Issue 30: Street Soldier

Our cover story this week is a profile of an elite marksman in the U.S. Marines and an Iraq War veteran, who struggled to earn a living after returning to West Baltimore, and has become a successful cocaine dealer.

In City Folk, there's a fantastic profile of Merdalf, the curiously passionate busker who haunts the Waverly and JFX farmer's markets and the Avenue, haunted by love and bipolar disorder.

We've also got a great little preview of Otakon, which is this weekend at the convention center, including a QnA with one of the Cosplay judges.

In Mobtown Beat, we've got stories on a brutal slaying and dismemberment in the local pot trade, an update on efforts to audit--and avoid auditing--Baltimore City government departments, and the conclusion of the Lester Sexton sexual abuse case.

And don't miss the Baltimore City Power Rankings, now in their second week, a new InfoArt looking at the pervasive segregation in Charm City, and an Every Day I'm Hustlin' item on Artscape vendor Clarence Shields.

In our arts sections, we've got the terrific back story of the James Baldwin Conference, which was launched by Station North Arts Cafe co-founder Kevin Brown with the help of Baldwin's sister. In Music, we talked to DJ Jonny Blaze about his new album, which blends Baltimore Club with Gospel, and in Booed Music, Bret McCabe offers an update on the world of avant garde and experimental music.

In Art, there's a piece on the cool new exhibit, "Queer is Where the Heart Is," which features the work of Queer artists from Iceland and the U.S. In Stage, we talk to the hosts of Expert of Nothing, the hilarious live game show theater at The Wind Up Space, and in Books, we've got a fascinating piece on Natalie Hopkinson's new book, Go-Go Live: The Musical Life and Death of a Chocolate City.

Also a review of Townhouse Kitchen + Bar, and, of course, listings of all the events, shows, exhibits, restaurants, and everything else you need to know to live your life in Baltimore this week. Enjoy!