Maryland’s The Recher Reopening With 100-Cap Shows

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Steph Nachodsky – The Recher

After going dormant for more than eight years, The Recher in Towson, Md., is preparing to reopen its doors for limited-capacity shows.

The gigs begin with a Grand Opening on March 19 featuring Kelly Bell Band. Tickets go on sale March 5 at noon local time.

After March 19, the venue is scheduled to host comedian Mickey Cucchiella on March 20, The Dirty Grass Players on March 26, and Chris Wilcox on March 27. In April, The Vault, inDEADnation, Jah Works, Caleb Stine, Jerry Tripsters, Here’s To The Night, Kurt Deemer Band and Dave & Corey of Laughing Colors. 

The venue will be following COVID protocals,  with tickets sold by table groups of four to six.  Groups must arrive and enter together, will be subjected to temperature checks upon arrival, and all guests will be required to wear masks at all times except at their table. The 650-cap venue will be held to 100-person maximum capacity, including venue staff, for all shows.

Paul Manna of 24-7 Entertainment in Baltimore said these early shows are not about making tons of money, but just getting bands and artists back in one of Baltimore’s most beloved venues.

“Literally every local band I’ve spoken to is not concerned about money. They just want to come out and play for fans and play the new room,” Manna told Pollstar. “I have no idea when we can get back to full capacity, but we are excited to open and support local, regional bands.”

After shuttering in 2013 and reopening as Torrent Nightclub, Manna told Pollstar The Recher would be coming back in July, when it was announced he would be reuniting with Brian and Scott Recher. The venue has seen numerous upgrades in the form of a new stage, refurbished restrooms, sound and lighting improvements, and new dressing rooms.

The building itself was originally a 1920s vaudeville theatre, which was sold to the Recher family who operated it as a cinema in the 1950s. Brothers Brian, Scott and Steve converted into a billiard parlor in the ’90s and Manna started booking shows there in ’97.

Over the years it has hosted the likes of Iggy Pop, Linkin Park, Slayer, Keb Mo, Vince Gill, and The White Stripes. Alex Gasgarth of All Time Low said in a statement: “Of all the amazing Baltimore venues we call home, The Recher has been the most near and dear to us. The first time we ever saw our band name printed on a ticket was for a show at The Recher. They were a springboard during the early days of our career and allowed us to build something truly meaningful in our home town. We are so happy and excited to see it make a comeback!”