Caleb Stine and Saleem's song "Baltimore" gets a new visual verse this month as Amtrak and MARC Train commuters at Penn Station, 1515 North Charles Street, will be greeted by a mural inspired by the song in the building's main entrance.
The artwork, created as part of a collaboration between students at Maryland Institute College of Art and the University of Baltimore, depicts elements of Saleem's "city of dreams" in four striking panels.
An official opening and reception will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 4th at Penn Station. And the mural will stay up through March 31st.
This is the latest chapter in a collaboration that started in the summer of 2008 when WTMD's Baltimore Unsigned introduced Caleb Stine, a country folk-rocker, to Saleem, a hip-hop artist, and challenged the songwriters to create four songs in six weeks.
The duo debuted their material, including "Baltimore," at the 8 x 10 in July 2008 and announced plans to record a studio album. The result, Outgrown These Walls, received critical acclaim.
And "Baltimore" has inspired more than a few educators to use the song as a starting point for lesson plans. Here's Saleem performing in May 2009 at Cherry Hill Elementary.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Mystery Artists Revealed
You may have heard a little promo leading up to our March fund drive talking about how WTMD brings you closer to the artists you care about and want to get to know.
The spot had clips of some live music and interviews made here in the TMD studios with artists we did not identify.
So, if you happen to be playing along, here’s the big reveal!
Check out the featured artists below and remember that you make moments like this happen!
Become a new or renewing member today!
Rusted Root
Morning Sessions Air Date: November 6, 2009
The Pittsburgh-based band became a critical and commercial success with its 1994 album, When I Woke, featuring the alternative hits “Ecstasy” and “Send Me on My Way.” Last fall the band released Stereo Rodeo, its first studio album in seven years. Here they are warming up in our studios!
Lead vocalist Michael Glabicki described his songwriting process with the musical collective. “Traditionally, it’s based off the acoustic guitar—the guitar rhythm and the overtones of the guitar," he said. "I kind-of get inside that world … I scat the melodies and formulate those into words later. Then I bring the song to the band, and everybody puts their ideas into it. Then they start to feed into each other, and it turns into something different at that point.”
Eric Lindell
Morning Sessions Air Date: January 29, 2010
The New Orleans native serves up a hybrid of funk, reggae and Americana with a blues backbone. The Baltimore area is a regular stop on his endless touring, but he's still discovering incredible new venues to play.
He recounted how he wound up performing at Club 66 in Edgewood: "[The owners] followed me around for a couple of years, and said, ‘You gotta play our club!’ . . . . After a couple of years of seeing these guys at shows and [hearing] their enthusiasm, I finally get to their club. It’s one of the coolest places I’ve probably played. It’s like an old Elk’s Lodge out in the middle of the country. It’s got a big brick fireplace [and] a BYOB situation. It’s great!"
Fanfarlo
Morning Sessions Air Date: February 12, 2010
The London-based band's debut, Reservoir, was featured as WTMD's CD of the Month in January and they deliver a charming blend of orchestral-flavored art rock with a literary flair. And their live shows enjoy a little more homespun flair.
“We take our own sort-of bunting with flags and lighting," said bassist Justin Finch. "And the first thing we do when we get to a venue is set up, decorate and make it our own. And yeah, we’re into our own dust bowl carnival sort-of thing.”
The spot had clips of some live music and interviews made here in the TMD studios with artists we did not identify.
So, if you happen to be playing along, here’s the big reveal!
Check out the featured artists below and remember that you make moments like this happen!
Become a new or renewing member today!
Rusted Root
Morning Sessions Air Date: November 6, 2009
The Pittsburgh-based band became a critical and commercial success with its 1994 album, When I Woke, featuring the alternative hits “Ecstasy” and “Send Me on My Way.” Last fall the band released Stereo Rodeo, its first studio album in seven years. Here they are warming up in our studios!
Lead vocalist Michael Glabicki described his songwriting process with the musical collective. “Traditionally, it’s based off the acoustic guitar—the guitar rhythm and the overtones of the guitar," he said. "I kind-of get inside that world … I scat the melodies and formulate those into words later. Then I bring the song to the band, and everybody puts their ideas into it. Then they start to feed into each other, and it turns into something different at that point.”
Eric Lindell
Morning Sessions Air Date: January 29, 2010
The New Orleans native serves up a hybrid of funk, reggae and Americana with a blues backbone. The Baltimore area is a regular stop on his endless touring, but he's still discovering incredible new venues to play.
He recounted how he wound up performing at Club 66 in Edgewood: "[The owners] followed me around for a couple of years, and said, ‘You gotta play our club!’ . . . . After a couple of years of seeing these guys at shows and [hearing] their enthusiasm, I finally get to their club. It’s one of the coolest places I’ve probably played. It’s like an old Elk’s Lodge out in the middle of the country. It’s got a big brick fireplace [and] a BYOB situation. It’s great!"
Fanfarlo
Morning Sessions Air Date: February 12, 2010
The London-based band's debut, Reservoir, was featured as WTMD's CD of the Month in January and they deliver a charming blend of orchestral-flavored art rock with a literary flair. And their live shows enjoy a little more homespun flair.
