It’s time for another edition of Stomping Grounds, where we talk to artists about their hometown and why they’re proud to be there. Or not so proud. Who knows.

This edition of Stomping Grounds features Roman Kuebler, singer and guitarist for indie rockers The Oranges Band and former bass player for Spoon, telling us what’s so great for stuffing in your mouth and in your ears in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

What’s your town’s nickname?
Charm City

What’s your nickname for your town?
Mobtown

What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?
Cross Street Market

What is your favorite local event/festival?
New Year’s Eve at 34th Street in Hampden

What is the best time of year to be there?
Spring

Who is your favorite local celebrity/personality?
There are no celebrities in Baltimore. Just famous friends.

Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?
Club Charles. They have a trapeze bar! Circus shows on Saturday nights.

Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?
203 Davis St. Chambers/Ottobar/Talking Head

What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?
Too many to list but one recent favorite was… Obits. An older favorite was Wrong Button.

What is your favorite local band?
The Jennifers

What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
Mr. Sausage/Steve’s Lunch in Cross St. Market. Keilbasa with everything plus french fries

What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?
Soundgarden Spoon “A Series of Sneaks” (cut-out of course ahaha)

What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?
Mobtown Shank!

Words: David C. Obenour
Photos: Daniel R. Obenour

While Dan flew, I drove to Pitchfork – making his 1,150 mile trip shorter then my 300 mile one, where’s the fairness in that?  Either way, Pitchfork really did it this year and fully justified the nearly 3000-combined mile journey.  Great bands, great city, great beer, great food and great art.  The only thing that wasn’t so great was hot, humid and at times rainy weather, but we can hardly blame them for that (that is, unless we were being ridiculously over critical but who would do a thing like that?).

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