Dumpstaphunk • The Motet x2 • Everyone Orchestra (Featuring Steve Kimock, John Morgan Kimock, Reed Mathis, Jennifer Hartswick, Natalie Cressman) • Turkuaz x2 • Cabinet • Conehead Buddha • Peter Prince & The Trama Unit • Nephrok! Allstars • TAUK • The Alchemystics • Beau Sasser Trio • BRYAC Funk Allstars • Leroy Justice • Goosepimp Orchestra • Roots of Creation • Cosmic Dust Bunnies • Mark Mercier Band • Dr. Westchesterson • Danny Pease & The Regulators • The Kings of Belmont • Mister F • Big Takeover • 7 Below (A tribute to Phish) • Akashic Record • The Kind Buds • Jen Durkin • The Michelle Sarah Band • Rebecca Jean Smith • Bobby Paltauf • Business Casual Disco • The Juicy Grapes • The Broadcast • SOLARiS • Arclite • Darian Cunning Band • The Hornitz • The Big Sway • Positive Mental Trip • Frank Viele • Cheatcode • DJ Adam Amrod • Digital $torm • Political Animals • Space Carnival • Honeycomb • APEL • DJ Icculus • F.A.M. • DJ Nomadic • Craig Greenberg Band • Jordan Simms • Scooter Dude • Eggy • EatUrAura • Hypencrünk
DUMPSTAPHUNK
 |  |  |  |
A decade evolved from their debut at 2003′s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Dumpstaphunk offers fans an unforgettable live experience steeped in the Big Easy tradition of a good time. The quintet features Ivan Neville on vocals, B3 and Clav, the double bass attack and soulful voices of Tony Hall and Nick Daniels III, Ian Neville on guitar, and the monster addition of Nikki Glaspie on drums and vocals.
From annual performances at New Orleans’ Jazz Fest — “The colossal low end and filthy grooves they threw down from the Gentilly Stage must have set a Jazz Fest record for baddest bass jams ever.” (Bass Player Magazine, 2012) — to music rooms and festivals across the nation (Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, All Good, High Sierra and beyond), Dumpstaphunk continues to spread an unmistakably New Orleans groove with hard-hitting performances that dare listeners not to move.
“We always keep the spontaneity going, that’s something I love about this band,” says Ivan. “We can funk it out with the best of them, but we also like to showcase how all sorts of music can come together and push the boundaries of what funk music is.”
THE MOTET x2
| | | |
Hailing from Colorado, the Motet is a world-class improvisational funk band that has dedicated more than a decade to the healing powers of funky dance music. Although the early years of the band saw a constantly revolving cast of musicians, the most recent incarnation has been touring the country for the last several years developing a new and unique style with roots in funk, afrobeat, disco, electronic music, and soul. This new Motet has quickly gained a reputation for throwing infectious dance parties everywhere they go, creating a deep rapport between band and audience.
With the release of their 7th album, the Motet has once again showcased their commitment to pushing the sonic envelope while remaining dedicated to the musical traditions that have defined their sound. The band’s decision to call the album “The Motet” is a reflection that the group has finally become what it has striven to be throughout its existence. The album is a truly collaborative effort, with each member contributing equally to the writing process. In addition, the band spent hundreds of hours in the studio meticulously crafting vintage tones that hearken back to the glory days of funk music. The result is an organic collection of strong interlocking parts and melodies that sounds like nothing else on this planet.
All bands have their influences, and the Motet is no different. The band has a long-standing tradition of putting on a musical costume each Halloween, playing consistently sold-out shows along the front range of Colorado while performing the music of groups like Earth Wind and Fire, Parliament Funkadelic, Tower of Power, and Jamiroquai. The careful study of these bands has had an undeniable effect on the creative direction of the Motet. As bandleader and drummer Dave Watts told the Boulder Weekly, “We realized how effective a great song is on a crowd. Instead of just the energetics we’re used to bringing with improvising, soloing, and extended arrangements, we really decided to focus on tunes, because we understand how powerful a great song is.”
A great song needs a great band to play it, and the Motet proves to be more than adequate in that regard. In addition to Watts, Joey Porter (keys), Garrett Sayers (bass) and Ryan Jalbert (guitar) form a core rhythm section that has been playing together for nearly a decade. This time together has led to their characteristic deep rhythmic pocket, and has created the musical bonds that allow them to take their collective improvisation to heights bordering on precognition. The Motet horns consist of Matt Pitts (sax) and Gabriel Mervine (trumpet). Although deeply rooted in jazz, their time with the Motet has made them into one of the funkiest horn sections on the scene. Front man Jans Ingber rounds out the lineup with his soulful singing, welcoming stage presence, and “Soul Train” dance moves which inspire concert goers to boogie like no one is watching.
These seven musicians form what is undoubtedly the strongest, most cohesive incarnation of the Motet to date. Whether you’ve loved the Motet for years or you’re just tuning in, listen up. You haven’t heard the Motet like this, and you won’t be disappointed.
EVERYONE ORCHESTRA
feat Steve Kimock
| | | |
Conducted By Matt Butler & Featuring Steve Kimock, John Morgan Kimock, Reed Mathis, Jennifer Hartswick, Natalie Cressman and many other guests!
THE EVERYONE ORCHESTRA conductor/founder Matt Butler has taken its participants, both on stage and off, on improvisational journeys with the most diverse of lineups at festivals, theaters and philanthropic events both nationally and internationally. A laundry list of hundreds of musicians, dancers, singers, guest conductors and community organizations have embraced the experience of EO in single shots of musical adrenaline to the soul. Tuning in to his energy, the band and audience utilize The Conductor as their pivot to the set mood of each passing jam as he communicates with the musicians using hand signs, whiteboard and assorted mime suggestions.
The list of Everyone Orchestra participants is an increasingly wide and intercontinental group including members of The Grateful Dead, Phish, moe., String Cheese Incident, The Flecktones, Club d’Elf, ALO, Tea Leaf Green and Adrian Belew, Taj Mahal, Maria Muldaur, Tuvan throat singers, live painters, dancers, chanters, choirs, hula hoopers, firespinners, jugglers, stiltwalkers, storytellers, a presidential candidate and hundreds of others among a growing legion of other performers.
