Rock n Roll Resort v3: Tiny Rager performance lineup includes performances by:

SOULIVE (2 nights) • CHALI 2NA & THE HOUSE OF VIBE
RYAN MONTBLEAU BAND • KUNG FU

Pimps of Joytime • Alan Evans Trio • Nigel Hall Band • Ghosts of Jupiter
Nephrok! Allstars • Dub Apocalypse • Jeff Bujak • Ultraviolet Hippopotamus
Akashic Record • Leroy Justice • Goosepimp Orchestra • lespecial • ORANGE TELEVISION
FiKus • Viral Sound • Cosmic Dust Bunnies • Higher Organix • Normal Instruments
Mr. Breakdown • Arclite • Ryan Hommel Trio • Nardy Boy • Lucid • Primate Fiasco
Danny Pease and The Regulators (DPR) • Turbine • Fungus Amungus • The Kind Buds
Frank Viele • Mother’s Wine • Digital $torm • Newton Crosby • Tony Lee Thomas
The Edd • The Hornitz • COSMAL • Digital Dharma • Vasudo • Mad Satta • Serotheft
Shwizz • Gridline Base Band • Capital Zen • MUN • The Raft • Honeycomb • EatUrAura
DJ Icculus • DJ Jiggawompz • DJ Joey Fedz • DJ Highlife • DJ Vinyal Child
DJ Nomad • C-Sample • Barefoot Panther

Many artists will take the stage multiple times throughout the weekend, and more artists to confirm soon!

SOULIVE (2 nights)

Soulive has never made any bones about what they do best; it’s right there in their name. Since forming in 1999, the trio of guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Alan Evans and keyboardist Neal Evans has carried the torch for the soul-jazz organ trio—that venerable, funky institution pioneered by the likes of Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff and Groove Holmes in the late ’60s. Rest assured, when the Evans brothers first brought Kraz by their Woodstock studio, there was plenty of old vinyl spread out on the floor.

In their 13 years together, Soulive has followed the muse in the direction of hip-hop, R&B, blues and rock, collaborating with the likes of Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews, Talib Kweli, John Scofield, Derek Trucks, Maceo Parker, Susan Tedeschi, Robert Randolph, Joshua Redman, Kenny Garrett, Fred Wesley, The Roots, Ivan Neville and so many others, even going so far as to record a full album of covers by The Beatles (Rubber Soulive). But, no matter how they push the limits of the organ trio, they always come back to their bread and butter: blistering solos and grooves that don’t quit.

CHALI 2NA & THE HOUSE OF VIBE

MC. Musician. Actor. Painter. Renaissance Man.

Chali 2na has done it all. From his days growing up on the hardscrabble streets of Chicago’s south side, to his subsequent explosion onto Los Angeles’ burgeoning hip-hop scene, to his tenure as MC for seminal hip-hop group Jurassic 5, Chali epitomizes the portrait of a 21st century artist.

To be sure, with his unmistakable, beloved baritone, Chali has firmly established himself as one of the most distinctive, charismatic personalities not just in hip-hop, but music in general.

Only a select few can say they’ve rocked microphones in front of thousands at a sold-out arena in Tokyo with Jurassic 5, spit rhymes at Lollapalooza, painted professional caliber oil color paintings in their California home and lent their distinctive bass-heavy voice, to such mega-brands as Coca Cola and Sega Dreamcast.

Now, buoyed by the wide spectrum of socio-cultural and geographical influences that have shaped him—hip-hop’s Renaissance man released his first solo album Fish Outta Water on Decon Records in the spring of 2009.

Indeed, this deeply personal body of work reveals a side of the long time Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli front man that his fans have never seen, a story from start to finish of his life, loves, triumphs and let downs, weaving in a powerful selection of beats from the likes of Scott Storch and Jake 1 and memorable appearances from Damian “Jr. Gong” and Stephen Marley, Anthony Hamilton, Beanie Man and others.

RYAN MONTBLEAU BAND

At 34, he’s a late-bloomer who’s right on time. Montbleau didn’t start singing and playing guitar in earnest until he was in college, at Villanova. Later, working at the House of Blues in Boston, he began playing solo sets there as a warmup act. His band — there’s now six of them — came together naturally, over time, planting his roots in coffeeshops, folk venues and rock clubs before converting audiences on an outdoor festival circuit that now stretches across the country. Through word of mouth and repeat visits, the band has built a devoted following from the Northeast to Chicago, Seattle and Austin. “It’s like watching the grass grow,” says the easygoing Montbleau.

