Salisbury, MD. – The Maryland Folk Festival is excited to unveil the first wave of artists performing at the Perdue Dance taking place in downtown Salisbury, Maryland, September 19-20, 2025.
Bursting with rhythm, soul, and irresistible energy from Puerto Rican bomba y plena to honky-tonk country to Celtic EDM, there’s a little something for everyone—and plenty to move your feet to.
Approximately 250 artists—musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will take part in the Maryland Folk Festival, with more than 30 different musical groups performing on four outdoor stages throughout downtown Salisbury. Attendees can enjoy performances, workshops, demonstrations, children’s activities, savory regional and international cuisines, craft brews, non-stop participatory dancing, storytelling, and more. The Maryland Folk Festival is free to attend.
This first artist announcement includes an eclectic mix of talent from across the U.S., blending rich traditions with bold, modern sounds:
- Aqua String Band (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – Philadelphia Mummers String Band
The Aqua String Band is an all-volunteer string band, best known for its dazzling participation in Philadelphia’s legendary Mummers Parade. - Charm City Junction (Baltimore, Maryland) – Bluegrass / Irish
Featuring fiddle, clawhammer banjo, button accordion, and upright bass, this quartet isn’t afraid to take roots music to new places—always with an eye on tradition. - Elias Alexander (Portland, Oregon) – Celtic EDM
Elias Alexander blends bagpipes, fiddle, and electronic looping into a genre-bending, danceable fusion of Scottish roots and modern innovation. - Gangstagrass (New York, New York) – Bluegrass / Hip-Hop
#1 Billboard-charting Gangstagrass—a heartwarming fusion of banjo, fiddle, dope beats, and deep lyrics—brings everybody together with a high-energy, all-ages show you’ll never forget. - Jesse Daniel (San Marcos, Texas) – Honky-Tonk Country
Honky-tonk artist Jesse Daniel delivers gritty, heartfelt storytelling shaped by his own hard-won redemption. With four acclaimed albums and a reputation for electrifying live shows, he’s carrying the torch for traditional country into a new era. - Joe May’s Month of Mondays (Charlotte, North Carolina) – Smooth Rock
Rooted in the sunlit sounds of ’70s West Coast pop and filtered through May’s sharp wit, Joe May’s Month of Mondays pairs tight arrangements and warm brass with tender humor—a breezy, bittersweet ride through life’s beautiful contradictions. - Kadencia (Chesterfield, Virginia) – Bomba y Plena
Kadencia is a powerhouse Afro-Puerto Rican orchestra dedicated to preserving and reimagining the vibrant rhythms of bomba y plena through powerful storytelling and unforgettable live performances. - Kurlou Reggae Allstars (Washington, D.C.) – Reggae
Led by the electrifying vocals of Jamaican sensation Lenny Kurlou, Kurlou Reggae Allstars is a powerhouse ensemble delivering infectious rhythms and feel-good vibes. - Sug Daniels (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – Americana Jam Band
Sug Daniels is a Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter and producer whose vibrant blend of folk, rock, and soul channels raw emotion and bold storytelling.
Special Event: Saturday Evening Square Dance!
Dust off your dancing shoes and do-si-do to the lively music of Charm City Junction! No experience or partner is needed—every move will be taught by a professional square dance caller. All ages are welcome. It’s a hilariously fun time you won’t want to miss!
More performers will be announced throughout the summer. For artist bios, updates, and the full festival experience, visit mdfolkfest.com and follow the Maryland Folk Festival on Facebook (facebook.com/MDFolkFestival) and Instagram (instagram.com/mdfolkfestival/)
Performer photos and bios may be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/25MDFF-artists
Photo credits should be listed and can be found in image file names.
