Based on the Upper Cape, The Ramblin Band is a high-energy power trio that specializes in covers of classic rock songs from the ’60s to the ’90s, with some blues and country songs thrown into the mix. The band is made up of Dave Cunningham on lead guitar and vocals, Scott Harzler on bass, and Adam Ogonowski on drums (both Scott and Adam also do backup vocals).

“We play everything from The Band and AC/DC to Led Zeppelin, Chris Stapleton, ZZ Top, and Van Morrison,” says Cunningham, who is known for breaking out a Talk Box effects pedal to impress audiences with his Peter Frampton renditions. “We aim to play music that people want to get up and dance to,” he says.

Since their start in 2018, these band members prefer putting their own spin on popular songs. “We’re like a family,” says Cunningham. “We’ve been playing together long enough that we can read each other. When the music sounds good, you can feel it.”

Over the years, The Ramblin Band has developed a local following, performing at joints like Jack’s Restaurant & Bar in Falmouth, Parrot Bar & Grill in Cataumet, and The Lanes Bowl & Bistro and Cape Cod Coffee in Mashpee. They also like to rock out aboard at least one Cape Cod Canal Cruise each summer. With guitars wailing and the crowd on their feet, these sunset boat tours offer a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

As the title of her 2016 solo album suggests, Monica Rizzio is what you might call a “washashore cowgirl.” Originally from Texas, the singer-songwriter has lived on Cape Cod since 2005. With a degree in music from Nashville’s Belmont University, Rizzio kick-started her musical career with a 10-year touring stint as part of the band Tripping Lily. More recently, the Orleans resident has been honing her chops as a solo artist, teaching music, recording albums, and occasionally accompanying legendary folk singer Tom Rush on fiddle and vocals.

More than just a talented musician, Rizzio has become an inspiring advocate for music education. She is the founder of a local music school called Washashore Music, which offers private instruction in guitar, ukulele, fiddle, voice, and more to children and adults on Cape Cod. She and her husband also founded The Vinegrass Organization, a nonprofit that produces concerts, camps, and workshops to raise money for music scholarships. In 2020, when the pandemic put many musicians out of work, she helped establish the Cape Cod Gig Relief Fund, which delivered more than $11,000 directly into musicians’ hands.

Equally inspired by her country roots and her love for Cape Cod summers, Rizzio’s 2019 solo album, Sunshine Is Free, is an upbeat Americana ode to appreciating the simple things in life: bonfires on the beach, music, and the joy of doing “nothin’.” “Performing is the one place where I feel more myself than anywhere else,” says Rizzio. “This album is very close to my heart. I went back to Nashville to record and write for this record. It felt like a coming home experience.” Be sure to catch her monthly gig at the Harvest Gallery in Dennis.

Rooted in reggae and blues, The Dirty Water Dance Band is a one-of-a-kind jam ensemble that draws a crowd whenever they perform. The six-piece band is known for creative covers of artists like Bob Marley, Joe Cocker, Jimmy Cliff, Al Green, Wilson Pickett, the Grateful Dead, and some unexpected additions by groups like Tears for Fears.

The Dirty Water Dance Band delivers a high-energy performance with a groove that reflects each musician’s technical skills and ability to improvise. The band’s founder and frontman is local guitarist and vocalist Josh Ayala, who shares the stage with George Smith on keyboard and vocals, Jake Goodwin on guitar, Carl Edin on bass, and Aaron Jackson on drums. Last but certainly not least is the band’s powerhouse frontwoman, Melissa Barbosa, whose soulful vocals take the band’s sound to new heights.

“We always do our own take on things,” says Ayala. “To keep it interesting, we don’t do the same set every night.” For fans who follow the band, this means that no two shows are ever alike. The musicians perform throughout the summer at local haunts like The Woodshed in Brewster, Hog Island Beer Co. in Orleans, and Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis. They also frequently play at family-friendly community events and festivals. Be sure to catch their annual end-of-summer show at the Nauset Beach bandstand (part of the Monday night Nauset Beach Concert Series).

“Put me in a corner and hand me a guitar and I’ll be happy,” says Sarah Burrill, a dynamic singer-songwriter and longtime member of Cape Cod’s live music scene. An Eastham native, Burrill was a teenager when she first started playing at open mic nights at First Encounter Coffee House back in the ’70s. In the ’80s, she joined a Boston-based band called Uncertain Terms. She later went on to hone her musical skills, opening for performers like Patty Larkin and Jesse Colin Young and recording albums of her original songs.

These days, Burrill keeps a busy schedule playing solo and with The Sarah Burrill Band alongside Joe Hoyt on drums, Randy Frost on guitar, and Brad Hallen on bass. She plays regularly at Cape Cod venues like O’Shea’s Olde Inn in Dennis, The Pearl in Wellfleet, and Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis.