KUNG FU

Through discipline, practice & study KUNG FU has sought excellence in the art of improvised dance music. Schooled by the masters, The Headhunters, Weather Report, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Frank Zappa, the quintet of masterfully seasoned musicians blends electro-jazz-funk with an EDM informed danceability at the highest level of skill & inspiration nightly. The resulting “NU-SION” is “captivating”, “explosive”, “jaw-dropping” and “musically mesmerizing. Prepare yourselves for a devastating, LETHAL FUNK to be rained down on you by a BAD-ASS BLACK-BELT BACKBEAT. For the uninitiated, the experience is typically shocking yet the focus is simple: ENTER THE DRAGON!

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 60’s and 70’s. Playing consistently in the Northeast over the last 7 years, their floor shakin’ live show continues to thrill capacity crowds night after night.

Akashic Record is lead by organist Beau Sasser (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 including Johnny Trama, Timo Shanko, Louis Cato, Darby Wolf, Jeff Lockhart, and Ken Clark. Morphing into a quintet lineup in 2004, the group solidified with Tom Arey on drums, Mike Tucker on tenor sax and Jason Yost on guitar. This line-up recorded their debut release “”New Days Ahead”” and began to spread to funk throughout the Northeast.

ALAN EVANS TRIO

Co-founder, writer and drummer of Soulive for over 15 years, Alan Evans proudly presents his newest creation the Alan Evans Trio; an inspiring and fresh organ trio lineup. Enlisting the support of good friends and talented players Danny Mayer on guitar (On the Spot Trio), and Beau Sasser (Melvin Sparks, Akashic Record) the trio’s sound proves hard driving and groovin’ with dark funky rhythms and blues lick solos. Alan Evans Trio opens a window into another side – an emotional introspection, as dark as it is powerful. Their passionate progressions emanate an electrified, smoky, 70s-era CTI Records zeitgeist.

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, DJ’s and bands. The duo spent many years developing specific tastes in various genres of dance music, specifically french and electro 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’s MMA.

CAPITAL ZEN

So, what does this Capital Zen have to offer, you ask? According to Garret K. Woodward of theRFW.com, they’ll serve you “Whiplash transitions. Kick-you-in-the-crotch percussion. Cat-scratch guitar riffs. Swampy bass hooks. It’s all there. The ideal recipe for a progressive jam stew.”

Hot on the heels of the release of their latest studio effort, Fancy Balloon Animals (trust me, it’s fancy), CZ have hit the road with their MPU, and they’re not gonna take it slow. Their ever-growing current draws you closer to awe – they’ll fly you to the top of the mountain and float you over waterfalls. It’s no sweat for these cats! They will even reveal to you the colors of the future. Most importantly, they’ll make you feel icky all over.

COSMAL

Cosmal is a one man LIVE music performance involving the layering and looping of several different instruments, progressive build ups, 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! Performances always feature Live Painter Ali Laz.

Conscious Minded music for Conscious Minded people—-ranging from World and Trance to Fusion and Rock. This is a completely live act people, not a DJ set! Good Vibes required, Shirts and Shoes optional!

COSMIC DUST BUNNIES

Cosmic Dust Bunnies began their interstellar journey in 2006. Originally coming together for the purpose of improvisational exploration, they slowly 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 song writing and began fine-tuning their live performances. These ever-evolving live performances have lead to sellouts at some of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York’s most well respected venues. In addition to their electronic 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 bass chops and Eric Hyland’s precise timing on the acoustic and electric drums. In addition, Matt Dempsey rips smooth and tasteful guitar licks while Chris Sellas blends in keys/synthesizers to complete their truly unique sound. After a short hiatus in 2009 CDB has returned to the stage with incredible new 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 2 years.

DANNY PEASE AND THE REGULATORS (DPR)

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. Even being described as “A veritable army of energetic rockers… DPR blends ska, reggae, rock and hip-hop into a whirlwind of whoop-ass…” – The Valley Advocate

DIGITAL DHARMA

Based out of Albany, NY, Digital Dharma is a balance between structure and improvisation. An eclectic mix of live instruments and electronic soundscapes that brings an organic groove to the dance floor. Focused on being the life of the party, Digital Dharma promises to tantalize and stimulate the senses.

