Bumpin Uglies, proudly hailing from Annapolis, Maryland, have cultivated a dedicated fanbase through relentless touring, powerful songwriting, and an unwavering DIY ethos. Formed in 2008, the band's core lineup consists of Brandon Hardesty (vocals, lead guitar), Brent Schraffenberger (bass), T.J. Haslett (drums), Ethan Lichtenberger (keys, trombone, trumpet, backing vocals), and Will Lopez (saxophone). Their extensive discography—including well-received albums such as Go Folk Yourself, Mid-Atlantic Dub, and Lyrics Over Everything—showcases their dynamic musical approach that blends reggae rhythms, punk spirit, ska grooves, and heartfelt folk storytelling. Their honest, unfiltered approach to songwriting resonates deeply with fans, fostering an inviting and tightly-knit community known as Uglies Nation.

Through 25 years and eight independent albums, the last four on their own Right  Coast Records, Ballyhoo! have earned the exclamation point which marks their  name. Starting in the basement of their mom’s Aberdeen, MD, home, rocking  out on guitar and drums respectively, practicing every day, brothers Howi and  Donald Spangler formed the proto-punk band in the mold of Green Day and  Nirvana, with an eye towards the emerging ska genre led by Goldfinger, Sublime,  311 and No Doubt.  The group’s eighth and most recent studio album, the breezy, ska-fueled, hook filled Message to the World, on their own Right Coast Records, finds the self declared “beach-rockers,” having grown up in public, accepting the  responsibilities of adulthood while still hanging on to their dreams of world  domination. Stylistically, their music ranges from the hard-edged punk of 2018’s  Detonate, which captured the feelings of anger and depression from dealing  with personal loss and the exhaustion generated by over a decade on the road  to the island reggae beats of the follow-up, Message to the World.  “Whatever you want to achieve, just focus on that and work towards it,” explains  Howi about the Ballyhoo! ethos. “Don’t worry about followers, views, or even  money. Just keep making good stuff. One day it may be possible to finally quit  that day job and live your dream full time.”Ballyhoo! is still doing just that,  purveying good vibes, positivity and fun live shows meant to take you away from  real life...

With 20+ years in the game, the sounds and stylings of the b have changed. With some age, experience, and plenty of road miles, the band has progressed musically as interests have grown. Starting in a garage in 2001, the b would try to emulate the sounds of Sublime's live album, "Stand by Your Van", and did pretty well at doing so, gaining them access to small stages in the San Gabriel Valley.  From house parties, to college shows, and then eventually to clubs in Hollywood, the band continued to gain traction and a strong reach with their growing audience and their own sound. From 2005 to 2012 the band toured non stop, with stops all across the US, Japan, Canada, and Mexico. Recently, touring has slowed down a bit, but creation has not. With original members, Pat Stevenson, Jason Moorehead, Gyl Bonus, and joined by drummer Kurt Denninger, the b has taken on a whole new lifeform in the latter years. Their newest full length album, "A New Dope", set to release in June of 2025, showcases the band's talent, passion for tone, song writing, and love of music that has influenced them over their lives. It is truly the definition of their sound, touching on many different musical styles and influences, from punk rock, to reggae, hip hop, blues and more. From the opening track, "My Bedroom Door" to the finish of the record, there are no fast forward moments, including the 9 minute journey of "City Lights" and the to the point, "Tesla Truck". Longtime friend, Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo! joins the b on "Ripples of our Lives" and leaves a lasting mark on this record.