Erin Frisby is one of those surprising singer-songwriters with a voice that can soar but the ability to get down in the dirt to dig up a truth. With roots in American folk traditions and a heart full of rock and roll, Erin delivers well known tunes and originals with presence, honesty, and power.

Erin currently fronts the trio, Ammonite.

Tornado Rose delivers an uplifting blend of Americana, bluegrass, country and folk with gorgeous vocals and high-flying strings. Lead singer and songwriter Brooke Bell has blossomed as a beautiful rose surrounded by a chaotic tornado of strings.

Brooke is proficient in playing the guitar, autoharp and fiddle. Her enchanting voice compliments her songwriting, which often reflects her experience growing up in the small town of Independence, Kansas. Josh Bell is the double bass player for Tornado Rose. Ryan Davidson plays mandolin. Kyle Jacobs rounds out the quartet on banjo.

In February, Tornado Rose recorded with Dewey Boyd at Forty-One Fifteen studio in Nashville, TN. So far in 2025 the band has released three singles to critical acclaim with a fourth release forthcoming. The tracks feature performances from standout musicians including Maddie Denton on fiddle and Lucas White on guitar.

Marilyn Hucek is an American-Chilean artist and singer-songwriter known for her emotional honesty, catchy melodies, and powerful vocals. Blending influences from pop, rock, and folk, her music explores themes of love, grief, identity, and resilience.

Marilyn infuses her work with cultural depth and raw vulnerability, connecting deeply with audiences through her storytelling. Her debut album features songs in both English and Spanish, including tracks like “Neil Young,” which supports Alzheimer’s awareness, and “Me Salvaste El Alma,” a heartfelt Spanish ballad.

Marilyn has performed at iconic venues like DC9 and the Peppermint Lounge, and her music has been featured by Pandora and local radio. With a mission to raise Alzheimer’s awareness through her music, Marilyn continues to make waves as an independent artist to watch.

Clayton Bryant is a powerhouse GRAMMY® and ASCAP Award-winning singer, songwriter, and composer. His musical journey has been shaped by personal mentors who read like a who's who of the Rock & Roll and R&B Halls of Fame—including Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Roger Daltrey of The Who, and the Legendary songwriting duo Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson.

Recognized as one of the most sought-after vocalists in the music industry today, Clayton’s aching counter-tenor has been praised by Vanity Fair. Currently, Clayton is on tour with I Want the Night to Stay – The Songs of Luther Vandross, a powerful and personal tribute to his legendary mentor. He is preparing for two exciting album releases: Wild Horses—his highly anticipated LP due Fall 2025, followed by a genre-defying country album in 2026. And new Christmas songs for the Holiday Season!

American Nomad is an award-winning blues-Americana band known for its soulful sound, heartfelt songwriting, and high-energy live shows. Blending blues, folk, and roots traditions, their music channels the spirit of travel and lived experience—a sound that feels like the love child of Bill Withers and James Taylor, full of soul, warmth, and honesty.

The band features Hassan El-Tayyab (lead vocals/guitar), Eric Lawry (drums), Johnny Seikaly (bass), Marcel Penzes (trombone), and Dave Hadley (pedal steel). They’ve played top stages like Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Strawberry Music Festival, and Fairbanks Folk Festival.

Their latest album, Tired of Goodbyes, builds on the emotional depth of their debut Country Mile, produced by Grammy nominee Laurie Lewis. Frontman Hassan El-Tayyab has been honored by the Telluride Troubadour, Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, and International Songwriting Competition for his powerful vocals and lyricism.

Alex Alavi & The Funky Breakfast are a DC-based band that boasts a strong setlist of original tunes that sound like if the '60s had a baby with Shel Silverstein. As funny as they are thoughtful, their songs are unique and catchy enough that you’ll find yourself humming them for days after the show.

Crooked Sparrow is a Northern Virginia-based trio fusing Americana with musical traditions from Texas and Latin America. One of Arlington Magazine Local Musicians and Bands To Check Out Now. Award-winning songwriting by Valeria Stewart and Kevin Dudley is accompanied by beautiful violin work by Jenny Smith. Valeria is originally from Argentina and her songs transmit Latin, folk, jazz, and Americana sounds. Kevin hails from Texas and brings a bit of western swing, blues, and deep soul to the mix. Expect a gumbo of roots music from both Americas — North and South — and in between.

