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Best Upcoming Summer Concerts In Baltimore

Summer may be more than halfway through, but the music scene has just begun to heat up in Charm City. The months of July and August mark several visits from an eclectic mix of artists, both new and old. Whether residents prefer soulful serenades or hard, gritty head-bangers, concert venues in Baltimore will be hosting bands and musicians that embody all different sides of the genre.
Nightlife & Music Summer Concerts, Rams Head Live
Photo Credit: Rams Head Live via Facebook

Yellow Dubmarine and Psycho Killers
Rams Head Live!
20 Market Place
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 244-1131
www.ramsheadlive.com

Date: July 28, 2012 at 8 p.m.
Price: $15
Click here for tickets

Although more than 40 years have passed since The Beatles—arguably one of the most influential and revered music groups of the 20th century—officially disbanded, their fandom has not waned and new fans are still cultivated when introduced to their legendary sound. D.C.-based dub-reggae group, Yellow Dubmarine, will be celebrating The Beatles by infusing hits from the infamous Abbey Road with a flavorful reggae twist. Psycho Killers will also be performing and will aid in whetting the palate for nostalgia with tunes in tribute to The Talking Heads.

Related: Baltimore's Best Live Music Venues

Merriweather Post Pavilion
10475 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, Md. 21044
(410) 715-5550
www.merriweathermusic.com
Nightlife & Music Summer Concerts, Erykah Badu
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Summer Spirit Festival 2012
Date: Aug. 4, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.
Price: $44 to $125
Click here for tickets

For those looking to cool down with some smooth R&B beats, the Summer Spirit Festival 2012 offers audiences a slew of soulful performances from some of the most unique and influential artists in the industry. Slated to perform are: Common, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Chuck Brown, Estelle and Eric Roberson. The amount of talent packed in the lineup for the jazzy festival makes it a must-see event.

Nightlife & Music Summer Concerts, O.A.R
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images For Rock The Kasbah)

O.A.R.
Date: Aug. 10, 2012 at 7 p.m. Doors at 5:30 p.m.
Price: $35 to $45
Click here for tickets

Based out of Rockville, Md., rock band O.A.R. returns to the Merriweather Post Pavilion stage with songs from their seventh studio album, King. Although the album is new, the tracks are reminiscent of their humble beginning as a high school ensemble garnering a cult following by college students. Indeed, King breaks new ground while also paying homage to the band's start by guiding fans through their trajectory from garage band to climbing the Billboard 100, and the experiences the band members have gained along the way.

Nightlife & Music Summer Concerts, Jason Mraz
(Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Bing)

Jason Mraz
Date: Aug. 24, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m.
Price: $40 to $60
Click here for tickets

The "I'm Yours" singer became an international sensational when his 2008 album—his third studio effort—We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things peaked on the top 10 of many music charts worldwide. The romantic crooner masterfully blended blues, pop and reggae in his previous chart-topper and evokes the same soul in his heartfelt follow-up, Love Is A Four Letter Word, featuring the iTunes smash, "I Won't Give Up." Mraz will be joined by up-and-coming "Jar of Hearts" and "A Thousand Years" singer, Christina Perri.

Related: Best Live Blues And Music Venues In Baltimore

Nightlife & Music Summer Concerts, Jane's Addiction
(Photo by Jordan Strauss/Getty Images for Bethesda)

Jane's Addiction
The Lyric Opera House of Baltimore

140 West Mount Royal Avenue
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 900-1150
www.lyricoperahouse.com

Date: Aug. 14, 2012 at 8 p.m.
Price: $64.95
Click here for tickets

Formed in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1985, Jane's Addiction laid the foundation for the alternative rock movement that gained momentum throughout the 90s with other iconic bands, such as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam following in their footsteps. After a handful of decades and a few splits, Jane's Addiction remains as transfixing as when they were first established. Legendary Perry Farrell fronts the band with his haunting vocals that soar enigmatically with tones that combine poignant vulnerability and gravelly rasps; guitarist Dave Navarro smolders behind raven eyeliner while riffing on guitar with the dexterity of a true rock god; and Stephen Perkins' drum beats pulse underneath the performance as captivating as ever. Baltimore residents won't want to miss this epic rock event.

Nightlife & Music Summer Concerts, Recher Theatre
Photo Credit: Recher Theatre via Facebook

Sponge
Recher Theatre
512 York Road
Towson, Md. 21204
(410) 337-7178
www.rechertheatre.com

Date: Aug. 31, 2012 at 7 p.m.
Price: $16 to $18
Click here for tickets

If Baltimore residents still find themselves nostalgic for some 90s grunge, alternative rock band Sponge will be performing their 1994 debut album, Rotting Pinata, in its entirety at the Recher Theatre in Towson. Sponge gained international notoriety in the 1990s with their smash hits "Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain)" and "Plowed;" the band captivated audiences with their enigmatically alluring stage presence. Those attending may want to grab a drink or appetizer at the Recher Theatre's adjoining upscale space, the Towson Tavern. The swanky tavern took over the space formerly known as The Rec Room and features dishes from Executive Chef Daniel Henry.

Tracy Dye has always had an affinity toward writing and the arts. A fan of exploring all the hidden gems in Baltimore outside of her work and studies, Tracy is thrilled for the opportunity to bring residents all the latest on nightlife and music in the area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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