Known for her charismatic stage presence, Burrill doesn’t fit neatly into any one genre. Instead, her shows incorporate upbeat covers of rock, pop, folk, and country songs (with the occasional original thrown in). Rather than a set list, Burrill pulls from an extensive song list, which includes everything from The Beatles to Coldplay.

“I like crowd pleasers. I have the most fun when the dance floor is full,” says Burrill, who likes to weave a little humor into all her shows. “I introduce every song as a sing-along,” she says with a laugh. “I really have so much fun, and I want the audience to have as much fun as I’m having.”

A seasoned musician and recording artist who has toured throughout New England and as far afield as Costa Rica, Brian Sances is incredibly passionate about his craft. Over the years, the Cape Cod resident has performed at numerous local venues and community festivals, entertaining crowds with covers of popular music and showcasing his prowess as a guitar player and singer-songwriter.

“I’m one of the lucky people who gets to make a living making music,” says Sances. “I love lifting people’s spirits and bringing music into their lives.”

Throughout the summer, Sances has a monthly gig at Harvest Gallery in Dennis and plays every Tuesday evening aboard the Bay Spirit sunset cruise out of Hyannis Harbor. He is also a member of the Sundog Organ Trio, a groovy jazz-rock ensemble that features Colin Bradley on Hammond organ and Dylan Vaughn on drums.

In 2021, Sances released his fourth full-length solo album, Free to Fly, which was recorded in Sagamore Beach with Mike Machaby at Underground Recording Co. Stylistically, his original music is influenced by a mix of genres, from folk and rock to funk and reggae. Lyrically, his songs are heartfelt, introspective, and inspirational. Always looking for new ways to connect with his audience, Sances will soon launch an online course on his website aimed at unlocking the secrets of inspired songwriting.

With a diverse repertoire of high-energy radio hits from the ’70s and ’80s, Take 2 is the kind of cover band that keeps people dancing all night long. Lead vocalist Amy Whiteside has a background in musical theater, but she’s now best known for belting out songs by artists like Donna Summer, Madonna, The Pretenders, Earth Wind & Fire, KC and The Sunshine Band, and the Jackson 5. Take 2 will even shake things up with a contemporary country song by Bonnie Raitt or a pop song by Bruno Mars.

Backing up Whiteside is Tom Hanna on lead guitar, Eric Tourjee on bass, and Larry Machado on drums. The group’s members have been performing together for eight years and have developed a strong local following.

“We have a lot of fun together,” says Whiteside, who works as a realtor by day. “It’s great to look out and see clients in the audience and watch people singing along and really enjoying themselves.” Based on the Mid-Cape, Take 2 frequently plays at Dino’s Sports Bar in Mashpee, Loft Restaurant at The Cove in West Yarmouth, and Tomatoes Italian Grille and Bar in Sandwich.

This summer, Whiteside and Hanna will also be performing as a duo. Whiteside describes the vibe of this new group as easy listening/yacht rock. Think Steely Dan, The Police, and The Doobie Brothers. In other words, it’s the kind of music you can listen to while enjoying a meal or a refreshing frozen summer cocktail. Follow the band on Facebook for posts about upcoming appearances.

Specializing in smooth vocal harmonies and skillful guitar playing, Liam and Jonny have been entertaining audiences on the Upper Cape since 2014. Both Sandwich natives, band members Liam Kelly and Jonathan Allen are down-to-earth guys who share a passion for music.

The band’s repertoire consists of a blend of Americana, early rock and roll, and alt-country songs by artists like John Prine, Elvis, the Grateful Dead, Ryan Adams, and Chris Stapleton. Singing in a style that is reminiscent of the Everly Brothers, the two friends trade off taking the lead and backup vocals for different songs and create harmonic textures that sound effortless.

“My favorite part about performing is playing with Jonny,” says Kelly. “He’s so talented and plays with so much joy. We both work day jobs, so it’s important that performing stays fun. Sometimes we bring up friends on bass, percussion, and banjo. The music is loose and unrehearsed, but when it gels it’s such a rush.”

Liam and Jonny have a weekly Saturday afternoon residency at Cape Cod Winery in Falmouth, a quintessential summer destination. Guests sit beneath a large tent, sip glasses of refreshing Rosé Mermaid Water, and enjoy an atmosphere that is both relaxed and celebratory. The duo are also regulars at Bucatino Restaurant and Wine Bar in Falmouth and the Pilot House in Sandwich.

Bringing positive energy to every show, Liam and Jonny strive to make each performance exciting and memorable. Whether the audience consists of bachelorette parties or families with babies in tow, their shows are always a good time.