WTMD is listener-supported radio from the campus of Towson University.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Gladys Knight and The Pips?

I have to admit that I don't watch American Idol, it's just not my thing...but at lunch yesterday with a good friend I hear about Gladys Knight being superimposed on stage and joining her as the Pips are Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr and Ben Stiller...a classy trio if I must say, as you get ready for Memorial Day Weekend here's something to show your friends at the BBQ...

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Grace Under Pressure


I had to document just what I saw last night. So, let me set the scene - the 8x10, packed with people and all eyes trained on the stage in anticipation of Caleb Stine & the Brakemen's CD release show.
They got on stage opening with track after track from their new album I'll head West Again, which sounds so warm and inviting, you could swear you knew these songs by heart.
The guys took a short intermission and came back with their friends Wye Oak joining on a few tunes.
These are the makings of a fine show, but it's the truly unexpected that tests us. Caleb's Test? BGE shut-off the power. Seriously! Doing routine maintenance, on a Saturday night in Federal Hill. Seriously?
But rather than let things get out of hand Caleb picked up his acoustic guitar and his band and guests rallied around as he lead us in a sing-along of Pete Seeger proportions.
Now Caleb is an engaging performer that works to make each person feel like he is singing just for them. That intimate style even came across with just pen lights to spotlight him.
It's that kind of grace under pressure that illustrates the heights that this performer should reach.
The power did come back on and the crowd was primed for the final songs and 2 encores that were bestowed on us.
Great show Caleb.