More Live Music Coming to Baltimore Bars?

The city council yesterday passed a bill that could change the face of nightlife in Baltimore.

The measure overturns a decades-old prohibition on live music in most bars and restaurants, according to The Sun. It would allow restaurants and taverns to apply to the Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals and liquor board for approval.

It still must be signed by Mayor Dixon before it becomes law, and she has some concerns. Several residents of neighborhoods where homes and bars co-exist closely are worried about noise and parking. We'll see what happens.

I just got back from Nashville, where live music in bars is a way of life. The honky tonks on Broadway feature live music from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year. But Broadway is downtown, it's doesn't have a residential feel like Federal Hill, Fells Point, or Canton.

That being said, I don't think there's a great risk of Baltimore turning into Nashville. I've always thought Baltimore needed more establishments with live music, and I think this is a good start in that direction. Hopefully it will mean bigger crowds for restaurant and bar owners, and be music to their customers' ears.

What do you think?