CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
2011 EVENT SCHEDULE

2011 ARTISTS (A to Z)

Adam Ezra
AEG is a dynamic roots/rock band whose unique diversity of folk, pop and acoustic rock sound, perfectly combines Ezra's passion for smart well written lyrics and the bands amazing musicianship. Bringing their sound together with full, rich, complex, and hook laden melodies, the band ignites the stage with a power that has been compared to that of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. 

The Adam Ezra Group (AEG) is not just a band, they are a force to be reckoned with musically, personally and socially. Selling records and tickets is important to AEG, but they are committed to changing the world with their songs and their actions along the way. Ezra and his band are activists and community leaders as much as they are musicians and songwriters. Ezra has spent time living out of a van, farming in Canada, volunteering for the relief effort in Kosovo, and practicing environmental geography in South Africa. Whether as a kitchen hand or carpenter, teacher, athlete, or traveler, Ezra crams it all into the music, always challenging our perspective and often teetering somewhere between the ballsy rocker and sensitive poet. AEG currently contributes 25% of their touring to benefit causes in communities across the country and worldwide

Alchemystics
Rooted in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts, The Alchemystics fuse diverse individual styles, backgrounds, & experiences into a unique and uplifting sound embracing reggae, hip hop, soul, and dub. Thoughtfully crafted songs carry positive messages as compelling as the rhythms that drive them; crowds respond instinctively & enthusiastically.

Formed as a trio in 2003, the Alchemystics achieved their current lineup in 2006. The band's popularity grew in step with the release in 2006 of their first album, and their acclaimed EP and live record in 2008. Whether forging fresh tracks in the studio, or in the crucible of live performance, the Alchemystics continue to captivate growing audiences, gathering fans in their wake.

The Alchemystics and its members shared the stage with music luminaries such as Stephen Marley, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Clipse, Beat Science, Damian Marley, Sister Carol, Dennis Brown, Busta Rhymes, Yellow Man, Burning Spear, Gil Scott Heron, Culture, Steel Pulse, Angelique Kidjo, Mighty Sparrow, The Brazilian Girls, Israel Vibration, Common Market, King Sunny Ade, Bonnie Raitt, and Taj Mahal.


Banooba
Banooba, is a groove/rock band from New York City. Their musical style is somewhere between rock, funk, jazz, jam-band, and reggae, and people's description of the music varies depending on who you ask. Banooba has been compared to bands such as: Blind Melon; The Allman Brothers Band; Galactic; Pearl Jam; Umphrey's Mcgee; Men at Work; The Average White Band;Sublime; Incubus and Steely Dan. Again, it depends on who you ask...

In addition to releasing a great album, Banooba's Travels (Vu Du Records), Banooba has managed to blow away audiences with their highly energetic live performances. The band is known for playing impressive live sets guaranteed to get you in the partying groove. Dan Brown of Good Times Magazine wrote, "These guys groove like it's their last day on earth, with irresistible songs and wicked musicianship."

Barika Ensemble
"Barika" is deep groove music, inspired by the sounds from the wassoulou region of mali.A mesmerizing blend of highly danceable poly rhythmic grooves mixed with ethereal dub scape. The ensemble consists of drums (Caleb Bronze), Bass,(Jp Candelier) Keys (Andric Severence) ,Kamel N'goni (Craig Myers),Trumpet (Dave Purcell, Trombone(Gordon Clark) Tenor Sax(Deva Racusin) as well as many guest artists at every show... The Kamel N'Goni comes from the wasoulou region of Mali. a pentatonic harp which creates hypnotic melodies,combined with deep intricate polyrhythms sure to please all!

Billy Kean
& The Misdemeanor Outlaws
Billy Keane and The Misdemeanor Outlaws are a group of passionate musicians playing a varied collection of original tunes ranging stylistically from folk and country to indie alt-rock and reggae. Based in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, Billy Keane leads the group with his powerful singing and poetic songwriting. His backing band, The Misdemeanor Outlaws, provide a solid backdrop for Billy's storytelling.

Bow Thayer
Bow Thayer is an accomplished and prolific songwriter who cultivates influences from the worlds of rock, blues, folk, prog, bluegrass and everything and anything in between to produce music that is heartfelt and original.
We're a group of friends who've got a love for music that just won't let us be. Our paths have crossed and re-crossed for years or only just recently. We have played with some of the finest musicians you've never heard of and even call some of them friends. We've been around enough to know we only want to play what we like, what's fun, what sounds good to us. Hope that works for you too.

