LOGIC | official site | facebook | twitter | mixtape | youtube | 

Logic is a young rapper from Maryland who has just released what critics are calling "the best mixtape to surface this year." (Earmilk)  Millions of Youtube views, constant touring, and 3 successful mixtapes have placed Logic at the forefront of the new wave of hip-hop.   

TAYYIB ALI | official site | facebook | twitter | mixtape | youtube | 

"Eighteen-year-old Philly rapper Tayyib Ali made a name for himself last fall with his mixtape '18' and this month he's set to drop his new one, 'Keystone State of Mind.' Maybe it's the catchy '60s lounge sample, maybe it's Ali's smooth, friendly flow and honest message, but I can't stop listening to the title track. 'Rap is my life,' he says at the end of the track. 'This is what I'm passionate as hell about.' You can tell." -EC, NYLON MAGAZINE

DUB CITY RENEGADES | facebook | twitter | youtube | reverbnation |

Dub City Renegades: an 8 piece reggae band based out of the DC area, combining traditional roots elements fused with a contemporary vibe. United in values of respect, friendship, and their love of music, Dub City creates jams that soothe the soul and move your feet.  This is a soundtrack for the journey we are all on.

The band was established in late 2008 and has spent the last three years working on their sound and adding in different pieces. In 2009 they had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica to perform at Rainforest Aid 09 and in 2010 the band received the Virginia Reggae Awards "Best New Artist" Award. In late 2011 the band released its debut self-titled EP. 

Dub City is eager for the next step -- to spread the music to fans wherever they may be. Positive messages, irie vibrations. Peace, love, and dub. 

CONTRA | facebook | itunes | 

An instrumental band from Maryland, known for their immense stage energy and creative album concepts. Contra would typically be labeled Progressive Rock, but the intensity and complex arrangements of their songs, heighten their status to something more refined. Contra has created intellectually exceptional music, that is rock, pure, unfiltered, untainted rock where each instrument entangles together to produce a nonpareil story of sound.

Alex Peters, the guitarist, and Brandon Wildman, the drummer, began writing music together in June of 2008, and thus creating Contra. In August of 2008, Charles Rupertus, the bassist, joined the band. Keyboardist, Matt Baros, was added in November of 2010 after the release of the groups first studio album, "The Epic...".

ELEVEN ROSES | myspace | 

After the loss of John Orem (Slinky), the remaining members of Morningside decided that they had no choice but to keep rocking. Jay switched from lead vocals to bass guitar, and Johnny has taken over lead vocals. About the name: At Johnny's wedding it was decided that there should be one white rose in the bouquet to represent Slinky, as he was to be one of the groomsmen. As it turned out, you can't buy just one white rose, so sitting back at home were eleven roses.

PASSAGE BETWEEN | official site | facebook | twitter | 

THE REAL GENIUSES | official site | facebook |

THE REAL GENIUSES were formed in August 2000 when 5 musician friends were asked to ‘come up with something fun’ to play at a friend’s birthday party. THE REAL GENIUSES thought it’d be fun to play a bunch of those old hit songs from the 80’s that everybody knows the words to, but nobody every really hears anymore. Their performance that night was a huge success. What the guys thought would be a one-night performance was quickly changed when several people approached them to play at events they were planning themselves. It was then that Geniuses thought, “We might be onto something!”

Within months, they were playing at parties and events all over the Baltimore/DC area to rave reviews. At that point the Geniuses still saw themselves as just a group of goofy guys playing a bunch of goofy songs, but they were proven wrong in the winter of 2001 when they began performing at weddings and larger events. THE REAL GENIUSES began to consider themselves “professionals” as the crowds, and opportunities, grew. They decided to run with it.

Over the past few years THE REAL GENIUSES have honed their musical and technical skills while playing regularly for huge crowds of all ages at weddings, private functions, and on the Baltimore/DC club circuit. Their talent and reliability have turned them into a highly sought-after party/wedding/event band.  The band comes fully stocked with male AND female vocalists, so there isn’t a song that these guys (and gal) can’t pull off. That being said, THE REAL GENIUSES are far from your ordinary “cover band.” So, if you’re looking for a professional, high-energy band for your event, you can’t go wrong with THE REAL GENIUSES.

PASSAFIRE | official site | facebook | twitter | itunes | youtube | 

On Passafire’s fourth album release, Start From Scratch, the Savannah, GA based Rock outfit is truly starting from scratch. Injected with energy from a new member (keyboardist Mike DeGuzman), a freshly formed band-owned label (FlameGuy Records) and a new producer, Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers, Sublime, Meat Puppets), the band have made their best album to date. Trekking down to Sonic Ranch outside of El Paso, TX, where Connor Oberst, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sublime and many more recently recorded, they expand their sound from their previous releases; deeply honing guitar tones, exploring synth sounds, and laying down tracks of Harmonica and Banjo. “We always wanted to have a good balance of organic and synthesized sounds and we finally had the chance to make that happen this time,” recollects singer, Ted Bowne. Songs like “Dimming Sky,” “Lorelie, and the title track, “Start From Scratch,” exemplify this newly found balance.

Passafire was formed in 2003 by students attending Savannah College of Art and Design. Throughout the years they have become a perpetually touring band playing hundreds of shows a year with bands like 311, Pepper, Rebelution, Matisyahu, Michael Franti, The Wailers and many more. Bowne doesn’t mind the grueling schedule and adds, “Touring is the best way to keep the buzz about the band going. What keeps it fun and exciting is the people we meet and places we get to see. We are in a new city every day so there’s always something to go see or do. If we didn’t tour constantly, we wouldn’t be doing as well as we are. That’s a fact.”

