Last night I attended my first Ignite Baltimore event at The Walters Art Museum. For those not familiar with Ignite, it's a global event series where speakers give five minute presentations—accompanied by their own PowerPoint slides that automatically change every 15 seconds—on any subject they choose. Ignite originated in Seattle in 2006 and now has 35 chapters around the entire globe. Baltimore's chapter started in October 2008 and last night marked their fifth event.

At their first event, held at The Windup Space, about 180 people attended. Last night, more than 400 people packed themselves into the Walters. Up until last night, Ignite Baltimore was free of charge. However, the organizers began charging attendees $5, which goes to the newly established Ignition Grant (more on that later). The low admission price is great for a whole night's worth of conversation, entertainment, and intellectually stimulating presentations.

For the first hour, guests mingled in the Walters lobby and munched on free food from Puffs & Pastries in Hampden. The food was great—stuff like pulled pork sandwiches, chicken salad on croissants, avocado salad, and vegetable tarts. Drinks weren't free, but were reasonable. Not a bad deal for the minimal admission.

Around 7 p.m., organizers ushered people into the Graham Auditorium where the first wave of speakers gave their presentations. Co-founder Patti Chan introduced the event, giving a little bit of history about Ignite, and announcing the birth of co-founder Mike Subelsky's son that past Saturday. She even took a cell phone video of the entire audience wishing the baby boy a happy birthday. The whole thing was very tech-geared—people were encouraged to tweet during the presentations.

The first wave of presentations was a mixed bag. Topics ranged from the complexities of being biracial to the importance of recess in city schools to hiking to mysterious spots in the Baltimore area. Brian Sacawa—a Peabody alum and current curator of the Contemporary Museum's Mobtown Modern music series—did a presentation that examined why all music coming out of Baltimore is "experimental" and hopes to see other genres get on the map. Another fascinating talk came from James BonTempo, a technology advisor for Jhpiego, a nonprofit health organization. He showed how mobile phones are affecting global healthcare. (For example, text messages can alert health care providers of medicine stock-outs in parts of Africa).

Before intermission, organizers announced the winner of the Ignition Grant, which is a $1,500 grant presented to the person with the most innovative idea to make Baltimore a better place to live and work. Surprisingly, there were two winners. Mark Schumann is a homeless resident who plans to do a photo interview to show how the perception of homelessness is different than the reality. Robert Wray is a technologist and biker who plans to strap a camera to his bike helmet and create detailed video of five bike trails in and around Baltimore. (See more about his project here).

Following intermission, the second wave of speakers was just as fascinating. There were presentations about Wolverine, saving opera, a sculpture project in Baltimore, and creating a federal Department of Peace. One of the more interesting speakers was 15-year-old Hannah Freedman, who was mature beyond her years and encouraged the audience ("adults") to help save the environment. The last presentation was especially moving, as speaker Dr. Tom Ritter had just returned from Haiti. He talked about the devastating hunger he witnessed and how a revolutionary stove could save the country.

Ignite Baltimore proved to be an extremely thought-provoking event that made me realize there is no shortage of great ideas and visionary thinkers in this town. For more on Ignite Baltimore and the Ignition Grant, pick up a copy of our March issue on newsstands now.

[Image: courtesy of Ignite Baltimore]

The illustrious chili cook-off is one of the best events a bar can put on during the winter. What better way to escape from the cold (and more snow!) than a warm sample of chili and an accompanying alcoholic beverage?

This past Sunday I attended a chili cook-off at Grand Cru in Belvedere Square. Patrons paid $5 to get a sample of eight different chili recipes all made by employees in the square. Participants included employees from Grand Cru, Ceriello, Neopol, and Greg's Bagels. Once everyone got their eight sample cups of chili, they took notes on a score card and ranked their three favorites in order. My favorite, chili number-one, ended up winning the whole thing. Its creator, Jake Oglesby from Neopol, took home a cash prize of $450.

