place at 6 p.m. at Du Burns Arena. That's right! on a Saturday, in the city, with beer! And the weirdest parade in the city (the Kinetic Sculpture Race) happens Saturday around the Harbor.

And Sunday, don't forget about Pow Wow at Port Covington behind the Wal-Mart. Bands featured will be Baby Aspirin, Telesma and Gzimo.

Am I jaded for not being that jazzed by the over the top Virgin Fest line up for 2008? I mean Gogol Bordello...cool, but isn't it cooler when you can actually see them, like when they play the 8x10? When you see bands on giant tvs, don't you feel like you're just watching them on tv? Maybe it's just me. Course, it is awesome that it's here and not in say NJ ^_^

Tomorrow (Tuesday night) the Kitty Kat is hosting the first of a two-part ping pong tournament. You should hit it if you've never been because it's hilarious to try to play ping pong in this small, neighborhood bar, but it looks fun. There will be cash and bartab prizes with a $5 entry, so make like Gump and pong for America.

Sushi-San Thai Jai Dee sells whole fish, which is great if you're Ashley, it's your birthday and you used to live in Thailand, where you ate many gross things. For the rest of the general population, avoid it at all costs. It's not just because Mr. Fish looks back at you but because it tastes like dirty water, not fried rockfish.

Saturday was a day of festivals, although not crowded or wildly entertaining ones. At least the Hopkins Fest had beer and outdoor Dance Dance Revolution, which would've been easier without the sun glare. We were asked judge an art competition at JHU, forcing us to admit that someone's parents are wasting big tuition dollars. Ecofest at Druid Hill Park was kind of a ghost town, but the weather was awesome and Caleb Stine put on a lively show for the perfunctory cute kids and dogs.

A damper was put on the Spring Fling at the Ottobar with the cold and rain Sunday, but Dirty Marty managed to lather up at least one truck, much to the disappointment of the truck's owner, lured to the wash by scantily clad girls.

A fire this weekend threatened the Windup Space's scheduled mid-May opening, but the owner says that it should still open on time with a few small repairs.

This week's going to be a busy one, with the Maryland Film Fest, the derby season opener at DuBurns Arena and the Kinetic Sculpture Race Saturday, and the Pow Wow Sunday...how to choose?  

Hey, unsurprisingly there's a lot going on this week. Thursday night check out the Charm City Roller Girls on Ace of Cakes at 10:30 p.m., two hometown faves. Revision3 has this cool video up right now about B-more as well. You can also catch CCRG on the Anita Marks Show at 4 p.m. Thursday on ESPN radio or on Sunday at the Ottobar for the daytime Spring Fling, where you can donate or buy used items, get a drink or a car wash or do as you damn well please.

Also on Thursday, there's a '60s and '70s set with reputable DJs at Friends in Fells from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday is Ms. Ashley's birthday, so that means I'll be singing Pat Benatar at Kelly's. Yeah, I can still sing...Pat Benatar, I mean. Friday, there's also a dance party at Lo-Fi with the people of White T's, White Belts (and Emynd and Bo Bliz with DJ Pierre), so if you feel like dancing, head over. Remember that "no white before Memorial Day" BS is for your grandma.    

Saturday offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities, so let's hope it doesn't rain: Ecofest is happening in Druid Hill Park, with live sets from the likes of solid acts like Caleb Stine and the Brakemen (4 p.m.) and less solid ones like Ed Schrader. He did interview David Cross a week or so ago...so there. There's also going to be a table for the Urban Forest Project (you know, those cool banners you've seen hanging all around the city). Also, Hopkins Spring Fest is this weekend. Maybe I'll actually make it this year. I've lived three blocks from the damn thing for around five years, and I have yet to go. I've heard good things that don't necessarily involve drunk co-eds.

Drunks...hey, the Brewfest is also Saturday in Fells from 12-5 p.m. if you like beer and crowds (smaller crowds than Fells Point Fest with any luck).

If you're up for some art, this is the last weekend that Lotta Art will be at School 33.

The first truly beautiful night of the season, Friday, we headed over to Hamilton to my friends Justin and Larakay's house to enjoy their big backyard, the fire pit and the moon...and, of course, wine. Last time I was there, I jumped in their pool, never mind that it was their wedding and I was wearing a silk dress. That's what you get for having an open bar.

