Spring has sprung but even April showers should not keep you in the house this weekend.

Ever wonder where all of the fabulous events are? With a variety of activities coming up this weekend, there is bound to be something for everyone.

1. Steady Baltimore presents: NOTHING BUT THE BREAKS!!!
April 5th, 7 p.m. at the Lo-Fi Social Club,
1825 N Charles St Bmore, MD 21201


In the 70's, art and music exclusive to the streets and YMCA's of the Bronx personified an inner city environment that begged for an escape from crime and poverty. While POSE 2 designed the fliers and Afrika Bambaataa controlled the crowd with the ones and two's, people from all over NYC for one night forgot about gangs, poverty and politics.

Should it be a surprise that with those same hip-hop founding conditions existing in Baltimore today, that it too is seeking an outlet? Steady Baltimore and DIG's "Nothing But the Breaks" has become that outlet for an emerging sub-culture of street and graffiti artists and lovers of funk and soul music.

Also known as "DIG" on Tuesday's, DJ duo Landis Expandis and Napspace keep the B-Boys and crowd moving spinning nothing but the funkiest breaks around. Emerging street and graffiti artists BillyMode, Jazirock, El Toro (PHILLY), Adam Neubauer (DC), Ners Boogie and Joe Ride display 70s themed works on canvas, 70s vinyl records and found material.

Politics, poverty and crime aside, Nothing But The Breaks is Baltimore's answer to its vices and ills.

UPDATE:

We have joined forces with Vive La Decadence to include a live performance by sister cabaret VERMILLION LIES!! featuring Monsieur Paco along with world champion juggler JEN SLAW, real-life dance revolutionary STRANGE POWERS and Transmodern favorite, ELISA URTIAGA in a mind-blowing, soul-expanding night of drink, dance, and debauchery!


STEADY BALTIMORE is committed to facilitating the growth of urban, visual art in Baltimore by immersing the public in a constantly evolving world of artistic expression.
(To view the web pages click on the links above)


2. Walk 4 Life presents: International Human Rights Activist to "Walk 4 Life" to Abolish the Death Penalty

Upcoming Shows

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Apr 4 2008 6:00P	Stanton Center	Annapolis, Maryland
Apr 5 2008 2:45P	LaPlata Beach on the University of MD, College Park Campus	College Park, Maryland
Apr 19 2008 10:00A	Raphael Hernandez School of the Performing Arts- IS 217	Bronx, New York

Andre Latallade, hip-hop artist and prison rights activist also known as Capital-"X", will walk from New Jersey to Texas to advocate for the abolishment of capital punishment in the United States.

Latallade will begin his “Walk 4 Life” on March 31, 2008 at 5AM at the state house in Trenton, NJ, the first state to abolish the death penalty in the last 40 years. He will walk 1700 miles through 10 of the highest executing states and arrive at Governors mansion in Austin, Texas, "the busiest killing state in the country,” to await the Supreme Courts’ ruling on the constitutionality of capital punishment.

Latallade estimates it will take 54 days walking 8 hours/day at 3.5 mph. He will take a break to participate on a panel at the Hip Hop Association's HHEAL Festival in the Bronx, New York April 18-20.

Latallade wants to "build bridges between two groups; the families of murder victims and the families of the condemned. Separated we call for life or death, I say we unite and call for resolution." Latallade promotes life sentences without parole as opposed to death sentences. Currently there is a moratorium on state-sanctioned executions while the Supreme Court rules whether lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment.

"I want to unite everybody fighting injustice and mobilize the international community to put pressure on the USA to abolish the death penalty. I have Italy, England, France, Denmark and Croatia behind me and am also reaching out to Puerto Rico." Non-profit organizations, human rights groups, and abolitionists from around the world are supportive of Andre on his "Walk 4 Life."

Anyone interested in supporting "X" can email him at projectrevolution2010@gmail.com. Please, donate online at www.myspace.com/capitalxaka305375. Funds raised during the walk will go to victims’ families and abolitionist groups.

View X’s “Walk 4 Life” promotional clip and daily video blog documenting his journey at www.ONLOQ.com, a hip hop network that will be covering his expedition. There you can also view his profile and online show, “From the Frontlines.”

3. Monkey Hustle Presents: New Jack a monthly dance party that will take you on a musical journey this Friday. As your visionary tour guides for the evening, Stretch & Mikie Love, will be meshing funky classics with electrifying hits of the future. All styles of dance music, old to new, will be covered and hoping. Coming along for the ride this week, Dj Sun, an underground electronic music pioneer and Chris O, of Taxlo fame. Also for the senses; Pixelbombs will be projecting mind-melting visuals. Where to get on board? The Lo-Fi Social Club at 1825 North Charles Street, free to ride the first Fridays of the month, through the spring and maybe summer.

4. Shop Gentei Presents: Gentei Spring Reopening Party

It’s that time again...another Shop Gentei refresh, another kickoff party...
Featuring Ronnie Darko (Spankrock), Scottie B (Bmore Club legend), + Uncle Jesse. @Club Orpheus 1003 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 276-5599 18+ Free before 11, $5 after to 21+, $6 after for 18+

SPAS

Many spas like to distinguish themsleves as the best in the business, but I think that should be left to the consumer so, to find the best spas in Baltimore I became a consumer and sampled the most recommended spas in the area. The two favorites, after much research, are Zina Day Spa in Canton and the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in Cross Keys.

Zina Day Spa is wonderful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Owner, Zina, is very personable and warm and spa reflects her personality. She offers wonderful treatments including, the spa vitamin facial and the deep tissue therapy massage. I personally had a deep tissue massage with Tierra and the European facial with Carolyn and they were wonderful.

With such careful touch and professionalism you really can relax. Zina said that, "When people come to the spa, they should have in mind that are going on a little vacation, otherwise it is too hard to relax." I understand where she is coming for with the idea of mental preparation, the moment I laid down to my facial all of the problems and worries of the day disappeared.

At the end of my treatments, the spa offered a sauna and steam room for relaxation and centering. There are also great packages for couples. I am thinking when the BF comes back (See: thelifeofglam) he and I are going there! Separate rooms for two and private spa pedicures allow you and your significant, or best friend, your own spa experience.

Right in the heart of Canton Square is a little oasis of heaven for the ever social, young professional.

Head up town 20 minutes and find yourself at another oasis of relaxation, The Red Door Spa.

"What is the BEST in BALTIMORE?"

It is exactly what it sounds like. We are your navigation to Charm City with all of the new places to go shop, eat, hang out or just relax; it is hard to keep tabs on what's good.

BEST in BALTIMORE is your stop for the best places to wine and dine or get down and dirty on a hay ride. Each week we evaluate different places, whether it is spas, restaurants, shopping or clubs and report the newest hot spot or the oldie but still goodie.

Who holds the title for BEST in BALTIMORE? Feel free to nominate your favorite places, Dj's, Artists, Shows, Museums, or whatever and we will check them out. Who knows your favorite place might just be the BEST in BALTIMORE!

This week is about SPAS. Many state that they have the best spas in Baltimore but I have narrowed it down to the top two for all of your relaxation needs, no matter what part of town you are in.