The event was extremely crowded, but well-organized, and certainly a fun way to spend a Sunday. The only thing that would have made it better is if they also provided beer pairings for some additional cash. Amy Wittig from Grand Cru (who ended up winning second place) said that this was their second time hosting the event and they will continue next year. "You learn with each year and we're definitely getting more streamlined with every event," she says.

A place that might know about learning from each year is Fells Point bar Dead End Saloon, which is hosting its 30th Annual Chili Cook-Off this Saturday. What's cool about this event is anyone can make chili for a $10 fee (and there's still time to enter). The fun starts at 1 p.m., where people pay $5 for several bowls of chili and Dead End will feature beer and margarita specials all day. First prize gets $200, but all the proceeds from the admission will go to charity.

So if you're feeling so over the snow, this is a great (warm) way to spend your weekend.

[Image: courtesy of mccormick.com]

A few months back, several friends and I booked a five-day trip to New Orleans to celebrate a couple of birthdays. I was excited not only to get away, but to explore a city I'd never been to. Little did we all know, we were about to experience the biggest party the city had ever seen.

Before I even get to the Super Bowl, I have to say the nightlife in New Orleans lived up to every expectation. Live music spews out of every open door in the French Quarter—whether it's a smooth jazz trumpet or a lively zyedeco accordion. Alcohol is ever present. You're pretty much always encouraged to drink, even if you're just spending your afternoon at the zoo. And there didn't seem to be any rules, from what I could observe, about where and when to drink.

With the exception of Bourbon Street spots, everything was very reasonably priced, too. I'm pretty sure we got ripped off when buying jello shots on the side of the street (I know, so gross), but most of the bars we ventured into were charging $3 for beer and $5 for mixed drinks. For a hyped-up city like New Orleans, I was impressed. I tried some beer from local brewing company, Abita. I especially liked the Abita Amber, a smooth, caramel-like brew that was very easy to put back.

Obviously, the French Quarter is the party spot you always hear about. But I was staying near Tulane University and was able to hop around some of the Uptown bars, too, which was a nice change of pace. New Orleans seems to be a lot like Baltimore, in that there are a smattering of trendy spots, but most people in the city flock to dive bars (like Ms. Mae's), beer bars (like The Rendezvous Tavern), and bars where you can dance late into the night (like F&M Patio Bar). It was refreshing to see that a city, which has such a glorified nightlife reputation, was still extremely laid back at its core.

And then came Sunday. A friend (and NOLA local) recommended we watch the game at Lucy's, a bar in the Central Business District, where many Saints players apparently hang out after games. This was definitely the right spot. A huge crowd was hanging outside the bar with a DJ and various food and drink vendors (think Pickles times 20). The game was being projected onto the side of a building and looked pretty crystal clear by the time the sun went down. The atmosphere in the second half was explosive. Every gain felt like a touchdown and every touchdown felt completely insane. Tracy Porter's interception in the fourth quarter ignited the entire crowd into a frenzy: beers were flying, strangers were hugging, and everyone was chanting, "Who Dat?" (At one point, I even talked/screamed to some kid's grandmother on the phone).

When the game ended, everyone headed to Bourbon Street where the real celebrating began. And I use the word celebrating for a reason. When some teams win (ahem, Philly), cars are flipped over, stores are vandalized, and property is set ablaze. That night, I barely saw any destruction (except one guy who was, quite literally, attacking a tree) and all anyone could do was dance and hug. Maybe it's because the city is still rebuilding so the last thing its residents want to do is destroy it. Or maybe it's just because what the people in New Orleans value is simple: having a really good time.

