Rooted in reggae rhythms and tropicália-inspired melodies, Jersey City-based Kiwi dynamically blends jazz flourishes and soulful grooves into a uniquely uplifting sound.

After over a decade of entertaining audiences around the Northeastern US and Brazil, Kiwi continues to cause a stir with some of the New York City area’s finest soul and funk musicians. The band, which includes Alex Tea (vocals, guitar), Ramsey Norman (drums), Steve Capecci (bass), Mike Torres (percussion), Dave Stolarz (keys), Barami Waspe (tenor sax), and Rob Edwards (trombone), has been invited to share the stage with veteran reggae/ska acts including the Pietasters, John Brown’s Body and Groundation.

Much of Kiwi’s pan-global approach to music is inspired by the time that primary songwriter Alex Tea spent in Brazil, beginning with a trip to the ocean-side city of Fortaleza over a decade ago. It was in Fortaleza that Tea first fell in love with the Portuguese language and capoeira, the Brazilian martial art that combines exuberant dancing and singing with powerful strikes and take-down maneuvers.

“What drew me into capoeira was the sense of community among everyone involved,” says Tea. “Each roda [capoeira exhibition/match] had a live soundtrack that featured instruments, melodies, and cadences that I had never heard before, but seemed so familiar.” It didn’t take long for Tea, the grandson of a classical violinist, to incorporate Brazilian rhythms and instruments, as well as Portuguese lyrics, into Kiwi’s music.

In addition to a solid amount of club and dancehall performances, Kiwi has also performed at a variety of music festivals and community events up and down the east coast. They are also proud to be an active and vibrant presence in their home base, the Jersey City arts scene. With a burgeoning American following, Kiwi also has a growing fanbase in Brazil, where they have embarked on several tours.

View their Facebook page >

Signal Fire is a powerful rock/reggae quintet offering the sounds of brighter musical horizons. From the coast of North Carolina, the band stokes the flame of conscientious rock/reggae with danceable rhythms, fervent melodies, and feel-good vibes. In their first two years, Signal Fire independently toured the eastern seaboard sharing the stage with acts such as The Wailers, SOJA, Dirty Heads, Fear Nuttin Band, Fortunate Youth and more. Signal Fire released their debut album “Ignite” in September of 2013 which charted at #8 on the iTunes US reggae charts. Lit from the embers of reggae, rock n’ roll and thoughtful lyricism, Signal Fire has quickly become a musical beacon for a growing number of audiences on the east coast and beyond.

View their website >

Lucid was born and raised in the diverse musical culture unique to the City of Plattsburgh, New York, nestled high in the Adirondack Mountains.

The area’s mix of local musicians, college students, out-of-towners and rural regulars brings together music fans from all walks of life. Nearly a decade of progress and development has established Lucid as one of the most dynamic, hard working, finely tuned bands in the North Country.

Lucid’s enlivening, powerful performances energize concert goers from open to encore. Their songs remain structurally tight and carefully woven, distinguishing them from their jam band counterparts. Still, they’re unpredictable in nature, with a knack for improv and a talent for delivery. Find yourself in the celebration that is a Lucid show, and you’ll quickly understand the infectious, unique experience that music fans are raving about. Come. Join the party.

Discography: Miles Deep – (2005) • Dewdmanwah – (2009) • Home Is Where We Wanna Grow – (2013) Dirt (2015, *To Be Released)

View their website >

In addition to producing Ziontific’s Silent Disco for the weekend — Jeff Bujak will also be performing 2 sets of ‘Silent Buj’ alongside the lovely acrobatic hoop-master Jen Dulong.

Massachusetts based performance duo ‘Bujak Live’ is Jeff Bujak (on the keys) and Jen Dulong (on the LED hula-hoop). Jeff Bujak is a solo experimental/progressive music producer from Massachusetts who creates instrumental songs centered around classical composition, progressive rock and dance music that dives deep in the waters of complex live electronica.

Jen Dulong performs on stage alongside Jeff with an LED hula-hoop and other shapes providing beautiful lighting and movement with a visual depth to the solo musician.  Bujak is carving a new path in the live-music scene one show at a time. Continue reading →

Roots of a Rebellion [ROAR] hail from Nashville, TN and bolster Reggae-Rock-Dub music for the soul. In between touring, ROAR has released an “Inner Light EP” in 2012, a full-length album “Heartifact” in 2014 and most recently “A Brother’s Instinct” in 2016.

Having shared the stage with The Wailers, Rebelution, NEEDTOBREATHE, Slightly Stoopid, moe, Trombone Shorty, North Mississippi Allstars, SOJA, and countless others, Roots of a Rebellion is proud to represent another side of Music City, USA.

View their website >

Continue reading →

New roots reggae and dubfire rock for the motion of your soul. Hailing from Atlantic City, NJ Sensamotion is known for their unique style, captivating a audience across the nation. They have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in reggae music such as The Wailers, Matisyahu, Israel Vibration, Tribal Seeds, Collie Buddz, The Green, Easy Star All Stars, Barrington Levy, Stick Figure, Ky-Mani Marley, Fortunate Youth and more.. They’ve also performed as the backing band for Kevin Kinsella performing classic John Brown’s Body, and 10ft Ganja Plant tunes. Inspired by bands such as Groundation, Midnite, and John Brown’s Body they are looking to bring something new to the table. Their EP ‘Looking Up’ is out and available now. With a newly added horn section (trumpet and saxophone) Sensamotion is currently evolving their sound and working hard on new music.

