The Mainstay is honored to present - all the way from Nashville, The Larry Stephenson Band on Saturday, June 13th under the stars on our outdoor stage. Join us for an evening of outstanding bluegrass from one of the genre’s most respected and enduring artists. With more than 20 album releases to his credit, Larry Stephenson has spent over four decades shaping the sound of modern bluegrass through his signature high tenor voice, expressive mandolin playing, and a repertoire that blends tradition with fresh, contemporary energy.

Larry is a multi-IBMA and SPBGMA award-winner, renowned for his warm stage presence, crystal-clear phrasing, and timeless repertoire that blends classic bluegrass with new, original material. Audiences can expect an evening filled with driving instrumentation, close harmonies, heartfelt ballads, and the polished craftsmanship that has earned the band a loyal following across the country.

The Mainstay’s intimate setting offers a rare opportunity to experience this music up close, creating an atmosphere that highlights every note and nuance. Whether you are a dedicated bluegrass fan or simply someone who enjoys finely crafted live music, this concert promises a memorable night of artistry and authentic musical expression.

Join us on Saturday, June 13, 2026, as The Larry Stephenson Band brings world-class bluegrass to Rock Hall.

This program is made possible by The Hedgelawn Foundation.

Hot Sauce Makes Their Mainstay Debut – Saturday, June 20

Get ready to turn up the heat.

Hailing from Delaware’s “Lower Slower” coast, Hot Sauce brings a high-energy blend of crowd-pleasing favorites and feel-good grooves that span generations. Known for their lively, engaging performances, the band mixes popular hits with a fresh twist that keeps audiences dancing, singing along, and fully in the moment.

What sets Hot Sauce apart is their rich, layered sound. With a lineup that features dynamic percussion, expressive guitar work, and a distinctive touch of flamenco-inspired guitar woven into their arrangements, they create a sound that is both familiar and unexpectedly vibrant. That added rhythmic flair gives their music a unique edge and an infectious energy that feels just right for a summer night.

From beach-town festivals to regional stages, Hot Sauce has earned a reputation for bringing people together through music, whether you come to dance, listen, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

We’re delighted to welcome Hot Sauce for their Mainstay debut, and if their reputation is any indication, this promises to be a memorable evening.

Join us on Saturday, June 20 for a night of great music, great energy, and just the right amount of spice.

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Every so often, amidst the variety of collaborative shows that Joe Holt presents, he'll schedule an evening to take the stage alone: or as he describes it, "unsupervised". Friday June 26 presents such an occasion, as Joe celebrates the pending release of his new solo album: "Tunes, Melodies and Detours". If you know Joe, you know the words melody and detour are fitting, as are the words of reviewer Cam Miller, penned years ago in The American Rag - "The ever tasteful Joe Holt is a soloist extraordinaire, an intense musician with terrific chops, who shows you he means business.".
 

When Joe sits down at the piano, he comes to play. And you never really know what the result will be. Neither does Joe. 

The Blake Thompson Band returns to The Mainstay on Saturday, July 11th for an evening of rock, soul, and deeply rooted musical storytelling. With family ties in Kent County, this performance carries a distinctly local spirit while showcasing the talent and presence of a nationally recognized act.

At the heart of the band are Blake Thompson and his wife and musical partner, Kate Russo, whose collaboration brings both power and nuance to the stage. Blake’s commanding guitar work blends classic rock, blues, and soul, moving effortlessly between driving rhythms and expressive leads. Kate Russo adds a compelling dimension with her dynamic vocals and violin, creating a layered and engaging sound that defines the band’s identity.

For this special appearance, they are joined by family members whose own musical gifts have been warmly received in previous performances at The Mainstay. Those who have experienced these shows know the unique energy that comes from this extended collaboration, where talent, familiarity, and genuine connection shape an evening that feels both polished and personal.

Rooted in Kent County, the music carries a sense of home even as it reflects a broader national stage. That balance of local pride and professional artistry is part of what makes this group so compelling.

In the intimate listening room of The Mainstay, every note and lyric has room to resonate. The setting allows the audience to experience not just the energy of a live band, but the nuance and authenticity that define great musicianship.

