Normal's is a great records-and-books store just off of Greenmount Avenue on 31st street. They have an inspiring collection of used books, all very affordable. One gets the impression that each book was deliberately chosen, and personally read through by the storekeepers. The curation of books and records feels very intentional and meaningful. Formed in 1990 by a collective of nine people who wanted to work for themselves on a project that they cared about, Normal's is distinguished by its discernment.

Mobtown Ballroom is a lindy hop club in Pigtown, Baltimore. They host swing nights every Friday, often with live bands (though this has been somewhat diminished thanks to the pandemic). It was once a grand and solemn old cathedral; now it's host to drinking, dancing, jazz, and even, yes, circus arts. In short, the "holy spirit" of yesteryear has given way to the frenetic energy of lindy-hop, which has a holy spirit of its own.

An die Musik is an incredible place. It is a smaller venue--the general admission seats are cushioned and seem like ones you might find in a family friend's living room. They specialize in jazz (especially local jazz, from younger Baltimore folk), contemporary classical, and avant-garde formats. The tickets are inexpensive--especially for students, of which there are many in the surrounding area (Peabody, Baltimore School for the Arts, etc.). The impression one gets as an audience member is that some kind of secret is being uncovered, or that a quiet experiment is underway, and the findings are immediate, spontaneous, and elusive. Always interesting music, a small crowd, low-volume, familiar faces, etc.

Tarantula Hill is the home and sometimes venue of legendary experimental music duo Twig Harper and Carly Ptak. Rising from the ashes of a tragic fire in 2006 this beautifully (re)constructed performance space, library, studio, and home has once again become a vital asset in the the ever growing Baltimore music and arts scene.

Run by artists Seth Adelsberger and Alex Ebstien, Nudashank is one the best places in the city to see and purchase art from some of the most exciting young artists from Baltimore and up and down the east coast.