Music Of Baltimore: 15 Music Venues & 5 Music Festivals of Baltimore

The Charm City of Maryland is very popular for its contribution to the music industry. Music has always been an essential part of the Baltimorean lifestyle. From classical music in the early 1700s to Jazz’s evolution, Baltimore has never failed to entertain its music lovers. Baltimore has been home to legendary musicians like Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, Cab Calloway, etc. It is, by far, one of the most stunning cities in America with the most amazing music festivals.    

History of Music in Baltimore

The history of music in Baltimore dates back to the 18th Century when the city was popular for the Opera and theatrical music performances. Later in the 19th century, American African Jazz, Blues and Gospel music was introduced to Baltimore during the colonial era. By the 20th Century, Jazz had gained much popularity and audiences. This was the time when the famous ragtime duo Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle came into limelight. Their album ‘Shuffle Along’ was the first Afro-American Jazz to reach Broadway. 

The Popular Music Genres Of Baltimore

1.  Classical Music

The classical music of Baltimore had a mix of Symphony and Orchestra. The high pitched vocals combined with orchestra are used in the Opera performances to narrate the Shakespearean plays. This genre is played with the means of woodwind, string and percussion instruments. The increasing popularity of Orchestra among the masses led to establishing the first Professional Peabody Orchestra in 1866 in Baltimore.

2.  Afro-American Music

1. Gospel Music: In the 19th century, black protestant churches were established in Baltimore, which hosted several musical and educational activities. The church choirs, Christian hymns, folk songs and spiritual music gave rise to Gospel Music. Afro-American gospel musicians like Anne Brown, Marian Anderson, etc. started their musical career by performing these church events.
2. Jazz: The most popular genre of the African American music of Baltimore. The very first pioneers of Baltimore Jazz were the famous ragtime musicians Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle. Their influence reached the local jazz performers and jazz audiences. After them, John Ridgely Jazzers became the first Jazz band of Baltimore. The most common instruments used in Baltimore Jazz are saxophones, pianos, trumpets and Hammond B organ.
3. Doo-Wop: The Orioles band were the first pioneers of the Doo Wop music in Baltimore. Doo-wop has a simple beat composition and chorus with no instrumentation. It emphasizes rhythm and blues harmony in a high pitched tenor with a blend of mid-range vocals and a strong bass voice.
4. Soul: A combination of different Afro-American genres. The gospel hymns, blues and the jazz-like feel are what constitutes the Baltimore Soul Music. The main elements of this genre are the use of trumpets and saxophone.

3. The Baltimore Club

Originating from Baltimore's punk and rock music in the 20th century, Baltimore Club is a blend of breakbeat and house music. It includes tempos of 130 beats per minute with a mix of repetitive vocal cords, strong bass drum and rapping. Created by the famous 2 Live Crew’s Luther Campbell, Frank Ski, Scottie B and DJ Spen, this genre has evolved into many new forms. This style grew rapidly among the youth audiences and was known as the Upbeat Party Music of Baltimore.

15 Popular Music Venues in Baltimore

 Huge Indoor Music Venues in Baltimore

 1.  Royal Farms Arena

Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore’s largest sports and entertainment centre. Boasting a 14000 seating capacity, it hosts hundreds of concerts every year. A famous location to enjoy the live music of Baltimore with A-listed bands and artists. This location has hosted some major music industry names like Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Toby Kieth and many more. 

Location: Baltimore Arena, 201 W Baltimore St, MD 21201, USA.

2. Rams Head LIVE

Rams Head Live is an intimate venue with 1500 seating capacity. This location hosts one of the most stunning rock bands and performers of America. State-of-the-art-lighting, huge sound systems, fabulous decor and a rockstar bar facility is what makes this place an ultimate destination to enjoy the nightclub life and music in  Baltimore. 

Location: 20 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA.

 3. The Modell Lyric

The Modell Performing Arts Center, formerly known as the Lyric Opera House, is a 128-year-old theatre that has hosted one of the most prestigious opera and orchestra performances and has been home to the Lyric Opera Baltimore 2011. Boasts plush interiors, comfortable seating and excellent views of the stage.

Location: 140 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

 4. Hippodrome

Hippodrome was established in 1914 and has a seating capacity for 2300 people. It was designed by Thomas Lamb and is like an indoor amphitheatre. Besides hosting live music and classical shows, Hippodrome is also famous for showcasing the popular and award-winning Broadway shows. 

Location: 12 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

 5. Baltimore Soundstage

Located in the picturesque Inner Harbor, Baltimore Soundstage is an eclectic indoor venue. Hosts live shows of National touring, local and regional band and artists. Rock, metal and hip-hop genre concerts are mostly to be seen here.

Timings: 12 PM - 6 PM (Wednesday-Saturday)
Location: 124 Market Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA.

Classical Show Music Venues in Baltimore

 6. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

Meyerhoff Symphony Hall is home to the Grammy Award Winner Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The BSO owner, Marin Alsop hosts more than 100 concerts per year. From fully instrumental music to astonishing vocal performances and pristine acoustics,  Mayerhoff offers a complete package deal to Baltimore's classical music lovers.

Location: 1212 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

 7.  Peabody Institute

Founded by George Peabody in 1857, The Peabody Institute is a dance and music school located in Mount Vernon's heart. This institute hosts world-famous musicians and rock concerts throughout the year. Furthermore, it hosts workshops & recitals for students and allows them to perform with the BSO and participate in regional and international music tours.

Location: 1 E Mt Vernon Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA.

