Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Performer Bios
African Benga Stars - June 2, 11am - Children's
A who's-who of Kenyan musicians, the African Benga Stars pay tribute to the rhythms of Benga, the popular genre of Kenyan music that evolved between the late 1940s and late 1960s in the Kenya's capital city of Nairobi.
The Anna Banana Band - July 28, 11am - Children's
Anna Banana is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from Brooklyn, N.Y. who has toured and recorded with several NYC-based rock bands. Upon joining David Weinstone's (as seen on "Nick Jr.") official Music for Aardvarks touring band in 2006 as bassist and back-up vocalist, she knew that she had found her calling - kids music. She has written and composed a number of songs and continues to play music for all ages to enjoy.
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Avi Wisnia - June 29, 7pm -Contemporary Jazz
Singer/songwriter Avi Wisnia presents an eclectic mix of refreshingly original songs, finding inspiration in classic Brazilian bossa nova, acoustic American folk, 1950s West Coast jazz and contemporary pop. A wordsmith as well as a composer and performer, Wisnia's clever lyrics give a knowing nod to those that came before, while his smooth vocals and deft piano skills assure you that this is truly something new. In the summer of 2007, after earning an enthusiastic following, he gathered a few of his band members in the sanctuary of the New Jersey synagogue where his father serves as rabbi to record his debut EP, "Avi Wisnia Presents." Wisnia currently divides his time between New York City and Philadelphia. He and his talented ensemble continue to play shows across the country, performing at such prestigious venues as The Kennedy Center and World Café Live, as well as at renowned music festivals including SxSW.
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Bash The Trash - June 9, 11am - Children's
Bash the Trash, directed by the husband-wife team of John Bertles and Carina Piaggio, combines science, music and environmental awareness through performances, educational programs and social initiatives. Whether performing with musical instruments built from trash, building artwork from found objects or consulting on environmental arts education, BTT always focuses on how the arts and science work together. Founded in 1988 as The Experimental Orchestra, BTT originally provided classroom workshops and residencies under the umbrella of cultural institutions such as Carnegie Hall, the Guggenheim Museum and New York Philharmonic. It currently reaches about 50,000 students, teachers and adults per year through performances, workshops, festivals, professional development sessions and other events.
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BELEZA! - June 24, 7pm - Latin, Brazilian
United by their musical interests that include samba, funk, soul, blues, bossa, jazz and Spanish flamenco, Humberto Oliveira Sales and Madeline Holly Sales blend melodic, rhythmic and harmonic riches from North and South America. Humberto, a Brazilian native, pursued a formal education in classical guitar, and his knowledge of Brazilian rhythms and study of Spanish flamenco add to his unique finger-picking style. Singing in Portuguese, English and Spanish, Madeline performs with a strong influence of soul, jazz and blues. The pair has performed in Brazil, Turkey, Austria, Central America and the United States. Currently residing in Charlottesville, Va., Beleza Brasil recorded its first album, "Time to Dream," in Brazil with a full band that combines the riches from both Brazilian and American culture. Most recently, the group released its second album, "Cookin' with Flavour," in 2011.
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Big Bang Boom - July 11, 11am - Children's
Big Bang Boom is a power pop trio that writes and performs parent-friendly children's music that's full of energy and gets the crowd involved. After 20 years touring clubs and playing parties, Chuck Folds, the younger brother to piano rocker Ben Folds, and Steve Williard decided to expand their horizons and play for kids. Together with drummer Eddie Walker they have become the parent-friendly kids' rock band alternative.
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Boris Garcia - June 1, 7pm - Jam
In the six years since inception, Boris Garcia has fused pop, bluegrass and jam band music into its own undeniable sound. The group was born when friends recorded for fun only to find an audience beyond their wildest dreams. It quickly evolved into one of the most unique Americana/jam bands in the land while masterfully blending acoustic and electric instrumentation with American roots sensibility and melody that envelope like a warm robe. Boris Garcia has seen significant commercial airplay, charting AAA and Americana. Its song, "Once More Into The Bliss," hit the Jambands.com charts and placed in the Top 10 for over eight months.
