The Marine Corps Marathon features a wide variety of musical entertainment throughout race day. From the first mile to the last, through the Finish Festival and culminating at the Post Race Celebration and Concert, runners and spectators are treated to many exciting performances! MCM Entertainment is presented by Verizon Wireless.
Featured entertainment for 2008 included:
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. 3am Panic takes the stage at 9:30 a.m. at Crystal Run, located at on 23rd Street in Crystal City.
AMERICAN BELLES
The American Belles entertain audiences with their high energy show featuring American standards and patriotic favorites, signing in rich three part harmony. The show is complete with dazzling costumes, engaging choreography and audience interaction! The American Belles served as the USO Liberty Belles performing at hundreds of military, veteran and civilian events. Look for the American Belles at the Carbo Dining In, as well as the MCM10K start line!
BATALA
The Batala band of Washington, D.C. is an all-women percussion group formed in 1997 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 music, performed on four types of drums, is rooted in traditional African rhythms. Batala is the “Beat-the-Bridge” band located on 14th Street in NW Washington, D.C.
THE BODEANS
The BoDeans have forged a signature sound that is based on heartfelt lyrics, passionate harmonies, and ringing guitars. This unique sound first emerged on their 1986 debut album, “Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams.” The album propelled the group into the national spotlight and was quickly followed up with the release of “Outside Looking In,” which broke the Billboard’s Top 100 Albums and being named “Best New Band” by Rolling Stone magazine. The group’s “Closer to Free” became the theme song to the tv sitcom, “Party of Five” and 
found a spot amongst the Billboard’s Top 10 in 1996. The group continues to tour the country and released their latest album, titled "Still," on March 4, 2008. Look for the BoDeans as the headliner at the Post Race Concert in Crystal City, VA.
REGINALD BOWERS
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Reginald Bowers' uncommon talents are demonstrated through his music and his extremely warm spirit. Bowers is a remarkable vocalist (baritone/bass in Howard University's premier vocal jazz ensemble, Afro Blue), flautist, trombonist and an exceptional pianist. He has directed many choirs in church and school, participated in an array of instrumental ensembles and is currently a production assistant and education coordinator for the 2008 Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in Washington, DC. He will be performing the national anthem at the MCM start line on race morning!
DIXIE POWER TRIO
The Dixie Power Trio is a four-piece group dedicated to the music and sounds of Louisiana. The group is based in Fredericksburg, VA, and has toured extensively throughout the United States. In a typical set the DPT will play a gumbo of different styles including zydeco, Cajun, New Orleans jazz, funk, street parade, and rock. The Dixie Power Trio will take the main stage at the Finish Festival in Rossyln, VA, from 10:00 a.m. to noon on race day.
DOUG MARSHALL BLUEGRASS BAND
Doug Marshall’s band of talented musicians are fresh, spontaneous and fun. 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. Doug Marshall’s Bluegrass sounds will be heard outside the Lincoln Memorial at Mile 10 of the marathon course.
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY PATRIOT PEP BAND
George Mason University Patriot Pep Band - The band links music with athletics, and often makes appearances with the cheerleaders, Masonettes, and Gunston the Mascot. The GMU spirit team won the Battle of the Bands Hoops City at the 2006 Final Four Tournament competing against UCLA, LSU, and the University of Florida. The George Mason University Patriot Pep Band will be located in Crystal City on Mile 22 of the course.
GLASS ONION BAND
The Glass Onion Band has been rockin' around Fredericksburg and central Virginia for over five years and has been put together of a group of fine musicians from all around the area. Together they bring great sounds from the 60's and 70's! Look for the Glass Onion Band on the Final Mile Stage presented by Verizon Wireless, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
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. Look for their performance at 10:30 a.m. at Crystal Run.
MEMBERS ONLY
Members Only serves up a healthy dose of the cheesiest 80’s music there is! Spanning every genre of the decade including dance, pop, reggae, hair band, rock, techo, rap, new wave and r&b, they are a guaranteed crowd pleaser for fans young and old. Sporting a wide array of instruments and vocal ranges, Members Only will bring you back to a decade you thought you'd forgotten beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Crystal Run.
QUANTICO MARINE CORPS BAND
The Quantico Marine Corps Band is one of the oldest of the Marine Corps’ professional musical ensembles and is comprised of combat-trained active duty Marines. The band has performed at many recognized civilian events including the Super Bowl XLI Pregame Show, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 9/11 Memorial at Carnegie Hall. Look for the Quantico Marine Corps Band at Gateway Park along Mile 4 of the marathon course.
SHAG
Shag is a band like you've never heard before nor will you forget! British vocal powerhouse and guitarist Laurence Mckenna fronts the band, with a vocal range that can flatter any melody. Musical mates Mike Miggins, (Lead Guitar-Vocals), Derek Bond (Bass Guitar) and Mark Rogers (Drums), complete the feel good vibes that will drive you to the dance floor. Blurring inspirations of U.K. spun rock, pop and punk, they have developed their own unique style. Check out the sounds of Shag at Crystal Run at 12:30 p.m.
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. As The Sometime Favorites continue to tour the Eastern U.S. with their driving, catchy tunes, their ultimate goal is to bring good music to the ears of many. Catch The Sometime Favorites on the Finish Festival’s main stage between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL BANDS
This year, seven high school bands from Maryland and Virginia will perform on the Marine Corps Marathon course. The bands, positioned throughout the race, create enthusiasm and motivate runners during the 26.2 mile journey. Come hear your favorite high school band on race day at the locations listed below:
- Mile 6-7: Frederick High School Cadet Marching Band of Frederick, MD
- Mile 8-9: Rockville High School Pipe Band of Rockville, VA
- Mile 9-10: North Caroline High School Band of Ridgely, MD
- Mile 15-16: Monacan High School Band of Richmond, VA
- Mile 17-18: Spotsylvania High School Marching Band of Spotsylvania, VA
- Mile 18-19: James Hubert Blake High School Marching Band of Silver Spring, MD
- Mile 23-24: Greensville High School Band of Emporia, VA