The first weekend of November saw six of Baltimore’s top jam bands come together at Stages Music Arts in Cockeysville, MD, for the second annual Greasy Hands Pig Roast, an all-day music festival hosted by the Baltimore Management Agency and local band Greasy Hands.
Stages Music Arts, known as a music school and recording studio, started hosting events similar to the Pig Roast back in 2021 to rekindle community connections post-pandemic. This tradition has since evolved into the Pig Roast—a family-friendly day filled with fantastic music, delicious food, and an even better atmosphere.
The day kicked off with a performance by Stages' own students, the Stages All-Access All-Stars. Their impressive set, vibrant costumes, and skilled musicianship showcased the positive impact Stages has on the local youth music scene, setting the tone for an unforgettable festival.
Following the All-Access All-Stars was a group of familiar faces to the Baltimore scene - Chuck the Dog. Chuck the Dog was quickly recognized as Baltimore’s sweethearts- Uncle Kunkel’s One Gram Band - performing under a separate alias in order to respect a show ordinance for their upcoming performance with Dogs in a Pile at the 8x10 on December 6 & 7 (Ticket Link: Dec 6, Dec 7). The band, fronted by Wyatt Graham and Luke Walker, performed a whole new set of fun and quirky originals and covers under their new alias that had the crowd moving and grooving along with their impressive harmonies, fun stage presence, and a chemistry among the band that is indescribable.
The energy soared as 5Spot lit up the festival with a genre-spanning set from reggae to bluegrass. Frontwoman Rachel May captivated the audience with her dance moves and powerful vocals, accompanied by guitarist Ben Curry's harmonies. Fans searching to experience the 5Spot magic can find a live recording of their summer performance at Tellerfest, released this week on streaming platforms.
In between musical sets, guests were encouraged to enjoy local food and art vendors, drum circles, face paintings, and a kid’s craft tent, making the event perfect for friends, families, and music lovers of all ages. In addition to fun activities the event was also supporting Party for a Purpose Present’s supplies collection drive for those impacted by Hurricane Helene and Jam for Jodi.
As the sun dipped, Philadelphia-based funk trio Muscle Tough took the stage, blending funk, jazz, and jam with technical finesse. Despite minor technical challenges, their set dazzled with prominent bass lines, unique lyrics, and an unmistakable groove. Muscle Tough’s upcoming shows for the rest of the year include appearances throughout PA.
After Muscle Tough it was time for the event hosts themselves, Greasy Hands, to take over the stage. The stage was quickly overtaken by props and musicians in matching jumpsuits as their psychedelic sounds and prog-rock undertones took over the audience. With fun synth tones and punk-rock-esq lyrics backed by 5-part vocal harmonies, the band kept the crowd thoroughly entertained with their mashup of originals and covers.
To close out the festival, Natalie Brooke and her band delivered a high-energy set featuring synth-heavy funk, driving bass lines, and crowd favorites. Highlights included a Rick James cover, with special guest appearances from Lucas Feather and Rachel May of 5Spot, and an exhilarating performance of her hit “Sexy Mofo” along with a cover of Rush's “Working Man.”
The Greasy Hands Pig Roast beautifully captured the spirit of Baltimore’s jam-band scene—a community built on music, friendship, and family. For those eager to join in, the next Pig Roast is slated for Fall 2025, and Baltimore venues like the 8x10 and Cat’s Eye Pub promise more jams in the meantime. You’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of groove!
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Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Additional
Resources
To learn more about Greasy Hands
To learn more about Natalie Brooke
To learn more about Uncle Kunkle's One Gram Band
To learn more about Muscle Tough
To learn more about 5 Spot
To learn more about Jam For Jodi
To learn more about Party For A Purpose
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