Midnight Sun

11/09/2018

Baltimore News, Weather & Sports - Baltimore Sun

Real quick: Two days after the great Tim Smith leaves, I'm next. Today's my last day with The Sun. It's been an absolute privilege to tell your stories the past 10 years — I only wish I could’ve told more. Infinite thanks for all of the feedback, and simply for reading my stuff.

For anyone curious, I’m headed to The Athletic to become an editor. On my way out, one last thing: Support my excellent colleagues here, who deliver vital journalism everyday. (Subscribe link: https://bsun.md/2OzhPDp) — Wes

Baltimore News, Weather & Sports - Baltimore Sun

11/01/2018

Come and knock on the door of Canton cocktail bar the Regal Beagle

BAR REVIEW: In Canton, The Regal Beagle is a cocktail bar done right — with reasonable prices, an eco-friendly attitude and J Dilla spinning on vinyl.

The Regal Beagle, which replaced the Canton favorite Jack's Bistro this past spring, succeeds because of its inventive, affordable cocktails and casual setting.

10/26/2018

New beer from Monument City and Goetze's Candy Co. to benefit nonprofit MCVET

Sales of a new milk stout — a collaboration between Monument City Brewing Company / Goonda Beersmiths / Whitey's Liquors / Goetze's Candy Company — will benefit Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET).

The release party takes place at Monument's taproom in Highlandtown later this evening.

Baltimore companies Monument City Brewing Co., Goetze's Candy Co. and others have teamed up to release Bulls-Eyes Caramel Creams Milk Stout, sales of which will benefit MCVET.

10/24/2018

Killing of rapper Nick Breed compounds 'hopelessness' in Baltimore

“It puts a dark cloud over all the children who believed that they can get out of the city without losing their lives — that they can do something."

A look at the ripple effects of rising Baltimore rapper Nick Breed's death.

Nick Breed's death sends a heartbreaking message to the youth of the neighborhood, said Lynn Forman, a Baltimore Ceasefire ambassador who lives in Edmondson Village.

10/12/2018

U.K. agency wants Flying Dog's Easy IPA beer off shelves

A trade organization in the United Kingdom wants retailers to take Flying Dog's Easy IPA off its shelves because the artwork could encourage excessive drinking.

The Frederick brewery's CEO's response? "It's bulls—t."

Frederick's Flying Dog Brewery finds itself in a controversy in the United Kingdom over the packaging of its Easy IPA beer.

10/11/2018

Mount Washington's Nickel Taphouse has closed

“It was out of sight and out of mind, which made it kind of difficult.”

Nickel Taphouse owner Robbin Haas on why he abruptly closed the Mount Washington restaurant.

Opened in 2013, the Nickel Taphouse in Mount Washington announced on social media that it has closed.

10/09/2018

Natural Light's 77-pack of beer can only be found in one place — College Park

The 65-pound, 77-pack of light beer can only be purchased in College Park — though on Tuesday morning, a distributor in the area said all liquor stores were currently sold out. More will be delivered soon, he said.

Natural Light, a favorite beer of college students because of its cheap price, is selling a limited edition 77-pack in College Park.

10/03/2018

Months after fire, Peter's Inn reopens in Fells Point

After closing in December due to a trash fire, Peters Inn has reopened.

Peter's Inn, the Baltimore restaurant and bar that closed in December after a fire, reopened on Tuesday evening in Fells Point.

09/21/2018

In Baltimore's forgotten Chinatown, a new festival will celebrate Asian-American history and culture

Decades ago, Baltimore's Chinatown was bustling with activity. That's no longer the case — but now a group of young Asian-Americans want to revitalize the neighborhood.

The first step: Saturday's Charm City Night Market.

A once-bustling section of downtown will come alive again Saturday with the Charm City Night Market, a block party celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander culture in Baltimore.

09/20/2018

Rapper Butch Dawson finds inspiration, success from Baltimore's 'Swamp'

PROFILE: Hung out with Baltimore rapper Butch Dawson as he rides a wave of momentum from his excellent project, "Swamp Boy." He performs at Metro Gallery + Trillectro this weekend.

Baltimore rapper Butch Dawson discusses his upbringing in West Baltimore, releasing his anticipated project "Swamp Boy" and more.

09/07/2018

With the help of Radio Disney, six siblings from Baltimore eye stardom as JAGMAC

As Radio Disney's "Next Big Thing," six siblings from Baltimore’s Brooklyn neighborhood are following in the footsteps of pop mega-stars Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello. Meet Jagmac.

JAGMAC, the pop music group from Arnold-via-Baltimore, says they're ready for the next step, with an EP and national tour in tow.

09/06/2018

Mac DeMarco to play surprise Rams Head Live show on Thursday

“For some reason, we’ve never done a proper show in Baltimore, and finally I was like, ‘Why don’t we do that?’” Mac DeMarco said on the phone from his Los Angeles home. Tickets are on sale now for tonight's last-minute Rams Head Live show.

