The Katz Jewish Music Center at MMAE
The venue is named in honor of Harry and Rose Katz, whose support made the Music Center possible. Featuring performance lighting, sound equipment, and comfortable seating, the space is designed to be a community hub for musical expression, cultural events, and artistic growth.
Learn more below or school down to our Katz Music Center events calendar at the bottom of the page.
Our Mission & Vision
The Katz Jewish Music Center aims to:
– Elevate Jewish music by hosting performances that span traditional Jewish melodies, klezmer, folk, jazz, world music, and contemporary compositions.
– Build Community through Sound, offering inclusive events for all ages and backgrounds, welcoming both Jewish attendees and the wider Baltimore arts community.
– Support Musicians, providing a consistent public stage for local artists as well as touring performers.
– Bridge Cultural Expression and Spirituality, acknowledging the importance of music in Jewish life and heritage as a connector of hearts and history.
Venue Features & Layout
– Intimate Performance Hall – ideal for live concerts, storytelling, and cultural showcases.
– Professional Sound & Production – equipped for amplified music, acoustic sets, and multimedia presentations.
– Community Gathering Space – opportunities for pre-show socials, talks, and networking.
– Flexible Programming – from concerts to festivals to themed celebrations and even comedy shows.
Notable Events & Past Highlights
The Katz Jewish Music Center has quickly become a vibrant destination for Jewish music in Baltimore. Past events include:
– Baltimore Lag BaOmer Music Festival
A free annual festival celebrating the Jewish holiday of Lag BaOmer, featuring live performances by local bands and artists across genres — from folk to klezmer to jazz — family activities, food, and community celebration.
– Gypsy Jazz Concert with Sam Farthing & Friends
A feature concert showcasing Gypsy Jazz, blending historic Jazz Manouche with storytelling and cultural context.
– A Concert for Reflection
A thoughtful musical event designed to prepare hearts during the traditional Three Weeks of Jewish mourning, with multiple musicians performing reflective pieces.
– Kvetch! Kosher Comedy at the Katz
A unique evening of kosher comedy performed by Carmiya Weinraub and Erik Angel, blending clean humor with Jewish cultural themes.
– Hanukkah Concert — In the Arms of Our Mothers
A community concert honoring Hanukkah featuring song, dance, and storytelling celebrating heroic women of Jewish history.
– Baltimore Klezmer Orchestra at the Grand Opening
One of the earliest highlights featured Baltimore’s own Klezmer Orchestra helping kick off the venue with a festive community concert.
Community & Cultural Impact
MMAE and the Katz Jewish Music Center actively use music to cultivate togetherness and belonging. According to community coverage, the Center’s programming goes beyond entertainment, often embedding history, spirituality, and cultural identity into each event, inviting audiences to explore Jewish heritage through sound.
The Center also supports community outreach by:
– Making events accessible and affordable.
– Serving as a gathering place for multi-generational audiences.
– Providing platforms for local Jewish artists to grow their followings.
Attend a Performance
The Katz Jewish Music Center hosts concerts year-round. Upcoming events – ranging from jazz evenings to festival celebrations, to comedy shows – are posted on the MMAE events calendar, where you can browse shows, get tickets, and learn more about featured musicians and performers.
Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook for live updates, behind-the‐scenes content, announcements about upcoming events, and event highlights. You can also view photos from past events and programs in the gallery below or watch clips from these performances and programs on our YouTube channel.
