Photo by Dove Shore
Old Dominion Becomes Hottest Band in Country After Successful Breakout Year
brGrowing up, Matthew Ramsey was indecisive about the career he wanted to pursue. Lucky for country fans, he took a chance and followed his passion for music to Nashville. Upon his arrival, Ramsey met up with some old buddies, songwriters Whit Sellers (drummer), Geoff Sprung (bassist), and Brad Tursi (guitarist), eventually leading them to Trevor Rosen (multi-instrumentalist).brbrWhile creating music together started out as a way for these songwriters to have fun and make a few extra bucks, Ramsey admits they began to notice a fan base develop. Before they knew it, these Virginia natives, with the exception of Trevor, decided it was time to officially declare themselves a band, ultimately leading to the creation of Old Dominion.
“We weren’t trying to make a run for it, we were just playing music and songs we love and as we got some success as songwriters, it kind of drew attention to the band and we thought ‘Hey we should take this more seriously’.” – Matthew Ramsey
brbrThey earned their first No. 1 with their debut single, “Break Up With Him,” which spent two weeks at No. 1 on Billboard, one week on Mediabase, and six consecutive weeks on SiruisXM’s The Highway’s Hot 45 Countdown.
brbrFollowing in the footsteps of “Break Up With Him” and “Snapback,” Old Dominion received their second No. 1 with their most recent single, “Song For Another Time” from their debut album, Meat and Candy.
brbr2016 was a rather successful year for Old Dominion, as they walked away with the ACM New Vocal Group/Duo of the Year, ACCA Breakthrough Group/Duo of the Year, AIMP Artist-Writer of the Year, and Music Row Breakthrough Artist.
brbrThe band was recently nominated for Country Song of the Year with “Snapback” at the 2017 iHeartRadio Awards. Tune in to the iHeartRadio Music Awards Sunday, March 5th, 8 p.m. and catch all the nominations.
Old Dominion will be performing at Rams Head Live Friday, February 17th, 7 p.m. Tickets are $27.50 in advance and $30 at the door.
Read our full interview with Matthew Ramsey Here
The What's Up? Weekend Rundown
Anne Arundel County
Annapolis Maritime Winter Lecture Series
Thursday, February 9th, 7 p.m.
brJoin the Annapolis Maritime Museum for their annual winter lecture series featuring – The First Front: The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad during the Civil War. You will be challenged to question and to learn by engaging topic speakers on 8 diverse topics including maritime history, local history, science and maritime art. During the series, you will learn how the B&O Railroad quickly became the most important railroad in the nation at the beginning of the Civil War, the B&O Railroad was the only direct rail link between DC and the loyal states, and about moving Civil War soldiers aboard trains on the B&O Railroad and the connection with Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad. The presenter will be Daniel Carroll Toomey, author of 10 books and guest curator at Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum.
40th Annual Crab Pot Tournament
brJoin the Annapolis Maritime Museum for their annual winter lecture series featuring – The First Front: The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad during the Civil War. You will be challenged to question and to learn by engaging topic speakers on 8 diverse topics including maritime history, local history, science and maritime art. During the series, you will learn how the B&O Railroad quickly became the most important railroad in the nation at the beginning of the Civil War, the B&O Railroad was the only direct rail link between DC and the loyal states, and about moving Civil War soldiers aboard trains on the B&O Railroad and the connection with Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad. The presenter will be Daniel Carroll Toomey, author of 10 books and guest curator at Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum.
40th Annual Crab Pot Tournament
Friday, February 10th and Sunday, February 11th, 5:30 p.m.
brIf you want to see hockey up close and personal, there's a great opportunity to do just that at the 40th Crab Pot Tournament located in the U.S. Naval Academy McMullen Ice Arena. The annual event usually includes four in-state teams battling for local bragging rights. The winning team gets its name inscribed on the crab pot trophy, which is an actual crab pot mounted on a trophy stand. The schedule will be Towson and UMBC at 5:30 p.m. and Navy and Maryland at 8:30 p.m. on February 10th. On the second day of the tournament, the two losers will meet at 5:30 p.m. with the championship game at 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the tournament are $10 for one full day's action.
Valentine’s Four-Course Dinner
brIf you want to see hockey up close and personal, there's a great opportunity to do just that at the 40th Crab Pot Tournament located in the U.S. Naval Academy McMullen Ice Arena. The annual event usually includes four in-state teams battling for local bragging rights. The winning team gets its name inscribed on the crab pot trophy, which is an actual crab pot mounted on a trophy stand. The schedule will be Towson and UMBC at 5:30 p.m. and Navy and Maryland at 8:30 p.m. on February 10th. On the second day of the tournament, the two losers will meet at 5:30 p.m. with the championship game at 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the tournament are $10 for one full day's action.
Valentine’s Four-Course Dinner
Friday, February 10th through Saturday, February 14th, 5–10 p.m.
brValentine’s Day… the ultimate showcase for love and romance. Whether it’s your first date or your 50th, don’t leave the evening to chance. Blackwall Hitch’s decadent food, intimate décor and personal touch will make your Valentine’s celebration an evening to remember. Their special four-course Valentine’s dinner menu is carefully crafted to provide you and your love choices to suit a variety of tastes for appetizer, soup/salad, entrée and dessert. $79 per person and reservations are required.