In a surprise announcement, Mac DeMarco, the Los Angeles-based indie-rock singer/songwriter, will headline Rams Head Live on Thursday night.

09/05/2018

With Twitter and billboard, Jimmy's Famous Seafood wants to drive PETA out of Baltimore

PETA wants Baltimore to consider a “compassionate" vegan lifestyle. Jimmy's Famous Seafood wants PETA to leave.

When John Minadakis saw the PETA billboard urging Baltimoreans not to eat crabs, he didn’t see any humor in the campaign. Minadakis, who owns Jimmy’s Famous Seafood restaurant in Dundalk with his family, felt attacked.

08/29/2018

At Urban Axes, hatchets and camaraderie — with beer on the side

“People attach this whole manly aspect to it, but it’s actually more of a finesse game. It’s not about the power you put into it,” said Gün Yaprak of Brewers Hill. “Anybody can figure it out.”

Urban Axes in Highlandtown combines ax-throwing and alcohol, but patrons say they're there to socialize and improve their technique, not get drunk.

08/25/2018

After fires, Baltimore restaurants face a long road to reopening

"It’s like peeling an onion and sometimes you wonder, ‘How long can this onion go on?’" said Bud Tiffany, co-owner of Peters Inn.

Restaurant fires break out in an instant, but the road to reopening often takes much longer than expected.

Restaurant fires break out in an instant, but the road to reopening often takes much longer than expected. At notable Baltimore bars and restaurants such as Charles Village Pub, Blacksauce Kitchen and Peter’s Inn, rebuilding has taken months, not weeks.

08/21/2018

Charles Village Pub to reopen in Baltimore Thursday

Closed for months, Charles Village Pub reopens 11 a.m. Thursday.

Charles Village Pub in Baltimore will reopen on Thursday after closing for months due to a kitchen fire.

08/08/2018

With 'Boo'd Up,' Ella Mai brings rising star-power to AFRAM

Before she headlines this weekend's Baltimore AFRAM, rising R&B star Ella Mai talks the song of the summer, "Boo'd Up," choosing the right follow-up and why U.S. labels handle R&B better than the U.K.

Before headlining the weekend's AFRAM festival in Baltimore, R&B singer/songwriter Ella Mai discusses the mainstream success of "Boo'd Up," the follow-up single "Trip" and more.

08/02/2018

Guinness' Maryland brewery opens Friday. Here's what you need to know.

Guinness' first U.S. brewery in 64 years — a $90 million project with a 270-seat restaurant, 92 taps of Guinness beer and more — opens in Baltimore County on Friday. Here's a primer of what to expect.

From operating hours to the types of beers to expect, this explainer will help Baltimore-area readers know what to expect at Guinness' new brewery in Relay.

07/24/2018

Suspended Brewing Co. sets its own pace, attitude in Pigtown

At Suspended Brewing Company in Pigtown, beers keep the lights on, but the ideals of its owners guide the company.

Opened in March, Suspended Brewing Co. has made a strong impression on Baltimore's Pigtown neighborhood.

07/20/2018

Still the Club Queen: Baltimore DJ K-Swift's legacy lives on, 10 years after her death

Tomorrow marks 10 years since Baltimore lost DJ K-Swift, the greatest champion of the city's homegrown dance music, in a freak pool accident at her home.

A decade later, Baltimore and Club fans all over still mourn the Randallstown native who seemed poised to bring its rowdy sound to the world.

Colleagues and loved ones agree the city — and its signature sound — have never been the same since the death of DJ K-Swift, nee Khia Edgerton.

07/19/2018

Still CrazySexyCool: Before TLC headlines Baltimore's Artscape, Chilli talks about legacy and 'Left Eye' Lopes

“The creativity is all the way through the DNA. We can’t shelve it even if we wanted to, and we don’t want to."

Before headlining Artscape on Friday, TLC's Chilli discusses longevity, influencing a generation of music fans and the irreplaceable Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

Before headlining this year's Artscape festival in Baltimore, TLC's Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas discussed the group's legacy, remembering Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and more.

07/18/2018

In the age of , Baltimore's small performing arts groups grapple with sexual misconduct accusations

What happens when Baltimore arts organizations — high profile yet still seen as DIY — are met with accusations of sexual misconduct?

In Le Mondo's case, it led to a co-founder's firing, board members stepping down and stark, lingering criticism from the arts community.

Fallout from the movement is sending seismic tremors through Baltimore’s performing arts scene, perhaps permanently altering the landscape.

06/29/2018

Victims of Capital Gazette shooting in Annapolis

Please read about our colleagues, and everything they brought to Annapolis and well beyond.

Note: As of now, all of The Baltimore Sun's Capital Gazette coverage is free — no paywall. Same for all stories on capitalgazette.com.

