Musicians, Venue Owners, and the Concert Enthusiast have all been waiting for the day when live music can once again be performed on a stage in front of a club filled with fans. It’s been a long year and we are now starting to see signs of life in the world of live music. This weekend was pretty eventful here in Baltimore. Not only did The Recher re-open with shows by local favorites, Kelly Bell Band – but Baltimore Soundstage opened its doors for three separate performances by another favorite local band, Bumpin Uglies.

While most venues that are opening feature seated layouts with tables and assigned seating, Baltimore Soundstage is taking a slightly different approach. While still only operating at 10% capacity (100 people max), the club has managed to create a socially distanced space that really felt like a club experience. Sections ranging from 2 to 4 chairs have been marked off with tape providing guest with their own socially distanced space. The seats are first come, first serve, and those who arrive early will be lucky to get a spot on the rail, just like old times! The bars were open and guests could go to and from the bar to grab drinks to take back to their section. Everyone working the club was clearly happy to be there and those who were attending the concert were respectful of the space and maintained their distance.

Bumpin Uglies delivered three performances; one on Friday night, March 19th and then two performances on Saturday March 20th – an early show and a late show. Front man, Brandon Hardesty, encouraged the crowd to stand and dance in their space, and the energy in the room was very evident. The sound was great and the band’s performances was on point. After a year of dredging through this concert desert, it felt so good to hear music performed live and LOUD at Baltimore Soundstage. We are super thankful to the band’s management for the photo pass to this sold out show, and I am grateful to Andy Jillson for encouraging me to get out and photograph this show – my first official show since March 7, 2020. Andy photographed the show Friday night, so head on over to his blog to check out his awesome photos from that show!

It felt so good to be back at Baltimore Soundstage! Be sure to check out their show schedule.
While they are working at such a low capacity, these shows will sell out quickly!

Photos from Bumpin Uglies performing at Baltimore Soundstage on March 20, 2021.
Photos by Shantel Mitchell Breen/These Subtle Sounds