Marching clearly into uncharted territory, The Everyone Orchestra balances the challenges of live group improvisation with triumphant tension and release conduits of music which head deep into the soul. This unique collaborative of performance deeply encourages and requires audience interaction. The edge of your seat enthusiasm for what is next is the fuel behind the continuous musical experiment of The Everyone Orchestra.
TURKUAZ x2
| | | |
The Brooklyn-based funk army known as Turkuaz “is like tossing a lit match into a dumpster full of fireworks” (bestnewbands.com). Their stage show combines influences from Sly and the Family Stone to Talking Heads into an explosive auditory and visual circus, a full-frontal assault on the senses. After multiple residencies at NYC’s Brooklyn Bowl, two blowout performances at Bear Creek Music Festival, and tours spanning the east and west coasts, Turkuaz has developed a reputation from NYC to San Francisco as the band that plays louder, faster, and harder than all the rest.
CABINET
| | | |
Cabinet is a band with roots firmly planted in the Appalachian tradition. They wear their influences like badges, honoring the canon of roots, bluegrass, country, and folk, weaving these sounds into a patchwork Americana quilt. But this music isn’t romanticizing or rehashing the past. Cabinet makes it mark on today. The steady aim of their harmonies soar straight onto target each time, the soaring vocals giving voice to the story of each song. Their music takes the long way home, treating its listeners like passengers on a ride through scenic back roads. Their live shows are inclusive, celebratory, and community-building. Everyone will want to get on the wagon with Cabinet. Members Pappy Biondo (banjo, vocals), J.P. Biondo (mandolin, vocals), Mickey Coviello (acoustic guitar, vocals), Dylan Skursky (electric bass, double bass), Todd Kopec (fiddle, vocals), and Jami Novak (drums, percussion), all live and love music, and their polished sound belies their young age.
CONEHEAD BUDDHA
| | | |
Conehead Buddha has built themselves a storied career as one of the top drawing bands in the East Coast jamband scene, which has included bands such as moe., Soulive, Disco Biscuits, and God Street Wine, playing high-profile venues and events throughout the northeast. Raging lead guitar, funky organ and analog keyboard sounds, co-mingling with the full horn section and percussion are the building blocks to Conehead Buddha’s unique blend of rock, funk, ska, reggae, and salsa. The band’s captivating live show has been steadily winning over concert goers, keeping them dancing from start to finish. Conehead Buddha is the band that people will still be talking about on Monday morning.
PETER PRINCE & THE TRAMA UNIT
| | | |
Prince and company’s musical saga began in New York City back sometime in 1993. And while over the years the primary focus has undoubtedly been on the power-packed assemblage of MBL, there have been plenty of solo endeavors as well, with more and more coming in most recent years. But with a wide cast of crew members rotating in and out of Lover’s lineup, along with plenty of side projects and one-off collaborations with friends, Peter has remained the indomitable source of musical gravity in this circle by contributing vocals, guitar, and songwriting throughout. As Lover’s perpetual front man, he has been orbited over the years by such notable talents as Neal & Alan Evans (Soulive), drummers Andy Herrick (Assembly of Dust) and Mike “Slam” Dunkle, bassists Jon Hawes (formerly of Percy Hill), Nate Edgar (John Brown’s Body), Owen Yost (Broadway productions such as “Movin’ Out” and “Aida”), Jeremiah Hosea (James Blood Ulmer, Gigi and Earthdriver), guitarist Johnny Trama (Jiggle the Handle, formerly of Rockett Band), and longtime friend Jeff Merrow on keys. Johnny Trama has been an integral part of the Boston music scene for many years having spent time with John Brown’s Body, Entrain, Peter Prince, Toussaint and the China Band, as well as holding down a semi permanent spot at Matt Murphy’s with Public House and the B3 Kings, among others.
Johnny was born on a August morning in metro New York City. His passion for music was noticed immediately and attended a performing High School. He studied under the legendary Dave Burns. Burns is best known for his days as a trumpeter for Dizzy Gillespie. Johnny also studied with Rodney Jones who worked with Maceo Parker and Etta James.
NEPHROK! ALLSTARS
| | |
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 Pete MacLean on Drums, Aaron Bellamy on Bass, and Van Martin on Guitar, you’d be hard-pressed to find a tighter rhythm section. With the masterful work of Amy Bellamy and Benjamin Zecker on Keyboards, a full horn section and one of the most inspiring and dynamic frontmen, Nephtaliem McCrary aka ‘Nephrok!’ and the undeniably soulful Kit Holliday on Vocals electrify audiences with their unmatchable energy, gritty old-school soulful style which harks back to the days of motown, doo-wop, and classic 70’s soul, they they radiate their ultimate Funktitude EVERY time. 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.
TAUK
| | | |
Meet TAUK, a band that delivers a unique blend of rock-fusion with a fresh experimental spirit. Since forming earlier this decade, the NYC-based group has built an impressive DIY buzz scoring opening gigs for moe., Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Tea Leaf Green, and sets at Bonnaroo, Gathering of the Vibes, Hangout Music Fest, Peach Festival with The Allman Brothers, Summercamp, and Floyd Fest. Legendary sound engineer, Dave Natale (Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac), invited TAUK into his studio in late 2011 to record the band’s first instrumental EP, “Pull Factors.” After touring on this and gaining momentum as an instrumental band, the band teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Robert Carranza (Jack Johnson, Mars Volta) to harness their eclectic vision creating entirely instrumental full-length album, “Homunculus.” Carranza explains, “What’s compelling is the raw power of the band, from their light moments to full-out jamming. Music is a language that some feel and others speak – and TAUK do both very well.” With the new album under their belt and a fast- growing fan base, TAUK plans to continue to push the envelope of their musical vision, and bring that vision to all those who are listening around the country
THE ALCHEMYSTICS
| | | |
Intricate wordplay, soulful roots, memorable hooks, old-school vocal harmonies, and intense passion are but a few of the elements which combine to form the powerful and unmistakable sound of the Alchemystics. Fueled by the belief that music could expand beyond the boundaries of style and categories, the Alchemystics first formed as a trio in 2003. They worked to create a sound that reflected their love of heavy rhythms, reggae, hip hop, soul and dub, while also infusing earthy vocal harmonies to create truly original music. True to their name, The Alchemystics have transformed into their current lineup of diverse and talented musicians, including the vocal stylings of Ras Jahn and Ian-I, the intricate lyrics of emcee Force, and the deep groove of drummer Demse Zullo, world-traveled bassist Garrett Sawyer, and keyboardist Jay Metcalf.
