Reisterstown Could Be a Concert Destination

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being a lifelong musician and writer, it’s that inspiration can come from anywhere at anytime. For this week’s column, my inspiration came from research I did for a story on Baltimore County school policy .

On the long list of activities that are considered high-risk by Baltimore County Public Schools were things like mud wrestling, tobogganing, hayrides and rollerblading. This list really runs the gamut. While “high-risk” may be applicable to things like hot air balloon rides, which is at the top of the list, there was one thing that stuck out: concerts.

While I understand schools don’t want community organizations bringing in gangster rappers or death metal bands, putting concerts on the list of high-risk activities obviously will not help the cause of local musicians.

This Rule 1300 business got me thinking about the local music scene in Reisterstown, or lack thereof. I’ve said it and so has columnist , Reisterstown produces a stunning number of good musicians. Unfortunately, many of my musical colleagues in Reisterstown and in the Baltimore area frequently dream of moving to California, New York or a “better music city.”

There’s nothing wrong with dreaming, except that Reisterstown could offer local players more outlets with the infrastructure it already has.

, which attracts an eclectic crowd each night, hosts karaoke, DJs and acoustic singer-songwriter types. There’s nothing wrong with any of these things. I mean no disrespect to the hardworking musicians who give bar-goers songs to sing along to; these guys are talented and work themselves to the bone doing what they do. But for the most part, they are “bar music,” background music for the patrons.

Bateman’s has an empty room next to the bar with a stage and a dance floor, both of which sit empty more often than not. The only things I’ve ever seen the room used for are karaoke and the occasional DJ, but DJs often set up in the bar area. Hey Bateman’s! Book some live music, some full bands. And don’t just book cover bands. Book original bands that will not only please regulars, but bring in more people. The room is far enough away from the bar that those who don’t want music drowning out their conversation could escape.

The next spot is on Main Street. I’ve got a lot of love for this place because my current band was born at jam sessions that took place upstairs at Micho’s, which has the perfect set up to be a great local venue. There was a time that Micho’s was beginning to realize its full potential as a venue, but those days are unfortunately gone.

There was a local musician who was booking and running shows three or four nights a week, and he was bringing in local legends and national acts. There were a lot of great jazz and R&B artists coming through the doors. A weekly jam session started last winter, and was run by Rockin’ in Reisterstown columnists Dave Cavalier and Carson Korman, my drummer and bassist, along with a good friend and great keyboardist, Blake Mobley.

Those jam sessions ended, along with the other shows that the booking manager was bringing in, when he broke away from Micho’s. The bar still has acoustic acts in the restaurant and at its downstairs back bar. When bands play upstairs, they book through Micho’s and have to bring all of their own equipment and self-promote. As a musician and Patch Editor, it’s frustrating that there isn’t a definitive Micho’s music calendar.

I’m not sure why the booking manager broke away from Micho’s, but he had turned that place into the venue it should be. There’s no reason that can’t happen again.

I must disclose that my band still plays at Micho’s, and will be playing there on Saturday, March 19. It’s where we made our debut and it’s a good central location since many of the band members are from Reisterstown and our singer is from Westminster. People who don’t like going downtown to see us because of parking and having to stand all night can come to Micho’s, park easily, and sit down while we play.

We have an advantage that we have a following there. A local band looking to get out might not want to just up and play there because they’d have to put the entire show on themselves, with little to no promotion from the bar.

And finally, on the grounds of is a top-notch concert stage. Here, Reisterstown could host outdoor concerts during warm weather. There’s plenty of space, so there’s no reason that national acts couldn’t come play with a little bit of homework and organization.

Reisterstown has the potential to be a town that supports, promotes and fosters live music. I hope the people who run the bars and operate the venues realize this before more musicians run off elsewhere.