Dozens of Musicians Set to Perform at the November 10 Birthday Block Party at the Future Site of The Tun

The U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band’s Popular Music Group and Jazz Combo, Philadelphia’s own rock band Superunknown, and acoustic duo Hancock & Espo – all featuring Marine Corps personnel or veterans – are among the musical acts set to honor the Marine Corps on November 10 in Philadelphia at the Birthday Block Party at the Future Site of The Tun.

“Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we will have a full lineup of performers to celebrate the Marine Corps 251^st birthday,” said Chris Reese, USMC (Ret.), president of Revolve Solutions, board member and event chair for The Tun Legacy Foundation. “With our special guests, the official cake-cutting ceremony, the Poolees ceremony, and this outstanding entertainment, it will be a fantastic celebration to honor the history of the Marine Corps in Philadelphia, the role the historic Tun played in our nation’s history, and the Semiquincentennial year.”

Marine Forces Reserve Band’s Popular Music Group and Jazz Combo, 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

 Since Nov. 1775, Marine Bands have supported communities and demonstrated the highest qualities of musical excellence and patriotism. The Marine Forces Reserve Band has continued this legacy since its establishment in 1978. Located in New Orleans, the band has performed locally at the XLVII Super Bowl, Carnival and Mardi Gras parades, and travels to 300 events annually. Past appearances include the Country Music Awards Festival in Nashville, Fiesta Days Celebration in San Antonio, Fleet Week in New York, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade and Enshrinement Ceremony in Canton, Ohio, and Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The group has also performed abroad in Brazil, Canada, Italy, and Switzerland. On the road, they take every opportunity to share the spirit of the Big Easy with audiences. At the Birthday Block Party, the Popular Music Group and Jazz Combo will perform country, jazz, Latin, funk and other styles of music. They are a definite crowd-pleaser, so don’t miss their sets at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Samuel Qin

Photo courtesy of Samuel Qin

Superunknown, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Marine veteran Jason Reed started Superunknown, a Chris Cornell tribute band, as a solo act, and the vocalist/guitarist grew the group to include Louis Graff (guitar), Tom Laskas (bass), Ron DiSilvestro (drums) and Pete Heffley (guitar). The Philly-based rock band covers all eras of Chris Cornell, playing the music of Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of the Dog, as well as Cornell’s solo work. The group, which performs internationally for troops overseas, including for U.S. military members in Honduras, Kuwait and Singapore, will play two sets at the Philadelphia Birthday Block Party, at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Superunknown also gives back through their “You Are Never Alone” campaign for mental health awareness.

Photo courtesy of Superunknown

Philly Fife and Drum Company, 10:15 a.m. and 11:45 am

If you were with us last year for the Midnight Birthday Breakfast, you joined the Philly Fife and Drum Company for the singing the Marines’ Hymn to colonial music. In honor of the nation’s 250^th anniversary, they are back this year, performing at 10:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Led by director Lois Bliss Herbine, they are one of only a handful of professional fife and drum corps in the United States.

Photo courtesy of Philly Fife and Drum Company

Hancock & Espo, 10:30 a.m.

John Hancock and Matt Espo met as classmates at the U.S. Naval Academy and following separate military careers – John in the Navy and Matt in the Marines – they reunited as bandmates last year. Their duo, Hancock & Espo, performs acoustic sets in and around their home base in Alexandria, Va. With a guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, piano, and their rich vocal harmonies, they will perform a blend of acoustic rock favorites, country classics, Celtic tunes, and crowd-pleasing singalongs. Don’t miss their set at 10:30 a.m.

Photo courtesy of Hancock & Espo

The Pipes and Drums of the St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia, Noon

The St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia is one of the heritage organizations with a history at The Tun. In honor of that connection, The Pipes and Drums of the St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia will bring their bagpipes, snares and bass drums to perform at the official Cake-Cutting Ceremony at noon. Coordinated with participation from the 3^rd Battalion, 14^th Marine Regiment (3/14) based in Bristol, Pa., the ceremony is scheduled to welcome special guests, including the oldest and youngest Marines in attendance, and Sergeant Major Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20^th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

Quaker City String Band, 3 p.m.

The Quaker City String Band is not only famous in their Philadelphia hometown, but known across the globe, having entertained audiences in Canada, Cuba, England, France, Ireland, Italy and Mexico. This year they celebrated their 25^th first-prize championship at the Philadelphia Mummers Parade. With music, costumes and choreography, they are fan favorites. During their 3 p.m. performance, they will teach you the signature Mummers strut and surely get you to parade along with them on Second Street.

Photo courtesy of Quaker City String Band

The Birthday Block Party at the Future Site of The Tun is supported by lead sponsor Leidos, platinum sponsor USAA, SERVPRO – Team Fabiani, Fox Rothschild, Broad Street Brewing Company, HP Inc., Pennridge Airport, Pennsylvania Masons, Power Home Remodeling, RavenTek Solution Partners, TSG Federal, Revolve Solutions, and a grant from the City of Philadelphia’s 2026 Neighborhood Celebration Grants Fund, a program introduced to support community-led celebrations honoring Philadelphia’s 250^th anniversary.