STEREO TRIGGER | official site | twitter | facebook | itunes | youtube |

Drawing from diverse influences, the band is a unique brand of rock music that defies boundaries. Refusing to be categorized as anything other than a Rock n' Roll band, Stereo Trigger released their Therapy Sessions EP in June of 2009 and followed it up with their first full length CD Against the Tide in April 2011. In their first year as a band they headlined premiere venues in their hometown of Baltimore and were selected as the opening band for national recording artists Foreigner, We Are The Fallen and The Pretty Reckless. The band is currently touring in support of Against the Tide and was chosen as the support act for national recording artists Daughtry and Skillet in Fall of 2011. 

DRIFTPLAN | facebook | twitter | itunes | youtube | 

Gaining significant momentum within a shoert period, DriftPlan have become known for their songwriting, harmonies and cranking guitar work. Already having opened for several national acts such as Taproot, Me Talk Pretty and KIX, Driftplan is going strong and is now touring in support of their independent debut record, "The Days That Followed." 

THE PENNY BLACK | facebook |

The Penny Black is a 4 piece pop-folk-rock-blues outfit from Boston & Baltimore, led by siblings Eliza and John Doering. While the band itself is relatively new, singer Eliza Doering has been performing the material for several years on the east coast. The full band line up incudes accomplished musicians Justin Mann and Tom Miller.

SILO EFFECT | official site | facebook | twitter | itunes |

In late 2007 a series of events served to inspire and generate the creation of what is now called the Silo Effect. Since their inception, the Richmond-based quartet has been carefully crafting a boldly satisfying brew of electronic space-rock. Deriving their sound from an eclectic blend of forms and styles, they have fostered a dedicated following throughout the mid-Atlantic, and continue seducing listeners up and down the East coast. Colorful sonic landscapes riddled in vivid melodies, infectious grooves and soaring peaks.

Members of the Silo Effect are fundamentally bound to the assurance that their artistic platform is one that is firmly grounded in promoting a culture of music and art in the most unifying of lights. They are joined by a commitment to offer listeners a message of global awareness and universal peace through inner consciousness and collaborative creativity. Always reaching for innovative approaches to live performance community involvement, they remain true to their unique creation. Silo thrives on their ability to leave the audience with an original mark of unified elation.

YELLOWMAN | official site | itunes |

Known throughout the world as “The King of Jamaican Dancehall”, Yellowman has a deep history in the roots of reggae music. He has had a substantial influence on the world of hip hop and is widely credited for leading the way for the succession of reggae artists that were embraced by the growing hip-hop community in America during the 1980s. Yellowman became the Jamaica’s most popular deejay despite being albino, releasing over 40 singles and as many as five albums per year. In 1986 he was diagnosed with jaw cancer and was given six months to live. After surgery an extended leave of absence from the record industry, Yellowman made his comeback in the early 90′s and his career was re-launched. He continues to perform internationally with his Sagittarius Band, and has toured through places such as Nigeria where he is massively popular, Spain, Peru, Sweden, Italy, Germany, England, France, Kenya and the United States.

Sampled by Eazy-E ("Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt"), Yellowman's influence can be heard in the hip-hop of KRS One, Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Blackstar, and more.  

Jamaica's first dancehall superstar, Yellowman ushered in a new era in reggae music following Bob Marley's death. His early-'80s success brought the popularity of toasting -- the reggae equivalent of rapping -- to a whole new level, and helped establish dancehall as the wave of the future.  A true reggae legend, Yellowman paved the way for countless dancehall toasters to follow and has had an enormous influence on the world of hip-hop.

"NOBODY MOVE, NOBODY GET HURT":

TOMMY MCGEE & THE BABY PLEASE! | facebook | 

This 3 piece " Blue Collar" Rock & Roll band play their own special blend of music. With a wide variety of original music, you can tell this band has spent time in every aisle of the local record store.

BROOKS LONG | facebook |

He writes his own soul. Brooks Long is an equal parts soul shouter and pop poet. Melding the traditions of vintage R&B and Blues (think Otis Redding and Muddy Waters) with the aesthetics of classic singer/songwriters (Dylan, Randy Newman), he brings the old school into the 21st century in a style all his own. Whether by himself or with his backing band, the funky, righteous Mad Dog No Good, he brings to his live shows the kind of passion, energy and humor rare in today's music scene. 

CONDOR | facebook | 

Condor is a 4 piece rock band from Baltimore, MD that began jamming in the summer of 2010. They played thier first gig on 3/26/11 at the Hour Haus 25th Anniversary Party, recorded a 3 song demo, and are now playing shows in the Baltimore Area.

BOBBY E LEE & THE SYMPATHIZERS | facebook | bandcamp |

THE COUSIN JOHN BAND | official site | facebook | 

The Cousin John Band combines high energy, guitar driven riffs with tight vocal harmonies and infectious grooves to create a party atmosphere at any venue. We started out in 2001 with cousins, John Mobley and Chris Mobley getting together to try out new ways of expressing blues-based original songs and built a basement band turned bar/party band by popular demand.

DOMINO FALLS | official site | facebook | twitter | youtube | 

The Baltimore music scene has deep rooted competition, often derived from individuals with a personal agenda to be heard, seen, and ultimately, respected and admired. Domino Falls has collaborated with the same motives but have refined their goals for success.The band creates a sound that is both refreshingly unique yet comfortably familiar. You'll find the dynamics of each song to strike unpredictably but lyrics and melodies will linger long after the track's end. Being a four-piece allows the band to easily balance their talent and input. For example, the writing process is a mutual effort and each member is then able to feature themselves as well as shift the focus throughout songs and performances. 

TURTLE TONGUE  | official site | facebook | 

Turtle Tongue plays a wholly unique brand of post-rock and psychedelic blues.  The band is touring behind their new EP, "East Westland."  Turtle Tongue invites you to "get weird, crash hard."

