Dave Bryson

Dave's vibrant original music is infused with life and spirit. Born from the depths of the heart, Dave's spiritualized music radiates positive vibes. Dave writes in an original style which incorporates strong melodies and tight harmonic structure. Inspired lyrics and unexpected chord changes make Dave's songs brite and beautiful as he soars forward into the uncharted territory of spirit. Dave has a musical vision that recognizes the power of spirit and translates the unspoken language of the heart into ecstatic songs of hope, beauty and power.

 BuzzUniverse-

 An original eclectic blend of rock, jazz, latin & world grooves.  BuzzUniverse features smoking horns and a rock-solid rythm section. Since 2000, the band has been performing and tearing up clubs and large festivals throughout the northeast and has released two captivating studio albums.  Described by jambands.com as "addictive & hip-grinding," BuzzUniverse has enlightened loyal fans with brilliantly crafted songs, incredible vocal harmonies and ferocious live energy. Natives of Elizabeth New Jersey, BuzzUniverse aims to  spread their unique sound and positive vibe far and wide!

 www.myspace.com/buzzuniverse  

Damian Calcagne Band

Best known for his work as writer, vocalist and keyboardist with Swampadelica and guest keyboardist with From Good Homes, Damian Calcagne has recently branched out to form his self titled new alt roots unit.

Damian has performed with Swamp & FGH at national festivals, theatres & clubs such as
All Good Festival, Moe.down, The Wellmont Theatre, NJPAC, Crawfish Fest, Waterloo, The Wetlands & more.

His song Mighty High from Swampadelica's debut CD went to #2 on the Billboard Talent Radio Charts.
The CD was later licensed & used by MTV.
The song Ganesh enjoyed steady airplay on Sirius Satellite Radio's Jam On for nearly 3 years.
Ganesh was also voted into the top 50 songs to jam your iPod by Relix Magazine....
along with Muddy Waters, Ryan Adams, Frank Zappa, MMW, Dr. John, Coltrane, Marley and more.
view press here.
Damian recently appears on the DVD - Reunion, a film of the two sold out
From Good Homes shows from the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ.

Helping Damian out on his upcoming debut album are members of
Railroad Earth, Tim Carbone, Andy Goessling, FGH's Dan Myers,
Hazel Ketchum of Hungry Monks and Ian Smit of Monkeywork's.
The new album is set for release this fall. 

visit www.damiancalcagneband.com for songs, photos, videos, etc.

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 Capital Zen

Elastic Pyramid-

Conceived in Northern New Jersey, Elastic Pyramid consists of guitarist John, guitarist/vocalist Mark, drummer Brian, Keyboardist Joe and bassist Denise. Each member offers unique qualities, creating a distinct blend of integrity, versatility, and mainstream allure. Reflecting emotional turmoil within the confines of reality, they touch on politics, childhood bliss, and relationships. Their dynamic rhythm section provides the foundation for melodic guitars and signature vocals. Elastic Pyramid warps musical boundaries, fusing rock, jazz, folk, bluegrass, and punk. After extensive gigging throughout the spring and summer of ‘07, highlights included performing at The Bitter End and Crash Mansion in NYC followed by their debut release: “Live at The Bitter End.” In addition, John and Mark host an open mic from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at Tavern on the Rocks in Rockaway NJ. Also check out The Jungle Jazz Initiative and Pico DäDä on Myspace. http://www.myspace.com/thejunglejazzinitiative http://www.myspace.com/picodada, http://www.picodada.com/ http://www.tavernontherocks.com

www.myspace.com/elasticpyramid3

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The Heavy Pets

Jeff Lloyd: Lead Guitar |Vocals
Mike Garulli: Lead Guitar |Vocals
Jim Wuest: Keyboard | Vocals
Jamie Newitt: Drums| Vocals
Justin Carney: Bass | Vocals

The Heavy Pets (THP) are a
homegrown American band whose
contagious vibe blends rhythm and
blues, jazz-funk and reggae fusion with
rock and roll.