Rock Show Venues in Baltimore

8. Ottobar 

Ottobar is ranked among the 10 best music venues in America. An ultimate destination to experience the authentic live rock music in Baltimore. Fans can come as close to the stage as they want to and dance to the sound of their favourite bands. 

Timings: 9 PM - 2 AM (Saturday-Tuesday)
                      6 PM - 2 AM (Wednesday-Friday)
Location: 2549 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.

 9. Tin Roof

Tin Roof is a place for music and fun. From local artists to national bands, Tin Roof hosts the most energetic and rocking bands in Baltimore. An eclectic and friendly environment with not only good music but an excellent bar and dining facilities too.

Timings: 11 AM - Late Night (Wednesday-Sunday)
Location: 32 Market Place Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA.

 10. Metro Gallery

Metro Gallery is a multi-purpose art and entertainment space in Baltimore. This venue hosts local as well as touring musicians and only allows adults over 21. This is a space which beliefs in giving the local and emerging artists a chance to showcase their talents. 

Location: 1700 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

Venues to enjoy Jazz, Soul & Blues.

11. Keystone Korner Baltimore

A prime location for Jazz lovers in the country with food just as great as the music. This venue was refurbished and opened in 2019 and is co-owned by the well-known Jazz producer Todd Barkan. The main focus of Barkan is to bring back Jazz to the city and create a space to provide the best music of Baltimore at affordable prices. This location has a 200 seating capacity and is decked up with a centrepiece bar, wooden accents, lounge and photos of the legendary Jazz masters Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, Eubie Blake Ethel Ennis.

Timings: 5 PM - 11 PM (Wednesday-Thursday)

                      5 PM - 12 AM (Friday-Saturday)

                      4 PM - 12 AM (Sunday)

                 *Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays*
Location: 1350 Lancaster St, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.

12. Cat’s Eye Pub

Located in the historic Fells Point, Cat’s Eye Pub is the most iconic club and a constant favourite of Baltimore’s locals. This club is open seven days a week and hosts daily Jazz evenings. This Irish pub has a bizarre yet unique decor with a vibrant bohemian setting, funky hangings, painted paddleboards and an upside-down Christmas tree. 

Timings: Daily 12 PM - 2 AM
Location: 1730 Thames St, Fells Point, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.

13. An Die Musik LIVE

An Die Musik LIVE is a concert hall in the historic townhouse of Baltimore. This venue offers an array of live music performances from Jazz & Classical to Folk & Acoustic. Ranked as one of the best Jazz venues in the city, it hosts performers worldwide. The venue also conducts Jazz workshops for students.

Workshop Timings: 10 AM - 9 PM (Monday-Saturday)

                                                12 PM - 5 PM (Sunday)
Location: 409 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

Huge Outdoor Concert Venues

14. MECU Pavilion

MECU Pavilion is an open space Performing Arts Theatre. It was opened in 1981 and hosts summer concerts every year. Even after the summer heat, the daytime concerts are a big hit in this area. The venue has hosted many fun concerts of Britney Spears, Coldplay, The Doobie Brothers, Jill Scott, Ray Charles, Tom Jones and many more.  

Location: 731 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA.

15. Canton Waterfront Park

The Canton Waterfront Park is home to the Korean War Memorial and is also one of Baltimore's best concert locations. This park hosts the First Thursday Festival from May till September with crazy fun performances and a wide range of genres absolutely free of cost. 

Location: 3001 Boston St, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.

The 5 Best Music Festivals in Baltimore

1. Infield Fest

Infield fest hosts the craziest hip-hop and electronic dance music festival in Baltimore. A full day packed with the industry’s biggest rappers and musicians like Post Malone, Bruno Mars, The Chainsmokers, Marshmello and Diesel. The fest takes place at the Pimlico Race Course every year where along with enjoying the fun music of Baltimore, fans can also watch and bet on the popular horse races. 

2. Moonrise Festival

Moonrise is the annual EDM Festival of Baltimore. Held at the Pimlico Race Course, it is one of the most popular summer festivals in Baltimore. The 3-Day festival hosts hip-hop and house musicians and does not give a blast experience to its fans. The past performers of Moonrise include DJ Snake, The Chainsmokers, Zedd, Big Gigantic, Marshmello, Diplo and more. 

3. First Thursday Festival

First Thursday Festival is the largest free music and arts festival in Baltimore. This summer festival occurs at the Canton Waterfront Park every year and begins from the first Thursday of May till September. Boasts a delightful ambience with great music, food stalls, fun games and more. First Thursdays have seen amazing performers like Allen Stone, Grace Potter, The War & Treaty, Dawes, Margo Price and many more.

Timings: 5:30 PM - 10 PM

4. Charm City Bluegrass Festival

Charm City Bluegrass Festival is recognised as the best music festival by the Baltimore Magazine. Established in 2013, the fest hosts crazy string bands and folksy jam sessions for all Baltimore's music lovers. This fest has featured the best local and national musicians like Jerry Douglas, Cris Jacobs, The Wood Brothers, Canyon Rangers, Sierra Hull and Seldom Scene. 

5. High Zero Festival 

Started in 1999, High Zero Festival is the largest free music festival in America. A very different and unique music concert mainly aims to vocal improvisation and instrument & sound building techniques. The local artists and music enthusiasts get a chance to improvise and create some magical music with famous international names. The 2-week fest offers great concerts, workshops and the most inspiring & igneous experiences. Artists like the international vocal improviser Phil Minton and regional artists like ABZyrd, Marina Albero, Casey Adams, etc. have performed here. 

Baltimore has it all from local to national musicians, rock to soul music, cosy and intimate to crazy outdoor concerts. Fall in love with the authentic, wild and vibrant music of Baltimore.