One of the fan favorites of Rock n Roll Resort v1 was Nephtaliem himself, from the Nephrok! Allstars. This time we invited him to come and host our Thanksgiving Affiar. We hope that you are all as excited as we are for this special occasion. We're confident that Neph will make us all feel right at home as our emcee for the weekend. If you haven't seen what Neph or The Nephrok! Allstars bring to the table, get ready for them to bring the FUNK to this THANKSGIVING AFFAIR!

 

 

Carrying the torch of the great funk bands such as Tower of Power, Sly and the Family Stone, and James Brown into the 21st century, comes Deep Banana Blackout. With full horn section, and soulful groove imbedded in the roots of funk, Deep Banana is the leader of today's emerging funk rock scene. The band's sound captures commercial accessibility augmented with tight musical arrangements and limited improvisation. But make no mistake- THIS BAND ROCKS!

Deep Banana has sold out such venues as the Webster Theater in Connecticut (1200 capacity) and Irving Plaza in New York city (1100 capacity). In 2001, DBB played a co-bill with Maceo Parker in the new Denver Fillmore to 2750 fans, was featured at such festivals as JVC Jazz Newport, JazzAspen/Snowmass, and Gathering of the Vibes, toured with the Allman Brothers Band, and performed in Japan as well.

You'd better believe that after churning out two well received albums, Live in the Thousand Islands (1997) and Rowdy Duty (1999), and over 150 of the funkiest performances of 2000, the group earned the backing and support of legendary Allman Brothers' Band drummer & Flying Frog Records founder, Butch Trucks, for its third release entitled, Feel The Peel (Flying Frog Records 2001). And, with producer Tom Dowd (Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin) on board, this new CD is bound to please not only diehard DBB fans, but a broad radio audience as well. Deep Banana's founding member and guitarist James "Fuzz" San Giovanni beams, "This album can really appeal to anyone – fans of old school funk, fans of jazz, pop, rock, whatever. It has a more concise feel to it. Shorter tracks, more continuity."

 

 

Formed in 2003, Dumpstaphunk was initially assembled by keyboardist Ivan Neville on a whim, to perform a solo slot at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Ivan tastefully selected the unique double-bass attack of both Nick Daniels and Tony Hall on bass, enlisted his own bloodlines for the scorching guitar rhythms of cousin, Ian Neville, and most recently, added the newest member to the group, heavy-hitting female protégé Nikki Glaspie on drums, replacing original powerhouse Raymond Weber. The project has since grown from a chance side-project into what is now widely considered to be one of New Orleans' most prestigious modern funk ensembles. An offspring with a direct lineage to their fathers in The Meters and The Neville Brothers, Dumpstaphunk is a recipe for creating a new standard for an entire genre.

Dumpstaphunk's musicians have shared the stage with many legendary figures. Ivan and Ian‚ the sons of Neville Brothers Aaron and Art Neville respectively‚ seem to play their instruments flawlessly, and the dirty funk resonates organically from their souls as the offspring and kin of the legendary New Orleans Neville Brothers family. A conservative sample of the impressive list of bands Ivan has either recorded or performed with includes The Rolling Stones‚ Bonnie Raitt‚ The Neville Brothers, Gov't Mule‚ John Mayer, Keith Richards and The X-pensive Winos, to name a few. Trey Anastasio and Dave Matthews have both tapped bassist extraordinaire Tony Hall for their own official side projects, and Nick Daniels, who supplements the bottom as one of two bass players in the band, boasts an impressive list of colleagues including Etta James and Boz Scaggs. Guitarist, Ian Neville has played with the likes of Funky Meters, Lettuce & Dr. Klaw with Eric Krasno of Soulive, and recently sitting in and adding some flavor to the Southern Cali reggae fusion of Slightly Stoopid. Nikki Glaspie, Dumpsta's newest addition, has performed with Beyoncé, Cee Lo Green, Me'Shell Ndgeocello, Vernon Reid, Maceo of De La Soul, Vernon Reid of Living Colour, and numerous Jazzfest cameos with Meters bassist George Porter Jr., Karl Denson and Soulive.

