Entertainment
The Historic Half is searching for the hottest local and regional musicians, performers and cheer squads to entertain along the 13.1 mile course on May 16 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Bands of every genre are encouraged to submit a sample of music for the opportunity to perform along the course. Other types of performers will also be considered. 
Please mail samples to:
Marine Corps Historic Half
Attention: Tami Faram
PO Box 188
Quantico, VA 22134
For additional information, please contact Tami Faram, Community Relations Coordinator at tami.faram@usmc.mil or 703-432-1840.
2009 ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDED:
Blue-Gray Spirit Keepers Therapy Dogs
Blue-Gray Spirit Keepers Therapy Dogs are certified therapy dog teams who share love and provide comfort to the surrounding community through a variety of animal-assisted therapy programs and activities. Founded in 1996, the group has over 80 participating teams in Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas. Look for the Therapy Dogs Petting Station along the MCHH course!
Fifes and Drum of Fredericksburg
The Fifes and Drum of Fredericksburg is steeped in tradition. Fifes and Drum were an integral part of the 18th Century military. Colonial Virginia trained its Fife and Drummers to work with soldiers in the field. The Fifes and Drum of Fredericksburg includes a half dozen interpreters of the American Revolution and Civil War periods, who carry on the heritage of their colonial brothers-in-arms. The Fifes and Drum will perform during the Ye Olde Pasta Party at the Expo & Conference Center on May 16 and at Mile 1 on race day.
The Fredericksburg Classic and Muscle Car Club
Look for the Fredericksburg Classic and Muscle Car Club at the Historic Half. Established in 1995, the club has about 50 members who gather for community service projects. They participate in cruises for wounded soldiers and for young cancer patients. Car club members also participate annually to help needy families during the holidays. “Giving back is our passion,” says club president Sue Wilson.
Island Gerry
Gerry Maddox is a singer/guitarist and songwriter in the Fredericksburg/Stafford area. Performing with various bands for most of his career, Island Gerry became a solo performer in 2000. The music he plays is often described as “Island Rock” but consist of a variety of styles, Rock, Reggae, R&B and Country. Maddox will perform with the Parrot Heads on Caroline Street in historic downtown Fredericksburg on race morning.
Maranatha Touring Choir
The Maranatha Touring Choir is an Interdenominational Christian Choir which began in 1972 and is currently composed of young members from more than 40 churches, 15 schools, 10 colleges and universities and home-schooling families. The Maranatha Touring Choir has performed in over 130 cities, in more than 30 states and Canada with some 2,000 young people and over 100 adult leaders participating -- including generations of families.
Martino Sisters
A classical quinitet, the Martino Sisters have been performing professionally for the past five years. They have performed at numerous events in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Indiana. They are Fredericksburg, Va. natives. The Martino Sisters will be performing classical music near Williams Street on the morning of the Marine Corps Historic Half.
Parrot Heads in Paradise
The Parrot Heads will sail into the Historic Half on their pirate float entertaining runners and spectators with music from the Caribbean. They will be located in historic downtown on Caroline Street on race day. As the local chapter of Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc., The Rappahannock Area Parrot Head Club is a nonprofit, volunteer organization who's mission is to conduct and participate in fundraising, service and environmental activities that benefit the local community.
Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society
The Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society was created to preserve the lives of 18th century citizens who thrived in the local area. The Society’s members research the customs, clothing, politics and pleasures of the colonial era. In addition to interpreting colonial citizens at historical sites in the area, they often entertain the public with colonial dancing. The Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society will perform Colonial Dancing at the Rising Sun Tavern on Caroline Street at Mile 7.
University of Mary Washington Eagle Pipe Band
A traditional Scottish band and winner of the 2007 Richmond Highland Games and Celtic Festival, the Eagle Pipe Band is made up of UMW students and alumni who perform at a variety of local events. The band was founded in 1996 under the direction of Raymond Scott, Phd., University of Mary Washington professor of chemistry. The pipe band will perform during the opening pre-race ceremony. The pipe band’s musical repertoire includes original tunes traditional Celtic selections.
Winding Creek African Ensemble
The Winding Creek African Ensemble composed of 4th and 5th graders from Winding Creek Elementary School in Stafford, VA, specializes in studying and performing vocal and percussion music from the many cultures of Africa. The 26-member ensemble has performed at Stafford County’s New Teacher Institute, Greenfield Assisted Living, the Stafford County Fine Arts Festival, the 2008 MCHH, RunStock 5K and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Spotsylvania Pep Band
Spotsylvania High School’s Pep Band was formed six years ago to support the girl’s and boy’s basketball teams. The band performs the school’s Fight Song and many other “pep” song including its newest additions of the songs “Allstar” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” The Pep Band also has performed for the University of Mary Washington’s Men’s and Women’s basketball teams. Look for the Pep Band performing along the Marine Corps Historic Half marathon course!
Shelf Life
Three bankers and a U.S. Marine by day -- musicians by night -- the four members of Shelf Life met while shopping for lawn furniture. While negotiating deals, Shelf Life discovered they enjoyed a common interest in music and performing. Based in Northern Virginia, Shelf Life covers hits from the past and present, while also creating new material. Check out Shelf Life’s rockin’ sounds on the Marine Corps Historic Half race course!
