Baltimore, Maryland, January 17, 2026
The event ‘Where the Bass Lives’ at Coppin State University on February 17 will celebrate four decades of house music’s influence on Baltimore’s Black communities. Led by Dr. Teisha Dupree-Wilson, the presentation will delve into the music’s evolution from Chicago to Baltimore, showcasing the city’s unique contribution to the genre known as Baltimore club music. This exploration highlights how house music serves as a cultural touchstone for community building and resilience.
Baltimore, Maryland
How House Music is Celebrating Baltimore’s Cultural Legacy
Join us in exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Baltimore through the lens of a powerful musical genre.
The upcoming event titled Where the Bass Lives, From Chicago to the Charm City: House Music and Black Baltimore, 1986–2026 promises to be a captivating exploration of the evolution of house music and its significant impact on Baltimore’s Black communities. Scheduled for February 17, 2026, at Coppin State University, this free event reflects a growing recognition of local heritage and cultural expression, demonstrating how community initiatives can flourish with minimal bureaucratic impediments.
Focusing on four decades of history, this presentation is set to highlight the collective efforts of local DJs, musicians, and cultural leaders who have shaped the unique soundscape of Baltimore. It’s an opportunity to celebrate local initiative, civic engagement, and the spirit of resilience that defines Baltimore.
Event Overview
The detailed presentation will be led by Dr. Teisha Dupree-Wilson, an accomplished academic specializing in African American Media History and local cultural dynamics. Dr. Dupree-Wilson’s extensive expertise and passion for the subject ensure a thorough and engaging discussion on the interplay between house music and community identity.
Event Focus
Participants at the event can expect to hear about the historical journey of house music, starting from its Chicago roots to its adaptation and flourishing in Baltimore. The presentation will dive deep into the evolution of DJ culture, the grassroots scenes that enabled its growth, and how house music has been a medium for joy, resistance, and community building—elements that resonate strongly within Baltimore’s cultural framework.
What is House Music?
Originating in Chicago during the early 1980s, house music emerged from disco and electronic dance influences. It is characterized by its infectious beats and repetitive structure, which have made it a staple in dance venues around the world. The genre is fundamentally about creating unity through music—a theme reflected in its broad appeal across diverse communities.
Baltimore’s Unique Contribution
Baltimore’s rendition of house music, known as Baltimore club music, rose to prominence in the early 1990s. This distinctive genre blends elements of hip-hop, breakbeat, and house music, creating a vibrant sound that is distinctly Baltimorean. The energetic nature of Baltimore club music has played a critical role in shaping the city’s cultural identity, fostering a sense of local pride among musicians and fans alike.
Conclusion
The Where the Bass Lives event offers a chance to reflect on the significance of house music as more than just a musical genre; it serves as a cultural touchstone for community expression and cohesion in Baltimore. By attending, community members can engage with their rich musical heritage and contribute to ongoing discussions about its role in shaping Baltimore’s future.
We encourage readers to support local events like this that celebrate Baltimore’s vibrant artistic landscape. Participation and engagement in cultural initiatives are crucial to fostering a thriving community.
FAQ
What is the event “Where the Bass Lives, From Chicago to the Charm City: House Music and Black Baltimore, 1986–2026” about?
The event is a presentation that explores the evolution of house music from its origins in Chicago to its influence on Baltimore’s Black communities, examining four decades of DJs, dance floors, radio waves, club spaces, and grassroots scenes that have shaped a distinctly Baltimore house sound and culture.
When and where is the event taking place?
The event is scheduled for February 17, 2026, at Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland.
Who is the presenter of the event?
The presentation will be led by Dr. Teisha Dupree-Wilson, an Assistant Professor and Coordinator for the History and African American Studies Program at Coppin State University.
What is house music?
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the early 1980s. It is characterized by a repetitive four-on-the-floor beat and a tempo of 115–130 beats per minute. The genre was pioneered by DJs and producers such as Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, and Jesse Saunders.
What is Baltimore club music?
Baltimore club music is a unique style of house music that emerged in the early 1990s in Baltimore. It blends elements of hip-hop, breakbeat, and house music, characterized by an 8/4 beat structure and tempos around 130 beats per minute.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Title | Where the Bass Lives, From Chicago to the Charm City: House Music and Black Baltimore, 1986–2026 |
| Date | February 17, 2026 |
| Location | Coppin State University, Baltimore, Maryland |
| Admission | Free |
| Presenter | Dr. Teisha Dupree-Wilson |
| Event Focus | Exploration of house music’s evolution from Chicago to Baltimore’s Black communities over four decades |
| Background on House Music | Originated in Chicago in the early 1980s, characterized by a repetitive four-on-the-floor beat and a tempo of 115–130 beats per minute |
| Background on Baltimore Club Music | Unique style of house music that emerged in the early 1990s in Baltimore, blending elements of hip-hop, breakbeat, and house music, characterized by an 8/4 beat structure and tempos around 130 beats per minute |
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