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.

Keystone Korner is Baltimore's preeminent jazz venue. Always hosting a rotation of jazz greats, the Korner is a special place. The Kenny Garrett show I went to this summer may very well have been the best I've ever seen. It is like an open laboratory, conducting experiments in sound, rhythm, harmony, and meaning. And you are just feet away from the scientists when they make their discoveries.

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.

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.

Located in the Copycat Building in Baltimore's Station North area, the Soft House is a sanctuary for soft music and comfortable cultural experiences. The Soft House is one of the best places in Baltimore to experience live music, experimental dance, and theater performances.