Entertainment

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 includes:

KIMBERLEY LOCKE
Locke 2 Tennessee Native Kimberly Locke is perhaps best known as one of the last remaining finalists during the second season of American Idol in 2003. The 30-year-old singer released her first album in May 2004 and has since boasted eight Top 20 Adult Contemporary hits. In 2007, she returned to television with her participation in Celebrity Fit Club. Locke will be performing the National Anthem before joining runners on the marathon start line.

AMERICAN BELLES
American Belles 1 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
Batala Photo 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 14^th Street in NW Washington, D.C.

THE BODEANS
BoDeans Photo 1 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.

DIXIE POWER TRIO
Dixie Power Trio 08 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 08 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
GMU Band Photo 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.

QUANTICO MARINE CORPS BAND
Quantico Band Photo small 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.

THE SOMETIME FAVORITES
Sometime Favorites 08 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: