I love Fall. I love the change of seasons we have here in Baltimore. Not only do the windows re-open, and the closets seem all new, I get a burst of energy I just thrive on. It’s different from summer’s slowed-down pace. But looking back, this summer seemed to speed by.

As usual for Milkshake, not one of our outdoor shows were canceled due to rain. This always amazes me, but so far, it’s true. July 4th at the Columbia Lakefront in Columbia, MD came close, but no, the sun came out as we started playing. I look back fondly on our summer shows. Many were unexpectedly moving, like a private show the band played at the Children’s Inn at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD. The Children’s Inn meets the needs of children and families participating in groundbreaking research at the National Institutes of Health. Other shows were simply perfect, like when the weather cooled for our show at the Freeman Stage in Delaware and no one got sunburned or melty. A private show at the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital was hot but very happy, as kids gathered together for a reunion of sorts, thanks to the hospital’s efforts. MWPH works on improving the health and well-being of all children who are ill, injured, or in need of help. Most recently, at summer’s end, we played (cool) Progeny’s Superhero Social, with proceeds going to the Little Lion Challenge Fund. It really was a summer that gave me pause, and made me thankful at the simple human nature of caring.

Looking to Fall, there are more shows on the Milkshake calendar that make me happy we do what we do.

The band will be at Rash Field at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for the The Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parents Group (CDSPG) and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) 2nd annual Buddy Walk and 5k Race on Sunday, Oct. 4 at Rash Field at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Promenade from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. And of course, for our 8th year, the Milkshake Band will play the Annual Festival Of Trees, benefitting the Kennedy Krieger Foundation. For other dates, check our calendar.

Here’s a few pictures from some of my favorite summer shows.