*Only performing 1, 2 hour set

 

 

On his upcoming release Another Day (Eusonia Records, 2011), Zach Deputy demonstrates his extraordinary ability to perform and record in multiple contexts and conveys the sensibilities of a mature singer/songwriter. Another Day offers another look at Zach Deputy and seeks to help him cross over into other audiences. Rich with ballads and mid-tempo songs, the music on this recording is best described as soulful rhythm and blues, with flavors of Al Green, Taj Mahal and Stevie Wonder emerging in the swells, changes and modulations of the music, in the voice and even in the lyrical content. The record will appeal to fans of contemporary artists like Jack Johnson and Amos Lee, but the origins of the style and feel remain classic. Another Day is an appropriately titled album, and it is truly an album in the classic sense—a collection of songs that come from the same time and place, inspired by the same muse. Reflective and introspective, it provides a glimpse at the soul of an artist and the depth of a songwriter. Full of hope and anticipation of the promise of another day, a new day, it is a pivotal point in the career of a touring musician. Whereas it is a departure for Zach Deputy, it is one that he feels confident his fans can relate to, but it isn't the end in itself. Deputy's multi-faceted diamond gets one side polished in this offering, and it is a side that will shine brightly for a new audience..

 

 

"Time hangs heavy on the vine/Let's make wine," Ryan Montbleau sings in the lulling, sensual verse that gives his group's new album its title. Ryan Montbleau Band has been tending its own musical vineyard for a few years, on the patient cusp of a breakthrough. Their distinctive, long-fermenting blend of neo-folk, classic soul, and kick-out-the-jams Americana finally comes to full fruition in Heavy on the Vine. It's an album that represents the product of — and further promise of — a very good year.

Don't worry if the classic sounds they've bottled up remain a little hard to put a label on. "I'm not one of these people who say 'Oh, we can't be pigeonholed.' I honestly wish we could, just so I could describe it quickly to people," says Montbleau. "This record has folk songs, funk songs, country tunes, a reggae tune . . . and the end is almost like prog-rock. It's all over the map, but it's all us, and we do it all wholeheartedly. We've sort of come up in the jam scene, and that's where our hearts have been in a lot of ways, but we don't go off on 15-minute epics. We're actually trying to make the songs shorter as we go. So I would lean much more toward the Americana thing than the jam thing. But, more than anything, we're definitely about the song."

 

 

Some bands are recognized for their outstanding live show, others for their prowess in the studio. Philadelphia's Brothers Past garners accolades on both fronts, emerging at the forefront of electro-rock with a willingness to blend various styles seamlessly into an original sound. Yet, whether live or in the studio, the art of songcraft is the prevailing element in their music.

Morgan Wells of Urb Magazine describes the band's latest work as "...a glimpse into the future of pop music... Brothers Past offers a smooth and believable blend of electronica, rock and pop just original enough to place [This Feeling's Called Goodbye] at the top of a growing pile of genre-bending releases." Steven Rosen in HARP echoed the praise: "There's a future in this kind of music." Hailed by critics and fans alike for it's catchy rock anthems, captivating arrangements and inspired lyrics, the album received numerous "Top Ten" mentions and was nominated by the Jammy Awards for "Album of the Year." The release has established Brothers Past as innovative songwriters with a progressive vision towards future.

 

 

For the past three years, this Caravan of Thieves has roamed the North American continent recruiting a family of avid thrill seekers at their high energy shows. Driving gypsy jazz rhythms, acoustic guitars, upright bass and violin lay the foundation for mesmerizing vocal harmonies and fantastic stories. It's theatrical and humorous. It's musical and intense. It entertains, dazzles and defies classification while welcoming the spectator to join the band throughout the performance in momentary fits of claps, snaps and sing-alongs. If Django Reinhardt, the cast of Stomp and the Beatles all had a party at Tim Burton's house, Caravan of Thieves would be the band they hired.

Within that first year, the Caravan of Thieves began to win immediate praise for their unique blend of gypsy swing and popular music, inspiring them to record and release the debut full length album "Bouquet" (2009). To accompany this collection of dramatic and satirical tales, they built an interactive stage set of percussive junk and the ragtag quartet took their newly animated show on the road, sharing stages with world renowned artists such as Dan Hicks, Decembrists, Ricky Skaggs, Tom Tom Club, Iron and Wine, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Tony Trischka, John Hammond, John Jorgenson and many others. The Caravan successfully connected with audiences on each of these diverse bills, proving their act to be understood and appreciated by folk, pop, rock and jazz audiences of all ages.