The Dharma boys have performed at over a dozen music festivals since their start in 2011. dD has also shared the stage with acts such as: BioDiesel, Break Science ft. Chali 2na, Cinnamon Chasers/ABAKUS, Jimkata, FiKus, MUN, Consider the Source, Higher Organix, Dopapod, The Indobox, Jeff Bujak, Timbre Coup, Formula 5, Cosmic Dust Bunnies, The Alchemystics, Cyborg Trio, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Cosmal, Third Nature, SOLARiS, Newton Crosby, and more!

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 set up in a high traffic area at one of the original festivals that they went to, 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.

With the new set up, 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 nights 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!

DUB APOCALYPSE

High flyin experimental dub featuring members of John Brown’s Body, G Love, Morphine and a host of other Boston madmen. Led by drummer Tommy Benedetti (John Browns Body) and Johnny Trama (Ghosts of Jupiter) on guitar, Dub Apocalypse is an all-star combination of Boston’s best musicians. Playing an impressive array of original dub reggae instrumentals, with wild improvisation and Benedetti’s dirty break beats, this band never disappoints. Johnny Trama has been a staple in the areas music scenes for years, and his emotional blues driven guitar licks can send you soaring to the stratosphere.

THE EDD

The Edd is a group of four musicians based out of Burlington, VT. Over the past four years they been bringing some of the most unique “electronic space rock” to the Northeast, sharing the stage with acts such as Papadosio, Dopapod, and Consider the Source. Their music is a combination of highly improvised sections, exploration of sound and extremely tight, often complexly structured, original songs. In crafting their music, they demonstrate mastery of unusual sounds, scales and time signatures giving them a distinct sound in the “jamband” scene. The result is nothing short of spectacular weird music that captures and moves audiences of all preferences. Live Shows are always high energy, a guaranteed good time and the best way to truly experience The Edd!

FiKus

FiKus is a synthesis of analog and digital sounds that combines progressive melodies with infectious grooves, electronic beats, and edgy vocals to form their own signature style of music…something they refer to as ‘Electro Funk-Rock’.

It is the fusion of each of the members’ influences along with the collaborative song-writing process that creates such an interesting sound, but it is the sheer passion and enjoyment from the music itself that creates the unforgettable experience of the live show. Within the past three years, FiKus has used the momentum of the live performances to turn themselves into one of the most exciting up and coming bands on the scene, taking their show all along the east coast and growing exponentially.

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/songwriters 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.

A self-professed terrible driver, cartoon lover and blue-collar entrepreneur, Frank’s musical roots started in his hometown of Milford, Connecticut. His passion for music developed as early as the age of three, when Frank was imitating songs on his Grandmother’s piano that he heard on the television. As much about variety as versatility, Frank enjoys everything from Miami Dolphins Football to Salvador Dali’s Melting Clock paintings. He still reads Shakespeare and Greek Mythologies but would never miss an episode of The Simpsons. Frank’s wide array of musical influences include Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia and Jimi Hendrix. In fact, Frank says the opening track on the Band of Gypsies Record changed his life. More modern inspirations include Dave Matthews, Ryan Adams and Ben Harper.

This spectrum of interests mixed with a great sense of humor and an introspective take on music, sports, food, art and life, defines a renaissance man in the truest sense of the word.

FUNGUS AMUNGUS

The soulful sounds of Fungus Amungus have been spreading like wildfire throughout the jam/funk scene in the northeast. These seven funky brothers hail from Providence, RI, where they have been dropping the funk since the summer of 2002. From performing at festivals such as Camp Creek and Wormtown’s Garden of Eden to sharing the stage with the likes of Max Creek, the Spin Doctors, the Violent Femmes and the Bomb Squad, Fungus Amungus has been setting the pace for live music in southern New England. For two consecutive years, Fungus Amungus was selected “Best Jam Band” in New England by the Providence Phoenix. Also, in 2005, the Fungus was selected to be a finalist in WBRU’s annual RockHunt. Their sound is an eclectic mix of funk, soul, reggae, groove and a hint of Irish whiskey. In the winter of 2004, their first full-length CD was introduced to the public: “All Banged Up”. Since that time, the band has been mastering the art of the live show, with one highlight being a 7-hour performance at Wormtown’s StrangeCreek festival. With a hunger for bringing up the live music scene in New England, Fungus Amungus intends to stick around and throw down some dirty funk for years to come.

