On an impossibly warm morning in late September, James Wolf has his hands full. Literally.

Sitting on an Orioles blanket at a Wyman Park playgroup, he bounces a toddler up and down on his left thigh, encouraging the familiar motions of “The Wheels on the Bus,” while his right arm rocks a stirring infant nestled inside her car seat. Somehow, and without upsetting the rhythm of either child, a cell phone emerges from his back pocket, which he deftly uses to capture a video to send to his wife. In between songs, he greets wandering toddlers by name and chats with the other 20 or so parents and caregivers—all of whom are women.

Sixteen miles north at GBMC-Hunt Valley, his wife, Dr. Kate Diehn, settles into her first full week back to work as a primary-care physician after the birth of their daughter, June, earlier in the summer. By the time she returns home in the evening, she’ll have cared for upward of 16 patients while her family spent their day visiting playgroups, running errands, taking long walks, and keeping the house in order.

Wolf and Diehn are part of a growing trend of couples who are bucking the antiquated gender norms that once kept women out of the boardroom and men out of the nursery. According to the Pew Research Center, 17 percent of all stay-at-home parents in 2016 were fathers—that’s a 10 percent rise since the data was first reliably gathered in 1989.

Wolf had very little hesitation about leaving his career as an environmental remediation senior project manager. His job was rewarding, he liked the work, and he has a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins in environmental science to boot, but the opportunity to stay home with his kids was an easy choice, especially given his wife’s higher earning potential.

“When our son, Henry, was born, we kicked around the idea of leaving my job, and the utility of having one of us at home was what tipped the scales,” says Wolf. “It pays off in so many dividends—the continuous exposure to the kids means there’s no disconnect. I know what they’ve learned and done all day and can relay that to my wife.”

But it doesn’t come without sacrifice.

Wolf cites the main stressors of being an at-home parent: the beating his body takes from holding and chasing around two small kids, the pressure on his wife to be the sole breadwinner, and the occasional feelings of isolation he has. Though the number of stay-at-home dads is certainly rising, it’s not always easy to break into a mom group.

Feeding time: James Wolf with Henry and June. –Mike Morgan

“Moms connect quickly because they typically have the shared experience of being pregnant, going through birth, and breastfeeding,” says Wolf. “I can’t really chime in on those, so I sometimes have to wait on the sidelines until I can jump in to talk about things like diapers or which libraries and playgrounds to go to.”

 

According to the Pew Research, 17 percent of all stay-at-home parents in 2016 were fathers.

 

WTMD music coordinator Sam Sessa also struggled with the isolation of parenting young children when he left his job as a Baltimore Sun reporter to stay home with his newborn son.

As a stay-at-home dad, it took some time to fall into a groove, and Sessa was surprised to find himself almost exclusively among mothers and female nannies. “I’d read stories that they existed, but, in practice, there just weren’t that many dads around,” he says. Like Wolf, Sessa noticed barriers to making meaningful conversation with some of the mothers. “Being a stay-at-home dad was isolating in ways I wasn’t expecting,” he says. “The first time I saw the acronym for the term, I was like, ‘Oh, of course it’s SAHD.’”

He and his wife, Dr. Amie Sessa, a dermatologist, synchronized their schedules so Sam could work two days a week at WTMD to ease the isolation. “In the early days of parenting, I would walk into the office, sit down next to a coworker, and say, ‘I need to talk to an adult for the next 15 minutes, please,’ which became my therapy after spending a full day with a baby and a toddler.”

It didn’t, however, take Sessa long to find a way to connect to his stay-at-home peers, and his part-time work actually became a lifeline (and, eventually, a full-time gig as his kids got older). At a library playdate, a group of moms noticed his WTMD shirt and lamented the loss of attending concerts after having kids. Immediately seeing a way to fill the void, this conversation sparked Sessa to create the popular Saturday Morning Tunes series, which brings kids and their parents—yes, even dads—to various venues around Baltimore for music the entire family can find palatable. He clearly struck a chord—a recent Saturday Morning Tunes concert at Power Plant Live! saw 1,200 men, women, and children rocking out.

And while Sessa’s music series is produced on a fairly large scale, Dr. Kevin Roy, an associate professor at University of Maryland’s School of Public Health, says that, as men and women renegotiate caregiving roles, it’s not uncommon for stay-at-home fathers to create their own social events and circles. “Men who stay at home can feel a need to play a community role,” he says. “Instead of feeling they are just caregivers, they might also be the soccer coach and get involved in community-based volunteer work as a way to create some status in their new role.”