View their website >

Continue reading →

Forming in 2010, American Reggae Jam Rock band TreeHouse! has performed hundreds of shows a year throughout the country, introducing established reggae, rock and jam band scenes to a brand new fusion of sounds. These road warriors have shared the stage with top names and international acts in both genres, including 311, Dirty Heads, Steel Pulse, SOJA, Pepper, Stick Figure, Kung Fu, The Mantras, The Wailers, Tribal Seeds, and more.

The TreeHouse! single, “Blessings” was picked by Stephen Marley and Ky-Mani Marley as one of the top 10 songs out of hundreds of contestants in the Marley’s Music Uprising, because they felt this song exemplified the spirit of Bob Marley.

TreeHouse has released two official studio albums, “Growth” (2013) and “Lifted” (2015), with another on the way, thousands of US fans and growing, and solid touring across the country.

View their website >

The world of Reggae and Caribbean-inspired music is vast and ever-progressing through the diverse singers and players across the corners of the earth. Following in this tradition comes the Soul Rebel Project.

A top-professional Reggae/Rock band hailing from Boston MA, with their unique Pulsating Drum and Bass rhythms and heavily decorated melodies played by some of the top musicians in all of New England. (A cross between Collie Buddz, Rebelution and Matisyahu… Rich Parara, Ingenious Concepts).

Members of SRP as a collaborative have touched the stages of large festivals such as warped tour, as well as performed alongside multiple Grammy winners such as Sean Paul and Toots and the Maytals. Led By the young veteran and Frontman/songwriter, Mike Francis Jr, with his soulful vocals and energetic stage performances. (VeryTalented Vocalist with a style of his own….Matty Trump, Boston/LA Top Producer/Engineer)

Jason Harris with his industry standard sounds and cutting edge caribbean guitar playing, accompanied by Berkley professor John Funkhouser’s explosive piano playing. The Drum and Bass Section of Adam (Tugboat) Saylor and Geoff (Pilks) Pilkington uses their top-notch experience as hip hop artists/producers to bring a crossover appeal to the Rebel sound and provide the solid backbone of Soul Rebel Project.

Soul Rebel Project is having early success with singles like Blood Money and Informer getting regular airplay from various college radio stations and playing stages alongside of Top World Reggae artists such as Mighty Mystic, Barrington Levy and Lee Scratch Perry. SRP continues to bring their conscious message, and heavy hitting vibes to well respected clubs all over New England and Beyond.

View their website >

Joey Batts & Them are a five-piece alternative hip-hop band based out of Connecticut. The band, comprised of Joey on vocals, Tony Volpe on guitar, John Dotson on bass, Marty Wirt on keys and Mike “Beatwiz” Spellman on drums and percussion, is taking the live hip hop scene by storm, Joey Batts never takes no for an answer – you either love his sound right away, or his voice kidnaps you until you change your mind. A lyrical genius and an amazing front man with impeccable crowd control, rolled into, one Joey Batts has proven to be an asset to CT’s growing underground hip-hop culture.

With funky grooves and plenty of hooks, Joey Batts & Them can turn any show or event into an outright party. And with shows all over New England, the Northeast, and beyond, be sure to check them out, and you can be the best of friends!

Continue reading →

A progressive reggae band from Hampton Falls, NH fusing all their influences, experiences, and favorite music into one wall of sound.

Stop Tito Collective has taken the influences and roots of traditional reggae and exploded into the realms of funk inspired, improvised jams. Their unique style that blends reggae, rock, jam, and funk has allowed them to develop into a fully energetic live show. Developing a strong sense of musicianship on stage, STC has been able to captivate audiences with their full sound and improvised grooves. The members of STC each bring their own interests and tastes in music to combine for what is completely pleasurable to the ears and good for the soul. STC has been emerging into the Northeast festival scene.

View their facebook page >

Based out of Burlington, Vermont, Binger elusively sheds any genre that manages to stick to them (often within the same song). Combining elements of progressive psych rock with the grooves and lyricism of jazz-minded hip-hop to create a style that gracefully skirts the line between delightful and perplexing; inventing a sound that reels you in, and keeps you there, with a cohesive yet eclectic energy.

Binger channel the manifold musical scene of New England through their ever expanding exploration of all music accessible to the airwaves, having shared stages with Atmosphere, Sophistafunk, Polyrhythmics, Sidewalk Chalk, BIG Something, Lynguistic Civilians, and more. Look to see Binger at a venue near you in 2017.

View their facebook >

IN THE SILENT DISCO . . .

Benny Black is a multi-dimensional artist with a serious focus on the creative and business oriented aspects of today’s music industry.

