BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Last Sunday, many rock concertgoers were looking for a musical fix after Van Halen postponed its appearance at the 1st Mariner Arena. So Houlihan’s Pier Six became the refuge with a Save The Music benefit concert.

In tune with the restaurant’s long-standing opinion that “we can’t imagine a world without music,” the folks at Houlihan’s have partnered with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation to support instrumental music education programs in public schools in many cities, including Baltimore. Hip-hop/R&B artist — and Maryland native — Stan “Substantial” Robinson started the entertainment, followed by rock group Rebels In Rehab, which was making its Charm City debut.

Spotted in the crowd were Dorothy Fuchs (Purple Dot Public Relations), Shawn Herne (chief curator, Babe Ruth Museum’s Sports Legends at Camden Yards), Margot Lambros (Shofer’s Furniture) and a D.C. contingent led by Anne Schwab and Phil and Sandy Trupp. Missed the fun? It’s not too late to support the foundation. Houlihan’s — until March 31 — will continue to donate proceeds from sales of their signature mini dessert menu.

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS

Last Friday’s rainy weather didn’t dampen BB&T Bank’s Spring Swing event to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Folks kept their gowns and tuxes in the closet and dressed in school uniforms for the benefit, held at St. Paul’s School for Girls in Brooklandville. BB&T’s new Chesapeake Region President Brant Standridge and his wife, Jessica, served as chairpersons for the evening’s festivities. Power couple Stuart and Suzanne Amos also chaired the event, along with honorary chairs former Gov. Robert Ehrlich and his wife, Kendal.

PSST! YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST

This past Monday, Ixia Restaurant, at 518 N. Charles St., held a “Welcome Absinthe” party. For the first time in nearly 100 years, authentic Swiss absinthe is now being served legally. This opaque cocktail, with the notorious herb woodworm, was banned in the United States because of wooodworm’s rumored mind-altering abilities.

Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at absss@baltimoreexaminer.com or 410-878-6131.