Finally, political songs that pack a punch

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73 days ago: Q-Tip will get inside your head

» 80 days ago: Finally, political songs that pack a punch «

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(Courtesy photo)
Max and the Marginalized put politics first.

[This summer, Katy Perry’s hit about “naughty” chicks locking cherry ChapStick-flavored lips in a forbidden lesbian kiss have grabbed more ears than Max and the Marginalized’s musical takes on Jesse Helms’ death (“It’s Awkward When Bad People Die”) and the lack of Iraq coverage on ABC and CBS evening news casts (“Waiting for the Blackout to End”). According to The New York Times, both outlets devoted only about two minutes a week to Iraq in 2008.

See for yourself if Max’s songs deserve more space on your Ipod than a tune about girls smooching, when the political punk rock trio performs on Sunday at the Charm City Art Space.

For 38 consecutive weeks since February, Max and the Marginalized have written and posted a new politically charged song online.

“I’d never say something as ridiculous as we are necessary, but I do think there should be more mainstream artists focused on these things,” said the band’s founder and frontman Max Bernstein over a scratchy cell connection from inside the band’s van, while picking which Kansas road to take. “Lately, there hasn’t been much political music, and what there has been was a vague, shapeless call to action.”

Posting songs and blogging about them gives Bernstein, son of Watergate journalist Carl Bernstein and screenwriter Nora Ephron, more access to the people “who normally don’t care about these issues,” he said. “And more than just that, this is something I feel we are uniquely good at and makes more of a difference than anything else we could be doing. Reporting for me would be no more enjoyable than just playing in a regular band. And the combination of the two is best.”

Hell on wheels

Saturday is your last chance to see our city’s toughest broads throwing booty blocks during the Charm City Roller Girls’ regular season. The double-header promises to be intense, when the undefeated Junk Yard Dolls take on the undefeated Mobtown Mods. Following the blush-and-blood bath, Speed Regime will size up the Night Terrors. DuBurns Arena doors open at 6 p.m. Saturday, and the first bout starts at 7. The arena is located at 1301 S. Ellwood St. in Baltimore. Tickets are $10 for adults. Kids under 12 get in for $5. Canned beer is available.

Bigger is better

The largest mural in Baltimore will come from Baltimore artist Michael Owen’s brush. After a lengthy application process, Owen recently beat out artists from across the country for the chance to transform Eastern Avenue. His larger-than-life depiction of Baltimore neighborhoods will stretch from Highlandtown to Greektown.

“I spoke with many people from both neighborhoods in preparation for the proposal and creation of the design,” Owen said. “After these conversations, it was clear that it’s people who make these communities so vibrant and special, not famous landmarks, past legends, etc.”

Owen will get down to business this fall. He has one year to complete the mural covering a quarter of a mile. If you want an eyeful of Michael’s work before the mural’s ready, stop by the evolving Taps bar in Federal Hill, where his portraits of musicians are for sale.

Taps is in the midst of turning from a locals’ divey hideout to a more lively spot.

Hit these up hard this summer

Pure Aqua — Finally, the evening poolside parties you envied on 90210 are here for the beautiful people in and around 21224. Baltimore’s only outdoor, poolside nightclub will open at 9 p.m. every Saturday for the next nine weeks. 3401 Boston St., Baltimore.

Palma — Previously Stadio for about a blink and before that the Redwood Trust, this Miami-meets-L.A. club celebrated its grand opening July 3 with Tila Tequila and boasts VIP lounges and well-known DJs. 200 E. Redwood St., Baltimore; 410-244-1008.

Little Havana — A Cuban sandwich in one hand and a beer in the other is mandatory at this indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant. Its Latin rhythms and relaxed vibe should soothe any mid-summer stress you have. 1325 Key Highway, Baltimore; 410-837-9903.

Bay Cafe — Get a little taste of the beach without wasting a tank of gas at this sand-covered, waterside bar. The bartenders here are arguably the friendliest in the city. 2809 Boston St., Canton; 410-522-3377.

Fager’s Island — If you’re spending a weekend in Ocean City, Fager’s Island is a perfect place to watch a sunset over the water or promote the new dance routine you put together for Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” and other top 40 hits. 201 60th St., Ocean City; 410-524-5500.

The Plaza at Power Plant Live — Jess confesses she once caught a used drum stick from a third-rate band playing there and was overly excited about it. She apologizes to anyone she made look at her drum stick. 34 Market Place, Baltimore.

Want to get in contact with us. Send your e-mail to panandpraise@baltimoreexaminer.com

SEE THE LATEST ON THIS STORY

EMAIL STORY

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59 days ago: Football’s Southern gentleman returns to Baltimore

59 days ago: Pan and Praise: Football’s Southern gentleman returns to Baltimore

66 days ago: Ed Kowalczyk knocks 'em out at Pier 6

73 days ago: Q-Tip will get inside your head

» 80 days ago: Finally, political songs that pack a punch «

87 days ago: Hollywood A-listers kiss B’more goodbye

129 days ago: Male revue wants its clothes back

143 days ago: Here’s one ‘hot’ ticket you can’t get

157 days ago: Specialty water could be the next hot mixer

171 days ago: New Kids on tour? We will be in the first row