After years of working in Baltimore’s music scene, DJ Amy Reid was tired of seeing male-dominated shows. Reid wanted local venues to book more women, LGBTQ artists, and artists of color, so she founded arts collective GRL PWR in 2014 to do just that. “I wanted to start a collective where the lineup had no cis dudes and gave visibility to people who were being overlooked, but are just as talented,” Reid says.

At first, Reid focused on booking bands and DJs, which is how she met pop songwriter and producer Pangelica, who booked her first local gig with GRL PWR in winter 2015.

Pangelica also felt frustrated by the city’s “constricted” arts scene and wanted to help get the collective off the ground. With Pangelica’s help, GRL PWR now hosts events such as SWEAT!, an all-ages dance party and drag performance, which became a hit after its summer 2017 debut. “We saw the turnout of people wanting to explore their identity and their queerness, and we were just like, ‘Hold up—this is amazing,’” Pangelica says. “We’re giving people a real place and platform to express themselves.”

With momentum from SWEAT! and a growing following, Reid sought to support GRL PWR with a $7,000 grant from The Grit Fund, which backs local artistic collaborations. With that funding, the collective has booked high-profile names such as Nina Bo’nina Brown of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame, who performed at November’s dance party at The Compound venue.

Reid and the GRL PWR team have big plans for its sixth year, including taking SWEAT! on the road to connect with underrepresented artists in other cities and developing new events, like a dinner social or a fashion show, to bolster relationships between Baltimore artists.

“I saw a need to take GRL PWR out of the party zone,” Reid says. “I wanted to create a space where we could actually sit down, talk, and focus on deepening the building of community.”

EAT

Dec. 13: 410 Empanadas at Monument City Brewing

Monument City Brewing, 1 N. Haven St. 5-10 p.m. Free.

If you haven’t yet tried the crispy empanadas from this up-and-coming food truck, this Friday is the perfect opportunity. A mainstay at city and county festivals, 410 Empanadas will make its Monument City debut with its signature bites stuffed with combinations like crab and Old Bay, spinach and cheese, and barbecue pulled pork. If you have room for dessert, try the seasonal pumpkin pie empanada and wash it down with Monument City’s barrel-aged imperial stout.

DRINK

Dec. 14: Highlandtown’s Winter Wine-derland

Seya CrossFit and Wellness, 3301 Eastern Ave. 12-5 p.m. $40-75.

There’s plenty of reasons to stock up on wine before the holidays: office parties, White Elephant swaps, and late-night gift-wrapping sessions, to name a few. Luckily, the first-ever Highlandtown Winter Wine-derland will fill Seya CrossFit and Wellness with more than 90 wines to sample on the spot or take home to wrap. Along with a curated tasting and discount bottle prices, this holly-jolly affair features a boozy hot chocolate station, pictures with Santa, complimentary gift-wrapping, and eats from local food vendors. Spring for the VIP package to enjoy a mini wine class with experts, charcuterie, and a local prize raffle.

SEE

Dec. 14: Under $500

Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. 6-10 p.m. $25-30.

This annual event is one of the highlights of the holiday season in the local art scene, with free-flowing beer and spirits, a lumberjack theme, and, most importantly, tons of affordable and original works of art. Now in its seventh year, this first-come, first-served art sale features works by dozens of local and regional artists, including the likes of Katie Pumphrey, Phaan Howng, and Peter Cullen. Browse through the downtown gallery to find a piece (or two) to purchase and take home, and then head down to the basement to watch holiday films and rub elbows with fellow collectors and artists.

HEAR

Dec. 13: Beyond Video Anniversary Party

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $3-5.

It’s officially been one year since an unassuming rowhouse on North Howard Street transformed into the home of Beyond Video, a crowd-sourced, nonprofit video store complete with a hypnotic paint job and thousands of titles on VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray. To celebrate its first birthday, pack the Ottobar to dance the night away to vintage soul, funk, and disco tunes provided by local legend DJ Mills. Stick around to snag Beyond Video merch, raffle prizes, and giveaways, and don’t forget to bring a few movies of the store’s wishlist to donate in exchange for raffle tickets and free admission.

