Spring festival fever

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...