This promises to be a memorable night where local roots, family tradition, and exceptional talent come together in a way that feels immediate, engaging, and truly special.

Chuck Redd’s Very Big Band comes to The Mainstay on Saturday, July 18th for an evening that celebrates the depth, swing, and enduring vitality of big band jazz. Led by internationally acclaimed drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd, this performance brings together a powerful ensemble sound rooted in tradition and elevated by decades of world-class musicianship.

Chuck Redd has built a remarkable career as one of the most respected figures on the jazz scene, equally at home on drums and vibraphone. He began touring internationally at just 21 with the Charlie Byrd Trio and went on to perform across the globe, including dozens of European and Japanese tours and appearances with some of the most celebrated artists in jazz. His work has taken him to major stages including Carnegie Hall and the White House, and his playing is widely recognized for its combination of precision, energy, and melodic sensitivity.

With the Very Big Band, Redd expands that artistry into a full ensemble setting, drawing on the rich traditions of swing, big band, and American song. The result is a sound that is both expansive and tightly controlled, where dynamic horn arrangements meet rhythmic drive and expressive solo work. It is music that honors the great big bands of the past while remaining fresh, engaging, and alive in the present.

Redd’s long association with the Mid-Atlantic region, including his early work with Charlie Byrd and deep ties to the Washington, D.C. jazz community, gives this performance a strong regional connection that resonates naturally with The Mainstay’s own musical heritage. The setting provides the perfect environment to experience the full impact of a large ensemble in an intimate listening room, where the detail, balance, and interplay between musicians can be fully appreciated.

This is an opportunity to hear a master musician leading a remarkable group through a repertoire that swings, soars, and captures the enduring spirit of jazz at its most vibrant.

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GET READY FOR SOME BLUES! SATURDAY, JULY 25th - The Nighthawks bring their legendary blues sound back to The Mainstay for an evening rooted in more than five decades of American music tradition. Formed in Washington, D.C. in 1972, the band has built a national reputation as one of the most enduring and respected acts in blues and roots music, carrying their sound from intimate clubs to major stages while remaining true to the spirit of the genre.

At the center of the band is founder, vocalist, and harmonica master Mark Wenner, whose playing reflects a lifetime immersed in the rich musical heritage of the D.C. region. Drawing on influences that span blues, rockabilly, soul, and early rock and roll, The Nighthawks have developed a sound that is both authentic and wide-ranging, grounded in tradition but alive with energy and invention.

Over the years, the band has shared stages with icons such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Carl Perkins, and has earned recognition not only for their recordings but for their reputation as one of the great live bands in American roots music. Their ability to move seamlessly between deep blues grooves, driving rhythm and blues, and roots-infused rock has made them a defining presence on the national scene for more than fifty years.

Despite their national reach, The Nighthawks remain deeply connected to the Mid-Atlantic region, bringing a sense of place and history to every performance. That connection makes their appearance at The Mainstay especially fitting, where the intimate listening room allows audiences to experience the full depth of their musicianship and the immediacy of their live sound.

This is more than a concert; it is an opportunity to hear a band that has helped shape the sound of American blues, delivering it with the authority, energy, and authenticity that only decades on the road can provide.

The Mainstay is excited to welcome back rising piano rock sensation Josh Christina and his incredible band, The Revivals on Saturday, August 1st for an evening of high energy rock and roll, boogie woogie piano, and timeless musical excitement. Hailing from Maryland, Josh has built an international following with a sound that draws inspiration from legends like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Elton John while bringing his own fresh voice and style to the stage. His dynamic performances have taken him from the legendary Sam Phillips Recording Studio in Memphis to international television appearances and stages around the world.

A crowd favorite wherever he performs, Josh combines dazzling piano work, powerful vocals, and an infectious enthusiasm that bridges generations of music lovers. Whether delivering classic rock and roll favorites or his own original songs, he creates a show that is both a tribute to the pioneers of piano driven rock and a celebration of its future. As famed pianist Daryl Davis noted, Josh carries the spirit of rock and roll's founding fathers into the 21st century.