Foreplay: Fifth Annual Heart Health Foundation Benefit
brValentine’s Day… the ultimate showcase for love and romance. Whether it’s your first date or your 50th, don’t leave the evening to chance. Blackwall Hitch’s decadent food, intimate décor and personal touch will make your Valentine’s celebration an evening to remember. Their special four-course Valentine’s dinner menu is carefully crafted to provide you and your love choices to suit a variety of tastes for appetizer, soup/salad, entrée and dessert. $79 per person and reservations are required.
Foreplay: Fifth Annual Heart Health Foundation Benefit
Saturday, February 11th, 8 p.m.
brAcross America every 33 seconds someone suffers a heart attack, and sadly every minute someone dies of heart disease – a statistic that we can change. Please join Rams Head On stage in supporting the efforts of the Heart Health Foundation and the Dare to CARE Program in combating this silent assassin. Foreplay, a Tribute to 70’s Rock, named after the iconic instrumental piece to Boston's Foreplay/Longtime, delivers the electric energy of the era. By channeling their passion for the guitar and harmony driven rock music of the 70's, they’ll have you rockin' and reminiscing. By attending this event you will be supporting the free screening and education programs that have changed the lives of thousands in this region. Tickets are $39.50.
Chocolat: A Decadent Evening to Benefit the Chesapeake Culinary Center
brAcross America every 33 seconds someone suffers a heart attack, and sadly every minute someone dies of heart disease – a statistic that we can change. Please join Rams Head On stage in supporting the efforts of the Heart Health Foundation and the Dare to CARE Program in combating this silent assassin. Foreplay, a Tribute to 70’s Rock, named after the iconic instrumental piece to Boston's Foreplay/Longtime, delivers the electric energy of the era. By channeling their passion for the guitar and harmony driven rock music of the 70's, they’ll have you rockin' and reminiscing. By attending this event you will be supporting the free screening and education programs that have changed the lives of thousands in this region. Tickets are $39.50.
Eastern Shore
Chocolat: A Decadent Evening to Benefit the Chesapeake Culinary Center
Friday, February 10th, 7–10 p.m.
brIndulge your senses at Chocolat, an elegant evening to benefit the Caroline Culinary Arts Center featuring; sweet and savory chocolate inspired dishes. The menu will include coco seared beef tenderloin, seared scallops with chocolate and balsamic reduction, live stations, a chocolate fountain, and other decadent desserts. Chocolate inspired beverages included! $50 per person.
Art Walk
brIndulge your senses at Chocolat, an elegant evening to benefit the Caroline Culinary Arts Center featuring; sweet and savory chocolate inspired dishes. The menu will include coco seared beef tenderloin, seared scallops with chocolate and balsamic reduction, live stations, a chocolate fountain, and other decadent desserts. Chocolate inspired beverages included! $50 per person.
Art Walk
Saturday, February 11th, 5 p.m.
brEnjoy an evening in downtown Cambridge strolling the art galleries, browsing a range of artwork, and enjoying free refreshments during the Art Walk. The galleries feature art created by local, regional, national, and international artists. Downtown Cambridge is home to several galleries, as well as excellent restaurants and independently owned shops and museums. Participating galleries include the include the Dorchester Center for the Arts, Main Street Gallery, the ArtBar at LivAgain, the Leggett Gallery at Chesapeake College, and Downtown Frame of Mine.
Second Annual Oxford Polar Dip: Freezin’ for a Reason
brEnjoy an evening in downtown Cambridge strolling the art galleries, browsing a range of artwork, and enjoying free refreshments during the Art Walk. The galleries feature art created by local, regional, national, and international artists. Downtown Cambridge is home to several galleries, as well as excellent restaurants and independently owned shops and museums. Participating galleries include the include the Dorchester Center for the Arts, Main Street Gallery, the ArtBar at LivAgain, the Leggett Gallery at Chesapeake College, and Downtown Frame of Mine.
Second Annual Oxford Polar Dip: Freezin’ for a Reason
Sunday, February 12th, 12 p.m.
brHosted by Camp Sunshine, join the 2017 Oxford Maryland Polar Dip at the Tred Avon Yacht Club. Together we can send many more children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to a one-of-a-kind retreat in Casco, Maine. With the strength of an event such as the polar dip and the resources of Camp Sunshine, the goal to raise in excess of $15,000. That is enough to send six families to Camp Sunshine. All participants who raise at least $100 will receive a highly coveted "I did it" event t-shirt! Too scared or too smart to take the plunge? There’s the option to participate in the “Chicken Dip” – where you’ll only need to dip your toes in!