Read more about the victims of Thursday's shooting at the Capital Gazette: Gerald Fischman, Robert Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith and Wendi Winters.

06/26/2018

Top Baltimore-area spots to enjoy a drink outdoors

When the weather is this nice, it only feels right to enjoy a drink outside.

After a winter that seemed to overextend its welcome and then weekends filled with rain, many around Baltimore would enjoy nothing more than taking in a hot day with a drink in hand. Rahul Raghavan , a former Canton resident now living in Oregon , was back in town on a recent weekday, taking in the....

06/22/2018

New Maryland beers for summer 2018

From easy-drinking sours to hazy IPAs and more, here are some new Maryland beers to keep on an eye out for this summer.

On a blistering hot summer day, there’s no satisfaction like a cold beer (for of-age consumers, of course). With scorching temperatures hitting all parts of Maryland lately, these local brewers are releasing new beers to cool down, from sessionable sours to hazy, New England-style India pale ales....

06/19/2018

Baltimore AFRAM music lineup includes 'Boo'd Up' singer Ella Mai, Jacquees, Dru Hill and more

The "Boo'd Up" singer will perform at this year's AFRAM Festival.

This year's AFRAM Festival in Baltimore will feature music performers Ella Mai, Jacquees, Dru Hill and others.

06/14/2018

Union Craft Brewing's new taproom opens tonight

UNION Craft Brewing's new taproom at Union Collective will open today at 5 p.m.

Union Craft Brewing's new taproom, located inside their larger manufacturing complex known as Union Collective, will open Thursday at 5 p.m.

06/14/2018

World Cup 2018: Baltimore-area soccer bars

The World Cup kicks off today, and plenty of Baltimore-area bars known for attracting soccer fans — including Sláinte Irish Pub and Restaurant, Abbey Burger Bistro, Todd Conner's Fells Point and more — will open early and run specials.

With the World Cup starting on Thursday and running through July 15, local soccer fans will have plenty of viewing options. These Baltimore-area bars, known for attracting feverish futbol fans, are safe bets.

06/08/2018

With debut album 'Lush,' Snail Mail's Lindsey Jordan prepares for rock stardom from her Ellicott City bedroom

Today, Snail Mail — aka Lindsey Jordan, the 18-year-old singer/songwriter from Ellicott City — releases "Lush," her impressive debut album for Matador Records.

Over coffee in Hampden, we discussed the draining process of creating the record, bonding with her dad over it, why she's tired of talking about being a "woman in rock" and more. She headlines Baltimore's Parkway Theatre next month.

Snail Mail, the indie-rock project from Ellicott City singer/songwriter Lindsey Jordan, discusses new album "Lush" and how her life has changed in a short period of time.

06/05/2018

R&B singer Khalid inches toward adulthood at MECU Pavilion

Photos and a concert review from last night's Khalid show at MECU Pavilion.

A concert review of R&B singer Khalid's "The Roxy Tour" at Baltimore's MECU Pavilion on June 4, 2018.

05/31/2018

Area bar/restaurants: Are you running fundraisers? Let me know — compiling some for a roundup.

05/30/2018

The Elk Room named one of the best bars in the country by Esquire

The Elk Room is one of the best bars in the U.S., according to Esquire.

Esquire magazine named its 21 best bars in America for 2018, including the Elk Room in Baltimore's Harbor East neighborhood.

05/25/2018

Bethesda's Duck Duck Goose to open in Fells Point in June

French brasserie Duck Duck Goose will open in a few weeks in Fells Point. Along with dishes like chicken forgione and ratatouille, the restaurant's weekend brunch will offer something new to Baltimore: A 10-pound Moscow mule.

Yes, 10 pounds.

Chef and owner Ashish Alfred plans to open Duck Duck Goose, a French brasserie he started in Bethesda two years ago, by mid-June in Fells Point.

05/24/2018

Highlandtown's Old Line Spirits to open first full-service bar inside a city distillery in early June

Formerly Old Line Spirits' tasting room, the redesigned space will be called the Ready Room Cocktail Bar, an 1,100-square-foot bar where Old Line plans to showcase its rums and whiskeys.

On June 8, Old Line Spirits in Baltimore's Highlandtown neighborhood will open the city’s first full beer/wine/spirits cocktail bar attached to a distillery, said co-owner Arch Watkins.

05/23/2018

Popular Mexican restaurant R&R Taqueria to open in Baltimore by end of October

R&R Taqueria, which began in an Elkridge gas station, was named by the Food Network as one of the Top 5 Mexican restaurants in the country. Later this year, chef/owner Rodrigo Albarran will open his first location in Baltimore. It will also be his first R&R with a liquor license.

Owner and chef Rodrigo Albarran said he plans to open R&R Taqueria — his first in Baltimore, and third Maryland location overall — in either September or October.