We won’t get to go this year, but Baltimore’s Virgin Fest is next weekend.
After moving to Baltimore recently, we’ve been incredibly impressed w/ the vibrant music scene. The free weekly City Paper always has an extensive shows listing. Of course, having an infant/toddler (he sort of “toddles” but not quite yet) makes it hard. Plus the fact that I’m not a 20-something grad student anymore. But it’s good to know that it’s here when we can.
I’d love to go to Virgin Fest, which is held at Pimlico (right down the street from us). The two-day lineup includes: Cat Power, Foo Fighters, The Offspring, Iggy & The Stooges, Bob Dylan, Wilco, Chuck Berry & The Silver Beats, and lots more. But single-day general admission tickets are $97.50. Ouch.
Instead, we’ll probably enjoy the free Friday outdoor concert at Belvedere Square (also near us), which has quickly become our favorite local hangout. What is Belvedere Square? It’s a small shopping mini-complex in the Mid-Govans neighborhood (I’m trying to learn my Baltimore neighborhoods). But unlike a strip mall, it’s filled w/ interesting boutiques. What we like about it is the Market (a sort of food court for grownups). Basically it’s a lot of local food (soup bar, sushi, smoked meats, etc.) w/ a very nice wine & beer bar close by (and you can take food from the food venders into the wine bar). It’s quickly become were we take out of town guests. There’s also a Daedalus Books & a beautiful art deco movie theater (The Senator).
During the summer, there are outdoor free concerts in the square. We’ve been once, so far, on a Friday. The music isn’t anything to rave about (yes, I’m something of a hipster music snob). But for young families w/ kids (nearly a hundred running preschoolers let us know just what demographic this is targeted towards) it’s perfect. And it’s free.