All You Can Eat Spay-Ghetti Dinner
brSunday, February 12th, 4–7 p.m.
brJoin the Spay-ghetti dinner: a FUNdraiser to benefit the Spay & Neutering of rescue animals, held by the Baywater Animal Rescue at East New Market Fire Hall. The menu includes: Spaghetti, meat or vegetarian sauce, salad, bread, beverage, dessert. There will be a 50/50 raffle, music, bowwow bingo, prizes, and more! You can eat in or carry-out! Tickets are at the door or save $1 a ticket by purchasing online!
Disney on Ice: Dream Big
brThursday, February 9th, 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 10th, 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 11th, 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m., & 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, February 12th, 12 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Enter a world where adventure is awaiting and courage leads the way at Disney On Ice presents Dream Big at Royal Farms Arena. Through enchanted pixie-dust, Tinker Bell takes you on a journey of beloved Disney tales. Make a splash with the fearless dreamer Ariel as she yearns to explore life above the waves. Watch Rapunzel, Cinderella and Belle as they learn about the power to make their own magic. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love is the greatest magic of all. Be there to discover a whole new world with the daring Jasmine, and join Snow White, Aurora and Tiana as they remind you to always be strong, kind and fearless. High-flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends make this an experience your family will never forget. Believing is just the beginning when Disney On Ice presents Dream Big skates into your hometown!
Valentine’s 5K
brHosted by Camp Sunshine, join the 2017 Oxford Maryland Polar Dip at the Tred Avon Yacht Club. Together we can send many more children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to a one-of-a-kind retreat in Casco, Maine. With the strength of an event such as the polar dip and the resources of Camp Sunshine, the goal to raise in excess of $15,000. That is enough to send six families to Camp Sunshine. All participants who raise at least $100 will receive a highly coveted "I did it" event t-shirt! Too scared or too smart to take the plunge? There’s the option to participate in the “Chicken Dip” – where you’ll only need to dip your toes in!
All You Can Eat Spay-Ghetti Dinner
brSunday, February 12th, 4–7 p.m.
brJoin the Spay-ghetti dinner: a FUNdraiser to benefit the Spay & Neutering of rescue animals, held by the Baywater Animal Rescue at East New Market Fire Hall. The menu includes: Spaghetti, meat or vegetarian sauce, salad, bread, beverage, dessert. There will be a 50/50 raffle, music, bowwow bingo, prizes, and more! You can eat in or carry-out! Tickets are at the door or save $1 a ticket by purchasing online!
Regional
Disney on Ice: Dream Big
brThursday, February 9th, 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 10th, 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 11th, 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m., & 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, February 12th, 12 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Enter a world where adventure is awaiting and courage leads the way at Disney On Ice presents Dream Big at Royal Farms Arena. Through enchanted pixie-dust, Tinker Bell takes you on a journey of beloved Disney tales. Make a splash with the fearless dreamer Ariel as she yearns to explore life above the waves. Watch Rapunzel, Cinderella and Belle as they learn about the power to make their own magic. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love is the greatest magic of all. Be there to discover a whole new world with the daring Jasmine, and join Snow White, Aurora and Tiana as they remind you to always be strong, kind and fearless. High-flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends make this an experience your family will never forget. Believing is just the beginning when Disney On Ice presents Dream Big skates into your hometown!
Valentine’s 5K
Saturday, February 11th, 10 a.m.
brLove is in the air at the annual Annapolis Striders Valentine’s 5k! This year, the race will be held at Kinder Farm Park. This 5k is the first race of the year for the Annapolis Strider’s and the first leg of the 2017 Annapolis Strider’s Championship series. Hosting 500 runners a year, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Wine & Chocolate Pairing
brLove is in the air at the annual Annapolis Striders Valentine’s 5k! This year, the race will be held at Kinder Farm Park. This 5k is the first race of the year for the Annapolis Strider’s and the first leg of the 2017 Annapolis Strider’s Championship series. Hosting 500 runners a year, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Wine & Chocolate Pairing
Sunday, February 12th, 12–4 p.m.
brJoin Crow Vineyard for a pairing of award winning Crow wines and fine chocolates. Nolia Chocolates specializes in small batch, intensely flavored confections. RSVP is required. $12 per person.
brJoin Crow Vineyard for a pairing of award winning Crow wines and fine chocolates. Nolia Chocolates specializes in small batch, intensely flavored confections. RSVP is required. $12 per person.
The Look 2017
What's Up? Media's 4th Annual Beauty & Wellness Event
brEnjoy three solid hours of being pampered with spa treatments, getting your hair, makeup, and nails done right on the spot, listening to professional speakers, engaging in conversation with the experts, and shopping your heart out with our retail vendors. There will also be complimentary champagne and snacks for attendees.
We are asking guests to visit the Peach vendor booth at the event, to donate new or gently used bras for women in need.
Friday, February 24, 2017 at Loews Annapolis Hotel from 6-9pm.Best Of 2017: Don't Forget to Vote!
brVoting for Best Of Retail & Professional Services is Now Live Until Feb. 28th. Vote online now!What's Up? Media Promotions
brWhat’s Up? Media loves our community and wants to give back. Check out our promotions page for opportunities to win amazing giveaways such as tickets to the most happening local events around, gift cards to your favorite local restaurants, and more! More details here.
