Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Bondra. 

Hi Cody, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
I grew up in CT and started playing music around the age of 21. I started playing around CT, but Baltimore was one of the first cities that really accepted me and my original music. I love playing there and the Harbor area has so many beautiful venues. When I went on my first tour I was so excited to see Baltimore and DC on the schedule. It is no doubt my favorite part of the country. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect? 
Definitely not. But everything was necessary and worth it. My easter dinner in 2018 was a shake shack burger in the back of a bus leaving Baltimore and heading back home after 2 shows at the Red Lion. On the surface that may seem a bit sad. But I loved it. I was doing what I loved and making a living. I’ve always been humble and try to look at everything with an honest approach. There’s been a lot of stressful nights and a lot of hoping this was all for something. 

I’m so blessed to have a wonderful support system and a great team working with me. Not to sound cliche lol, but I also feel that I have the greatest family on earth. We’ve been bent plenty, but never broke once. I have the most amazing woman by my side as well. She always keeps me grounded and helps me be more like the man I truly feel I am. I’m very excited for our family to grow. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others? 
I’m a singer/songwriter. You may know me from playing shows alongside some of my heroes including Dead & Co, Alanis Morissette, Florida Georgia Line, and some other of the most amazing acts on the East Coast at various venues. I also will be appearing in my first movie role next year. 

It’s a wonderful Civil War-era film that was scheduled to be filmed in 2021 but was pushed back due to Covid. I was very lost like many last years. For the last decade, I was always busy and constantly working. When the shutdown hit, I couldn’t sit still. With most of our 2020 Dates on hold, I was very antsy and trying to find ways to stay creative. So I started auditioning for films and was very lucky to have linked up with a great director and cast. But music remains my first priority. 

I’m excited to be hitting the road again in 2022. I also play bass for the band The Dilemma. Between my shows and their dates, I’m on the road pretty much from April – October. It’s a lot but, I love it. We have some new music coming out in the spring. I’m hoping to do multiple nights in Baltimore this summer. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love? 
To me, Baltimore is one of the most beautiful cities. It has that east coast feels to it. Between Camden Yards and the National Aquarium and any of the museums, there’s always something to do. 

I couldn’t sleep after our show a couple of years ago, so I walked around the Harbor at 3 am and it was a beautiful spring night. There were still people out and about just having fun. It has that big city feel if it wants, but you can also get some peace there as well. It’s a great point for us when traveling to spend an extra day or 2 there when we’re on the road. 

Like every city, Baltimore has its work to be done. Mayor Scott has his heart in the right place and is doing the work required.