 

 

A super group is born! All the critics agree that Kung Fu delivers! KUNG FU is Tim Palmieri (The Breakfast - guitar) Todd Stoops (raq - keys) Dave Livolsi (Scofield/Jazz is Dead - bass) Rob Somerville (Deep Banana Blackout - sax) Adrian Tramantono (The Breakfast - drums) Forming out of a Monday night jam session in late 2009,this jazz/funk/fusion quintet have hit the ground running and show no signs of slowing down! Kung Fu is making "fusion music" cool again. The band is pure talent and have been able to ride the line between Headhunters era Herbie Hancock and Jaco Pastorius' Weather Report while incorporating some of the progressive jazz/rock of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Kung Fu is a 70% - 30% Instrumental/vocal and will absolutely keep the room moving! This band brings it and brings it hard. So much so that in the first 6 months Kung Fu earned themselves major sets at Gathering of The Vibes, Mountain Jam, Camp Barefoot, The Big Up, Strange Creek and more. These guys have played with and/or recorded with The Allman Brothers, John Scofield, Bill Evans, Jazz is Dead, Umphrey's Mcgee, Jen Harstwick, T. Lavitz, The Disco Biscuits, Stephen Perkins, Jeff Pevar, Max Creek, members of String cheese Incident and Galactic, Tea Leaf Green, Particle and many more! The buzz has been big on Kung Fu and the expectations are high! Expect to see Kung Fu on your favorite summer festivals and in clubs near you.
*Only performing 1, 2 hour set

 

 

Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds is a nine-piece powerhouse that puts a modern spin on classic soul. The band is led by Arleigh Kincheloe (Sister Sparrow), whose astoundingly powerful voice and sly demeanor make for a spellbinding presence onstage. She is backed by the mighty force of The Dirty Birds, a flock of eight men who masterfully lay down thundering grooves and soaring melodies. While each of the Birds are capable of lighting up the stage with jaw-dropping displays of musicianship, it's clear they're focused on delivering the band's infectious music as a single entity. Simply put, the band's live show is explosive.

Dynamic singer and front-woman Sister Sparrow first began penning tunes in the alleyways and back roads between New York City and the Catskill Mountains as a teenager. Though already aided and abetted by her harmonica-shredding brother Jackson, it was clear that a large, powerful band was needed to do justice to the songs she was crafting. The brother and sister team called upon their cousin Bram, a California-bred drummer of considerable prowess, to help them assemble a super-band of epic proportions. Bram brought in childhood friends JJ Byars (alto saxophone) and Ryan Snow (trombone), and Ryan called upon baritone saxophonist and close friend Johnny Butler. Later, the addition of trumpeter Phil Rodriguez completed the unstoppable force of the virtuosic Dirty Birds' horns. The rhythm section was filled out by tapping guitarist Sasha Brown and bassist Aidan Carroll, a tandem that proved to be the perfect engineers of the hard-driving, bare-knuckle grooves that propel this ferocious group.

 

 

A Berklee alum, and saxophone legend, Sam Kininger is building his fan-base and repertoire simultaneously at clubs across the country. Kininger has been in legendary funk/soul groups since the beginning, including, but not limited to Lettuce and Soulive. He has also performed with larger pop acts such as Dave Matthews Band, DJ Quick and Wyclef Jean.

As a solo artist Sam Kininger has developed a distinctive, organic sound on the saxophone that is strongly expressive. He consistently demonstrates his technical dexterity and rhythmic precision while maintaining an honest and innovative exploration of musical improvisation.

His debut album includes completely original instrumental funk/jazz compositions. The grooves are intense and the solos are aggressively rhythmic and deeply soulful. Loaded with guest musicians, Sam Kininger's album features some of the most talented musicians on the scene, including Eric Krasno (guitar) and Neal Evans (organ) from Soulive, the legendary Fred Wesley (trombone) from George Clinton's Parliament and James Brown's JB's, and Adam Deitch (drums), a member of guitar legend John Scofield's band.

