Eleven years ago, band manager Phil Chorney found himself sitting on his Hampden stoop, picking a guitar and drinking whiskey with a few of his friends, when they had an idea to throw a bluegrass concert. Chorney had fallen for the genre’s rich history in Baltimore, and soon enough, that impromptu jam session led to 14 bands and a sold-out crowd at then-new Union Craft Brewing.

These days, with the help of fellow Baltimore County native Adam Kirr, the Charm City Bluegrass Festival has evolved into a beloved annual tradition in Baltimore, with some 3,000 music fans in attendance and an impressive lineup that includes both local artists like Cris Jacobs and Caleb Stine and big-name Americana acts such as Billy Strings, The Lone Bellow, and bluegrass legend Del McCoury. And now, after a long run at Druid Hill Park, the family-friendly shindig moves to the Baltimore Peninsula, where the sound of fiddles and banjos will ripple across the Patapsco River on May 3 and 4.

Weeks before, we caught up with the organizers to reflect on the last decade.

How did you come to learn about Baltimore’s bluegrass history?

Adam Kirr: Tim Newby’s book, Bluegrass in Baltimore, was an eye-opener into how important this city was in the development of bluegrass music, especially going back to the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s, with traveling artists like [Kentucky native and “Father of Bluegrass”] Bill Monroe…At the time, Baltimore was one of the main stops. With the industrialization of America, with people moving from Appalachia for work, bringing their music with them, Baltimore became one of the biggest markets. These were usually rough bars where people took the music seriously. And the Baltimore bluegrass sound is known for being loud and fast because bands were playing, acoustically, in such rowdy venues.

Phil Chorney: Those stories are iconic. We take a lot of pride in being just a small part of that history.

Last year, you celebrated the festival’s tenth year. What has the mission been?

PC: This festival is a celebration of the history of live bluegrass, Americana, and roots music in Baltimore. But it’s really become more about the community than anything else. This year, we’re striving to introduce folks to new bands and really focus on musicians from the region. Long-term, the vision remains just putting together the most compelling lineup for people to enjoy the music and each other.

The festival has grown into a Baltimore tradition. Why do you think that is?

PC: I travel a lot and see folks all over the country now wearing our hats. It feels good, like people have embraced our vision and our openness…I have a fairly liberal definition of bluegrass music, but if you have one of four instruments—guitar, bass, mandolin, violin or fiddle—you’re bluegrass to me. At the end of the day, it’s about more than just the picking. It’s the family, friends, and music.

AK: And just a nice day outside in spring.

What’s it been like to see the Americana scene blossom here?

PC: The scene has really matured, and now there are all these picks at different venues, and all these other bluegrass events throughout the region, and even some bands who formed because they met at our festival. We’ve all come up together. And if it keeps people supporting local musicians and places like The 8×10, we’ve done our job.

EAT

April 26: Clavel + Well Crafted Kitchen Collaboration

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 5-10 p.m. Free.

Nothing warms our local foodie hearts like seeing Charm City eateries team up to create kick-ass menus that combine the best of both culinary worlds. This week in dream collaborations: Acclaimed Mexican restaurant Clavel will collaborate with the pizzeria Well Crafted Kitchen to serve up drool-worthy mashups such as wood-fired pizzas with taco toppings and house-made pretzels served with guacamole. Be sure to get to Union Craft Brewing early to sample items from the pop-up menu—including Clavel’s signature tacos and ceviche—because we can almost guarantee that they’ll sell out before 10 p.m.

DRINK

April 27: Sagamore Spirit Anniversary Party

Sagamore Spirit, 301 E. Cromwell St. 12-5 p.m. Free

On the eve of its two-year anniversary, local whiskey distillery Sagamore Spirit has plenty to celebrate. Last week, its flagship rye whiskey was named the best in the world at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and now the Port Covington-based team is ready to revel in its big win with an afternoon of live music, local eats, and, of course, top-notch cocktails. Find a spot on the distillery’s waterfront lawn to enjoy the sights and sounds of spring and raise a glass to another year of award-winning whiskey

SEE

April 27: Harbor East’s FashionEASTa

Aliceanna Street / Harbor East. 12-5 p.m. Free-$40.