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The Bobby Kyle Band with the Hot Horns - June 9, 7pm - R&B
Blunt and to the point, Bobby Kyle's singular stylings resonate with maturity, talent and inspiration, bringing us a genesis of contemporary music that is characteristically all his own. Between touring dates with Eddie Kirkland and Johnny Copeland, Bobby took his solo act on the road, performing his own material at nightclubs and festivals throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Now performing with his own band, Kyle's emotional, soulful voice rings true, and is forged with a raw, distinctive quality all his own. Honest and forthright, his original songs tell the story of Everyman with a passion born of life, love and loss.
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Classical Jam - August 30, 7pm - Contemporary Strings
Classical Jam is a unique ensemble innovative for bringing together performances of the highest caliber in combination with engaging presentations. Members Jennifer Choi, violin; Cyrus Beroukhim, violin/viola; Wendy Law, cello; Marco Granados, flute; and Justin Hines, percussion, perform regularly with Musicians from Marlboro, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Fireworks. Individually, they have soloed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Singapore Symphony, the Juilliard Orchestra, the Oregon Symphony and the Virginia Symphony, among others. They have performed in venues throughout Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East. Along with their dedication to highly coveted individual musical careers, members of Classical Jam are teaching artists at such leading organizations as the Lincoln Center Institute, the New York Philharmonic, the 92nd St. Y and Young Audiences.
One of Europe's most sensational Celtic bands, Comas formed in 2003 and consists of Aidan Burke on fiddle and vocals; Isaac Alderson on flute, pipes and vocals; Philip Masure on guitar, cittern, bouzouki and vocals; and Jackie Moran on bodhran, percussions and vocals. Prior to 2003, the group's members toured individually in top acts such as The Drovers, Orion, Eileen Ivers, Urbantrad, Denez Prigent and the internationally acclaimed Liz Carroll. Although coming from diverse musical backgrounds, and residing in different parts of the globe, they found each other in their similar approach to music, bringing together their many cultural influences to forge a unique blend of Traditional Irish music that had them playing in major festivals in Ireland, Belgium, France, England, Denmark and Holland.
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Craig Thatcher Band - June 30, 7pm - Blues, Rock
The Craig Thatcher Band has been entertaining audiences with its exciting brand of blues/rock music and explosive on-stage presence since 1993. In 2005, Craig Thatcher and manager, Seth Weber of Butter Creek Music, together came up with the idea of creating a musical tribute to one of Thatcher's main musical influences - Eric Clapton. The Craig Thatcher Band presents songs from Clapton, the Yardbirds, and other ripping classic blues artists.
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The Deedle Deedle Dees - June 16, 11am -Children's
Founded by Brooklyn-based teaching artist/songwriter Lloyd Miller, the Deedle Deedle Dees use rock 'n' roll, country, hip-hop, New Orleans piano music, punk and folk to teach kids about history, science, folklore and other cool stuff that they might never have thought about before. Revolutionaries and unsung heroes are favorite topics: Mahatma Gandhi, Sojourner Truth, Marie Curie, César Chávez and Abigail Adams are just a few of the fascinating characters that live in their songs. Kids are never expected to sit and listen to the Deedle Deedle Dees at concerts. Instead, they're invited to spread their arms and fly around like Amelia Earhart, bounce and tumble in a box like Henry "Box" Brown, throw the "hesitation pitch" like Satchel Paige and march to freedom like Harriet Tubman. The Dees have brought their unique rock 'n' roll classroom to many big-time venues like Symphony Space, the Knitting Factory and the Sirius XM Kids Place Live Rumpus Room, as well as public schools, museums, libraries, parks, zoos and other family venues across the country.
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The Dirty Dozen Brass Band - August 17, 7pm - New Orleans, R&B
In 1977 the Dirty Dozen Social and Pleasure Club decided to assemble as a house band, and over the course of its early gigs, the seven-member ensemble adopted the venue's name: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. More than 30 years later, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a world famous music machine whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances. The band has revitalized the brass band in New Orleans and around the world, as well as been featured guests on albums by artists such as David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Dr. John and the Black Crowes.
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The Doo Wop Project featuring members of The Jersey Boys - August 16, 7pm - Doo Wop, A cappella
It's the sensational sounds of Doo Wop performed by leading cast members from the Tony Award winning Broadway smash, JERSEY BOYS.
