Our Port City Rock Jam 2026 Line Up
Dr. Bacon
Founded in the streets, bars and unhinged house parties of Boone est. 2013, Dr. Bacon is a Funked Up Appalachian Rock band currently based in Asheville, NC. Dr. Bacon’s live experience is a spectacle that combines different energies, creating a musical journey that resonates with audiences of all ages.
The band’s musci style blends genres, ensuring everyone hears something they can relate to. With releases like “Fast & Loose with the Essentials” and “The Cobra EP”, Dr. Bacon has established themselves as a prominent figure in the music scene. Their music often relects on themes of celbration and excess, draming inspiration from their North Carolina roots.
Dr. Bacon is:
Myles Dunder- Vocals, Saxophones, Guitars
John Kirby- Lead Guitar & Vocals
Ben New- Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Matt Gornto- Bass
The Keith Allen Circus is a dynamic musical ensemble led by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Keith Allen, known for his work with The Mantras. The band offers a unique blend of dark rock, jam, and psychedelic electro-pop, drawing inspiration from artists like Pink Floyd, Widespread Panic, Gorillaz, and Tame Impala.
Over the past year, the Keith Allen Circus has gained significant traction, performing sold-out shows across North Carolina, including cities like Boone, Greensboro, and Wilmington. They have shared stages with national acts such as Papadosio and Perpetual Groove, and have made notable festival appearances at events like The Big What?, Shakori Hill Grassroots Festival, Casual Campout, and Graveyard Getdown.
In Wilmington, NC, the band has performed at venues such as Bowstring Burgers and Brewyard on July 12, 2024, and The Palm Room on October 25, 2024.
For a glimpse into their live performances, here’s a video from their October 25, 2024, show at The Palm Room in Wilmington:
Dickey Hazel is a psychedelic country band based in Wilmington, NC, known for their fun, energizing, and danceable live performances. The band blends country, rock, blues, and Americana with psychedelic elements, creating a distinctive and dynamic sound.
Formed in 2023, Dickey Hazel’s journey began with a shared passion for music and a desire to revive the soulful essence of Southern rock.
At the heart of their sound lies the mesmerizing blend of psychedelic vibes and the raw, unbridled energy of rock ‘n’ roll. Led by Jesse Stockton’s soulful vocals and rhythm guitar, alongside Brad Hodges on rhythm guitar and vocals, Jonah Citty on lead guitar, Zach Brindisi on bass guitar, Tom Gossin on keys and Hugh Mallard on drums, they weave a sonic tapestry that transports listeners to a realm where time seems to stand still.
Drawing inspiration from a rich mix of musical influences, including the timeless melodies of Doc Watson, the raw energy of Bluegrass, the improvisational genius of The Grateful Dead, and the heartfelt storytelling of Americana, they infuse our music with the soulful nuances of blues, creating a sound that is uniquely their own.
Dubtown Cosmonauts are a psychedelic, funky jam-rock band originating from Wilmington, North Carolina. Their high-energy performances feature a mix of upbeat original compositions and eclectic covers, including songs by The Grateful Dead, Phish, Widespread Panic, The String Cheese Incident, and The Rolling Stones.
The band has been active for over 14 years, performing live, recording albums, and touring with an evolving lineup of talented local musicians. Their engaging shows are known for mind-bending solos and a diverse setlist that keeps audiences guessing.
For a taste of their live performance, here’s a video of Dubtown Cosmonauts covering “Sirens” by The String Cheese Incident at Bowstring in Wilmington, NC, on January 25, 2025:
Act Casual, a dynamic fusion band hailing from Detroit, has garnered attention for their electrifying performances, haunting harmonies, and innovative improvisational style. Merging elements of blues, funk, extended instrumentals, and catchy pop melodies, the band has become a vibrant force within the Midwest music scene. Their rise from intimate basement jam sessions to sold-out performances at renowned venues such as Detroit’s Magic Stick, Ann Arbor’s Blind Pig, and Columbus’s Woodlands Tavern reflects their growing popularity and dedicated fanbase.
In addition to their local engagements, Act Casual has made significant strides in the festival circuit, performing at prominent events such as Summer Camp Music Festival, Hookahville, Weekend at the Cave, Solshine Reverie, Summer’s End Smokeout, Ann Arbor Hash Bash, and Arts Beats & Eats. The band was invited to perform at a Bernie Sanders campaign rally and has also opened for notable national acts including Bootsy Collins, Wishbone Ash, Larry McCray, Laith al-Saadi, Brendan Bayliss and Ryan Stasik of Umphrey’s McGee, The New Mastersounds, Ekoostik Hookah, Spafford, Dopapod, Ben Carrey of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Moon Hooch, Muruga Booker and Gabe Gonzalez of Parliament Funkadelic, The Werks, Mihali, Magic Beans, Dixon’s Violin, and The Nth Power.
Act Casual’s palpable stage presence and energetic performances have attracted media attention, leading to features in publications such as Rolling Stone, Detroit Metro Times, Music Connection Magazine, Local Spins, and The Stratton Setlist. Their latest album “Livin’ a Lie”, which has surpassed 50,000 streams on Spotify and received airplay on 101 WRIF and 101.9 WDET, has solidified their status in the independent music scene. Act Casual recently completed their 35+ date summer tour and a recording session at Third Coast Recording Co., looking ahead the band plans on releasing new music in early 2026.