 

 

There are many elements that make this band a Funk Force to be reckoned with. Influences that range from Sly and The Family Stone, to James Brown, to Parliament Funkadelic, Prince, and a host of other Funk pioneers are deeply rooted in their sound while they still bring their creativity and originality to the surface. With Jack Peter McLean on Drums, Mark Kelley on Bass (The Roots, Me'Shell N'Degeocello) , Van Martin (Spiritual Rez) & (reknown legend) Jeff Lockhart on Guitar, you'd be hard-pressed to find a tighter rhythm section. With the masterful work of Benjamin Zecker on Keys, a full horn section including and featuring Sam Kininger (Soulive, Lettuce, Sam Kininger Band), Eric Bloom, Benjamin Smeltzer plus one of the most inspiring & dynamic frontmen, Nephtaliem McCrary aka 'Nephrok!' on Vocals with Kit Holliday backing him up, they electrify audiences with their unmatchable energy, creative soulful stylings and ultimate Funktitude. It's widely known that The Nephrok! Allstars always bring a funky good time and experience that you'll never forget! It's one big party and everyone's invited.

Members of The Nephrok! Allstars also play with: The Sam Kininger Band, Lettuce, Soulive, The Roots, Me'Shell N'Degeocello, Bernie Worrell, House of Vibe Allstars feat. Chali 2na (of Jurassic 5), The Trama Unit, Akashic Record, and Big Ben & The Royal Family amongst a variety of other projects.

 

 

Grateful Dead & Jefferson Starship keyboardist Tom Constanten, long time Phish collaborator & pedal steel / banjo master Gordon Stone and veteran jam scene guitarist Rev Tor join forces to create this new super group. Along with Kali Baba McConnell on drums and Brian O'Connell on bass they perform an infectious fusion of psychedelic rock, roots, jazz and good ol' rock and roll!!

TOM CONSTANTEN
Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Tom Constanten is best known as keyboardist for The Grateful Dead from 1967 to 1970. He recorded on several of their pinnacle early albums such as "Anthem Of The Sun, "Aoxomoxa" and "Live Dead". Since his days with The Dead he has enjoyed a long and fruitful solo touring and recording career. He now performs regularly as keyboardist for Jefferson St...arship.

GORDON STONE
After gaining considerable notoriety for his collaborations on banjo and pedal steel guitar with Phish in the early ninety's, Gordon Stone went on to establish himself as a world renowned solo artist. The music that comes from Gordon's imagination is simply uplifting. He combines bluegrass and jazz with African, world beat, and funk in tunes ranging from laid back grooves to high energy musical excursions.

REV TOR Tor Krautter (aka: Rev Tor)
The guitarist and front man for the popular New England jam band "The Rev Tor Band". Since 1996 Tor has maintained a powerful presence on the east coast club and festival circuit, performing in venues from Maine to Key West Florida. In his home stomping grounds of New England, he keeps a heavy performing schedule enthusiastically supported by a large following of dedicated fans.

 

 

Jeff Bujak is a Northampton, MA based keyboardist/producer/composer who has designed a new style of intelligent dance music (IDM) that dives deep into the waters of complex electronica and he's carving a fresh path in the live-music scene one performance at a time. Though, if you ask a Jeff Bujak fan to describe his music, a blank face followed by a smile would prove to be a common trial answer, then usually words like 'dirty' and 'epic' start pouring out. His music falls into a large pool of electronica dance genres, lands on one and leaps to the next while he wails away on his keyboards to create something truly moving, smart and original.

Bujak began his history with the piano at age 7. He started studying music theory a couple years later and began understanding the math of music. Since then, he has written over 300-solo compositions ranging from standard classical styles to extravagant heavy metal fury. He looks for what's been done before and finds a way to recreate the theory with dance music in a way that hasn't been heard, yet strangely familiar at the same time. He handcrafts his own hard-driving beats and loops, then samples and performs his half improv/ half composed pieces live to create an experience clearly pushed into it's own category.

 

 

Since 2007, American Babies has been the mouthpiece for Philadelphia based musician Tom Hamilton. The past four years have seen Hamilton hit the road playing his rootsy, country-infused songs, inspired by storytellers of past generations. With a rotating cast of players, that included Joe Russo (Furthur, Benevento/Russo Duo), Eric Slick (Dr. Dog), brother Jim Hamilton, Scott Metzger (RANA, Gene Ween Band), Dave Driewitz (WEEN), Adam Flicker (The Brakes), Nick Bockrath (Nicos Gun), Dave Butler (Lee "Scratch" Perry), and Ryan Thornton (RANA, Sean Bones), American Babies have landed on Festivals like Bonnaroo, CMJ, Langerado, SXSW and Newport Folk, as well as support slots for the Derek Trucks Band, Sheryl Crow, The National, and the Wood Brothers. In April 2011, the New York label, Engine Room Recordings released the sophomore effort of American Babies entitled "Flawed Logic". Hamilton returned home to Philadelphia and partnered with producer Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog, Man Man, Hoots and Hellmouth) to record American Babies' second LP. The album talks of change, war, Wall Street, family, and the struggle to wade through it all.