The Doo Wop Project is a night of great songs mixed with members' individual stories and references to their upbringings and experiences in the business, particularly backstage at The August Wilson Theatre, home of Jersey Boys. Included are songs by Randy & The Rainbows ("Denise"), Thurston Harris ("Little Bitty Pretty One"), The Skyliners ("Since I Don't Have You"), The Capris ("Morse Code of Love") and more, as well as classic contemporary songs such as Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Valerie."
Duke Ellington Legacy Band - July 14, 7pm - Big Band
The Duke Ellington Legacy Band was initiated by Duke Ellington's grandchildren Edward Kennedy II and Gaye Ellington in 2003. It is dedicated to keeping Ellington's music alive and growing in the 21st century. Featuring top New York City-based musicians, the Ellington Legacy is a swingin', smokin', imaginative and spiritually enticing group. Pianist/chief arranger Norman Simmons and saxophonist/ arranger/band leader Virginia Mayhew create new interpretations of the music from the Ellington canon, both the familiar and the less-often heard. In addition to the Legacy's fresh take on Ellington's music, guitarist Edward Ellington tells stories from his time on the road with his grandfather, and vocalist Nancy Reed, singing the lyrics in her beautiful and soulful way, adds a not-so-often heard side of Duke's music.
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The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson - May 26, 7pm -Blues, Rock
For more than 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group's distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a melting pot of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as "Tuff Enuff" and "Wrap It Up." In 1979, the group released its self-titled debut album, and in 1986 it reached widespread commercial success with the release of the album "Tuff Enuff," which featured "Tuff Enuff," "Wrap It Up" and "Look At That," all of which went Top 40. Featuring Kim Wilson, the original co-founding member, the Thunderbirds lineup includes Jay Moeller on drums, Johnny Moeller and Mike Keller on guitar and Randy Bermudes on bass.
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Feufollet - June 8, 7pm - World, French, Cajun
Welcome to the world of Feufollet, a band both deeply rooted in the francophone soil of Louisiana and pushing boldly into unexplored yet utterly natural varieties of Cajun experience. Though famous for its renditions of heartbreaking songs and rollicking tunes, the quintet breaks new ground on its latest album, "En Couleurs," featuring originals that draw on deep roots tempered by a cutting edge of contemporary life. The creativity Feufollet unleashed in the studio, however, went far deeper than adding a few fun touches to the usual Cajun instrumental base of accordion, guitar and fiddle. Feufollet, instead, may be credited with the first ever recorded usage of something completely novel - the Cajun power chord.
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Firefall Trio - August 18, 7pm - Adult Contemporary
Formed in Boulder, Colo., in 1974, Firefall was founded by Rick Roberts, who had been in the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Jock Bartley. The band's biggest single, "You Are the Woman", peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard charts in 1976. Other hits include "Just Remember I Love You" (No. 11 in 1977), "Strange Way" (No. 11 in 1978), "Cinderella" and "Staying with It."
The Flowdown - June 2, 7pm - Funk, R&B
The Flowdown integrates jazz, rock, funk and hip-hop, conveying peace through musical potency. The band blends lush instrumental arrangements with thoughtful melodies and rhymes, offering fresh grooves to all kinds of audiences. Its founding members began their careers in 2003 performing as Flowdown Street Six for college audiences and eventually became the opening act for artists Jurassic 5 and Keller Williams. Upon recording the album "The Synthesis" in 2005, the band's songs received multiple Top 10 Channel Awards chosen by listeners on OurStage.com, including a No. 1 Channel Ranking for the 10K Lakes Festival of 2008. The group's debut album, "Metamorphosis," was well received by both jazz luminaries and mainstream listeners alike.
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Frank Viele & The Manhattan Project - June 16, 7pm - R&B
Based in New York City, Frank Viele and the Manhattan Project is a six-piece group featuring Viele on vocals and acoustic and electric guitars; Mario Capdiferro on drums; Rob Liptrot on bass and backing vocals; Eddie Arjun Peters on lead guitar; Pasquale Ianelli playing tenor, soprano and baritone saxophones; and Andrew Mericle on trumpet. The band released its first full-length studio album, "Neon Lights," in July 2010. The album crosses multiple genres of funk, rock, pop, jazz, blues and swing. If you're looking for something different, with sensational horns and guitars and a funky modern feel, give this group a listen.
