In late 1984 three local musicians united to try their luck playing reggae music in the fast growing Frederick, Md., music scene. In February of 1985 they landed their first gig at Griff’s Landing, one of the budding Market Street restaurants/nightclubs willing to give live entertainment a downtown home. Few in attendance on that wintry night probably imagined that they were witnessing the launch of a new musical era in the region. Those three musicians – Sam Felker on guitar, Brian Derek on bass guitar and Lantz Cox on drums – transformed the region’s dormant pop music scene as they formed a group that would take the area by storm. It was the right place at the right time for the birth of The I Steadies.

With the members of The I Steadies now scattered from Maryland and Virginia to Florida they realize that their live performances are numbered, so they are observing their 26th anniversary with “The I Steadies 26th Anniversary Reunion Party” at the Clarion Hotel Ballroom in Shepherdstown on Saturday evening, May 21. The band members want to re-create some of their old magic from the late ’80s and ’90s by not only including many of their fans’ favorites on that evening’s play list, but also performing a few obscure tunes from their master list of more than 250 songs.

Before the first set and during the breaks vintage videos of some of The I Steadies’ most memorable performances from 1985 1998 will be shown making this event a special treat for long-time fans as well as a glimpse of special days gone by for those that missed them during their heyday.

The show begins at 8 p.m. with the doors opening at 7. Tickets are $10 per person and are only available at the door on the evening of the show. The party is strictly first come, first serve and if history is any indication there will be a large turnout so plan on arriving early to ensure admission. Seating is limited, but there’s always room for one more on the dance floor.