New York Fashion Week may still be a few months away, but, luckily, the streets of Harbor East will be filled with enough runway-worthy looks this Saturday to tie fashion queens over until then. During this annual celebration of all things stylish, grab a street-side cocktail, shop the sales at some of the luxury neighborhood’s best boutiques, and sample bites from area restaurants. At 2:30 p.m., the streets will turn into a high-fashion runway, with locals modeling spring and summer styles from Harbor East shops that are sure to serve as future outfit inspiration.

HEAR

April 26-27: Charm City Bluegrass Festival

Druid Hill Park. Fri. 2-9:30 p.m, Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free-$72.

Since its inaugural show in Union Craft Brewing’s parking lot back in 2013, this finger-pluckin’ festival has boomed into a two-day extravaganza packed with performances by some of the biggest names in the regional bluegrass scene. This weekend, experience a little slice of Americana heaven with sets by hometown heroes like The Bridge and Charm City Junction, along with out-of-towners such as Steep Canyon Rangers and Jeff Austin. Ahead of the festivities in Druid Hill Park, read up on the history and rebirth of bluegrass in Baltimore.

DO

April 27: Marquee Ball

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. $50-55.

Follow the yellow brick road, or, as it will be known during this enchanted affair, the majestic land of Oz! Don your best Tin Man or Dororthy-inspired outfit for the Highlandtown arts center’s biggest bash of the year, featuring live music by local band Jonathan Gilmore & The Experience, performances by drag queen Betty O’Hellno, a silent auction, and plenty of food and drinks. Jump into your ruby slippers and prepare to dance the night away.

 EAT

April 29: Bottomless Drag Brunch

Minnow, 2 E. Wells St. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $69. 443-759-6537

Nothing says “Sunday Funday” like sipping on bottomless morning cocktails, noshing on tapas-style eats, and watching drag queens lip-sync and dance between tables. At this monthly drag brunch, sample from Minnow’s signature brunch menu (think crispy chicken biscuits, sour cream doughnuts, and fried oysters), and cheer on local divas like Bombalicious, Abbi Kadabra, and Desiree Dik as they sashay through the South Baltimore restaurant.

 DRINK

April 28: The Last Party at Sisson St.

The Baltimore Whiskey Company, 2800 Sisson St. 12-6 p.m. Free. 443-687-9099.

The Baltimore Whiskey Company’s Remington distillery holds a lot of special memories; after all, that’s where their team concocted the first rye whiskey produced in the city since the Prohibition era. But change is inevitable, and as the BWC prepares to move into their new digs at Union Collective this spring, it’s time to say farewell to the beloved distillery at Sisson Street. During this final parking-lot party, featuring the second release of the award-winning Epoch Straight Rye, raise a glass to the distillery’s next chapter and dig into eats from local food truck Farm to Charm.

 SEE

April 28: Women of the World Festival Baltimore

Notre Dame of Maryland University, 4701 N. Charles St. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. $6-20. 410-435-0100

The past year was defined by female voices—from speaking out against sexual harassment to becoming a tenacious political force. Now in its second year, the Women of the World (WOW) Festival returns just in time to explore women’s issues through panels, performances, and activities. This Saturday, head to Maryland’s only all-women’s college and get inspired by keynote speakers Tarana Burke, the #MeToo founder who was named a Time magazine “Person of the Year,” and Roxane Gay, cultural critic and The New York Times best-selling author of Bad Feminist and Hunger. After the keynote speeches, drop by sessions like Self Care for Women of Color and Trailblazing Women of Baltimore, peruse through women empowerment-focused vendors, and grab bites from local food trucks. 

 HEAR

April 27-18: Charm City Bluegrass Festival

Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Dr. Fri. 4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. $30-170. 410-396-6106.

The Charm City Bluegrass Festival has proven time and time again that Baltimore’s Americana music scene is a force to be reckoned with. Now in its sixth year, the festival has upped the ante, expanding to a two-day celebration featuring three stages, 21 bands, local food, and homegrown brews from Union Craft Brewing. This weekend, experience a little slice of Americana heaven with performances by headliners The Devil Makes Three and The Travelin’ McCourys, plus local acts such as Caleb Stine, Haint Blue, and The Honey Dewdrops.

