Downtown Baltimore’s Music Scene Is Going Strong This Fall

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The Psychedelic Furs at Baltimore Soundstage on September 27

Psychedelic FursFans of 1980s movies – and British post-punk rock – will be psyched to hear that The Psychedelic Furs are coming to Baltimore in late September.

The band might be best known for its 1986 hit “Pretty in Pink,” which was featured in the John Hughes movie starring Molly Ringwald, also called “Pretty in Pink.” That song is still a radio staple, but it is far from the band’s only hit. Recently, a couple Psychedelic Furs songs have gotten boosts from appearances in hit productions like the Netflix show “Stranger Things” and the movie “Call Me By Your Name.”


Gwar at Rams Head Live on September 29

gwarGwar performs at Rams Head Live in late September, sharing the stage with Sacred Reich, Toxic Holocaust and Against the Grain.

Gwar, which was founded in Richmond in the mid-1980s, is one of the elder statesmen of the heavy metal band scene. The band, which has an often-changing lineup of individuals, is known for their wild costumes, violent, sexual and even funny themes, and complicated sci-fi backstory.

They’ve expanded beyond just performing, into comic books and products like BBQ sauce, and their stage show is a can’t-miss experience for anyone into the genre.


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Talib Kweli at Baltimore Soundstage on October 5

talib-kweliBrooklyn rapper and political activist Talib Kweli brings his Science of Speech (S.O.S) tour to Baltimore in early October, stopping at Baltimore Soundstage.

Kweli, who has his own indie record label (Javotti Media) has been part of the hip hop community for years and has collaborated with a wide range of artists. He rose to fame with Black Star, his late 1990’s collaboration with Mos Def, and in the years since then, he has worked with everyone from Kanye to Pharrell to KRS-One.

On October 5, Kweli will be joined by Jay Electronica, Styles P, Dead Prez and Raff Alpha.


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Young Thug and Machine Gun Kelly at MECU Pavilion on October 6

Two current monsters of rap – Young Thug and Machine Gun Kelly – team up for a show at MECU Pavilion in October.

Young Thug – who grew up in the same Atlanta neighborhood as several other rappers, including 2 Chainz and Ludacris – rose to fame after releasing a series of mixtapes in 2011 and 2012. He’s gotten accolades from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and even The Guardian. His most recent album, So Much Fun, was released in August of this year.

MGK, originally from Cleveland, got his start at a fairly young age; he released his first mixtape when he was just 16. He signed with Bad Boy and Interscope Records in 2011 and since then, has released four studio albums, including Hotel Diablo, which came out this past June. He has also appeared in several films and had a recurring role on the Showtime series “Roadies.”


Where to Park for Downtown Baltimore Concerts

Whatever show – or shows – you’ll see this fall, when you make your plans, don’t forget to find a smart place to park.

Harbor Park Garage, located at 55 Market Place, is extremely convenient to downtown Baltimore concert venues; it’s just a short walk from the garage to Rams Head Live, Baltimore Soundstage and MECU Pavilion (formerly Pier Six Pavilion). The garage is also close to lots of bars and restaurants that are perfect for drinks, dinner or snacks before or after a show.

Harbor Park is also MECU’s official parking partner, so when you see a show at MECU, you can receive a discount on parking at the garage.

The garage is easily accessible from I-83 and other routes in and out of the city, plus it’s safe and well-lit. The staff, which is onsite 24/7, is friendly and smart, with the knowledge you’ll need to answer any questions you might have about where you’re going or what to do.

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