The Alchemystics have shared stages with such international music luminaries as Stephen Marley, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Clipse, Damian Marley, Sister Carol, The Coup, Dennis Brown, Inner circle, Busta Rhymes, Yellow Man, Burning Spear, Gil Scott Heron, Culture, ShineHead, Angelique Kidjo, Mighty Sparrow, The Brazilian Girls, Israel Vibrations, English Beat, Bonnie Raitt, King Sunny Ade, and Taj Mahal. Performing live, the Alchemystics specialize in high-energy, captivating performances which get crowds jumping and dancing to what they like to call their “new roots music” combining elements both traditional and fresh. Venues to date include a wide array of settings from festivals (including Vermont Reggae Festival, Strange Creek, Wormtown Music Festival, Charlemont Reggae Fest), clubs and dancehalls (including Pearl Street Ballroom, Iron Horse Music Hall, Paradise Rock Club, Middle East, Harpers Ferry, Toads Place), colleges and universities (including University of Massachusetts, Trinity College, Colby Sawyer College), and ski areas such as Ascutney, Whale Back, and Mount Wachusett.
The Alchemystics firmly embrace the notion of music and art as vital tools to bring about social change in our communities. Individually and collectively, the members of the Alchemystics have made it a priority to give back to their local community, working closely with the community youth and lending their musical talents to raise funds for causes such as the Massachusetts Red Ribbon Ride, and the Northampton Survival Center, Victims of Hurricane Katrina, Darfur Relief, AIDS awareness, and domestic abuse awareness. Members have also guest lectured and performed at a number of schools in the Northeast. With the 2007 release of their self-titled EP featuring the crowd favorite “Shine Eye Girl” and the 2008 release of the Alchemystics Live cd, the Alchemystics continue to grow and gain momentum. The group is hard at work at Northfire Studio on their second full-length album.
BEAU SASSER TRIO
| |
Beau Sasser hit the music scene at a young age, traversing the snowy highways of Colorado for gigs with his own band and performances with legends like John Denver and Jimmy Ibbotson of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. In the mid-90s Sasser headed east for a stint at Berklee College of Music and soon found himself back on the highways with the successful band Akashic Record. Around the year 2000 Sasser began performing almost exclusively on the Hammond Organ.
In addition to his tenure as Melvin Sparks’ preferred organist, Sasser now performs primarily with Alan Evans’ Playonbrother and also leads his own trio whose residency at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton, MA is now in its fifth year, and freelances like crazy.
Touring throughout the United States and internationally, Beau has shared the stage with Steely Dan, Michael MacDonald, Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire along with funk master Maceo Parker(James Brown), Mike Keneally(Frank Zappa) and jazz greats Medeski, Martin & Wood and Melvin Sparks.
BRYAC FUNK ALLSTARS
| | |
This group of musical superhero’s was conceived one late night in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport CT, at The B.R.Y.A.C. Restaurant and Raw Bar. BRYAC Funk All Stars deliver a unique vintage funk party!
The band is driven by a rhythm section of the Kings, signature Hammond and Fender Rhodes dueling keyboards, Lead saxophone and vocals round out the signature sound.
The lineup that will take the stage at Rock n Roll Resort v4 is:
Rob Sommerville on sax/vocals (Deep Banana Blackout, Kung Fu), Adrian Tramontano on drums (Kung Fu, RAQ, The Breakfast), Chris DeAngelis on bass (Kung Fu, The Breakfast), Cyrus Madan on Hammond Organ (Deep Banana Blackout), Jesse Gibbon on the Fender Rhodes (Schleigho) & Johnny Durkin on percussion (Deep Banana Blackout, Vinyl)
Plus, you never know who might drop by on a BRYAC Funk All Star gig! There are over 70 different musicians who have sat in with this powerhouse group of musicians since their inception! Don’t miss these guys at The Dream Machine!
MARK MERCIER BAND
| | |
Legendary Keyboard player and Vocalist for Max Creek and many other bands. Mark is not only a great musician, but a great person. Well known among his fans(with a loyal “Mark Side” following), he is one of music’s finest. The group – featuring Mark, Matt Zeiner (Organ, vocals; Dickie Betts Band), and Bill Carbone (Drums, vocals; Max Creek/Z3) – will be performing Mercier’s Max Creek classics, Zeiner’s killin’ originals, and a few of Carbone’s own chestnuts as well. Americana-soul-fusion-jam at its finest.
LEROY JUSTICE
| | | |
Leroy Justice displays the kind of songwriting and arranging skills that have characterized great American rock bands from Neil Young & Crazy Horse to the Allman Brothers Band. Songs like “Up On The Mountain,” “Blue Eyed Blues,” “So Long,” and “Two Trees” are destined to become staples of Leroy Justice’s compelling live show, an emotion-packed thrill ride shared by musicians and listeners alike.
GOOSEPIMP ORCHESTRA
| | | |
Goosepimp is the form of funk that dissolves the barriers between artist and audience. The energy plotted through space race like arrangements, channeled by geeks who became stage freaks, and absorbed into every opened mind via third eyes is a condensed and charismatic force from the center of the Earth and the beginning of time. The group found this quality of energy refined over many years of performance, improvisation, interaction, and an uncompromising hunger to push the age old funk into the boundless future. It is said Zeus himself cannot find a bolt of lighting brighter than the glowing faces from the Goosepimp experience. And just as lightning needs both hot and cold to exist, Goosepimp does not exist until the energy of musicians and quality of audience find themselves hand in hand, becoming greater than the sum of its parts, and funkier than Mother Earth can quake.
COSMIC DUST BUNNIES
| | | |
Cosmic Dust Bunnies began their interstellar journey in 2006. Originally coming together for the purpose of improvisational exploration, they began to develop a sound and style that would soon evolve into the identity they embrace today. During CDB’s musical exploration, the band quickly took to songwriting and began fine-tuning their live performances. These ever-evolving live performances have lead to sell-outs at some of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York’s most well-respected venues.
