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 bluegrass-style covers (Whitney Houston, anyone?). Justin’s humor, honesty, and down-to-earth energy shine in this conversation, and if you weren’t excited for his set on the creek before, you will be after this.

🎶 Don’t miss Justin Trawick and the Common Good live at Alive @ Five!
📍 Visit downtownfrederick.org/aliveatfive for full event details.
🎧 Listen to more episodes on the Listen Frederick Podcast Network: listenfrederick.com

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 (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:

• How their unique lineup and backgrounds shape their dynamic live shows

• The organic growth of the band and their deep musical influences, from Bill Withers and The Roots to go-go music and CeeLo Green

• Why Frederick feels like a second home and the role Olde Mother Brewing played in bringing them to Alive @ Five

• 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!

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 @ Five setlist, what fuels their style, and how they get audiences on their feet with every performance.

Stick around after the interview to hear a special clip of their song “Wait a Minute Baby.”

Don’t miss Four Star Combo live at Alive @ Five this Thursday!

Presented by:
ACNB Bank – Proud to support community events that bring people together.
Downtown Frederick Partnership – Learn more about the Alive @ Five series and everything happening downtown.

For more episodes and artist spotlights, visit ListenFrederick.com.

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