Into the Free State for two barbeques. The storms blew over as we oozed along 95 North and eventually got to Dana's place in Baltimore, right outside Camden Yards. Then to Columbia MD for Brandon's (aka Beeeee aka Brand New) birthday cookout. Here's my score card: 2 hamburgers, 1 itailan sausage, 2 servings of baked beans, 1 serving of Indian potatoes, and 1 enormous slice of cake. That and Mike and I actually one a game. Only took us 6 hours of festivities to do it.

The best 80's revival dance party cover band in Tri-state area descended upon the State Theater just right down the road. Once I put those white jeans, I knew I was in for a good time. Photos taken Friday May 16th, 2008.

DeSandro clan made it down to DC for lovely Sunday a couple weeks ago. The lady and I were invited to a watch the Nationals at the new stadium. I was the annoying guy with the camera.

Right around the block there's a picturesque avenue full of these cherry blossoms. I had to take a couple shots before the weekend chill threw the tiny leaves to the air.

Sun and smiles. Made the trip down to Harrisonburg for JMU Alumni Weekend, my first visit in a year. I brought out the SLR just for the first hour, when the fun was just starting.

Feeling nostalgic? I’ve got the shots from the past two years: Alumini Weekend 2007 and Brent and Andy’s, Cold and rainy

And I just discovered that it’s ALUMNI, not ALUMINI with two I’s, and three syllables. It only took me 3 Alumni weekends to catch that one.

Instead of slumbering through a post-party lazy Sunday coma, I got up and out to the Rock and Roll Hotel in North East DC to see Aloha and Anathallo . It’s been way too long since the last show I went to. I’m happy to report that both groups blew me away. I expected to Aloha show up huge. Only four members, but they produce so much sound. The drums are raucous. And this is a indie rock/jazz band.

I had no clue who Anathello was before tonight, but they brought just as much energy. 7 members, but it all mixed very well. Unfortunately, their full-spectrum presence doesn’t seem to translate to the studio recordings.

A good show, and an even better opportunity to play with the new camera. The 50mm lens works wonders in the low light, so I was snap-snap-snapping away. Plenty of good ones. Here are the best.

A BYOB with a twist. The drink you bring must match your name. So Mike drinks mojitos, Dave drinks daiquiris and John drinks Jomo lager . Take note of the sweet tiki hut made especially for the party.

First photo set with the XT!

Not actually taken on the fourth.

I convinced myself that I haven't been shooting as much as I used to. Perhaps because I'm lusting after a Canon XT at the moment. Looking through my shots over the past month, I have lots that need to get posted. Taken at: Washington DC, Whitlow's, The Mall, and around the house.