It was this impulse, coupled with a very real need to connect with other male parents, that led to the creation of stay-at-home-dad groups around the country. Brock Lusch of Cincinnati is a board member of the At-Home Dad Network, a group with more than 13,000 Facebook followers, that was founded 24 years ago in an attempt to connect fathers to each other. Now the group hosts an annual convention.

“It started on chat rooms and forums, and at the first convention, they ordered pizza and brought in a few speakers,” says Lusch, who was in the midst of prepping for this year’s convention in Minneapolis, speaking by phone. DadCon19 will bring more than 120 men to Minnesota with the mission of connecting primary caregiver dads together to discuss professional development as dads, network, and get a chance to relax.

 

“Being a stay-at-home dad was isolating in ways I wasn’t expecting,” says Sam Sessa.

 

Mike Howarth, a Federal Hill father who left his job at Legg Mason to become a full-time parent at about the same time the At-Home Dad Network launched, remembers the world before social media, when men on the playground were sparse and there were no neighborhood Facebook pages to turn to for kid-friendly events.

“The ‘stay-at-home’ part of the title is a misnomer,” he says. “You have to get out of the house.” And so, he turned to what existed in 2000—phone chains, list serves, word of mouth, and the original way to build a network: physically going out into the world to meet people. “We lucked out, living in Federal Hill, because there were a lot of new, young families, and there was always something to do,” he says.

Tony Stephens, a Federal Hill father of two, has capitalized on the social media landscape not available to Howarth at the turn of the century. After moving his family from College Park to Baltimore, Stephens quickly realized the intense commute back to his work as a lobbyist was untenable. He took a 40 percent pay cut and began working 30 hours a week as the executive director of the Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance, a nonprofit that connects city parents to resources and each other. This move allowed him the flexibility to walk his boys to and from school, take the lead on household management, and find an easy way to connect to his new community.

But even the most evolved dads still deal with the stigma of not being the primary breadwinner. And while he certainly sees other fathers in the lead caregiving role, especially given his work, he thinks modern dads have less of a social stigma compared to their predecessors, who were viewed as doing “women’s work” by staying at home to raise children.

“Technology and social media have played a huge part—we can’t help but reflect our peers,” Stephens says. “I wondered how I would be perceived taking this step, but saw friends and acquaintances in New York, Iowa, lots of cities across the country doing this, and it gave me a nudge.”

Beyond that, Stephens says that social media has helped reshape gender norms. “Social media has changed the landscape of what we see as masculinity. We have access to more people like ourselves making choices that aren’t cookie-cutter masculine Mad Men images of what men are supposed to be.”

 

Even the most evolved dads still deal with the stigma of not being the primary breadwinner.

 

And the anti-Mad Men parallels don’t end there. “Family life is different now,” says Stephens. “Parents want to be engaged with their children. Most of us aren’t trying to work toward a lavish existence anymore. We just want to make a life where the family can be the best it can be.”

Dr. Roy echoes this sentiment. He says men who choose to stay at home tend to be younger, hold gender-equitable beliefs, and are able to realign their sense of what providing means. “These are men who are open to playing with different ways of being a guy,” he says. “They feel less stress taking on this role, which, to some extent, leads to a higher relationship quality with their partners.”

It’s worth noting that, of all the men interviewed for this article, not one regrets the decision to stay home. Each spoke reverently and generously about their wives. They all reported a sense of pride and feelings of fulfillment, and they all referenced the long-needed change in attitude toward “traditional” gender roles as even more motivation to stay home. “My wife is amazing,” says Wolf. “She takes care of her patients all day, which is exhausting. Then she comes home and transitions right back into the role of a parent, which is work all over again. She gives me a lot of credit for what I do for the family, but I think all the credit belongs to her.”

And though his wife, Diehn, struggles—like most working parents—with feelings of guilt and of missing out, she’s watched her young family thrive with her husband at the helm. “Sometimes I’m sad to not be the one at home, but I’m also proud that my kids can see that I’m dedicated to my career,” she says. “Ultimately, our arrangement enables me to be the best I can be at work, because I know my kids are being taken care of by someone who sees them and loves them like I do.”

 

Sessa believes the positive outcomes of fathers taking the lead reverberate far beyond the home.

“Maybe having more stay-at-home dads would be good for the world,” he says. “If and when they go back to work, they’ll have more empathy for women who are parents. The default mode for men can sometimes be ignorance—before dads stayed home, they didn’t know what women went through, because they hadn’t done it.”

EAT

May 12: Mother’s Day Brunches

Locations, times, and prices vary.

