The rockin’ music of The Soul Crackers will be featured at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17, in Gaithersburg’s free popular Summer Outdoor Concert Series at the Gaithersburg City Hall Concert Pavilion.
The outdoor Thursday concert will take place at the concert pavilion located on the grounds of Gaithersburg City Hall located at 31 South Summit Ave. Attendees should bring a blanket or low-back chair for lawn seating at both the Thursday evening concerts or the Wednesday morning Children’s Summer Concert Series from 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Wednesdays. The Children’s Concert Series also takes place at the concert pavilion.
The casual, outdoor setting on Thursday evenings provides music from 6:30-8 p.m. New this year, the City is partnering with Saints Row Brewing to include on-site beer sales and food trucks.
The music of the Soul Crackers encompasses Memphis and Motown soul and features timeless songs by artists like Otis Redding, Average White Band, Martha & The Vandellas & Stevie Wonder—among many others. This is the music that brings all ages and personalities together to a dance party. The Soul Crackers grew up with this music and honor it with the legitimacy of a crackerjack soul horn band from the 60's.
Lead vocalist Tommy Lepson has won numerous "Best Vocalist" awards (WAMMIES) from the Washington Area Music Association. Possessing a stunning and powerful voice, Tommy conveys all the joy and passion that makes this music come alive. His blue-eyed soulful voice is world class. He is joined by The Too Much Sisters—vocalists Anita King and Caz Gardiner. Together they pull off beautiful Motown harmonies.
On guitar is Paul Bell, who played with Nils Lofgren and The Nighthawks. The horn section includes Chris Hutton (trumpet) and Wayne Sulc (sax). Completing the band are Spencer Hoopes (keyboards); Chuck Sullivan (drums); and Ronnie Newmyer (bass), who have been a solid rhythm section for decades.
Formed in 1982, the Soul Crackers were a full-time performing powerhouse on the East Coast bar circuit for many years. The band has recorded several CDs, including: “LIVE at the Barns of Wolf Trap” (2003); “Soul Crackers, 30 Years of Soul” (2011); “Soul Crackers, 30 Years of Soul, Volume 2” (2015); and “A Soulful Christmas” (2018).
The summer concert series schedule also will include:
- Aug. 24: Billy Coulter Band
- Aug. 31: Kiti Gartner and the Drifting Valentines
Parking in Olde Towne is free. Limited spaces are available at City Hall, the upper parking lot by Wells/Robertson House and at the Community Museum across the train tracks. Limited free parking also is available in the parking garage located across Summit Avenue at 112 Olde Towne Ave. A list of additional short-term parking locations in Olde Towne can be found here.
Concerts are weather-dependent. Check the City’s website or social media for updates.
The Summer Concert Series is funded in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC). To discover more about MSAC grants and how they impact Maryland's arts sector, visit www.msac.org.
For more information on the concert series, call 301-258-6350 or visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov.
