Annapolis-based act Kings of Crownsville, Germano's house band, is a Roots Rock band with a New Orleans flavor. The brainchild of New Orleans-raised guitarist/singer/songwriter Steve Johnson, the Kings play a rollicking, entertaining set that stirs Americana, Blues, and Jazz into the mix. Johnson's original songs are destined to become classics.

The band's horn section transports listeners to the streets of the Big Easy, while they also add precise three- and four-part harmonies to their musical gumbo. Think Louis Armstrong meets Steely Dan.

The Kings of Crownsville features Johnson backed by Ed Justice on trumpet, flugelhorn and vocals; Jim Tavener on trombone, percussion, and vocals; Mike McCormick on keyboards and vocals; David Vermette on bass and vocals; andRob Creath behind the drums.

"Homegrown Americana boogie blues and big band rockin' swing jazz is a chunky description of the Kings. The 6-piece band lends guitar, bass, drums, piano, trumpet, trombone, and vocal harmony. The result is a robust, polished sound that makes for easy toe-tapping and dancing."

Stephen Perraud. The Live Wire. June 2011