Brian K. and The Parkway

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After more than a decade as a working musician in the DC area, Pagels officially launched the Rock & Roll band Brian K & The Parkway with fellow longtime drummer and producer Stephen Russ in 2024 – marking the first time he would front and tour his own full band project. Following the release of their debut album Killing The Bear, which features “Wind the Clock” – streamed over 10,000 times on Spotify – they recruited Washington Area Music Association award-winning lead guitarist Mike Shade and immediately hit the road, clocking more than 50 shows across 13 states + DC at venues including Jammin’ Java (VA), Rumba Café (OH), The Pinhook (NC), Spruce Peak Arts Center (VT), Club Cafe (PA), Pearl Street Warehouse (DC), and as part of a Hopscotch Day Party in Raleigh, NC.

The band has shared stages with Wheatus, Steve Poltz, Nicki Bluhm, Joe Grushecky, and Cat Popper (who also sings a duet on their song “Straight Through”), appeared on three major market TV shows including a live performance on “Today in Nashville,” and gotten radio play on more than 30 radio stations across the US and Canada including WBJB (NJ), WGDR (VT), and WSCA (NH).

Brian K & The Parkway play earnest and expressive Rock & Roll that’s drawn comparisons to Tom Petty, ‘70s Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Warren Zevon, and The Replacements. Their sound blends ragged Americana grit with memorable hooks – think storytelling and swagger of Drive-By Truckers and singalong choruses of Dawes. Their debut album is a musical and lyrical journey from the Gulf Shores of the American South to the Green Mountains of Vermont; from a crowded bazaar in the Middle East to drought-stricken California; from the Rock & Soul of the Jersey Shore to heartbreak in the American heartland.

In April 2025, Brian K & The Parkway released the acoustic EP Kill It Again!, which features the new single “Lifeboat,” a song about what it feels like to be tossed overboard in a storm of political retribution. They are continuing to tour and will be releasing even more new music before the year is through.