 

 

Wyllys teams up with Jennifer Hartswick for a jazzy downtemp project touching on the deepest grooves and flashes of turntablism.

 

 

Waylon Speed is the convergence of four musicians from Burlington, Vermont, bringing their unstoppable no frills country-metal blend of rock to a rapidly growing horde of devoted fans nationwide. The formation of this band could not have come at a better time. Seemingly overnight, they have become a staple in the music community, equipped with a full pallet of all original music. Since their formation in April 2009, Waylon Speed has been touring extensively and picking up new fans like truck tires pick up mud. In support of their debut release, Georgia Overdrive, Waylon Speed toured the east coast of the US two times over. They have a nationwide tour planned for 2011 in support of their sophomore release 'Horseshoes and Hand Grenades'. Members have shared bills with national touring acts such as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Blues Traveler, Little Feat, My Morning Jacket, Junior Brown, Del McCoury, and Les Claypool. With relentless determination and positive driven attitudes, Waylon Speed is setting the bar for originality and genre-stepping with a firm rooted belief that live music has been, still is, and will always remain alive and well worldwide. "Gas on the fire of the current music scene,"It's heavy, fiery country rock, for those who like their punk rock with some twang in it — but also appreciate high quality, intelligent songwriting" "Waylon Speed is not all that different from metal, punk or any other style of music that's got a knife-in-the-boot attitude" to name just a few things being said in the press to describe this perfectly formulated foundation of true brotherhood known as Waylon Speed.

 

 

Though he's long since embraced the full-band ethos, Montbleau spent a number of years as an acoustic solo artist at the beginning of his career, so it's no wonder that he's making up for lost time by so fully embracing the range of stylistic possibilities fuller arrangements offer. Growing up in Peabody, Massachusetts, he got his first guitar at age nine, but didn't get the bug to become a serious player or writer till he was attending Villanova University, and then there was no looking back. His first album (the out-of-print Begin.) was released in 2002, followed by the live Stages — precursors to the first Montbleau Band recording, One Fine Color, in 2006.

 

 

With patience and perseverance comes prosperity and perfection. Entering their eighth year together, Lucid has made their mark throughout the northeast with a pure rock-n-roll sound soaked by tones of blues, reggae, jazz and funk.

"There is no substitute for experience, and we've been racking it up," said keyboardist Andrew Deller. "That experience translates into what you see onstage, which is a heavier, tighter, and more confident band."

And with the leaves changing, it was finally time to release their first live album to provide their loyal fans with something to defeat cabin fever. Their new record showcases the band at their core: a raucous, nonstop force in front of a rowdy crowd. "We are primarily a live band who thrives on people, places, and smiling faces to bring out the best in us. Our fans are like the seventh member of the band," said guitarist Kevin Sabourin. Percussionist Lowell Wurster added, "I enjoy listening to live material from my favorite groups. There is something truly special about hearing how the crowd reacts to a band and vice versa. Our live shows are filled with a great energy and that's why our fans have been looking forward to a live record." .

 

 

The overarching sonic identity of this New York City-based quartet was forged over the last five years, starting when it was a tenacious duo comprised of guitarist / singer and primary songwriter Jeremy Hilliard and harmonicist / rhythm guitarist / singer-songwriter Ryan Rightmire. As a duo, Turbine started to experiment in odd time signatures and unorthodox compositional structures as they crafted songs that were both accessible and upbeat, despite their remarkable complexity and musical sophistication. After a few years of this, they realized they needed a rhythm section, brought on bassist Justin Kimmel and drummer Octavio Salman, and debuted the new band on a national tour at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, 10,000 Lakes Festival, Wakarusa and Gathering Of The Vibes. They then returned to the northeast to resume the arduous process of building their regional fan base as a full band.