Izzy Burke is an ensouled being—like yourself—who writes, makes music, and engages in various other stuff and things in the DMV. She has performed in local music projects including Wammie-awarded Riot Grrrl band Cherub Tree (former bassist), alternative rock band Modest Goddess (vocalist, songwriter, guitarist), Americana/dreampop duo Letters to Delphi (vocalist, songwriter), and indie rock band Roscoe Tripp (vocalist, guitarist). Izzy is also the creator of Inkwell, a Substack blog highlighting local musicians and artists in the DMV. Her current solo work embraces the poignant and intimate singer-songwriter ethos of indie artists like Mark Kozelek, Elliott Smith, and Jason Molina. Outside of performing, she is supporting the local scene by helping to launch Girls Rock NOVA, a community organization which aims to empower youth to embrace their creativity and self-confidence through music.

Based in Rockville, Maryland, award-winning singer-songwriter Rich Morey draws from Americana, folk, rock, soul, and a dash of funk. His songs feature catchy guitar grooves; rich, soulful vocals; and thought-provoking lyrics inspired by his love of poetry (h/t Shel Silverstein). Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Rich joined his first band at 14, studied classical guitar and jazz in college, and learned to play gospel and sing at church. These days, you’ll catch him out playing solo or with one of his projects: Pierre is Dreaming, Two the Hard Way, and occasionally the Chris Collat Band. Rich is thrilled to appear at the Takoma Park Folk Festival for the first time this year, where so many area artists who inspire him have played! He is working on recording his first album. His first single, More Time is available everywhere.

Brad Engler is a Takoma Park resident, performing original and mostly-modern political folk on acoustic guitar with LOUD vocals and lyrics to fit the times. Inspirations for his usual set include The Paris Commune, The Critically-Warming Climate, The Eastern Redbud Tree, Eugene V. Debs, Good Neighbors and Mutual Aid. Brad has appeared as a solo act or part of ensembles at such varied venues as Zeno’s in State College, PA, Sixth & I in Washington, DC, Carnegie Hall in New York City, and the 2023 Takoma Park Folk Fest!

Sadia is a Maryland-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist dedicated to creating diverse sonic works, with captivating vocals, potent lyrics and a powerful delivery. Her work has been performed at venues throughout the Baltimore and D.C. areas, featured in films, and most recently, featured on NPR’s All Things Considered.

Olivia Delaplaine is a Takoma Park-based singer-songwriter, organizer, and artist inspired by the people, places, and things that make the D.C. metro region home. Her style draws from folk, bluegrass, country, labor ballads, show tunes, and political parodies.

She will be accompanied on guitar and harmonica by David Mott, a fellow organizer and musician. Olivia and David play together in the socialist-folk-rock band Banned in Bethesda.

Recent performances include Takoma Park Porch Fest, Solidarity City, and several Metro DC DSA picnics and fundraisers. She is thrilled to be performing at the Takoma Park Folk Fest for the first time after volunteering at the community tables for the past few years (say hi to the Metro DC DSA table!). She is working on her first album entitled “Musings from the Metro.”

Eli Lev is an indie folk-pop artist from Silver Spring, Maryland, known for his soulful storytelling, global perspective, and community-driven performances. His latest release, Past Lives, is the second chapter in his ambitious Three Worlds Project—a musical trilogy exploring time, identity, and transformation. The album features the actual voices of his ancestors, woven into songs that honor family history and cultural roots. From Appalachian mill towns to Eastern European villages, Eli brings the past to life with warmth and authenticity. Tracks like “Echo” and “Where We Come From” blend heartfelt lyrics with rich sonic textures, inviting listeners on a journey through generations. A former teacher on the Navajo Nation, Eli’s music is shaped by his passion for education, connection, and healing through song. With Past Lives, he deepens his role as a modern-day folk storyteller, creating spaces where personal memory and collective history converge.

After growing up on family sing-alongs, Josh Korr created the D.C. Sing-Along to bring the analog magic of '60s hootenannies to a new generation.

Rings of Maple is a D.C.-based folk band that writes and performs songs about love, friendship, and being better people. The band's core members and songwriters are guitarist Lisa Einstein and fiddler Wren Elhai, who got their start writing custom songs for friends' weddings. Since then, they've branched out to write songs about cybersecurity, maple syrup, platonic love, and more. Follow them on Instagram @ringsofmaple to learn about other performances and new music coming out in early 2026.

