To add to the ongoing conversation around town today: Damn, it's hot. Probably one of the only ways you'll be able to enjoy being outside this weekend is to be near a body of water. 

Lucky for us, perfromance art group Fluid Movement will be holding two synchornized swimming shows this weekend, with a pretty awesome theme—murder-mystery. In typically whacky fashion, the troupe will put on a film-noir-style murder mystery all while showing off their synchornized stylings in the water. 

The show is coming to Druid Hill Park Pool this weekend (Saturday at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Patterson Park Pool next Sunday (at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.) Tickets are only $10 ($5 if you're already a pool member).

A murder-mystery on the water? Only in Baltimore. 

[Image: courtesy of fluidmovement.org]

Along with an estimated 80,000 fans, I got to take in my first U2 show last night. Even with all the hype surrounding the event, the band's stop on their 360 Tour didn't disappoint. I got there around 7 p.m. and was amazed how smooth it was getting into the stadium. There was no line at the general admission entrance—we simply handed over our tickets, got wristbands, and walked down onto the field (which was covered in steel grates for the show). 

When we got there, opening act Florence + The Machine had just started performing. Lead singer Florence Welch filled the stadium with her haunting, guttural voice while people milled about and found their seats. The band pretty much covered their entire Lungs discography and their set really picked up towards the end, with "You've Got The Love," "Rabbit Heart," and, lastly, "Dog Days Are Over." The soulful band had a very ethereal quality to it, a subtle way to start out the show that felt like the calm before the U2 storm.

In between bands, fans took notice of the giant stage set up (known on the 360 tour as "The Claw"). With an insect-like quality to it, The Claw had four arms that came down with various lights coming out from every direction. The stage and catwalks were underneath all of that and surrounded by a giant light screen that would move and contract throughout the performances. The entire thing was immensely impressive, and made it obvious there really was no bad seat in the house.

At 9 p.m., the giant screens showed Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. walking out of the tunnel. The crowd went nuts and the excitement was palpable. The band opened with "Even Better Than The Real Thing," a propulsive song to set the tone of the show—which was very heavy on Achtung Baby tracks (the next two songs were "The Fly" and "Mysterious Ways.")

Like only U2 can, the band incited a lot of emotion throughout their set, something first hinted at when Bono sung lyrics to "The Promised Land" (clearly paying tribute to the late E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons). Soon what followed was a video, from space, of Shuttle Commander Mark E. Kelly (husband of shooting victim Rep. Gabrielle Giffords) telling his wife he loves her. Seamlessly and poetically, U2 went into "Beautiful Day," one of the most powerful songs of the night.

The band's first set also included crowd favorites "Elevation," "I Will Follow," and a not-so-often-played "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." Bono even sang some lyrics from The Talking Heads's "Psycho Killer." The set ended with a moving "Walk On."

The encore started out with "One" as political imagery flashed on the screen. Bono then sang the first verse of "Amazing Grace" before going into "Where the Streets Have No Name," which was my favorite performance of the night. With its epic build up, that song was just meant to be played in a giant stadium front of 80,000 people. The show ended with "With or Without You," "Moment of Surrender," and another tribute (where everyone held out their cellphones and lighters) to Clemons with "Jungleland."

In all, U2 played for a solid two hours in what really felt like a monumental Super Bowl halftime show. Between the incredible light show, the political and emotional messages, and the gravitas of all of their songs, it was a giant spectacle—one that Baltimore won't soon forget.

[Images: courtesy of me and Staci Lanham]

Tonight, Friends of Patterson Park will be holding their 8th annual "Wine Tasting in the Park." The event was actually first started by Hopkins cardiologist Dr. Levi Watkins as a way to enjoy wine with his friends and give the proceeds back to the park. As the years have gone on, more sponsors have gotten involved, and tonight they're expecting about 200 people.

The event will feature food and wine generously donated by the Chesapeake Wine Company, V-NO, Bistro Rx, and DiPasquale's. Each guest will get a tasting glass and the opportunity to sample 2-3 wines at each stand. Guests can also enjoy cheese, fruit, and olive platters.

Live music will be provided by local musician Rob Fahey, whose former band, The Ravyns, had a hit, "Raised on the Radio," on the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack. No guarantees that he'll play the hit single, but his set of rock and roll is sure to enterain. 

To order tickets and get more information, see the Friends of Patterson Park website. All proceeds benefit the organization.

[Image: courtesy of sarayaj.blogspot.com]

Boordy Vineyards, the Long Green Pike winery that's been in Hydes since 1980, has long been known not only for its sweet, palatable wines, but also for its lively events. Throughout the summer, the winery hosts tastings, concerts, and festivals that are a perfect way to spend sunny afternoons.

This season already, I've attended two of Boordy's events. I went to one of their "Reds, Whites, and Blues" concerts on April 17, which featured the bluegrass band Jackass Flats and lasted from 1-5 p.m. For $12, you gained admission and got a Boordy wine glass.

From there, you could purchase bottles of wine from various locations on the property and set up camp on the grass with blankets, foods, and friends. Of course, you can bring your own food, but Carl's Catering had delicious pit beef and pulled pork sandwiches, as well as savory sides like potato salad. The bluegrass band was an ideal backdrop for a lazy Sunday, as some more energetic folks got up in front of the band and started a dance party.

I also decided to spend Mother's Day at Boordy, where the idea is that moms get treated like queens (and are even provided with a tiara upon entering). The mid-70s weather, fun cover songs provided by Ellis Woodward and Company, and the family atmosphere combined for another great day. It was heartening to see dads flying kites with their kids, while moms got a much-deserved wine break with friends.

The wines we enjoyed that day (and there were many) really ranged: There was the juice-like Tango Peach, the well-balanced chardonnay, the fruity Jazz Berry, and the spicy cabernet franc. The Boordy wines have a huge breadth, as some are more playful and others more refined.

The winery hosts tons of other events throughout the summer—including next Saturday's "Girls' Night Out," which will feature live music, jewelry stands, and craft vendors. For a complete list of events, see their website.

[Image: courtesy of flickr.com/photos/ed_welker]