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...