From a very young age, Benny Black had a strong interest in creating music. As hip hop began to spread throughout the tri-state area, he was exposed early to the new culture by hearing songs like “Rapper’s Delight” and “Planet Rock” on the radio and on tapes. A new concept in television would cause his interest to peak. Run DMC’s “King of Rock” video influenced him for years to come. He was fascinated by the art of MCing and DJing. The straight forward yet witty lyrics combined with hard, gritty beats and aggressive attitude was adopted and imitated by a young Benny Black.

Benny continued to write rhymes and record music throughout his life. With too many successful releases to even count, Benny Black has been busy diversifying his passion. From mixtape to mixtape and a combination beat tape/mixtape to a hip hop instrumental album to Djing for Tableek and The Political Animals to working as the Urban Music Director on the radio, starting a record label, writting a few books, and continues to further advance his career as a DJ/Producer.

View his website >

Original Vermont Grass Roots and Culture. Heirloom Seeds is a band that lives for tradition and culture from the organic heirloom food that they grow to the Roots Reggae music they’ve learned straight from the elders in Brooklyn, Jamaica, and West Afrika. The Spirit that is ‘Reggae’ or ‘Regal’ music is an education of agricultural and nutritional self-sustainability, rural independence, multicultural unity, art, and mysticism. That is the message of His Majesty Haile Sellassie I of Ethiopia in his speeches and writings. Heirloom Seeds stays true to the old school sound and philosophy a refreshing listen for all ages.

The rhythm section is locked with Drummer Brian West and bassist Jay Cook running the dancehall Kingston style. Composer and Multi-instrumentalist Daniel Rosow chants in honor of cultural diversity and biodiversity. Both he feels are being threatened by GMO cross-pollination and pesticide use. Instead he redirects us toward sustainable localized living and the boycott of non-organic produce and products.

View their website >

Bless the Child is an amalgamation of artists with a diversity of musical experience and commonality of cause, a heartfelt reckoning, and a reverent tribute to a golden age in hip hop when lyricism and soulful messages reigned. Based in Burlington, Vermont, Rajnii, Humble and Transplante have been gracing stages from local venues to open mics to festivals, making an impact on the scene through their uplifting energetic performances.

Drawing strength from sincere respect for true originators of the culture — from the classic era of Guru, Slick Rick, Brand Nubian, and Lauryn Hill to Kool Moe Dee, Kurtis Blow, and the Treacherous Three — the name rings true as with skillful dexterity of poetry. Rajnii Eddins is an arts educator, National Poetry Slam champion, singer, and songwriter from Seattle, Washington. He is also a core member of Set Up City and the Jenke collective. MC Humble has gained notoriety through his collaborative performances with reggae artists like Toussaint the Liberator, Ras Iba, Rise Up Sound, and Satta Sounds, as well as Second Agenda and Barika. He is likewise a member of Set Up City and Jenke Arts. Also hailing from Second Agenda, DJ Transplant utilizes his turntables as an educational device in both clubs and classrooms alike. Scotty Raymond – Eskae One, also a member of the 2A Crew, has been a consummate presence in the local hip hop scene for over a decade. Tim Entricut McLaughlin is an integral ingredient, hailing from the Natural Ingredients who blend creative vocal harmony with skillful lyrical delivery.

View their website >

Roots Rhythm & Dub, an alternative reggae band, fuses traditional rock influences with a progressive reggae sound. Originally formed in 2006, the band found a full and consistent group in the Fall of 2012 in Portland, Maine. Their appeal draws from an eclectic musical background, where each member contributes their own unique flavor. This band plays a wide range of musical styles, centered around Reggae, of-course.

A band of many diverse musical backgrounds, this group has established one of the freshest forms of Reggae around. Formed by Kevin Kareckas and Josh Routhier-Fenton in South Berwick, ME in 2006, Roots Rhythm & Dub is a Reggae-Fusion band that blends each member’s unique styles to form an original sound that has opened the eyes of many. The band became under the direction of Routhier-Fenton who added current bass player and vocalist Josh Hunnefeld in 2008. Together the group would release two albums, 2010’s B Side, and 2012’s The Getaway EP which led the band to play many spots around New England and established them as a prominent part of the Dover, NH and Portland, ME music scenes. Filled out by Tom Menzie (Guitar/Vocals), Sam Yawdik (Drums/Vocals), and Adam Vinciguerra (Percussion), the band has created one of the freshest forms of Reggae around. Roots, Rhythm, & Dub released their third studio album, Patience in January of 2015.

View their facebook page >

Hailing from Jamaica, VT, IYAH uses the ITAL path to guide musical decisions. They rely on the influences of Jackie Mitoo, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespear, Augustus Pablo, Burning Spear, Toots Hibbert, Ernest Ranglin, King Tubby, 10 ft Ganja Plant and Midnite.

Their goal is to shape the ever expanding world of future roots, jam-loving, reiki reggae. Combining spiritual healing modalities with righteous riddim we aim to invigorate and shake bodies while spreading love.

View their website >

Cultural Chemistry is a Vermont Hip Hop collective comprised of musicians, emcee’s, dee jay’s and producers. Featuring members Learic and Tha Truth (The Aztext), SkySplitterInk, Jay Be, Mister Burns (The Lynguistic Civilians) and DJ Kanga (Self Portrait).