Music that will stick in your head - as well as your heart. Over the years, Doug Wilcox has provided support for or shared a stage with a diverse cross-section of musical talent including Peter Mayer, Tom Prasada-Rao, Jen Chapin, L.J. Booth, Stacey Earle, Pierce Pettis, and Peter Case.

Broommaker began as Teething Veils in 2006 in Washington, DC, playing occasional live shows at places such as the Montgomery College Planetarium and their own living room at 611 Florida Ave, becoming more active about six years later. They have released five full-length albums (Velorio, 2013; Constellations, 2014; Sea and Sun, 2017; Canopy of Crimson, 2020; and To Have and to Hold, 2022) and a 7” single (Dinner Date, 2015) through the artist-run DC-and-Santa-Fe-based collective Etxe Records. They have played live for audiences in 48 US states and the District of Columbia, and two Canadian provinces.

"These little songs—sepia-toned yet searching, eccentric yet melodically inclined—add up to something that feels like its own pocket universe, sometimes wistful, sometimes the kind of menacing only achieved via a late-career Tom Waits death rattle." —Washington City Paper

Singer-songwriter Jeff Brown was born in Chicago, IL. Raised on heavy metal, and versed in classical and the blues, he has since found his home in the soothing melodies and heartfelt lyrics of modern folk rock, reminiscent of Damien Rice, Iron & Wine, and Glen Hansard. Often reluctant to definitively characterize the style of his music, Jeff Brown frequently describes his sound as 'songs about girls and feelings, mostly.’ His shows and music run the range from delicate indie-folk to more aggressive alt-rock with forays into jazz and chamber pop. His songwriting trends towards the melancholic and he jokes that his songwriting influences are “Girls and alcohol, mostly,” though in reality, his music is rarely that one-dimensional. Brown writes love songs for people who are sick of the same old love songs. Tell your dog he says hi.

Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, trade unionist, and first-generation Filipina American who has been winning over audiences with her resonant vocals, acute and relatable observations, unique guitar-style, and sharp sense of humor. Ever since returning to the scene in 2019, Jillian has been on a tear, winning multiple songwriting awards (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards), playing numerous shows and festivals, and collaborating with musicians on stage and in the studio. She released her debut EP, "Hangin' On" in 2020. “Singing to the Moon”, her first full-length album, debuted at No. 6 on the FAI Folk Chart in March 2024.

Lyla DiPaul has only ever had one dream; to sing and to play guitar. In 4th grade, when her older brother began to teach her to pick out songs Lyla knew she was hooked. Inspired by the artsy Takoma Park, where she grew up, Lyla began performing when she was 11. Although passionate about songwriting, Lyla felt hesitant to pursue a career in music. It wasn’t until she entered college at Loyola University New Orleans that Lyla found confidence. By second semester, Lyla had switched her major and released her first single. Since then, Lyla has been discovering what it means to survive as an independent artist. Her 2024 EP, Something To Lose, is a perfect example of getting by with a little help from your friends. Each song came together like pieces of a puzzle. Lyla is currently working on her debut album set to be released in 2026!

“Hailing from a small town in Maryland and now calling Virginia home, Eric Selby is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose music defies easy categorization. Blending elements of Americana, Psychedelic Folk, and roots-driven storytelling, his sound is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Eric draws inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding him, channeling it into songs rich with emotion, texture, and thought provoking lyrics. His fourth solo release for Soul Stew Records, Starting To Sync In, shows his talent for blending genres. Eric’s previous album, Dang Fool, landed in the Top 10 National Alternative Folk Albums of the Year (2024), according to Roots Music Report (RMR). His past releases, Do, Baby. and Where You Born At?, were also named among RMR’s Top Contemporary Folk Albums of the Year.” —Jane Lambert, Modern Mystery: Indie Music Magazine

Rugan Lewis is a musician, songwriter, and producer originating from the Pacific Northwest now based in Hyattsville, Maryland. Rugan’s acoustic performance offers a fresh perspective, blending soulful vocals, dynamic guitar work and intimate, heartfelt lyrics. Existing in a unique sonic and songwriter space that appeals to fans of The Flaming Lips, John Prine and Dr. Dog.

Over the summer, Rugan release two new singles, “That Beat” and “The Next Season”. His recorded work offers melodic harmonies, complex arrangements with rich textures—sometimes weaving in rock, psychedelic synthesizers and other surprising sounds. Be on the lookout for the next song being released in October: “You Can’t Claim Her.”

