LATE AD NewAge Wellness

Pothead Playlist

Light one up for these local bands

BY LAUREN LAROCCA llarocca@newspost.com

In celebration of legal recreational cannabis use in Maryland on July 1, we present to you … the Pothead Playlist.

Weed Coughin

Self-described “stoner thrasholes,” these guys play stoner metal with heavy grooves, from Sabbath covers to originals. The Emmitsburg-based band gets on this list first and foremost because their name elicits a certain amount of obligation … and because they’ve written songs named things like “Acid Reign.” They released their first fulllength album in 2022, and you can find them playing shows around the area. Catch them July 21 at Olde Mother Brewing.

Sunniva

Sunniva, fronted by Danniel Knight, might be the closest thing Frederick has to an original jam band. With journeying lyrics and spiraling guitar, this band has been on the Frederick scene for about five years now and continues to gig frequently and release new material. They are great for laid-back live sets but just as nice to listen to at home, space out, and let the words take your mind to new places or ponder reality and your place within it.

Secondhand

What’s a pothead playlist without reggae? Cue Secondhand, a longstanding reggae/dub/ska group based in Hagerstown that plays the wider area. And of course, we like that their name is a nod to their love for smoking the reefer.

Asa Weeks

Can we all agree, hip-hop — and reggae — just sounds better when you’re high? And those two genres make for the best dance parties. Asa Weeks has a smoothas-silk flow that hovers over deep grooves, whether rapping or singing vocals. Sit back, spark one up, and listen to his hip-hop mastery — though you might not stay seated for long.

Rays of Violet

Perhaps Dark Star Orchestra paved the way when it comes to Grateful Dead tribute bands. Who knows — by now, maybe every town in America has one. But what we do know is Frederick’s resident Dead tribute act is Rays of Violet. So roll a joint, put on your dancing shoes (or better yet, throw them off), and get down as these guys bring the funk and jammy goodness of a live Dead show to small venues across the area.

Dead For One Night

Also worth noting here, Dead For One Night, a supergroup of sorts made up of Frederick musicians from various bands, including Rays of Violet, formed to play — as their name implies — one night of Grateful Dead covers at Gambrill Mt. Food Co. But that one-off event turned into additional shows in the area to satiate the appetites of fans.

Chevre

John Lawton (guitar/vocals) and Luke Kannor (drums) founded Chèvre, a psychedelic roots rock outfit, with a touch of ‘90s alt-rock sensibility and the occasional Grateful Dead cover.

Plus, Summer Reggae Festival. The beloved annual event will return to Linganore Winecellars on July 15 and 16, featuring Image Band, Eclipse International, Kurlou Reggae Allstars, Ras Slick & The Dutty Bus Crew and DJ Sprang. Learn more at linganorewines.com/ summer-reggae-festival-2023.

Disclaimer: This is the opinion of 72 Hours and is not stating the artists included here endorse the use of cannabis.