Domocile is a 4-piece electronic infused instrumental jam band based out of Wilmington, NC. Inspired by acts such as STS9, Papadosio, Khruangbin and Phish, Domocile combines dark, funky guitar riffs and space driven synth with a dynamic rhythm section to create a unique soundscape that is equal parts dancy and atmospheric. The addition of Ableton Live allows for the incorporation of live-looping and vocal samples, which adds a house-style EDM element to an already epic sound. Relying heavily on live improve, shows are structured to ensure each set is its own uniquely curated performance.
The Queen’s Giant is a rock band from Wilmington, North Carolina, formed in 2021. The band blends rock with elements of blues, country, dance, EDM, and metal, creating a dynamic and diverse sound. Brendon Jacobsen: Vocals, Guitar Christopher Rocca: Keys. Austin Redwine: Bass Jackson DeGrappo: Drums
Each member brings a unique musical background, contributing to the band’s eclectic style. The Queen’s Giant has performed at various venues, including:
•Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern: Participated in events like the 420 Show in April 2024.
•Bourgie Nights: Shared the stage with bands such as Oc3ans and Dogpark in September 2024.
•Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Performed with Loud Music Company and other local acts in May 2024.
For a glimpse of their live performance, here’s a video of The Queen’s Giant performing at Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern:
RuKus is a dynamic rock band based in Wilmington, North Carolina, known for their energetic performances and original music. Formed in mid-2019, the lineup consists of: Mason Mackinnon: Vocals and Rhythm Guitar. Colin Lillich: Lead Guitar. Ethan Langley: Bass. Trevor Richards: Drums
In addition to their regular performances, RuKus hosts events like the Port City Rock Jam, which features local and regional performers and contributes to the vibrant Wilmington music scene. The 2024 Port City Rock Jam took place on August 3rd at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard.
• Official Website: rukusband.com
•Facebook: RuKus Band Wilmington
•Instagram: rukus_official
RuKus debuted their first album What’d You Wish For and followed up a year later with The After Party. Both albums received rave reviews from their fans and critics alike.
Delia Stanley is a multifaceted artist based in Wilmington, North Carolina, renowned for her dynamic musical performances, vibrant visual art, and contributions to the local creative community.
As a singer-songwriter, Delia captivates audiences with her powerful, soulful vocals and energetic stage presence. She performs both solo and with her band, Delia & Friends, delivering a repertoire that includes original compositions and diverse covers on guitar and ukulele. Her music has been featured on platforms such as WHQR’s “Soup to Nuts LIVE” and at events like the Azalea Festival’s Tunes and Blooms Music Fest at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater.
Beyond music, Delia is an accomplished visual artist, known for her bold and colorful creations. She offers private and group lessons in art, guitar, ukulele, voice, and songwriting, sharing her passion and expertise with aspiring artists in the community.
For a glimpse into her live performances, here’s a video of Delia performing her original song “So It Goes” during the Laura McLean Songwriter Showcase at Live At Ted’s in Wilmington, NC:
Weepin’ & a Wailin’ is a reggae band with members from Wilmington, NC; Shillong, India; and
Seattle, WA. Blending roots reggae, soulful vocals, and infectious grooves, the band delivers a
vibrant live show designed to get audiences moving. They are currently on their first East Coast
tour, building momentum with confirmed stops in NYC, Providence, Richmond, VA Beach,
Greenville, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, and Wilmington, NC.
Weepin’ and a Wailin’ is made up of:
- Trevor Richards-Drums
- Zediah Hynniewta-Lead Vocals and Guitar
- Kynsai Manners-Aux Keys
- Jack Helfer-Bass Guitar
- Chase Woodbury-Keys
Carolina Music Awards Winner, Bootleg Dynasty is a Wilmington, NC based band delivering Rowdy Americana jams built on grit, groove, and improvisation. The band brings a high-energy, jam-forward approach to every stage where no two sets are the same and the crowd is part of the ride. After a decade-long hiatus, while members lived and played elsewhere, Bootleg Dynasty has returned re-energized and re-focused, drawing on years of live experience to create dynamic performances that thrive in clubs, and festival settings alike.
Steele Music Studios’ Summer Band Camps in Wilmington, North Carolina, offer invaluable opportunities for young musicians to immerse themselves in a structured, collaborative environment that fosters both musical and personal growth.
Participants engage in intensive, week-long sessions where they rehearse and perform a curated set of songs, culminating in a live performance each Friday. This hands-on approach allows campers to apply their skills in a real-world setting, enhancing their musical proficiency and stage presence. The collaborative nature of the camps encourages teamwork, communication, and a sense of community among participants, fostering friendships that often extend beyond the camp experience.
The impact of these camps extends beyond the immediate musical experience. Many former students have leveraged the skills and confidence gained to pursue advanced studies in music, with some attending prestigious institutions such as the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Every year at Port City Rock Jam, these student bands get to perform one of our large stages for everyone to enjoy! They start at 11, so come early!