Called “a living, breathing, force of nature” by Relix, THP are known for powerhouse live
performances and catchy tunes. The group became an instant Sirius radio sensation in 2007
with the release of their double-disc debut album, Whale, driven by hit tracks “Operation of
Flight” and “Sleep.” First embraced by the jam scene for their raw talent, their cross-over
sound that is showcased on their self-titled album and was dubbed a “Top 10 Album of
2010” by The Huffington Post, propelled them into the periphery of mainstream music. Major
festival darlings, THP have taken the stage at Bonnaroo, High Sierra, Gathering of the Vibes,
moe.down, Langerado, Summercamp, All Good, Wakarusa, Bear Creek, Mountain Jam and
their namesake PetZoo. THP will release their third studio album and second effort with 102°
Records, Swim Out Past The Sun, featuring a three song sit-in by David Grisman on October
22nd. www.TheHeavyPets.com

Media Contact:
Brotherly Love Productions | Destiny Spang
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | 215.704.9554

Igor's Egg

Somewhere at the cross-space of rock anthems, epic science-fiction tales, funky dance grooves, mind-blowing improvisation, and orchestral melodies lives Igor's Egg. The various backgrounds of each member blend together to create truly memorable and original music.

After honing their sound in upstate New York for 2 years, Igor's Egg produced their first album, "The Ultimate Tuh", which tells the tale of a mediocre garage band's quest for greatness in Amaris, a world filled with monsters, mysterious beings, and adventures into outer space.

Igor's Egg is a 5-piece progressive, jam, funk, rock ensemble featuring electric violin, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, and vocals. Within only a few months of relocating, the band is blowing away crowds at established venues in Philadelphia and New York City. The live show is powerful and animated, painting pictures in sound and transporting you do another dimension.

“If the Egg’s live sound is any indication, their album, [The Ultimate Tuh], will blend their signature Pink Floyd orchestrations with souring space-jams and dinosaur guitars.”

-The Ithaca Journal

“Together, the group moves with a prog-rock level of synchronicity, like a flock of birds all on the same brown acid. Igor’s Egg possesses the tightness that can only come with knowing your craft inside and out and backwards, but also the playfulness and creativity that are so often burned out of people who study music intensely…Their bizarre and beautiful music seems to wrap itself around your brain stem.”

- Buzz Magazine

Excerpts from Musefest Magazine

"Their live show reminded me of the sophistication and flair of Frank Zappa's most extreme work, fused with the bounce and jam of bands like Phish, innovative and at the edge of reality. I went and saw them play at Castaways and experienced their performance in conjunction with an artistic indie film that never could be predicted. The band's show was wild, dramatic and impressive." -- Papa Muse

"The Egg's upcoming album, [The Ultimate Tuh], is just a taste of the epic science-fiction mythology that they incorporate into their music. Igor's Egg hopes to bring something new to the musical world. Their style will for better or worse, invoke strong emotions in the hearts and minds of their listeners.

Related Links:
www.myspace.com/igorseg

Impulse Ensemble (Tony Vacca- Derrik Jordan-Jim Matus)

Tony Vacca - balafon, gongs, percussion, spoken word

Tony Vacca is an innovative percussionist, composer, and producer. Over the course of his career, he has made a habit of pushing the already adventurous conventions of World Music into new territory, both as a soloist and as the leader of his World Rhythms Ensemble.

He has recorded and/or performed with a wide range of musicians. These include pop icon Sting, Senegalese Afro-pop star Baaba Maal, Jazz trumpeter and World Music legend Don Cherry, poet Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets, Senegalese Hip-Hop stars Gokh-bi System, and Massamba Diop, Senegalese master of the tama or talking drum. His solo performances are a nearly non-stop athletic spectacle of percussion music and spoken word, incorporating an amazing array of gongs, giant African xylophones and various hand drums. For more, see: www.tonyvacca.com

Derrik Jordan - electric violin, vocals, percussion

Derrik Jordan is an award-winning composer and singer-songwriter, a producer, multi-instrumentalist (electric violin, guitar, keyboard, vocals and percussion) and recording artist. He performs his songs solo as a singer-songwriter, instrumentally on the 5-string electric violin under the name SuperString Theory, and in many groups, including Tony Vacca and the World Rhythms Ensemble, Zabap!, Natural History, and Simba.