GHOSTS OF JUPITER

While their name suggests specters from light years away, Ghosts of Jupiter are actually cosmically switched-on earthlings with a gift for rock with wide-reaching implications. There’s heft to this Boston-based quintet, who draw inspiration from the muscular, freewheeling hard rock of the 60s/70s and meld it to the serious crush of contemporaries like The Raconteurs, The Black Keys, and Rival Sons. While many have used Cream, Hendrix and their gifted peers as a springboard, Ghosts of Jupiter create music that’s alive in a way that echoes the vibrancy of their ancestors. Put on their self-titled debut to hear a band who believes in rock’s power to explore and rejuvenate; a colorful, tough and tight ride into the outer reaches of the mind.

GOOSEPIMP ORCHESTRA

Goosepimp Orchestra is an 8 piece psychedelic latin/funk dance party. Driving elements from all over the musical spectrum into an unrelenting cosmic force, Goosepimp’s live performances have garnered them a reputation for stirring crowds into a dancing frenzy. Smothered with high energy and seasoned with a carefully crafted balance of experimentation and groove, their grassroots mentality has been captivating a devout and growing fanbase, packing venues just to get their fix of the Goose.

The first footprints of Goosepimp’s musical journey can be traced back to the turn of the millennium, when childhood friends Mike Cantor and Bob Greel stumbled upon a chemistry that culminated their admiration for elements of various dimensions. The two met bassist Dave Pelletier, who’s bottom end backbone developed ideas into all night jam sessions. Through Dave, came his brother Adam, providing steady rhythm on guitar. After recruiting Josh Filgate on Trombone, Jon Albertelly on Trumpet, and Seth Bailin on Saxophone, the band’s presence was screaming with a sharp horn section. By adding Cantor’s hometown friend Joe Calabrese on the drums, a complete line-up was set in place to catapult Cantor and Greel’s original chemistry into the 21st century.

GRIDLINE BASE BAND

Gridline Base Band is a 6 piece psychedelic funk band, the most recent project of Zach Cohen (Guitar/Vocals), Daniel Kottmann (Guitar/Vocals), Andrew Yanchynshyn (Bass/Vocals), Robbie Elder (Drums), Rachel Kroft (Vocals) and Dan Cohn (Auxiliary Percussion). Based in the New York Metropolitan area, this infectious groove has snaked its way around the upper East Coast, touring extensively.

Gridline got their start in May of 2012 on a college campus in Westchester, NY. Upon meeting each other, Andrew Yanchyshyn and Dan Kottmann, both Studio Production Majors, along with Zach Cohen, a Classical Guitar Major, became fast friends and ignited sparks that would spread like wild fire all the way to Syracuse, NY. This would become the “true” birth place for the group, where one late night jam featuring a drummer from Berklee College of Music, Robbie Elder, would solidify this groove’s core. As time progressed, Gridline found their “icing on the cake” in Rachel Kroft, a Liberal Studies Major, and Dan Cohn, yet another Studio Production Major from SUNY Purchase College. Together, Gridline Base Band is an unstoppable force that quickly moves closer and closer to becoming one heck of a live phenomenon.

HIGHER ORGANIX

HiGHER ORGANiX is a power trio hailing from The Shire (Berkshire County, MA). They play an undefinable style that mixes dance rhythms, and electronic experimentation with a jam-rock sensibility and willingness to take it to new places every time. Higher Oragnix’ repertoire includes anything from house, dub, rock, breaks, DnB, ambient, and everywhere in between, Higher Organix does not plan their sets. They completely improvise, sometimes retouching on old themes, or quoting some of their favorite songs in a Dj esque manner. No matter what, you have to see it to believe it. Having already shared the stage with OTT, Marco Benevento, Sub Swara, Psylab, the Breakfast, the Brew and more…. They might be twisting your mind in the near future

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 artists; most notably George Clinton, Guster, and State Radio. In 2008, The Hornitz began producing original music as a duo using Human Beatbox, Tenor Saxophone, Bass Trombone, Keyboard, and organ. Both members utilize live-looping equipment to create large soundscapes for their high energy performances. A Hornitz show is one of the most dynamic and expansive spectacles ever produced by two people.

