With postponed or cancelled concerts being announced across the city, we’ve expanded the latest edition of The Big Baltimore Playlist to include 10 songs by local musicians to listen to right now, ranging from punk-infused hip-hop and dance-worthy pop music to meditative soundscapes. Check back each month for new top songs of the moment via our Spotify playlist and continue to support hometown acts by purchasing their music or merchandise.

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“Woke Me” by Chiffon
This beloved experimental R&B duo (now trio with the addition of bassist Will Ryerson, also of Other Colors) is back with their first new single in five years off their upcoming four-track EP. It’s a dreamy, seductive slow jam featuring sparkling layers of digital beats and singer Amy Reid’s ethereal vocals speaking to long-distance romance. All the more fitting a listen in an era of social distancing.

“Become A Mountain” by Dan Deacon
This might be the most inspiring song of 2020, with electronic maestro Dan Deacon guiding us toward a triumphant awakening on his new album, Mystic Familiar. Amidst swirling synth, building piano, and orchestral peaks, it’s chock full of advice about opening up your imagination and finding your inner strength, making it one we’ll likely turn to for a long time to come.

“Our Pathetic Age” by DJ Shadow ft. Samuel T. Herring
Somehow we missed this song when it was released last fall, but earlier this week, thanks to WTMD’s Baltimore Hit Parade, we discovered what instantly became one of our new favorite tracks of spring. The Cali-based DJ Shadow enlisted Future Islands frontman Sam Herring for this nostalgic dance track, with a steady funk-infused disco beat grooving beneath his distinctive vocal croons. All we can say is, thank you.

“Raspberry Gun” by Dyyo
We told you last fall that this up-and-coming experimental rapper was one to watch, and his new exploratory album, featuring a full live band, drives that very point home. It’s a powder keg of kinetic tracks that fuse hip-hop with genres like grunge, punk rock, and jazz in an improvisational way. We particularly like this sixth track for its old-school flavor, free-flowing vocal play, crashing drums, and the occasional flutter of brass.

“Sweet June Nectar” by Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon
Listening to Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon’s original “Almost Heaven,” which garnered him national attention via American Idol, you knew the Catonsville singer-songwriter had staying power, and this second single off his upcoming debut album, Namesake, proves exactly that. With raw piano, reverberating strings, and soaring vocals, the feel-good anthem captures the essence of youth, young love, and warm weather—all things we’ll gladly repeat in our minds like a mantra for weeks to come.

“Black-Eyed Susie” by Ken and Brad Kolodner
This weekend, father-son acoustic duo Ken and Brad Kolodner released their new album, Stony Run, named for the Baltimore waterway that runs between their respective homes. It’s full of energetic originals and inventive takes on Americana classics, like this seventh bluegrass-inspired track. As Brad’s warm vocals move to the forefront, an unlikely combination of instruments, the hammered mbira and gourd banjo, craft a hard-driving tune that gives a glimpse into what could be the genre’s future.

“Day2Day” by Micah E. Wood ft. Bobbi Rush
Baltimore’s resident troubadour Micah E. Wood returns with a new single and love song we’ve been waiting for all along. With an infectious pop melody and airy R&B backup vocals from singer-songwriter Bobbi Rush, two of the local scene’s up-and-coming artists tackle the overwhelming uncertainty of new romance, rejecting the doubt induced by former heartbreak, embracing the healing powers of love. Through groovy guitar chords and an uptempo dance beat, its final lyrics leave you with an unwavering sense of hope.

“Cry Like A Baby” by Movakween
Singer-songwriter MovaKween makes music for spiritual guidance, and this new slow jam feels especially timely for its message: giving everyone the space to handle hardship in their own way and time. Speaking to love, specifically, she humanizes the pain that comes with its loss, as her honeyed powerhouse vocals reach new peaks over a smooth, sultry R&B melody that gives homage to the genre’s greatest hits. If you don’t already, consider Movakween an artist to know now.

“Mother” by Outcalls
This new track by Britt Olsen-Ecker and Melissa Wimbish contemplates a dynamic topic: motherhood, with distant, dream-like vocals asking a big, ambiguous question—“Better now, but better when?”—ultimately leaving the answer, too, up to listeners. Made in collaboration with singer-songwriter/producer Jennifer Pague of L.A.’s. Vita and the Woolf, it’s a spacious, surreal melody that builds with a staccato beat, lush synth, and the ladies’ always-impressive operatic pipes.

“We” by The Soft Pink Truth
Looking for a song to get lost in? Consider this new track from The Soft Pink Truth, the solo project of Drew Daniel from celebrated local experimental duo Matmos, a meditative gift in these strange times. Off the upcoming album, Shall We Go On Sinning so That Grace May Increase?, it’s a soft, sparse, sparkling soundscape, dancing between sublime minimalism and a trance-music rave, inspiring listeners to find moments of self-care and healing. It couldn’t have arrived at a better time.

EAT

March 24: Pig Parts and Pancakes

Foraged, 3250 Chestnut Ave. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

Nothing says Sunday morning like the smell of fresh bacon, and this seasonal eatery’s pork confections will have you out of bed in no time. Join Foraged for its second annual walk-in-only brunch featuring pancakes, a wide variety of pig parts, farm-fresh eggs, as well as mimosas and their slightly more adventurous cousins “beermosas.” Eat fresh from the earth at this Hampden hotspot and be sure to pour some locally sapped maple and black walnut syrup over your pancakes to achieve that perfect local breakfast.