 

 DO

April 28: Roots and Raíces Festival 

128 W. North Ave. 1 p.m.-2 a.m. $10-15. 410-752-1513.

In collaboration with the Court Appointed Special Advocates, Roots and Raíces, a local communications platform for immigrants and people of color, presents its inaugural music and arts festival that highlights immigrant and minority-led performances, vendors, and organizations. This Saturday, hear nationally renowned artists like EDM influencer Dave Nada, DJ and producer Happy Colors, and four-piece band Conjunto Bruja, as well as local artists :3LON, Nikilad, and Genie. Browse through artwork and crafts in the El Mercado, participate in a piñata-making workshop, meet with immigrant-rights advocates, and fill up on eats from local favorites Cocina Luchadoras and The Cupcake Fairy.

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

 EAT

April 28: Baltimore Bike Party’s 5th Birthday

Mount Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 6:30 p.m.-12 a.m. Free.

This weekend, everyone’s favorite party on wheels turns five years old, and its birthday celebration is going to be epic. Kick it all off with a killer route through Mount Vernon and Bolton Hill—starting at St. Mary’s Park with a rest stop at Whitelock Park—followed by food, live music, and drinks at the Mount Vernon Marketplace. Get post-ride fuel with bites from The Local Oyster, Pinch Dumplings, and the new Cholitas Tacos, then “rehydrate” with cold, local brews from Taps Fill Station and Between2Buns. With themed and oftentimes costumed events, the monthly bike ride has become a must-attend happening and a creative incubator for the city’s cycling community. As always, party hats, noisemakers, and balloons are encouraged. 

 DRINK

April 29: Baltimore Cocktail Week Wellness & Rejuvenation

YogaWorks Midtown, 107 East Preston St. 12-3 p.m. $15. 

We know it’s hard to decide between brunch cocktails or a morning workout, but luckily this weekend, you don’t have to choose. On Saturday, join Yogaworks for a restorative yoga class, followed by fruity, bubbly, spring cocktails as part of the annual Baltimore Cocktail Week. With tipples like blood orange cocktails and prosecco-studded sips, we can’t think of a better reward after sweating it out. All proceeds also benefit House of Ruth Maryland. Namaste, indeed! 

 SEE

April 29: CityLit Festival

University of Baltimore, William H. Thumel Sr. Business Center, 11 W. Mount Royal Ave. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

For the 14th year, Baltimore’s CityLit Festival returns with an exciting lineup of acclaimed writers. With a focus on poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, award-winning author and TED Talk celebrity Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will headline with conversations on feminism, poetry, and prose. Adichie—whose 2010 The Danger of A Single Story is one of the top 10 most-viewed TED Talks of all time and inspired her 2014 book We Should All Be Feminists—will chat with WYPR’s Tom Hall about writing, raising our voices, and activism. With a full day of sessions, also sit in on discussions about writing as political resistance, editing tips and tricks, and character building through the written word.

 HEAR

April 29: Fifth Annual Charm City Bluegrass Festival

Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Dr. 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. $55. 

Now in its fifth year, this once small parking lot jam session has grown into Baltimore’s biggest bluegrass festival, known for its stellar lineups, local food, and festival-only beer by Union Craft (we love the cleverly named When I Say Charm You Saison). Rain or shine, prepare to move and groove at two stages with local talents like Cris Jacobs and Seldom Scene, as well as big-name national acts such as The Lone Bellow and Dustbowl Revival.

 DO

April 29: The Society of Excellent Women Dance Party

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m.-1:40 a.m. $7. 

This weekend, the “Excellent Women” of Baltimore are bringing you the ultimate girls night. In the spirit of making new friends and celebrating girl power, the new Society of Excellent Women meet-up group is hosting a Saturday night dance party at the Ottobar with DJ Pancakes spinning the best girl-power jams all night long. If the event is anything like the girl groups’ previous get-togethers—full of fun like cotton candy, tie-dye—we expect a full-on fete with hits like Pat Benatar’s  “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” TLC’s “No Scrubs,” and Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls).” Because, let’s be honest . . .