Concert Series

Hampden Hi-Fi wrapped up its Roosevelt Park outdoor concert series last Friday, July 27, with what looked to be one of the biggest crowds of its eight-week run, despite the heat. And while nothing official has been announced, here's hoping organizers bring it back again next year, as everyone I spoke to who attended all of the concerts enjoyed the series. It's a great opportunity for neighbors to get together, hang out outside, have a couple drinks and hear some tunes. After all, the more options for music and live entertainment we have in the neighborhood, the more fun Hampden is. In fact, when Forbes magazine recently ranked America's top 20 "coolest cities," Baltimore came in 14th (above Philadelphia.

Sunday, July 29 Classical music The Carrollton Brass Quintet presents a "thank you" concert on behalf of the outgoing music director at Galilee Lutheran Church, Joel Borrelli-Boudreau, at 7 p.m. at 4652 Mountain Road in Pasadena. The program includes music from the baroque, classical, romantic and American genres. Free. A reception follows. Information: 410-255-8236. Children's music The summer concert series at Historic London Town and Gardens continues with Bridgette and the Band performing from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 839 Londontown Road in Edgewater.

Concerts •The 25th season of the "Sunset Serenades" summer concert series continues with classical music by the Columbia Orchestra at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, at Centennial Park, 10000 Route 108, Ellicott City. Free. Information: 410-313-2022. •The Department of Recreation and Parks' "Traveling Bands" concert series continues with the U.S. Navy Country Current band at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 28, at Western Regional Park, Route 97 and Carrs Mill Road. Free. Information: 410-313-2022.

Common Ground on the Hill is branching out from its roots in Westminster and launching a concert series in Baltimore. The 18-year-old music and arts organization, founded at McDaniel College in Carroll County when the school was still called Western Maryland College, will be "Breaking Up Christmas" on Friday with music that has echoed through the hills of Appalachia for generations. The evening's festivities at Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian Church on North Charles Street will hark back to an era when people in mountain villages celebrated the season with house parties.