MARBLEHEAD — On a cold, blustery evening in mid-December, the inside of Brodie’s Seaport in Salem was anything but chilly. The dance floor pulsed with energy as The B-Side Hustle — an up-and-coming six-piece band made up of musicians from Marblehead and Swampscott — delivered a joyful, soul-soaked performance that lived up to its reputation as “feel-good music for your body and soul.”
That night’s setlist drew from a deep well of musical influences, featuring soulful covers of artists such as Otis Redding, Van Morrison, Sam Cooke, The Meters, and Paul Simon.
Funk, soul, reggae, and pop classics were reimagined with a distinctive B-Side Hustle twist, sending dancers spinning and swaying across the floor. Judging by the enthusiastic applause, the pre-holiday crowd was more than ready to celebrate.
Remarkably, the band has only been playing live since September 2024, when it made its debut at Swampscott Porchfest. Since then, The B-Side Hustle has built momentum quickly, performing across the North Shore and even headlining the Swampscott by the Sea Summer Concert Series this past July.
On Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 7 p.m., the band will make its Marblehead debut with a free show at The Landing Restaurant, located at 81 Front St.
The band’s name reflects both its musical roots and its ethos. It nods to the B-sides of records and tapes that inspired the group, as well as the fact that this project is a creative “side hustle” layered on top of demanding professional careers and family life.
“We have a shared appreciation for jazz, rock, funk, soul, rap, and pop — that’s our foundation,” said saxophonist Jesse Piascik. “Our sound is really a combination of what we love to hear and what we think others will enjoy.”
Bass player Michael Bourne, a lifelong Marblehead resident, brings both musical experience and marketing savvy to the group. Having played in several local bands, Bourne also handles much of the band’s social media, promotion, and audio production.
“I really enjoy hyping up the band, booking gigs, and getting the word out,” he said. “I also record us and mix audio for videos and CDs.”
Michael McClung, Swampscott’s town moderator and a digital marketing professional, is another key contributor both on and off the stage. A multi-instrumentalist who also plays trombone in Swampscott’s Blue Big Band, McClung joined The B-Side Hustle through his connection with Bourne.
“We were previously in a Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, and Doors cover band,” he explained, “but our shared love of soulful music pushed us in this exciting new direction.”
Vocalist and percussionist Sacha Bodner added that McClung is constantly adding value, whether building the band’s website, supplying audio gear, recording shows, or even 3D-printing custom solutions for stage equipment.
Guitarist Jay Mahler, of Swampscott, balances his musical life with his role as Associate General Counsel at Boston University. A communications graduate of Syracuse University, Mahler’s design skills have helped shape the band’s visual identity.
“When we got the gig for the Swampscott Summer Festival, I was excited to build scrims to showcase our name and logo,” he said.
Bourne credits Mahler with creating the band’s merch, website visuals, and album artwork, “even if my dad is the only one still buying CDs,” he joked.
On drums is Marblehead’s Michael Smerka, who also plays with Better Than Nothing and works professionally designing prosthetics.
Smerka notes that several band members have known each other for years through their children, who attended nursery school together.
“It’s only within the past year that we’ve started making music together,” he said.
Like many parents, the band members juggle busy family schedules, but they agree that showing up for their kids comes first.
“We make it work, we make it fun, and we try to keep everything balanced,” Smerka added.
Piascik, a software professional, is also the father of Berklee College of Music student Jacob Piascik, a recent winner of Marblehead’s Got Talent. Music has always been central to his family life.
“I’ve played in other bands before,” Jesse Piascik said, “but these are guys I’ve known for a long time. There’s a lot of mutual respect and listening — musically and personally.”
While the band hopes to write original material in the future, for now they’re focused on creative mashups and re-arrangements, including a crowd-favorite blend of Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” and Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” which they’ve dubbed “50 Dre’s.”
Bodner brings yet another perspective to the group. A law-trained clinical social worker and community organizer, Bodner grew up in Houston, Texas, before moving to Marblehead with his family.
“This is actually the first band he’s ever been in,” Bourne said.
Bodner sees the experience as a chance to model growth and courage for his children.
“It’s healthy for kids to see that it’s okay to try something new, not be perfect, and get better through practice,” he said. “In a time of increasing division and constant doomscrolling, it’s been incredibly meaningful to bring people together through music.”
That sense of connection is at the heart of The B-Side Hustle’s mission.
“Our shows have become a way for community members to meet, reconnect, and just enjoy themselves,” Mahler said.
The band likes to joke that no matter what mood you’re in when you arrive, you’ll leave feeling better.
Marblehead residents can see for themselves when The B-Side Hustle takes the stage at The Landing Restaurant. The show is free, and all are invited to ring in the new year with good music, good neighbors, and great energy.
And if you’re not sure which band member to cheer for, Smerka offered a tip: “Just shout, ‘Way to go, Michael!’ — that’ll cover half the band.”
For more information, follow The B-Side Hustle on social media or visit bsidehustle.com.
For bookings, email [email protected].
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
The B-Side Hustle, comprised of Sacha Bodner, Michael Bourne, Jay Mahler, Michael McClung, Jesse Piascik, and Michael Smerka, performs at Brodie's Seaport in Salem on a Friday night.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Sacha Bodner plays guitar, percussion, and is the lead singer of The B-Side Hustle.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Sacha Bodner strums his guitar as The B-Side Hustle plays at Brodie's Seaport.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Guitarist Jay Mahler and bassist Michael Bourne jam together as The B-Side Hustle performs at Brodie's Seaport.
