Side by Side

Doris Justis and Sean McGhee will celebrate their 30th Anniversary in May 2014.  Noted for their close vocal harmonies and guitars backing their original songs and original interpretations of the best folk/acoustic songwriters, they have shared the stage with a "who's who" of folk such as Tom Paxton, Nanci Griffith, the Chad Mitchell Trio, Noel Paul Stookey and Peter Yarrow, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bill Danoff, Jon Carroll, Schooner Fare, Christine Lavin, the Limeliters and the list goes on.  They have been the "houseband" for Music Americana and WFMA since 1984 and continue that role by performing at the Second Sunday El Golfo Showcase from time to time.

Doris Justis has been a mainstay of the folk and acoustic music scene in the Washington area for several years. She also has appeared in Nashville and at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village among other venues. She has been on radio as a performer, producer and DJ with Dick Cerri's "Music Americana" and her own "Folk Alley" program. Doris is a recipient of the Appreciation Award from the World Folk Music Association, honoring her years of supporting the music and musicians by producing showcases, coffeehouses and concerts featuring local, regional and national performers. Doris has three solo recordings: "Who To Turn To", "Doris", featuring Sean on guitar and as special guest vocalist and "Bright Paintings", with guitarist Pete Marinovich. In addition, “Doris” includes her composition, “Rainbow Bridge”, inspired by special friends and family. Doris is currently working with keyboardist Dick Kait.

Besides having quick wit and an irreverent sense of humor, Sean McGhee is a master of the 12-string guitar and has an engaging tenor voice. He has been featured at the Birchmere as one of the "Three Folk Tenors".

Side by Side has six recordings. “Side by Side Live” debuted at the Birchmere Music Hall. In addition they have “One for the Road”, “Friends with You”, “Side by Side by Song”, “A Little Yuleside Music” and “The Best of Music Americana Showcases”, recorded live at the Birchmere over several years.

You can find out more about Side by Side by visiting or by sending her email at DorisJustis@yahoo.com.