The last few days before Mother’s Day mark the annual scramble for last-minute bouquets, sentimental cards, and—if you’re really behind—brunch reservations at her favorite local spot. If you’re still searching for a table, we recommend snagging seats for the first-ever brunch service at popular Italian restaurant Orto, indulging in a three-course mid-morning meal at Minnow, or any of the other Sunday specials listed in our roundup of mom-worthy spots.

DRINK

May 11: Classy Trashy Birthday Bashy

Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th St. 7-10 p.m. $35-40.

It’s been five years since Mr. Trash Wheel officially started churning trash from the Jones Falls, and we can barely remember what Baltimore was like before his googly eyes could be seen on every T-shirt, sticker, and plush toy. To celebrate the milestone birthday, Peabody Heights Brewery is throwing an all-out bash with live music, trash-themed games, and, of course, all-you-can-drink beer. Be one of the first fans to try the latest beer release in collaboration with the Healthy Harbor Initiative, Mr. Trash Wheel’s Solar Power Sour. And be sure to recycle the can!

SEE

May 8-12: Maryland Film Festival

Station North Arts & Entertainment District. Times vary. $8-450.

Baltimore might not be as glamorous as Hollywood, but according to film critic Richard Brody, it becomes the “center of cinematic gravity” each year during this five-day film celebration. Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a full-blown cinephile, take advantage of this opportunity to watch more than 100 shorts, features, and documentaries, as well as attend Q&A sessions and workshops with acclaimed filmmakers at the historic Parkway Theatre in Station North. Pro tip: Make your movie-watching plan based on our reviews of eight of this year’s featured films.

HEAR

May 11: Welcome to Shakesville Saturday Morning Tunes

WTMD, 1 Olympic Place, Towson. 9-11 a.m. Free-$40.

Although the premiere of the Baltimore Rock Opera Society’s much-anticipated show Welcome to Shakesville is still two weeks away, the cast and crew will perform a sneak preview of the colorful opera for their toughest critics: local music-loving kids. With throwback nods to 1960s psychedelia, this puppet-filled performance will transport audiences of all ages to the magical world of Shakesville with tons of surf jams along the way. If dancing is not enough to tire out your little one, there will be bike rides by Race Pace Bicycles, a reading corner, and cake from Eddie’s of Roland Park to knock them out by noon.

DO

May 11: Remfest

Remington Ave. and 28th St. 12-9 p.m. Free.

Despite the smash-hit success of the first-ever RemFest, Remington-based businesses and neighbors are gunning to make this year’s festival even bigger and better. Along with more than 75 local artisan vendors, drool-worthy bites from area restaurants, and libations by Union Craft Brewing and R. Bar, the outdoor festival boasts a killer lineup of local acts that can’t be beat. Stake out a spot near the 27th Street stage to hear the likes of indie-pop stars Super City, soul sensation Brooks Long, singer-songwriter Bobbi Rush, pop-opera duo Outcalls, and be sure to stick around for an end-of-the-night Save Your Soul dance party with DJ Rob Macy.

EAT

April 7: Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar

Jones Fall Expressway, Holliday & Saratoga St. 7 a.m.- 12 p.m. Free

Grab your sun hat and celebrate the return of this 42-year-old Sunday morning ritual with tons of food, games, and a special performance by the BSO OrchKids. Start your day with a stroll beneath the Jones Fall Expressway to sample eats from more than 44 local vendors including Blacksauce Kitchen, Le Monade, and Sporty Dog Creations and stock up on fresh produce from area farms.

DRINK

April 7: Game of Thrones Trivia

El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen, 2921 O’Donnell St. 1-4 p.m. Free.

Winter may be over, but it’s never too late to flex your Game of Thrones obsession with fellow die-hard fans. Spend your Sunday Funday answering trivia questions about the hit HBO show in preparation for the premiere of its final season on April 14, with plenty of beer buckets and Smirnoff bombs to keep you on your game. Whether you’re a party of two or a group of 8, put your brain power to the test for the chance to win El Bufalo gift cards, free shots, and all the glory.

SEE

April 5: Out of Order

Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. 7-10 p.m. $40-45.

Join Maryland Art Place in celebrating its 22nd annual springtime auction-party that gives regional artists—from students to established professionals—the opportunity to display their work. Take in the floor-to-ceiling display of artworks, and, in between bidding on your favorite pieces, bop along to music by DJ Ridiculous, snap pictures with drag queens Bambi Galore and Whimsy Thrift, and experience a psychic reading by Clairvoyant Lady.

HEAR

April 6: Saturday Morning Tunes

WTMD, 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 9-11 a.m. Free-$40.