In addition to their New Wavetronica jams, CDB layers influences from Reggae, Dub, Funk, Rock, Pop, and everything in between to form an intimate bond with the audience. CDB’s rhythm section is comprised of Matt Beckett’s funky futuristic bass sounds and Eric Hyland’s precise timing on the acoustic and electric drums and loops. In addition, Matt Dempsey rips smooth and tasteful guitar licks while Chris Sellas blends in keys/synthesizers and sequences to complete their truly unique sound. After a short hiatus in 2008, CDB has returned to the stage with incredible originals and a self-titled EP. Fans from across the galaxy have traveled far and wide to experience the Cosmic Dust Bunnies, and have been showing exponential growth in the last few years.
ROOTS OF CREATION
| | | |
Bolstered by a sense of their own colorful history and urged onward by the promise of a fruitful future, Roots of Creation approaches their 6th year of full-time touring; having evolved into a musical force of nature. With a hard-working ethic and an arsenal of upbeat, substantial songs, Roots of Creation have ascended to the top of their profession by putting their fans first and doing business with focus and respect. Writers, DJs, venue owners, and booking agents alike have joined ROC’s steadily growing army of fans in heaping praise upon the New Hampshire quartet, and not just for the music – they have forged a unique connection with their listeners that provides concert attendees with a highly personal experience. They also walk the walk when it comes to social and environmental activism, having raised money for many causes.
DR. WESTCHESTERSON
| | | |
Dr. Westchesterson proved himself a prodigy at a young age. Demonstrating an aptitude for the sciences as well as a proclivity towards the arts, he matriculated from high school early and attended Amherst College on full academic scholarship. At Amherst, the Dr. designed his own course of study, combining a major in biochemistry with horticulture classes at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts.
After graduating from Amherst, the Dr. moved west to attend medical school at Oregon Health and Science University. With his residency complete, he set up a private practice in the Portland area and became one of the forerunners of the burgeoning medical marijuana movement there. While his greenhouse became a thing of legend, his original strains are still widely recognized as having been of the highest quality known to man. Unfortunately, the Dr.’s career was cut short when he was arrested with over twenty pounds of high grade medical marijuana in the trunk of his car during a routine traffic stop in 1998.
Charged with distribution of marijuana (a class B felony) and released on bail, Dr. Westchesterson fled Oregon and spent the next fourteen years living on the fringes of society. While much speculation and conjecture surround the Dr.’s whereabouts during these “lost years”, what is known for certain is that during this time, the Dr. emerged as a gifted and talented hip hop MC. Working out of various safe houses, the Dr. began dropping tasty beats and producing music videos.
When his video for the track “413” went viral on April 20, 2012 (the Dr.’s birthday) news of the video’s virility appeared (ahem) on Portland Oregon’s FOX affiliate channel 12. The Dr. was once again forced to return to the underground. His whereabouts again unknown, he surfaces briefly to perform and record – ever weary that he’s always only one step ahead of the law. But it’s just another day in the life for this old school gangsta.
DANNY PEASE & THE REGULATORS
| | |
Danny Pease and the Regulators (DPR) have been together with their most recent lineup since March of 2011. Composed of musicians with ranging backgrounds, their style of “Dirty Punk Reggae” continues to morph and take shape, while always staying true to reggae roots and ska rhythms. With their home base in Western Mass, they have steadily been scouring the Northeast and impressing newcomers with high energy and uplifting shows. They have been described as being “a veritable army of energetic rockers… DPR blends ska, reggae, rock and hip-hop into a whirlwind of whoop-ass…” – The Valley Advocate
THE KINGS OF BELMONT
| | | |
The Kings of Belmont are disciples of Rock and Roll. Their performances and recordings conjure prophetic passion and graceful honesty. They command every stage and captivate every audience with an unmistakably genuine and brilliant style of music. Every performance is distinctive. Just when you think they can’t possibly rock any harder, they take it to another level, leaving mouths agape, and fakers eating dust. Based out of Charlottesville, Va, The KOB is a five-piece featuring a commanding rhythm section, screaming guitars, wailing keys, and crisp vocal harmonies. They’ve been “meltin’ faces on a regular basis” since 2006. Thanks to some recent groundbreaking festival performances, the KOB have been touring relentlessly and developing an increasingly solid and loyal fan base along the way. They are not just another rock band. They are not a ‘jam band’. They are not a cover-band. They are The Kings of Belmont. And they are coming to a town near you… Don’t sleep.
MISTER F
| | | |
Formed in 2013 from members of Timbre Coup and Capital Zen, Mister F is an eclectic, high-energy 4-piece band that takes a no-holds-barred approach to blending genres while keeping your feet moving. Having performed at festivals such as Mountain Jam, moe.down, Summer Camp, Camp Bisco, and snoe.down with their previous bands, members of Mister F are no strangers to the music community. From March 1st to years end, the band played 72 shows spanning 10 states and plans on doubling their show count for 2014. Keep an eye out for the Misters!
“The experience was absolutely different than any band on the scene…they clearly have made it an art of incorporating all talents and reaches of music to compose hardwired songs that will keep you dancing from start to end.” -Jenni Wilson, UpstateLIVE.com
THE BIG TAKEOVER
| | | |
The Big Takeover is a New York-based high-energy sextet with a refreshingly upbeat, party-making approach to interpreting the Jamaican tradition of rocksteady, ska, and reggae music. Whether live or recorded, they never fail to deliver, using an energetic fusion of their own innovative originals and crowd favorites to keep audiences jamming from the first note to the last. They are fronted by a genuine Jamaican singer, who is backed by a skin-tight rhythm section. They have done over 300 live performances, including shows with The Original Wailers, Jefferson Starship, Sam Kinninger from Soulive, Pete Seeger, Badfish, Taurrus Riley, Eek-a-Mouse, Groundation and West Bound Train, Norma Fraiser, The Pietasters, Tarrus Riley, Inner Vision, Inner Circle, The Meditations, Sister Nancy and Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams. With their 2008 studio album “Following Too Close,” and a 2010 well-received release of “Tale of My Life” under their belt, the band continues to seek out new audiences and introduces them to their brand of foot-tapping revelry.
