Music on the Square Concert Series Returns for 2025–26 Season

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Music on the Square is a concert series held at Church on the Square in the heart of Canton in Baltimore, MD. The 2025-2026 “Baltimore Roots Music” series will feature an array of the area’s finest musicians. Each artist is deeply rooted in one of the many musical traditions alive here in Baltimore and beyond. Come on select Fridays of the months October-May (with one Thursday in October, another Thursday in November, and one Saturday in February) to connect with your city and your musical community. 

Season Pass: $180
Grab a season pass and you’ll get into every concert, pick your seats first, save a few bucks, and get a friendly shoutout from the stage at every concert.

2025–26 Lineup:

  • Thursday, Oct 2: Ray Winder
    A force in the city’s music scene, Ray Winder is a saxophonist, flutist, vocalist, and composer blending jazz, R&B, rock, and soul into a sound she calls “Dream Grudge.” Her performances are known for their cinematic and expressive qualities.

  • Thursday, Nov 13: Geraldine + Rachel May & Danielle Williams
    Geraldine is a Baltimore-based band known for their energetic performances and blend of bluegrass, folk, and Americana. Rachel May & Danielle Williams bring a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music, offering rich harmonies and engaging storytelling.

  • Friday, Dec 12: From China to Appalachia: Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian
Two-time GRAMMY<sup>®</sup> Award winners Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer join forces with renowned Chinese hammered dulcimer (yangqin) player Chao Tian for an extraordinary fusion of Appalachian and Chinese musical traditions.

  • Friday, Jan 9: Madisun Bailey
    Madisun Bailey is a rising star in the Baltimore music scene, known for her soulful voice and dynamic performances that blend elements of folk, rock, and blues.

  • Saturday, Feb 7: Across The Harbor
    A special performance featuring a collective of Baltimore’s finest roots musicians, celebrating the rich musical heritage of the city. The lineup includes artists such as Letitia VanSant, Caleb Stine, and members of Charm City Junction.

  • Friday, Mar 13: Rakish
    Rakish is a band that fuses elements of bluegrass, folk, and Celtic music, delivering high-energy performances and intricate musicianship.

  • Friday, Apr 10: Caleb Stine + Spectator Bird
    Caleb Stine is a singer-songwriter known for his poignant lyrics and Americana sound. Spectator Bird brings a blend of folk and rock, offering melodic tunes and thoughtful compositions.

  • Friday, May 8: Songwriters in the Round hosted by Letitia VanSant
    A collaborative evening featuring local songwriters sharing their original works in an intimate setting, hosted by Letitia VanSant, a well-respected figure in the Baltimore music community.


Q&A with Alex Lacquement, Curator of Music on the Square:

What inspired you to start Music on the Square?
I wanted to create a space where the community could come together to enjoy live music in a beautiful, intimate setting. Church on the Square offers the perfect acoustics and ambiance for such an experience.

We’re happy  the concert series is hosted in Canton. Why did you pick our neighborhood?
The Canton neighborhood picked me! I once ran a dance event in the church for the Baltimore Honky Tonk, which is another once a monthly social dance series I run. After that Jim Hamilton, one of the pastors at Church on the Square, asked me to take on programming the Music on Square history back in 2019. I said yes and six years later I’m still loving presenting music in this wonderfully resonant space in the heart of Canton.

How do you select the performers and types of music for the series?
I prioritize artists who are deeply rooted in Baltimore's musical traditions, ensuring a lineup that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of our city.

What do you hope neighbors take away from attending these events?
 I hope attendees leave feeling connected to their community and inspired by the talent and stories shared through music.

Are there opportunities for community members to participate, either on stage or behind the scenes?
Absolutely! We encourage local musicians to get involved, whether by performing or volunteering to help with event logistics.

How do you see Music on the Square growing in the future?
I envision expanding the series to include more genres and artists, fostering a broader appreciation for the diverse musical landscape of Baltimore.

Baltimore-based bassist Alex Lacquement blends jazz, bluegrass, old-time, and singer-songwriter music with a dazzling, lyrical style. He performs across North America with groups like Charm City Junction and artists including Natalie Merchant and Tom Paxton, and has appeared at The Kennedy Center, Le Poisson Rouge, DelFest, and more. An educator and composer, Alex focuses on community-based music and dance, and curates Baltimore’s Music on the Square and Baltimore Honky Tonk events. Contact: lacquead@gmail.com | www.alexlacquement.com

Don’t miss the kickoff Music on the Square concert with Ray Winder on October 2nd. Whether you come for one show or grab a season pass for all the concerts, Music on the Square is a great way to meet neighbors, enjoy incredible local talent, and support Baltimore’s music scene.

For details and tickets, visit Music on the Square. Kids 12 and under always get in free.