A group of musicians who have played a huge part in Vermont’s Hip Hop scene for years through different outlets came together in the summer of 2016 to keep the chemistry of the culture alive. Since their first show in July of 2016 Cultural Chemistry has shared the stage with the likes of Talib Kweli, Zion I, Grouch & Elijah, The Perceptionists and Termanology.

View their facebook >

Creating an experience that is not faded or impaired through an authentic Hip Hop design, Fresh Patterns is on a mission for 2017 to connect with equivalent minds through music. Based in Burlington, Vermont this trio have been making music through different outlets for years and have now come together to engage and excite the North East and beyond!

View their facebook >

Have you ever wanted to put together a band with all of the folks in your area that you have wanted to jam with?
Dana Spaulding and Bob Stone dreamt of recreating a project like The Band, who can back up other musicians as well as step up, write great tunes, and put on an unforgettable show! Out of that, The Sidemen project was born in New Hampshire.
View their facebook >

Ben Shorr is a life long emcee from Portland, Maine. He is known in New England mostly for his freestyling abilities and gritty style of rapping, using life experiences to capture raw perspectives and lyricism few can match. His debut album, Live & Direct, is a “must-listen” for any true Hip-Hop head, featuring incredible beat production and guest vocals from some of New Englands’ finest.

View his facebook page >

Tyrone Shoelace’s music was recently described as a “wild and sexy eclectic mix of reggae, funk and groovin rhythms that surge ones soul. The band is a talented mesh or cross-section of musicians from various decades that communicate well together and learn from each other to add to this band’s success. There’s a positive interplay among the artists. The music at first had an almost funk reggae feel which then suddenly loomed into an explosion of energy with an experimental, trendy, edgy flare with its techno/synthesizer sound that surges excitement and spirit to the listener.”  Annette Versage – Fairfield County Music Reporter

Since the band’s inception, Tyrone’s sound has continued to evolve into a wild mix of genres – rock, reggae, dub, funk, jam band and even some disco-esque rhythms – culminating in the third CD/Album, Shoot The Radio being released in March of 2016.

Written, recorded and mixed entirely in Norwalk CT, Shoot The Radio takes on a Norwalk feel with a reference to Sheffield Island on In The Garden and the song I Didn’t Notice which is about growing up on Lexington Ave in South Norwalk.  Proud to put Norwalk, CT on the map, the album features a rap by Norwalk native Leo TheFuture Futerelli and was mixed by three-time Grammy winner & Norwalk resident Phil Magnotti.  The album cover was created by another Norwalker, Dave Lindsay of Lindsay Media.  This record truly captures Tyrone’s ever evolving sound and mash up of genres. It has a much more reggae feel and incorporates some electronica dub for the first time.

The title song, Shoot The Radio has a simple reggae shuffle beat which then morphs into a rap featuring Leo TheFuture Futerelli and his take on growing up with the radio. The first single, In The Garden was released on February 12, 2016 and the full album was released on March 4, 2016 with the sterling efforts of Rabbit House Records. Since then the album has been spinning on 99.5 WPLR Newhaven, 89.5 WPKN Bridgeport as well as CIgnet and multiple I Heart Radio Stations!

View their website >

IN THE SILENT DISCO . . .

View his facebook page >

ILL DOOTS has always been known as a diverse and expansive tribe, but originally they were nothing more than a few teenagers in a jam session: a curious kid from Boston who played bass and loved J Dilla, an enthusiastic young drummer from Reading, PA , and a rambunctious acting student who kicked freestyle raps on the mic. These humble beginnings built the foundation of collaboration that continues to drive ILL DOOTS forward on their journey as artists.

With their home base now being Philadelphia, PA, ILL DOOTS is a group of individuals with different perspectives, from different places who want nothing more than to come together freely, have fun, and make good music with no rules. In 2009 ILL DOOTS began molding its jam session origins into a small dorm room studio project which has since further evolved into a raging live beast of a band featuring: two emcees, two guitarists, a bassist, drummer, percussionist, keyboardist and occasional appearances from a horn section, other emcees, and singers. ILL DOOTS has proclaimed that their sound is unlike anything ever heard before on Earth, it is a new philosophy: 3EATKRACK. 3EATKRACK is a mindstate, to look within yourself and reconcile raw emotion and refined thought, the coal, the diamonds, and everything in between. For ILL Doots this means mixing elements of jazz, infused with hip hop and funk to give life to their soulful sound. The 8+ piece band’s vibe is organic and raw because the band draws from a diverse range of backgrounds as individuals but maintains a shared musical consciousness. Their live show has become more refined, theatrical, engaging, and challenging with each year of collaboration. ILL DOOTS also strives to collaborate with artists from all disciplines; cross-medium collaboration has been a constant source of inspiration and is a staple of the ILL DOOTS experience. In reality it’s not just ILL DOOTS, it’s a whole #ILLMOVEMENT

View their website >

A four piece Hip Hop group out of Connecticut. Consisting of an MC, Bassist, Drummer, and a D.J./Turntablist/Live Sampler. While Boom Bap, Funk/Soul Breaks, and Electro are the foundation, they are NOT the perimeter. The themes to the songs vary just like the sound. Ranging from traditional party rockin’, social commentary, satire/toungue and cheek, story telling and Battle rhymes. They refuse to waste your time. Concepts, whether abstract or concrete are aimed at making you nod your head, dance, and think. Live shows differ from recordings. Political Animals describes our humanity and how we interact with each other and the universe. Continue reading →

Philadelphia-based reggae outfit Kings & Comrades began as an acoustic duo in 2006 and has since evolved into a prominent 7-piece band, including a full horn section. With conscious original music and an authentic, soulful sound, the band aims to bring their uplifting message to the masses.