Turbine now stands poised to emerge as one of the most forward thinking, musically ambitious bands in their loosely defined scene. With the rhythm section, Rightmire was able to realize his futuristic vision for the harmonica, which he plays with a neck sling, all the while playing guitar and singing harmonies and leads. Effects and technology have transformed his instrument's traditional role: the keyboards, turntablism, strings and other odd sounds that the compositions call for are delivered by this Hohner-endorsed pioneer of the harp's future. It is common for people stumbling into a Turbine show to be amazed by the spectacle of Rightmire, but as they start to absorb what is going on around them, listeners begin to appreciate the passion and intelligence of Hilliard's vocals and lyrics, then find themselves impressed with his intense, fiery guitar work. Underpinning all of this, Kimmel's bass lines help define and punctuate the music, setting-up and pushing grooves forward, driving the bus from the low end in typical prog-rock fashion, while leaving enough room for the nuance of the song structures and the dynamics of Salman's percussive backbeat to shine through. .

 

 

Hamilton formed Brothers Past in 1996, straight out of High School with his classmates and his older brother Jim Hamilton. Hamilton has been the primary songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist for Brothers Past, as well as co-producer for all of their recorded releases.

In 2006 Hamilton started playing sporadic acoustic concerts around the Philadelphia area billed as "Tom Hamilton's American Babies", mainly as a way to stay occupied between Brothers Past tours. As the internal relationships in Brothers Past disintegrated and his musical tastes changed Hamilton focused more on acoustic oriented music and decided to make a new band geared towards his new muse. American Babies was formed in 2007
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Frank Viele and the Manhattan Project – a 6-piece group of seasoned underground musicians from across the Metropolitan area that are set to explode right out of the NYC club scene. On stage, all six members unleash an energy unsurpassed by any other emerging band out there and explode into one powerful combustion of gyrating rock and funk music that have drawn diverse comparisons from The Dave Matthews Band, Huey Lewis & The News, O.A.R. and Maroon 5 to Tower of Power and Chicago.

Growing up in the suburbs of Connecticut, Frank Viele began his music career at the age of 3 by mimicking TV jingles on his grandmother's piano. Touring as an acoustic singer songwriter with his unique rhythmic style of songwriting, he eventually attracting a group of exceptionally gifted like minded individuals…The Manhattan Project.

The other five members consist of Mario Capodiferro, New York based drummer known for his unique combination of rock and hip-hop infused percussion, Rob Liptrot, Tobias endorsed bassist/background vocalist who electrifies the stage as both one third of The Manhattan Project's superb rhythm section and a rare and formidable force as a lead bassist. Eddie Arjun Peters, lead guitarist and founder of the NYC based experimental jam trio Arjun, now adds the perfect hit of spirit and fire to The Manhattan Project. Then there is The Manhattan Project horns consisting of Pasquale T. Iannelli (Saxophone) and Andrew Mericle (Trumpet) known for their playing with Long Island based rock band Stealing Jane and other noteworthy artists including As Tall as Lions and The Deer Hunter. Each musician comes from formidable performance histories, including sharing stages with George Clinton & the Parliament Funkadelic, Average White Band, Tower of Power, The Wailers, One Republic, Hanson, Spin Doctors, Ryan Cabrera,among many others.
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MUN is a quartet from Brooklyn, NY that evolved out of the need to experiment and expand the conventional limitations of music. They explore many genres ranging from free jazz, to hardcore techno, to trance Middle-Eastern vibes. The improvisational element of the band as well as their complete lack of fear of being in the moment is what gives MUN their unique raw sound. Mentioned in the Old Testament as the supernatural sustenance that followed the wandering tribe through the desert, MUN descends from the heavens and can become anything you desire!.

 

 

A student of voice from age 4, his vocal endeavors have included classical technique, various choral ensembles, even barbershop and doo-wop quartets. He has sung in, directed and arranged for many such projects from Kent to Skidmore College and has gained a deep understanding of vocal harmony. Tony began guitar at seven years old with acoustic folk under Alice Spatz and was soon learning American Appalachian traditionals, and the music of popular artists from the 60's including the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor. He took up the double bass at age 12 furthering his understanding of instrumentation and song composition.