7 BELOW (A Tribute to Phish)
| | | |
Playing accurate compositions and patient jams, 7 Below skews the timeline of Phish’s many eras. From short, tight rock and roll to cow funk, 7 Below will create a familiar experience for Phans old and new.
Formed in the Fall of 2012 and winners of the CT Music Award for Best Tribute Band in 2013, 7 Below has quickly become a phavorite tribute in the Northeast USA and beyond.
AKASHIC RECORD
| | | |
Akashic Record is Boston’s premier funk machine. The concept and sound is inspired by the Hammond organ driven grooves of the soul jazz and funk outfits of the 60s and 70s. Playing consistently in the Northeast over the last 9 years, their floor shakin’ live show continues to thrill capacity crowds night after night.
Akashic Record is lead by organist Beau Sasser (Alan Evans Trio, Z3 & Melvin Sparks Band) and trombonist Brian Thomas (John Brown’s Body, Lettuce, Soulive) and has been blessed to have welcomed a rotating cast of members and guests from the jazz/funk scene in the North East including Nigel Hall, Melvin Sparks, Chris Loftlin, Jeff Lockhart, Louis Cato, Nikki Glaspie, Mike Tucker, John Ellis, Timo Shanko, Johnny Trama, Sam Gilman, Tom Arey, Eric Bloom, and Ryan Zoidis just to name a few.
The current line-up of Brian Thomas on trombone, Jared Sims on baritone sax, Beau Sasser on organ, Steve Fell on guitar, and Peter MacLean on drums recorded and released AR’s sophomore effort “Theosophy” in October of 2010. This May (2013), Akashic Record is proud and excited to release their third full length album “Bring It Back!” recorded by Craig Welsch in Boston and mixed at the “Play On Brother” studio by the great Alan Evans.
BUSINESS CASUAL DISCO
| | |
Business Casual Disco works to provide everyone with a delicate mixture of disco and house music that will keep the feet moving and the head bobbing. Balancing time between production and DJ sets, the mixture of funky bass and driving synths keeps the music moving throughout the day and night. Think of it as the more tasteful side of dance music, like Playboy for your ears.
MICHELLE SARAH BAND
| | | |
Singer Michelle Sarah has some powerhouse pipes and a stage presence that’s left a wake of spellbound audiences as her fan-base keeps spreading across the nation. As a child, this Canadian-born singer/songwriter had her first public performance in Guyana, South America – the country she called home for the better part of her childhood. “I’m a lucky girl,” she says, “my life has been one advantageous journey after another. That said, a lot of my personal journey through it all has really been about finding my inner voice – what I can offer through my music. It’s been a rewarding time of finding out exactly what I have to say as an artist.”
THE KIND BUDS
| | | |
The Kind Buds entertain their audiences with incendiary originals and inspiring covers, trading fiery-sweet licks on a roller coaster of tension and release. Bud and Budd perform raucous, intuitive, wide-open jams, with stunning acoustic guitar interplay. Tight vocal harmonies compliment and complete their big, full sound. A true “grass-roots” act, no effects are used in their live performances.
THE JUICY GRAPES
| | | |
Connecticut-based band The Juicy Grapes play songs filled with dance-inducing rhythms and sultry harmonies led by the soulful Tara on vocals. The music seamlessly blends funk, rock, and soul, with an old-school sensibility that embraces concepts like “love,” “peace,” and all those other written-off ideals. Somehow, The Juicy Grapes can sing about believing in love, respecting one another, reaching for the stars, and even skinny-dipping without sounding corny. It has something to do with their style — songs that encourage bouncing and coerce even reluctant audience members onto the dance floor — and something to do with their emotional investment. The Juicy Grapes love to create a scene that’s high on good vibes.
THE BROADCAST
| | | |
The Broadcast is hard-edged, soulful rock music bursting at the seams. Drawing much of their ambience from 70′s classic rock, they’re a band with an explosive female lead singer, riffing guitar, mood-altering keys and a rock-solid rhythm section. A dynamic ensemble known for their powerful live performances, The Broadcast continues to break new ground across the country with vocal powerhouse Caitlin Krisko leading every step of the way. Described by audiences as a modern day “Grace Slick meets Led Zeppelin”, The Broadcast’s infectious energy and authentic approach to rock & roll music has propelled them into the live music community spotlight.
SOLARIS
| | | |
Formed in 2010, SOLARiS is a 3-piece all-instrumental band that hails from upstate New York. The members of SOLARiS have created a bevy of original compositions that range from electronica to breakbeats and jazz fusion to funk, and much more. Each of these compositions vary in speed, genre and style, but all of them are used as blank slates to showcase the Trio’s explosive improv and electronic experimentation. While from show to show, many of the songs remain the same, no two SOLARiS shows will ever be alike. The band strives to create new and interesting twists on their material for their constantly evolving live shows; whether it’s monster transitions, new improv jams or the occasional recognizable cover, it’s safe to say that SOLARiS is an entity that never stops growing and changing.
ARCLITE
| |
In 2010, brothers Jake and Gabe Spector began formally working together as Arclite. Their genre could generally be called House, but their actual musical influences come from hundreds of different artists, producers, DJs and bands. The duo spent many years developing specific tastes in various genres of dance music – specifically, French house, hard trance, and more esoteric forms of dubstep. Arclite is an amalgamation of these styles and many more. Their catalogue of original music and remixes of various artists (Daft Punk, Zedd, Steve Aoki, ATrak, Deadmau5, Amy Winehouse, Luke Vibert…) is diverse and continually expanding.
Arclite’s live sets can last 30 minutes or 5 hours, and they have been known to play three different shows in an evening without repeating tracks. Worldwide touring DJ’s regularly solicit tracks from Arclite for use in their own sets as well.
The duo’s music is regularly used on television, having been recently featured by Showtime, and T-Mobile, as well as in commercials for Inside the NFL and Spike TV’s MMA.
DARIAN CUNNING BAND
| | | |
Darian Cunning has shared the stage with Kung Fu, Ryan Montbleau, Turbine, Stephen Kellogg, Kristin Hoffmann, Jen and Johnny Durkin, Cosmic Jibaros, Larissa Delorenzo, Mike Falzone, Jaheim, Bernard Purdie, and Melissa Etheridge(funny story). Recent producing credits include Mike Falzone and Tyler Berhardt.