DO

Dec. 14-15: Greater Goods Market

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

There are tons of holiday markets to choose from this time of year, but this tried-and-true monthly shopping extravaganza has our hearts. After grabbing lunch inside the Remington food hall, spend the afternoon browsing through everything from handmade clothing to one-of-a-kind jewelry made by more than 50 local vendors. Bop along to beats by DJ Amy Reid (of GRL PWR fame) while you shop, and come back on Sunday to shop the exclusive mini-mart for a second day of shopping.

Visual Art

Scott Pennington’s Two-Minute Joys
Scott Pennington’s art is nothing if not fun. He draws from his experience as a furniture maker to craft large-scale, interactive artwork. Through several light-based installations and wall pieces, his latest show, Two-Minute Joys, explores a tradition Pennington grew up with: the carnivals that make their rounds from town to town, bringing people together among their bright lights, rich colors, and the sweet scent of carnival food. It’s what the artist refers to as the “carnival aesthetic,” prevalent throughout his work. Indulge in a carnival trip of the mind at Maryland Art Place, courtesy of Pennington. Jan. 18 through March 10, MAP, 218 W. Saratoga St. Reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 18.

Curatorial tour of Beyond Flight: Birds in African Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art exhibit Beyond Flight: Birds in African Art shows the many uses of birds in sub-Saharan art. See the dramatic masks worn during rituals, herbalists’ staffs, and household objects embellished with bird imagery while meditating on how these winged creatures have piqued our curiosity over the centuries. As BMA associate curator of African art Kevin Tervala pointed out, birds make up less than one percent of living things and yet are used extensively throughout all artistic genres. Through June 10, BMA, 10 Art Museum Drive; curatorial tour from 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 5.

Art talk with longtime MICA instructor James Hennessey
As a decades-long painting instructor at Maryland Institute College of Art, James Hennessey influenced the work of thousands of Baltimore artists. His retrospective exhibit at the Creative Alliance, Enduring Concerns, celebrates him with a survey of his paintings done over the years that he’s worked in the city. Through Jan. 13, with an artist talk at 7 p.m. Jan. 6, Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave.

Dance

King of What: Bboy/Bgirl Jam
Motor House will play host to breakers from across the U.S. and Canada during its five-hour King of What, which kicks off with a cypher that will allow hundreds of dancers to showcase their skills before a selected few move into one-on-one competition—i.e., before things get real. One lucky break-boy or -girl will be named the best and take home $1,000 (and someone else will win a $100 prize for having the flyest getup). And if five hours isn’t enough, there’s an after party. 5 to 10 p.m. Jan. 20 at Motor House, 120 W. North Ave.

Music

Hirsute live
The only thing better than an album listening party is an album performed live in its entirety. Amy Reid will provide us with this gift at the performance of her 2017 release Hirsute at the Motor House. She’ll be joined by a band to combine electronica, vocals, and live instrumentation. Plus, guest artists  Infinity Knives & Randi will perform, and Hanna Olivegren (of Zomes) and Noelle Tolbert will explore movement and sound. 9 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Motor House, 120 W. North Ave.

Off The Cuff: Impressionist Masterworks
For a tasty music and art pairing, try the January installment of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Off the Cuff series, where the music of Debussy and Ravel will be performed alongside projected images of Impressionist art by Monet, Degas, Cézanne, and others, and you’ll learn how Impressionism influenced composers of the day. In collaboration with the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Impressionist Masterworks short-format concert includes commentary from BSO music director Marin Alsop and BMA senior curator of European painting and sculpture Katy Rothkopf, who will provide context to enrich the experience. An after party, Ravel on the Rocks, will extend the night with live gypsy jazz by Orchester Prazevica and food from Dooby’s. 7 p.m. Jan. 13, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St.

