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, and what fans can expect when they take over the Alive @ Five stage for the very first time. Spoiler alert: get ready for dance-floor-filling medleys, big grooves, and a whole lot of soul.

🎶 This Thursday’s Alive @ Five Lineup

• Music: Tom Starr Band

• Food: Sabor De Cuba & Cookin’ With Greece

• Beer: Brewer’s Alley

• Tap Takeover: Idiom Brewing Co.

• Wine: Atomic 97 Beer & Wine

• Cocktails + Mocktails: McClintock Distilling Co., Tenth Ward Distilling Co. & True Standard Distillery

Alive @ Five runs every Thursday from 5–8 PM at Carroll Creek Amphitheater. Admission is $6 (21+ only, ID required), with proceeds supporting the Downtown Frederick Partnership.

For full season details, visit downtownfrederick.org/aliveatfive.