Founding member of Mystery Band Lisa Moscatiello has headlined many projects in the Washington area music scene (The New St. George; Ocean Quartet) and won numerous Wammies including Album of the Year for Second Avenue and Trouble from the Start. Her musical partner and wife, cellist and vocalist Anita Burkam, came to performing through campfires, hootenannies, and duetting with legendary blues artist Max Ochs. Together Moscatiello and Burkam formed Mystery Band to explore songs they’ve co-written that delve into the mysteries: Love, Death, Time, and why that one guy walking his dog never says hi when he passes you on the street.

Charlie Bryant sings and plays mid-century modern folk music. What’s that? Who knows; he made it up. Charlie writes (and covers) songs about love, loss, hope, bewilderment, wistful longing, busted romance, modern technology, existential dread, and (of course) drinking. If country music is three chords and the truth, then what Charlie’s after is four chords and the ambiguity. And you can't spell ambiguity without Am.

Miles Spicer is a Washington D.C. area native, one third of M.S.G. Acoustic Blue Trio and half of Spice Cake. With M.S.G Miles plays guitar and sings. The group has been performing together since 2001 and have played venues as small as living room house concerts to major festivals including Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion and the Chicago Blues Festival. Spice Cake is a duo with Yaya Patterson who handles most of the vocals. Both groups play originals and covers but the key to both these groups and Miles’ part in them is the connection made with an audience.

Bill Goodwin is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose musical journey blends technical expertise with heartfelt creativity. Trained at Berklee College of Music, he spent years behind the scenes producing live events and media for major brands like Bose Corporation. After a decade-long battle with debilitating shoulder injuries nearly ended his ability to play, Bill made a remarkable recovery through intense physical therapy—rediscovering his passion for music during the solitude of the pandemic. Now, with a repertoire of over 130 covers and 10 original songs, he’s shifted from event production to live performance, creating powerful, shared musical moments that celebrate connection over spotlight.

Summer Drake and Eric Chandler met while teaching and having neighboring classrooms. They quickly discovered a shared love of music. It was not long before Summer convinced Eric to go to an open mic. That led to booking their first gig on the spot, and years later, they play almost 100 shows a year all over the DMV. Over time, they perfected their harmonic and percussive sounds through covers but quickly moved into writing and recording original music. Chandler plays guitar and sings while Drake takes on singing and percussion—including the stomp pedal, tambourine, and cajon. They weave their musical influences into a driving, percussive version of Americana and Folk-Rock that has garnered praise all over the tri-state/D.C. area. They've been voted as local favorites year after year and continue to be recognized for their ability to connect with audiences of all ages.

Hornist and Alphornist Shawn Hagen proudly served for 25 years as a musician in the premiere bands of The United States Army in Washington, DC. He teaches at American University and is a member of the National Chamber Winds. Shawn has been a frequent guest with The Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, The National Symphony Orchestra, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. With the US Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” he had the historic honor of being the first Alphorn soloist at the US Capitol. Beyond music, Shawn is a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher and coaches Breathwork and Laughing Yoga. He also volunteers for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Good Grief Camps, mentoring youth who have lost military family members.

Wytold writes original music on the six-string electric cello inspired by outdoor rock climbing trips, world travel, his background studying philosophy of physics, and his experiences leading music workshops in military hospitals.

A talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Jerry Tolk has performed with Wytold in a wide variety of venues including the Kennedy Center, TEDx, and the French Embassy on drums, guitar, electric guitar, six-string banjo, and six-string bass.

Wytold has performed his original music live with the National Symphony Orchestra and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. His music has been featured in live modern dance scores, theater productions, and films including the HBO Documentary Film “We Are Not Done Yet” and the Sundance award-winning "Blood Brother". Wytold also received the 2018 Montgomery County Executive Award for Artistic Excellence, several grants from Montgomery County, Maryland, and DC, and the "Best Six-String Electric Cellist" award from the Washington City Paper.

Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and D.C. native Sarah Gilberg is a longtime member of the DMV music scene, performing both solo and in support of other local artists such as Luray, the Junior League Band, and Ms. Fridrich. Her debut album Other People's Secrets (2018) features songs of new love, old love, strength, and healing. Sarah took a break from performing several years ago with the birth of her first child, and is returning now with a new collection of songs from a forthcoming album, Mother, inspired by her journey with motherhood, in all its joy, pain, frustration, hope, and humor. Sarah will be joined by Gary Prince (guitar), Manny Arciniega (percussion) and Ian Riggs (bass).

