At the top of a hill on Cathedral street downtown, we find the central branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore's public library system. Always open to the public, even without a library pass, it is like a great and beautiful sanctuary. Some of my best thinking has taken place in the humanities wing reading room. It is, after all, one of the few places in the city devoted exclusively, and uninhibitedly, to thinking.

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.

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.

Floristree is located on the top floor of the H&H warehouse building. The space has hosted acts ranging from legendary German experimental music duo Cluster to the late Baltimore Club DJ K-Swift.

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.