Major New Festival Features Legendary Rock Band Spring and Fall Are the Busy Times in Southern Maryland for Festivals, Fairs

Home , Dennis Diken, Jim Babjak, Pat DiNizio, The Smithereens

Major new festival features legendary rock band

Posted by Dick.Myers_Editor On 05/29/2013

Spring and fall are the busy times in Southern Maryland for festivals, fairs and other special events. But there was that short window of opportunity right after Memorial Day for another major event. Summerseat Farm on Route 235 in Oakville has seized that opportunity. This Saturday, June 1st will be the first Beer, Bands & BBQ. The bands part of the event features legendary rockers the Smithereens.

To order tickets for Beer, Bands and BBQ, go to the Summerseat website at http://www.summerseat.org/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

The Smithereens formed in1980 and continue to this day with most of the original members, including lead vocalist and guitarist Pat DiNizio. All the original members were from New Jersey. The only change from the original band occurred in 2006 when Severo Jomacion took over bass guitar from Mike Mesaros. Other members are Jim Babjak (guitar and vocals), and Dennis Diken (drums and percussion).

The band is noted for writing and playing catchy 19060’s influenced power pop. Their first album, “Blood and Roses” was included in the soundtrack for the 1986 movie “Dangerously Close.”

This month and next the Smithereens will be special guests of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for six concerts. They have collaborated in the studio with musicians such as Suzanne Vega and Belinda Carlisle and on stage with Graham Parker and the Kinks.

Other bands performing from Beer, Bands and BBQ from 1-8 p.m. are 80’s Metal Hair tribute band “One Louder” and local favorites “Justin Myles Experience” and the “Sam Grow Band.”

Rounding out the other two “B’s” in the title of the event are 10 premium and craft beers and plenty of finger lickin’ food.

Historic Summerseat Farm was founded in 1678. The farm includes War of 1812 and Civil War gravesites. The manor house dates from the turn of the 20th century and there are a number of historic barns and outbuildings. A buffalo herd grazes in the fields and a number of farm animals are available for viewing to enhance the rural experience.

The farm was purchased by a non-profit organization with the help of a grant from the Maryland Legislature and a loan for the Maryland Environmental Trust. It is operated by a dedicated band of volunteers, who take care of the animals, maintain the gardens and provide upkeep to the manor house and other buildings. The manor house is available for rent for weddings and other special events.

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