Saturday the tulip garden was calling my name so I went over to try to take some artsy shots, but they pretty much look the same every year. Oh well, I had invited my friend Kim up for dinner at 8, when we didn't eat until 11, my European status was confirmed. How chic am I? Afterward we hit the Club Chuck for one beverage before closing. It was pretty packed with people who'd been hibernating all winter.

I asked Roman of the Oranges Band how his set at Quadmania at UMBC this weekend went and he said it was pretty dead, but good practice for their show in New York. After I heard that Dan Deacon's set looked more like a high school dance with the average crowd age at 15, I was glad I decided to skip it. But seeing that level of act for free outside on a nice day must've had an upside.

Stopped by Russell's new bar on 10-12 North Avenue that's tentatively set to open up on May 15th, The Wind Up Space. It's so rad looking in there. With locally made films and art happening all the time, and the best bar staff in town, it's bound to be a success.   

I can't get a straight answer as to if Pow Wow is this Sunday coming up, but I think it's probably the first Sunday in May...Anyone know? If you've never been to Pow Wow, you owe it to yourself to go for the spectacle. I was told by someone at IMP that it was an illegally run festival, but somehow, every year the cops must just turn a blind eye. I mean it's hundreds of people with a bonfire, bands and poi dancers directly behind the Wal-Mart in Federal Hillish, near the Hanover Street bridge on the toxic Bay. Maybe no one cares because it's there. It's a little bit of a hippie affair, but in the past five years, it's gotten pretty eclectic in terms of the bands and the attendees. It doesn't cost anything, so get your ass out there and bring a picnic and some booze.

If you have to be on the straight and narrow, we've got the 10th Maryland Film Fest coming up, as well. Sarah at the Metro's planning to show free, locally made film across the street as well if you don't want to pay the price at the Charles. See you kids later this week...

Perhaps tequila at Holy Frijoles isn't important to some of us...some of us. But some nights after a long day inside, not in the beautiful sun, requires a shot of tequila or a margarita. Word on the street (OK so it's a short street) is that the owners of this fine establishment and Pocket to Penis (um, Rocket to Venus) are thinking of opening an '80s style arcade in town...hello, skee-ball!!! and more bad hipster service, but sounds like a good plan to me;)

This weekend (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) check out Quadmania at UMBC, with a free performances from the likes of Dan Deacon and the Oranges Band and more. Or pay a few bucks and attend the rest of the carnival-like activities.

Don't forget tonight (Thursday) the Crafters and Zinesters are getting together at the Cockeysville branch of the library to swap and bs about local DIY culture.

Finally, the weather's looking up, so get out there fat asses (myself included) and enjoy the sun. Or, if you're allergic and a vampire, go dance at Taxlo at Sonar or somewhere and slim down before you find yourself at the beach being rolled in to the waves by those innocently trying to protect large mammalian sea life.

Overdoing it at Joe Squared seems to be becoming a theme for me. Thursday I attempted to sleep there, but made it home to tell the tale. Friday's Spoon show pretty much kicked ass all the way around, though it was packed. They seemed to have a good time too, coming back for two encores and shutting the place down. The Walkmen and White Rabbits seemed crowd favorites, but the rain outside and the crowd made Sonar feel like a giant steam room in India.

Saturday was a testament to the power of spring in the city. People out everywhere walking around, riding bikes and whatnot even though it wasn't really that nice. Me, I chose to be lazy and see the Grand at the Charles, which was worth the price of a matinee, but not the whole ticket price if you're looking for something to see this week.

Has anyone ever taken the Gwynns Falls Trail past Federal Hill from the north? It's a hilarious testament to what a green way is in a formerly industrial city. Someone needs to get to Middle Branch Park and do an ironic or serious photography series on the rusted barrels next to blooming trees and old signs telling you what kind of butterflies can be found there, very cool.

Tuesday at the Ottobar, join a band, no musical ability required. Air band competitors will be competing for prizes and the glory of making asses of themselves.