In his journey to further develop his craft he has traveled to Brazil, Trinidad, Ghana and Senegal. The Vermont Symphony Orchestra commissioned him to write a piece for their 2009 “Made In Vermont Fall Festival Tour,” which was performed in 10 venues around Vermont in the fall of 2009. For a sample of Derrik’s music just go to his web site at: http://www.derrikjordan.com/music.html

Jim Matus - laoutar, vocals

Jim Matus is the creator of the world fusion bands Paranoise and Mawwal, which have won him critical praise internationally and re-defined how East could meet West. He has worked live and in the studio with musicians Don Cherry, Percy Jones, Anthony Jackson, Soft Machine's Hugh Hopper, and Klezmatic's Alicia Svigals. He attended Berkeley College of Music, and studied with Pat Metheny and John Scofield. He has electrified and re-worked the Middle-Eastern lute into something all his own. Jim’s innovations are somehow simultaneously bold and unassuming; he’s created a sound you simply have to hear to believe. For more on Jim Matus go to: www.mawwalmusic.com

 

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Insigniya

 

 

 

   Transcending the boundaries of genre, Insigniya has been explosively breaking into the world of music since the band’s start in January 2009. Taking influence from a vast range of musicians, Insigniya has been breaking down barriers in creating original music that cannot be broken down as simply jazz, rock, or funk.

Insigniya is centered on the concept of channeling a special energy through an audience, creating within a feeling of freedom and self-empowerment. This energy is found at full force at shows and getting it recorded is the ultimate goal when the band is in the studio. With a constantly growing loyal fan base, Insigniya is attracting more people than ever to shows, which have a unique atmosphere full of high energy and happiness.

In their sophomore year, the group is playing such venues as The Middle East Downstairs and Club Church in Boston, Tammany Hall in Worcester, Club Industry in Providence and getting reviews from My Secret Boston and Progression Magainze. Insigniya recently came out with an EP this past January which is now on ITunes, Amazon, and Last.FM. The band is also getting consistent play on local college radio stations including 91.3 WXPL & 91.7 WMWM in addition to online radio such as Jango.

The group also has many big plans for the near future including releasing a full length album, for which recording has already started, as well as multiple festival appearances this summer at The Strawberry Jam Festival, StrangeCreek, Disc Jam, Camp Coldbrook, The Big Up, Liberate, Great Bay Music Festival, and Evolvefest.

 

Josh Olmstead Band

 

 

 

 

JOB comprises several seasoned performers with additional touring performance experience. Singer Natalie Butts has toured the United States and Germany, appearing at Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Chicago, as well as performed the music of Frank Zappa alongside Jon Anderson of Yes, with the Paul Green School of Rock. Josh Olmstead has toured England, Scotland, Germany and the Netherlands as the lead guitarist in B.C. Camplight (One Little Indian Records), and has performed as a solo artist in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and New York. Guitarist Joey Primavera has done extensive regional touring with several projects, including What Monsters, The Looks of It, and Grubby Little Hands. Drummer Matt Scarano has performed nationally with Pepi Ginsberg (Park the Van Records), touring as the opening band for Dr. Dog, and appearing in the highly regarded, live music web series Daytrotter Sessions, as well as performed Chris Brubeck's "Travels in Time for Three" with the Portland Orchestra and the Boston Pops.

 

 

Jounce-

 Jounce is an NYC-based band of psychedelic rock not unlike the Kings of Leon. With a haunting lead guitar and the unique vocal styling from all the members, Jounce blends funk, rock and go-go into a groovy blend.

Jounce shows are a full-body experience, felt as easily as they are heard. Songs spanning 15-plus minutes pump the band’s groove-infused blend of beat-heavy rock and electric soul and funk into a bouncing crowd.

Festival appearances include the 2007 Green Apple Music Fesival, the 2003 Berkshire Mountain Music Festival (with headliners the Flaming Lips, Medeski Martin & Wood, and STS9), The Great Bamboozle 2004 & 2005 (with headliners the Roots, Medeski Martin & Wood, and moe.), StrangeCreek 2005 (with headliners Strangefolk and Max Creek), headlining Hampshire College Halloween 2004 and successful shows at Syracuse University and Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Additionally Jounce has gigged with acts including the Benevento Russo Duo, Derek Trucks Band, Brothers Past, The Slip, Antibalas, ulu, Pnuma Trio, Lo Faber of God Street Wine, Addison Groove Project and Particle.

www.myspace.com/jounce  

Jungle Jazz Initiative-

JJI is a 3 piece Jamtronica ensemble hailing from North Jersey. Defying genres, the Initiative delivers a potent live experience that gets everyone grooving and moving towards the front of the stage. Keyboardist, Jo Biglin, was invited to study jazz with the legendary John Medeski of Medeski, Martin and Wood.  JJI's infectious grooves and mind-bending futuristic jams are reminiscent of MMW, STS9 and Squarepusher. This band must be experienced live, where experimental electronic improv is generated by the shouts and energy of their devoted fans- but be warned, it's a jungle out there.

www.myspace.com/thejunglejazzinitiative

Lucid

 Lucid careens across the musical spectrum as a V8 blend of genres emerge- from jazz to rock, honky-tonk blues to reggae.