The group has two EPs and recently released their first full length album, “Get Away”, which debuted at #7 on iTunes reggae charts. They’ve shared stages with bands like Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Matisyahu, Tribal Seeds, Stick Figure, The Green, Ballyhoo, Mike Pinto, Three Legged Fox, and more.

View their facebook page >

Formed in 2008, The Merrimack Delta Dub Set have been playing reggae-infused, funky, live hip hop in The Merrimack Valley, Boston, The North Shore and The Seacoast to energetic, dancing crowds in a wide array of venues. Frontman, singer and rhythm guitar player, Seamus Stanton, with his strong, soulful vocals and rhythmic reggae guitar is accompanied by MC Oliver Ox, whose cerebral, well-developed lyrics and rap technique are unparalleled. MDDS combines the sweet sounds and melodies of saxophone player Clark Zlindra-Short and the melodic riffs of lead guitarist Benjamin Goldbaum for consistently catchy hooks and melodies.  Backed by beats that range from dancehall, hip-hop, to dub to disco, provided by the formidable team of drummer Derek Hayden and bass player Devon Hurt, The Dub Set can get any crowd dancing.

View their website >

Currently based out of Massachusetts, the vocal cord conductor known as Honeycomb has quickly risen to the top of the food chain of northeast beatboxers, placing 13th in the 2015 American Beatbox Championships. With a unique approach as an equally versed music producer, and a frequent collaborator in both the live and studio settings, Honeycomb has built a sound fan base for himself through original productions and ear popping performances.

In the studio, Honeycomb has collaborated with Liquid Stranger, Moon Hooch and Space Jesus; as well as frequent partner in crime, Tonio Sagan. Aside from swaying audiences with his own material, Honeycomb has further embedded himself in the rapidly growing festival culture by joining a diverse array of artists, from bass DJs, to funk and jam bands, to rappers-on stage, bringing their sets to new heights.

View his website >

The Feel Goods are a ska and rocksteady band specializing in tight vocal harmonies, innovative song-writing and producing a spectrum of styles that pays homage to the great originators of Jamaican ska, dub, dancehall and reggae of the 1960s and 70s.

With influences of ska, punk, soul, rocksteady and dub, this band puts on a show that is unlikely to be seen anywhere else. Hailing from the seacoast of New Hampshire, The Feel Goods have spent the last three years honing their sound, bringing an energetic performance to every audience it entertains. With luscious four part vocal harmonies, monstrous horn lines and intoxicating live dub, The Feel Goods are a band not to be missed!

View their website >

The Romano Project hails from the Merrimack Valley, a group of cities and towns, just north of Boston, Massachusetts. The band was pieced together with a refreshing new sound in early 2010 by gifted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Eddie Romano. Eddie has a high attention to rhythm and a pop-aggressive vocal style. He constructed a group of talented musicians that share a common musical vision, now known as The Romano Project. Or simply, TRP

Since their auspicious live debut as a trio in 2010 they have kept their regional fan base’s feet moving. Drummer John Elliott, who has an impeccable knack to keep any crowd dancing, and his longtime friend, proven song-smith, rhythm junky and multi-talented musician Chris Taillon, have been playing together in various bands for almost 2 decades prior to TRP. Chris, who was the original TRP bassist back in 2010, (currently the lead/rhythm guitarist) along with Eddie Romano have made some tasteful additions to the band. Tim Dunning aka DJ Icculus now layers infectious sax grooves and his un-matchable scratching styles over TRP’s sound. The band received a helping hand along the way from two talented local musicians, Steve Gofstein on bass, and Ryan Goodhue on keyboards.

While TRP was racking up miles and miles of hard earned respect through relentless touring, they soon after acquired bass player Ben Siwak, a musician well versed in the art of jazz, funk, and blues music, and his longtime friend Brian Cogger, a creative trumpet player with energetic hooks and a unique approach to music. They have met so many amazing musicians on tour they frequently have been known, on many occasions, to host special guest musicians, live and in the studio. With a long list of some of the best local talent on the scene, StraddleDaddy’s bass player & singer – Shawn LaRochelle & Syme, The Alchemystics front man – Garrick “Force” Perry, The Hornitz, Johnny Bongos from Stealhead, TRP always strives to bring something new to its sound and keep the songs fresh and exciting. This promising young band continues to demonstrate their trademark, catchy music hooks, brash rapid fire vocals, slow build of chords and non stop energy that culminate into intoxicating and infectious sing-alongs.