[Image: courtesy of nola.com]

Baltimore ACTS—a campaign to activate Baltimore citizens and businesses to serve critical causes—is putting on a gala concert celebration to benefit organizations supporting Haiti's recovery. "Rock to Rebuild" will be hosted by the siblings of Wyclef Jean, Melky and Fael, and will take place February 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

In addition, the evening will feature performances by R&B vocalist Mario, pop-rocker Ryan Cabrera, R&B vocalist Mya, acoustic guitarist Adam Day, and TLC member T-Boz. They will share the stage with the Morgan State University Choir and Baltimore's own Afro-jazz ensemble The ARKJammers.

The event will also feature multimedia tribute to local organizations helping Haiti's recovery, such as the USNS Comfort hospital ship, University of Maryland Shock Trauma, and Johns Hopkins institutions.

Most importantly, event proceeds will benefit Partners in Health, Architecture for Humanity, Baltimore-based Catholic Relief Services, and Melky Jean’s Carma Foundation, all of which are on the ground in Haiti and are committed to the country’s long-term well-being.

In a press release, Baltimore ACTS co-founder Paul Wolman said: “'Rock to Rebuild’ will celebrate Baltimore’s phenomenal support for the cause by bringing together performers whose vibrant music expresses our hopes for the people of Haiti."

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, February 3, at noon. Reserved VIP seating is $100 and includes a pre-concert reception. General admission is $35. For tickets and information, visit baltimoreacts.com or call 443-469-8460.

[Image: courtesy of baltimoreacts.com]

On Wednesday night I attended a cocktail reception at the new Milan restaurant/lounge in Little Italy. As Suzanne Loudermilk wrote on her blog, she and I were able to get a private tour of the space a few weeks back and it's pretty impressive. The plush white leather couches and glittery cherry red bar make patrons feel as if they're in a lounge in Miami or Los Angeles. Plus, there are private rooms off the upstairs dining area and an outdoor patio (with space heaters) that offers year-round al fresco dining.

At the media reception, Milan offered a handful of complimentary drinks, two of which were signature martinis. The Prada martini (Grey Goose vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice) was a bit too sugary for my taste. And the Fendi martini (Stoli vanilla vodka, Frangelico, crème de coco, and cream) would make a good after-dinner drink, but was too heavy to start the night out. But, I loved their version of the Melon Ball cocktail (melon liqueur, vodka, and pineapple juice), which was a frothy, perfectly balanced blend of sweet and sour flavors.

Normally, these cocktails would run about $11 each. Yikes. Good thing Milan offers a decent happy hour Monday through Friday from 5-7 p.m. Specials include $3 domestic bottled beer, $4 select white and red wines, $5 mixed drinks, and a rotating $6 fashion martini (like the two above). It also offers $2.50 off small plates, flatbreads, and bruschettas.

Though Milan hasn't even been open for a month, there's already a lot of talk about whether a space like this can succeed in this city. Certainly there have been a lot of lounge-type places that haven't fared well in low-maintenance Baltimore. But, there have been many (like Red Maple and Pazo) that have thrived. I think Milan's proximity to Harbor East will help its business tremendously—most people that frequent that neighborhood wouldn't mind the steep drink prices and would welcome the beautiful décor.

Still, in order for it to truly succeed, Milan will have to prove it's just as successful beneath the surface—with stellar service, consistently delicious food, and a lively bar scene. But if Wednesday night's wall-to-wall attendance was any indication, it's off to a good start.

[Image: courtesy of bmoremedia.com]

In what has to be seen as a silver lining to the tragic earthquake in Haiti, so many people have banned together to raise money for relief efforts. At the magazine, we've blogged about various places donating their proceeds to the Red Cross and I'm sure there are more out there.

I want to highlight one event in particular, taking place tonight, at Big Poppa's Bar & Grill in Patterson Park. Starting at 6:30 p.m., all of the bar's profits will go towards the American Red Cross' Haiti Relief and Development fund (a $5 donation is also suggested). In addition, the bar will be providing free food and entertainment (co-owner Rico Amero will play an acoustic set). Local resident, David Bersch, will be giving a presentation on his family's experience in Port-au-Prince during the earthquake. TVs in the back room will be tuned in to the State of the Union address at 9 p.m.