Keyboardist Andy Deller looks forward to gracing the country with a healthy dose of Adirondack soul and passion.

“Our sound is catchy yet eclectic. The songs get stuck in your head, and there is a very distinct tone,” said Deller. “The influences and the styles we play are wide ranging. But always at the center of it all is a thick thread of rock tying everything together. Our music has a little something for everybody. Audiences all over are very appreciative, they’re always dancing.”

Roaming the nation on their graffiti-doused, Neal Cassady-esque psychedelic bus, "Lucy", the rock bandits roll joyously along, taking no prisoners, and always having fun.

“Living in a ski town, one constantly hears the adage, ‘if you like it now, you should have been here 10 years ago, before all these people showed up’,” said Garret K. Woodward (Roving Festival Writer/State of Mind Music Magazine). “The funny thing is, in 10 years, I'll probably be saying the same thing about Lucid and the unforgettable presence they create onstage and out of your speakers.”

www.myspace.com/rulucid  

Mike Lawlor Banned-

 Mike competed in Guitar Center's Guitarmegeddon guitar solo contest in 2000. He advanced thru all the stages taking 1st place every time- Totowa Store- North Jersey- State- Regional-you get the idea. So then they flew him out to Hollywood CA. for the finals and guess what? This Sussex County Native took 1st place once again, arguably making him the best guitar soloist in the united States of America! Don't dare miss this rare opportunity to hear him with his live band!

  www.myspace.com/michaellawlorband  

Mythology-

 Rinse, Repeat

This unique blend of natural entheogenic botanicals has been clinically proven to expand your consciousness and cleanse the epiphysis cerebri, leaving you feeling smooth, silky and refreshed. Strollo utlizes high frequency wailing to stimulate follicle growth, causing the hair to stand on end so that Tedro can calibrate the epipdidymal metabolome with low-frequency vibration. Paulo electronically reprograms the ribosome to improve keratin bond structure and overall resiliance toward environmental damage. Apply liberally to wet hair and massage into scalp. Rage out and remove skin from face. Rinse, Repeat. This unique daily shampoo adds body to fine hair—without stripping, build-up or static electricity. Formulated with peppermint to awaken your senses and rosemary to help protect from environmental damage. Its pure plant aroma naturally energizes and motivates your mind and body. 

www.myspace.com/rinserepeatband

 Scarecrow Collection

Built around the idea that songs come first, this compelling young band has earned the relentless admiration of music fans all over the Northeast. On stage, this five-piece ensemble brings an all-embracing musical experience, combining catchy rock melodies and lyrics with powerful exploratory improvisations that keep their loyal fans coming back for more. Their debut album, Hooked and Shattered is a potent mix of the rich lyrics and danceable grooves that has Relix magazine declaring them a band On the Verge. Rock n Roots music with a touch of Latin, jazz, funk, reggae and more SCC has something for everyone.

www.myspace.com/scarecrowcollection  

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Sidecar Agogo-

An eclectic of mix of latin influence with bluegrass hillbilly with a fierce fiddler' that will get you moving. I have seen some fiddle players back in the days of the Craftsbury old time fiddlers contests up
in Vermont, but this player could teach them a thing or two..."- Jamie, Peoples Records

Much like their hometown in NYC, Sidecar Agogo’s music is a melting pot of roots, Celtic, and world music. Formed in 2007, the group has been performing regularly (NYC- Rockwood Music Hall, Hank’s Saloon, Club Midway, Baggot Inn, Two Boots Brooklyn; Boston-Beehive) and most recently the Ripple Festival '08 in Brooklyn. The current lineup features Steve Uh (fiddle, guitar, keys, vocals) Pat Dalbey (bass) Jim Mullen (alto and tenor sax, keys) Vlad Gutkovich (drums) and Andreas (congas, percussion). Members of Sidecar Agogo have performed with such diverse notables as Paige McConnell (Phish), 10,000 Maniacs, Itzhak Perlman, Ray Barretto.

