Creative Alliance staff came together in mid-March of 2020 and created a program to ensure that performance happened, and happened safely, in an environment where live performance seemed impossible. By the time the final Sidewalk Serenades note rung out, the program had placed 412 concerts on all corners of Baltimore and put over $65,000 back into the hand of the artists. This program created some real Baltimore magic thanks to you, the Baltimore community. The Serenades became a model for safe, equitable arts engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cities all over the world were envious of how Baltimore came together to support its working performers. We know...because they called! And we shared how to start the program for themselves.

Now in March of 2021, exactly a full year after our first heart-wrenching show cancellation of many, we bring back the Sidewalk Serenades. An inspirational step in a hopeful direction for performers (and all of us) in Baltimore. With this new year of Serenades, we hope to create a Baltimore tradition, where the soul-stirring sounds of live music continue on street corners, front stoops, community parks, driveways, and sidewalks, and every pocket of the city, lifting spirits and bringing us together.