DRINK

March 22-24: Full Tilt Brewing Co. Opening

Full Tilt Brewing Co., 5604 York Rd. Fri. 3 p.m.-12 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Free.

From artisan craft mead to IPAs named after revered macabre master Edgar Allen Poe, there are plenty of local beer options in Baltimore. And personally, we believe that there’s no such thing as too many breweries. This weekend, celebrate the official grand opening of Full Tilt Brewing Co. with a three-day-long bash to christen this new brewery and taproom on York Road. With new beer releases, arcade games, and live music, this Govans brewery will be a contender for your favorite hangout spot after this weekend.

SEE

To March 31: B&O Best in Service

B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St. Free.

The B&O Railroad has always been a point of pride for our city, but, as with many chapters in history, the service of African Americans and their contributions to the railroad is largely unrecorded. Through the end of the month, visit the downtown railroad museum to take in paintings by artists Dan Content and Roy Speter that depict prominent African Americans like Thurgood Marshall and Maggie Hudson, as well as many unsung workers, who helped build arguably the most revolutionary railroad in our nation’s history.

HEAR

March 24: Kotic Couture with DDm, RoVo Monty & Chiffon

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

You may have seen this rising rapper playing MC with DJ Trillnatured during the Version dance parties at The Crown or making a cameo in local singer-songwriter RoVo Monty’s iconic “Pretty in Pink” music video, but you don’t know this fearless artist until you see them perform live. Hear them seamlessly flow between high-energy hits such as “Get Ya Life” and smooth, swaggering rhymes in “Drippin,” before sharing the stage with rapper DDm, R&B duo Chiffon, and RoVo Monty during this much-anticipated show at Metro Gallery.

DO

March 23-24: Baltimore Wing Festival

Power Plant Live, 34 Market Pl. Sat. 2 p.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.- 8 p.m. $14.95-49.95.

This weekend, dare to step into the carnival frenzy of the first annual and soon-to-be-notorious Baltimore Wing Festival. In between chowing down on the festival’s namesake snack, spend the afternoon throwing axes, playing tailgating games, and enjoying a brew in the outdoor beer garden. With more than 60 styles of wings to choose from and every kind of contest to you can think of (mega hot-wing eating, bleu cheese dipping, and French-fry eating), you’re guaranteed to leave with spicy lips and a full stomach.

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

 EAT

Feb. 24: Taste Baltimore 3

The Motor House, 120 W. North Ave. 12-4 p.m. $20. 410-637-8300.

Three years ago, Chef Catina Smith of Magdalena Restaurant felt inspired by Baltimore’s small-batch food businesses and decided to create a mini food emporium to highlight local chefs and food professionals. Now in its third installment, Taste Baltimore is back with 15 food vendors, cooking demos by culinary instructor Chef Egg, and live music. Munch on samples from local favorites like The Elephant, new foodies like Wilde Thyme and Sporty Dog Creations, and watch chefs whip up tasty dishes with mystery ingredients in a Chopped-style competition.

 DRINK

Feb. 24: The Big Lebowski Viewing and Costume Party

Waverly Brewing Company, 1625 Union Ave. 7 p.m. Free. 443-438-5765. 

This weekend, the Dude abides in Hampden-Woodberry. On Saturday, the Waverly Brewing starts a new tradition with a screening of the 1998 cult classic comedy, The Big Lebowski. Prepare your one-liners and bowling references, then raid your closet for the perfect costume to channel your inner Dude, Donny, or Walter. Think bathrobes, amber-tinged sunglasses, and Viking helmets, as the best dressed guests can win bar tabs and brewery gift cards. 

 SEE

Feb. 23-25: American Craft Council Show

Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $14-34. 612-206-3100.

Take cover from the rain this weekend and surround yourself with all things bright and shiny. During this three-day indoor craft extravaganza, browse unique wares from more than 650 contemporary American artists, including Baltimore makers like Ronni Aronin’s ceramics, Tigerlillyshop’s fun jewelry, and Erin Draper’s yoga wear. While there’s enough handmade home décor, furniture, accessories, and toys to keep you entertained for hours, don’t miss out on specialty pop-up booths featuring wearable art, interior designs, hands-on activities, and even handcrafted whisky tastings.

 HEAR

Feb. 23: Surf Harp

The Windup Space, 12 W. North Ave. 8 p.m. $8. 410-244-8855. 

When Surf Harp popped up on our radar back in 2016 with its first full-length album, Peel, we were immediately captivated by the vibrant, rollicking sound. This Friday, the indie quintet will release its second album, Mr. Big Picture, and perform the brand-new record—a rambunctious feat that channels the very best of ’80s New Wave and post-punk with a Damn The Man mentality— in its entirety with soon-to-be-favorites like “D.I. Cig” and “I Lost You.” Guest musicians will perform as well, including fellow local talents Chiffon and Jacober, as well as New York regulars Operator Music Band and Zula. Grab a 12-inch vinyl, featuring a snazzy screen-printed cover by illustrator George Wylesol, to listen on repeat.

 DO

Feb. 24: Black Tie Baltimore’s Fake Wedding

Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 7 p.m. $95-120. 410-727-4808. 

Let’s skip the whole “I do” part and go straight to the reception. At this fake wedding to support the volunteer-and-day-drink nonprofit, Volunteer Untapped, don your best formal attire and spend a lively evening sipping drinks from the open bar, noshing on hors d’oeuvres by Sascha’s Catering, and grooving to live music from Moonshine. And of course, as always, this is all for a good cause, so don’t miss out on the Charity Tinder booth, where you can swipe right to meet local philanthropic partners and get involved with their efforts.

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.