View their website >

Funknut formed in 2006 when Tony Gallicchio and Tristan Greene started playing together as a key and drum duo. Since then Funknut has expanded and has been blessed to play with a rotating cast of talented musicians with Tristan and Tony as the core. In 2009, Sean Mclay became a permanent member of the band holding down the low end and making things even funkier than before. In 2010, good friend Paul McArdle joined in on the guitar. Fans of improvisation, each Funknut show is different from the next. Special guests make their way on to the stage often, you never know what you are going to see.

Funknut’s latest album “JUICY” included special guests such as members of The Moho Collective, Roots Collider, Big Mean Sound Machine, AudioInflux, Blue Falcon and more!

Funknut and its members have opened for and played with The Temptations, Bernie Worrell of Parliament Funkadelic and Talkings heads, Robert Randolph, John Medeski, The Four Tops, Soulive, KRS-One, Particle, Alan Evans and Break Science as well as performed on the WXXI TV show OnStage.

You can also see Tony touring with Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad all over the US.

Strive to keep the funk alive!

View their facebook page > 

This nine-piece battalion features Her Ladyness: Miss. Andrea Beladi, accompanied by eight charming young men. They play regularly sold out shows on the New Hampshire Seacoast, and have a spotless track record of raising-the-roof abroad. Their original music traverses the modern funk, jazz, and hip-hop gamut; with a lyrical style punctuated by some MC swank. They enjoy an strong glass of single-malt, the occasional corn dog, and makin’ fellas dance.

View their website >

It is the dawn of a new era. Future funk has come back in time to present day funk monkeys! William Thompson has got that confidence, and the funk flows.

Once upon a time they started out as a joke band called What the Funk. After a few shows people started to really dig what they were doing, so they moved away from the joke and began a trek through absolute seriousity…

William Thompson Funk Experiment has become quite the spectacle. A uniquely interactive show experience featuring a group of musical talents that put high stock in making sure you leave feeling uplifted and truly entertained. The band delivers tight hard-hitting original tunes that have a way of pulling fans right into their fantasy laced world of fun and bewilderment. WTFeX invites you to leave your worries at the doorstep and come and get down.

View their facebook page >

Bass Music from the center of the Earth.

Austin Rogers and Jeff Blair (Producers, Composers, and Performers) of Zoo Logic combine future bass with cosmic rhythms for a bold explosion of ear candy. Audiences will find themselves on a roller coaster ride of emotional escapades, largely due to their musical versatility and willingness to experiment.

View their facebook page >

IN THE SILENT DISCO . . .

For Massachusetts bred lyricist/producer Tonio Sagan (formerly Cheatcode), progression in music was gradual. What started as a quest to find dope beats to rap on transformed into a love for production. Digging for samples became an appreciation for the great records of the past. An aspiration for originality evolved into sound design and synthesis manipulations. Tone releases are the result of an ever expanding love for the process of creating and recording music. Whether appearing as an emcee or producer, the aim is to keep the party moving with a conscience.

In 2007 the young Rapper/Beatmaker formed Massachusettes hip hop group the Problemaddicts, in conjunction with Mystika Music, the production company that would release their music, a partnership with long time friend and musical teacher, Deejay Theory. Tone and Deejay Theory co-produced the Problemaddicts debut release the first step that same year. In 2008, Tone conceptualized and released his first mashup project “The Dark Side Of Oz”, under the Problemaddicts franchise. In 2010 he collaborated as an Emcee in the duo Moke & Tone and released “Shot Heard ‘Round The World”, boasting production by Team Genius, the production collaborative of Tone, Garrett Sawyer and Jason Metcalf. Tone was present for every mixing session with his engineer Garrett at Northfire Recording Studio learning the art of studio mixing.

“Being the control freak that I am, I had to be there. It was a blessing in disguise. Osmosis, when I finally bought my own copy of protools I knew how to navigate the program with ease.”

Growing from a thickly accented hip hop background, Tone has carried the ideas and concepts of the genre with him to his latest stage of modern production and performance. Sagan seeks to implicate much more than just hip hop inspiration though; fusing in an expansive blanket of various modern, and sometimes future electronic music techniques, his sound has become impossible to pin down to a single, encapsulating phrase.

A frequent collaborator, with the likes of beatbox deviant Honeycomb, among others, Tonio Sagan continues to develop musical relationships and further press the boundaries of his own sound. In 2016, Sagan was officially announced as a member of Wakaan, the newly founded label from renowned artist Liquid Stranger.

View his facebook page >

Ballads and Softcore Porn came together in Amherst, MA. Formed in 2013, Ballads is an R&B/funk ensemble comprised of musicians from UMass’ jazz program and members of groups like The Alchemystics, Mixed-Race Mixtape, and the Charles Neville Jazz Quintet.

View their facebook page >

Since July of 2013, Riddim Vigil is a regional reggae band from Vermont comprised of members from various backdrops of rock, ska, and jazz. We are united in love and respect for original roots reggae music, the early vibe, the message, the passion. Their songs recount the daily struggles of love, faith, and identity, rooted in culture but transformed by the Most High! Let’s keep reggae music true so our hearts and feet can keep dancing to the reggae beat!
Peace.