Literary Arts

Red Emma’s Mother Earth Poetry Vibe
The gift of poetry is its ability to inspire us. With that idea in mind, Red Emma’s Mother Earth Poetry Vibe is an open mic that focuses on work that engages conscious thought, spirituality, justice, equality, and, in short, raises the vibration of our collective consciousness. All are welcome to share, while Philadelphia-based lyricist, author, educator, and voiceover artist Lyrispect will be the featured guest of the evening. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 3 at Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave.

Miscellanea

Edgar Allan Poe: Evermore
Raise your glass for a toast to the macabre poet Baltimore claims as its own, Edgar Allan Poe, who would have been 209 on Jan. 19, had he not died of . . . well, either alcohol, brain congestion, cholera, drugs, heart disease, rabies, tuberculosis, or suicide (don’t worry, folks, you’ll just be drinking nonalcoholic apple cider, courtesy of Poe Baltimore). 6 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, 519 W. Fayette St.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
“We’ve got some difficult days ahead,” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said to a crowd in Memphis, Tennessee, less than 24 hours before he was assassinated. “But it really doesn’t matter with me now because I’ve been to the mountaintop. . . . I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.” Baltimore will celebrate the legendary Civil Rights activist on his birthday with a parade down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 15.

Moonifestations of Ancestor Earth closing
What do you get when you combine meditation with January’s waxing moon? One guess is Moonifestations. Xander Dumas and Elliot Moonstone, better known as The Dandy Vagabonds, will close out their fiber-art installation Moonifestations of Ancestor Earth: a voyage of expansion at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower with a guided meditation. Through the use of astrology and gemstones, they’ll help the group to “moonifest” individual and collective intentions. Come dressed in the likeness of your favorite element, stone, or planet, and bring a journal. Noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 27, Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower Galleries, 21 S. Eutaw St.

News

Resort, a new contemporary art gallery
Resort, a new gallery in Baltimore exhibiting contemporary art, will hold its inaugural show this month. A Big Toe Touches a Green Tomato will showcase the work of former artistic director of The Contemporary Ginevra Shay and Philadelphia-based artist and self-described “plant person” Roxana Azar. Jan. 20 through March 3; opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 20, Resort, 235 Park Ave.

Various Artists

Last Year’s Man (self-released)

One year ago, we lost a musical legend and spirit guide with the passing of Leonard Cohen. During his 50-year career, the enigmatic songwriter was an inspiration to many, from Aretha Franklin to U2, with thousands of recordings of his songs to prove it. Baltimore was inspired by Cohen, too, as shown in this spring release. Across 21 tracks, the tribute compilation pays homage to Cohen’s raspy baritone and epic lyrics with true-to-form covers and out-there adaptations. We loved the dramatic rock-opera delivery of “Hallelujah” by indie quartet Joseph & The Beasts, the lush, cello-bathed ballad of “Chelsea Hotel #2” by electro-pop duo Lake Mallory, and the eerily beautiful blues-hymn version of “Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye” by folk singer Bug Martin. Produced by Natural Velvet drummer Greg Hatem, who also covers “Dress Rehearsal Drag,” the collection illustrates Cohen’s versatile, enduring, even immortal legacy.

Amy Reid

Hirsute (Friends Records)

The beauty of this album is how easy it is to get lost in. First, there are Amy Reid’s synth-suffused, bass-heavy beats. Her twinkling electronic melodies chime like ancient bells, conjuring up distant memories and faraway dreams. Then, there are her angelic vocals, which lilt with an airy depth across each song as she ruminates on love and lust. On this first solo album from one part of experimental R&B duo Chiffon, Reid’s nine tracks range from slow jams and love ballads to minimalist dance numbers. Whatever the tempo, these ethereal tunes send the listener into a cozy trance. “Redmoon” feels like looking in a kaleidoscope. “Threshold” is like staring up at the stars. “Like Laughter,” with its swirling whirls and colorful tones, ignites your imagination, as if its swimming through the clouds to outer space. Willingly give into your senses with each luxurious pulse.