“We take our own sort-of bunting with flags and lighting," said bassist Justin Finch. "And the first thing we do when we get to a venue is set up, decorate and make it our own. And yeah, we’re into our own dust bowl carnival sort-of thing.”
Thursday, February 18, 2010
All Good Festival Lineup
Tickets for the the 12th annual All Good Festival go on sale at noon tomorrow. Prices start at $129 and go up to $399 for a VIP pass.
This year's jam-packed spectacular will be headlined by Furthur, featuring Bob Weir and Phil Lesh. Widespread Panic, Parliament/Funkadelic, Dark Star Orchestra, Umphrey's McGee, Lotus and The Yonder Mountain String Band are also on the bill.
Here are some pictures from last year's festival to get you in the mood. Don't forget your Patchouli.
This year's jam-packed spectacular will be headlined by Furthur, featuring Bob Weir and Phil Lesh. Widespread Panic, Parliament/Funkadelic, Dark Star Orchestra, Umphrey's McGee, Lotus and The Yonder Mountain String Band are also on the bill.
Here are some pictures from last year's festival to get you in the mood. Don't forget your Patchouli.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Keepin Up with The Jonsi's
It's hard not to get lost in the other world that is Sigur Ros. Unfortunately, the ethereal Icelandic band with the made-up language, scrapped upcoming plans for 2010 because some of the members are becoming fathers and want to enjoy time with their youngsters. Can't blame 'em!
So, while Sigur Ros is on hiatus, we can pencil in the year to enjoy the solo project of it's falsetto'd singer/guitarist, Jonsi.
Go is coming out April 5th. I played the first single from it, "Go Do" this morning. The melody explodes into this songbird-like fantasy world that only Jonsi could inhabit. As usual, it's quite magical.
Enjoy this free download of "Boy Lilikoi"
Boy Lilikoi by Jónsi
and check out this video for "Go Do"
So, while Sigur Ros is on hiatus, we can pencil in the year to enjoy the solo project of it's falsetto'd singer/guitarist, Jonsi.
Go is coming out April 5th. I played the first single from it, "Go Do" this morning. The melody explodes into this songbird-like fantasy world that only Jonsi could inhabit. As usual, it's quite magical.
Enjoy this free download of "Boy Lilikoi"
Boy Lilikoi by Jónsi
and check out this video for "Go Do"
Jónsi - Go Do from Jónsi on Vimeo.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Tony Sica Passes
We're sorry to inform our listeners that Tony Sica, the original host of Detour has passed away. We'll have more details later, but for now we would like to direct you the Uptown Concerts web site run by Tony's wife Joyce.
Please join theWTMD staff in thinking loving thoughts for Tony, Joyce and their family.
Please join theWTMD staff in thinking loving thoughts for Tony, Joyce and their family.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
OFFICIAL BONNAROO 2010 LINE-UP
So far:
Dr. Dog, Japandroids, Tokyo Police Club, Kid Cudi, Jimmy Cliff, She & Him, GWAR, Thievery Corporation, Punch Brothers, Jay-z, Monte Montgomery, Ok Go, Bassnectar, Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers, Wale, Mayer Hawthorne and The County, Regina Spektor, The xx, Phoenix, Ingrid Michaelson, Cross Canadian Ragweed, John Fogerty, Medeski Martin and Wood, Weezer, The Flaming Lips with stardeath and White Dwarfs perform "Dark Side of the Moon", The Avett Brothers... More to come...
Dr. Dog, Japandroids, Tokyo Police Club, Kid Cudi, Jimmy Cliff, She & Him, GWAR, Thievery Corporation, Punch Brothers, Jay-z, Monte Montgomery, Ok Go, Bassnectar, Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers, Wale, Mayer Hawthorne and The County, Regina Spektor, The xx, Phoenix, Ingrid Michaelson, Cross Canadian Ragweed, John Fogerty, Medeski Martin and Wood, Weezer, The Flaming Lips with stardeath and White Dwarfs perform "Dark Side of the Moon", The Avett Brothers... More to come...
Bonnaroo Flyer???
Could this be it??? Supposedly this flier has leaked.. Or is it just someone's wishlist done with photoshop?? Stay tuned to www.Bonnaroo.com. The artists are in charge of making the announcements this year. That's right, The festival artists are using their own social networking sites to announce that they will appear at this years festival. Check your favorite bands myspace, facebook, or twitter to see if they have made an announcement!!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
WTMD Listener Donations to Haiti Rescue Response Fund Exceed $15,000
Thanks to everyone who donated to Doctors Without Borders through our online pledge form and phone lines on Tuesday.
Listener contributions exceeded $15,000 and will make a dramatic difference in the lives of people affected by this devastating natural disaster.
Throughout the drive, we spoke with a few individuals with first-hand experience with the crisis and relief effort. Click on each person's name below to hear the complete interview.
Listener contributions exceeded $15,000 and will make a dramatic difference in the lives of people affected by this devastating natural disaster.