View their facebook page >

IN THE SILENT DISCO…

DJ N.E.B.’s roots go back to the 80’s Hip Hop & electro culture; Bboyin’, Graff, Fashion and Turntablism.

Neb DJs for Political Animals, L.M.N., Bboy battles, Hip Hop showcases and also participates in the Elemental Philosophy 101 Lessons at Ziontific.

View his facebook page >

Hailing from Southbridge, MA, Weapon E.S.P. is a conscious lyricist who carves his original flow into creative concepts over exceptional production. He is a pure lyricist who is reminiscent of the golden age of hip hop when emcee’s were competitive. His content is creative and relevant and his overall message is positive. He is known for his cryptic writing style as well as an impressive cadence, which he shows off on his debut. E.S.P. is not making music for wealth, but rather to add his chapter to the culture and create what he loves and feels should shape his legacy.

View his facebook page >

Hailing from South Kingston, RI, James and The Giants brings a tasteful blend of reggae, funk, soul and more. With music so uplifting, it’s for you.

View their facebook page >

Blue Collar (Live! & Catalyst) is the latest hip-hop Jewel out of Western Massachusetts. Catalyst hailing from DC and Live! from Norfolk VA / Brooklyn NY, they have combined to create a fusion of Golden era and Trap style hip-hop records. Their first release titled Growth is out now…

View their facebook page >

IN THE SILENT DISCO . . .

Nicholas (Live!) Court was born in Western Massachusetts and by the age of 8 moved to Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay area with his mother, stepfather, and brother. He and his brother were raised between parts of Virginia Beach/ Norfolk, and Brooklyn, New York where his biological father lived. Growing up in the tip of the south traveling back and forth to New York’s Pen Station or Port Authority is where the inspiration for this producer extraordinaire’s years of original and ground breaking urban production were developed.

With years also spent in one of the west coasts most musically influential areas experiencing San Francisco’s mission districts then heavy poverty and gang activity was a complete opposite view from either of the not so easy walks of life he was a custom to in the east coast. This life experience is what has created his diverse ear for music and his “Hard Work No Play” ethics that set this producer ahead of the rest. Live! Has produced for hundreds of hip hop, R&B, and reggae artists including: Buckshot of Black moon, Moke&Tone, Grafh, Slash of unusual suspects, Block McCloud of Brooklyn academy, Roosta & Prowla of Fear Nuttin Band, Stash, Rap-p feat Ty Nitty of infamous mobb, Tony benefit of Earatic Statik, all of Hardtimes Records artist roster 2001-2012, Nature, C-Rayz Walz, Vorheez, Hostyle of Screwball, Young Dirty Bastard, Whosane, the whole Comparable To None Entertainment Roster 2002-2009 and much more.

One of his most recent projects, a collaboration with Albe Back and 2dopeboyz.com titled Raphael Dela Ghetto in which he Produced all but two track’s was well received with over 10,000 Downloads and numerous blog mention’s. Plan to see, but most of all hear a lot from him in the near future.

View his facebook page >

I Anbassa delivers high energy, all original World Reggae grounded in roots island music, laced with rock, funk, and afro-beat. Bringing forward a fresh, new and infectious sound, they ignite on stage with intuitive hooks and bubbling rhythms that instantly get the crowd moving and singing along. Their songs promote self-awareness, consciousness, positivity and, above all, Jah love.

View their facebook page >

Connecticut-based band, The Juicy Grapes play songs filled with dance-inducing rhythms and sultry harmonies led by the soulful Tara on vocals. The music seamlessly blends funk, rock and soul, with an old-school sensibility that embraces concepts like “love,” “peace,” and all those other written-off ideals. Somehow, The Juicy Grapes can sing about believing in love, respecting one another, reaching for the stars and even skinny dipping without sounding corny. It has something to do with their style—songs that encourage bouncing and coerce even reluctant audience members onto the dance floor—and something to do with their emotional investment. The Juicy Grapes love to create a scene that’s high on good vibes.

View their website >

Hailing from the green hills of Burlington Vermont, the Lynguistic Civilians have been making music together since 2010 being voted “Vermont’s Best Hip Hop” by Seven Days VT four years running. Since their initial debut in 2009 Walshie Steeze, Mike Fulton, LC and Mr. Burns have performed all over New England. They are a focused group of individuals with a passion for Hip Hop and expressing it through their music wherever they can.

With all in house production and lyrics The Civilians have an approach on making music that allows everyones individual talents to flourish. A family of MC’s and DJ’s they have captivated crowds of all ages while having the honor of sharing the stage with some of hip hop’s greats. They have three releases, 2011’s A Hard Act To Follow e.p. 2013 full length album Better Late Than Never and 2014’s collaboration with The Mangroves, Urban Priorities.

Bringing all four personalities together, The Lynguistic Civilians bring a upbeat and engaging live show that convinces you why these crazy fools were suppose to be doing what they do.