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Hector Rosado Latin and Caribbean Drum Workshop - June 23, 11am -Latin, Children's
Hector Rosado got his big break in the 1980s with Conjunto Creama, a well-known Conjunto from Manhattan that performed at clubs such as Broadway 96, Casa Blanca, Village Gate, Casino 14, Meadow Lands Arena and others. Rosado eventually returned to his hometown of Bethlehem, where his hard work, efforts and sacrifice paid off, as he became one of the best and most in-demand percussionists. His next big break came when he auditioned with and toured with David Byrne of The Talking Heads, touring Japan, Israel, Australia, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Brazil. He even appeared with Byrne on the "Johnny Carson Show" and on the "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno.
Rosado has also performed and toured with Edgar Joel, Jose Alberto (El Canario), Tito Puente and Celia Cruz. He continues to perform with well known artists including Brenda K. Star, Aretha Franklin, David Valentin, Hector Tricoche, Ray Sepulveda, Luis Luigi, Cano Estremera, Andy Montanez, Marlon, Michael Stuart, NG2, Willie Rosario and Tony Vega. In addition to performing, Rosado also teaches percussion to children in the Lehigh Valley and Berks County areas.
Hollywood Nights - July 5, 7pm - Classic Rock
Hollywood Nights is the ultimate tribute to Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet band. This New Jersey-based powerhouse has set out to re-create everything about Segar and his music right down to the smallest detail. The band prides itself on continuing the amazing groundwork laid down by Segar over the past 30 years. It shares the belief that only Segar and his fans have come to know, learn and love: represent the voice of every fan - his or her own values, working-class background and the love of rock 'n' roll.
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Holy Ghost Tent Revival - July 21, 7pm - Rockabilly
Melding brass with banjo, guitar, bass and drums, this five-piece ensemble boasts an eclectic mash of instruments and styles, a musical alchemy all its own. It is this transcendent energy that continuously propels Holy Ghost Tent Revival to play the heart and soul of a North Carolina-born, genre-defying new groove. Stephen Murray plays the banjo and guitar, Kevin Williams is on the bass, Matt Martin on electric guitar, Ross Montsinger is the drummer and Hank Widmer plays trombone.
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HuDost - August 19, 7pm - World
Debuting in 2005, HuDost is a commanding, experimental indie world rock group whose core musicians are singer/songwriters Moksha Sommer from Montreal and Jemal Wade Hines from New York. HuDost's material is best described as experimental world rock. Its original work ranges in style from 'Alternative World Music' to its own 'Country and Eastern' fusion and an atmospheric, experimental sound. This is mixed with the rich, eclectic blending of traditional Sufi music; Bulgarian, Croatian, Macedonian and Balkan folk music; Farsi; Turkish; Arabic; folk, pop and rock.
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Incendio - July 26, 7pm - Rock
A Los Angeles-based group started in 1999, Incendio has persevered and even thrived by taking instrumental Spanish guitar music to new and uncharted artistic levels. The group has had seven international CD releases and embraces the do-it-yourself ethos of indie rock and punk by self-booking and touring over 170 dates a year across the United States. Incendio's CDs feature a unique compositional and performance slant, with echoes of their predecessors like Strunz and Farah, Jesse Cook and the acoustic side of Al Di Meola obvious. The group has also explored jazz, Celtic, Middle Eastern and electronica music throughout its career, putting its own stamp on its self-produced music.
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Jump City Jazz Orchestra - August 31, 7pm - Swing, R&B, Dance
The Philadelphia area's premier big band, Jump City Orchestra was founded in 1994. For years this orchestra has delighted concert audiences throughout the Delaware Valley with its versatile and high-energy performances. With 18 talented musicians and vocalists, Jump City Jazz Orchestra captures the magic and excitement of more than 70 years of Big Band and swing music. The orchestra recreates the powerful sounds and beautiful music of legends such as Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton and Dean Martin.
