Upcoming Shows

The ML Band

For Bookings: Call John Dempsey - 301-874-7876

Six unique musicians, a lively repertoire of classic R&B, soul, and blues from the 1950s and 60s (and MORE!), and a loyal and growing following - we are THE ML BAND! If you are ready to get up out of your seat and sway, swing, shake, jump, and shout, you are ready for THE ML BAND! So call us for your event soon.

Formed in January 2000, we play regularly at venues in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC. We are proud to have performed at such great places as:

The Barns at Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts (Vienna, VA)
Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill (Washington, DC)
Pier 7 at the Inner Harbor (Baltimore, MD)
The Odyssey Cruise Ship (Washington, DC)
The Washington Canoe Club (Washington, DC)
Janet's Java (Alexandria, VA)
The Treaty of Paris Inn at Maryland House (Annapolis, MD)
The Barefoot Pelican (Sterling, VA)
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Alexandria, VA)
Jammin' Java (Vienna, VA)
more...

and in the Arlington, VA Public Schools as well as at weddings, pool parties, and other private events in Maryland, DC, and Virginia .

The ML Band is proud to have donated our musical services to the following charitable causes: the Jane Goodall Institute, Living Classrooms Foundation (Baltimore, MD), the Phillips Programs For Children And Families, the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County, West Virginia, St. Johns Methodist Church (Springfield, VA), and North Springfield Elementary School (Springfield, VA). Please contact us if we can help your charitable cause.

Although The ML Band seeks first to have fun playing music for you, each member takes pride in working with professional attitude toward each engagement. We want those who hire us to be happy and our audience to go away with some swing in their walk and with a smile on their faces.

The ML Band is:

Monroe LippFord (vocals extraordinaire) - Monroe's powerful, soulful voice truly communicates - it's a show stopper! A veteran stand-up comedian and singer, he's "The Hoochie Coochie Man" incarnate. Just listen!

John Dempsey (guitar and vocals) - John shares rhythm and lead guitar duties. Not content to rely on his Hollywood good looks, John's lead vocal prowess can be heard on the band's rockabilly and early rock repertoire from the 1950s.

"Captain" Dave White (sax, harmonica, percussion, and vocals) - Captain' Dave contributes lead and backing vocals, and coaxes that mournful blues wail out of his collection of harmonicas. He also paints the sound of a jumpin' roadhouse with his tenor sax, and adds percussion accents to many of THE ML BAND's signature songs. When he tries to do it all at once...look out!

Tom Collins (not the cocktail!) (drums) - Tom is the dynamic anchor of THE ML BAND's rhythm section, and he makes you want to make your backbone slip. Whether he's right in the pocket, driving the backbeat, laying back on a soft ballad, or handling complex jazz rhythms, Tom's drumming is always tasteful, always just right.

John Foarde (bass guitar and vocals) - John holds down the bottom end of the beat with a classic, round-toned bass thump. He sings backing vocals, and occasionally duets with Monroe or steps out on lead vocals.