JEFF BUJAK

Massachusetts based performance duo ‘Bujak’ is Jeff Bujak (on the keys) and Jen Dulong (on the LED hula-hoop). Jeff Bujak is a solo experimental/progressive music producer from Massachusetts who creates instrumental songs centered around classical composition, progressive rock and dance music that dives deep in the waters of complex live electronica. Jen Dulong performs on stage alongside Jeff with an LED hula-hoop providing beautiful lighting and movement with a visual depth to solo musician. Bujak is carving a new path in the live-music scene one show at a time. It’s something different. More info at bujaklive.com.

THE KIND BUDS

The Northeast’s premiere acoustic jam duo, The Kind Buds, entertain their audiences with inspiring covers & incendiary originals, trading fiery-sweet licks on a roller coaster of tension & release. A truly acoustic act, Bud and Budd perform raucous, intuitive, wide-open jams with stunning guitar interplay. Tight vocal harmonies compliment and complete their sound. No effects of any kind are used in live performances.

LEROY JUSTICE

The guitar-driven grooves and powerhouse rhythm section of Leroy Justice recall the majestic Led Zeppelin – but it is in their dynamic live performance that this band truly comes to life. “We let the music go where it takes us,” says lead singer and songwriter Jason Gallagher.

Gallagher’s soulful songs speak to both the mind and heart, and he delivers with brutal honesty. The band takes his cue and performs with a camaraderie and expressiveness that goes unmatched.

The result is a living, breathing soundscape, surging and shrinking between song and sprawling jam, leaving everyone in the room, including the band, unsure of where things will go. “We have a strong connection,” says Gallagher, “where we can play off each other, listen to each other and know where we’re going without talking about it. It creates an intense emotional situation.”

lespecial

Known for their musical versatility and the primal energy of their live show, lespecial has earned prime slots on concerts and festivals in the US and abroad and gained attention for hosting their annual music & arts potluck festival, lespectacle. The three piece aggressive dance trio is characterized by their tight live sets ridden with raucous improv and sheer variety, an unyielding rhythmic backbone, dirty 4-string raunch thump, glitched samples and synth womp.

LUCID

Lucid was born in a small Adirondack town called Plattsburgh: a place every band should be so lucky to call home. The locals there love live music, and give it their unrelenting support, while several colleges in the area provide a constant stream of new listeners eager to participate in the party. The town is flooded with musicians in one of the tightest and largest (per capita) music scenes in any city in America. On a given Friday night one can walk out of a bar where pulsing mambo beats drive the audience from their seats, into another where a frenzied crowd thrashes to raging death metal, into another where a cover band plays 80s favorites, and likely you will be followed by one or more of these musicians as they hop from band to band to play with their friends for a song or two. It is in this diverse and supportive environment that Lucid grew into adulthood.

MAD SATTA

Mad Satta is a rapidly rising Soul/R&B group comprised of some of the tri-state areas most promising young musicians. Founded by vocalist Joanna Teters and up-and-coming bass player, Ben Carr in 2010; Mad Satta is an 8 piece band that combines the sounds of old school soul music with hip-hop, rock, and jazz to create an original sound that has been turning heads since its inception.

Joanna Teters, a student at Berklee College of Music, is a brilliant vocal stylist with roots in jazz, blues, reggae and pop music. She has been selected as a featured soloist with the incredible “Rhythm of the Universe” project, and has performed extensively in Boston, New York, and Puerto Rico. She is joined by bass player and principle composer for the group, Ben Carr, keyboardist Kevin Theodore (Ever Forthright, Soul Understated), standout Connecticut guitarist Ted Morcaldi, and drummer Zane West. In June of 2012 Mad Satta added a funky horn section that features Collin Wade (alto, soprano sax), Jason Fitch (tenor sax) and Eric Zeiser (trumpet). Having already appeared at venues such as The Bitter End, 92 Y Tribeca, Café 939, The Bowery Electric and The Falcon, this band is destined for a bright future.

