What can I say about 2024? Well, as it turned out, quite a lot. Over the past year I’ve seen over 80 shows and photographed well over 200 bands. As I’ve gotten older I think my musical interests have expanded, and the breadth of the artists I’ve covered over the past year mirror those tastes. 

Below I’ve put together just ten of the dozens of shows I’ve seen that held a special place for me this year. The Summer of 2024 really packed it in with amazing shows, but there was one week in particular that stood out. 

1 – KEANE @ The Anthem — 9/26/24 

I’ve been wanting to see KEANE for a very long time, and that might be an understatement, but seeing them at a sold-out Anthem in the Fall exceeded all expectations. 

2 – Alejandro Escovedo @ Club 603 — 4/9/24

My favorite place to see live music has been hosting amazing artists in Baltimore for the past ten years, Club 603 continues to amaze me with the kind of performances I couldn’t see anywhere else. One of my favorite shows of the year was the one and only Alejandro Escovedo performing with his full band in Scott and Jean’s living room.

3 – Julien Baker @ The Atlantis — 9/27/24

I’d seen Julien Baker before, both solo and as part of boygenius, but having the chance to see the singer-songwriter in a smaller sized club, completely packed, was incredible. And if that wasn’t enough, she was joined by local hero Bartees Strange for an unforgettable night. 

4 – New Kids On The Block @ Merriweather Post Pavilion — 8/16/24

Okay, so this one was the first I thought of when I was putting together this list. Not only did the afternoon start with a fantastic set by DJ Jazzy Jeff, it was followed by a great set by legend, Paula Abdul, and was followed by one of those rare shows you wish could go on forever. Jonathan, Jordan, Joey, Donnie, and Danny started things off with a bang and then proceeded to go through the crowd to perform throughout the venue, giving fans a up close and personal performance that made the night special. 

5 – Black Pumas @ Wolf Trap — 7/28/24

I had last seen Black Pumas way back at the WTMD First Thursdays Festival years ago, but that performance was always in the back of my mind. So having the chance to see them again at the beautiful Wolf Trap was a no-brainer. And the show they put on was amazing, with Eric Burton going out into the crowd several times during the night, singing and dancing along with the crowd. 

6 – Stevie Wonder @ CFG Bank Arena — 10/15/24

Having not only the opportunity to catch the legendary Stevie Wonder in my hometown, but then seeing the artist introduced by Barack and Michelle Obama is one of my favorite memories of 2024. And then for him to bring on the Morgan State University Choir for several numbers along with a full band along with strings and horns was one of the best live experiences.

7 – Black Country New Road @ Baltimore Soundstage — 4/26/24

The British band, Black Country, New Road has gone through a lot in the last couple of years, and in their first headlining show in Baltimore they brought what could be described as a magical performance that kept the crowd rapt. 

8 – The Hold Steady @ 9:30 Club — 6/21/24 

If there is a hall of fame for the best live bands, The Hold Steady’s name would be engraved at the top. The energy that Craig Finn and company exude each time they set foot on a stage is immeasurable, and for a couple of nights at the 9:30 Club (with one at next door’s The Atlantis) they were the talk of the town. 

9 – Sebastian Bach @ Rams Head Live! — 5/19/24 

There are few artists that embody rock and roll like Sebastian Bach. The rocker brought a brilliant performance to Rams Head Live, and, for me, it was the perfect birthday show. 

10 – Clutch @ Rams Head Live! — 12/6/24

A very bittersweet show indeed as this was the last show at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, but it was certainly one of the most memorable with local legends Clutch taking the stage performing their 2004 album Blast Tyrant in full. The band also brought the brilliant Native Howl and Many Eyes to cap off twenty years of the rock venue. 

Okay, so I couldn’t leave this list without including…

11 – Pearl Jam @ CFG Bank Arena — 9/12/24 

It’s been a long while since the Seattle icons Pearl Jam came through Charm City, but they more than made up for it with a brilliant career-spanning show and one of my absolute favorites of the year.