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Junior Toots - August 25, 7pm - Reggae
The son of renowned reggae artist Toots Hibbert of Toots & the Maytals, Junior Toots (Clayton Hibbert) began singing as a youth in his hometown church. In the early '80s, in addition to choreographing and teaching dance lessons for Paula Appleby, he appeared daily on MTV with hostess Downtown Julie Brown as a dancer on her show. In the late 1990s Junior Toots won Home Jams, an award given from FM 92.3 the Beat, which gave him the opportunity to open for Biggie Smalls and Nate Dogg. From 1997-2004 he toured with Toots & the Maytals, and in 2006 he established his own independent record label, Crown of Fire Records, and released his album "Crown of Fire." Junior Toots' most recent release is "A Little Bit of Love," which came out in March of this year.
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Karen Lovely - July 27, 7pm - Blues
In just one year, Karen Lovely has shot onto the blues scene like Stack O' Lee's .44, capturing the 2nd Place Band Prize at the 2010 International Blues Challenge followed by 2011 Blues Music Award (BMA) nominations for "Best Contemporary Blues Album" and "Best Contemporary Blues Female Artist." The title track of her sophomore release, "Still The Rain," also received a 2011 BMA nomination for 'Best Song." Backed by her stellar band, this singer delivers a blistering mix of contemporary and classic blues, R&B and Memphis soul. Lovely started singing the blues professionally in September 2007 and released her debut record, "Lucky Girl," in November 2008. Since then, she and her band have delivered standout performances that have garnered awards, critical acclaim and standing ovations at festivals and venues throughout the United States and Canada.
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Keys N Krates - July 13, 7pm - Indie Rock
Keys N Krates formed in 2008, taking the remix/electronic sound out of the studio and onto the stage, creating a new live electronica experience. The Toronto-based trio is comprised of the high-energy Adam Tune on drums, synth-master David Matisse on keys, and internationally award-winning Jr. Flo on turntables. KNK has been featured in such publications as URB, Fader and Antenna magazine. They have toured with and played alongside artists including Pretty Lights, Lotus, Skrillex, Girl Talk, Kid Cudi, Metric, Timbaland, Zed's Dead and more.
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Luisito Rosario & Orchestra - June 22, 8:30pm - Latin
Luisito Rosario is an experienced salsa singer who is blessed with a beautiful voice, a charismatic and commanding stage presence, and Hollywood looks. In 1996, the legendary Larry Harlow from the Fania All Stars hired Rosario to be lead vocalist for his orchestra. Rosario also recorded "Tumba y Bongo" in 2002 for Harlow's 35th anniversary CD. In 1996 he joined the popular salsa band Grupo Hechizo and recorded lead vocals for their 1998 CD "Sin Limites," which charted in the Top 5 of the New York City record pools. Rosario's popularity then exploded in 1999 when he toured Europe and the United States with Los Hermanos Moreno. His most recent recording is "Casino Rueda," which pays homage to the classic sound of the "New York Salsa Era."
Masters of Motown - July 6, 7pm - Revue
In the early '60s some of the most iconic names in the history of popular music were discovered in the Motor City of Detroit, better known simply as Motown. Masters of Motown is a celebration of these artists, their music and their styles. The show features stylishly-costumed, fully-choreographed tributes to both male and female groups and includes the popular TFC Dance Band and The Fabulous Crooners Doo-Wop singers. Artists spotlighted in the show include The Temptations, Gladys Knight amp; the Pips, Marvin Gaye amp; Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson amp; the Miracles, The Four Tops, Diana Ross amp; the Supremes, Jackson Five, Martha Reeves amp; the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, The Commodores and more.
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Miracles of Modern Science - June 15, 7pm - Indie Rock
Miracles of Modern Science is an unlikely rock band. Using just mandolin, violin, cello, standup bass and drums, this group creates explosive pop that upends notions of what these instruments can do. The band began life at Princeton University. Vocalist/bassist Evan Younger and mandolinist Josh Hirshfeld shared a hall their freshmen year and soon began hijacking open mics with their off-kilter acoustic collaborations. The band built a cult following on campus and graduated to New York City, where its live shows and dorm-grown EP earned it nods from NPR, SPIN, Wired and Brooklyn Vegan. The group's debut album, "Dog Year," finds it pushing the limits of its antique instruments and throwing aside conventions as readily as its genre-binding idols, Bowie and Bartok.