MOTHER’S WINE

Mother’s Wine has become an unstoppable force! The band expanded their sound to include elements of elements of funk, jazz, bluegrass, electronica, reggae, psychedelia, and soul in their live shows and they aren’t afraid to do a blind tasting of improvisation. Don’t let that fool you. This isn’t your typical mindless-jamming; What separates this band from the rest of the pack is that Mother’s Wine writes Great Songs.

Described by the Moon itself as an audial interpretation of Jackson Pollock splattering the energies of Isis and Dionysus into a synesthetic mandala animated by the rhythms of ancient wisdom, Mother’s Wine is an explosion of excellence, that combines exceptional melodies with pestilential feeling.

MR. BREAKDOWN

Mr. Breakdown throws dance parties. The band plays pop-funk…a unique style of funk, reggae, and soul steeped in the grooves of James Brown, Tower of Power, Bob Marley and Fela Kuti. Their tight pocket sets the groove, while catchy vocals and inventive horn arrangements give the songs their distinctive pop sound.

Based in Nyack, NY, the main songwriters and rhythm section have been creating music together for over 10 years. They are Mike Kemmlein (Guitar, lead vocals), Joe “”Mamma”” Carpentieri (Drums, vocals) and Dave Reiss (Bass, vocals). After years of playing funk in many incarnations, they honed their sound and formed Mr. Breakdown in 2008.

MUN

MUN is a quartet of versatile musicians based out of Brooklyn, NYC. Starting out as an all-improv outfit playing the New York underground warehouse circuit and summer festivals across the northeast, MUN has evolved their dancey electronic sound into a psychedelic pallet of jazz, rock, funk, and drum n bass. With their willingness to consistently develop their craft, MUN brings a quality experience to listeners at every show.

NARDY BOY

Nardy Boy is one crazy-ass mash up of funk, 2nd line, blues and jazz motifs and deeply soulful singing. Led by New Orleans’ own Renard Boissiere, the band swings to a variety of grooves planned and impromptu, and his vocals are often punctuated by an eclectic set of scat and vocal efx. Nardy Boy shows often feature guest musicians who stop by and sit in as the band drops the cool vibe, flowing from old-time tunes in a hip-hop style and elevating 2nd line struts from the streets of Treme, all setting the stage for highly danceable, extended jams.

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.

NEWTON CROSBY

Newton Crosby makes it a point to keep the music at high energy and the crowd dancing throughout the show. With Alonzo Sisco on drums and new addition Billy Vegas on bass, together they gel in unison creating perfect conditions for improvisation. Stephen “Squigs” Minutillo and Chris Cartelli, guitars, keys and vocals, elevate the band’s sound by trading off of each other’s leads and directing the set’s musical exploration. Eric ‘Eroc’ Mitchell rounds out the line-up, bringing his great piano stylings and unique brand of synth sounds to the music. Climactic peaking jams backed by breakbeats and thumping basslines, Newton Crosby is sure to get the crowd and dance party going.

NIGEL HALL BAND

Nigel Hall is an honest, humble guardian of soul music. When asked about himself, Nigel reflects, “I’m just someone who lives, eats, drinks music.” This ethic becomes clear when Nigel takes the stage. A mainstay on the Portland, ME scene, Nigel has recently toured with the funk powerhouse Lettuce. His energetic vocals add yet another layer of sonic depth and energy to the all star cast. Nigel is also an established keyboardist, currently working in the studio with Chapter 2, featuring Eric Krasno, Adam Deitch, Louis Kato, and Chris Loftlin.

NORMAL INSTRUMENTS

Normal Instruments is the brainchild of Mike Carter, guitarist and singer from the Boston-based band, The Indobox, featuring a cast of excellent musicians and friends from other bands around New England; Jules Jenssen on drums from Higher Organix, Matt Beckett on bass from Cosmic Dust Bunnies… and Jeff Bujak on keys. 100% improvised, each night on stage, this band melds instrumental music from countless genres into a mesmerizing performance and dance-party. They rarely get to play and every show is totally unique so don’t miss any opportunity to see them!

ORANGE TELEVISION

Based out of Northampton, ‘OTV,’ as their fans call them, is a four-piece whose sound can be most simply described as rock n’ roll.