Depth Quartet
There arose a want, or perhaps a need that fate would instill in four seasoned musicians. While each had had many respective successes in their careers, the need remained for something more. The need was for a playground a place where they could each be the gifted child like musician, just as the day they were born, while being free to play with any musical idea. So while one may want to try to understand DQ by learning of the musicians past ventures, or try to categorize DQ into labeled musical genres what remains to be gotten of this band is their spontaneity and abandon of the rules. So, we hope youll come and listen to sounds of the playground. It is unique. Thank You.

Dietrich Strause
& Laurence Scudder
The songs are beautiful and moving. His subjects and sincere, stripped-down delivery call up all of the modern legends of song craft—Jeff Tweedy, Ryan Adams, and Jim James—and the sentiments linger for days, the ashtray always nearby." – Jeff Wallace, My Secret Boston

Dirigo
Strangefolk veterans Erik Glockler and Luke Patchen Montgomery have teamed up with Maine's resident guitar hero Stevie Jones, Drum-Goddess Ginger Cote. The result is Dirigo, a folk/alt-country/jam band that harmonizes shreds and journeys effortlessly from audacious to formidable. While their sound is influenced by artists from Johnny Cash to Led Zeppelin, they maintain an individuality that has been satisfying, gratifying, and delighting audiences all over New England. They sustain a rock-solid fan base, one that may be rooted within the Strangefolk Community but has extended beyond that to one they have been establishing thru their most recent gigs as Dirigo. Many are looking for a Strangefolk fix, and Dirigo attracts a similar fan base with their Alt-Country Jam aesthetic.

Dog Star Blue
Mixing exciting covers & funky originals, Dog Star Blue creates a rhythm inspired voyage for its listeners. A perfect combination of stunning guitar improvisation and composition, the four piece deliver tight vocal harmonies with velvety tones that are signature to their sound.

Domino Theory
Drawing heavily from old-school rock and gritty funk, Domino Theory fuses many styles together, including jazz, blues, reggae and freak-out to form a genre bending, progressively original sound. Fully embracing the freedoms afforded of a "power trio", DT combines intricately composed passages with explosive improvs and explorations resulting in a powerful musical exchange of ideas and energy. Fans and first timers alike are quickly drawn into live performances where the high-energy atmosphere feeds both band and audience alike, producing an experience greater than the sum of its parts. With over a decade of experience playing together, founding members Alan Lucas (bass, keys, lead vocals) and Ward Woolverton (guitars, vocals) share an instantly recognizable chemistry with Brad Greene (drums, vocals) allowing for creative song writing and fearless live performances.


Dopapod
Thumping up from basement parties in Boston, to bumping the sounds systems of major venues all across the east coast, Dopapod has been steadily growing as a musical tour-de-force for 3 years. Dopapod's debut album, "Radar" has received critical acclaim from national publications such as Performer Magazine, calling Dopapod's members "incredibly talented musicians", and that the band has "set the bar respectfully high for their first full length recording". Dopapod has shared the stage with many great bands and musicians such as Sam Kininger (Soulive, Lettuce), Lotus, Brothers Past, Biodeisel (Johnny Rabb) Dave Grippo (Phish, Trey Anastasio) Timo Shanko (G-Love n Special Sauce) Dana Colley (Morphine) Mr. Rourke (Club D'elf) and more. The summer of 2010 has had several festival appearances including Camp Bisco 9, Strange Creek, Liberate, The Big Up, Muddy River Jam Fest, Tweed River Music Festival, Mountain Jam, Weekend Off, and Headyfest. Dopapod has big plans for 2010, including a new album, and more east coast tours in the works. They are also in the process of moving to Brooklyn! As of now, Dopapod is preparing lots of new music in 'The Fort', somewhere in Pennsylvania.


Ellis Ashbrook
Ellis Ashbrook generates ferocious sounds and swarming vibrations. Swim in a psychedelic pool of aquatic delays. Be moved by a band that has rocked audiences all over the Northeast. Their songwriting reverberates beauty and heaviness with respect for the Funk and love of unique grooves. These players and singers have the prowess, technique, and tenacity to play original music that transcends trend.

Exter vs Kimock
Trevor Exter and John Kimock have a unique chemistry as musicians, providing hard-hitting yet tender music that wrings the depth of drums and cello.

