Nightlife

PARTYING AT THE PORT

Baltimore may be a small city when compared to some of its East Coast counterparts, but when it comes to its music scene, size doesn’t matter.

Since the British declared Baltimore a “nest of pirates” during the War of 1812, it has been home to some of the country’s leading musical luminaries. Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star Spangled Banner” while observing British and American naval ships duking it out in the Battle of North Point. About a century later, the city would give birth to one of the most natural voices of the musical world, Billie Holiday. Th at legacy continues today as acts like Good Charlotte dominate the rock charts, and the city’s take on hip-hop exerts a strong influence all over the country. Artistic diversity and a unique creative spirit can be heard throughout the city. —Jeremy Dillahunt

Rams Head Tavern
20 Market Pl • 410-244-8854
www.ramsheadlive.com

Housed in a 26,000-square-foot complex, Rams Head is where world-famous acts like BB King, Chris Isaak, Dwight Yoakam and Billy Idol play when they visit Baltimore. There’s no bad seat in the three-level space. Beer lovers can join Rams Head’s World Beer Club. After drinking one each of the bar’s 100 beers (not in one sitting, of course), you’ll receive a T-shirt, a mug that gets you $2.50 drafts and your name engraved on a plaque that lists the other members of the club. A note from the wise: Don’t attempt to complete the challenge over the course of a single weekend.

Sonar
407 E Saratoga St • 410-327-8333
www.sonar.us

For a city’s music scene to thrive, musicians must have support and a venue in which to perform—and Sonar is such a place. Divided into three rooms, ranging in capacity from 150 to 1,000, the club does an excellent job of pairing nationally known talent with local artists. While EMPD or Charles Feelgood pump the crowd up in the main room, hometown DJs get their groove on in the smaller lounge. TaxLo, a Friday night indie dance party, showcases some of the best contemporary music the city has to offer, including Aaron Lacrate and Spank Rock.

An die Musik
409 N Charles St, 2nd Floor • 888-221-6170
www.andiemusiklive.com

Before the city became a center for hip-hop, underground and punk music, local residents already had a love of classical music. The city boasts perennial favorites like the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Peabody Institute’s Conservatory of Music. For a more up-close-and-intimate aural experience, catch a show at An die Musik. Located on the second floor of a converted industrial space, it hosts a variety of classical acts including the Baltimore Mandolin Quartet..