Their recent EP, entitled “Extended Play,” spans the genre’s sonic landscape from loud to soft, ambient to progressive, and psychedelia to back-home style rock.

Hypnotic and soulful, their live show “has a darker, experimental aspect that goes deeper, and serves to give their performance a milky, intellectual aesthetic blended with a sweet, and often frightening amalgam of flavors.”

THE PIMPS OF JOYTIME

Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, the Pimps of Joytime are paving their own unique path in the world. What do you do when there isn’t a phrase to describe your sound? You coin a new one of course! Janxta Funk, as Brian J describes it ” is a style that is part gangsta, part janky.” Janxta Funk ranges from Latin inspired rhythms to deep funky grooves and hot dance beats laced with soulful melody and harmonies. Those who have experienced a Pimps show agree that you have to see the band live to truly understand their unique combination of musical elements, including afrobeat, rock, hip-hop and electronica. The exponential growth of the band’s fan base is attributed to their artful blend of musical styles framed by bandleader Brian J’s classic songwriting along with the band’s undeniable swagger on stage. Their live synergy consistently inspires dance parties wherever the band appears!

THE PRIMATE FIASCO

The Primate Fiasco uses the instrumentation of a New Orleans street band (Sousaphone, banjo, brass, woodwinds, drums, etc) but plays music that you wouldn’t expect. They can keep a dance party pumpin’ on a sidewalk or from a stage. High energy arrangements and improvisation mix with fascinating lyrics and curveball cover decisions. From their Grammy nominated kids album to their cult following of Hippies and Hipsters to their gray haired jazz lovers, the Fiasco scene is open to all demographics. Whether you see them on stage or parading through a festival campground, you’ll be smiling and moving your feet.

The Fiasco fan base covers a spectrum from hippies and ravers to children and politicians. It’s hard to answer the question, “who is your audience?”, though they can say with ease, “whoever you are, welcome to our show.”

THE RAFT

The Raft is a six-piece rock/funk/reggae (groove-core) band from Westfield, Massachusetts. Formed in the Winter of 2009, The Raft works hard to create original music with roots in R&B, Rock and Roll, Reggae, Jazz and Funk. Using the motto “music first”, The Raft is looking to increase their fan base by playing new venues and putting on performances to remember.

“Generally, the band is very articulate about their goals and ability. Their motto is ‘Music first,’ and from the effort they put into song construction, this motto seems to be working for them. ‘We’re trying to make good music for people to dance to,’ Jimmy says, plainly. This they can accomplish easily, and even the challenge they’ve put on themselves to produce interesting instrumentation, pushing them to work together doesn’t seem too hard for them.”
Angelica Music

RYAN HOMMEL TRIO

While most kids were playing cops and robbers, Ryan Hommel was playing Elvis. Now 24, while most of his peers are just graduating college and attempting to find their footing in the workforce, Hommel is already a touring veteran and multi-faceted producer. Coming into his own now, as front-man for his own trio, Ryan Hommel is going back to his roots. All of them. Bridging the gaps between early Rock’n’Roll and Soul, Jazz and R&B; Ryan Hommel Trio gives a high-energy show including a dizzying mixture of original and interpreted music both new and old. Ryan Hommel Trio is: Ryan Hommel (Seth Glier, The Sweetback Sisters) – guitar, vocal; Darby Wolf (Bomb Squad, Rubblebucket Orchestra) – organ; Ted Sullivan – drums.

SEROTHEFT

The band began to hone their skills and sound as live performers at St. Mike’s Turtle Underground, as well as a constant string of house parties. During this time they explored many sounds and textures, creating new variations on the foundation of an already blossoming sound. What has come out has left audiences across the North Country dancing and itching for more of their incessant grooves. The music that the band produces has earned them praise as high-energy, improvisational, with a unique sound that keeps the masses dancing.

Since their true inception in beginning of 2011, Serotheft has been hard at work building their repertoire and song catalog. 2011 has found the band taking their sound on the road, with shows as far as New York City and Boston, as well as numerous appearances at Burlington’s world famous Nectar’s. Serotheft has shared the stage with: Jimkata, Bernie Worrell, Turbine, jeff Bujak, & tons more.

ShwizZ

ShwizZ is a unique cast of extraordinary characters grooving hard out of the Northeast. This large original sound is best described as a melting pot of progressive rock and funkadelic jazz. With an extensive taste for the epic, ShwizZ puts on a memorable show, and never the same one twice.