View their website >

Reef’d is a six-piece Reggae/Rock/Hip-Hop band from Philadelphia, PA. The band was created in 2011 by Derek Donato (drums), Chris Kwasnik (Guitar), and John Diamond (Frontman), shortly before they released their first EP entitled “Brighter Days”. After the release of ”Brighter Days”, and following the departure of their original guitarist, Reef’d added members Kevin Pitkin (Bass), Colin Young (Lead Guitar), and Matt Diamond (Trumpet, Vocals). The group has played many notable Philadelphia music venues including World Cafe Live, The Legendary Dobbs, and Hard Rock Cafe. Most recently, the bands first album, “On Our Way”, which was independently released, debuted at #8 on the Itunes Top 100 Reggae Albums chart.

View their facebook page >

THE EQUALITES are a staple in the pioneer valley reggae scene, the band has been performing in the region for over 25 years! With four part harmonies and excellent songwriting, sizzling guitar work, deep percussion, and a deep pocket of bass n drums… this is truly ‘a great band with killer reggae groove’. The music is at once reggae, roots music, blue beat, has jazz sensibilities, and much more!

The original compositions are performed in unforgettable fashion, and the covers they play of classic reggae and soul music have the Equalites polished unique stamp on them that make them sound like fresh goodness.

The band is lead by the prolific and accomplished David Boatwright, on lead vocals and guitar. Dave was a founding member of Loose Caboose and has played guitar and vocals in many other groups, he has released original music with the Equalites and is a true one of a kind musician. His melodies resonate deep with his voice, as do his unparalleled guitar snarl.

Percussionist Boo Pearson has studied diasporic rhythms, songs and dance whose origins emmenate from sub-Saharan West Africa and have spread to the Americas and places such as Brazil, the West Indise, Louisianna and beyond. His kit includses congas, congalettos, timbales and djembe, as well as a broad selection of instruments from around the world. A singer and lyricist, his tenure with The Equalites exceeds a quarter of century.

Philippe grew up in Boston and was originally drawn to West Indian culture, following the Caribbean Carnival floats that played live soca and calypso music when he was a child. He brings the precision and soul of reggae drumming to the band along with his enchanting backing vocals and stirring lead vocals.

Adam Zucker controls the bass with a booming deep groove and plays with melodic sensibilities at the same time as precise hard hitting rhythm. He is also a talented songwriter and sings his tunes like ‘where there is love’ and ‘love zone’ with a fiery passion from his soul. Adam has has played guitar, bass, and composed music for various reggae bands in Western Mass.

Edward Reddonett is the founding member of the band and can get dubbed out with his range of effects peddles. A truly ‘jammin’ guitarist , Ed’s guitar adds an exciting colors n shades to the music that makes you feel really nice….

View their website >

Originally from Miami, FL these now Bostonians are a rock band with heavy reggae, jazz, soul, and funk influences. The band consists of Paul Garcia (Drums), Frank Vasallo (Guitar/Vocals), and Branden DeCaso (Saxophone); along with a keyboardist, percussionist, and horn section.

Their first and self-titled album “Fulah” features a variety of original tracks. Fulah wrote, composed, and produced the record together. It grew to be influenced by a variety of backgrounds in music; jazz, rock, reggae, funk, among many others. Once finished recording, they mixed and mastered themselves, keeping everything in-house. What they have delivered is a full-length debut record with spunk.

Fulah delivers a fresh sound that always draws a positive response from a steadily growing fan base.

View their website >

Hailing from Portland ME, The Yeti is a hip-hop group of rappers Syn The Shaman & Dray Sr. plus DJ/producer TheLin.

They formed based around their mutual respect for authentic hip-hop and honest music. The Yeti takes a difference approach by pushing the music to fit the song, not just dropping vocals on existing beats like the conventional verse-chorus-verse-chorus type platform.

Teaching himself to beat box, rap, break dance, and paint jean jackets from a young age, Dray Senior has been a mentor to a lot of artists that have had great success. Syn’s long history from the early days in the well acknowledged hip-hop group Live Poets to now has also helped lay ground work for the vocals against producer theLin’s musical background. Their music is raw and unforgiving, but also draws you in with it’s constantly changing landscape.

View their facebook page >

In their music and their lives, Rebelle is an intergenerational and intercultural band from Africa and America. Their story is rich in a foundation of love and powerful musicianship. ReBelle plays all original music, sung in four different languages, English, Wolof, Creole and French. Their eloquent composition runs along limbs of rasta, elements of jazz and folk, poetic insurgence and ardent rhythms. Vocalists chant meditations on liberation while the band propels roots reggae soul. The band’s mystical mix of pulsing tribal rhythms, guitar and tight harmonies is internationally acclaimed. ReBelle is committed to aligning in love, unity and freedom throughout the world.

If you want to dance as you dream; chant on the move; find yourself in the compelling atmosphere of origin, then come to ReBelle.

They’ll more than meet you there.

They’ll take you there.

View their website >

Lessons throughout the weekend on the core elements of Hip-Hop.

Performances by:
Honeycomb
DJ Benny Black
Blue Collar
DJ NEB
Ryan Augustus
Breaks by Poptart and Moses
More to be announced . . .

Stay tuned here for additional artists and information on the Elemental Lessons as the fest draws near.