The 42-year-old Stewart is lead singer for Celtic-folk band the Rogues, which is moving its base from Houston to Annapolis. The band, which is performing at the Maryland Historical Society on Thursday, has made a tradition of playing for the military — even rocking out for the troops at Guantanamo Bay. You’ve played for the Air Force, Army, Navy ?– what’s your interest?
I grew up in Canada, where my mom and several uncles were in the military, and then I studied military history in school. But the thing is, a lot of my friends since I joined the band have been in the service. I have one buddy who was in the Gulf War, another joined the Air Force — he’s in Afghanistan right now. Another is a retired Army colonel. We gravitate toward each other. They like the music, and I like them.
And then there’s Deakstock.
That’s named after a friend who’s a Vietnam vet. He’s a contractor who got hurt and needed multiple surgeries. So four years ago we started throwing this little concert, Deakstock, in Maryland, and we raised $5,000 that first year. Now the proceeds go to Walter Reed Medical Center.
What was playing at Guantanamo like?
We weren’t sure what to expect, but the Navy was just so great. They have a big sports complex where they play hockey, a golf course, a Taco Bell and a McDonald’s. Afterward, the officers brought us to the only Irish pub on communist soil. They were screaming so loudly we couldn’t hear the bagpipes. And then they took us snorkeling!
Why the decision to make Annapolis the band’s home base?
That’s where our fan base is. It’s a homecoming for us, because we haven’t been there in a few years, and we’re looking forward to seeing a lot of friends. It should be fun! – Lisa Gartner