Trela is an ethno-jazz, world, and folk music collaboration featuring Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis alongside Mark Sylvester. The duo combines Dr. Koliavasilis's masterful artistry with Sylvester's technical prowess. Performing with Koliavasilis on oud and laouto-guitar/mandocello guitar and Sylvester on mandolin and guitar, Trela specializes in folk tunes and melodies from around the world, especially from the Mediterranean region. They blend popular works by Leonard Cohen and George Harrison with tango and classical Ottoman pieces, honoring diverse musical traditions while offering refined artistic interpretations.

From the Archive pulls your favorites from the past and sprinkles a lil something from our present, too. From originals to Erykah Badu, SZA, and others, FTA adds a twist of rhythm, blues, killer solos and killer intuition to our set list. We love audience interaction from all ages- this is our favorite part of the show! This will be our first time performing in a festival and we really can’t wait to meet everyone. We hope to spread the classics, some new stuff, some old stuff made new, some new stuff made better, and an overall vibe that everyone can enjoy.

Sudrabavots is a Washington, D.C.–based Latvian folk ensemble that has been sharing the rich traditions of Latvian music and culture since 2000. Performing internationally as well as locally, we bring to life the beauty of traditional melodies, harmonies, and dances that connect generations and communities. Our performances reflect both authenticity and warmth, inviting audiences into the spirit of Latvian heritage. Beyond the stage, Sudrabavots celebrates Latvian holidays year-round, joining with our D.C. Latvian community to honor cultural traditions and create meaningful connections. Together, we sustain and share the living legacy of Latvian folk music with audiences near and far.

Our sound emerged from a series of backyard sessions in the darkest days of 2020. Eventually we went indoors and electrified. Our songs are about how hard it is to change a dark world. We’re still growing.

Celtic Underground is a four-piece acoustic band that puts a fresh spin on Irish folk music. With twin fiddles, guitar, and banjo, they mix driving tunes and pub singalongs with rich harmonies and the storytelling spirit of Americana. Their setlists weave together jigs, reels, ballads, and crowd favorites that get people clapping, singing, and dancing. Based in the D.C. area, they’ve built a loyal local following and bring a warm, high-energy vibe to every stage they play.

Dan Lipton & the Whiskey Disciples are an energetic finger-picking, foot-thumping, harmony-laden trio out of DC. Dan's second LP, Water Rising, was described by American Songwriter as the "warming crackle of nostalgia," while Earmilk noted it is hard not to get lost in the "steady beat," and "finger-picked guitar."

Pet Names is a Maryland-based duo playing folk, rock, and beyond. Partners in both music and in life, Camila (guitar) and Maggie (bass) co-write all of their original music. Their sound is rooted in rich vocal harmonies and lively instrumentals, with lyrics that range from thoughtful to tongue-in-cheek. They draw inspiration across decades and genres—Washington City Paper wrote that their debut EP, Hey Hi Hello, “effortlessly pair[s] early aughts indie sensibilities with classic rock.”

Maggie and Camila are lifelong musicians with a love for live performance and transforming their full band recordings into acoustic duo arrangements. They especially enjoy test-driving songs-in-progress at shows, and have fallen in love with the DMV’s supportive local music community. Eager to learn, and equally headstrong, Pet Names is taking a DIY approach to organic music-making in a digital world.

Born Gareth Marc Kinglock in Montego Bay, Jamaica, music was a mainstay growing up. His earliest memories centered around his mother practicing church songs and singing with her. Immigrating to the United States, Kinglock wrote, recorded, and performed at churches, local clubs, private events, and festivals in the Washington, DC area. Kinglock worked with the legendary Jim Fox of Lion and Fox studios on his original piece “Plant a Seed,” which was the stepping stone that allowed for the creation of his music video which was created by Aly Asili. “It was a full-circle moment for me, flying back home to create a cinematic visual piece of my song in my homeland.” One of his greatest moments. The promotion of Kinglock’s music allowed him to share the stage with great artists such as Johnny P, Tiger, Ikaya, Glenn Washington, Leroy Sibbles, Kiprich, Duane Stephenson, Abijah, the Rootsman, and Erol Dunkley.

