Baltimore has a lot to offer. It was the birthplace of Babe Ruth. It was where shows like Roc, Homicide and The Wire was set. In addition, it hosted the Virgin Festival last year in Pimilco. Baltimore also has a great live music scene. If you listen to Noise in The Basement on 98 Rock, you get the chance to hear many bands from Baltimore and the surrounding region on Sunday Nights. It begs the question of where to see these and other live music acts in Baltimore. I found a few spots in the Baltimore Metro Area to catch live music.
Fletchers: Located in Fells Point, this bar has hosted many live local and national acts. Past shows include 3 Doors Down, Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy, Black Eyed Peas, India Aire and many more. On Mondays, It hosts Noise in the Basement Live. It’s a concert version of the 98 Rock’s Sunday night show that puts the spotlight on the local music. After the show, you need to check out the after party. If you didn’t come to see the music, you can check out the tavern for airings of UFC pay-per-views or the live audio/visual experience conceived known as the AV Club
Fletcher’s
701 S. Bond St.
Baltimore, MD 21231
410.558.1889
The Ottobar: What does My Chemical Romance, New Found Glory, Jet, Maroon 5, Atmosphere, Hatebreed, Shinedown, Slick Rick have in common? They have played at the Ottobar. This Baltimore venue has hosted many punk, hardcore, rock, hip-hop acts in its long history. In the bar upstairs, They have nightly drink specials including Metal Mondays, 2 for 1 Tuesdays, Hump Day Happy Hours and more.
The Ottobar
2549 N Howard St.
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-662-0069
Recher Theatre: Once a movie theatre in Towson, MD., The Recher Brothers (Brian, Steve, and Scott) re-opened the venue in 1996 as a billiards hall. They later discovered that the venue had an amazing acoustic system. In short time, the billiards hall was converted into concert hall. Since then, it has hosted many diverse national and regional acts in many different genres, and it became the premiere concert venue in the Baltimore region. Here’s a list of artists who have played at that venue.
The Recher Theatre
512 York Road
Towson, MD 21204
410-337-7178
Sonar Nightclub: A few blocks from Hammerjacks, Sonar has 3 rooms in the venue, which are run either together separately depending on the night and the event. The MAIN STAGE room holds over one thousand people, and that is where most of the major live shows and special events. The CLUB holds over 300, and they have live shows and dance nights. The LOUNGE holds 150 with a mellower vibe, leather couches, pool table, and a fully stocked top shelf bar. It was mentioned in the Baltimore City Paper 2005 best of Baltimore as one the locations for Elements Hip-Hop Party and Best Dance Club in a reader’s poll.
Sonar Nightclub
407 East Saratoga Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-327-8333
Rams Head Live: When it opened on December 15, 2004, the people wondered can Charm City support another live music venue? That answer was yes. Inside Power Plant Live, Rams Head live is a 26,000 square foot entertainment venue with state of the art equipment in audio, visual and lighting. It also 3 viewing levels overlooking the stage, 40 ft. video monitors, 5 bars, 3 food kiosks and Rams head Tavern. Past performers that played at this venue include B.B. King, Billy Idol, James Brown, George Clinton, Elvis Costello, John Legend, Blues Traveler, Lucinda Williams, and more.
Rams head Live
20 Market Place
Power Plant Live
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-244-8856 (restaurant)
410-244-1131 (box office)
The 8X10: Since 1983, the 8X10 has hosted live music from local acts like All Mighty Senators, Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, Slickee Boys, Root Boy Slim and others. In addition, they hosted national acts like Dave Matthews Band, Nirvana, Widespread Panic, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sugar Ray, 311, Deftones, Incubus, and more. It reopened as the Funk Box in 2002, but it returned to it original name in 2005. They open mic nights on Mondays, and they have 5 bands for 5 bucks on Tuesdays.
The 8 x10
10 East Cross Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-625-2000
St. Johns in Hamilton: It’s the latest edition to Baltimore’s music scene. Started in 2005 by Promoter/Manager Will McCrory, St. Johns in Hamilton has become a home in the scene where you can always count on good company and good music.The venue has showcased up and coming local and national acts. In addition, tickets for their shows are cheap.
St. John in Hamilton
5315 Harford Road
Baltimore, MD 21214
