The first annual Music Festival at Roedown will be held on Sunday, April 5 as a feature of the 35th running of the Marlborough Hunt steeplechase races.

The festival will feature three local bands: Sweet Leda, Pressing Strings, and Michael K. and the Populists. The brainchild of Roedown race committee member and music enthusiast Wendy Marxen and local musician Michael Kocher, the musical gala became a reality with Paul Reed Smith Guitars on board as a major sponsor.

"It's our goal that over time people will think of music as well as horse racing when they hear the word 'Roedown',” said Ms Marxen. “There is a phenomenal music scene in Annapolis and we thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase some local musicians and give race fans one more reason to come out to the races." 

Local musician and Pressing Strings member Bradford Singh, said he's looking forward to being a part of a new music tradition at Roedown. When former Michael K. and The Populist guitar player Brian Baker, who currently lives in Key West, got wind that the band would be playing Roedown, he bought a plane ticket to rejoin the band for the occasion.

 “Whether it's the steeplechase races, the tailgate and hat contests, or the music, there's something for everyone at Roedown this year,” said Marxen. 

 Additional Information: The music festival will take place in the Starting Line Rail area of Roedown farm (next to the red barn). Also new this year will be the Musician's Tailgate Party for Multiple Sclerosis. Sponsored by The Maritime Republic of Eastport (MRE), proceeds from the fundraiser are benefiting the National MS Society. The event is also designed to bring attention to the MS walk that will be held in Annapolis April 19th. A guitar donated and signed by Music Festival sponsor and international guitar maker Paul Reed Smith (PRSguitars.com) will be raffled at the tailgate party/fundraiser. The guitar is showcased on the official Roedown Music Festival poster.  Information about the tailgate party and the MS walk will be available on-site at the starting line rail area (next to the band platform) on race day. For more detailed information about the Tailgate party, visit www.myspace.com/roedownmusicfest.