TOM STARR BAND
Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five Podcast
This week on Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five, guest host Mark Blacksten sits down with Tom Starr of the Tom Starr Band, a group that has quickly risen to become one of the DMV’s most exciting live acts. From their early days as a small trio to now commanding stages with a full horn section and powerhouse vocalists, the band has built a reputation for high-energy performances that blend rock, soul, funk, Motown, jazz, reggae, folk, and pop into an unforgettable experience. In this episode, Tom shares the band’s journey from dive bars to major events, how they keep their performances fresh,...
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ENSLOW
Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five Podcast
This week on Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five, we welcome back Baltimore’s rising pop sensation, Enslow. Known for her lush blend of electronic pop, 70s-inspired melodies, and indie charm, Enslow has quickly become a fan favorite at Alive @ Five. Joined by bandmate Josh, she shares stories of her whirlwind journey since first playing Frederick in 2023, from releasing her debut album Hello, to being named Best Band in Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine, to gearing up for her highly anticipated sophomore album Crush. We talk about her favorite Frederick hangouts, the magic of playing outdoors...
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MARSHAL FUZZ
Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five Podcast
Get ready for an electrifying episode as guest hosts Dylan Zang and Jeremiah Johnston of Brain Dead Live sit down with Sulaiman Rahman, frontman of Marshal Fuzz, a gritty, Maryland-based rock band bringing their explosive psychedelic-blues sound to Alive @ Five this Thursday, July 31. From their fuzzy riffs and soulful vocals to their unexpected cover choices (yes, even Britney Spears and Snoop Dogg), Marshal Fuzz has become a force on the Mid-Atlantic scene. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Their long-awaited debut at Alive @ Five, and what it means to the band How...
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8 OHMS BAND
Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five Podcast
Presented by: ACNB Bank Podcast sponsored by: Frederick Podcast Network – 🎧 Tune in every Monday for a new episode of Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five! See you on the Creek.
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JUSTIN TRAWICK
Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five Podcast
In this episode of Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five, host Ashley Marie sits down with singer-songwriter Justin Trawick of Justin Trawick and The Common Good, an Americana fusion band blending bluegrass, folk, and heartfelt storytelling. Justin opens up about his songwriting roots, building his band with a “family photo” of rotating musicians, and the very real journey of turning life experiences,breakups, family memories, and even a vocal injury, into emotionally resonant music. Plus, get a sneak peek at the band’s Alive @ Five setlist, which promises a genre-mashing mix of originals and...
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HONEST LEE SOUL
Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five Podcast
In this episode of Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five, guest host Dylan Zing (owner of Brain Dead Live and Alive @ Five Band Selection Committee member) sits down with Rahsaan Eldridge and Cullen DeChant—co-founders of the Annapolis-based band Honest Lee Soul. Known for their magnetic fusion of soul, funk, blues, gospel, hip-hop, and rock, the band makes their Alive @ Five debut on Thursday, July 3. Originally formed as Brother’s Keeper in 2017, the group released their debut self-titled LP in 2018 before evolving into Honest Lee Soul. With the additions of Reggie Maddox (bass), Kirk Meyers...
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FOUR STAR COMBO
Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five Podcast
This week, we're taking a rockin’ ride back in time with Ron “Bad Ron” Scott of Four Star Combo — a high-octane band known for reviving the spirit of 1950s rockabilly and honky tonk with a modern twist. Guest host Mark Blacksten from ACNB Bank sits down with Ron to talk vintage vibes, upright bass slaps, international releases, and what it means to keep roots music alive in 2025. From classic influences like Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis to one-take recordings and vintage amps, Four Star Combo brings authenticity and energy to every show. You’ll also hear about their upcoming Alive @...
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AHZAY & THE SQUAD
Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five Podcast
This week on Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five, host Asa Weeks sits down with Frederick’s own hip-hop visionary, Ahzay, and dives into the heart and soul behind his music and band, Ahzay & The Squad. Together, they explore Ahzay’s deep roots in Frederick, the power of storytelling through music, and what it means to headline Alive @ Five on Juneteenth—a celebration of culture, community, and connection. From heartfelt tributes to family, to the artistry behind his six-minute opus Vinyl Candle Thoughts, Ahzay shares the inspiration behind his most personal tracks and the upcoming release...
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NICK FREY AND THE SONS OF THUNDER
Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five Podcast
On this episode of Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five, host Jade Dunhour sits down with Nick Fry and the Sons of Thunder—a Frederick-based band blending folk, soul, and pop into heartfelt, resonant soundscapes. Nick and Ryan chat about the band’s origin, their deeply personal songwriting, and how their music honors family, community, and local history. From lap steel solos to saxophone cameos and handmade merch, this group brings authenticity and energy to every note. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, rapid-fire fun, and a moving performance of their original song "Day the Steel Mill...
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DAN MCGUIRE GROUP
Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five Podcast
Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five – Dan McGuire Group Takes the Stage! This week, we’re joined by Dan McGuire of the Dan McGuire Group—one of Frederick’s most versatile and crowd-pleasing bands! From high-energy wedding sets to unforgettable Alive @ Five performances, Dan shares the journey of growing his band from bar gigs to a full-fledged music and events business. We dive into wild gig stories, navigating the local music scene, and what fans can expect when they hit the creek for this can't-miss Alive @ Five performance. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a first-time listener,...
info_outlineIn this episode of Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five, guest host Dylan Zing (owner of Brain Dead Live and Alive @ Five Band Selection Committee member) sits down with Rahsaan Eldridge and Cullen DeChant—co-founders of the Annapolis-based band Honest Lee Soul. Known for their magnetic fusion of soul, funk, blues, gospel, hip-hop, and rock, the band makes their Alive @ Five debut on Thursday, July 3.
Originally formed as Brother’s Keeper in 2017, the group released their debut self-titled LP in 2018 before evolving into Honest Lee Soul. With the additions of Reggie Maddox (bass), Kirk Meyers (keys), and Devin Brown (drums), the band found its core lineup—leading to the release of their first full-length album One Life in 2022 and follow-up Testify in 2023. In May 2024, they were voted Best Blues Band by the Maryland Music Awards.
In this episode, Rahsaan and Cullen dive into:
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How their unique lineup and backgrounds shape their dynamic live shows
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The organic growth of the band and their deep musical influences, from Bill Withers and The Roots to go-go music and CeeLo Green
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Why Frederick feels like a second home and the role Olde Mother Brewing played in bringing them to Alive @ Five
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How they approach setlists (hint: they don’t use them) and what fans can expect—original music, surprise covers, and undeniable energy
Whether performing as a duo or full ensemble, Honest Lee Soul aims to do two things: make you feel something—and make you move.
Visit downtownfrederick.org/aliveatfive for full event details, and don’t miss Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five every Monday for artist interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and more. See you on the Creek!