Minor Hill Hounds are Eddie Dickerson (fiddle, guitar); Jackie Wright (guitar); John Brunschwyler (banjo); and Stephen Hu (bass). We play bluegrass and acoustic music around the DC area and love to spread joy and good vibes through our music.

Cuppa T. Jones brings a deep soul-rooted blues sound shaped by the hill country traditions of North Mississippi and the delta’s raw storytelling. Backed by a tight trio—Scott Reda on second guitar and vocals, Rice Moorehead on bass, and Ben Blevin on drums—Cuppa T. creates a live show full of hypnotic rhythm, call-and-response spirit, and deep feeling. Born in Togo and raised in Maryland, his music bridges continents and generations with groove, grit, and gospel growl.

Living in Washington D.C. since June 2022, Fran Maravilla is a Salvadoran musician with a long career that started in the late 90’s in the rock music scene in El Salvador. Forming part of a long list of bands and projects that marked a stage in Central American rock and a generation that launched without parachuting to discover new horizons, managing to bring the Salvadoran music to Argentina, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, México (Chiapas, DF, Estado de México, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Querétaro) and various cities in the United States (Los Angeles, Pico Rivera, Boston, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Washington D.C). In July 2024 Fran presented his solo project under his name "Fran Maravilla" releasing her first single “Tonos de Martins Point” and touring four cities on the East Coast: Boston, New York, New Jersey and Washington D.C.

Art rock-psych rock-improv rock-garage rock-pop rock-electro rock-alt rock-dad rock band. For fans of odd time signatures, bass and drums grooving in the pocket under trippy guitars, with room for improvisation, and the occasional dad rock pop song to balance it all out. Sleepers are old college friends still pushing each other to raise their bar and have fun without pretense.

Friends and Amigos is an indie-pop bossa nova band based in Rockville, Maryland. Formerly known as "Gabrielle Zwi and Friends," the band features singer-songwriter Gabrielle Zwi, guitarist Levi Hebeisen, bassist Zach Beardsley, and drummer Spencer Marcotte. Today, they have filling in on guitar, Jose Daniel Ceballos.

After gigging together as a cover band for more than a decade, in 2018, this group of close friends went away for a long weekend to see if we could write some original music. In just three days (and nights), we ended that weekend with 14 original songs. Since then, we have felt inspired to continue to write original music collectively… compared to acts like Fleetwood Mac, Florence + the Machine, the Killers, Aimee Mann, and Lake Street Dive. Our name Best Machine comes from one of our first original collaborative songs "The Best Machine", which ponders the idea that we might in fact all just be machines, a jumbled pile of bits and parts, products of our environment, with very little control over our destinies. But even so, we are trying to make the best of the situation, celebrating love and comradery, creating beauty, and resisting despair and tyranny.

The Sol Roots band performs an award-winning blend of New Orleans-influenced funk, upbeat jazz, soul, and deep blues. Known for his ferocious guitar skills and soulful vocals, Sol has toured around the world with many musical legends. Sol has spent most of his life touring, recording, producing, and learning directly from roots and blues pioneers such as Beverly “Guitar" Watkins, Albert White, Robert Lee Coleman, Cool John Ferguson, Lee Gates, and more. The Sol Roots band have shared the stage with Jon Cleary, Sonny Landreth, Roosevelt Collier, Cory Henry, Shemekia Copeland, and more. Guided by a deep admiration for his musical mentors and a passion for universal music, Sol brings together a talented group of musicians. The band features super solid drummer Vic Chase and bassist extraordinaire Andreas Holmstrom. Sol Roots is an official Home Grown Music Network artist and a “Next Generation” Music Maker Foundation artist.

Love is a charismatic, versatile singer-songwriter whose talents encompass many styles and genres. With more than 20 years of performance experience, her voice has been described as a flirty breath of fresh air that encapsulates your senses as she serves up a musical gumbo of jazz, classical, gospel and R&B. A warm four-octave soprano who can glide effortlessly from a full belt to an angelic whisper or demanding operatic heights, you’ll be captivated watching Love become the physical embodiment of the music itself.

