Posted by: leeway | May 6th, 2009
The weekend's forecast of 80-plus degree weather was a pleasant surprise after the chilly rain of the previous year. We knew we were in for a treat as we approached the Kempton County Fairgrounds, home of the festival for the second year now.
Posted by: Robie | April 28th, 2009
Soulive is the instrumental trio of Eric Krasno (guitar), Alan Evans (drums) and Neal Evans (Hammond B3 organ, keyboard, clavinet). The saxophone duo of Sam Kininger (alto sax) and Ryan Zoidis (tenor sax) make up The Shady Horns. Add the masterful vocals of Nigel Hall and it was guaranteed to be a show filled with groovy jazz, "ass-kicking" funk and heartfelt soul.Posted by: Robie | April 22nd, 2009
By Chris Robie
Festival Photos by Lindsay Chandler & Buffy Bender
Mike: Yeah, I think it clicked right away. We were all just excited to play music. 
HGMN: So you had a lot of music written before making this record?
Bohemian Sunrise - Bohemian Sunrise was conceived in a dimension other than our own, where the ancient musical deities pondered around a smoking cauldron, concocting an experience that fuels the creative energy within. The result was an eclectic entity called Bohemian Sunrise. 
Bourgeois Gypsies - Featuring freewheeling musical wanderings through countrified blues, slinky swamp ballads and homespun hillbilly heartbreaks, the Bourgeois Gypsies mix slow-burning, porchsetting music with poignant punk lullabies that make you tap your feet, clutch your heart and shake your head all at the same time. With incessant gigging in jukejoints, festivals and smoky roadhouses across the country, the Gypsies are quietly building their following the old fashioned way, one night at a time. 
Brainchild - Brainchild is a four piece band that integrates the feeling of jazz and soul with the intensity of shredding guitar solos. The best way to describe the sound is Brainchild. Tightened vocal harmonies radiate the air as the rhythm section keeps the funk in check. 
Equaleyes - Formed as a power trio in early 2006, Equaleyes began touring through Idaho, Utah & Colorado with a blend of rock, funk & bluegrass. When the group brought onboard a fourth voice with keyboards and accordion in late 2007 they infused a pop-electronic sound to their already diverse repertoire. 
Euphonic Brew - Pittsburgh's Euphonic Brew ranks among the fastest-growing, most exciting and versatile bands to emerge from the Western Pennsylvania music scene. Boasting an electrifying, ultra-kinetic live set, this four-piece act is set on mobilizing a nationwide fan base. 
Lefty Williams - A skilled guitarist with over two decades of experience, Lefty Williams holds songcraft and musicianship at a premium. By emphasizing each equally on his ironically titled sophomore album Snake Oil, he engages and enlightens the listener. In turn, we fall for Williams' powerful guitar licks and candid songs, often long before the origin of his nickname--he was born without a right hand--is clear. And by then, it's just another dimension to his talent. 
Saltwater Grass - An organic blend of South Florida Funk, North Florida Blues, latin-soul, and reggae breakdowns, Saltwater Grass navigates influences as diverse as King Tubby and Duane Allman, Soulive and Del McCoury. With all six members in their early twenties, Saltwater Grass is a soulful mix of styles reflecting their diverse backgrounds and deep connection to their music. 
Jimmy Landry & Sideways Jump - Dubbed a "master keyboard player" by Honest Tune magazine, Jimmy Landry grew up in Kinston, North Carolina where he studied classical piano and theory for four and a half years. He earned Superior Plus ratings from the Guild during this time, but classical music was not what he wanted to play. After a several year hiatus from piano, Landry purchased a keyboard while serving in the US Army. 
Steppin Razor - It was the spring of 2005. The successful Bob Marley and the Wailers tribute band, Babylon Bus, had dissolved. The former lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Johnny Myers, and drummer, Mark Patterson, realized something over the course of an inspiring phone conversation; they still had an overwhelming desire to play reggae music. It was the spring of 2005. The successful Bob Marley and the Wailers tribute band, Babylon Bus, had dissolved. The former lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Johnny Myers, and drummer, Mark Patterson, realized something over the course of an inspiring phone conversation; they still had an overwhelming desire to play reggae music. 
Superfrog - Superfrog's chest jarring bass riffs, wailing guitar jams and incredible lyrics alone could stand the test of time as a modern sounding rock-jam band. Add in the flavor of superb vocal harmonies, a pinch of brass goodness and a whole helluva lot of solid rhythm and you have yourself a sound that is evolving into one of the Northeast's hottest acts. 
The Station - Musical worlds colorfully collide in the form of The Station. Paired in a music scene long-dominated by excessive, guitar-heavy outfits dropping into 10-minute jam after jam of trading solos, they have been able to discover a newly-formed and rarely traveled crevice in today's wall of sound. 
Three Legged Fox - Philadelphia-based Three Legged Fox became a fixture on the eastern rock circuit after winning the University of Delaware's 2006 Battle of the Bands -- their first performance. The ensuing three years have seen 3LF expand their regional fan base as far east as Massachusetts, as far west as Ohio, and north to south from New York to North Carolina, performing regularly at scores of top venues. 
TR3 featuring Tim Reynolds - Tim Reynolds has been playing music all of his life. Starting as a bass player in a gospel band in his hometown of St. Louis to his break through band in the 80's, TR3 and forward to recording with & touring with DMB and the Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds Acoustic Duo. 