Mobtown's greenways, air bands and zines

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.