The annual Charm City Bluegrass Festival is quickly approaching! This Festival kicks off a season of fantastic festivals and musical events that take place right here in Baltimore and we are quite excited! Now, the festival is in it’s 6th year, and we are looking forward to the return of some of our favorite performers, as well as, new artists who will likely become instant favorites!
Charm City Bluegrass is the perfect way to relax and enjoy great music; however, music is not the only highlight of this festival! Druid Hill Park offers the perfect location for this festival. Both stages are situated side-by-side, so you never have to go far to listen to every artist who are set to perform. This is a highlight of this festival. Once you pick a spot and set up your blankets and chairs, you can just sit back and enjoy the music right from your spot. However, if you prefer a closer view, you never have to go far to get in on the front row action!
In addition to great music, you will have an array of food and drink choices! Among the food and drink choices, you will find: Baltimore’s favorite Union Craft Brewing, Charm City Meadworks, Mother’s Federal Hill Grill, The Bark Barbecue Co, The Charmery and many more! In addition, if you are interested in local artwork and crafts, you will be able to stroll through the vendor tents that set up for the event.
Charm City Bluegrass is very welcoming to families with children! Not only will your children be exposed to great music, but they will have a chance to check out some great activities especially for them! This year Irvine Nature Center will be bringing some special animal guests for children to explore! Children under 10 are FREE! So, make this a special day to enjoy time as a family!
Just like last year, Charm City Bluegrass has expanded to Friday evening. You can buy a ticket for either Friday or Saturday. However, if you want to make it to both days, two-day tickets are sold as well! We are looking forward to this event and will be there covering all the great fun! We hope to see you there!
Gates for Friday are at 3PM. Gates for Saturday are at 10AM!
So, enjoy a little musical preview of the great musicians you’ll have a chance to see at this year’s Charm City Bluegrass Festival! Visit the Charm City Bluegrass Festival website for more information! You can also purchase tickets here. Enjoy the videos and take a look at some photos of some of the performers by Shantel Mitchell Breen and Chris Gamber.
The Bridge
We are very excited for one of Baltimore’s favorite local bands featuring Cris Jacobs. This performance is NOT to be missed!
Saturday – 8:15PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Deer Tick
Don’t worry if bluegrass is not your preferred musical genre because Deer Tick has you covered! This band successfully blends a southern rock and blues sound with more edgy guitars that will be sure to keep you awake! We are really looking forward to this set for sure!
Saturday – 7PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Steep Canyon Rangers
These guys are returning to Charm City Bluegrass Festival and we know they will deliver a great set of contemporary bluegrass tunes!
Saturday – 5:30PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Jeff Austin (with Special Guests)
Jeff Austin is another returning performer to Charm City Bluegrass Festival. His performances are always energetic. He puts his heart into every show and truly loves music. Also, you never know who might join him on stage!
Friday – 8PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Seldom Scene
Another locally formed bluegrass band, Seldom Scene from Washington D.C., have the experience of performing together for over 40 years. They are also returning to Charm City Bluegrass and we know that they audience will enjoy their set!
Saturday – 2:15PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Hawktail
Hawktail is a newly formed group comprised of experienced musicians. Their music is soft and traditional and will definitely set the mood for a perfect day!
Saturday – 1:15PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen
Frank Solivan has built a reputation as a monster mandolinist and has become a major festival attraction with his band, Dirty Kitchen. Their respect and deep understanding of the tradition collides, live on stage, with jazz virtuosity creating an unforgettable, compelling performance.
Saturday – 4:15PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Front Country
This dynamic band lit up last year’s Charm City Bluegrass Festival and we are quite certain that they will do it again! Their fresh approach to Americana and charisma on stage will surely win you over!
Saturday – 3:15PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Charm City Junction
This band is another example of the fine music that Baltimore produces! We have had the pleasure of seeing this band perform a few times and we know that they will deliver a fantastic set of music that will get you up and dancing! In addition, they are all very talented musicians and have a great sound!
Saturday – 12:30PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
ROB ICKES & TREY HENSLEY
This duo will be a great way to unwind on a Friday evening!
Friday – 7PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Jon Stickley Trio
Jon Strickley Trio will provide the audience with a bit of a twist to the typical bluegrass genre! This band has a bit of a Celtic sound that will get you up out of your seat!
Saturday – 11:45AM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Town Mountain
This fun band recently played the Soundry and they were a hit! They will be a great band to enjoy on the Friday evening!
Friday – 6PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Fireside Collective
Fireside Collective deliver a “Newgrass/Progressive Folk” sound that will get you in the spirit for the weekend!
Friday – 5PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Blue Octane
Blue Octane are a Maryland based band that will perform bluegrass and acoustic roots music!
Saturday – 4PM on the Charm City Meadworks Stage
Gangstagrass
Well, this is not a combination that you see every day; however, we are most certainly intrigued! Be sure to catch these guys in the Tent Stage on Saturday! We think you’ll like this song so check them out!
Saturday – 2:15PM on the Charm City Meadworks Stage
19th Street Band
Last year, this band won last year’s Charm City Bluegrass Battle of the Bands. We are happy to see them returning this year!
Saturday – 10:45AM on the Charm City Meadworks Stage
Maybe April
This female trio will bring their harmonies and country folk songs to Charm City!
Saturday – 11AM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Blue Train
Blue Train bring a traditional sound and will close out the night in the Tent Stage on Saturday!
Saturday – 6PM on the Charm City Meadworks Stage
Ultrafaux
This trio calls Baltimore their home and have been well received and they will treat us to their gypsy-jazz tunes!
Saturday – 12:30PM in the Charm City Meadworks Stage
Geraldine
These local musicians will start the show on Friday night! Their music is literally foot tapping. So, you will want to make sure to get there early Friday to catch this band!
Friday – 4PM on the 8×10 and Union Craft Brewing Stage
Wicked Sycamore
This year’s winner of the Charm City Bluegrass Festival Battle of the Bands will kick off the even on Saturday and you definitely want to get there early to hear this local female trio! However, if you miss their first set, you will have a chance to hear them again on the Tent Stage at 5pm!
Saturday – 10:30AM AND
Saturday – 5PM on the Charm City Meadworks Stage
Photos below copyright and courtesy of Shantel Mitchell Breen and Chris Gamber.