Brian K & The Parkway play earnest and expressive Rock & Roll that’s drawn comparisons to Tom Petty, ‘70s Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Warren Zevon, and The Replacements. Their sound blends ragged Americana grit with memorable hooks – think storytelling and swagger of Drive-By Truckers and singalong choruses of Dawes. The band has shared stages with Wheatus, Steve Poltz, Nicki Bluhm, and Cat Popper, appeared on three major market TV shows including a live performance on "Today in Nashville," and gotten radio play on more than 30 radio stations across the US and Canada.

From the Dirt is an Americana band from central Maryland fronted by Daniel Kenny, with Jeff Karn (Mandolin), and Eddie Dickerson (fiddle). Their harmony-soaked songs reveal bluegrass, Celtic, Americana and rock & roll influences. The award-winning songwriting is imagery and wordplay, with songs of heartache, addiction, love, loss, and loneliness.

The new Album, Colored Edge of Memory (released on all streaming platforms in May 2025) was produced and recorded by Jerry Brown (Doc Watson, Lucinda Williams, Watchhouse / Mandolin Orange, Steep Canyon Rangers) at The Rubber Room studio in Chapel Hill, NC.

Acacia Sears has been performing in the Baltimore and DC area for over 25 years. Her most recent album, “Egress” was released in January of 2025, and her song “Polygon Heart” was honored with an award from the Mid Atlantic Song Contest in the same year. Joined by Rowan Corbett and Sharif Kellogg of ilyAIMY, she will carry you through her songs of grief, divorce, and the Millennial Midlife Crisis.

Black Native is a lyricist whose goal is to bring some balance to mainstream hip-hop. From Alabama, Black Native wants to achieve this with what brought the south to the forefront to begin with: compelling stories, social commentary & sharp lyrical wit.

Pam Parker has been thrilling audiences with her tremendous voice and thoughtful message for many years. She has frequented venues of note in the DMV from Blues Alley to the Takoma Park Folk festival. She has also performed with some of the most talented musicians in the D.C. area.

GXB's scorching, hook-laden Southern rock and roll is filled with blues and heartfelt soul. Built around tight, high-energy live shows and Guy Bouchie's “Instant Classic” songwriting, the band is rounded out by veteran D.C. musician Ben Tufts and other hard hitting local talent. Signed to Root Nine Records, the band has continuously honed their craft opening for such acts as Willie Nile and Parker Barrow, further refining their blend of thoroughly American music.

If you are looking for someone to play the same five Skynyrd songs, you're probably in the wrong place. On the other hand, if you are looking for originals that can make you laugh or sigh, if you want a variety of classic covers both well known (Beatles, Stones, Springsteen, Buffett, U2, some old R&B - I can do a whole show of those) and somewhat obscure (Rush, Ian Thomas, Southside Johnny, Dean Friedman), you are in the right spot!

Sydelle Pearl, an award-winning children’s book author, originally from New Jersey now living in Maryland, incorporates songs into her participatory storytelling presentations.

L-M-N-O-People is a children’s music band from Hyattsville, Maryland, led by songwriters Audrey and Rick Engdahl. Joined by bassist Jessica Arends and percussionist/rapper Jali-D, the group creates an energetic, interactive experience for families. With roots in contemporary folk and flavors of pop and rock, their music invites kids to sing, move, and imagine along.

Audrey, a teacher as well as a musician, weaves curriculum-friendly themes into playful, catchy songs, while Rick brings his knack for playful interaction and guitar arrangements. Together, they’ve released two award-winning albums: Imagine That! And for the grown-ups, Open the Gate (with their other band Sense of Wonder). Their single “Dino-Dino-Dinosaur” has racked up over 350,000 streams on Spotify! They also composed the score for Bounce, an original musical retelling Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit.

Whether performing at schools, libraries, or festivals, L-M-N-O-People makes music that families can enjoy together — fun, smart, and full of heart.

The Pinky Pickers is a collective of musicians that grew out of the DC and Baltimore Old Time scenes. Our aim is to honor the genre’s traditions and each musician’s unique voice as an offering to our community. We play a mix of traditionals and originals that push boundaries while remaining familiar.

Ingrid Gorman is a retired data analyst and full-time folk festival programmer, including the Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival and the Washington Folk Festival. After 35 years in the D.C. area and active involvement in the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, she now lives in Pittsburgh and was recently appointed to the Calliope House board of directors, the well-known folk music concert promoters. Recent endeavors include writing two children’s books and an accompanying song which she has recently presented to enthusiastic preschoolers in classrooms on the Eastern Shore.