LEONARDTOWN, Md., June 12, 2025 — The Second Annual Hometown Heroes Concert took place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Leonardtown Square, celebrating local first responders with a free, all-ages event. Part of First Responder First Friday, the gathering from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. featured live music from The Deadrise and the reunited Robbie Boothe Band, along with food, a Touch a Truck display, and community activities. The event honored firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel.
All photographs by Natalie Shipman
The evening began with The Deadrise, featuring Max and Sammy, performing from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., followed by the Robbie Boothe Band at 6:30 p.m. The Deadrise played Intro, Backwood Saints Emotionally Illiterate, Use Somebody, Plan of Attack, Everybody Wants to Rule the World SJEP, I Won’t Be Shaken, and Spaced Out.
All photographs from Natalie Shipman
After nearly three years in retirement, the band’s one-night return drew significant attention. Band member Donovan Farrell had shared excitement online beforehand, stating, “And… WE’RE BACK!!! On June 7th, for the first time in three years, The Robbie Boothe Band will be playing a full band show!!! And of course, it will be on the square in Leonardtown!!! I soooo hope you are able to make it!!! We’re a little rusty… but we mostly ‘still got it’ ? ? ?.”
The Robbie Boothe Band performed Footloose, Blindfold, Wagon Wheel, Think About It, Somebody Like You, Never Did I Know, Night Like This, Fire, What Are The Odds, Tennessee Whiskey, Pickup Line – Shutup and Dance, Good In His Car, Great Day To Be Alive, Tell Me Your Story, Played Me, All My Life, Funky Music- Uptown Funk, Friends in Low Places- Sweet Caroline, and Life Is A Highway.
Presented with the Leonardtown Business Association, St. Mary’s County Arts Council, Olde Towne Insurance, Quality Built Homes, and The County Times, the concert included a Touch a Truck activity with fire trucks, police cruisers, and rescue vehicles. First responders shared information and sold raffle tickets to support their stations. The event built on its 2024 debut, strengthening community ties and recognition for those who serve.
Leonardtown, a historic town in St. Mary’s County, is known for community events like First Fridays and the Summer Music Festival. The Hometown Heroes Concert transformed Leonardtown Square into a family-friendly celebration, with food vendors offering diverse options. Attendees brought blankets or lawn chairs, enjoying the music and festivities under the stars. Organizers had urged residents to spread the word, highlighting the one-time band reunion and tribute to first responders, which contributed to a strong turnout.