THE HORNITZ
| | | |
The Hornitz was founded in May 2006 as a horn-section-for-hire in and around Boston, MA. The group worked with many notable artists such as George Clinton, Guster, and State Radio, but in 2008 The Hornitz began producing original music as a duo. After a few years of experimenting and fine-tuning, Friendship and Stoo now create a show that is one of the most dynamic spectacles ever produced by two people. Using human beatbox, horns, keyboards and modern live-looping equipment they form large walls of sound and high energy dance parties.
THE BIG SWAY
| | |
The Big Sway is a sonic wrecking ball smashing down the walls between the epic psychedelia of funk and the raw fury of punk rock. A constantly evolving trio based out of Massachusetts, The Big Sway has been wowing audiences of all ages since their conception in the Summer of 2007.
POSITIVE MENTAL TRIP
| | | |
Positive Mental Trip is Luke Weiler-vocals/guitar, Alana Orr-bass/vocals, T. Xiques-drums, Gerry Skeletonez-drums. PMT is a funk-reggae-jam band from upstate NY that loves to play music and tries to get out there and play as much as possible. When you hear the music of Positive Mental trip you will hear very complex yet highly accessible rythms of T Xiques provide backbone for alana orr’s very technical funky bass style. This rythmic duo of Xiques/Orr provides the perfect foundation for the guitar and vocal stylings of Luke Weiler to shine and soar like an eagle all over those sweet tasty funk reggae jams. PMT will be playing lots of live shows and releasing 2 studio albums in 2014.
FRANK VIELE
| | | |
Frank Viele constructs his sound beneath an acoustic funk ceiling with windows of alternative pop, folk and soul. A musical carpenter in the independent rock genre, this singer/songwriter’s approach mixes a dry wit with a soulful touch. A storytelling angle finishes out the floors of this building. Frank’s sound construction is cemented together by a solid blues foundation and his stylistically aware approach is evident in his singing and guitar playing. Working off the brick and mortar of influences ranging from Dave Matthews to Otis Redding and Ray Lamontagne to Johnny Lang, Frank delivers an authenticity showcasing a familiarity to the inspirations that came before him. Frank Viele is Acoustic funk, electrified with a shot of Pop, Rock and Soul. Add Rhythm and Blues for a Chaser.
CHEATCODE
| |
For Massachusetts-bred lyricist/producer Tone, a.k.a. CHEATCODE, progression in music was gradual. What started as a quest to find dope beats to rap with transformed into a love for production. Digging for samples became an appreciation for the great records of the past. An aspiration for originality evolved into sound design and synthesis manipulations. CHEATCODE releases are the result of an ever-expanding love for the process of creating and recording music. Whether appearing as an emcee or a producer, the aim is to keep the party moving with a conscience.
DJ ADAM AMROD
| | |
Adam Amrod is an Upstate New York native who got into DJing 10 years ago when he made a commitment to serve in the US Navy. At the time, he had no idea where that journey would take him, or that it would lead him into a career of DJing!
His knowledge of Electronic Music spans worldwide. He’s held club residencies in Germany and Japan. His aggressive, yet flawless mixing style has earned him weekly gigs across the Capital District and the Hudson Valley of Upstate New York.
In the beginning of 2013, he teamed up with his cousin Peter Amrod to launch their own production company called Below The Influence Productions.
Fans consistently travel as far as 2 hours to attend their Underground Electronic Music Events. Previous performers of their events include Higher Organix, Blue Boy Productions, lespecial, ELECTRONICAnonymous, and Jeff Bujak.
His underground rave parties have gained a large following – even in the most rural areas of upstate New York where Underground Electronic Music didn’t exist before!
DIGITAL $TORM
| |
Digital $torm was created in 2009 by Kyle Camyre, Justin Schunick, Nick Goselin, and Tom Hairington; a group of friends based out of the northeast. They met by going to music festivals and often found themselves searching the festival scene for that low end BASS. At first they didn’t think anything of it, but started investing in some gear. They could still not find that late night party they were looking for, and found themselves constantly searching for that BASS.
After a year or two of trying to toss together the gear they had, they realized if they were going to make this happen on the scale that they were looking for, they needed a bit more power. Once the power they needed was taken care of, they figured that they would test out the new setup – in a high-traffic area at one of the original festivals they attended that just didn’t have the BASS sound they were looking for. It turns out that they were not the only people searching for that low-end BASS.
Armed with the new setup, power, and the volume they were looking for, they found themselves swamped with music fans. The fans showed their appreciation when they decided to bring the BASS element to the scene. On any given Friday or Saturday night at surrounding music festivals, you will find the masses of people looking for that SUB-SONIC BASS.
You can catch DIGITAL $TORM tearing up the late night festival scene by following the lights, listening for the massive bass sound, and looking for the rolling fog…as they have the most high-tech audio gear in the renegade music scene. They are DIGITAL $TORM!
POLITICAL ANIMALS
| | | |
Political Animals mean to be human. Hip Hop is their culture. It is their way of life; their philosophy. The music that they make reflects their opinions, experiences, and views as one human, or as a collective – ranging locally to globally. Through their music, they promote peace, love, unity, partying, and social and self-awareness. They also display the negative parts of life – such as crime, abuse, oppression, violence, corruption, and cruelty – without glorifying it. They believe in balance instead of being a one-trick pony. Hip Hop music does not actually have its own sound. It uses every style – past, present, and future. Political Animals brings you just that. Hip Hop never died, you just can’t find it on the television or the radio. True Hip Hop music is played in small clubs, lounges, parks, basements, attics, school auditoriums, in backyards of small towns, right to its birthplace – the streets of the inner-city.
SPACE CARNIVAL
| | |
Space Carnival was conceived during a late-night disco jam on a rural farm in Upstate NY. Sent into outer space for 3000 years and trained by the Great and Powerful Funkapuss, they have returned to rain down upon the Earth their brand of slippery disco and interplanetary speed-funk. Their only mission: Do it to your ear-hole and make you dance.
HONEYCOMB
| |
GZA, Spritual Rez, Total Science, Archnemesis, DJ CRAZE and Space Jesus are just a few other artists that Honeycomb has shared the stage with – collaborations galore! Returning to the grounds in which his career started – Bella Terra Music and Arts Festival – he set a precedent for what is to come! With the collaboration of numerous artists – Massachussetts-based lyricist Tone, and punk-ska band Danny Pease and the Regulators – you get a face full of Honeycomb cereal and and earful of bass and beatbox!
