On Friday November 7th, 2008, I met up with two friends at Tapas Teatro. We started off the evening with red wine and sangria. Bread, oil, olives, and pickles were brought to the table. Some of our selection included: monkfish medallions wrapped in a prosciuitto topped on artichoke hearts drizzled with a spicy oil, marinara and bread, baked potatoes in a cream sauce, and Gulf Shrimp swimming in a garlic butter. Throughout the light bites we viewed pictures from my friend's fall wedding in October 2008. The wedding took place at The Belvedere in the Charles room. It was quite an exquisite affair; I was a part of the bridal party.

After light bites, we drove up to the Johns Hopkins Campus to the ROTC building off of San Martin Drive for ballroom dancing. The lesson started at 8 PM. We learned the tango, the waltz, the electric slide, and the Achy Breaky Heart line dance. As I picked up the waltz and tango (one goes T A N G O to keep count with the steps), some of my partners unveiled more complex steps. Of course our instructor named a few. I felt special as I was a part of these more complex moves, I could be led by the gentleman and share in the experience of dancing. One feels graceful and accomplished when truly dancing the dance.

Overall, I'd go again. Where else can you learn dancing for free every Friday at 8 PM and from an event that is 20 years and counting?

Sonar-Virgin Fest After Party-August 9th

Saturday night, August 9th, I went clubbing with some friends at Sonar in Baltimore. Two years ago I'd be all over the club scene; dancing, meeting people, trying new bars, etc. Now my interests have expanded to include: going to events, concerts, operas, and being active in groups. I was lucky to find a DJ that lived up to the reason why I go out dancing now and that IS the music, primarily. Dave Nada, a resident DJ of the TAXLO party, spinned at Sonar Saturday night. To sample some of his music you can download a mix here.

You can also enjoy the mix at Bmore Original Records and even download it there. Mark Nada is a featured artist on the website. Mark Nada will return to TAXLO August 22nd. Baltimore has a unique dance mix culture known as Baltimore Club House. Mark spinned this flavor of house Saturday night and got the crowd going all night long. I approached the security guard to ask where Dave spinned and the guard said, why don't you go up on stage and ask. I was astounded. I couldn't believe that I was invited to go on stage like it was easy as getting a water at the bar; in fact easier! So up I went and danced on stage until I could find an opportunity to talk to Mark. A girlfriend joined me on stage dancing.

92.3Q would play Baltimore Club House late at night in the early nineties. Enraptured, I'd lean over the edge of my bed staring into my stereo feeling the music. It is said that K-Swift started spinning in her teens. I think 92Q let Khia on the decks so she could practice her amazing talent as a pre-teen. The frenetic beats, the repetition, all of it was hypnotizing. I couldn't get enough of it.

Sky Lounge-Saturday 7/26

In a sea of t-shirts, tanks, jeans, and flip flops on a Saturday night, yes, indeed there is a lounge in Federal Hill where one may want to leave the flip flops in the car and wear nice heels. The lounge is known as Sky Lounge on 1041 Marshall Street.

Originally, we, girls, were thinking about going to Mosaic at PowerPlant, but instead we opted for Sky Lounge in Federal Hill. We arrived at Sky Lounge around 10:30 PM and stayed the whole night until close. The martini's were great, although the Oatmeal Cookie has gotten a little more spicy. Jagermeister was added to the Oatmeal Cookie martini. (Shorty's in Canton makes a great Oatmeal Cookie). The South Beach was fruity and refreshing without being too sweet or syrupy. The DJ started off with some hip hop and then ended the night with Daft Punk from late 90s. We danced a bit and it got more crowded around 11:30 or 12 midnight, but certainly more interesting. We were the most dressed up there. Flip flops, jeans and tanks somehow made it through the door.

We had a good night!

Sunday = rest.