www.myspace.com/sidecaragogo

SisterMonk-

Gypsy funk, Arabesque trance, deep Latin grooves, and soulful vocal and instrumental performances create the uniquely powerful experience that is SisterMonk. SisterMonk's music probes provocative themes with mystical poetry and storms of rhythmic passion. Adventures on the road less traveled, through wilderness homesteading, zen meditation, tribal musical culture, raw food, and Tai Chi inspire SisterMonk's songs of epic beauty, mystery, and epiphany. 

www.myspace.com/sistermonk 

Spook Handy-

“a real troubadour in the style of Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs.” …. Jim Beckerman of the Bergen Record  

  “Spook Handy really understands how to write a good song that says something important.” ..... Pete Seeger 

"(Spook's) songs embody the same intellectual rattle and simple honesty that have characterized so much of (Pete) Seeger's career." ... Kim Ruehl - About.com 2007 

******** 
 

      Is it any wonder that Pete Seeger is singing one of Spook’s songs at festivals and concerts?  Spook's music tells the story of contemporary America through the people he's met, places he's been and experiences he has had traveling throughout this great nation.  He addresses personal, contemporary and spiritual issues through engaging and uplifting songs that come from both the giants of folk music and his own ample supply of original compositions.  The spirit of American folk music, its passion and sense of purpose, ring loud and clear in his concerts and its message seems more relevant today than ever. 

Beyond Folk … 

      But Spook’s music draws influences from so many diverse styles – blues, bluegrass, Appalachian and 60’s and 70’s pop – that it transcends being categorized as simply “folk.”  And while his concerts empower people to stand up for the values we all supposedly believe in – peace, justice, equality, good stewardship of the Earth and, of course, good citizenship – just as any good folk troubadour should - Spook’s greater achievement is the opening of people’s hearts.  He does this by listening to the audience as much as he would like them to listen to him. 

      Reverend LL DuBreuil of the Congregation Coffeehouse sums it up nicely when she says "You're in for a rollicking good time (at a Spook Handy concert).  His sing-a-longs and covers of popular songs appeal to a wide range of ages and musical tastes.  However, his original pieces are the highlight of the evening...  He speaks to the heart of what we are all about - being joyful and open about loving others."

Stephanie White and the NJ Philtharmonic-

 Stephanie White and Robbie LaFalce began collaborating upon her return from Hollywood placing as one of the top twenty one overall women on American Idol, season 5. "I'd always wanted to work with him- he had a ska band, "The Miasmics", that played locally and I would go see them and just be amazed with his style of playing and then I found out he wrote much of the material. He's brilliant." The first song they wrote together, "Tough Enough," is a reflection of Stephanie's experience on Idol. "When I came home everyone was apologetic about my return and questioning what I would d o next. I told them I would make my own music and play for whoever would listen- you know- the way they used to do it. I can handle the pressures of the industry, I'm tough enough.

 www.myspace.com/philthharmonic  

 Steve-

This band with the plain name of Steve is anything but plain. Hailing from Hightstown NJ, Steve is a fast rising experimental groove act among the regional jam-band community. Their energy is irresistible as they pull you into a funky vortex of mind-bending dance beats and entrancing grooves. Reminiscent of acts like Moe, The New Deal, The Disco Biscuits and STS9- Steve is great band that any dance junkie should keep their eyes on!

 www.myspace.com/stevetheband

Sunny D and the Purple Stuff-

 Deep within the vast cultural epicenter of New Jersey there is a humble town called Budd Lake, but what many don't know is that Budd Lake is the largest natural lake in New Jersey. It is from the shores of this great lake that the Sun man himself (Sunny D)  has found true funky enlightenment and his notably booty-shakin' style of turnin a show out like dry soil. Once he teamed up with the Purple Stuff (Lazy stuff, Brown stuff and Nuggety stuff) -it was no  joke. For real. Now its on.  With a purely funk-tional chemistry on stage, strong appreciation for all styles of music and a spontaneous and inventive approach to live music, they are redefining contemporary genres. Sunny D and his Purple Stuff are a true testament to the progression of modern funk, and will continue this pilgrimage moving toward total funky enlightenment. Funk it raw- funk it crunk