In the last year, Honeycomb has been popping up across many stages and house parties in New England. With his love for all styles of music, he reactivates the dying artform that is beatboxing to provide a high-energy experience guaranteed to bring the beat out of you! He’ll have you dancing and jumping around, just as he does on stage! Everything is all from his mouth, just as his influences Rahzell, Skiller and Reeps One! You WON’T be disappointed by anything this guy does!
APEL
| | |
When you blast an instrumental beat, you can immerse yourself in a rich environment that consumes the mind, body, and spirit. Beats evoke movement and emotion while representing culture and style.
I launched Apel Beats to experiment inside the world of beatmaking. Originally inspired by all styles of beats, I have settled comfortably between downtempo boom bats and electro dance. I use a hybrid production technique which utilizes my guitar playing along with Ableton programming to blur the lines between live playing and digital manipulation. I am excited to be pushing the limits of computer-aided music production.
The most recent of my projects, The Stuff Stasher, showcases the Apel Beats signature sound. My other three projects chart my progress over the last 6 years as a producer and guitarist. All of my projects can be heard and downloaded for free at www.apelbeats.bandcamp.com.
On December 21st 2012, I kicked off the Apel Beats live show at my friend Phil Reese’s apocalypse party. Many thanks to everybody who helped make it a positive and energetic debut performance! Stay tuned for additional gigs in 2013!!!
DJ ICCULUS
| | | |
Icculus has been Dj’ing for more than a decade. Not just your average DJ… Icculus integrates scratching and live saxophone overdubbing into his live performances making sure there is never a dull moment during the musical journey he takes you on!
His love for all music styles shines bright with sets containing breaks, dubstep, ghetto funk, electro, glitch hop, along with rock, reggae and rap.
We can’t wait to see him at Rock n Roll Resort v4!
Check out this genre bending bass set with sounds and remixes by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Sublime, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Kool & the Gang, The Beatles, along with Pretty Lights, Z-Trip, the Nextmen, Funkanomics, Minnesota complete with scratching saxophone overdubbing performed by Icculus himself!
F.A.M.
| | | |
F.A.M. is a unique hip-hop group that was formed in July 2011 and consists of four core, diverse group members; Chi Cerdas, J Glov, Lano A.K.A. DC, and C’Naz. As time progressed, a few more members joined the roster. El’Z The Real MC was the first to join after being Chi Cerdas’ left-hand man in making music. Next to be recruited was Chris Cus. Cus started to put in work with the F.A.M., and due to his dedication to hip-hop culture, he was recruited as an official member of the group. D Lew is the next F.A.M. member to rise in ranks. Even though he’s always been there from the jump, he has recently taken a role in the family. Also part of the equation are our Turntablists, Dj Mr. E and Dj Johny Blaise. Our engineers and producers, Jamie “Little” English(CEO of Dirty Burg Productions) and Joe Limber(a.k.a. JayOh Music) have been a big part of making this happen. Last, but definitely not least, their manager Patrick Cochran, who has guided them through this journey with his incredible amount of knowledge, wisdom, and creative attributes. Each member comes from a different path in life and bring a unique style of lyrics and delivery to every track they create. Their history together as friends does not go back far. However, their bond together is deep and the message they portray is even deeper. The name F.A.M. is an acronym for “From Another Mother”. Their name symbolizes a deeper meaning than letting people know they are close like family and “brothers ‘From Another Mother’.” It is also a symbolic reminder to people that we are all family, even if we are “From Another Mother.” The family bond that they possess is just one of the many messages that they are trying to pass on to the world.
Each member uses a piece of their government name because they have no alter egos; what they pour out onto their tracks is their lives and their views of the world we live in today. The views and stories that they depict through their lyrics are their positive way of expressing these harsh realities that average people experience daily. Their message is to encourage people to question events and issues that are going on both in their own lives and throughout the world…to question why, and never be satisfied with just hearing it from someone else’s mouth. Even F.A.M.’s. research issues and events that allow you to have an opinion and speak your mind. The tools are out there for people to educate themselves because our best defense against problems we face is knowledge! If average people don’t educate themselves, stand up, and unite, we may never see better days….
DJ NOMADIC
|
Nomadic started out by loving the music he plays. Going to hometown shows and other concerts realizing how much he loves the music and scene that comes with it. The good vibes began to flow when he started using ableton creating mixes and mashups of that deep heavy bass with the apc40. As time progressed it just grew as a hobby and a passion of playing music for the people in the crowd. And now he is here for a second time at rock n roll resort. Let the music flow through your mind as it never seems to stop with smoothe mixes and heavy vibrations that will please the crowd beyond the stage.
CRAIG GREENBERG BAND
| | | |
Craig has been called this generation’s “troubadour piano man” (Jambands.com, Jan 2011), combining the pop sensibilities and greatly skilled musicianship of Billy Joel and Ben Folds, with the lyrical smarts of Randy Newman. His voice brims with soul and personality, coming from his strong native New Yorker identity, and also from his experience getting his start while living abroad, performing in the bars and on the streets of Chile and Spain from 2002 to 2004. Since his return to NY, Craig has been a mainstay on the downtown and Brooklyn music scene, and as well has toured around the US and abroad.
Craig’s songs, in content and feel, run the gamut from light-hearted and tongue and cheek, to quite dark and edgy. It’s his range as a songwriter that sets him apart.
In November of 2007, Craig co-produced and released his debut EP, entitled The World and Back, and in August of 2010 released the follow up, entitled Spinning In Time.
