Rams Head Tavern
Annapolis, MD
October 14, 2005
Review By: Barbara
6:30 show
Bob and I met Tammie, Cole and Sandi and headed for Annapolis with Sandi navigating for us out-of-towners. We stopped at the Annapolis Harley-Davidson dealer, and Sandi, Bob and I bought shirts. We talked with a very nice man, Dave, who gave us directions to some of the attractions in the area, and went so far as to come out to the parking lot after us to give us a map. Thank you to Dave and the staff at Annapolis Harley-Davidson! We drove past the Ram’s Head Tavern, and went to the Naval Academy. We toured the Visitor Center and walked outside by the water, where we had our pictures taken. Then off to the Ram’s Head, where we sat outside and people-watched until it was time to go inside and meet Richard and Patti for dinner. We were shown to tables in the courtyard, which was a very nice area, and the food was very good. Plus, you get a ten percent discount if you’re attending the show! When we went into the venue, Bob’s jaw dropped. His knees were bumping the stage in front of Deanie! This led to some bantering between them about garlic breath. The acoustic mics were right in front of him, literally between his feet. This is a very small stage, really tiny. Bob had brought a picture of the entire band, which Patty had signed in Albany, and he got Deanie and Pete to sign, then asked Kylie. She very kindly took the picture and not only signed it but had Martin, Guthrie, and Jimmy sign it for Bob. THANK YOU SO MUCH, KYLIE! That was exceptionally kind of you!
Patty had changed to a brown cami with sequins at the neck, and different boots; she wore the same pretty top as at the Birchmere. The set list was the same as at the Birchmere the preceding night. Troy and Guthrie both had their parents at the show. Again Deanie really cut loose fiddling; she’s just amazing. It was nice to see her so energized and playful. At one point, Patty wiped her face and said the hormones were kicking in. Patty, those are Power Surges, honey!!
When Patty introduced the band, she mentioned that Martin is a ham radio operator, as are Patty and Emory. Patty was chosen to be on the board for a toy drive to benefit the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
We have our very own star now!!! During “Blame” Patty beckoned to Jackie, and stuck the mic in her face; Jackie did a great job! Bob and I were honored to be sitting at Jackie’s table!
Between shows we stood and sat around outside, talking with all our PLN friends and others about how great the show was and how much we were looking forward to the next one.
9:30 show
Patty changed the overshirt to the sheer brown short-sleeved one with white trim and turquoise beaded appliqués. I love that top! We switched seats around at our table, and Bob and I sat at the end; still only about five feet from the stage!
The set list was changed; “On Your Way Home” replaced “Here I Am” and “Nothin’ But the Wheel” was added. I love to hear Patty live singing “Dreamin’ My Dreams”. Pete, Guthrie and Deanie add so much to this song, and Patty sings it with a world of emotion in her voice.
After “Daniel Prayed” Richard requested “I’ll Never Grow Tired Of You”, which is on the Honky Tonk Angel album. I can understand why he requested it; it’s the second time I’ve heard Patty sing it at a show, and it’s truly beautiful.
We were all on our feet for “Blame”, and Patty was moving around the tiny stage, when suddenly I saw a swirl of hair and Patty disappeared! She slipped off the stage right into Richard’s arms!! That was a great catch, Richard! What amazed me, and all of us I’m sure, is that she never missed a note!! And neither did the band. I’m sure it isn’t an everyday experience for a band to have the singer suddenly disappear mid-note! Patty seemed shaken, understandably, but finished the song and sang two more. Now there is a true professional! Speaking with Richard later, he said the catch was just pure instinct, he had no recollection of what happened. I’m just glad that we were on our feet and that she chose that part of the stage from which to slip, as she could have had a nasty tangle with a table had we been seated.
Sadly for us, these are our last Patty shows of this season. Thank you to Richard, Patti, and Cole for the great seats at these two venues. We sincerely hope that Patty’s booking folks repeat this by having her at the Birchmere and Ram’s Head on successive days. They are both wonderful venues and we are looking forward to next year!