Sounding at once modern and tribal, they take over with a driving groove and passionate lyrics. At their shows people often say that it sounds like a full band, even though there are just two of them. They don't use loops, but sometimes they do. Mostly they just floor it.

Catch them on tour. They have performed with members of Morphine, Wayne Krantz, Steve Kimock and many others and are on their way to your town...

Flipper Dave
Flipper Dave is Brett Connors on guitar and vocals, Glen Nelson on keyboards and vocals, Mike Sherman on bass guitar, and Steve Battistoni on drums. Hailing from New Hartford CT, and founded by Brett Connors in 1994, Flipper Dave has been performing original jam rock from Maine to Colorado. Inspired by the likes of Jerry Garcia, The Allmans, and Max Creek, they have released three CDs, "Flipper Dave", "Too Cold", the classic "Something Simple", the Jägermeister-sponsored live collection "Ransom Notes", and several national Jägermeister CDs. Through the years, Flipper Dave's Connecticut-based following has remained large and loyal. The band members have explored other musical directions (Shortness, Spaghetti Cake) but the musical heart of Flipper Dave has never stopped beating. These veteran artists and extremely close friends describe their music as "road of life rock", playing blisteringly high-energy sets infused with catchy choruses, infectious grooves, astounding musical pyrotechnics, and hooky alt-country anthems about drinking, debauchery, loneliness, loss, love, road trips, and oh yeah, your first minibike. Flipper Dave is more than just a band; they're a family. Brett's music is more than just an ideal; it's a way of life.

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. ..

Goosepimp Orchestra
Goosepimp Orchestra is an 8 piece psychedlic 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.

In the three years that the current ensemble has been playing together, they have established their presence in and around their home of Boston, made numerous festival appearances throughout the Northeast, and maintained a steady gigging regiment up and down the East coast. Fueled by their trademark ability to morph themselves through the boundless realms of the sonic stratosphere, the development of the original concept has transcended into a sound that is danceable, funky, tight, and above all, in tune with their surrounding community.

Gypsy Tailwind
A soulful Americana act even more mobile than their name might imply, Gypsy Tailwind, led by Daniel Connor (vocals, guitar) and Anna Lombard (vocals, guitar), has taken the Northeast by storm. After forming in early 2008, GT quickly rose to the level of guaranteed sellout headliner in Portland (like 600 capacity Port City Music Hall for the release of their sophomore album Grace, which also made its way onto Billboard's Heatseekers chart shortly after it hit the streets). Features in the Portland Press Herald, iTunes, Portland Magazine, Aimeestreet.com, Amazon.com, and the coveted Portland Phoenix cover spread the word fast, leading to well received opening slots for Ray Lamontagne, John Fogerty, Rusted Root, and Guster in 2009 alone. The band is currently gearing up to release their third record "Decades and Days" in June '10, followed by a festival and club run that will last into the fall. In a matter of only three years, Gypsy Tailwind has gained a strong local and regional following, and are talented and passionate enough artists to reach out to their niche fans in markets across the country. As they prepare to release their next album, Decades and Days, you can expect to see their authentic yet contemporary style of Americana to come through your neck of the woods very soon.


Jeff Bujak
Jeff Bujak is a Northampton, MA based keyboardist/producer/composer who has designed a new style of intelligent dance music (IDM). His musical style dives deep into the waters of complex electronica as he carves a fresh path in the live-music scene one performance at a time. If you ask a Jeff Bujak fan to describe his music, a blank face followed by a smile or an adjective such as 'dirty' or 'epic' would prove to be common trial answers. His music falls into a large pool of electronica dance genres, lands on one and leaps to the next while he wails away on his keyboards to create something truly moving, smart and original.

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


Marion Grace
The band is a family of musicians with a core group of players that write and shape the material. The idea behind Marion Grace is to be real, be steady, be human… "we are who we are". They have been quoted many times saying, "it's an amazing feeling to share music with the world, whether it be in a small cafe in Portland, Maine or on a large New York City stage

Max Creek
Purveyors of a Genre and a Way of Life, Max Creek Celebrates Their Fortieth! They Made It Through the Seventies, and They're Still Going.

Max Creek is a living, breathing historical study in a hugely significant yet too-oft overlooked American subculture: the jam band. Later this month, Max Creek celebrates their fortieth anniversary with a small East Coast tour, hitting intimate venues in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York City.