. http://www.myspace.com/sunnydandthepurplestufffunk

Swampadelica-

 .. Announcing Swampadelica's July 22nd, 2008 release date of their new album entitled S'AC PASSÉ?. Entitled in Haitian Kreyol, “S'ac Passe?” is a greeting meaning “What's going on?” to which the traditional response is “N'ap Boule!”, or, our fire is burning. As the title may suggest S'AC PASSÉ? finds the band blending lead vocalist's Nadïne LaFond's Haitian Kreyol with English and mixing instrumentation such as the American jazz & rock staples of Hammond B3 & electric guitar, with various world instruments. Guitarist/co-songwriter Brian Herkert notes “This album represents a sort of a musical reverse migration. It starts with the current sounds of rock and hip-hop, travels to the Gulf states with funk and early American blues, from there moves to the Caribbean with Haitian Kreyol and the rhythms of reggae and ska and finally ends up back in Africa via Nadine's African vocal styles and the use of instrumentation such as the hindehoo, udu and kalimba.” S'AC PASSÉ? is produced by Swampadelica and J. Kahrs and recorded at Trey Anastasio’s Vermont based studio, “The Barn” as well as the band members' home studios. Good things are happening all around for the band at the time of this release. Nadïne LaFond has recently been singing in the studio with Phish bassist Mike Gordon. Nadïne sang on moe.’s new album, “Sticks & Stones”, and recently sang with the band on tour (including an appearance on Mountain Stage with moe. and Ani DiFranco). With guests such as the legendary Bernie Worrell (P-Funk, Talking Heads keyboardist) and Railroad Earth’s Andy Goessling showing up and sitting in with Swampadelica at their live shows, it is evident that Swampadelica’s fire is burning. Founding member Damian Calcagne surfaced from the Northwestern NJ scene that spawned Railroad Earth. Damian toured as keyboardist with RRE frontman Todd Sheaffer in RRE’s predecessor From Good Homes. Damian, Nadïne, guitarist Brian Herkert and bassist Paul Kuzik form the song writing team that has created Swampadelica’s signature style that is showcased on S'AC PASSÉ?. These four friends have developed a dialogue that is the center of Swampadelica’s musical voice. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place with the recent addition of its newest member, Bill Rust, on drums, percussion and electronics. Rust is best known for his percussion & sound design work with Curt Smith of Tears for Fears, Saturday Night Live, Brian Transeau (B.T.), & UK Trance DJ Sasha. S'AC PASSÉ? will be available through www.swampadelica.com, www.digstation.com and itunes.

www.myspace.com/swampadelica

Telesma

Tony Vacca's World Rhythms

Drummer, poet, rhythm master and cross-continental collaborator: Tony Vacca awes crowds from grandmas to toddlers, from school auditoriums to music festivals. His sounds are deep, and so are his messages.

 Tony Vacca is an innovative percussionist, and his music is a hard-hitting, earthy fusion of World Music, Jazz and Spoken Word. Over the course of his career, he has made a habit of pushing the already adventurous conventions of World Music into new territory, both as a soloist and as the leader of his World Rhythms Ensemble.

He is part of a wave of 20th century musicians whose work has fueled the rediscovery of the power of the drum, and the power of music to build global common ground. His sixteen trips to West Africa have contributed to his unique approach to playing the balafon, and to his depth of knowledge regarding African and American musical traditions. All this is part of the reason he has recorded and/or performed with such a wide range of musicians. These include pop icon Sting, Senegalese Afro-pop star Baaba Maal, Jazz trumpeter and World Music legend Don Cherry, poet Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets, Senegalese Hip-Hop stars Gokh-bi System, and Massamba Diop, Senegalese master of the tama or talking drum. Tony Vacca’s solo performances are a nearly non-stop athletic spectacle of percussion music and spoken word. He incorporates percussion instruments from a world of traditions that includes African, Caribbean, Asian and Middle-Eastern influences, to which he adds some of his spoken word and rhythm poetry.