There’s no denying that reggae music is good for the soul, and this weekend, it’ll be good for your ears, too. This Saturday, WTMD will be hosting its first-ever, sensory-friendly Saturday Morning Tunes for families with autistic children. Veteran reggae star Scotty P. of Jah Works will perform acoustic versions of his songs, while little ones can enjoy snacks from Eddie’s of Roland Park, bike rides provided by Race Pace Bicycles, and plenty of dancing.

DO

April 6: Festival for the Animals

Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Dr. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free-$40.

Every pet owner believes that their furry friend deserves the world, and that sentiment is at the heart of this annual festival that supports the Maryland SPCA and its animal rescue, shelter, and aid programs. With your pup in tow, spend the afternoon in Druid Hill Park participating in a walk-a-thon as well as fun-filled contests that benefit this com-paw-ssionate cause.

 EAT

May 5: Papi’s Cinco In The City

Central Plaza at Harbor Point, 1310 Point St. 12-7 p.m. $10.50-70.68. 410-299-8480. 

Since this Fells Point taco joint opened its doors in 2014, Papi’s annual Cinco de Mayo event has been a can’t-miss fiesta filled with salt-rimmed margaritas and Mexican street fair-inspired bites. This year, Papi’s is raising the bar with an all-day celebration at Harbor Point, featuring live Latin music from Mambo Combo and Zakke Latin Fusion Band, taco-eating contests, and even a live donkey. Along with Papi’s signature street tacos, nachos, and elote, nosh on Alexander Tavern’s Mexican-inspired tot-chos and baja chicken sliders at this inaugural festival.

 DRINK

May 5: Kentucky Derby Block Party

The Chasseur, 3328 Foster Ave. 12-8 p.m. $10. 410-327-6984. 

The 143rd Preakness Stakes is only two weeks away, but if you can’t wait until then to get your horse-racing fix, head to this Canton corner bar to celebrate “the greatest two minutes in sports.” The Chasseur is pulling out all the boozy stops for its fifth annual derby block party, including brewery tents and trucks from local favorites like Union Craft, Waverly Brewing, and Monument City, as well as a vodka bomb special and a mint julep bar for something a little stronger. Snack on eats from local food stands (featuring sweets from Cream Cruiser and Balti’Marons) and catch live music performances by bluesy band Ricky Wise & The Dirty Unit, as well as DJ AYYYE ONE, AstroSquid, and Victims of Experiences.

 SEE

May 5: Kinetic Sculpture Race

American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. 410-244-1900. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the American Visionary Art Museum’s weird and wonderful event that challenges contestants to race handmade, human-powered sculptures through 14 miles of land, water, and mud. Watch from the sidewalk (we recommend braving the crowds for a spot at Canton Waterfront Park or Patterson Park) as these motorized works of art, decorated to fit the theme “Mysteries & Tall Tales,” compete for awards like “Worst Honorable Mention” and “Grand Mediocre Champion.”

 

 HEAR

May 5: Mini Masquerade Ball

Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 Mt. Royal Ave. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free-$17. 410-704-8938.

Just when we thought WTMD’s kiddie concert series, Saturday Morning Tunes, couldn’t get any cuter, they throw a masquerade-themed party packed with enough music and entertainment to leave their pint-sized listeners (and their parents) ready for a nap by noon. This Saturday, bring the kiddos to the Lyric to hear a family-friendly set by the Bachelor Boys Band, dance with a hula-hooping stilt walker, and design colorful masks to wear during the party.

 DO

May 4-5: FlowerMart

Mount Vernon Square, 699 Washington Pl. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. 410-274-5353.

Before the clouds roll in this weekend, head to Mt. Vernon Place for this beloved springtime celebration filled with flowers, colorful hats, and classic lemon peppermint sticks. At this 107th annual festival, kick off spring in the city with arts and crafts vendors, live music and entertainment, and plenty of Bawlmer-style eats like Maryland crab cakes and pit beef sandwiches. Stick around on Saturday to see the parade of pets dressed in their best spring outfits and the annual maypole dance.

As for many of us, 2017 was a year of introspection and growth for the Baltimore music community. Familiar faces returned home, launched new ventures, or released seminal albums. New artists popped out of the woodwork and made their mark on the local scene. Collaboration was prolific, emotions were liberated, and a sort of homegrown catharsis ensued. A sense of change is in the air, and with the amount of talent we saw this year across all genres, we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for 2018. We couldn’t fit them all, but here are a handful of our favorite musical moments from the tumultuous past 12 months.

