The past month has been one of the most rewarding stretches of my musical journey.
In just a few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to perform from the Pacific Northwest all the way back to my home region of Maryland and Virginia, sharing songs, stories, and meeting incredible people along the way.
At the end of May, I made my way to Portland, Oregon, for my first performance in the city. Playing for a new audience on the West Coast was a special experience and another reminder that country music and good storytelling can connect people no matter where they live. Seeing listeners thousands of miles from home singing along to songs I wrote in Frederick County was something I won’t soon forget.
After returning home, I hit the ground running with a performance at Sky Stage in Frederick with The Catoctin Cowboys. Playing in the town where I grew up is always meaningful, and the support from friends, family, longtime fans, and new listeners made for an unforgettable evening.
The momentum continued at the SilverVox Film + Music Festival, where I performed a solo acoustic set during the festival’s VIP Reception. It was an honor to be part of an event that celebrates independent artists, filmmakers, musicians, and creative voices from across the region.
The very next day, The Catoctin Cowboys and I headed south to Vanish Brewery in Leesburg, Virginia. With beautiful weather, great people, and a fantastic atmosphere, it was the perfect way to kick off summer. Thank you to everyone who came out, grabbed a drink, and spent part of their afternoon with us.
As I reflect on the past month, I’m grateful for every venue, promoter, festival organizer, radio host, and fan who has helped make these performances possible. Whether you’ve been following my music for years or discovered it for the first time at one of these shows, your support means more than you know.
Next Up: Last of the Good Ole Boys Podcast
The road doesn’t stop here.
On Tuesday, June 24 at 6:00 p.m., I’ll be joining Blaine and Billy on Last of the Good Ole Boys for what promises to be a fun and candid conversation about music, growing up in Frederick County, and the stories behind some of my songs.
We’ll talk about the journey from local stages to performing across the country, the inspiration behind my music, and what’s ahead for the rest of 2026.
You can watch the show live through Everything Frederick Live’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.
And there won’t be much time to rest after that.
My next live appearance will be on Friday, July 3, as I join the celebration of America’s 250th Birthday in Walkersville, Maryland. I’ll be participating in the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company’s annual parade before taking the stage at the Walkersville Carnival later that evening.
The celebration continues on July 4, when I’ll be performing at The Barn Resort in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for their Fourth of July Pig Roast. Spending Independence Day sharing music with friends, families, and country music fans in a community so deeply connected to American history feels especially fitting as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. I’ll be kicking off the event at noon, and perform until 2 p.m.
It’s always special to perform close to home, and being part of these community celebrations makes it even more meaningful. Whether you’re joining me in Walkersville, Gettysburg, or tuning in to the podcast, I hope you’ll be part of the fun as we celebrate music, community, and 250 years of American history.
Thank you for being part of this ride. The miles may be long, but sharing music with all of you makes every one of them worthwhile.
I’ll see you down the road.
— Mike Kuster
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