Baltimore, MD

Hippodrome Theatre at France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
DESCRIPTION: The Hippodrome Theatre first opened as a movie palace in 1914; with organ entertainment between movies, the Hippodrome enjoyed wide acclaim during the golden era of movies and survived as the last movie theatre Downtown until closing in 1990; fully restored and reopened in 2004, the Hippodrome seats 2248 patrons for concerts and touring Broadway performances and significant films of the last century, while M&T Bank Pavilion, also in the center, hosts special events in the 500-patron range; Hipp Cafe (410-539-7925) opens 2 hours before each performance and 1 1/2 hours before Sunday performances; Baltimore’s centerpiece for world-class stage performances and revitalizing the West Side on the University of Maryland Baltimore campus
BOX OFFICE: Mon-Sat 10a-5p
ADDRESS: 12 North Eutaw Street  MAP
PARKING: Baltimore Grand Garage at 5 North Paca Street
TRANSIT: Lexington Market Metro Station
PHONE: 410-752-7400
WEBSITE: http://www.france-merrickpac.com

Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
DESCRIPTION: Internationally acclaimed Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) offers a wide variety of classical, jazz, pops, and family concerts year-round, including a tour by the Lincoln Jazz Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; there's also a Soulful Symphony performance; the BSO made musical history in September 2007, when Maestra Marin Alsop led her inaugural concerts as the Orchestra's 12th music and first woman to head a major American orchestra.
BOX OFFICE: Mon-Sat 10a-6p; Sat-Sun Noon-5p
ADDRESS: 1212 Cathedral Street  MAP
PARKING: Cathedral Parking Garage at Preston and Cathedral for $11, Symphony Center Parking Garage at Cathedral and Mt. Royal for $11
TRANSIT: Cultural Center Metro Station on Howard Lightrail line
PHONE: 410-783-8100
WEBSITE: http://www.baltimoresymphony.org

Lyric Opera House
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1894, it is one of the nation’s finest acoustic opera houses; also hosts small Broadway plays and Jazz concerts; acoustical experts rank the Lyric as one of the best acoustical auditoriums in the world; because of its smaller size, it may well be superior to Metropolitan Opera House in New York; a superior website illustrates its seating
BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 10a-5p
ADDRESS: 140 West Mount Royal Ave  MAP
PARKING: Meyerhoff  Garage at the corner of Preston and Cathedral
TRANSIT: University of Baltimore/Mount Royal Light Rail Station; Penn Station is 2 blocks north as well
PHONE: 410-685-5086
WEBSITE: http://www.lyricoperahouse.com

CENTERSTAGE
DESCRIPTION:Launched in 1963, it became a leader in the regional theater movement to produce first-rate professional theater in communities across America; along with theaters like Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Arena Stage in Washington, and Alley Theatre in Houston, CENTERSTAGE changed the way Americans experience serious theater; today it features a very diverse range of dramatic material to appeal to all audiences
BOX OFFICE: Tue–Sun Noon–8p
ADDRESS: 700 North Calvert Street  MAP
PARKING: paid lots along Charles Street and at Chesapeake Center Garage
TRANSIT: University of Baltimore/Mount Royal Light Rail Station
PHONE: 410-986-4000
WEBSITE: http://www.centerstage.org

Pier Six Pavilion
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1981, the Pavilion has played host to some of the biggest names in entertainment from Rock to Jazz to R&B to Classical; the teflon-covered nylon roof is held down by cables on a concrete base with six masts that rise 70 feet; the structure also contains a box office, restrooms, merchandise store and concession areas for patrons
BOX OFFICE: Mon-Sat 10a-5p, on showdays until 10p
ADDRESS: 731 Eastern Ave  MAP
PARKING: Pier V Parking Garage at 711 East Pratt Street
TRANSIT: Shot Tower/Market Place Metro Station
PHONE: 410-547-7328
WEBSITE: http://www.piersixpavilion.com

Columbia, MD

Merriweather Post Pavilion
DESCRIPTION: Designed by Frank Gehry, known for defying architectural conventions, the amphitheatre least disturbs the natural topography of the site nestled within the 40 preserved acres known as Symphony Woods; its acoustics were considered by many in the industry to be the best among outdoor venues; since 1967, it has hosted a diverse range of events, including Jazz and Soul Music festivals
BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 10a-5:30p at the West Box Office
ADDRESS: 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway  MAP
PARKING: paid parking in the Main Parking Area
TRANSIT: none
PHONE: 410-715-5550
WEBSITE: http://www.merriweathermusic.com