Throughout the drive, we spoke with a few individuals with first-hand experience with the crisis and relief effort. Click on each person's name below to hear the complete interview.
- Alec Bersch, Towson University student volunteering in Haiti as part of Hearts with Haiti
- Bob Little, Baltimore Sun reporter on the USNS Comfort.
- John Rivera, Director of Communication, Catholic Relief Services
- Lowell Melser, WBAL reporter on the USNS Comfort.
- Sabri Ben-Achour, WAMU correspondent on the USNS Comfort.
Franz Nicolay leaves The Hold Steady
Hold Steady keyboardist Franz Nicolay has left the band. He announced his departure on his website this morning.
"Five years sounded like a nice round number," he said. "Thanks to everyone that was a part of the experience."
Nicolay's melodic keyboard lines were a key part of The Hold Steady's sound, providing a counterpoint to Tad Kubler's Thin Lizzy-inspired guitar riffs. His energetic stage presence and fantastic mustache were also major elements to the Hold Steady live experience.
It is unknown where The Hold Steady will go from here, but take solice in the fact that they'll probably reunite with Franz for Coachella 2020.
"Five years sounded like a nice round number," he said. "Thanks to everyone that was a part of the experience."
Nicolay's melodic keyboard lines were a key part of The Hold Steady's sound, providing a counterpoint to Tad Kubler's Thin Lizzy-inspired guitar riffs. His energetic stage presence and fantastic mustache were also major elements to the Hold Steady live experience.
It is unknown where The Hold Steady will go from here, but take solice in the fact that they'll probably reunite with Franz for Coachella 2020.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Coachella lineup announced
The 10th annual Coachella Music and Arts Festival will take place on April 16-18 in Indio CA. Jay-Z, Muse and Gorillaz are headlining, along with performances from Them Crooked Vultures, LCD Soundsystem, Faith No More, Tiesto, Pavement, Thom Yorke, Vampire Weekend, Public Image LTD and Sly and the Family Stone.
Tickets go on sale Friday. Three day passes are $269.
You can see the full lineup here.
Tickets go on sale Friday. Three day passes are $269.
You can see the full lineup here.
Hearts with Haiti Photos
Alec Bersch a Towson University student affiliated with Hearts with Haiti spoke with us today to describe the situation in Port-au-Prince. Bersch also shared some of his photos.
Hearts with Haiti, whose primary mission is to support the vision and ministry of the St. Joseph Family in Haiti, lost one building and suffered severe damage to another.
To help the St. Joseph's Family rebuild, please consider making a donation at http://www.heartswithhaiti.org.
All photos copyright Alex Bersch, 2009.
All photos copyright Alex Bersch, 2009.
 The remains of a burnt body in Petionville. |
 A collapsed home in Port-au-Prince. |
 A neighborhood of people cling together. The sign reads, "We Need Help..." |
 The exterior of St. Joseph's Arts Center |
 Rubble strewn across the floor of the Arts Center. |
 A hole in the exterior wall of the building. |
 Debris in the Alley. |
Of Montreal opens for Of Montreal....kinda
Athens art rockers Of Montreal are playing Rams Head Live later this month with opening act James Husband. If the name sounds vaguely familiar, it's because Husband is the stage name of Of Montreal multi-instrumentalist Jamey Huggens.
This sounds indulgent, but it actually makes a lot of sense and here is why:
This sounds indulgent, but it actually makes a lot of sense and here is why:
- Instant Audience: Instead of having to win over a hostile crowd, Husband gets to play to a crowd of people that already adore him.
- Cost: Having the opener in the headlining band saves a lot of overhead.
- Living out the Rock n' Roll Fantasy: As you can see from this video, Husband wants to be the indie rock Robert Palmer. That's simply irresistable.
WTMD Asks You to Support Doctors Without Borders
Over the past few days we've seen the untold devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti. Americans have responded generously, and today we’d like to ask you to make a contribution to Doctors Without Borders' Haiti Rescue Response Fund.
Doctors Without Borders is committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. They recruit and place qualified medical personnel in countries where the need for medical attention is great.
Their teams are working to provide surgery and basic care to as many patients in Haiti as possible, but the need continues to outstrip available resources.
WTMD listeners understand music can change the world; today we need more than music. We need you to support Doctors Without Borders.
Tune in all day Tuesday as we feature music and stories from Haiti and the Caribbean. And learn more about Doctors Without Borders at wtmd.org.
Sincerely,
Stephen Yasko
General Manager
Doctors Without Borders is committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. They recruit and place qualified medical personnel in countries where the need for medical attention is great.
Their teams are working to provide surgery and basic care to as many patients in Haiti as possible, but the need continues to outstrip available resources.
WTMD listeners understand music can change the world; today we need more than music. We need you to support Doctors Without Borders.
Tune in all day Tuesday as we feature music and stories from Haiti and the Caribbean. And learn more about Doctors Without Borders at wtmd.org.
Sincerely,
Stephen Yasko
General Manager
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