JORDAN SIMMS
| | |
Jordan Simms’ music career truly started when he played the whistle on the Wu-Tang track “Soul in the Hole”. Recording his first album with Quick Leroy in 1998, he then moved with the group to San Francisco. Coming back to New Jersey, he attended the Institute of Audio Research. He played on the “Donathon Live in Brooklyn” DVD, and also played all the keys on the band Myrtle Ave’s CD. In 2005, he joined The Breadbox Band while they were touring heavily on the jamband scene. The Breadbox Band recorded their first self titled album. Their track, “N,” was used in the EA games Sims in Season 2, along side Government Mule, moe., and The String Cheese Incident. Shortly after, The Breadbox Band took a hiatus. Simms then formed Roy Hobbs Agenda in May of 08, who were named jambands.com New Groove in July, 2008. In 2009, he helped produce the young female group, Bloom, worked alongside Hakim Bell from Kool and the Gang, as well as recorded all of the keyboards on both Rollie Pollie Guacamole children’s albums. In June of 2010, he joined the nationally-touring band, the Juggling Suns. In 2011, he formed DOS with Brandon Karp. You can catch Jordan in 2013 playing with Mother’s Wine, and solo. Simms is extremely humbled to have shared stages with many incredible musicians and such acts as Keller Williams, Perpetual Groove, The NRPS, Col. Bruce Hampton & Codetalkers, Steve Kimock, Assembly of Dust, Ryan Montbleau, and many, many more.
SCOOTER DUDE
|
Scooter Dude is a mind bending psychedelic funk rock fusion jam band that began being manifested into the physical world from the astral planes of existence when Robert Huetter began growing a beard.. shortly after the beard established itself as a dominant high energy conductor sending currents of inspirational vibrations straight from the core of funky town. when using the right instruments Scooter Dude harnesses that energy emancipating it from limitations of the human mind and distributes it amongst all 3rd dimensional beings for a state of undeniable euphoria.
EGGY
| | |
Eggy is an exciting four piece high-energy rock band from New Haven, CT that has devoted their efforts towards captivating live shows. Eggy is the melting pot of funk, progressive rock, Americana and R&B elements. Since their founding in early 2013 the band has written numerous original works and continues to engage fans with both composed and improvised material.
EATURAURA
| | |
Since their start in 2009, EatUrAura’s core has been improvisation. The trio clocked countless hours jamming into uncharted territory with no road map, no rules, just focusing on the chemistry between the players. As they progressed and grew together, they honed in on the collective state of mind where creativity flows freely. Harnessing this power has lead them to a world of music with no boundaries.
HYPENCRÜNK
| | | |
Emerging from the holy karsts of East Tennessee, Hypenkrünk’s members united in 2012 from various veins in and around El Deth Records in order to create a fresh feast for your aural palette. Extracting ore from their musical cores, four friends have forged their diverse sonic explorations together into an eccentric and electrically charged weapon of RAP. DJ Fuq Yoo Infinity (beats, samples), Nasty N8 (synth), and D Mobile (guitar, synth) combine elements of acid house, industrial, dub, g-funk, trance, Miami bass, and at times, classic country. The resulting soundscape shapes the wordplay of MC Realtree (lyrics, vocals), whose musings tie rhymes together like cherry stems in the mouth of your girl getting her drinks bought at the bar by an erotic novelist. Hypenkrünk is currently touring to support their debut album, “Lords of Rap, Volume I: Just da Tip”, released on El Deth Records in 2014.
ARTISTS AT LARGE
JEN DURKIN
| | |
Jen Durkin has attained her dreams and then some. After attending Berklee Music College she plunged head long into the New York City music scene as receptionist for S.O.B’s world music venue. She attended over 300 shows in the two years she lived in the city until 1996 when Deep Banana Blackout was formed.
Fast tracking the high profile gigs in VT, Boston, Philly and DC as well packing out clubs like the Wetlands in in NYC in 99, & NYE 2000 in their home turf.
Bernie Worrell and the WOO WARRIORS and changed her life forever. Ready for a new project, Jen took a leap into the unknown and joined the Wizard of Woo for 2 years.
Jen joined the Bomb Squad for 5 years and they were voted “best new music” by internet vote, won an American Music Award and the chance to perform on the show after Metallica in 2003.
Just when she thought the touring should settle down, Mickey Hart’s management called with an offer to do 30 days on the road with the Rhythm Devils Bill Kreutzmann Mike Gordon and Steve Kimock.
Jen’s unique vocal abilities have attracted opportunities from the diverse world of the jam band to the Masters of Funk. “I love drums and playing hand percussion, to me it’s all about the rhythm…” Jen most recent opportunity to join with the masters was in the Mickey Hart Band, when George Porter Jr. joined with Walfredo Reyes Jr. and Kyle Hollingsworth 2008.
2011 Jen is back with new music, vocal lessons on skype, E book autobiography of her music career and sneak peak video of the Festival documentary filmed by Jen’s production company www.lotussoundworks.com
REBECCA JEAN SMITH
| | |
Rebecca Jean Smith has landed and placed her bags in Boston, MA. Her latest album, Ode to the Ghost Rose, can been heard as a collection of shadowy tales. Some people call it “Americana voodoo”, others take to “Tonky funk”, but there is no doubt that her music is nothing short of trial by fire.
Ode to the Ghost Rose follows a successful debut record, Roundabout, which revolved around stories of love and loss. Oliver Wood, of The Wood Brothers, co-produced and brought his personal touch to the project with his extraordinary guitar talents. Other special guests included Karl Denson on sax, Ron Johnson on bass, David Blackmon on fiddle and Matt Bivens on accordion. Folk artist and drummer Yonrico Scott, of the Derek Trucks Band, created the album’s artwork.
Ode to The Ghost Rose marks a departure from Roundabout’s pleasantries into a down & dirty truth-telling from a traditional folklore vain. The string of stories includes vignettes of hypocrisy, hidden agendas, secrets, trust and betrayal.
The Ode, an experimental collection of inter-related tales, springs from a work in progress/concept album named The Story of the Ghost Rose- Exploring impulse, desire, and madness.
Tales are always a nice ride. Enjoy.
BOBBY PALTAUF
| | | |
At the age of 14-years-old, Bobby Paltauf has already played with some of the most notable musicians the industry has to offer such as Buddy Guy, Ivan Neviile’s Dumpstaphunk, The Meter Men (Leo Nocentelli, George Porter, Jr, Zigaboo Modeliste w/Page McConnell), The Revivalists, DJ Logic, Twiddle, America, Kung Fu, Deep Banana Blackout, Jen Durkin, Andrew Gromiller, Anders Osborne, Stanton Moore, Papa Mali, Rob Mercurio, John Medeski, Lucky Peterson, Joe Tatton (New Mastersounds) and the Fundimensionals.