One of the aspects of Tony’s music that has brought him a lot of well-earned attention is his innovative use of the traditional giant xylophones of West Africa. Where most players who study the balafon from outside of Africa concern themselves with the folkloric, traditional songs and dances, Vacca has taken a different approach. “A lot of folks think that I play traditional African music, or that what I play on the balafon with my ensemble is traditional to the balafon. It's easy for me to see how they get that impression. But actually, I'm immersed in the possibilities of this extraordinary instrument, and how it can be used in the confluence of traditions that makes Jazz and World Music so powerful. Part of every tradition is innovation, and as we practice our traditions and challenge ourselves, we change these traditions, and ourselves as well. “A lifetime career in the realm of World Music and Jazz has taught me the value of having mentors and role models. There were many of them in my life: from my first drum instructor, to the many drummers I’ve met and worked with around the world, to the more famous names like Don Cherry and Baaba Maal. Their generosity was a lesson to me, and now I’ve made sure to return the favor by working with young students in a variety of settings; from in-school to after school, to summer camps…and from elementary to high school levels, and especially middle schools.”

In addition to performing as a soloist, he heads an extraordinary group of musicians in Tony Vacca’s World Rhythms Ensemble, and works with an international cast of guest performers for concerts and special projects.

www.myspace.com/tonyvacca  

 The W.E.L.L. (Worrel-Egan-Latham-Lawlor)

Turtle Soup-

"Turtle Soup is goood... Turtle Soup is delicious!" - John Popper of Blues Traveler

www.myspace.com/turtlesoupband

Unexplained Bacon-

Whether you like your bacon skillet fried, served as a side, or playing from your player, one thing is clear, people always keep coming back for more Bacon. This uniquely likeable band from Warwick, New York has left its grease stains on the scene for almost 7 years now. Made up of five guys who like to have a good time, their spirit for life and laughs resonates through their catchy tunes, and silly and often on-stage antics. Their sound has been described as classic rock meets jam funk with a little reggae and world beat to generate a sizzle that can only be described as bacon. If you hang out with any of the members when their not playing, its’ no surprise that these characters would be anything but loved when they perform. They embody humor and their fun filled nature comes to life with candid banter and jokes with the crowd.

Sharing the stage with such notable acts as Moe., Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Medeski Martin & Wood, Keller Williams, Dark Star Orchestra, Robert Randolph, Vince Welnick, and the Jazz Mandolin Project (just to name a few), as well as playing many major venues and festivals in the northeast such as Nectars, The Northern Lights, The Stone Pony, Tobacco Road (r.i.p.), Strangecreek, Stonehenge Music Festival, Musefest, the NY State Harvest Festival, and of course the infamous "Baconfest", Unexplained Bacon continues to sizzle up greasy music to audiences all over the Northeast. Grab a copy of their debut album "Right off the Bone" at one of the next shows and check it out for yourself.

Unexplained Bacon...it may not be good for the heart, but it's damn good for the soul!!!!
 

www.myspace.com/unexplainedbacon

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Wakah Chan

From being invited to perform to a packed house at Starland Ballroom, to recording a live album at The Saint by master engineer Jack “Hinge” Pitzer (Mucky Pup, The X-Men), to having the honor of being nominated for an Asbury Music Award for best Jamband, and to their current run of shows at the prestigious Chico's House Of Jazz, W.C. continues to make waves in the Tri-state music scene. Wakah Chan regularly invites local artists to paint live and create while they perform, and they are proud that their most devoted fans are other musicians, poets, and artists.

With the newest addition of Chloe Demos on vocals, Wakah Chan has honed in on the perfect lineup and sound. Pulling influence from the greats; Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Holiday, Chloe shares that unexplainable quality that these legendary vocalists had. From her evocative and beautifully poetic lyrics, to her soulful and sultry voice and impassioned stage presence, she is the perfect addition to Wakah Chan's unusual style of Acid Jazz/Funk. Sharing melody in the melody is Matt Van Houten's succulent and innovative sax work, with the tight pocket and inventive grooves by Josh's rumbling and funky basslines, and Gabe's deep and shifting beats, they have the recipe for success. Wakah Chan is also proud to be an active part in giving back to the community by performing at fundraisers and benefits for charities such as Relay For Life, Strangers Helping Strangers and Monmouth SPCA. With a constant impetus to uplift the crowd and hone their sound, W.C. is a fun and quirky group of musicians driven to make their mark on the music scene and dance floors everywhere.

 www.wakahchanmusic.com