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September 19, 2006
A rockin' mayor
When planning a trip to my favorite city, Baltimore, I happened to find out about an event I might want to check out for the Friday night after my beloved Orioles left town - The Baltimore Irish Festival.
It was the first time the festival was held at its new location, Canton Watefront Park, and when they say Waterfront, they mean it. The backstage area was no more than 15 feet from Baltimore Harbor.
The draw for me was Black 47's headlining appearance, as I have long been a fan of the band and have gotten to know singer Larry Kirwan somewhat over the years I have been covering music for the Connecticut Post.
It was Kirwan that told me about Baltimore's mayor, Martin O'Malley, and how he's an accomplished musician with his Irish rock band, O'Malley's March.
Friday was a rainy day in Baltimore, but, of course, the luck of the Irish held as the showers ended just before the start of the festivities. I arrived at the park, which is apparently new because none of the locals I asked had even heard of it.
I heard the band from a block away and the first person I happen to lay my eyes on was Kirwan, who was enjoying a Smithwick's as he schmoozed with a fan. He told me that the band on stage was O'Malley's March and the mayor was easy to pick out as he still had his suit on after a busy day of campaigning for governor of Maryland.
The band was surprisingly good, especially when you consider that it hasn't been doing many concerts because of the campaign.
Through Kirwan, I met the mayor after his performance and he is an impressive younger man with a sincerity that can't be faked. He's obviously passionate about the city and I have no doubt that he'll bring that passion to the governor's office if elected.
My only problem with O'Malley is his refusal to act on the major problem plaguing Baltimore. Unfortunately, there is nothing he can do to stop the tide of obnoxious Yankes and Red Sox fans from entering Oriole Park at Camden Yard.
Don't I suffer enough living in Fairfield County, surrounded by these people? Do I have to see and hear them when I'm at a home game?
I think I'll play it safe next year. I'll go back to Camden Yard when the Royals or Mariners are in town.
Posted by Sean on September 19, 2006 2:30 PM
