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The Left Banke has a new lease on live appearances. Formed originally in New York City by a handful of young musicians that found themselves seeking similar musical endeavors, Michael Brown, George Cameron, Tom Finn, and Steve Martin joined forces together in a studio and established a unique sound for their fledgling group. Unfortunately with no interest expressed by record labels, the lads abandoned their quest for a recording contract.

As luck would bless them, the initial success of the group was launched on the strength of their debut 1966 single “Walk Away Renee”, which was completed in the studio after their dissolution. As “Renee” began to climb the hit parade, the lads regrouped to head out on tour. Consequently, internal issues arose and the band splintered before reaching their anticipated potential as recording artists.

Reunite, and they will come. Baby-boomers thrive on nostalgia from their collective youth. It is therefore a pleasant surprise that The Left Banke are touring once again. Original members Tom Finn and George Cameron now lead a small ensemble of talented support musicians that honor the traditional sound of The Left Banke. Mike Fornatale handled lead vocals and guitar, Paul Alves guitar, Charly Cazalet bass, Micky Finn keyboards, and Rick Reil was on drums. A string section showcased Carrie Bartsch on violin, Ben Larson on cello, and John Spurney on keys.

The Left Banke delivered a lengthy set at the Robert Parilla Performing Arts Center in Rockville, Maryland, on the Sesquicentennial anniversary of Cinco de Mayo. Playing an extensive battery of material from their catalog, the songs continued to flow one after another. Staging these classic recordings live gave them all a new edge and sincere vibrancy that enhanced the overall performance.

It is thoroughly enjoyable to see a band live that you thought you would never see live in concert. A good deal of the songs were anchored by soaring harmonies and augmented by strings to embellish the material. Of course, the major climax came at the end of the show with the timeless ballad “Walk Away Renee”. The haunting melody still demands attention almost a half century after its original chart success.

Ending on an incredibly important moment, The Left Banke introduced a new song as their singular encore. “City Life” rocked Rockville as the touring entourage turned in a fierce stage rendition hinting where The Left Banke’s new direction may be headed as Finn anticipates recording a new studio album soon.

The Left Banke, Robert Parilla Performing Arts Center, Rockville, MD, May 5, 2012 setlist: She May Call You Up Tonight * I’ve Got Something On My Mind * Pretty Ballerina * Dark Is The Bark * Barterers And Their Wives * Goodbye Holly * Let Go Of You Girl * Heartbreaker * Sing Little Bird Sing * Nice To See You * My Friend Today * Shadows Breaking Over My Head * I Can Fly * Love Songs In The Night * Lazy Day * Bryant Hotel * Two By Tow * Evening Gown * I Haven’t Got The Nerve * There’s Gonna Be A Storm * Desiree * Walk Away Renee * Encore: City Life

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Food Fridays: Captain James Landing Restaurant

May 4th, 2012 by The Professor

Situated on a waterfront pier, the Captain James Crabhouse serves up steamed Maryland crabs and Boardwalk Fries with a panoramic view of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor skyline. Their expansive outdoor deck is attractive on spring and summer evenings, when spectacular sunsets await. Indoors, enjoy the comfort of the crabhouse bar or the Captain James Landing dining room, the local landmark ship-restaurant. They offer a variety of daily specials and always guarantee satisfaction. For more information and to view the menu, visit www.captainjameslanding.com.

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Theater Thursdays: Maryland Film Festival

May 3rd, 2012 by The Professor

Join us for the Maryland Film Festival on May 3 through the 6^that the Charles Theater. Designed to advocate for films and filmmakers as they enter the marketplace, the Maryland Film Festival celebrates the art of film in the tradition of famous Baltimoreans like John Waters and Barry Levinson. Documentaries, short films and features are screened at several locations throughout the city as Baltimore goes Hollywood for the better part of a week.

All U.S.-made feature films will be presented by their filmmakers.

Some highlights from the announced titles include:

THE ATOMIC STATES OF AMERICA (Don Argott, Sheena M. Joyce) The documentary team who explored museum politics in The Art of the Steal and hard-rock hard living in Last Days Here return with this shocking expose of the flawed logic and outdated infrastructure behind the U.S.’s atomic-energy program.

COME BACK, AFRICA (directed by Lionel Rogosin, presented by Milestone Films) This 1960 feature, shot without permits in Johannesburg, illustrates the challenges and hardships of black migrant workers in the harsh days of apartheid. To be screened from a beautifully restored 35mm print.

COMPLIANCE (Craig Zobel) Perhaps the most controversial film from Sundance 2012 lands in Baltimore. Craig Zobel’s narrative feature, inspired by true events, looks at the dark happenings that unfold after a figure of authority calls a fast-food restaurant and accuses an employee of theft.

For more information, go online to http://www.md-filmfest.com.

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