THE ATOMIC MOSQUITOS | official site | facebook | 

Not much is known about these four mutated mosquitos; their lives were as normal as most mosquitos until that fateful day they landed on Three Mile Island.  "I knew the moment I tasted their blood that something was wrong--horribly wrong!," B Negative  was rumored to have said that  day.  We believe it was that day, that very day, that changed them forever; at least this is what scientists at MIT believe.  You see, since that day they've all had this strange desire to play surf music.  Before the accident they had never heard of surf!  We think something happened during the mutation, something so horrible that they all found a longing for surf music.  From what we understand they were warned about the consequences of surf...there is no market for it....it's not really music to most people.  They knew they were on a musical road to obscurity.  But there was nothing we could do; something, something beyond our power, had taken control of them, and they will forever be known as the 

THE DIAMONDHEADS | official site | 

THE ATOM BUMZ | official site | facebook | twitter | 

The only Annapolis surf instrumentals band. Playing originals, first wave surf, and some surprises. 

REVERB GALAXY | official site | facebook |

Reverb Galaxy is a Maryland-based surf instrumental band playing exciting, new original surf music based on the traditional 60's sound but injected with dynamic arrangements and a plethora of musical flavors.  

BLUE WAVE THEORY | official site | facebook | twitter |

Blue Wave Theory is an American instrumental rock band formed in 2007 in southern New Jersey. The group's sound is rooted in surf music of the 1960s, but delves into many genres including elements of garage, punk, psychedelic, progressive, and space rock. An accomplished group of musicians whose versatility is as broad as their personal backgrounds with decades of musical influence, ranging from Dick Dale, Link Wray, X, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, Rush, to the funk of Dennis Coffey and psychedelic surf of The Mermen. 

THE GRILLED LINCOLNS | official site | facebook | twitter | itunes | 

The Griled Lincolns have shared the stage with artists from a wide variety of genres, including The Roots, Trombone Shorty, Rehab, Derek Trucks Band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Edwin McCain, Chuck Brown, Pharcyde, Jimmy’s Chicken Shack, Wax and Herbal T, The Spill Canvas, Ballyhoo, Downtown Brown, The Pietasters, Mambo Sauce, All Mighty Senators, Virginia Coalition, SOJA, Pasadena, Educated Consumers and Comedians T-Rexx, Sean Savoy and Adam Jacobs. They have been featured at ARTSCAPE (America’s largest free music and arts festival) as well as  being accepted to the 2008 and 2009 roster for The Armed Forces Entertainment to entertain US troops overseas in Japan, South Korea, Guam and Greenland.

BUMPIN UGLIES | official site | facebook | twitter | itunes | 

Annapolis, MD based Bumpin’ Uglies (also known as the Uglies) are deliberately carving out their own captivating niche in the rock/reggae scene. The Uglies come with a fresh new approach that smoothly incorporates reggae, ska and rock, coupled with honest, well-written lyrics that weave clever, real-to-life stories throughout their work. The mixture is unique, yet reminiscent of earlier reggae and ska bands with the talent and attitude to forge a DIY path to success, such as Sublime, The Mad Caddies and Reel Big Fish. One listen to their music hooks like an addictive habit, with solid rhythm sections and memorable hooks that draw you to listen again and again. The Uglies are a band that makes music appealing to both hardcore music fans and casual listeners who want an easy listen, both of whom will hear something different in every listen. 

The Uglies have earned residencies at several venues in the Mid Atlantic region, and have been spreading their sound at live shows around the country since 2009. Their music and popularity has organically spread throughout the East Coast, and 2011 and beyond will see Bumpin’ Uglies touring new cities around the nation, spreading their trademark laid back yet precise live performances. The Uglies have the mettle to carry the torch of the reggae/ska/rock genre into the future; to be the band that builds its own success simply by delivering memorable music from their souls; music which listeners can relate to and fully embrace.

THE FUNK ARK | official site | facebook | twitter | itunes | youtube |

"A strong frontrunner in the resurgence of the Afrobeat genre." - OkayPlayer

"Nothing like following up an auspicious debut with a new set that defies sophomore slump. Mixing up a rocket fuel of Afrobeat and funk, this is a killer, uncut dose of pure bomb." - Midwest Record

"Bringing it and taking listeners on a global funk journey that will have you melting into the dancefloor." - Giant Step

"Funky swagger and soul that is as unforgettable as it is unique." - Inside World Music

After a highly praised debut, Washington DC’s The Funk Ark is back with an even tighter
follow up album. Less than a year has passed since the release of From The Rooftops
on ESL Music and the world funk ensemble has established itself as one of the strongest
players in the scene both in the studio and with their high-octane live performances. High
Noon is the title of The Funk Ark’s sophomore release and was recorded and produced by
Adrián Quesada of the Grammy award winning group, Grupo Fantasma.

The Funk Ark is the creation of Will Rast, the band’s composer, pianist, and spokesperson,
fulfilling his lifelong desire of turning his soul over to The Funk. “I decided to become a
musician in high school,” he recalls. “I played my first gigs when I was 15, in bars and jazz
clubs around Washington, DC.” Rast worked as a freelance jazz session player and made
a name for himself as a stylistically versatile sideman with various R&B and world music
artists. With The Funk Ark, he gets to play an amalgamation of all the sounds he loves with
some of the best musicians in the DC area. “To me, funk is the universal connection linking
all music - people like James Brown and the JBs, The Meters, Santana, Fela Kuti, Medeski,
Martin and Wood and The Fania Allstars. The Funk Ark is my shot at making the music that
I love to listen to.”