After having developed his own songs and style, Tony discovered that he had compiled a strong bank of original music. 20 years of experience setting a new vocal standard, along with his ever evolving guitar work, lends him a comfortable versatility that allows the freedom of tailoring his arrangement to any audience. As an adult, Tony has become a teacher of music, had his song lyrics published as poetry on a contemporary collection of American poets through Poetry.com, released two solo albums, and recorded on many more, while never forgetting the connection he has to his hometown where he organizes many events each year to forge that relationship with awareness, charity, and community. .

 

 

Surging with intensity and expressing hard-won insight that is beyond her years, Michelle's bold writing style paints a picture of life, love, conscious evolution and more. The strong message and gripping melodies give CopperTonic a sound that shines with unmistakable musicianship and vocal ability. Sure to find a prominent place in the music industry, this 8-piece neo-funk/soul band is well on its way! "We love this, it's what we do, it's how we express ourselves and it comes from the heart. I am alive in the very best way when we all share a stage. Life is riddled with experiences that are inspirational to making music. The journey is real and the expression is who we are, we'll never stop."

 

 

Viral Sound is a four-piece band with an organic fresh blend of live electronica, dirty get-down funk, jamming rock and roll, reggae and jazz. They have a telepathic way of connecting with each other and the crowd to generate an explosively mind-bending musical experience. Some of their influences include The Grateful Dead, Herbie Hancock, Jamiroquai and Lotus, but their style is of its own breed. Each member's musical approach is unique and eclectic, drawing from varied musical backgrounds and interests. Viral Sound unites a distinct attentiveness to sound and a feverish desire to explore every facet of musical territory in order to create an intoxicating auditory thrill that spreads like a virus. The band consists of Stephen Howell on the keys/synthesizer, Ariel Moore on the bass/vocals, Charley Zahringer on the guitar, and Dan Rourke on the drums. Originally from New York and now based in Providence, R.I., their infectious sound has been grabbing minds, bodies and dancin' spirits everywhere—this is one virus that can't be contained.

 

 

DJ REDSHIFT has been involved in the Drum N Bass scene since the 1998.

Steadily DJing nationwide in cities such as Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, LA, Miami, NYC, Portland OR & many more, at renown events such as, Bella Terra, Camp Bisco, Camouflage, Elements, Konkrete Junlge, Respect, Starscape & Winter Music Conference. Redshift has shared the stage with performers such as 12th Planet, A-Sides, Bassnectar, Datsik, Dara, DB, Dieselboy, DZ, Glitch Mob, Goldie, Klute, Marky and many more! DJ Redshift managed a weekly Drum N Bass event in Northampton Mass called FLUID from 2004-2009 which featured national and international DNB talent. Western Massachusetts first ever Dubstep event was held at FLUID in 2007. In 2009 Redshift joined his friend Kae Sharp and formed L.T.D. Unlimited (Living the Dream Unlimited) which focused on showcases many genres of music and features events in Western Mass, Boston, NYC, Miami & beyond!

 

 

SEED is the funky new sound growing strong roots in Eastern Connecticut since 2009. This emerging four-piece boasts a dance party packed with exciting, new, genre-bending sounds we like to call Progressive Funk! Seed has found a sound that blends the modern day psychedelic rock, with a funk/fusion of saxophone fx and electronics. These songs cover the full spectrum, drifting from the intricate, mixed-meter sounds of Umphrey's McGee, to the catchy head-bobbing horn lines of Lettuce and Maceo Parker. Seed is Travis Pihlman(guitar), Chris West(bass and vocals), Derek Joly(sax, keys and vocals) and Mike 'House' Aubin(drums).

Now in their second year, Seed has already built some very quick momentum, performing all across the Northeast. In this time the group has found themselves playing to thousands at The Big Up Festival(NY), The Wormtown and Strange-Creek Music Festivals(MA) and The Strawberry Jam(NY) while sharing the stage with Sam Kininger, G. Love, Kung Fu, Dopapod, The Macpodz, Consider The Source and Mark Mercier.

 

 

Perrotta is the namesake project of keyboardist and singer-songwriter Sarah Perrotta, and recently released its stunning 2010 album, Tonight. In addition to the live trio of Sarah, guitarist-vocalist Johnnie Wang, and drummer Will Olsen, Tonight features legendary bassist Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, John Lennon).

