‘Hillbilly Thomists’ set to perform at Ss. Philip and James July 17, 2026By Katie V. Jones Catholic Review Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Feature, Local News, News Dominican Father Justin Bolger is hoping to hear some “whooping and hollering” July 29 when he and his band, The Hillbilly Thomists, perform at Ss. Philip and James in Charles Village. It will mark the first time the bluegrass/folk band, made up entirely of Dominican friars, performs in Baltimore. Among their featured songs will be “New City,” which has a reference to the city, Father Bolger said. A Maryland native, Father Bolger is looking forward to a “fun homecoming” as he still has family in the area, including his brother, Father Jesse Bolger, who will become pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ellicott City Aug. 22. “I come from a big musical family. I played in bands in Frederick and in Baltimore during high school and college,” Father Justin Bolger wrote in an email. He and his sister, Maggie, had a record deal and had toured the country before he entered the Dominicans at age 32. “I’ve been very blessed as a Dominican friar especially with this musical ministry,” Father Justin said of his side gig with the band. His assignment is chaplain for the Catholic community at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. He lives in the Dominican priory on the campus of Providence College. The band performs a mixture of bluegrass, folk, gospel and original songs composed by the friars. “One of the songs I wrote is called ‘Good Tree,’ and borrows and combines various scriptural references to trees,” Father Justin wrote. “Other songs we write are more about human life, its difficulties and even tragedies, and how God is providently at work guiding us through even the lows of life.” Dominican Father Michael Weibley, pastor of Ss. Philip and James, is thrilled to welcome the band to Baltimore. “I know them well. I was in formation with many of these guys,” Father Michael said. “They are very talented guys. You can expect very artistically beautiful music. It will be a fun, family-friendly evening of coming together and enjoying good music.” The group’s sixth album, “Strange Land” is expected to be released prior to the Baltimore concert, according to Father Justin. It will feature 10 or so songs, most of them original. “We often receive messages and testimonies from folks who have been inspired by our music,” Father Justin wrote. “I would also say the music we play seems to resonate with families. I think kids enjoy the quirky nature of the tunes and parents enjoy some of the deeper themes.” Ticket sales are going well, Father Michael said, and he expects to fill the church hall, which seats about 400. “They have a pretty wide following,” Father Michael said. “People will come out for them. It will be very exciting to have the hall full. I’m grateful they want to come through Baltimore.” The Hillbilly Thomists will perform July 29, 7 p.m., at Ss. Philip and James, 2801 N. Charles St., Baltimore. Tickets can be purchased online here. Proceeds support the friars studying at the Dominican House of Studies. Read More Arts & Culture Dolly Parton’s life of faith New documentary brings ‘farm boy’ martyr Blessed Stanley Rother to wider Church Radio Interview: Why a world-class pianist gave up a promising career to become a priest Spain’s Sagrada Familia Basilica invites visitors to see ‘Bible in stone’ Cultural trends and technology threaten contemplation, Cardinal Roche says She sings – and plants make the music Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media Print