McLovins
The McLovins, comprised of the Connecticut music prodigies Jake Huffman, Jeff Howard, and Jason Ott. The McLovins are a progressive jam, improvisational rock band that has produced two original albums, improvises extensively on their own songs, and also covers a wide array of newer and older tunes including those from bands like Phish, Rush, Grateful Dead, The Doors, Sugarhill Gang, The Meters, and more. "In a genre of music that normally requires a good three years of 100+ shows and slow burn word of mouth publicity, the McLovins appear to be the first band in the jam scene to actually blow up." (Hidden Track) "Seriously, a psychedelic concept album from a group a teenagers. Color me impressed." (Jamtopia) "…. as I entered the building [Revolution Hall] the music sounded good, extraordinarily so, but as I inched nearer the performers on stage seemed well...for lack of a better word... young?" (JamGoods) Come see the band Elmore Magazine just named in the top 11 Artists to Watch in 2011! "The good ears at Elmore have taken a hard listen to and hard look at 11 artists we think will break through a barrier in 2011… The McLovins!!"

Nate Wilson Group
Nate Wilson's first true effort as a bandleader represents a new point of arrival and re-invention for the New Hampshire based singer-songwriter/keyboardist. Originally formed for a weekly residency at the legendary Stone Church near the University of New Hampshire, the Nate Wilson Group solidified its sound in 2007 with the release of their first studio EP, featuring original tracks "For the Sun," "Justify," and "Unbound."

Gathering much of their inspiration from the riff-heavy psychedelic hard-rock of the 60's and 70's, the Group has drawn comparisons to 1st generation luminaries Led Zeppelin and Cream, as well as neo-classic and stoner rock contemporaries Wolfmother, The Black Keys, Dead Meadow, and The Raconteurs.

In the brief time since their inception, the group has divided its time equally between the stage and the studio. They continue to write and tour, expanding their fanbase throughout the Northeast while promoting their debut album, Unbound.

Paranoid Social Club
Paranoid Social Club is the bastard brainchild of Dave Gutter and Jon Roods of the Rustic Overtones. Hailing from Portland, ME the band has received international accolades for it's high energy style. Equally inspired by punk, soul, psychedelic rock, and the human psyche; PSC is a musical movement like no other. Picture Jimi Hendrix smashing a keyboard or The Clash backing Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival. The fervor of their incendiary live show has propelled them to that of cult status. Paranoid Social Club has managed to create one of a kind anthems using sarcasm and beauty, two things that rarely coincide.

Paranoid's debut Axis ll, spawned the hit "Wasted" which was featured as the theme for Broken Lizard's cult classic film Beerfest, as well as being the soundtrack to every college party in America. Their follow up double LP Axis lll & l featured the single "Two Girls" and was remixed and released on EMI's ON Entertainment record label. "Two Girls" was used in HBO's series Entourage and Cathouse and birthed a house remix album produced by club dj's ; Invisible Kid, Powder, and Butterface and Clinch. "Two Girls" quickly became PSC's biggest international hit, as it landed them on countless radio stations most requested list.

Rev Tor
The Rev Tor Band was formed in western Massachusetts by front man Tor Krautter in 1996. Since it's conception, the band has evolved into a power house on the east coast club and festival circuit, performing in venues from Maine to Key West Florida. In their native New England, the band keeps a heavy touring schedule enthusiastically supported by a large following of dedicated fans.

The groups members are an eclectic crew of experienced professionals. Members of RTB have worked with the likes of The Band, Little Feat, Bill Monroe, Pete Seager and Arlo Guthrie. Together they have shared the stage with members of The Grateful Dead, Phish, The Allman Brothers, and New Riders Of The Purple Sage. They have performed at festivals and concerts with The Jerry Garcia Band, Los Lobos, The Funky Meters, Leftover Salmon, String Cheese Incident, Max Creek, Derrick Trucks Band and tour regularly with Grateful Dead keyboardist Tom Constanten. They where even asked to back up legendary blues man and Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee, Johnny Johnson for a few shows on his 1999 tour.

The Rev Tor Band's large original repertoire feature funky, bass oriented rhythms and foot stomping percussion. Bouncy guitar lines pull the whole groove together and creates an entrancing state that makes ones body want to move. Soulful melodies are immediately memorable. Even the bands cover tunes have a distinctly "Torricized" feel and include B-side tunes from The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers and others.