---

Abdu Ali launches a podcast.

This fall, Baltimore native/rapper/writer Abdu Ali got to add a new title to his resume: radio show host. In October, the local artist launched his first-ever podcast, DrumBooty Radio, in iTunes via Mask Magazine. Using his background in journalism, Ali talks with fellow creatives of color about the African-American experience. With five bi-monthly, hour-long segments now under his belt, Ali has interviewed the likes of local writer/editor Lawrence Burney of True Laurels, writer/social justice advocate Bilphena Yahwon, and writer/filmmaker Nia Hampton on topics such as the importance of therapy, being black in the DIY scene, and owning your own narrative. Through this new medium, featuring one special song per episode, Ali continues to craft compelling art in the audible form and shine a spotlight on our city.

Brooks Long sings “Blues for Freddie Gray.”

Local jazz legend Lafayette Gilchrist released a new album this spring with a powerful single titled “Blues for Freddie Gray.” Riddled with Gilchrist’s pounding piano keys, a full brass section, and the soulful vocals of old-school virtuoso Brooks Long, the song is post-2015 Baltimore in a bottle. The lively, driving number is full of energy and emotion, with audio samples from actual television footage following the death of Freddie Gray and subsequent officer trials. But despite the opening police sirens and closing whirr of a Foxtrot helicopter that both speak to the lack of closure in Gray’s case, Gilchrist ends on a hopeful note. “I want to know that there’s a day that’s coming soon and fast,” howls the ever-talented Long. “I want a justice and a peace that’s made to last and last. Don’t ya tell me that we can’t all get it done.” 

Dan Deacon celebrates Spiderman of the Rings.

A lot has changed for Dan Deacon since the release of this seminal record some 10 years ago. He’s grown from a quasi-known experimental musician to a nationally acclaimed artist. His music has become a soundtrack for the New York City Ballet; his mad-scientist compositions have scored award-nominated documentary films. And yet, to celebrate the anniversary of this record, Deacon returned home to perform at the kind of DIY space that started it all. At 2640 inside St. John’s United Methodist church, his exuberant melodies led the city’s most die-hard music lovers through a journey back in time. They danced. They sweat. They stood in awe of Deacon’s humble musical mastery, along for the ride and forever thankful that he is and maybe always will be ours.

Future Islands performs four nights at the Ottobar.

When Future Islands announced a series of shows at the Ottobar this spring to commemorate the release of The Far Field, it seemed like the whole world was vying for a golden ticket in the heart-racing online lottery. When it was all said and done, Pitchfork was there, tuning the entire country in to hear the trio’s heartbreaking new record, but Baltimore was all in tow—John Waters and a medley of other notable hometown musicians included—to welcome the boys home. Through new hits (“Ran”) and old favorites (“Little Dreamer”), frontman Sam Herring sashayed across the stage, William Cashion plugged those iconic riffs on bass, and Gerritt Welmers let that swirling synth fill the sold-out room, it felt like our old hearts—full of local love—just might explode.

Good Fridays makes Baltimore dance again. 

Over a year ago, then-Baltimore arts and culture editor Gabriella Souza was on the phone with John Waters when she got an idea. The local auteur noted that his hit film Hairspray! had been inspired by the variety and dance television shows of the mid-20th-century that had sadly gone the way of the buffalo. Wouldn’t it be great, they mused, if people could get together—regardless of age, race, or class—to just dance like that today? With the help of PipeDreamz’s AC Miller-Abdullah and Baltimore contributor Cassandra Miller, Good Fridays Baltimore was born, bringing all walks of city life together for live music by the likes of Al Rogers Jr., Wendel Patrick, and Eze Jackson, local art by Shan Wallace and Aaron Maybin, and a free-for-all dance party featuring local DJs into the wee hours of the night. As the event continues to grow, we can’t wait to see what—and who—comes next.

J Pope and the HearNow release its long-awaited debut.

After years of performing around town, this alt-soul collective released its debut in June. Produced by local beat wizard Wendel Patrick, Soul Searching captures the dynamic sound of this prolific live-performing sextet—a unique fusion of soul and hip-hop with a touch of R&B and blues. The record highlights the honey-coated lyrical flair and fast-paced finesse of frontwoman Jasmine Pope and showcases the masterful improvisations of her dexterous band mates. From the highs of frenzied funk rhythms to the lows of slow burning jazz numbers, the HearNow touches on the ups ands downs of living as a working artist. This album is Exhibit A of the talent, dedication, and hard work it takes. 

Local musicians spin at Idle Hour.

