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"...One of Baltimore's best rock venues, Fletcher's lures both national and local acts into its cramped stage area. The first floor fits the standard bar and pool table model, but the main attraction is the live music upstairs." From editorial review by Steve Lichtenstein on Citysearch.com

"Reggae, rap, pop, blues...you name it, it is performed here. Located bang in the heart of Towson city, the theatre attracts crowds that sway to the numbers belted out by well-known groups. Its proximity to many shops, restaurants, a mall and a movie theatre make this a veritable entertainment hotspot. A capacity for 700 may not seem like much, until it is full. Full service bars and a kitchen serving Maryland's best half-pound burger keep fans rocking. If contemporary music is your passion, this is the place to hit." Review from Yahoo

"Otto the cat no longer roams the bar and concert spot that bears his name -- he's home, retired. But that's a small trade-off for the expanded space that holds the Ottobar near Johns Hopkins University. The bar was renovated recently to accommodate its growing audience and bigger bands. The scruffy, casual venue provides a wide range of music -- mainly indie or punk rock, but also hip-hop, folk and electronic. The downstairs area holds a stage and scuffed dance floor dappled by ceiling-mounted strings of lights and a disco ball. On a typical night, a DJ bobs to the music emanating from his equipment, while a young crowd in T-shirts and baseball caps watches from the floor and mezzanine. In the back, a bar, old video games and pool tables entertain those keeping an ear cocked to the music. Upstairs, a jukebox, second bar, pool tables and motley collection of couches and chairs provide a respite for those who need a breather from the show. Works by local artists decorate the walls. While the main bands play downstairs (about 80-100 bands a month), occasional performers, including jazz musicians, perform upstairs. The downstairs level is open to those 18 and older; the upstairs is open to those 21 and older." Review by Tracy Vogel (from AOL city guide)

"Mick O'Shea's is the kind of place where pouring the perfect pint is considered an art form. But that's to be expected of a place with nine beers on tap -- ranging from Guinness to Yuengling to the local Resurrection Ale -- plus an Irish cider. Dark paneling inset with family crests with names like O'Hara, Moran and Duffy, and exposed brick, keep the large open space feeling intimate. A stage right where the front room meets the back gives everyone a view of the act. Off to the side, a small room with low rough beams and a Celtic mural is the place to have a conversation. The menu is upscale tavern food with a British Isle emphasis. So yes, you'll find fish and chips, shepherds pie, corned beef and cabbage and bangers and mash (Irish sausage with potatoes and a whiskey mustard). But for a taste of what's on this side of the Atlantic there's a Porterhouse steak, chicken marsala and St. Louis ribs. While beer and food are important -- let's face it -- it's the music that makes O'Shea's stand out in the Irish pub crowd. Rocking acts like The Young Dubliners and Black 47 play here when they're in Charm City. And, of course, His Honor's Celtic rock band O'Malley's March are well acquainted with O'Shea's little stage. But it's not all rock 'n' roll; on many nights you'll find more traditional Irish music. And on open mike nights, who knows what you'll find?" Review and Photo by Laureen Miles Brunelli (AOL City Guide)

A huge selection of new and used CDs and DVDs, an inviting atmosphere, and we're open late seven days a week, it's no wonder our store has been chosen Baltimore's Best 10 years running. rnrnThe Sound Garden opened in 1993 and quickly established itself as Baltimore's best independent record store. Located in historic Fells Point, the Sound Garden carries an immense and eclectic selection of music in all genres.rnrnWhat makes us different from other record stores is the breadth and depth of our selection. We stock thousands of new and used CDs and DVDs. In addition to stocking hot new releases, we carry a variety of imports, obscure and rare titles, and releases from smaller independent labels. And all of which are at ridiculously low prices! We also sell new vinyl, posters, t-shirts, and stickers. rnIf you're looking for something that we don't carry, we'll be glad to order it for you. Special orders can be placed at no additional cost to you and usually arrive within a week. We also invite you to listen to nearly any title in the store before you buy it.rnrnWe buy back your old CDs and DVDs as well, and we will pay you top dollar for them! Come and find out why we've won numerous accolades including "Best CD Store" from Baltimore Magazine and from the City Paper.rn rn- from The Sound Garden website (cdjoint.com)

"An Die Musik is a specialty music store featuring Classical, Opera, Jazz and World Music. The second floor, An Die Musik LIVE!, provides an intimate setting for acts of these genres." - from baltimorefunguide.com

Baltimore's Two if by Sea has been at the forefront of the Charm City's burgeoning rock scene for nearly five years now, winning favorable comparisons to groups like Editors, Franz Ferdinand, and Interpol for their dark and heady brand of angular post-punk. On Safety, Two if by Sea sound off, exploring the juxtaposition of post-adolescent life in Baltimore City. Vocalist/Guitarist Cris Cowan dramatically croons lyrics of abstraction, restlessness, and desperation against a backdrop of stunning guitar interplay and taut rhythms. String arrangements replace the synth sounds of old, further encapsulating the atmosphere and air of the City.