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Miss Amy & Her Big Kids Band - July 14, 11am - Children's
Dubbed The First Lady of Musical Fitness by the National Children's Entertainment Blog, Miss Amy is the Kids Rocker/Fitness Guru. A Grammy-nominated artist for her solo/band "Fitness Rock amp; Roll" album, she is also a featured artist on the 54th Grammy Award-winning "All About Bullies Big and Small" CD. Miss Amy amp; Her Big Kids Band brings the ultimate family interactive Fitness Rock amp; Roll experience to Levitt Pavilion!
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Moona Luna - July 18, 11am - Children's
Moona Luna is the passionate second project of New York-based songwriter Sandra Velasquez and her critically acclaimed Latin band Pistolera. For the last five years, Pistolera has toured extensively, delighting fans of all ages around the globe. After writing exclusively in Spanish for Pistolera, Velasquez decided to make Moona Luna's songs bilingual so that her simple messages of joy, discovery and perseverance would reach more young ears. The band includes Maria Elena on accordion, Inca B. Satz on bass and Sebastian Guerrero on drums.
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Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica - May 27, 7pm - Orchestra, Polynesian
Venture out beyond the moon with Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica! Led by percussionist, vibraphonist and composer Mr. Ho, otherwise known as Brian O'Neill, Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica-named a 2011 Rising Star Big Band by Downbeat-is the only 22-piece big band in the world that presents the supersonic, space-age bachelor-pad sounds of Juan Garcia Esquivel live in concert. Esquivel was a studio orchestra arranger in the 1950s and 1960s who was known for his use of blistering brass, boisterous Latin percussion, wordless vocals and mid-century Hollywood sound. One of the original exploiters of the stereo (two-channel) sound format, Esquivel released many albums intended only for hi-fi listening at home that were never performed live...until now.
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Orleans Trio - July 28, 7pm - Adult Contemporary
Orleans is an American pop-rock band best known for its hits "Dance with Me," "Still the One" and "Love Takes Time." The group's name evolved from the music it was playing at the time of its formation, sounds that were inspired by Louisiana artists such as Allen Toussaint and the Neville Brothers. The band was formed in Woodstock, N.Y. in January 1972 by vocalist/guitarist/songwriter John Hall, vocalist/guitarist Larry Hoppen and drummer/percussionist Wells Kelly. In October of that year, it expanded to include Larry's younger brother, Lance, on bass.
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Orquesta Rumba con Son - July 7, 7pm - Latin
Orquesta Rumba Con Son was born July 4, 2006 in Somerset, N.J. Primarily a salsa band, the group also plays other tropical rhythms such as merengue, cumbias and boleros. With a rocking brass section including trumpet, saxophones and trombone, a pumping rhythm section and talented singers, this band does Latin music the way it was meant to be heard - full and lush! The group consists of 10 individual and distinct musicians of all ages.
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PhillyBloco - July 28, 7pm - Latin
Modeled after the blocos of Rio de Janeiro, PhillyBloco is comprised of multiple drummers, electric guitar, bass guitar, vocals, horn section, accordion and Brazilian dancers. The group performs a raucous mash-up of Samba, funk, reggae and more made popular by both Brazilian and non-Brazilian artists including Olodum, Timbalada, Monobloco, Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder. The one constant in the group's music is a heavy percussive element that's used to explore the tremendous range of Brazilian rhythms, with the ensemble applying its own unique creativity and energy to each arrangement.
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Please Please Me - July 22, 7pm - Indie Rock
Jessie Torrisi played drums in a dozen New York rock bands before finding her calling as a frontwoman. Armed with feel-good heartbreak songs that blur the line between sass, whimsy and raw vulnerability, Torrisi's debut, Brûler Brûler, was dubbed "Best Americana Album" (NY Voice Village), the year's "best of" (Amplifier) and "most exciting debut" (Metro Spirit). Please, Please Me swivels hips and switches instruments, bringing the circus to life. Onstage, Torrisi sings from behind the drums like a female Levon Helm, beatboxes, duels with her trumpet player and pulls the audience up to kazoo. The group's music has been hailed as "swagger & sexiness," "an attention-grabber," "pure desire" and "a wrecking crew."
