This Week: Lady Brion hosts Charm City Poetry Slam Finals, Constructed Memory MFAST closing reception at MICA, Nas performs live with the BSO, Vessels MICA Studio Art MFA group show at Sleepwalker Collective, T4T4T Festival at The Voxel, opening reception for Terrence Hannum at SPCE Gallery, Living Room community celebration at CCCC, closing reception for Rieko Chacey at Atrium Artspace, and Current hosts a fundraiser for Baltimore Beat — PLUS submit work for a juried exhibition at Julio Fine Arts and more featured opportunities!
BmoreArt’s Picks presents the best weekly art openings, events, and performances happening in Baltimore and surrounding areas. For a more comprehensive perspective, check the BmoreArt Calendar page, which includes ongoing exhibits and performances, and is updated on a daily basis.
To submit your calendar event, email us at events@bmoreart.com!
Charm City Slam Poetry Slam Competition Finals
Tuesday, July 22 :: 7pm
@ Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
What: Charm City Slam Finals (Baltimore’s biggest poetry slam)
Who: After a year of 108 poets competing we have selected the top 12 poets from around the country including several amazing poets from Baltimore will compete for the Grand Slam Title and $3,000 in prizes.
Featuring Rasheed Copeland and Ashlee Haze
This event is sponsored by Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.
When: July 22nd at 7pm
Where: Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 South Calvert St. Baltimore, MD 21201
Why: Baltimore is considered the greatest city in the country for spoken word. This event is one of the most acclaimed slams of 2025. Poets and audiences are coming from around the country to experience this event.
Detailed Information: Charm City Slam Season 3 Finals is the most exciting, intense poetry competition of the year. The winners of each month must now go head to head in a 3 round elimination bracket style competition to be this year’s Champion. This year’s finals includes multiple multi-time national poetry slam champions from all across the country including Baltimore.
Competing finalists include: Ephraim Nehemiah, Khalil Houston, Ayanna Florence, Ed Mabrey, Black Chakra, Jordan Bailey, Yex, Cyn, Steven Willis, Tru Kwene, Sheri Hall, Malpractice
Each of these poets are regional, national or international poetry slam champions.
Hosted by: Lady Brion-Poet Laureate of Maryland and executive director of Black Arts District.
“People from around the world are recognizing Baltimore as one of the greatest cities to enjoy poetry and it feels amazing.” Kenneth Something- Director of Programs of Black Arts District.
About Charm City Slam: Charm City Slam is a national poetry competition located in Baltimore City. Each month Poets from around the country travel to compete against the best in the world. 8-10 poets are selected monthly for head to head style two round slam with each month’s winner moving on to the finals for a chance to be the the Season’s Champion Charm City Slam’s mission is to support artists. Our staff is composed of local artists of different forms, mediums and respected fields. Charm City directly gives financial support to 20 artists and creatives each month.
Constructed Memory | Closing Reception
Wednesday, July 23 :: 5-7pm
@ MICA Riggs & Leidy Galleries
NAS: ILLMATIC LIVE with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Wednesday, July 23 :: 7:30pm
@ Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
GRAMMY award-winning Nas teams up with GRAMMY award-winning Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to deliver his revolutionary album, Illmatic.
Timeless poet and rhyme-master Nas, delivered his first full-length album Illmatic in 1994. Nas went on to release 14 subsequent albums, 8 of which are multi-platinum and platinum including: Nastradamus, Stillmatic, God’s Son, and Street’s Disciple.
Join us for a party on the patio! Enjoy a drink outside while getting delicious eats from Emmanella’s Cuisine, Glizzy’s Wagyu Dogs, and Soul Smoked BBQ. Grab a sweet treat from Applecore’s Bake Shoppe and CM. Pops before hitting the Snap Happy 360 Photobooth.
Read more of this week’s picks at BmoreArt.
