UPDATE 3/24/2025 @11:30 am: After publishing this article, the Let’s Go Music Festival Facebook page announced that Round 1 of voting ended. Unfortunately, ShallowDeep did not move on. However, HydraFX has moved on to the second round. You can vote here for the remaining bands: https://m.shortstack.page/qjGTNp
CROWNSVILLE, Md. — Two Southern Maryland bands, ShallowDeep and HydraFX, are in the running to open the main stage at the Let’s Go Music Festival 2025, set for June 6-7 at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds. Now in its fifth year, the festival celebrates the start of summer with a lineup featuring headliners like Young The Giant, Milky Chance, and The Maine, alongside local talent and Annapolis’ vibrant food and culture scene. A public “Battle of the Bands” vote, launched this month, will determine which act earns the coveted spot, spotlighting the region’s emerging music scene.
ShallowDeep, a rock outfit from St. Mary’s County, brings a raw, energetic sound honed through years of local gigs. Known for electrifying performances at venues like The Rex Theatre in Leonardtown, ShallowDeep has built a loyal following in Southern Maryland, making them a strong contender in the fan vote.
HydraFX, a reggae-rock staple from St. Mary’s County, brings over two decades of experience to the contest. Led by Greg Barrick (vocals and guitar), with Wally (Wally Ivanov, guitar), Justin (Justin Myles, drums), Sean and Mia (role unspecified), the band has evolved from a cover act to an original force. Their debut album, Here & Now, released in September 2024 at The Rex Theatre in Leonardtown, blends influences from Sublime to Pink Floyd. Known for high-energy shows at venues like Toots Bar in Hollywood, HydraFX gained local fame with their “Raise the Bar” livestreams in 2020, supporting businesses during the pandemic, according to the Southern Maryland Chronicle.
The Battle of the Bands pits 15 acts against each other, with ShallowDeep and HydraFX among the top contenders vying for first or second place. The winner will perform on the Chesapeake Stage, joining national acts at the fairgrounds located at 1450 General’s Highway Route 178, just 10 miles from Annapolis. Voting, open through April 30 on the festival’s website, allows fans to choose from a list including Doll Apartments, SMANTX, Desert Shade, and others. As of March 24, social media buzz on X shows both bands rallying supporters, with ShallowDeep trending locally.
Let’s Go Music Festival, founded by siblings Chris Hartman and Liz Rawlings, has grown from a 2,500-attendee event in 2021 to a projected 12,000 in 2025, per WTOP. The two-day format—down from three in past years—keeps the focus tight, blending major acts with regional talent. Past performers include Lynyrd Skynyrd and Taking Back Sunday, but the inclusion of local bands via the battle reflects the festival’s commitment to Maryland’s music community. The fairgrounds’ proximity to Baltimore and D.C. enhances its draw, offering free parking and ADA accessibility.
For ShallowDeep, the chance to play Let’s Go is a career milestone. Both bands have deep roots in the region’s tight-knit scene, often overshadowed by Annapolis’ larger venues, making this a rare spotlight moment.
The winner’s set will kick off a weekend featuring Young The Giant’s indie anthems and Milky Chance’s folk-pop grooves, alongside local food vendors like Calvert Crabs. As votes roll in, ShallowDeep and HydraFX stand as Southern Maryland’s torchbearers, aiming to amplify their sound on a bigger stage.