The Funk Ark have toured nationally over the past year, sharing the stage with Grammy winners Rebirth Brass Band and Grupo Fantasma, as well as Thievery Corporation, Keller Williams, Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad, and many more.  Their debut album charted at KCRW and CMJ, landing at #1 in Northern California.  "High Noon," their second album for ESL Music, landed 4/3/12.

T BIRD & THE BREAKS | official site | facebook | twitter | itunes | youtube |

High School for Tim Crane, A.K.A. T Bird, wasn't a school at all; it was a record shop. T Bird spent most skipped schooldays tagging cars with fliers in exchange for records — really good records. An inch-thick stack of fliers might be worth Ray Charles' "What'd I Say" parts 1 and 2, or James Brown's "I Can't Stand It (When You Touch Me)" backed with "There Was a Time."

Fast-forward six or seven years: Crane hits the road looking for a place where the music's going down, and it was a train — not a plane or a bus — that first brought him to Austin. T Bird spent the summer of 2006 riding the rails from the hills of New England through New York and Philly to the California Coast. Along the way, he jammed with Nashville backups, toured the hallowed grounds of Memphis and (to hear him tell it) broke a heart or two in New Orleans.

But it was a cock-eyed stroll down Sixth Street in Austin that had the biggest impact on the wandering songwriter (other than his father singing him to sleep with Mississippi John Hurt and Howlin' Wolf). Through the din of reveling tourists and bar-hopping college kids, Crane heard the unmistakable strains of some real blues. He walked into the bar and ended up sitting in with the band for a few tunes thinking, "Yeah, this is the place."

As good as his word, he was back a few months later, showing up with a slim roll of bills, a car full of vinyl and very big plans for the city. It took him just one year in Texas to assemble T Bird and the Breaks. The first call that the band was forming in Austin went to rhythm guitarist Sam "Sammy P" Patlove, an import from the hill towns of western Massachusetts who was raised on a hippy commune with no flush toilets or TV. He grew up listening to the music of The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Elvis and Wilson Pickett. When he and T Bird met in ninth grade, they formed a musical connection — strong to this day.

THE GHOST WOLVES | official site | facebook | twitter | itunes | youtube | 

"In Ya Neck!" is the debut release by guitar & drum duo The Ghost Wolves. Recorded almost entirely live in a rural central Texas studio, this six song EP presents an exhilarating sound that is equal parts swamp, punk, blues, and backwoods rock & roll. Like their new recording, the duo's live show is downright explosive, and their relentless touring over the last year has brought their rabid energy to music clubs and bars across the USA. Guitarist Carley Wolf, 23 years old, bounces about the stage in her home made white leather outfits, smiling brightly, dominating the room, a guitar slinging femme-fatale. Drummer Jonny Wolf, 25 years old, plays his kit with a heavy foot and a powerful, hard snapping backbeat. Both members sing and occasionally trade instruments. But this duo is actually something of a trio - they travel with a 125 pound male arctic wolf-hybrid named Winter. He guards the merchandise table and sleeps between amps in the van when they're on the road. Winter is part of a pack of wolf-hybrids that lives with them in the Texas hill country. "He used to be our bass player, but we fired him," quips guitarist Carley, "he was constantly late to gigs and rehearsals - always out chasing tail!" 

Their kick ass live shows, recordings, and DIY music videos have earned the duo a small yet loyal and ever-growing following. They've been covered in the press and radio both in the USA, and as far away as Austria, Italy, Brazil, the UK, and Germany, with feature pieces aired by KUT Austin, FM4 radio in Europe and the BBC's Breakthrough Radio. 

ROCK OF ALL AGES | facebook |

This week: FIVE SECONDS TO FREEDOM + CHILL & THE RABBITS + ATHENAROSE + VISTA SAINTS

THE CIVICS CLUB | facebook | 

The Civics Club is a Baltimore based four piece rock and/or roll band. Their songs combine evolving, angular post-hardcore riffs with bittersweet hooks. The result is a dynamic sound that sounds fresh yet somehow familiar. Driven and honest, The Civics Club is sure to find a home on your turntable.

MCADOO | official site | facebook |

HOW TO BE A HERO | facebook |

How to be a hero formed under the belief that even the smallest of acts can make someone a hero. How to be a hero wants to be more than just a band making great music, they want to make a difference in their community and one day the world. How to be a Hero is aligning themselves with such charitable organizations such as the vh1 save the music foundation and the st judes childrens research hospital. A portion of the proceeds from every show will go to a charity of their choosing. How to be a hero is doing its part and you can too! Promotional matrials will be provided at the show it benefits. But you dont have to wait for a show to start making a difference. Text MUSIC to 50555 to donate $10.00 to VH1 Save The Music. Charges appear on your cell bill. For $19 a month you can become a partner in hope and help children in need.

ROCK OF ALL AGES | facebook |

This week: CRASH 57 + BEST INTENTIONS + ISAAC SIMONAIRE + EAST OF BEAUTIFUL

THE MYKONOS EXPERIENCE | facebook |

Featuring DJ Nikolas K (Washington DC,Thessaloniki) spinning all the best Euro, Sexy House, and Greek tracks

DJ NIKOLAS K | soundcloud |

Special opening set by Ilektra

This event is 18+

EVERGREEN | official site | facebook | 

Formed in 2009 in the greater Baltimore area, Evergreen combines beautiful traditional sounds with cutting edge electronic sounds. 

The band released their first full-length album in 2011 and has toured regionally in support of the release.

SAM GROW BAND ALBUM RELEASE PARTY!

SAM GROW BAND | official site | twitter | myspace | facebook | itunes | youtube |

Twenty-three year old Sam Grow is a musician, singer, and songwriter whose soulful acoustic performances and emotionally crafted songs capture audiences of all ages. Born and raised in Southern Maryland, Sam’s love of performing and connection with his fans continue to fill various venues, often leaving standing room only. Sam’s powerful vocals and highly personal lyrics draw you into his songs as he tells stories of love, heartbreak, and his views on life in general.