Last fall, Friends Records began a new residency at our favorite vinyl-slinging dive bar, Idle Hour, in Riverside. With the watering hole newly reopened, we weren’t sure if the famed record player would live on, but thanks to the bar owners and Jimmy MacMillan’s roster of local artists, the ones and twos are alive and well curated. Hometown favorites like Blacksage, Natural Velvet, and Surf Harp have spun handpicked selections from their various genres of electronic R&B, post-punk, and indie rock. In 2018, we’d buy the bar a round of pickle backs to hear Bond St. District’s Unkle Lulu, Microkingdom, or Peals.

Micah E. Wood makes dating easier.

Perhaps our favorite album of the year goes to See Me by Micah E. Wood. On this new record, the local songwriter and music photographer tackles the trials of modern love, pulling our heart strings as he rolls through the tribulations of 21st-century romance with honesty, humility, and humor. In the poignant “Match,” Wood candidly delves into the brutal honesties of online dating. In his first single, “Without You,” his anthemic chorus sums up the jubilant feeling of finally getting over a breakup. In the buoyant “Something,” his bubbly beat embodies the beauty of letting your guard down and liking someone again.  We especially love the additions of fellow heart-pullers Joy Postell, :3ion, and the aforementioned Al Rogers Jr. Through tender electronic melodies and charming talk-sing vocals, Wood and company make our stone cold hearts—thanks a lot, Tinder—finally feel human again.

Natural Velvet drops a timely album on feminine rage.

We couldn’t have realized how much Natural Velvet’s new Mirror to Make You would resonate in 2017. But with a strong focus on “feminine rage,” as frontwoman Corynne Ostermann puts it, coinciding with the nation’s “silence breakers” that have shed fresh light on widespread sexual harassment and assault throughout multiple industries, we can’t help but find new meaning. Each song is a rebellious declaration of feeling and fury with unabashedly frank lyrics that dissect femininity and endorse the power of the female. Whatever your gender, listening to these songs is cathartic. You finish with the full weight of three small lyrics to live by from “Kronos.” “I am. I choose. I chose.”  

Opera singers unite to form Outcalls.

We love the ladies of Outcalls. With their glittering get-ups, engaging social media presence, and ambitious attitude, Peabody grads Britt Olsen-Ecker and Melissa Wimbish have catapulted themselves onto the local arts scene and created their very own genre along the way. While the band has been around since 2015, the classically trained singers have carved out a sort of baroque indie-pop music on this debut-like record, combining the classics of shimmering synth and shoegaze guitar with ethereal soprano harmonies and robust electronic rhythms that are as hypnotic as they are awakening. Witchy, somewhat tribal, and even a little bit dusty old Spaghetti Western, “Skip to Sunrise” has become one of our top songs of the year. 

Snail Mail shoots to stardom.

It wasn’t long after the 2016 release of Snail Mail’s debut album that Lindsey Jordan and her two band mates started to get national attention. The band’s lo-fi indie rock music was suddenly in the web pages of Pitchfork and, before long, sprawled across a feature in The New York Times. The trio sold out the Ottobar, recorded a NPR Tiny Desk Concert, went off on tour with indie darlings Beach Fossils, and then signed a deal with Matador Records. (We also awarded them a Best of Baltimore for “Rising Star.”) Fresh out of high school and already well beyond their years, it’s safe to say that they are, officially, the next big thing.

Super City get synchronized in infectious music video.

This year, the Baltimore music scene has really upped the ante when it comes to music videos, with few more shining examples than that of this playful spring take on Super City’s most recent single, “Artificial Sin.” The indie slow jam gets star treatment with fresh outfits and unexpected choreography as the band’s five musicians don white jumpsuits and leather Chelsea boots and use coy dance moves to tap, twirl, and even, in one moment, drop it like its hot in a room full of turtle-necked backup dancers. Special guests include Paul Hutson of Bond St. District and Olsen-Ecker and Wimbish of Outcalls, to name a few. You can’t watch it without wishing you were there, too. 

The Cardinal Sheehan Choir performs “Rise Up.”

In September, Baltimore middle schoolers went viral after a video of their choir rehearsal featuring a powerful performance of Andra Day’s “Rise Up” made its rounds, in the millions, around the Internet. Within a couple of weeks, they were performing live on “Good Morning America,” with Day herself responding with a special message for the students: “Your video was so powerful and moved me so deeply and is moving the entire nation right now…We appreciate you so much.” One of the more heartwarming moments of an otherwise turbulent year, the students later performed for Baltimore in their Loch Raven gymnasium, while choir director Kenyatta Hardison shared the back-story of their shot to fame. This below video went viral for us, too.