According to the Red Cross' website, this specific fund "will support emergency relief and recovery efforts to help those people affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include deploying personnel, sending relief supplies, and providing financial resources."

As always, feel free to let us know of any other fundraising efforts going on around town.

[Image: courtesy of redcross.org]

J.A. Murphy's Tavern, the Fells Point bar on Aliceanna Street near Broadway, will be celebrating its first birthday tonight. In its inaugural year, the bar has become known for its generous happy hour ($1 shots, anyone?), its down-to-earth staff, and its tasty but affordable pub grub.

Tonight from 7 p.m.-2 a.m., the bar will hand out free jello shots, free drunken gummy bears, and free Grand Marnier while supplies last. There will also be raffles and giveaways.

Opening a bar in 2009, defying the recession, and remaining open a year later is quite an accomplishment. "Was it a smart decision? Probably not," says Keith Murphy, co-owner (and Top Single featured in our February issue). "But we've done everything we can to make it affordable. In the recession, most bars only get one strike. The last thing we'd ever give is poor service, and we go out of our way to provide fun."

[Image: courtesy of jamurphys.com]

According to some recent tweets, Bad Decisions in Fells Point is collecting donations and giving them to the Red Cross to aide the devastation from the recent earthquake in Haiti. They will accept cash and checks. In addition, the bar will be serving a special menu of tropical drinks all week and, for each sold, Bad Decisions will donate $1.

Any other bars around town that are making donations to help Haiti?

[Image: courtesy of 600block.com]

Last night I checked out Field House, the new sports bar housed where Ray Lewis' Full Moon BBQ used to be. The Can Company location has a lot of advantages, including its huge size and a parking garage that's free after 5 p.m. Field House opened New Year's Eve and was, by all accounts, packed for the Ravens-Patriots game on Sunday.

And I can certainly see why. As a sports bar, Field House excels. The two-level loft space is enormous and there are TVs everywhere you look. The nice thing is the TVs are all actually high-definition, something surprisingly rare in most sports bars in the area. There are also two huge screens in the middle of the downstairs bar, on which projectors cast crystal-clear images of games (staff can control which direction the images are being projected, which is pretty cool, too).

So, Field House has the TV situation down pat. Onto the drinks. The bar has a decent happy hour special from 4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, where Yuengling drafts are $2, Ketel One and Captain Morgan drinks are $3, and appetizer specials are $5. Beyond that, they have individual specials every night of the week. The drafts selection is pretty good, with a Clipper City seasonal tap in rotation. PBR and Natty Boh cans are also available, which is a plus. There are about 15 wines on the menu, ranging from $5.50-$7 a glass.

Though this isn't a food blog, part of what makes a great sports bar is great wings. We ordered the "crispy jumbo chicken wings" ($5 during happy hour), which really lived up to their name. We got 10 meaty wings, smothered in thick buffalo sauce and served with celery and carrots. The sauce packed a lot of heat, and the wings were overall a great value.

What might make Field House work where others have not is the live entertainment it plans to provide. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the bar hosts a DJ. Additionally, every Saturday night, a live band will perform. Upcoming acts include Mr. Greengenes (1/23), Burnt Sienna (1/30), Jah Works (2/6), and Can't Hang (2/20). The bands play on the upstairs loft and, judging by the attention paid to the nice TVs, the sound system is probably pretty good.

My one complaint is that Field House doesn't seem to have much of an identity, yet. Besides the college flags, the walls were pretty bare and I wasn't really able to pick up much of a distinct ambiance. Hopefully, that's something that Field House can find over time because, if you're looking to watch that big game in Canton, it will be hard to find a better spot.

