Backstage at Roots Picnic 2025, Lay Bankz is lit with excitement. The energy is high, and the air is thick with anticipation. Her viral smash “ICK” is playing softly from a speaker nearby as she gets final touch-ups—lashes, edges, mic check—everything in place. She’s got that signature Philly confidence, cracking jokes with her team one minute, then zoning in with laser focus the next.
Everyone around her can feel it—this isn’t just another set. It’s the moment where internet fame meets real-world impact. Lay’s about to hit one of the biggest stages of her life, and she’s bringing the full force of her talent, her city, and her moment with her.
Marcus Johnson – Keyboard and Paul “Buggy” Edwards – Percussion
Meet The Backyard Band: D.C.'s Go-Go Powerhouse Hits the Roots Picnic Stage
Hailing straight out of Washington, D.C., The Backyard Band—often called BYB—is a legendary go-go group known for blending raw percussion, funky basslines, and infectious call-and-response energy. Formed in the early '90s, BYB has become a cornerstone of D.C.'s signature go-go sound, keeping the genre alive and thriving with a loyal fanbase and electric live shows.
Fronted by Anwan "Big G" Glover—who's not only a powerhouse vocalist and hype man but also known for his role on The Wire—the band has earned respect both locally and nationally. Their performances are pure energy, fueled by deep grooves, thumping congas, and the kind of crowd interaction that turns any stage into a party.
At Roots Picnic 2025, The Backyard Band took the stage and brought D.C. flavor straight to Philly. Their set was a rhythmic explosion, full of soulful funk and undeniable groove that had the crowd moving non-stop. It was a true celebration of go-go culture, and for many in the audience, a rare chance to experience the sound that defines a city. Their performance was more than just music—it was a moment of cultural pride and high-voltage entertainment.
Keith “Sauce” Robinson – Percussion/congas and Michael “Mike” Dunklin – Keyboard
Eric “EB” Britt – Keyboard
Leroy “Weensey” Brandon – Vocals
Sweaty and Anwan “Big G” Glover – Lead talker/vocalist (“Big G”)
Bobby “Bob” Terry – Lead guitar
Backstage with Yesseh (alto sax) from SNACKTIME.
Backstage at Roots Picnic, I caught up with Yesseh Furaha-Ali—alto saxophonist and one of the momentum-makers behind SNACKTIME, Philadelphia’s powerhouse seven-piece collective. Born from Rittenhouse Square pop-ups in 2020, the band fuses soul, funk, jazz, hip‑hop, punk, and R&B into an electrifying live shows
Yesseh’s presence is magnetic under the stage lights and behind the scenes. It’s that mix of soulful sax riffs and community-driven spirit that’s helped SNACKTIME grow from street‑corner sessions to major festival stages.