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Princess Katie & Racer Steve - July 21, 11am - Children's
A New York City-based rock 'n' roll band for children, Princess Katie & Racer Steve write, record and perform music for kids and families. Singer Princess Katie is Katie O'Sullivan and guitarist Racer Steve is Steve Borne. In 2008 the band's second album, "Fast amp; Feisty," was named one of the Top 10 children's music albums of the year by Cookie magazine.
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The Prodigals - August 24, 7pm - Celtic
Calling their genre of music "jig punk", the Prodigals fall within a tradition epitomized by the Pogues and Black 47, merging traditional Celtic music's melodic roots with rock rhythms. The band, which formed in 1997, has its own distinctive sound, particularly distinguished by the lead melody roles being filled by button-key accordion and bass along with the vocals. The group has received substantial critical acclaim over the years for its unique sound.
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Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem - July 19, 7pm - Bluegrass, Roots
Consisting of Rani Arbo, Andrew Kinsey, Anand Nayak and Scott Kessel, Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem is an American musical group whose style combines folk, country blues, progressive bluegrass, jazz and swing. Arbo and Kinsey are veterans of the '90s New England bluegrass act Salamander Crossing. Daisy Mayhem is what happened when four people with diverse musical backgrounds discovered their love of making music together.
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Santa Mamba - June 23, 8:30pm - Latin
Santa Mamba represents a new attitude in cross-cultural harmony. Where many bands who fall under the broad classification of "Latin" consist of musicians with a shared ethnic heritage, this group's story is different. Due to diverse backgrounds-Italian, Portuguese, Venezuelan, Dominican and more-the group has collectively had to learn how to listen to contrasting points of view and how to understand something that once was considered foreign. Over time the ensemble has been able to forge a sound that its calls Latin Roots Rock, taking a firm understanding of various Latin and American musical traditions and giving them new voice in a unique combination of styles and personalities, celebrating diversity and life.
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Seona McDowell - July 7, 11am -Children's
She calls herself a singer of songs, an emissary of knowledge, a teller of stories and a communicator. Seona McDowell is one of the most unusual and versatile performers to come out of Australia and New Zealand in many years. It was in Australia that she began her professional singing career, which brought her recognition and success that resulted in her receiving Australia's OZ Music Award for best female folk singer in 1979 and 1980. Drawing from her own colorful background, as well as her extensive travels, it is evident that McDowell's repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs from around the world is both broad and unique. McDowell's impressive credits include touring with Don McLean, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and many other top recording artists.
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Shonen Knife - July 29, 7pm -Pop, Punk, Rock
Shonen Knife is an all-female Japanese pop-punk band formed in Osaka, Japan, in 1981. Heavily influenced by 1960s girl groups, pop bands, The Beach Boys and early punk rock acts such as the Ramones, this trio crafts stripped-down songs expressing infectious melodies and simplistic, exuberant lyrics sung both in Japanese and English. Despite its pop-oriented nature, the trio maintains a distinctly underground garage rock sound rooted in edgy instrumentation and D.I.Y. aesthetics. The band has been credited with making "the international pop underground more international" by "opening it up to bands from Japan."
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The Soul Rebels - July 8, 7pm - Blues, R&B
This amazing New Orleans brass band has built a career around an eclectic live show that harnesses the power of horns and drums in the party-like atmosphere of a dance club. While touring the country, the Soul Rebels have shared the stage with notable artists from many corners of the pop and jazz worlds including Arcade Fire, The Roots, Bootsy Collins, Robert Plant amp; Jimmy Page, Counting Crows, Green Day, Drive By Truckers, James Brown, Roy Hargrove, Allen Toussaint, Chuck Brown, Terence Blanchard, The Gap Band, Better than Ezra and many more. Averaging 250 shows per year, the group has brought the party to stages as far away as South Africa and Europe, playing some of the world's best-known music events including Umbria Jazz Fest, Antibes Jazz Festival, The Montreal Jazz Festival, Bonnaroo, the Wanee Festival and, of course, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
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Sprag Session - July 20, 7pm - World, Celtic
Sprag Session, formerly Colin Grant Band, has developed a unique style and repertoire of music. Lingering somewhere amidst the rich, soulful roots of traditional Cape Breton music and the grooves of a thousand branches of rock and funk, Colin Grant embarks on his latest project: a dynamic and thoughtful mingling of beats and melodies from an extensive host of musical influences. 2010 brought the release of the album "Fun For The Whole Family," winner of Music Nova Scotia's Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year, and nominee for "Instrumental Album of the Year" at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. In 2011, the band toured New England, Ireland and the United Kingdom in addition to spending time in-studio recording its debut album, "Sprag Session," released in April.