On Thursday, trade you zines and crafts at the Young Crafters/Zinesters Show and Tell + Zine & Craft Swap at 6 p.m. at the Cockeysville Branch of the library. At 7 p.m., hear Kevin Sherry (Squidfire, I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean, CATATAC zine), Jennifer Strunge (Cottonmonster, Charm City Craft Mafia), Ryan Cecil Smith (Closed Caption Comics) and Andrew Neyer (Closed Caption Comics) talk about their art and the zine and craft community in Baltimore. 

This Friday, April 18, head to D.C. to see Baltimore's Double Dagger at the Imperial China CD release party at what's supposed to be a very cool venue: the Rock and Roll Hotel. It's only $10 and has nothing to do with the Olympics controversy over China.

It's a good weekend for live music in Mobtown...then again, when is it not? Check out all the Merge Records acts in town this week: Wye Oak and Spoon. Native Marylanders Wye Oak will be having their CD release party at the G-Spot in Hampden tonight. And Friday, Spoon's playing to an apparently sold out crowd for ridiculous ticket prices—yeah, I'm going anyway:) at Sonar. I long for the under $10 at the Ottobar days...those days are gone. But they'll be joined by the Walkmen and the White Rabbits, so it should be a good night the whole way around.  

OK, it may seem like old people activities, but you should think about seeing the cherry blossoms in D.C. this weekend. It's pretty awesome to see something the Japanese have brought to this country besides tentacle porn and tiny cars and electronics, you know? Last year's display was kind of a bust due to gale-force winds and some weird Christian goings on at the Jefferson Memorial. I was like, "Am I dead? I am really cold." No such luck, I'm still alive and kicking, bringing you the things you know you should be doing, but are too lazy to commit to. So just admit it Baltimore: live the Charmed life, but take advantage of all that free shit in D.C. It's not that far, you know? Most of us probably do go to N.Y.C. more than D.C., but that's lame now that gas is like $300 a gallon. Also, Nada Surf will be there Saturday at the 9:30 Club.

If you're sticking around town this weekend, go back in time with the fashion and music of Scream Club on Sunday at the Metro Gallery.   

Thursday's poster art show was pretty well-attended considering it was Thursday at an Irish pub (Dougherty's). There was even a live Irish duo fiddling in the corner. Sort of surreal given that most of the posters were for rock shows.

Friday, I checked out the Metro's "Ironing" art show on the way to Dionysus and then Lithuanian Hall. These abstracts were huge, colorful and very cool. Two even sold on opening night. $2,300 for your painting, not a bad take for one night. Um, excluding however long it took you to paint it. The gallery was lovely as usual, with owner Sarah behind the bar serving wine and beer with a smile.

I love that you can drink on the street at Dionysus. A friend of mine told me this week that he hates eating and drinking outside because it's "dirty." Well, I dig it, and so do a lot of others from the sight of the sidewalk in front of Dionysus on Friday.

Apparently everyone's too cool to get to Lithuanian Hall until at least midnight. At first the giant, empty dance floor reminded me of a middle school dance. But like reverse Cinderellas, one by one the hipsters rolled in. It was a blast....until Gilbert got his butt kicked by some roid ragers. He was OK though I guess since everyone said he went out afterward in Hampden. If you don't know Gilbert, look him up, and never be offended if he hits on your girlfriend in front of you. He's a harmless sex addict. Little-known fact, the coolest thing about upstairs at the Lithuanian Hall--the women's bathroom's triple sink, mirror action and super sweet '70s glasswork. It's all very "Blow." 

Friday pretty well did me in, and the rain and cold probably didn't do much for the Transmodern Festival's outdoor plans on Sunday, but hey some people can't be stopped even in bad weather.

Looking forward to the weekend already (Spoon at Sonar Friday)...anyone else dreading the long week ahead in expectation of better days--Saturday and Sunday?  

Now every first Friday of the month means a new soul dance party at Lithuanian Hall. It should be cooler with less reggae (not a fan) and a lot more room upstairs. Plus, it's just easier to remember. Hope Pablo (the downstairs last Friday of the month DJ) is not too sad, but, dude, they were definitely breaking fire codes and hearts with those crowds downstairs.

The Transmodern Festival's now going on through Sunday at Load of Fun, which should be as all they do is a bit strange in a fun way. I recently met Suzanne the curator over there, and she seemed pretty rad. So if you've seen those crazy fliers all over town and were curious, check it out.

I hope to not be nursing a hungover version of myself this weekend. We can dream; can't we?