With the electronic-tinged group Outloud Dreamer, Sarah released 2001's Drink the Sky before debuting under her own name in 2008 with The Well, a piano-based set mixed by Malcolm Burn (Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris) and featuring Levin and The Band's keyboardist, Garth Hudson. Perrotta has performed internationally with Barenaked Ladies, Guster, Jason Collett, and other top acts.

Tonight's direction bridges the old and the new, pairing The Well's sophisticated piano balladry with the electronics of Sarah's earlier work. Graced with her divinely ethereal voice, the disc is home to shimmering masterpieces like the windswept "Walls," the shadowy, trip-hop-infused "Conquer Me," and the ghostly waltz "Falling to Pieces."

With a depth and maturity unseen in many venerated acts, Perrotta is one of modern rock's rising jewels. One whose dazzling rays grow brighter with every sweeping, pulsating note.

Sarah will be performing a solo piano set in the lobby on Friday eve.

 

 

The "King's" are brother and sister team, Jeff & Melissa. We play our own original music of many styles, and an eclectic mix of our all our favorite cover songs. We like putting together shows that anyone can relate to, and escape to; and we always keep the band moving by adding and writing new songs; and by bringing on guest musicians, actors, dancers and sideshow freaks. (just kidding about the dancers)

 

 

TLT's reputation as a talented performer is the sum of parts including not only his obvious abilities as an effective band leader and award winning singer songwriter, but also as a producer, an educator, a recording artist, an event organizer, and a published author, to name a few. These skills have afforded him accomplishments like the release of three full-length, independent albums; he has become a cornerstone facutly member in academic programs like "Rock On!" and songwriting seminars all over the northeast; and he has performed at some of America's most prestigious venues with a slew of legendary artists.

 

 

Mystika Music is a production company owned and operated by The Problemaddicts, devoted to releasing quality music and promoting artists and events.

A brief history: Jake Krauth (a.k.a DJ Theory) founded Mystika Music in 2005 as a hub for promoting events and artists. While seeking a business partner in 2006, long time friend and fellow musician Tonio Sagan (a.k.a Tone) stepped to the plate to bring Mystika to life and help move it forward.

Since then Mystika Music has gone on to release albums such as "The First Step", "The Dark Side Of Oz", and "Shot Heard Round The World", as well as play a partner roll in in organizing "Bella Terra Festival 2010".

 

 

GOOD MUSIC< GOOD PEOPLE >GOOD TIMES DUBSTEP<>GLITCHHOP with live effects/sampling & real time mixes!

 

 

What do you get when you put one man on stage with several different instruments and a computer? The love child of a Jam Band and a DJ—the perfect blend of organic and electronic sound! Cosmal is the next level in LIVE entertainment; jumping from Guitar to Bass to Keys, layering beats, and creating a new one man experience sure to make you wanna move it!

Cosmal is a one man LIVE performance involving the live sampling and looping of several instruments, manipulation of programmable drumbeats, progressive jams, and a dynamic light show! Layering sounds to create the energy of a full band, improvising and swaying between genres, Cosmal takes you on a mystical journey through space and time, and oh yea, music! In hopes of bringing to the table a new, dynamic perspective of how music (and life) can be perceived, Cosmal (Ryan Coyle) does everything in his power to create the most interactive, and visually/audibly enticing performances possible—-ranging from Jazz to World with Electronic/Down-Tempo influences and a thick spreading of Psychedelia Jelly. This is a completely live act people, not a DJ set! Good Vibes required, Shirts and Shoes optional!
www.thecosmalshow.com

 
 

What do you get when you put one man on stage with several different instruments and a computer? The love child of a Jam Band and a DJ—the perfect blend of organic and electronic sound! Cosmal is the next level in LIVE entertainment; jumping from Guitar to Bass to Keys, layering beats, and creating a new one man experience sure to make you wanna move it!

COSMAL is a one man performance involving the live sampling and looping of several instruments, coordination of programmable drumbeats, progressive jams, and an awesome light show! Layering sounds to create the energy of a full band/DJ, improvising and swaying between genres, COSMAL takes you on a mystical journey through space and time, and oh yea, music! In hopes of bringing to the table a new, dynamic perspective of how music can be perceived, Ryan does everything in his power to create the most interactive, and visually/audibly enticing performances possible—-ranging from Jazz to Dub with World and Electronic influences and a thick spreading of Psychedelia Jelly. This is a completely live act people, not a DJ set! Good Vibes required, Shirts and Shoes optional!