Growing up in a musical family, Sam began singing in church at the age of five. By the time he was ten, Sam was already penning his own lyrics. Inspired by his sister who played the piano, he taught himself to play guitar, bass, piano, and drums. Sam was born a natural singer without any formal vocal coaching. His father, also a singer, is a big influence.

Sam draws his influences from such greats as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Eric Clapton, and Gavin DeGraw. He enjoys performing anything acoustic that has soul and is fond of rock, pop, soul, blues, jazz, and country music.

Sam has recently co-written with Jeff Scott Soto (former lead singer of the legendary rock band Journey, Talisman, Soul SirkUS, Yngwie Malmsteen). A few songs are to be released on Jeff’s new solo CD. This is what Jeff had to say about Sam: “Bro, you are the freshest new artist out there. I will be telling the world about you and if there is anything I can do to help you along, rest assured I will. People need to hear Sam Grow. You will be a superstar my friend!”

Sam has also performed with Grammy award winner Kanye West, Kat Parsons, one of the highest selling independent artists in the US, and national touring artist singer/songwriter/pianist Dave Yaden (Marc Broussard, Josh Kelley, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson).

Sam’s latest release “Ignition” is an infusion of Rock, Pop, and Soul that creates an enticing, new listening experience sure to satisfy the ear of a wide range audience. The first cut, “Oh So Jaded”, has become a crowd favorite. “Work in Progress”, Sam’s first CD release, is a five song EP full of Sam’s soulful, bluesy sound. The single “Meant to Be” was the featured track of the day on September 28, 2006 on GarageBand.com and the song peaked at 4.8 out of 5 stars.

This is just the start of Sam’s promising career and he has already started a buzz among the industry.

HYDRAFX | facebook | 

THE BASTARD SUNS | official site | facebook | twitter | itunes | youtube | 

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, The Bastard Suns are quickly becoming the unofficial heralds and protectors of southern punk rock. Armed with a ridiculously infectious blend of reggae, punk, folk and ska, this five-piece outfit released two very successful full-length independent albums and a split 7-inch in just under four years while simultaneously funding countless tours that have spanned the length of the continental United States.

The Suns recently released a new 5-song EP for each of the last four seasons complete with specially-themed songs and interactive cover art. The winter, fall, spring & summer releases have already sold out of their initial pressings, The Suns are gearing up for heavy touring to support the project. What you may not know today will find you soon enough. Make ready, because here come the Suns.

BAD IDEA | facebook | 

Spouting out of the waters of the Annapolis Inner-Harbor like a geyser, these boys from the bay hopped on a boat named “Bad Idea” and are headed straight to Baltimore. Our three heroes have played in countless bands in the past that have toured the Baltimore-Washington Circuit, picking up awards, radio play, and prestigious stage billing along the way, but never before have they combined their powers like a punk rock Captain Planet to give the state of Maryland a sound all of their own. Tired of the direction the music industry has been taking their genre; this band of merry men is here to take it back. Paying homage to their Maryland pop-punk forefathers before them, Bad Idea is here to claim the scene and show the state what Naptown Party Punk is all about!

LOOSEY | soundcloud |

WHISKEY WEDNESDAYZ! 

2 FOR 1 DRINKS 8PM - 10PM

With your hosts Leggo & DJ Go!

This week: FLUX 180 + AMARDON

FLUX 180 | facebook | twitter | youtube |

During 2007 while working his blue-collar job at a storage facility, lyricist Carey “Bamboo” Boyd briefly saw a vision on a wall of himself on a galactic stage with a charismatic group of individuals whose focus was to create Futuristic Lyrics Unique to Xenoglossics. Motivated by the revelation, he then moved to pull together six of the DMVs acclaimed musicians to form FLUX180. With real life lyrics and exclusive musical composition, FLUX180 is a band with an eloquent resonance dedicated to saving and uplifting the people one lyric, one melody, one beat, and one song at a time.

MAYDAN Entertainment Presents:   ROCK OF ALL AGES 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL

21 ARTISTS ON 2 STAGES, including an all-acoustic downstairs stage.

12pm-11pm, all ages, $10

ROCK OF ALL AGES | facebook |

MAYDAN Entertainment Presents: ROCK OF ALL AGES 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL

21 ARTISTS ON 2 STAGES, including an all-acoustic downstairs stage.

12pm-11pm, all ages, $10

LINEUP:

UPSTAIRS STAGE:
12:30-12:55 Venus Corps
1:10-1:35 Strobe Otters
1:50-2:15 Rosy Likes Red
2:30-2:55 August in One
3:10-3:35 Rage Unbound
3:50-4:15 Animal Orchestra
4:30-4:55 Tree's&C's&
5:10-5:40 Munkfish
5:55-6:25 Graveyard Kids
6:40-7:10 Amy Poehler Bear
7:25-7:55 The Speeding Bullets
8:10-8:40 In Soviet Russia
8:55-9:30 Stiletto
9:45-10:30 Vanishing Point

DOWNSTAIRS STAGE (ACOUSTIC):
1:00-1:25 Jack Bandarenko
1:40-2:05 Eli Pipkin
2:20-2:50 Little Bird
3:05-3:35 Rowan Joseph
3:50-4:20 AngelFire
4:35-5:05 Yesterday's Escape
5:20-6:00 Anderson

DJ GO + DJ ICE LUV + DJ SMOKE : A BRTHDAY BASH FOR LEGGO + REDD GIL!