In this fifth iteration of The Big Baltimore Playlist, we feature five local songs we can’t get enough of, ranging from Spanish-infused hip-hop and legendary modern jazz numbers to one rollicking rendition of Britney Spears. Check back each month for new top songs of the moment, and follow our Spotify playlist as we continue to build a soundtrack for our city. 

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“Sayno” by Al Rogers Jr.

Al Rogers Jr. has never been afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, pushing his feel-good, sentimental swooz out into the atmosphere everywhere he goes. That open authenticity has allowed him to make some of the most accomplished hip-hop in the city, which we’ve raved about in the past. And yet as earnest and honest as the local rapper might be, he always manages to surprise us, from his 2015 Outkast-inspired Luvadocious to the new tracks of his just-released BrightHeartedNigga. This track, made with local producer Kariz Marcel, is our favorite surprise of Al’s thus far. It’s unlike anything we’ve heard him do yet—a cantering Spanish melody that tells the story of love lost through hushed lyrics, rhythmic finger-snaps, the quivering heartache of violin, and a final flutter of piano keys. To all of that, we say yes.

“Like Laughter” by Amy Reid

If it were possible to create a musical version of the feeling of bliss, this song would come pretty close. Airy synth swirls around every inch of this lush, lilting melody, as deep-blue-toned tribal drums pulse in and preparie Amy Reid’s lyrics for liftoff. On this debut solo project from the local singer, who also performs as half of experimental R&B duo Chiffon, each track transcends the physical realm, with this euphoric number truly sending our heads into the clouds. It loses us in our imagination. It conjures up dreamscapes and ignites distant memories that were forgotten the moment we awoke from sleep. Give into your senses and let the song do the rest.

“Flak Bait” by Calgrove

We dig the lo-fi, low-key sound of this new indie-rock quintet. The Lutherville group was formed as recently as last year, but their hazy Americana music exhibits a musical companionship that only comes from long-time collaboration, which, in this case, for most of the band, dates back to childhood. Born out of bedroom jam sessions, this warm, sunny melody is as listless as the lazy, nostalgic, humdrum days of youth, but there’s a backwoods depth that comes with the sinuous twang of lap steel guitar. The gentle talk-sing lyrics lend well to this easy-listening ditty—one fit for hot coffee on a cool dewy morning, an evening porch sit, or a sunset drive. Catch them live alongside other local talents at venues like the Ottobar, Joe Squared, and Millstone Cellars.

“Assume the Position” by Lafayette Gilchrist

If you are anything like us, you’ve been spending the last month waiting all week for Sunday night thanks to David Simon’s new HBO masterpiece, The Deuce. But beyond anticipating the next plot twist, we’re waiting for those end credits to roll, when the show fires up that funky, horn-riddled tune by local legend Lafayette Gilchrist. Simon used this 2008 track in The Wire, too, but now the Baltimore jazz pianist’s upbeat single has been infused with new life. No matter how dog-tired and dreadful we are of work the next day, we can’t help but look alive for those last few minutes, and boogie in our PJs to this bodacious instrumental groove.

“Gimme More” by Natural Velvet*

Leave it to Natural Velvet frontwoman Corynne Ostermann to create such a searing cover of the one and only Britney Spears. This chart-topping pop song came on the heels of Spears’ infamous head shaving incident of 2007, which Ostermann once told us was a source of pop culture inspiration for her own band’s rebellious music. Now, this pit-ready rendition is everything that the local post-punk quartet does best: swirling live-wire guitar, breakneck drums, and Ostermann’s playful breakdown of feminine stereotypes—each howl, growl, and guttural “more” at a time. We only hope that Britney gets the chance to hear it.

*Not available on Spotify yet. We’ll add it when it comes online.