Greenbelt Events

Hoots and Hellmouth

Philadelphia-based Hoots & Hellmouth (MAD Dragon Records) creates new music for old souls. Their second full-length effort, “The Holy Open Secret” (street date: June 2, 2009), continues to blaze a trail forward in the name of progressive revival. Rob Berliner, Andrew Gray and Sean Hoots return as the core trio of string slingers and harmonious vocalizers, co-producing in collaboration with Bill Moriarity (Dr. Dog, Man Man) at Philadelphia’s American Diamond studio. The results speak for themselves in tones ranging from the triumphant to the dulcet.

Deejays at Large Reunion

DeeJays At Large Reunion feat. Brownske, Geoffro, Jason Forest, Nefarious Dub (Aliass of), B.L.U.F.F. w/ WindchILL & LaDii J & Other Guests!

Carbon Leaf w/guests The Jellybricks

The Slackers

The Slackers are a classic American band that is equal parts grit and grace. Their slow rise against the odds is a story in perseverance and a belief in their musical vision, what Vic likes to call, "Jamaican Rock N Roll." While they have been influenced, and even personally taught by Jamaican ska/reggae originators, like the Skatalites and the Upsetters (Original backing band for the Wailers), the band sees its music as an extension of the traditions of the United States. This band is equally appreciative of old blues, country, 60s soul, rock, and Rnb as it is of reggae, rocksteady, dub, and Ska. It is as if the Rolling Stones or the Yardbirds had grown up on Bob Marley as well as Muddy Waters.

Tim Kasher (of Cursive)

Renowned for his literate, lyrical, and thematic songwriting, Kasher’s albums with Cursive and The Good Life have been praised by key press, including Rolling Stone, Esquire, The New York Times, Alternative Press, Spin, and Entertainment Weekly, among many others. He made his network television debut with Cursive on The Late Show with David Letterman in March 2009, performing “From The Hips” off Mama, I’m Swollen. Kasher has been an acclaimed force in music for the better part of the past two decades. And, with his bands, he has released ten albums since 1997.

American Babies - October Residency (Gallery Stage)

Every Wednesday in October, enjoy a full set of Philly Folk with American Babies in The Gallery. Support for each week TBA. These shows are all 'no cover' and will be over by 11PM! Since 2007 American Babies has been the mouthpiece for Philadelphia based musician Tom Hamilton. After spending the early 2000s building a national fan base fronting the electro-rock band Brothers Past, releasing two critically acclaimed albums and averaging 150 shows a year, a change was in order. Hamilton looked to shed the electronic “bleeps-n-boops“ production that had become his calling card and make an album that was loose, rolling and full of vibe. “Being in a band can get to be very political, where everyone needs to be happy. That doesn’t always lead to artistic fulfillment,” Hamilton says. “I had a vision I wanted to follow but felt that going solo as a singer/songwriter wasn’t a very comfortable fit for me. Then it dawned on me to just start another band where I’m the only real constant member. Problem solved.”

Southern Culture on The Skids

'Countrypolitan transcends music. It's a lifestyle, not a category of music,' says Southern Culture on the Skids front man, Rick Miller. 'It's where rural and urban sensibilities meet. I mean, it's when you see trucker hats being sold in Beverly Hills boutiques or notice folks eating pork in Mebane, where I live, drinking a glass of merlot. Or best yet, when you see a motor sport invented by backwoods moonshine runners and bootleggers broadcast on Sunday afternoon into potentially every living room in America, there ain't no doubt it's a countrypolitan world and SCOTS' new album, Countrypolitan Favorites, is the soundtrack for it.'

Max Weinberg's Big Band

Entering what F. Scott Fitzgerald might term the third act of an already celebrated career, Max Weinberg presents the Max Weinberg Big Band. Building upon his seventeen years as the leader of what Tom Shales, famed TV critic of the Washington Post called, “the best band in late night Television,” the Max Weinberg Big Band is a bold, swinging fifteen piece aggregation that continues the traditions established by Max’s musical heroes—among whom, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Doc Severinsen, and Maynard Ferguson lead the pack. Judging by the crowd’s enthusiastic reaction to the Max Weinberg Big Band’s debut performance at the Fontainbleu Hotel in Miami Beach during Christmas Week of 2009 their approach to the hard-driving instrumental jazz that was a staple of television variety shows in the 1960’s and 1970’s has been sorely missed and fulfills a long held dream by Max to bring it back to the world’s stages. Tickets onsale Wednesday August 11 - $75 - First five rows and "Meet and Greet" $35/$22

American Babies - October Residency (Gallery Stage)

Every Wednesday in October, enjoy a full set of Philly Folk with American Babies in The Gallery. Support for each week TBA. These shows are all 'no cover' and will be over by 11PM! Since 2007 American Babies has been the mouthpiece for Philadelphia based musician Tom Hamilton. After spending the early 2000s building a national fan base fronting the electro-rock band Brothers Past, releasing two critically acclaimed albums and averaging 150 shows a year, a change was in order. Hamilton looked to shed the electronic “bleeps-n-boops“ production that had become his calling card and make an album that was loose, rolling and full of vibe. “Being in a band can get to be very political, where everyone needs to be happy. That doesn’t always lead to artistic fulfillment,” Hamilton says. “I had a vision I wanted to follow but felt that going solo as a singer/songwriter wasn’t a very comfortable fit for me. Then it dawned on me to just start another band where I’m the only real constant member. Problem solved.”