If you love great musicianship, memorable songs, and the kind of live performance that gets toes tapping and hands clapping, don't miss Josh Christina's return to The Mainstay. It promises to be a night filled with energy, nostalgia, and the unmistakable sound of authentic piano rock at its very best

The Mainstay is pleased to welcome the acclaimed international duo Ariella and Nicolaas for their debut performance on Friday, August 28th. Blending soulful vocals, fiery guitar artistry, and a remarkable range of musical influences, Ariella and Nicolaas have built a growing reputation as one of the most exciting and emotionally engaging live acts on today's music scene.

Led by the stunning voice of Ariella McManus and the masterful guitar work of Nicolaas Kraster, the duo creates a sound that effortlessly moves between blues, jazz, soul, flamenco, rock, bossa nova, tango, and world music traditions. Their performances are known for both their musical virtuosity and their deep emotional connection, creating an intimate concert experience that draws audiences in from the very first note.

From appearances at New York City's legendary Blue Note to performances at renowned venues throughout the United States and Europe, Ariella and Nicolaas have earned praise for their originality, versatility, and extraordinary chemistry on stage. Their music reflects influences ranging from Etta James, Amy Winehouse, and Otis Redding to Paco de Lucía, Al Di Meola, and Roy Buchanan, resulting in a sound that is uniquely their own. The duo has also shared stages and collaborated with celebrated artists including five time Grammy Award winner Victor Wooten and acclaimed producer Fabrice Dupont.

What makes Ariella and Nicolaas especially compelling is their ability to move effortlessly from heartfelt ballads and soulful originals to passionate flamenco inspired instrumentals and electrifying interpretations of classic songs. Their performances are as much about storytelling and emotion as they are about technical brilliance.

For their first appearance at The Mainstay, audiences can expect an unforgettable evening filled with powerful vocals, dazzling guitar work, world class musicianship, and the kind of musical magic that can only happen when two artists perform with complete trust, passion, and artistic connection.

If you enjoy great singers, exceptional guitar playing, and music that crosses stylistic boundaries while remaining deeply authentic, Ariella and Nicolaas are an act you will not want to miss.

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Get ready for one of the biggest parties of the year!  The Mainstay proudly presents Rock Hall Rocks - A Dinner Dance as our annual fundraising celebration, on Sunday, September 13th at 4:00 PM under the tent in beautiful Rock Hall, Md.

This special outdoor dinner dance will feature delicious catering from Chester River Seafood along with an unforgettable evening of live music and dancing provided by one of Delaware’s premier party bands, Club Phred. Known throughout the Mid Atlantic region for their high energy performances, outstanding musicianship, and crowd pleasing mix of classic rock, R&B, funk, dance favorites, and timeless hits, Club Phred has earned a reputation as one of the area's most popular and respected party bands.

Founded and led by keboardist and bandleader Fred Dawson, Club Phred has been entertaining audiences for decades with a combination of musical excellence, professionalism, and pure fun. Fred's vision was simple: assemble some of the finest musicians in the region and create a band that could deliver world class entertainment. The result is an award-winning group that has become a favorite at festivals, fundraisers, private events, and concert venues throughout the Mid Atlantic. Under Fred's leadership, Club Phred has helped raise millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations while building a loyal following of music lovers who know they can expect a first class show every time the band takes the stage.

One of the true highlights of the evening will be the opportunity to hear the remarkable Gaetano “Vinny” Vinciguerra, Club Phred’s world class saxophonist whose powerful sound and decades of professional experience have made him one of the most respected horn players in the region. A veteran performer who has toured throughout the United States and South America, appeared on television, performed in Atlantic City casinos, and spent years with the popular Philadelphia area band Purple Reign, Vinny continues to amaze audiences with his energy, passion, and extraordinary musicianship.

Tickets are $125 per person and include both dinner and entertainment. Guests will also have the chance to participate in special music themed raffle drawings, enjoy a few surprises throughout the evening, and celebrate all that makes The Mainstay such an important part of our community. If you would like to be a sponsor of this event, please contact our office at [email protected]

Join us for a memorable afternoon and evening of great food, great music, dancing, laughter, and community spirit while helping support the future of The Mainstay. Tickets are limited and expected to sell quickly. We hope you will be part of this special celebration as Rock Hall truly rocks once again.