$10 before 11pm

KYLE O'SHEA | official site | twitter | youtube | 

SENSIBLE ROOTS | official site | facebook | twitter | 

A healthy mix of reggae, rock, punk, pop, hip hop and a laid back lifestyle. 

BIG OX'S MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MASHUP

Kick off the summer in style with the best break beat and dub-step in MD!

DJ Dakyne and DJ B-Rick mixing break beats and spinning wheels upstairs. DJ Doshi headlines - grime style and hard hitting dub-step till close.

DJ Illah spinning all night downstairs!

NICK HARRISON | official site | facebook | youtube |

LEGA-C | official site | facebook | twitter | 

Lega-c (Eric A. Smith) was born December 14, 1990 in Prince Georges County, MD. Most of his childhood was spent enjoying the company of friends and family until the 5th grade where he discovered his passion for music. He wrote his first rap song “Titanium Man”, which was a fast paced juvenile rhyme about absolutely nothing. To this day he still looks back at that rhyme and laughs at the lyrics. From that simple rhyme Lega-c (then “Lil E“) continued to expand his library of written rhyme but never recorded any of it until the 9th grade when he formed a small group with some of his peers that attended his “Music Theory” class. The setup consisted of a small laptop and the built in mic. The group had to deal with ambient noise and sub par recording quality but still managed to have fun with their music and gain straight A’s in the class. 

As the years passed Lega-c drifted away from this group and started working as a solo artist and stepped his recording and lyrical content up. During this time Lega-c graduated from high school and entered Bowie State University where he attended classes and met his first college friend and soon to be business partner Terrell “TreQues” Robinson. Together they formed Good Life Entertainment and released Lega-c’s debut mixtape “The SmarTrip Chronicles“. This mixtape did very well in the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) area considering the circumstances. This was a new label and a new artist that basically created a buzz for himself. Later, Lega-c and TreQues would go on to rename the company “F.R.E.S.H. Entertainment“, which stood for Fly Rebels Establishing Successful Heights. This name change brought new opportunities and new acquisitions to the company which included Artists, Producers, Graphic Designers and many more who saw the potential in the company and wanted to be on board what was sure to be a enlightening ride. Presently, Lega-c is still with F.R.E.S.H Entertainment and has several projects and collaborations he plans to release in the future.

ARTISTRY MUSIC | facebook | twitter | youtube | 

WHISKEY WEDNESDAYZ! 

2 FOR 1 DRINKS 8PM - 10PM

With your hosts Leggo & DJ Go!

This week: PROJECT 360 + DIRT ROAD

PROJECT 360 | facebook |

DUFFY KANE & THE FREEDOM TRAIN | official site | facebook | itunes | 

Born in the music rich atmosphere of Western Pennsylvania, Duffy was surrounded with the sounds of Jazz, Blues, Country, and Classical, all of which contributed strongly to his musical foundation. After paying his dues working in some of the Baltimore area’s best bands, Duffy embarked on a solo career in the Blues that took him from the east coast to the west throughout much of the 1990’s. Keeping a grueling 250 a night year schedule, Duffy played festivals and on stages with blues greats such as Big Jack Johnson, Tino Gonzales, Johnny Winter, Debbie Davies, Sonny Rhodes, The Nighthawks, and Smokey Wilson just to name a few. In 1996, Duffy recorded his first studio album “Let Your Insides Do The Talking” at 16th Street Sound in Nashville, TN with Brian Hardin (who co-produced Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Daniels). Next came a live recording followed by two more studio albums, “Promised Land” in 2009 and “The Holy Ghost” in 2010. Duffy Kane has been heralded as the hottest Texas blues player on the east coast today and a man you don’t want to follow on stage.

The word that best describes his music is “passion”. He is engrossed in every performance and plays each one like it will be his last. American jazz, blues, country, classical and Spanish & Gypsy influences have all found their way into the hands of Duffy Kane who is emerging as a master in his own right, amazing large audiences with every appearance. Passion; with every phrase, pausing only to dig down harder and deeper to offer up more of the sounds of his soul, Kane plays with uncommon urgency and continually succeeds in delivering his message: passion for his music, his audience, and…above all… for America which has given him the wealth of musical heritage from which he draws, a heritage of which he is becoming a part; music in the American landscape; the heritage of musical greatness in the greatest country on earth.
Duffy Kane is undoubtedly a serious musical talent worthy of serious attention.

REV FLAMIN HARRY | official site |

Long considered the premier bluesrock guitarist on the East Coast, Flamin' Harry Mc Gonigal and his band, The Roadhouse Rockers, comprised of Chuck Hearne on bass and John Kehoe on drums are a cohesive trio that deliver a powerful brand of progressive bluesrock. Guitar driven with a Blues Attitude and a signature sound.

Flamin' Harry, also called the Bluzpirate, has recorded six releases, "Fire On Main Street", "Rude Shoes", "Life Under The Gun","Hot, Blue and Righteous", "Back Trackin" and "Blues Cruise".. He also appears on the Compilation CD "The Green Room Blues". This CD features the best blues band from Pennsylvania. The critically acclaimed "Life Under The Gun" features Harry's impressive guitar and song writing work. This is exemplified in the melodies of the title track "Ain't Nobody", number one on Philadelphia AOR giant WMMR for over three weeks, as well as the blistering blues-rocker "Cruzin'". In fact, "Cruzin'" is the opening track on the Paisano Easyriders Video "The Great Escape", distributed worldwide. "Hot, Blue and Righteous", is a return to the raw Blues-Rock style that he is known for. It was a regular on Bubba John Stevens WMMR radio show "Blues Alley" in Philadelphia.