The Ottobar turns 20.

Two decades is an eternity in the lifetime of a rock club, let alone one in Baltimore where it seems like every old-school establishment is quickly being replaced with a glitzy sky-rise apartment building. But this September, the Ottobar turned a whopping 20 years old. From the rabblerousing rock years downtown on Davis Street to the wide-ranging lineups on Howard Street in Remington today, our dark, dingy, perfectly-imperfect music venue has remained the go-to spot for artists of all genres, still sticking to its unapologetic, underdog guns as more massive arenas open in D.C. and across the country. To celebrate, legends of the past—J. Roddy Walston, Wye Oak, Roads to Space Travel, Candy Machine—stepped back onstage to relive, and continue, the glory days.

WTMD launches kid-friendly Saturday Morning Tunes concert series. As a young father himself, Sam Sessa saw the conundrum: what happens when music lovers grow up and have kids?  They can’t just go see a show any old night of the week anymore. They have bedtimes—and pajamas to put on. Can they not have fun anymore? Enter Saturday Morning Tunes, Sessa’s brainchild concert for both the young and the young art heart. With a smattering of sold-out shows at both the Towson studio and Senator Theatre, and future plans to include more notable Baltimore bands that are otherwise not associated with the “kindie” genre, these weekend morning shows have quickly become a new favorite family ritual. Best of all, like sifting through an old record collection with your mom or sharing that old cassette tape with your son, it’s even an better opportunity for parents—however cool they used to be—to bond with their (hopefully) music-loving kids. 

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

 EAT

Dec. 2: Olde Tyme Christmas

Fells Point, Broadway & Thames St. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.

Once December hits, Fells Point transforms into a charming Christmas town, adorned with green garlands, crimson bows, and tons of glimmering lights. This Saturday, walk through the cobblestoned streets of this historic neighborhood during Olde Tyme Christmas, a winter tradition now in its 14th year. Revel in holiday activities, like the beloved eggnog-drinking contest or annual tree lighting ceremony, and along the way, treat yourself to a tasting of the local restaurant offerings. At Abbey Burger, a breakfast buffet should get you through the day with all-you-can-eat mini pancakes and breakfast sliders. On weekends, Thames Street Oyster House offers one of the best Bloody Marys in town (and oyster shooters, too). And, of course, there’s the newly renovated Jimmy’s, with the old-school diner brought into the 21st century but our favorite waitresses and delicious brunch staples still around all day. By the evening, after mussels at Bertha’s and a beer-filled jaunt at Max’s, your stomach is sure be as full as Ol’ St. Nick’s. 

 DRINK

Dec. 2: Mozarts & Martinis

Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7-11 p.m. $30-99. 

The story behind Mozart’s final masterpiece can only be defined as mysterious. As legend has it, a stranger knocked on his door and asked him to write a requiem mass—the work that would come to consume the rest of the famed composer’s life. While he never did complete it, you can still hear a rendition of this masterwork by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and University of Maryland Concert Choir, led by maestra Marin Alsop. Following the concert be sure to swing by the Gothic-inspired after-party, featuring beer, wine, $6 martinis, and dumplings from Mt. Vernon Marketplace’s Pinch in the Meyerhoff lobby. We’ll never know if it was the angel of death who commissioned Mozart’s requiem, but we’ll gladly discuss conspiracy theories over classical-music-inspired cocktails. 

 SEE

Dec. 1-3: Night of 100 Elvises

Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St. Fri. 7-11 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Prices vary.

Slick back your hair and hop in your flared jumpsuit for Charm City’s eclectic three-day tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. Whether you’re a fair-weather Elvis fan or a full-time Presley devotee, get your groove on at the new location of the Lord Baltimore Hotel, with live music by tribute bands, scores of impersonators, and local brews. While the music is the main event, don’t forget to admire the sights—classic cars, vintage rock-and-roll memorabilia, an ice carving of Mr. Presley himself, and, of course, the legend’s favorite snack—fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

 HEAR

Dec. 2: Saturday Morning Tunes

Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. 9-11:30 a.m. $10-40. 

Are your little ones tired of singing along to the same TV show theme songs or Kidz Bop soundtracks? This weekend, introduce them to the rising artists of the children’s music scene at Saturday Morning Tunes, WTMD’s local concert series tailored just for kids. Inside the historic Senator Theatre in Belvedere Square, your kiddos can listen to Lard Dog & The Band of Shy and The Rhode Tavern Troubadours as they perform their kid-friendly indie rock, or “kindie,” hits. But that’s not all—inflatable instruments, animal sketches, bicycle rides, videos on the big screen, and a holiday-themed photo booth will keep your tykes in a good mood for the rest of the day. Even if you can’t make it, you can stream the show live or turn your radio dial to 89.7 F.M. 

