Music Reviews: July 2016

Jess Mayhugh — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 08:30:00 +0000

Convergence

Warren Wolf (Mack Avenue Records)

When it comes to jazz, Baltimore has a deep-rooted history, with Chick Webb, Cab Calloway, and Billie Holiday all calling it home. Today, the tradition is still going strong with the help of talented artists like the young Warren Wolf. The rising vibraphonist grew up here, honing his craft at Peabody Preparatory and the Baltimore School for the Arts before moving on to the big leagues at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Having since returned home, he now releases his accomplished third album, full of sizzling soul, dazzling ballads, and full-on funky grooves. Across 11 songs, Wolf not only keeps Baltimore jazz alive, he moves into the future with gusto and skill.

Mirror Image/Mirage

Big Hoax (self-released)

If you’re looking for a summer band, this four-year-old four-piece has a brand new record that will serve as the perfect warm weather music. Luke Alexander’s earthy vocals lead his bandmates’ instruments—upright bass, cello, trumpet, pedal steel guitar, piano, to name a few—through a range of songs: outright folk, upbeat stomps, sunny bossa nova, a lovers’ waltz. At times, they bring to mind the rich anthemic harmonies of a young Mumford & Sons; at others, they evoke the worldly darkness of an early-album Dave Matthews. But all the while, Big Hoax remains uniquely themselves, experimenting with form and genre, creating a robust medley of Americana sound.

Source

Weekend Lineup: June 24-26

Lydia Woolever — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 17:48:00 +0000

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

EAT

June 25: WTMD Rock and Roll Chili Bowl

WTMD Studios, 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 5-9 p.m. $20.

Maryland is home of many things: steamed crabs, pit beef, the Smith Island cake. But this Saturday, over 30 contenders from 12 different states will be competing in the Maryland State Championship Chili Cook-Off. On what is going to be a beautiful afternoon, set up shop outside at WTMD, indulge in endless samples from Baltimore and beyond, cool off with cold beer, and listen to live rock and roll by local Americana musicians, the Herd of Main Street, and Amy Helm, daughter of The Band’s iconic drummer, Levon, alongside her band The Handsome Strangers. As the sun begins to set, we can only hope she plays a cover of “Atlantic City,” too.

DRINK

June 24: MDSPCA Wine and Wag

Maryland SPCA, 3300 Falls Road. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $3 suggested donation. 410-235-8826.

Friday’s weather, on the other hand, is a little questionable, with scattered thunderstorms and a cool 82 degrees. Rain or shine, head to Hampden and support a good cause with dogs and drinks at the Maryland SPCA. During their summer happy hour events, enjoy beer, wine, and this week’s drink of choice, sangria, plus snacks and plenty of pooch-friendly activities, like bobbing for hot dogs, paw painting, and fun runs. Meet new animals, consider adopting another, and get a little summer buzz before scrambling home. Just note that sadly (according to law), your furry friends need to stay on a leash.

SEE

June 25-July 30: The BIG Show

3134 Eastern Ave. Sat. 8 p.m. Free.

You might know
the Creative Alliance for its eclectic concerts, or old stage for Stoop
Storytelling, or maybe even for its little bar or awesome, outdoor,
art-but-actual BUS stop. But the 21-year-old, multidisciplinary space is also
home to a rotating art collection, with accomplished creatives like Paul
Rucker, Joyce Scott, and Raoul Middleman all gracing its walls. This weekend,
they kick off their 21st year of The Big Show, an annual salon-style exhibition
of more than 200 artworks by CA members from all skill levels, ages (17 and up),
and walks of life on display through July 30. Celebrate creativity as you
explore various mediums, purchase your own piece, or for one night, stay a
little later for a member performance, be it singing, dancing, acting, rapping,
or whatever the talent. You, too, can take to the stage.

HEAR

June 25: Big Hoax Album Release

Metro
Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. 8 p.m. $10.

Big Hoax has been around since 2012, but if you don’t know
them, the local four-piece has released a debut album, Mirror Image/Mirage, that serves as a perfect introduction, just in
time for summer. Across 14 songs, Luke Alexander’s earthy vocals lead his bandmates’
instruments—upright bass, cello, trumpet, piano, pedal steel guitar, to name a
few—through everything from outright folk and upbeat stomps to sunny bossa nova
and a lovers’ waltz. At times, the band brings to mind a young Mumford &
Sons, through rich anthemic harmonies; at others, it evokes an early-album Dave
Matthews, with playful, worldly darkness. On occasion, you even hear a little
Gomez or Damien Rice. But all the while, Big Hoax remains uniquely itself,
experimenting with form and genre, creating a robust medley of Americana sound.
Hear them for yourself tonight at this Metro Gallery party for their record
release.

DO

June 25-26: LatinoFest

Patterson Park, 27 S. Patterson Park Ave. Sat. 12-10 p.m. Sun. 12-9 p.m. Free-$10.

This weekend, the hills of Patterson Park will transform into a full-on fiesta during the 36th annual Baltimore LatinoFest. For two days, join hundreds of people to celebrate the art, culture, and heritage of the city’s vibrant and burgeoning Hispanic and Latino communities. Listen to live Latin music like salsa, merengue, and bachata, admire all the colorful costumes of the day’s dancers and performers, and snack on traditional cuisine from throughout the Americas and Caribbean. This family-friendly festival also features children’s activities, like arts and crafts, facepainting, a rock-climbing wall, as well as community support and information booths throughout the park.