WTMD's First Thursday Festival - July 9, 2026
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📢 JULY FIRST THURSDAY LINEUP DROP 📢
WTMD returns to Canton Waterfront Park on July 9 for First Thursdays, presented by CFG Bank.
🎸 Get ready for an incredible night of live music! We are bringing three massive talents to one stage for a night you won't want to miss, featuring:
• Ratboys: With a sold-out 9:30 Club debut, a headlining tour, and a critically acclaimed sixth studio album under their belt, this alt-country ensemble is undeniably one of indie music’s brightest rising stars.
After 15 years of playing together, the Chicago-based quartet released their sixth studio album, Singin’ to an Empty Chair, in February. The achingly honest record quickly received critical acclaim, earning a whopping 8.4 out of 10 album score from Pitchfork. SPIN has named them “band of the moment,” and their two singles, “Anywhere” and "Penny in the Lake" have consistently made the Top Spins of the Week on WTMD’S airwaves. We’re thrilled to bring them to First Thursdays.
• The Fitzkee Brothers: Post Malone called them "the mini f-cking Allman Brothers." George Porter Jr. said, “They’re comin’ for ya!” Brothers Drew and Alex are the brains behind this explosive duo out of Lewes, DE, that will quite simply blow your socks off.
Formed in 2018, The Fitzkee Brothers’ sound has matured and evolved over the years from an "in your face" punk rock to a soulful brand of rock & roll. Their high-energy, highly improvisational performances blend classic rock spirit and old-school funk with a modern jam band edge.
The Fitzkee Brothers perform regularly at Official Allman Betts Family Revival alongside Vaylor and Melody Trucks, Duane Betts, Devon Allman, Larry McCray, and other members of the Revival Family. They’ve also had the privilege of sharing the stage with many great musicians, including Robert Randolph, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, Oteil Burbridge, Luther Dickinson, Bobby Lee Rodgers, Junior Mack, Melvin Seals, Ron Holloway, and Joe Marcinek. Catch them locally while you still can!
• Blessing Jolie: Out of Houston, TX, this singer/songwriter is a rising storyteller with the voice, presence, and pen that meet the moment head-on. Her influences are as eclectic as her emotional range–from Shawn Mendes to Destiny's Child–and you can hear that wide-open appetite in the way she blurs borders between folk intimacy, R&B soul, and pop-punk punch without ever losing the thread of sincerity.
Back in March, she released her debut album 20nothing, which explores themes of heartbreak, self-discovery and moving away from old versions of yourself as one moves through one’s twenties. A subject we can (almost all) relate to.
Laced with biting sarcasm and a tongue-in-cheek sense of empowerment, her lead single ‘20teens’ channels Jolie’s signature vocal delivery—fierce, playful, and effortlessly cool. It’s a gritty declaration of independence that nods to icons like Tracy Chapman, Alanis Morissette, and SZA while carving out a space all its own.
Dance the night away and admire the sunset along Baltimore’s scenic waterfront.
Enjoy delicious local fare and flavor from 100+ food and beverage vendors.
Support local artisans, makers, and manufacturers.
This show has it all. Grab your crew and get ready to rock! 💥
📍 Where: Canton Waterfront Park
📅 When: Thursday, July 9 | Gates open at 5:30. Music goes from 6 – 10 PM
🎟️ Admission: FREE! (Thanks to member support. Become one now: wtmd.org/donate)
Illustration by local artist: Emilee Beeson | emileebeeson.com/
WTMD's First Thursdays are presented by The CFG Bank and Baltimore Public Media.
WTMD returns to Canton Waterfront Park on July 9 for First Thursdays, presented by CFG Bank.
🎸 Get ready for an incredible night of live music! We are bringing three massive talents to one stage for a night you won't want to miss, featuring:
• Ratboys: With a sold-out 9:30 Club debut, a headlining tour, and a critically acclaimed sixth studio album under their belt, this alt-country ensemble is undeniably one of indie music’s brightest rising stars.
After 15 years of playing together, the Chicago-based quartet released their sixth studio album, Singin’ to an Empty Chair, in February. The achingly honest record quickly received critical acclaim, earning a whopping 8.4 out of 10 album score from Pitchfork. SPIN has named them “band of the moment,” and their two singles, “Anywhere” and "Penny in the Lake" have consistently made the Top Spins of the Week on WTMD’S airwaves. We’re thrilled to bring them to First Thursdays.
• The Fitzkee Brothers: Post Malone called them "the mini f-cking Allman Brothers." George Porter Jr. said, “They’re comin’ for ya!” Brothers Drew and Alex are the brains behind this explosive duo out of Lewes, DE, that will quite simply blow your socks off.
Formed in 2018, The Fitzkee Brothers’ sound has matured and evolved over the years from an "in your face" punk rock to a soulful brand of rock & roll. Their high-energy, highly improvisational performances blend classic rock spirit and old-school funk with a modern jam band edge.
The Fitzkee Brothers perform regularly at Official Allman Betts Family Revival alongside Vaylor and Melody Trucks, Duane Betts, Devon Allman, Larry McCray, and other members of the Revival Family. They’ve also had the privilege of sharing the stage with many great musicians, including Robert Randolph, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, Oteil Burbridge, Luther Dickinson, Bobby Lee Rodgers, Junior Mack, Melvin Seals, Ron Holloway, and Joe Marcinek. Catch them locally while you still can!
• Blessing Jolie: Out of Houston, TX, this singer/songwriter is a rising storyteller with the voice, presence, and pen that meet the moment head-on. Her influences are as eclectic as her emotional range–from Shawn Mendes to Destiny's Child–and you can hear that wide-open appetite in the way she blurs borders between folk intimacy, R&B soul, and pop-punk punch without ever losing the thread of sincerity.
Back in March, she released her debut album 20nothing, which explores themes of heartbreak, self-discovery and moving away from old versions of yourself as one moves through one’s twenties. A subject we can (almost all) relate to.
Laced with biting sarcasm and a tongue-in-cheek sense of empowerment, her lead single ‘20teens’ channels Jolie’s signature vocal delivery—fierce, playful, and effortlessly cool. It’s a gritty declaration of independence that nods to icons like Tracy Chapman, Alanis Morissette, and SZA while carving out a space all its own.
Dance the night away and admire the sunset along Baltimore’s scenic waterfront.
Enjoy delicious local fare and flavor from 100+ food and beverage vendors.
Support local artisans, makers, and manufacturers.
This show has it all. Grab your crew and get ready to rock! 💥
📍 Where: Canton Waterfront Park
📅 When: Thursday, July 9 | Gates open at 5:30. Music goes from 6 – 10 PM
🎟️ Admission: FREE! (Thanks to member support. Become one now: wtmd.org/donate)
Illustration by local artist: Emilee Beeson | emileebeeson.com/
WTMD's First Thursdays are presented by The CFG Bank and Baltimore Public Media.
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Where is it happening?
Canton Waterfront Park, Korean War Memorial, 2903 Boston St, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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