American Babies - October Residency (Gallery Stage)

Every Wednesday in October, enjoy a full set of Philly Folk with American Babies in The Gallery. Support for each week TBA. These shows are all 'no cover' and will be over by 11PM! Since 2007 American Babies has been the mouthpiece for Philadelphia based musician Tom Hamilton. After spending the early 2000s building a national fan base fronting the electro-rock band Brothers Past, releasing two critically acclaimed albums and averaging 150 shows a year, a change was in order. Hamilton looked to shed the electronic “bleeps-n-boops“ production that had become his calling card and make an album that was loose, rolling and full of vibe. “Being in a band can get to be very political, where everyone needs to be happy. That doesn’t always lead to artistic fulfillment,” Hamilton says. “I had a vision I wanted to follow but felt that going solo as a singer/songwriter wasn’t a very comfortable fit for me. Then it dawned on me to just start another band where I’m the only real constant member. Problem solved.”

American Babies - October Residency (Gallery Stage)

Every Wednesday in October, enjoy a full set of Philly Folk with American Babies in The Gallery. Support for each week TBA. These shows are all 'no cover' and will be over by 11PM! Since 2007 American Babies has been the mouthpiece for Philadelphia based musician Tom Hamilton. After spending the early 2000s building a national fan base fronting the electro-rock band Brothers Past, releasing two critically acclaimed albums and averaging 150 shows a year, a change was in order. Hamilton looked to shed the electronic “bleeps-n-boops“ production that had become his calling card and make an album that was loose, rolling and full of vibe. “Being in a band can get to be very political, where everyone needs to be happy. That doesn’t always lead to artistic fulfillment,” Hamilton says. “I had a vision I wanted to follow but felt that going solo as a singer/songwriter wasn’t a very comfortable fit for me. Then it dawned on me to just start another band where I’m the only real constant member. Problem solved.”

Lucero at The Abbey Bar

“In case there was ever any doubt, country music is always better when played by genuine Southerners.”—Rolling Stone “Full of shabby glory.”—Paste Lucero’s sixth studio album and major label debut, 1372 Overton Park, is out on Universal/Republic Records. Produced by Ted Hutt (The Gaslight Anthem) and featuring horn arrangements by legendary Memphis session player Jim Spake (Al Green, John Hiatt, Solomon Burke, Cat Power), the record marks a decided turn toward the Memphis soul sound that has long informed the band’s records from afar. 1372 Overton Park follows the band’s 2006 release, Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers, hailed by Pitchfork as “the best showcase for the band’s taut dynamic yet.”

The Toasters

The Toasters, are "Ska Pioneers" (Billboard magazine) and boldly go where no ska band has gone before. Having been compared to the Ramones, due to their longevity and adherence to core principles, the Toasters are held to be one of most influential ska bands out there. Their lean, mean ska machine has galvanized audiences and musicians alike with their embrace of the Jamaica-born pop music style that overwhelmed England in the 1960's, migrated to America in the early 1980s, and went global in the 1990s. The hallmark Toasters sound sits at the nexus of Reggae, Jazz, Punk and Soul and is the musical equivalent of a brass knuckle-duster. Presented by Greenbelt Events with Cherry Darling Productions and Music For Hope

Procol Harum

Procol Harum is arguably the most successful "accidental" group creation -- that is, a band originally assembled to take advantage of the success of a record created in the studio -- in the history of progressive rock. With "A Whiter Shade of Pale" a monster hit right out of the box, the band evolved from a studio ensemble into a successful live act, their music built around an eclectic mix of blues-based rock riffs and grand classical themes. With singer/pianist Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid providing the band's entire repertory, their music evolved in decidedly linear fashion, the only major surprises coming from the periodic lineup changes that added a new instrumental voice to the proceedings. At their most accessible, as on "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and "Conquistador," they were one of the most popular of progressive rock bands, their singles outselling all rivals, and their most ambitious album tracks still have a strong following.

The Joy Formidable w/Shackeltons

Quagmire Swim Team

The tradition resumes. QST brings it on home again for a Thanksgiving Eve rager like no other. Get a sitter. Call your Mother. Nate, Buzz, Marshall and Pat are takin' over the joint. Special surprises await in the newly-expanded Abbey Bar and Gallery this November. Dive on in, the water's still fine. Pregame at 7, show at 9. $7

Steep Canyon Rangers w/guests Colebrook Road

From Asheville, North Carolina, Steep Canyon Rangers have built a reputation as an engaging acoustic quintet seasoned by constant touring. Before being nominated for 2 International Bluegrass Music awards in 2008 (including Album of the Year, ”Lovin’ Pretty Women), the Rangers were named ’Emerging Artist of the Year’ in 2006 at the IBMA awards ceremony in Nashville, TN. The group has been regularly featured on the Grand Ole Opry, as well as major U.S. Bluegrass and Americana music festivals such as MerleFest, Telluride, Grey Fox, DelFest and RockyGrass. The band’s willingness to bring Bluegrass to music-lovers worldwide has taken Steep Canyon Rangers to festivals in Sweden, Ireland, Germany and Canada. The group also regularly performs at Rock & Roll venues on the U.S. jam-band circuit. Supporting The Rangers will be Harrisburg's Colebrook Road