As a reference for touring bands we are attempting to create a library of reviews of the venues we have played. Most of these venues are in and around the Baltimore area. We attempt to review the venues from the perspective of a performing band (sound, environment, staff, money situation, etc.) For more specific information CONTACT US

The Windup Space reviewed by Curtis Crispin
12 W. North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21201
http://www.thewindupspace.com/

Pros: Great sound. Great bar. Non-shady money situation. Fair bar tab.

Cons: Somewhat shady neighborhood/parking situation.

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Three words why we always have a good time at The Windup Space: Dune. Rock. Opera.  The guys from Bene Gesserit Witch keep inviting us to play at The Windup Space, and it’s that rare gig where we don’t have the most elaborate costumes of the night.

The Windup Space is at the high end of the non-dedicated music venues we’ve played at.  There isn’t any backstage area, but they do have a decent sized stage area and the venue itself is fairly large.  The PA and sound guy are solid (my personal experience has been good: he helped me kill the feedback on my acoustic bass) and the sound has been good for us and the other bands on the bill.

There’s always a good crowd, and while we’d like to take credit for that the real reason is The Windup Space itself and the heavy foot traffic in the Station North Arts District.  I know performers are going to have a hard time with this, but try to show up early.  Parking will fill up on North Avenue, so unless you want to park on the side streets under a blue light and lug your gear a few blocks, get there at the earliest time for load-in.  Then go get a pizza at Joe Squared or some New York Fried Chicken and have a couple beers back at The Windup Space.

I rate the band-booze situation as above-average.  They do a ticket scheme, I think 2-3 per member (we always seem to end up with more than enough), good for imports as well as swill.  At venues that do drink tickets, Nikc will frequently offer his up to the first person who buys merch, or sometime just give them away, which makes a nice (although honestly not always effective) promotional tool.