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Stacey Peasley Band - June 30, 11am - Children's
Stacey Peasley has been entertaining families in the Boston area since 2008.
In that short time, she has won the 2012 Nickelodeon Parents Connect Parents' Pick Award for Best Party Entertainer, and was awarded Silver in the Mid Atlantic Songwriters Competition for her original song, "Soapy Bubbles." Peasley has also opened up the Boston chapter of Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals, a popular children's music class program from New York City. Her talent and love of children has connected with families, and she has gained a loyal following. Peasley performs at many events including preschool functions, fundraisers and birthday parties, and she has been a part of premier local events including Boston Greenfest, Boston Medical Center's Halloween Town and Halloween Fest. She has also made an appearance at the Fenway Park Entertainment Room for the children of the Boston Red Sox.
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The Steel Wheels - July 15, 7pm -Americana
The Steel Wheels is truly an Americana band, rooted in musical styles that explore the territories between blues and bluegrass, old-time sing-alongs and foot-stompin' fiddle tunes. The year 2010 was a breakout year for The Steel Wheels culminating with five nominations from The Independent Music Awards including "Nothing You Can't Lose" taking top honors as "Best Country Song". The four-piece band is based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and includes lead singer and primary songwriter Trent Wagler, multi-instrumentalist Jay Lapp, upright bassist Brian Dickel and fiddler Eric Brubaker.
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Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys - August 26, 7pm - Zydeco, Cajun
Performing for more than two decades, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys have developed a reputation for excellence. Members include Steve Riley, Kevin Wimmer, Sam Broussard, Kevin Dugas and Brazos Huval. The group's stunningly clean and cohesive performance of Cajun French music from the backwaters of Southwest Louisiana propelled it into the world music limelight early on, and by its third release had garnered it a Grammy nomination in the worldwide field of traditional folk music.
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Joe Grushecky and the House Rockers - September 1, 7pm -Rock n' Roll
Joe Grushecky's music has stood the test of time. For 30 years publications such as Billboard, Rolling Stone, Village Voice, No Depression, and countless others have hailed him as one of rock & roll's most talented singer-songwriters.
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Tartan Terrors - August 23, 7pm - Celtic, Scottish, Bag Pipes
Taking the Celtic scene by storm, the Tartan Terrors - North America's premier Celtic event - features the best in music, comedy and dance. The group has performed on four different continent and in some of the most prestigious festivals, highland games and theaters in North America. It's also performed for President Clinton, Queen Elizabeth II and on "Good Morning America."
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Tartanic - June 17, 7pm - Celtic Rock
Dressed in kilts and sunglasses, Tartanic gives its audiences a barrage of sound from not one but two Highland Bagpipes and three percussionists. Imagine one dancer, six drums, six drones, 18 notes, fast fingers, high comedy, flying bagpipes, taste-defying stunts and scorching hot music played at more than 120 beats per minute with driving speed and high-volume, all brought to you by five men without pants. Starting in late 2001, Tartanic began touring and now graces stages throughout the nation, performing songs from its debut album, 2004's "Unthinkable," as well as the group's six other albums.
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Tom Chapin Band - July 12, 7pm - Light Adult Contemporary
Adult albums and kids' albums, contemporary folk and pop, Grammy winner Tom Chapin's music spans styles and generations. For more than 30 years and through 20 albums, Chapin has entertained, amused and enlightened audiences of all ages with life-affirming original songs told in a sophisticated array of musical styles. Chapin's remarkable musicianship, great songwriting and personal warmth shine through whether he's performing in a concert hall, an outdoor festival, a school, in front of a symphony orchestra or in an intimate coffeehouse. His concerts and recordings are sparked by strong, intelligent songwriting with clear, engaging vocals and
the intricate, melodic guitar work that has become his trademark. He's "one of the great personalities in contemporary folk music," says The New York Times.
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