The Band has 6 releases with Smellydog Records. "In Search Of Ecstasy", "Whatever It Takes", "2000 Lives", "Jamazon" (featuring guest appearances by: Max Creek's Mark Mercier, Grateful Dead's Tom Constanten, Banjo Master Gordon Stone & NRPS steel guitarist Buddy Cage), Live & Off The Beat-n-Track" and the chart topping "Mystic Wolf" (featuring guest appearances by: The Allman Brothers Jaimeo, Max Creek's Mark Mercier & Scott Murawski, Deep Banana Blackout's Fuzz & Banjo/Pedal Steel Master Gordon Stone). All are excellent examples of their dedication and meticulous approach to the quality of the music

Ron Noyes Band
Ron Noyes has been called "One of the best American Songwriters...'' (Radio Italy). With world-wide radio play, the Ron Noyes Band is described as emotive, unique, and timely. Their blend of roots rock, funk, singer-songwriter, and soul creates a sound that is touted in 12 countries. RNB fuses intricate melodies, meaningful lyrics, tight grooves, and intense instrumentation. Since 2002, The Ron Noyes Band has rapidly grown into one of the New England's most highly acclaimed and talked about acts. After the debut album "Mosaic" landed them on the European Americana chart, the band began touring relentlessly, garnering an ever-expanding fan base. Not slowing down, RNB then entered the studio to record their 2004 follow-up "Something Else," earning airplay both in the U.S. and internationally as well as at home . This release then landed at 8 in Jam Magazine's list of the Top 100 Albums to come out of New England in the last decade The band has now released "Come Hell or High Water," to rave reviews. Tracks from this record can be heard on 95 stations across the country. The band has been picked up by Powderfinger Promotions (311, India Arie, Columbia Records) and is in the midst of their first national commercial campaign.

Rustic Overtones
Rustic Overtones formed in Portland, ME, hometown to each of them. Members of this seven-piece outfit are guitarist and lead vocalist Dave Gutter, drummer Tony McNaboe, trombonist Dave Noyes, baritone saxophonist Jason Ward, bassist Jon Roods, alto saxophonist Ryan Zoidis, and Spencer Albee on keyboards and piano. Roods and Gutter began performing together first, in a family basement. They later added the rest of the group, all friends from high school, and became what is Rustic Overtones. Local gigs earned them a fan base that expanded as the band began to travel, appearing at close to 200 shows some years.

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

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

To that song-centric end, the sextet hooked up with one of Montbleau's personal heroes, acclaimed singer/songwriter Martin Sexton. "I used to dream about getting to meet Martin Sexton," says Ryan, "and now we're getting hired as his backing band and he's producing our record." Following an acoustic tour that Sexton and Montbleau did together as solo performers, Sexton hired the entire group to back him this spring and summer on a tour that included a run of shows opening stadium gigs for the Dave Matthews Band. While they were rehearsing, Martin heard some of Ryan's latest demos and immediately stuck his hand up, volunteering to produce the band's next record. They started and finished recording it in two weeks, right before going out on Sexton's tour. "Martin Sexton may not be a household name, but to me and so many others, he's a legend," Montbleau says. "But one thing he made clear from the start was that he didn't want his fingerprints to be on this record. He wanted us to just play and be us."

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

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

Sauce
SAUCE hails from providence, Rhode Island and features the serious vocal talents of Chelsy Lau, winner of The Providence Phoenix's 2009 " Best Female Vocalist" award. The band draws from a concentrated mix of American, Latin, and Jamaican roots music, resulting in high-energy blend of funk, soul and blues. Sauce's sound is utterly danceable, but also textured. With grooves you can't refuse, catchy hooks, and powerful vocals, this band is guaranteed to get the party started.


Shake Down
"Shakedown is New England's Dead Tribute Band. 20+ years in action and going strong!

Sly Chi
Sly-Chi [chee], from Portland, Maine, defies your standard musical genres. It takes more than a word to describe their style. There's funk, soul, a little R&B – all with an underlying jazz edge. Throw in the classic rock and you're pleasantly confused. This unique combination – along with the sheer size of the band – creates an unmistakable energy


The Brew
Boston's The Brew has blossomed into one of the Northeast's finest improvisational rock groups over the past few years. With three CDs already recorded, the quartet has now released Electric Opera, a concert DVD recorded at Portsmouth Music Hall. The high-definition cameras provide rich, crisp footage while the matrix audio recording boasts a loud, clear sound. Highlights include the upbeat, piano laced melody of "Chance Reaching," the more progressive rocker "Slipping Through The City"—which features eloquent vocals and blazing, wailing guitar solos—and the gorgeous yet heartbreaking dirge "Poison Stone." Electric Opera brings the concert experience of this young but well fermented band home and offers a grand introduction for those not yet familiar to this frothy, progressive rock quartet.