 DO

Dec. 1: Baltimore Square Dance

Ideal Arts Space, 905 W. 36th St. 7:30-11 p.m. $7-12. 

Since 2013, Baltimore Square Dance has been bringing together people of all ages for a memorable night of simple dance moves and do-si-do. On Friday, this Best of Baltimore-winning event will return to Ideal Arts Space in Hampden. Forget club music and twerking and spend your evening swinging around to old-time string music with regional folk artists like Sam Gleaves and Tyler Hughes. If you’re a square dance newbie, don’t worry—steps will be taught and called throughout the night. You don’t need to show up with a partner or cowboy hat, but feel free to B.Y.O.B., especially if you need some liquid courage to get your feet moving.

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

 EAT

June 16: National Cannoli Day

Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop, 222 Albemarle St. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.

It seems like every day is some sort of obscure food holiday—National Rotisserie Chicken at the beginning of the month, National Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day just last week—and this weekend is no different. June 16 is National Cannoli Day, and fittingly enough, Little Italy is ready to celebrate with a smattering of the sweet stuff. All day Friday, head to the O.G. pastry shop, Vaccaro’s, for discounted deals on the authentic Italian favorite. Grab an espresso and indulge in a sugary shell (or two) of sweet ricotta cream—a great start to any hot summer night. 

 DRINK

June 17: Baltimore Wine Festival

Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 12-7 p.m. $10-95. 

Calling all vino lovers. The third annual Baltimore Wine Festival is back with more than 160 vintages from around the world. Seasoned sommeliers and Franzia fanatics alike can stroll through Canton Waterfront Park and enjoy everything from rieslings to rosés, with live music, cooking demos, and gourmet food from more than 30 area eateries, including crab cake sliders from Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, grilled sausages from Snake Hill, ice-cream sandwiches from Cream Cruiser, and ice-cold shucks from The Local Oyster.

 SEE

June 18-20: Clueless

The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Road. Sun. 10 a.m., Mon. 1 p.m., Tue. 9:30 p.m. $7-10.

You have something better to do on Sunday than go see this 1995 classic at our city’s beautiful retro cinema? As if! Roll with your homies to Belvedere Square, where The Senator will be playing a special screening of Clueless for three nights. This cult comedy follows the teenage trials and tribulations of Beverly Hills, as one of the most popular girls in school, Cher (Alicia Silverstone), has tasked herself with a multitude of adolescent challenges: fixing up her teachers, making over a new transfer-student friend, and passing a driving test among them. Relish in pre-Apatow Paul Rudd and get ready to mouth your favorite lines, like “And may I please remind you that it does not say ‘RSVP’ on the Statue of Liberty!”

 HEAR

June 17: Saturday Morning Tunes Family Festival

WTMD Studios, 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 9-11:30 a.m. Free-$15.

Music festivals aren’t just for grown-ups. Now, thanks to the radio wizards at WTMD, kids in Baltimore have their very own concert, tailored just for them. On Saturday morning, head to Towson to join the station’s latest show, “Saturday Morning Tunes,” for a few hours of live music. Hear children’s musician and storyteller Barry Louis Polisar (of Juno fame), as well as SMT’s house band, The Cartunes, performing beloved cartoon theme songs from the likes of “Duck Tales,” “Bob the Builder,” and “Inspector Gadget.” Let the kids enjoy snacks, partake in arts and crafts with The Walters Art Museum, and take a spin around the plaza with the help of Race Pace Bicycles. School’s out for summer, indeed.

 DO

June 17-18: Baltimore Pride

Charles North & Station North. Locations & times vary. Free. 

This weekend, the heart of Baltimore will turn ROYGBIV. Follow the rainbow to Station North, as the 42nd annual Baltimore Pride relocates after more than 40 years in Mt. Vernon. In a brand-new neighborhood, celebrate the city’s LGBTQ community with a giant block party, the iconic high heel race, and a festive, float-filled parade. While you’re at it, kick it all off on Friday with the annual Twilight on the Terrace cocktail party at Gertrude’s, as well as a Pride-themed poetry slam at the Impact Hub. On Saturday, swing into one of many dance parties, with multiple DJs at Grand Central and the Queerology dance and film series at The Crown. And, of course, on Sunday, don’t miss the full-day festival and pool party at Druid Hill Park.