Mark your calendar for WTMD’s First Thursdays—Baltimore’s biggest and best free music festival—presented by CFG Bank and the Maryland Energy Administration.
You’re not going to want to miss our August 7th show! We’re bringing together soulful powerhouses, raw Americana, and infectious indie-pop for an unforgettable night on the waterfront!
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Headliner: Oh He Dead
Our headliner will bring their brand of new soul just a short jaunt up I-95 to Canton Waterfront Park. Hailed by The Washington Post for their “infectious and soulful sound,” the D.C.-based five-piece, Oh He Dead has been capturing hearts nationwide with their heartfelt, funky, rock-infused sound.
Founded in 2015 by singer CJ Johnson and guitarist Andy Valenti, the close-knit crew is celebrated for putting on one heck of a live show, as “Johnson ‘maneuvers her powerful voice — a combination of Stevie Nicks and Tracy Chapman’ (Kojo Nnamdi) in rhythm with the band’s “sublime instrumentation” (NPR).
Oh He Dead’s music is deeply rooted in storytelling, with Johnson often drawing from personal experiences to craft lyrics that are both humorous and profoundly relatable.
“My favorite artists are still Sade, Kings of Leon, and Stevie Nicks,” says Oh He Dead frontwoman CJ Johnson. “Combined, they have the rasp, the sexiness, and the storytelling. That is what I aim to be myself: a raspy, sexy, storyteller.”
Prepare for an explosive performance! Their intimate yet electrifying live performances “are basically one big hug” (bighassle.com).
Second Act: Kashus Culpepper
Straight from Alexander City, Alabama, Kashus Culpepper has lived a million different lives. It’s no wonder his music doesn’t easily fit into one box. This 26-year-old former construction worker/firefighter/EMT/Navy veteran is a true student of Southern music—masterfully weaving together country, soul, blues, folk, and rock. His husky, freight-train growl carries self-penned stories that are as raw and real as they are haunting.
Culpepper first discovered his voice singing in church at age five, and later, during a Navy deployment in Spain, picked up a guitar, turning covers into his own unique, Delta-infused country sound.
With influences ranging from Stevie Wonder and Howlin’ Wolf to Chris Stapleton and Ray Lamontagne, Culpepper offers a sound that is both deeply familiar and strikingly original. Prepare to be moved by his powerful delivery and genuine artistry.
Local Opener: Plant Dad
Representing Baltimore’s thriving music scene, Plant Dad—the brainchild of singer-songwriter, composer, and arranger Ralph Bernabe.
His playful blend of 80’s electronic, alternative rock, and folk has made them a mainstay on the WTMD airwaves for a reason.
Joined by Jake Fine on drums, Jack Jahries on bass, Matt Hurd on guitar, and Noelle Acaso on keyboard, Plant Dad effortlessly blends indie and alternative rock, R&B, hip-hop, folk, and pop into a genre-defying sonic experience with upbeat rhythms, catchy hooks, and a palpable sense of joy.
Plant Dad aims to start a party with every song they perform… and you best believe they’re cranking it to 11 for First Thursdays!
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Dance the evening away on Baltimore’s scenic waterfront; enjoy delicious local fare from a variety of food and beverage vendors; and support over 100 local artisans, makers, and manufacturers. For more details, visit wtmd.org/firstthursdays.
There’s something for everyone at First Thursdays… it’s where community happens.
Mark your calendars! We’ll see you real soon, Baltimore!
First Thursdays are made possible in part by the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund and the Dan Tamburrino Memorial Fund.
Art by: Alex Fine (alexfine.com)
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