The Indobox
From Boston, MA and roots in Northeast PA, The Indobox is starting dance-parties everywhere they go, bringing something they call Dance-Rock... Guitarists Mike Carter and Joe Zarick fuse psychedelic rock guitars with dirty dance beats from Steve Learson's synths and Quinn Ferree's drums, all with catchy hooks to sing along to. And having played gigs with The New Deal and at Camp Bisco Festivals, you know every Indobox show will inevitably turn into a wild dance party.

The Lucid
The Lucid combines Dominic Lavoie's songwriting with the driving rhythm section of childhood bandmates Charles Gagne and Nate Cyr. Lately the former trio added Scott Mohler on guitar and keys, and Justin Wiley on keyboards.

The Mallett Brothers Band
The Mallett Brothers Band is a brand new alt country outfit grown out of the seedy underbelly of Northern New England's ripe and eclectic music scene. With one foot in the muckiest of American country/bluegrass/folk/mountain music and another on the pulse of today's postmodern musical sensibility, The Mallett Brothers Band has drawn its members from a true witches' brew of musical histories (including dabbles in punk rock, Americana, folk, funk, metal, hip hop and bluegrass), to create a truly dynamic sound consisting of two parts dreadnought acoustic, three parts soaring vocal harmonies, a touch of twang and howl, and a rhythm section made of steel and fire.

The Project
The Project is a mostly original jam band, encompassing elements of Rock, Funk, Folk, Bluegrass, Psychedelia and more! Tight jams, melodic melodies and heartfelt songwriting will take you on a journey of exciting variation. Calm retrospection will quickly make way for building sound to climaxes of soaring guitars and keyboards complimented with the driving tension and release created by the drums and bass.

This Way
From Portland, ME comes This Way, a five piece Americana collective cut from a rock mold and a dust bowl soul.

After over five years of performing and banging out anthematic rock 'n roll on the Portland music scene, This Way looked inward and pulled out the best and truest parts of their individual abilities. Though the raw energy and immediacy of the rock music on their first record "We Could All Make History" remained vital, the group began to focus on the folksier side. It came down to their roots.

From those sentiments came the establishment of This Way's current lineup of Jay Biddy, Dave Patterson, Anna Patterson and Charlie Sichterman, with the final piece of the puzzle being fiddle and mandolinist Andrew Martelle. In a stroke of luck for the band, Martelle just happened to be moving his family back up to Maine in the summer of 2010 after 10 years playing and teaching music in Nashville, TN.

Turbine
From Bonnaroo to the 10,000 Lakes Festival, Turbine has quickly gained a devoted audience who have come to expect the unexpected. Chosen by Relix Magazine as "Artists on the Verge", they can scratch like a DJ with their harmonicas, turn an electric guitar into a silver fiddle, and sing three-part harmonies over wild, high-energy sci-fi rock soundscapes.

Hailing from New York City, Turbine has graced the stage at almost every major festival across the country including Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, 10K Lakes, Gathering of the Vibes, and Telluride Nightgrass just to name a few. They have also been fortunate enough to perform with many influential bands including Del McCoury Band, Benevento-Russo Duo, and moe.

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

Zach Deputy
There is nothing out there like Zach Deputy. Truly a one-man band, he is a powerhouse of performance, technical chops, and one hell of a charismatic presence. Put simply, Zach Deputy does what is called live looping: layering sounds through the magic of technology to create a full band effect. He isn't the only performer out there doing this, but he has taken the technique to the next level. First and foremost, however, Zach Deputy is a songwriter, a shredding guitarist and a soulful singer with a 4+ octave vocal range.

He can also drop freestyle rhymes with the best of them. The Zach Deputy sound is essentially roots rock, but in his case the roots are in soul, calypso and dancehall, underpinned by driving hip-hop, rock steady, Motown and Stax backbeats created with his layered vocal beatboxing. On top of the backbeat, Zach Deputy's nylon strings pull multiple duties as bass, rhythm and lead guitar. Riding over that, a plethora of sounds– keyboard, steel drums and an entire horn section– come pumping and grinding out of the speakers when Zach takes the stage. He is a one man dance party, but he can also bring an audience to rapt attention with a heartfelt love ballad.