Marine Corps Marathon Announces Race Day Entertainment

Marine Corps Marathon Announces Race Day Entertainment
Presented by Verizon Wireless

Musical Entertainment Across 26.2 Miles for the Whole Family

Runners and spectators at the Marine Corps Marathon, to be held on October 26, will enjoy a wide variety of race day entertainment. From the first mile to the Finish Festival and culminating at the Post Race Celebration and Concert in Crystal City, entertainers like local favorites Members Only and the Sometime Favorites, high school bands from across the region and the hit band, the BoDeans, will motivate and energize along the marathon course, performing everything from bluegrass to rock and bagpipes to jazz.

"Runners and spectators of all ages can find something that fits their musical taste at this year's Marine Corps Marathon," said Rick Nealis, Race Director. "With such a wide variety of entertainment, listeners will hear old favorites and be introduced to new selections they are sure to love."

Entertainment Schedule
Sunday, October 26
7:40 a.m.
National Anthem Start Line, Route 110
8:15 a.m.
The American Belles MCM10K Start Line, Runners Village
8:30 a.m.
Marine Corps Base Quantico Band Miles 3-4
8:40 a.m.
Frederick HS Cadet Marching Band Miles 6-7
8:45 a.m.
Rockville HS Pipe Band Miles 8-9
9:20 a.m.
North Caroline HS Band Miles 9-10
9:20 a.m.
Monacan HS Band Miles 15-16
9:20 a.m.
Doug Marshall Bluegrass Band Miles 16-17
9:30 a.m.
Spotsylvania HS Marching Band Miles 17-18
9:30 a.m.
James Hubert Blake HS Band Miles 18-19
9:40 a.m.
Batala Beat the Bridge Stage, Miles 19-20
9:55 a.m.
GMU Patriot Pep Band Mile 22
9:30 a.m.
3am Panic Crystal Run Stage, Miles 22-23
10:30 a.m.
King Soul Crystal Run Stage
11:30 a.m.
Members Only Crystal Run Stage
12:30 p.m.
Shag the Band Crystal Run Stage
10:00 a.m.
Greensville HS Band Mile 23-24
11:00 a.m.
Glass Onion Band Verizon Wireless Final Mile Stage
10:00 a.m.
Dixie Power Trio Finish Festival Stage
1:00 p.m.
The Sometime Favorites Finish Festival Stage
3:00 p.m.
Post Race Concert- The BoDeans Crystal Run Stage

About the Bands

3am Panic- Covering hits from the '70's through today, 3am Panic plays a variety of music genres including rock, pop, alternative, R&B, metal and funk.

The American Belles- The American Belles entertain audiences with their high energy show featuring American standards and patriotic favorites, signing in rich three part harmony.

Batala- An all-women percussion group formed to empower women through drumming, and to expose people to the music and culture of Brazil, the Batala Percussion Band plays rhythms typical of the northeastern region of Brazil in a samba-reggae style.

The BoDeans- Best known for "Closer to Free", the theme song from the TV sitcom, "Party of Five," the BoDeans have forged a signature sound that is based on heartfelt lyrics, passionate harmonies, and ringing guitars.

Dixie Power Trio- The Dixie Power Trio is a four-piece group dedicated to the music and sounds of Louisiana, playing play a gumbo of different styles including zydeco, Cajun, New Orleans jazz, funk, street parade, and rock.

Doug Marshall Bluegrass Band- The group that varies from two to six members performs on guitar, string bass, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and Dobro with a colorful combination of bluegrass sounds.

George Mason University Patriot Pep Band- The band links music with athletics, and often makes appearances with the cheerleaders, Masonettes, and Gunston the Mascot.

Glass Onion Band- Glass Onion offers a unique opportunity to experience the songs of the Beatles performed live.

King Soul- King Soul brings with it an all-star ensemble featuring horns, hot vocals and deep grooves. King Soul is DC's Soul band that brings the sound and groove of 1960's Memphis to the Capital.

Marine Corps Base Quantico Band- The oldest of the Marine Corps' professional musical ensembles and is comprised of combat-trained active duty Marines.

Members Only- Members Only serves up a healthy dose of the cheesiest 80's music there is including dance, pop, reggae, hair band, rock, techo, rap, new wave and R&B.

Shag the Band- Blurring inspirations of U.K. spun rock, pop and punk, they have developed their own unique style that will drive you to the dance floor.

The Sometime Favorites- The Sometime Favorites diverse influences from Tom Petty to Maroon 5, combined with their vocal harmonies, makes this group one of the most popular bands in the Mid-Atlantic region.

High School Bands- This year, seven high school bands from Maryland and Virginia will perform on the MCM course: James Hubert Blake High School Band, Frederick High School Cadet Marching Band, Greensville High School Band, Monacan High School Band, North Caroline High School Band, Rockville High School Pipe Band and Spotsylvania High School Marching Band.

About Verizon Wireless:
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About the Marine Corps Marathon:
Voted "Best Marathon for Families", the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Runners from all walks of life have participated in the world's largest marathon to not offer prize money, deservingly earning the nickname "The People's Marathon." The 33rd Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 26, 2008 in Arlington, Virginia. For more information, visit www.marinemarathon.com.

For media information, contact Beth Johnson, Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations Coordinator at (703) 432-1165, or Elizabeth.Johnson1@usmc.mil. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.