This week on Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five, host Asa Weeks sits down with Frederick’s own hip-hop visionary, Ahzay, and dives into the heart and soul behind his music and band, Ahzay & The Squad. Together, they explore Ahzay’s deep roots in Frederick, the power of storytelling through music, and what it means to headline Alive @ Five on Juneteenth—a celebration of culture, community, and connection.

From heartfelt tributes to family, to the artistry behind his six-minute opus Vinyl Candle Thoughts, Ahzay shares the inspiration behind his most personal tracks and the upcoming release of his brand-new album. Plus, get to know the full Squad and hear how their on-stage synergy creates an unforgettable live experience.

Featured Tracks: “Scoreboard” and “Wave Now” (feat. Stitch Early)
Don’t miss Ahzay & The Squad live on Thursday, June 19 at Alive @ Five—a can't-miss Juneteenth performance!

Learn more at downtownfrederick.org/aliveatfive
Stream more local voices at listenfrederick.com

On this episode of Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five, host Jade Dunhour sits down with Nick Fry and the Sons of Thunder—a Frederick-based band blending folk, soul, and pop into heartfelt, resonant soundscapes. Nick and Ryan chat about the band’s origin, their deeply personal songwriting, and how their music honors family, community, and local history. From lap steel solos to saxophone cameos and handmade merch, this group brings authenticity and energy to every note.

Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, rapid-fire fun, and a moving performance of their original song "Day the Steel Mill Closed." Plus, hear how their connection to Frederick shapes their music and why playing Alive @ Five means so much to them.

Brought to you by Downtown Frederick Partnership

Learn more: downtownfrederick.org/aliveatfive
Listen more at ListenFrederick.com

See you on the creek!

Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five – Dan McGuire Group Takes the Stage!
This week, we’re joined by Dan McGuire of the Dan McGuire Group—one of Frederick’s most versatile and crowd-pleasing bands! From high-energy wedding sets to unforgettable Alive @ Five performances, Dan shares the journey of growing his band from bar gigs to a full-fledged music and events business. We dive into wild gig stories, navigating the local music scene, and what fans can expect when they hit the creek for this can't-miss Alive @ Five performance.

Whether you’re a longtime follower or a first-time listener, you’ll love this behind-the-scenes look at one of the most anticipated acts in the Alive @ Five lineup.

Don’t forget to check out full event details at: : downtownfrederick.org/aliveatfive

Learn more and listen to more local shows at: listenfrederick.com

This week, we go backstage with Poehemia, the high-energy Celtic rock band blending fiddle, guitar, and powerful vocals into one unforgettable sound. Host Jade chats with band members Ted and Kaitlyn about their Baltimore roots, how Celtic traditions meet modern rock, and what they’ve got planned for their Alive @ Five performance.

Hear stories from the road, the meaning behind their name, and a preview of their upcoming original album. Plus, stick around for their lively track “Whiskey and Gin” to close the show.

Don’t miss Poehemia live on Carroll Creek this Thursday!

Presented by Downtown Frederick Partnership.

New episodes every Monday at ListenFrederick.com.

In this episode of Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five, host Ashley Marie sits down with Jeff and Robin of the electrifying cover band Shake the Room ahead of their 90s Night performance at Alive @ Five. Known for their high-octane stage presence and crowd-pleasing setlists, the duo talks about the band's evolution, their favorite songs to perform, and how they keep the energy high from the very first note.

From nostalgic 90s bangers to unexpected crowd requests, this episode dives into how Shake the Room curates shows that keep fans on their feet. You’ll hear about their deep ties to Frederick, behind-the-scenes band stories, and how they transform classic covers with a fresh, unforgettable twist.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time listener, get ready for some serious nostalgia, big laughs, and a glimpse at what makes Shake the Room one of the area’s most beloved live acts.

Don’t miss them at Alive @ Five, and remember to tune in every Monday for new episodes of Backstage Pass. For the full schedule and more information, visit downtownfrederick.org/aliveatfive.

Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five is back with another exciting episode! This week, host Ashley Marie chats with the dynamic Melissa Quinn Fox, a rising star known for her unique blend of country, pop, and Americana. With her heartfelt lyrics and powerhouse vocals, Melissa brings an emotional authenticity to every performance — and she’s bringing that same energy to the Alive @ Five stage this week!

Get to know Melissa's musical journey, her creative process, and what fans can expect from her live set in this fun and insightful interview.

Tune in to Backstage Pass every Monday for behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive artist interviews all season long.

Then don’t miss Alive @ Five, happening every Thursday from 5–8 PM on Carroll Creek in Downtown Frederick — a summer concert series full of good music, cold drinks, and great vibes.

For the full lineup and event details, head to: https://www.downtownfrederick.org/listenfrederick

Welcome to a brand-new season of Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five — your all-access audio experience to Frederick’s favorite summer concert series! We're kicking things off with an interview with The 19th Street Band, who will open the Alive @ Five season on May 8, 2025 at Carroll Creek Amphitheater.

This week’s episode is hosted by Jade Dunhour, who sits down with band members Caolaidhe and Meghan to talk about their dynamic blend of Americana, country, and rock, their infectious on-stage chemistry, and what makes playing in Frederick so special.

Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five drops every Monday during the Alive @ Five season, featuring a new band each week. Tune in to hear exclusive stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and artist spotlights before they hit the stage.

And be sure to stick around until the end of the episode to hear their original track, “New Year’s Special.”

In this episode we look back on the incredible 2024 season of Backstage Pass to Alive @ Five. Along with exclusive acoustic performances from the show, you'll also get a special behind-the-scenes glimpse of the final show of the season, presented by Downtown Frederick Partnership. Relive the magic of Alive @ Five with us on this week’s episode.