WTMD RADIO’S 1st THURSDAY

AT CANTON’S WATERFRONT PARK FINAL SHOW 2015

WTMD radio station is one of only a few locally-owned radio stations in the Towson and Baltimore vicinity. WTMD has one of the largest listening audiences of any public radio station in Maryland.

WTMD produces First Thursday Concerts in the Park, a series of six free after work shows at Canton’s Waterfront Park in Baltimore Maryland! What an amazing service they provide for the community bringing artists like The Damnwells, Joan Osborne, Los Lonely Boys, LP, Steve Forbert, The Colour, The Young Dubliners, The Heartless Bastards, and tonight to close out the season one of my favorites was also on the bill; The Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band!

What a party these shows have turned out to be, attracting crowds of about 3,000 people as well as many local vendors. The atmosphere is festive and the vibe is just plain great!!! If you have never seen The Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band then you really don’t know what you are missing. This band is a three piece American Country Rockin’ Blues band with an energy level that feels like it will never stop! With Ben “Bird Dog” Bussell on the drums, He plays a small drum kit, augmented with a five gallon plastic bucket fitted with drum hardware.

“Washboard” Breezy Peyton on Washboard and Vocals. Breezy is so aggressive that She plays the washboard using golf gloves to which thimbles have been attached. At some point during the show things got so hot that the washboard caught on fire!!!

And last but certainly not least we have The Reverend J. Peyton on guitar, lead vocals, and the principal songwriter of the group! The Reverend plays a rusty 1930 steel bodied National guitar, a 1934 wood bodied National Trojan Resonator guitar and a 1994 reproduction of a 1929 Gibson acoustic and also a 3 string cigar box guitar. Peyton makes it very clear to everyone that he uses no gimmicks, He takes the time to show everyone where the bass line comes from (His thumb and the bass string!)  Make no mistake about it, there are no loops, no computers, just the old style way of making music. Peyton’s fingerstyle guitar playing has a wonderful sound with the bass line coming from his thumb while simultaneously playing the melody with his other fingers!

All in All this was a wonderful way to end the season and celebrate the community with music! If you have never heard or seen The Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band, I highly suggest that you make it a priority to check them out!

Thank You WTMD Radio for all that you do and Thanks to your wonderful staff and volunteers!!! See You Next Season!!

Peace & Blessings,
Stuart Dahne