BALTIMORE — A local record store and music venue is now set to increase its number of sold-out performances, thanks to the generosity of community members who rallied to support it during a critical time.
Situated on Harford Road, Wax Atlas serves as a used record store during the day and transforms into a lively concert venue at night, showcasing emerging groups and talented young musicians.
“Baltimore is currently bursting with talent; however, it lacks adequate spaces for these artists to perform,” stated owner Andrew Phillips.
‘My mind was blown’: Community raises over $11,000 to keep the lights on at Baltimore business
Community raises over $11,000 to keep the lights on at Baltimore business
According to Phillips, this is precisely why Wax Atlas exists; all profits generated from record sales are dedicated to fostering music and arts initiatives. In less than three years, the venue has proudly hosted over 300 events.
However, running the venue comes with significant costs, particularly in electricity. Phillips noted that his most recent Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) bill featured an additional charge of $1,450.
“The electrical consumption during shows can double or even triple our regular store usage. While we are more than willing to cover those costs, the extra fees are a challenge,” he explained.
In addition to the rising utility expenses, the venue is also dealing with costs associated with replacing a storm-damaged sign and making stage repairs.
Last week, the business made a public plea for community support after receiving a notification that their electricity would be cut off by April 2.
“I was astounded when I saw the response. Within just 24 hours, I checked again, and we had already surpassed half of our fundraising goal,” Phillips recounted.
As of April 3, their GoFundMe campaign has successfully raised over $11,000 and is still ongoing.
Insignia
“I view this outpouring of support as a form of validation from our community—it’s a clear message that they want us to succeed,” Phillips expressed. “It’s not merely about finances; it’s about uniting people, celebrating art, and nurturing the burgeoning community of young musicians.”
The venue continues to accept donations and is actively seeking volunteers to help support future sold-out shows.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