The group has been fortunate to perform with acts such as Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Particle, Dopapod, Jimkata, FiKus, Kung Fu, Consider The Source, Turkuaz, DrFameus, Sam Kininger Band, MazMyth, Mr. Breakdown and many ore . The band has also performed at such venus as The Chance Theater, Tammany Hall in Worcester, Mexicali Live, Webster Hall, Sullivan Hall, The Bitter End, Station 171, OnTheGround Barn, and more.

2012 was another leap forward. The groups following has gotten stronger, and new grounds have been toured. The summer brought the band to MazFest Music Festival and epic returns to Catskill Chill Music Festival, The Boogie, and Hulavom. The Bitter End Residency in NYC is still going strong. Too many notable shows to even mention, but a lot of great friends have been made.

TONY LEE THOMAS BAND

Imagine the energetic strumming of Richie Havens and the intricate finger work of Bert Jansch. Add a vocal style that summons Stevie Wonder and Martin Sexton. Then take a songwriting vocabulary as poignant as Ani DiFranco, playful as John Prine, and add commanding stage presence.

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 and has gained a deep understanding of vocal harmony. Tony began guitar at seven years old, double bass at age 10, furthering his understanding of instrumentation and song composition. TLT’s wealth of performance experience lends him the ability to connect with audiences spanning a multi-faceted scope: from intimate and poignant solo performances to momentous full-blown commanding vamps with his rock band, the Tony Lee Thomas Band.

TURBINE

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.

ULTRAVIOLET HIPPOPOTAMUS

Ultraviolet Hippopotamus is an explosive five-piece progressive improvisational band with a rapidly growing fan base across the U.S. and, more recently, Europe. Described as “brightening the future of the jam band scene,” Ultraviolet Hippopotamus mixes tight, funky jams with new dance beats, heartfelt lyrics, compelling composition, eccentric effects and a vibrant light show for an incredible, one-of-a-kind musical experience. Known for its on-stage musical alchemy – cultivated from years of relentless touring – the band performs an eclectic selection of technically demanding compositions and improvised material along with unconventional and fun covers.

The group deftly journeys between funk, jazz, livetronica, space rock, reggae, bluegrass, and progressive rock within a single show and, sometimes, within a single song. Exploring new ground and taking risks make every performance unique, and fans are never sure what exactly the band will deliver each night; other than exceptional music.

VASUDO

VASUDO is a live five piece band from Connecticut comprised of Rick Mitarotonda (Guitar), Matt Campbell (Keyboards), Trevor Weeks (Bass), Chris Reid (Percussion) and Sean Preece (Drums). After growing up in the same area their love of music naturally brought them together separately in various different projects. Then after school, Rick and Matt actively set out to form a band, Trevor and Chris were the obvious choices and together with Will Thresher (Manager) they hit the live music scene fast, backing up Tubby Love on his southern release tour only a few months after forming. With what could be described as a passionate creative drive, Vasudo took the scene by storm and in a short span of time established a loving fan base and a buzz around the East. In October Vasudo had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Bill Payne of Little Feat and with the addition of Sean Preece, also a CT native, on drums they plan to continue their accelerated climb.

VIRAL SOUND

Viral Sound is a five-piece elektro-funk project based out of Providence, RI. Using jam fusion, Viral Sound combines an organic fresh blend of live elektronica, dirty get-down funk, jamming rock and roll, reggae and jazz during each and every show. Uniting a distinct attentiveness to sound and a feverish desire to explore every facet of musical territory, each live performance becomes an intoxicating auditory thrill that spreads like a virus. Ariel Moore’s organic bass lines and lead vocals, Charley Zahringer’s freakish guitar licks and tasteful backup vocals, and Jordan Giangreco’s trans-dimensional synthesizers/keys and powerful vocals, combine with the synergistic rhythm of Dan Rourke(drums/epad) and Chris Ottaviano(percussion) to captivate and enchant audiences worldwide. Each member’s musical approach is unique and eclectic, drawing from varied musical backgrounds and interests. During Viral Sound’s live performances the members display a telepathic way of communicating with each other and the crowd to generate an explosively mind-bending musical experience. This is one virus that can’t be contained…