The Oakland Arts & Entertainment District is excited to announce the 2025 Little Yough Music Festival series, running on Fridays from July 25 through August 29! Bring your lawn chairs and friends! Each concert begins at 7 p.m., but come early for local food and craft vendors, who will be set up by 5 p.m.
On July 25, Replay returns for its second year at Little Yough. They are a three-piece band from Western Maryland that focuses on great vintage music from a diverse range of popular musical styles. The local trio started life way back in the early ’80s as the five-piece country/rock group “Luxury Liner,” which played frequently throughout Western Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Old-timers may remember them from frequent appearances at the Glen Haven Pizza Pub (now Uno’s) on Deep Creek Lake.
Having disbanded over 40 years ago, they reformed in 2022 as the current three-piece group “Replay.” Their meticulous renditions of selections from a wide variety of genres capture the essence of each song performed, allowing the listener to soak in and enjoy the magic of many beloved classics.
On August 1, Little Yough will host Megan Jean’s Secret Family, offering a fresh blend of ’70s-by-way-of-’90s rock, soul, country, and jam, emphasizing vocal-driven, danceable original songs that bring together generations of sound. In May 2024, the band made their national radio debut on NPR’s Mountain Stage alongside notable acts like Keller Williams and Bettye LaVette. DC Music Review called them one of their “new favorite acts” following an energetic performance at 2024’s DelFest. The band was awarded a Creativity Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council to produce their debut full-length album, PLOT (Play.Loud.On.Turntable). Their website is www.meganjeanbaand.com.
On August 8, the Wally Gingers Orchestra—Western Pennsylvania’s only remaining original Big Band from the 1940s—will take the stage. This year, honoring the 35th anniversary of Wally Gingers’ passing and the recent passing of his son, Jim, the band will feature their favorite arrangements of Wally’s musical gems. These include timeless Glenn Miller hits such as In the Mood, Tuxedo Junction, and Pennsylvania 6-5000; Benny Goodman’s Jersey Bound; Frank Sinatra’s My Blue Heaven and New York, New York; Bobby Darin’s Mack the Knife; and Woody Herman’s Woodchopper’s Ball. They’re excited to get this summer season rolling, rolling, rolling!
On August 15, The West Virginia Brass Quintet will perform. Formed in June 2009, the Quintet is one of the most exciting chamber ensembles in West Virginia. This versatile group’s repertoire spans five centuries of music, from Renaissance and Baroque to contemporary to Dixieland jazz, with an emphasis on traditional American music.
With members living more than 150 miles apart, the WVBQ goes to great lengths to sustain their passion for music-making. From their annual Holiday Residency at the famous Greenbrier Resort to Artist Series Concerts at the Tamarack Center in Beckley and Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg to myriad church services, weddings, and civic functions, the West Virginia Brass Quintet has performed extensively throughout the Mountain State and surrounding areas. Their website is https://wvbrassquintet.com/.
On August 22, Little Yough features The Wild Rumpus, an original string band from West Virginia, specifically calling Fayetteville and Lewisburg home. Led by singer and songwriter Andrew Adkins, their music blends bluegrass, swing, country, and rock & roll, creating a unique sound—a fusion of traditional and modern elements—drawing inspiration from artists like Leonard Cohen and Jimmy Martin. The Wild Rumpus has released three albums on Mudbone Records and has performed at notable festivals like MerleFest, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, and the Americana Music Association’s events.
Wrapping up the summer, Butterscotch Blonde will play on August 29. This group is a power trio from Cumberland, Maryland, consisting of music veterans Mark Gowans, Brian Plitnik, and Bart Lay. Formed in 2014, this talented group has been rocking Western Maryland and the tri-state area with a blend of rock, funk, blues, and dance hits. If you love music and you’re ready to let loose and party with the pros, Butterscotch Blonde is your band! Their website is https://www.facebook.com/butterscotchblondeband.
The Oakland A&E District is grateful for the support it has received from the Town of Oakland, Garrett County Arts Council, the Maryland State Arts Council, Alder Street Apartments, Bill and Laurel Grant, Jones Vision, Martin Auto Body, and other private gifts. For more information, visit oaklandaedistrict.com.
Written by Miriam Sincell