A Guide to Baltimore with Dave Heumann in Baltimore, Maryland
When Baltimore band, Arbouretum went on hiatus, frontman Dave Heumann decided he couldn’t really let the music settle. So this past October he released a solo record, one that’s a few degrees of separation from the indie-rock vibes of his band. Dave’s new music is warm and melancholy with thoughtful lyrics and peaceful melodies. We recently talked to Dave about life on the road and the best spots to check out if you’re visiting Baltimore.
What is the best thing about Baltimore? It’s relatively unpretentious. Then again, as an old friend of mine once said, if you think it’s an unpretentious city, that’s because you’re the pretentious one.
What is the worst? The crime. Though for a visitor, this is for the most part easily avoided.
What is a perfect day in Baltimore? A sunny spring or autumn day spent either by the water or in a park, of which my pick would be the Cylburn Arboretum.
What has surprised you the most about touring? For me the surprising thing about touring the US was that people mostly don’t care too much about live music. In Europe, I was surprised to find the opposite.
Where are some of your favorite places to tour? Germany, the UK, and Italy would be my top picks.
What do you like to do for fun while on the road? Mostly I like to walk around and take pictures of stuff. Late-night shenanigans are a plus as well.
How do you get oriented in a new city? I mostly don’t. I get lost without GPS, and even sometimes with it.
When you’re on tour what do you miss the most about Baltimore? My bed.
Do you have any pre-show rituals? Lately, a bit of QiGong. Also I find it good to brush my teeth.
If you could tour with any band or artist from any time in history, who would it be? The Byrds, in ’65-’66. Or Buffalo Springfield.
Which bands/artists are you listening to these days? You mean besides the Grateful Dead? Well, last night I put on some Albert Ayler and liked that a great deal.
Dave Heumann photo by Matt Condon. Baltimore photo by Bob Burkhard.
City:Baltimore
Favorite place to eat?
Ejji in Belvedere Square.
Favorite place to drink?
Local tip?
It only costs $3 to swim at the Druid Hill Park Pool.
If someone was visiting what must they do?
Go to Fort McHenry on a sunny day and walk around. Go to Station North on a weekend night to see shows; there will be lots of them to choose from. I also like taking people to the Mount Royal Tavern.