After seeing Harry in action, one can readily understand George Thorogood calling him "the most underrated guitar player in North America." Jon Takiff, music critic for the Philadelphia Daily News says "The Flamin' Harry Band has a sound coherent of the classic trios like Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience." Jack Lloyd of the Philadelphia Inquirer gave Harry's last record a FOUR STAR RAVE REVIEW saying "this album makes Harry's unit the hottest band to come out of the Philadelphia area since George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers." Eugene Pitts of Audio Magazine just reviewed Hot, Blue & Righteous and he says " A for Sound, A for Performance!" "Blaze Guitar Work!" " Adrenaline rush with the hair on the back of my neck stickin' straight up!" " Move over Slowhand (Clapton), Flamin' Harry's here!"

FHB appearances include: Spectrum,Phila, Pa(3 times), Mann Music Center, Phila, Pa., Civic Center, Phila, Pa(4 times),Trocadero, Empire Rock Room, Chestnut Cabaret, 23 East Cabaret, Ambler Cabaret, J.C.Dobbs, Abilene, River Blues Festival, Penns Landing,Pa, Bucks County Blues Society Shows, LBI Blues Festival, New Jersey Arts, Lobster Blues Festival, Bandanna Blues Festival, Moonlight Gardens, Cincinnati, Ohio, Decade, Pittsburgh, Pa, Ham N' Jam Hulett, Wyoming, Buffalo Chip Musical Festival, Sturgis, SD, Harley Rendezvous, Mariateville, NY, Civic Arena, Massachusetts, Armory Stadium, Rochester, NY, Lone Star Cafe, Lone Star Roadhouse,NY, Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ, Wildwood Convention Hall,NJ, New Jersey State Fair, Pennsylvania State Fair, Quakertown Balloon Festival, KK Katies, Boston,MA, DeBella De Ball and many, many more.

FHB has appeared in concert on the bill with George Thorogood, Johnny Winter, Greg Allman, Dickie Betts, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Burden, John Hammond, South Side Johnny, Steve Howe, Savoy Brown, Latoya Jackson, BB King, RTZ(Boston), The Hooters, Robert Hazzard, Tommy Conwell, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Leon Russel, Richie Havens, Todd Rundren, Nighthawks, Lita Ford, BTO, Steppenwolf, Foghat, J. Geils Band, Brian Auger, Deep Purple, Ted Nugent, Tabby Thomas( FHB was Tabby's Band For the LBI Blues Festival.), John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells,Willie Dixon, Guitar Junior, Koko Taylor, Long John Baldry, James Cotton, AC Reed, Elvin Bishop, Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, Carey Bell, Son Seals, Lonnie Mack, Marshall Tucker, Outlaws, Wolfman Jack, Joe Walsh, Little Caeser, Edgar Winter, Pat Travers, Jimmy Rodgers, Eddie Clearwater, Corey Stevens, and Bo Diddley.(for a while Harry played guitar for Bo Diddley) Plus many More!

Flamin' Harry was nominated for many Phila music awards including best independent release,street beat, and Best of Phila. For several years running Harry was a member of the WMMR ALL-Star band!!! He was also given the 1997 "Keeping The Blues Alive" award by the Bucks County Blues Society. Harry is also a member of the Bucks County Blues Society advisory board. What started as a young boy who loved the blues has evolved into one of the most innovative bluesrock stylist in the world. Harry's finger picking style has been often copied but never duplicated and his live performances have become legendary. Be sure not to miss the uncompromising bluesrock guitar work and performances of Rev. Flamin' Harry and the Roadhouse Rockers.

THE HAPPYS | official site | 

The Happys are a Dynamic Rock and Blues/Blues Band from Annapolis, Maryland.  Their live shows are not only a pleasure to listen to but fun to watch.  Between the exchange of instruments, the switching of singers and mix of song genre, this group will keep you interested in what's next on their set list.  Their original songs are a blend of songs influenced by the blues, rock, rock & roll, new wave, punk, country and life!  The Happys formed in the Spring of 2009 and are working their way into the local music scene.  They just completed their CD called "Happy." and will be releasing it on May 20th, 2012.  They are already working on their next CD which they hope to release by next Spring or sooner.

ROADHOUSE CLAMS | facebook | 

With a fun, first-rate stage show that features tight harmonies, vibrant acoustic & electric guitars, groove-laden drums & percussion, mandolins, and more, it's clear that the Roadhouse Clams are well on their way to becoming one of the mid-Atlantic's premier live acts."
-Chesapeake Music Guide
"The Roadhouse Clams is the intersection where Key West meets Nashville."
-Jamie Norton, WPOC Radio, Baltimore, MD

CLONES OF FUNK | official site | facebook | 

SWEET LEDA | official site | facebook | twitter | itunes | youtube |

**Named “MD/DC Band of The Year 2011″ in Tri State Indie’s Music Awards**
**Voted “DC/Baltimore Best Emerging Artist of 2011″ by The Deli Magazine’s Reader’s Poll**

“It’s sexy. It’s sweet. It’s gonna kick your ass!”

Powered by Julie Cymek’s sultry, commanding vocals and electrifying stage presence, “think Adele mixed with Mary J. Blige, with a certain South Of The Mason-Dixon Line ache that’s all her own”, Sweet Leda has earned a reputation as a “rising star,” taking the diverse mid-Atlantic music scene by storm and becoming one of the most exciting and accomplished live acts around. With its rich blend of new school funk, soul, and pop, Sweet Leda’s heartfelt original material has drawn comparisons to Joss Stone, Janis, Maroon 5, Edie Brickell, and even Led Zeppelin while garnering its very own stylistic label: “sexy smooth rock and groove”.