[Image: courtesy of fieldhousebaltimore.com]

As January 1st approaches, the question everyone starts to ask is, "What are you doing for New Year's?" Some people want to go all out with fireworks and champagne toasts, while others just want to hang out with friends and hear some good music. Here are some options for New Year's Eve in Baltimore depending on your mood:

Mega Parties: You know the types. Multiple bands, multiple floors, and clocking in around $100. My experience, though, is these are usually worth it as you enjoy live entertainment and close to five hours of open-bar time.

• The grandaddy of these parties is the 9th annual New Years Eve Deck Party on the U.S.S. Constellation. From 10 p.m.-1 a.m., guests dine on an all-inclusive menu and sip local beer, wine, and mulled cider. At midnight, watch fireworks and sip champagne from the deck of the ship.
• Right around the corner is Mother's Downtown Countdown at The Hyatt Regency. Guests enjoy a five-hour open bar, various buffet stations, and bands and DJs from the '70s, '80s, '90s and '00s. The event also features a comedy tent and a great view of the fireworks.
• Similarly, there's the Charm City Countdown, which will transform Port Discovery into a party venue. The event will feature six bands and DJs, open bar and food, and a five-story adult climbing structure. Proceeds will benefit EpiCenter Baltimore and Caring Communities.
• If you want to party Federal Hill-style, head over to Mad River's New Year's Eve Party. There will be top-shelf open bar, shooters, a buffet, champagne and party favors from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Live Music: If enjoying some live music on New Year's is more your thing, there's plenty to do in Baltimore from major concerts to intimate shows.

• The Ottobar will feature local band J. Roddy Walston and The Business (which will be celebrating its recent sign with Farifax/Vagrant Records), as well as Young Sir Jim, Hollywood, and more. Guests can enjoy a free buffet, $2 Bohs and rail drinks, and the venue will stay open until 5 a.m.
• Over at The 8x10 Club, the North Carolina-based, eccentric group Southern Culture on the Skids will perform. From 3 a.m. to sunrise, the club will host another show with the band Second Self. This show is free with a ticket from the first 8x10 or one from this next event.
• Rams Head Live's Cosmic New Year will feature Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra playing three sets (including a rare acoustic one). Guests can also enjoy an opening set from Baltimore's own The Bridge, as well as finger foods, champagne, and party favors. Again, a ticket to the Dark Star show gets you in free to the late-night show at The 8x10.
• A little further up town, The Wind-Up Space is hosting a New Year's Eve Soul Dance Party with local cover band The Bellevederes, folk singer Tommy Tucker, and more. Plus, free champagne and hors d'oeuvres.
• Nearby, Joe Squared will host the JW Group, featuring Jeron White and his band's fusion of jazz and drum-and-bass beats.
• The party starts at 11 p.m. over at Golden West Cafe when indie-pop group The Matrimonials take the stage.
• One of the cooler things happening this New Year's is the Free Taxlo Party at Sonar. From 9 p.m.-4 a.m., the venue hosts local hip-hop acts the Get 'Em Mamis, Height and Friends, and Aasha Adore, plus DJs Simon Phoenix and Cullen Stalin.

Family Fun: If you are less interested in partying the night away and more interested in keeping the little ones entertained, then try these family-friendly events.

• Attend Midnight Noon at the Maryland Science Center, which will feature crafts, a puppet show, food, and a performance by local kids band (and Grammy nominees!) Milkshake. The fun runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. New Year's Eve day.
• Or you could head on over to Port Discovery for their Noontime New Year. The event includes MPT's host Bob Heck, milk and cookies, cultural programs from around the world, and a performance by the Hilltop Hightops.
• If your kids are creative types, head to The Walters Art Museum for its Winter Break Activities. On both New Year's Eve and Day—from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.—kids can create artwork celebrating everything from holidays to heroes using the museum's ArtCarts as a guide.

Now you have no excuse to say you haven't heard of much going on this year. Of course, I couldn't touch on all the events. Any you guys want to add?

[Image: courtesy of baltssc.com]