Pandemic pals
Looking for musical friends with whom you can pass the time while the country shuts down (again!) as the pandemic continues to rage? The following albums are worth hearing while being in lockdown. I’ve always thought of Steve Earle as the Bruce Springsteen of modern country. With his similar vocal...
Latest and Greatest: an interview with Becca Mancari
It’s only July, but rest assured that The Greatest Part (Captured Tracks), the breathtaking second album by out singer/songwriter Becca Mancari will not be forgotten when folks assemble their end-of-the-year, best of 2020 albums lists. The Greatest Part, available in a limited edition clear pink vinyl LP version, is a sonic departure from her Americana-laced...
As “Perfect” as Trump
Nannies get a bad rap. As portrayed by Julie Andrews, Mary Poppins may have made nannies safe for moviegoers in 1964, but a year later, Bette Davis changed all that in 1965’s The Nanny. As you might have guessed from the title, The Perfect Nanny (Icarus/Distrib), which shares its title with a song...
It’s Not About You
I did not get my break. I have one on the books for this month, but in actuality, work is the least of my stresses. At least when I am checking guests in I get a reprieve from social media, where I can watch the parents of my former classmates...
Living with Ambiguity
In the last 3 months, we have read, heard, viewed or talked with friends, family, coworkers, scientists, officials and others, and have been exposed all kinds of views, opinions, facts and counter facts. The human brain seeks comfort in consistency and at least a sense of temporary certainty. Alas, we...
Pride at Work endorses Biden for President
Washington, D.C. – The Pride at Work National Executive Board voted Tuesday night, June 24, to endorse Democratic candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden for president in 2020. It is the first time the organization has ever endorsed a presidential candidate. “I am so proud to be a part...
Author Spotlight: Baltimore’s Kirkland Hamill
Baltimore resident Kirkland Hamill’s memoir, Filthy Beasts, hits the bookshelves on Tuesday, July 14th. A tender and heart-wrenching memoir about a family’s fall from grace, a mother’s inner demons and a son’s blind allegiance, Filthy Beasts is a fascinating window into the life of extreme privilege and a powerful story...
Civil Rights and early Gay activist Jon Gee has died
Jon Louis Gee III, lifelong Baltimorean and 1960s civil rights and early Gay activist, died of cardiac arrest at Sinai Hospital on Sunday, June 14, 2020. He was 74 years old and lived his entire life with his sisters in the family home in the Coppin Heights section of West...