With their HOT new album “Need The Music” in hand, produced by Stephen Joseph Antonelli and mixed by Drew Mazurek (Linkin Park, Allman Bros.), the band is working hard to share their music with the world! The album’s first single, “Can’t Stand,” was very well received and has garnered much airplay. New cuts such as “Let Her Love Her”, “What I Need”, and “What You Don’t Know” are now getting love from the press as well as SL’s favorite radio stations…and are available on iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, and more!

Things are really just heating up and getting started for Sweet Leda, who is constantly adding new credits and experiences to their resume….from placing songs in feature films, to sharing festivals and stages with the likes of Robert Randolph, Lyle Lovett, Keb’ Mo’, Tedeschi Trucks, Big Head Todd, New Riders of The Purple Sage. The band has been traveling more than ever, working it’s way up and down the east coast, so be sure to check the website for updates. In the meantime, rest assured that the band will be working hard — in the studio and on the live circuit — to do what they do best: make sweet music.

WHISKEY & THE KIDNEY STONES | myspace |

In their own words: "Whiskey & The Kidney Stones have been stinking up Baltimore, DC, and Annapolis for roughly five years. We have two full-length CD's. Our music posesses uniqueness in it's grooving ROCK style and low-brow humor. A sweaty, drunken ROCK machine- the live shows are nothing short of chaos. Did I mention ROCK? Not Nu-Metal, not whining Emo, no reggae to be found or false whitey funk, but a strong sense of duty to purvey our brand of rock (with a wee dash of 70's metal and punk.) You love it. You need it. It's good for your colon. Maybe you've heard us on soundtracks for such popular straight-to-DVD films as "Ninja School Rebels", "A Vampire's Queef" and "Charles: The Tasty Mattress." Or not. Shut up. I hate you sometimes. You know that?"

WILLIES LIGHT | facebook |

Willies Light, from the Baltimore-Washington Metro area is known for their energetic and soulful live performances. Based primarily around the song writing of Hall Williams this band does not fall short on its creativity or variety of style. In 2005, Williams was joined by drummer Matthew Pugh. Together, Williams and Pugh teamed up to create the Baltimore-Washington Metro areas best live original band. Over the next four years they developed their show and sound with a host of players from the area. In 2010, they were joined by one of Hall’s former band mates and percussionist, Barry Cooper. With the joining of Cooper and Nick Verdis on Bass, the four went into the studio to record their first 5-song EP, Peacemeal. Released in the beginning of 2011, Peacemeal also featured Hall’s long-time friend and multi-instrumentalist, Jason Crosby. Crosby was the former keyboard player for Robert Randolph and the Family Band, has also graced more than 40 albums, including Susan Tedeschi's Grammy nominated blues album, Wait for Me, and Anastacia's pop hit, Freak of Nature. In June of 2011, and again with Crosby, the band went back into Lion & Fox Studios to record the second 5-song EP, Whole New Reality. After the completion of Whole New Reality, Willies Light acquired a new bassist, former band mate of Hall’s, arranger, and producer, Lorenzo Sands. Sands is known most noteably for his work bassist and co-direcrtor of one of the nation’s top Jazz bands, The Air Force Tops and Blues, and brings to Willies Light a solid musical foundation backed with years of road experience. Currently, the band is booking 2012 dates and working on new material for their third EP.

FUNKMNKYZ | official site | twitter | facebook | itunes | youtube |

FunkMnkyz hit the DMV (DC, MD, VA) live scene and fell in love with playing loud and raucous shows without taking themselves too seriously. Known for mixing hip hop, rock, reggae, funk, metal and other genres on a whim, FunkMnkyz graced some of the biggest stages in their surrounding area: Merriweather Post Pavilion, 9:30 Club, State Theatre, Rams Head Live, Recher Theatre, GMU's Mason Day, Jammin Java, Bourbon Street Ballroom, Jaxx, Velvet Lounge, Adams Morgan Day 2008 & 2009, HFStival 2010 & 2011, Miami Music Festival, and TT Reynold's.

This year, FunkMnkyz will continue to spread and release their first full-length album, "Which Way is Down."

SOMA | official site | facebook | youtube | 

A body is the sum of its parts. Without the others, no part will ever reach its full potential. ‘Soma’ is the Greek word for ‘body’, which is exactly what the band is: a collection which creates the whole. From each musician to their instrument, every measure to each individual note, it all contributes to, and defines the entirety. Given to the Rock persuasion, and saturated with energy and emotion, SOMA brings to you the infamous power of Rock and Roll from a different perspective. It’s not just about taking the music that has been done in the past and doing it better, it’s about taking what has been done, and doing it differently.

   Spawned in Baltimore MD, January 2010, by Christian Neonakis (Vocals/Guitar/Keys), Jake Weiss (Drums/Vocals/Keys), Thom Hickey (Guitar/Keys), and Andrew McCabe (Bass/Vocals), SOMA presents a modern take on Rock and Roll with a keen sense of its roots, combining key elements of Blues and Rock. SOMA is inspired by an eclectic list of artists including MUSE, Miike Snow, Jack White, Rage Against the Machine, and such legends like The Allman Brothers and Son House. On their debut EP, the trio presents a refreshing yet familiar sound with driving instrumentation and exceptional composition and lyricism. SOMA always provides a captivating experience whether recorded or live. Although their body of work is only beginning, their passion for music is apparent, exciting, and enough reason to make SOMA a new band to pay attention to.

VELMA | facebook |

CAFE LAMOTTA | facebook |

JACKKNIFE STILETTO | official site | facebook | twitter | itunes | youtube |

With their sexy vocals, aggressive guitars, and pulsing drums, Jackknife Stiletto maintains the same drive and loud rock 'n' roll that made them a popular live act all over the tri-state area. The women of Jackknife Stiletto have brought their passionate live act to stage ranging from packed out local pubs to Don Hill's and The Knitting Factory in NYC to the annual statewide Vans Warped Tour.