Steve Burks - These Nights (Album Review)

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Sunday, December 10, 2017

These Nights is the latest effort from New Jersey’s Steve Burks.  The EP, which was released October 6th, is his first since 2015’s Where I Belong.  Since his last release, Burks has clearly been polishing his songwriting and has really found his sound on this release.  The record itself also sounds polished, having recorded the EP at North End Recording in Passaic, NJ.  In addition to a change in studio, Burks found a group of producers that really knew what he was going for with Sammy Kay, Brian Rothenbeck and Ed Elduka.

Burks’ influences truly shine through on this release, without drowning out his original sound. On this EP I heard a lot of Bob Dylan, Lucero, Gaslight Anthem and some late Replacements/solo Paul Westerberg.  This record gives the listener a look in at Burks’ record collection, and he manages to utilize these influences to give a familiar sound to his fans and a platform to perform his songs of loss.  This EP is emotionally heavy and the listener can tell Burks put all he had into these five songs.

My first listen, I immediately noticed the change in production.  These Nights is professional-sounding as all hell.  I also noticed a change in songwriting.  2015’s Where I Belong is a truly determined and hopeful EP.  Burks himself sums up that release, stating:

“This record was written entirely in hotel rooms, backseats of cars, airport bars, and every truck stop the Garden State Parkway and Turnpike has to offer.  I've always called New Jersey home, but a day doesn't go by where I don't think about grabbing my guitar, filling up the tank, putting Bob Dylan on the stereo and just leaving; driving until the lines on the road are as permanent a fixture as the tattooed lines on my skin.  Having no desire to stop until I've found myself, found a place I can call home, whether it be California, Tennessee, New Orleans, Texas.  Thinking about the past with each state line I cross; the good times, the bad, the broken hearts, the tears, the last calls, my family, my friends; and how I traded it all for the open road and the stars above.  Praying these 4 wheels, and heavy heart lead me to the dream continuously playing in my mind of finding Where I Belong.”

When I asked Burks if he had any words about These Nights, he was less willing to explain, and the music truly does do all of the talking.  He told me “...this album is extremely personal to me, like songs that have been brewing for like 13 years but could never actually put the thoughts into words.  In a weird way, this album was some sort of strange closure for me.”

The songs tell the listener directly what Burks has been feeling.  This release is beautifully personal, and I am sure it took a lot out of him to write these songs and share them.  The hardest part of the creative process is sharing, yet Burks seems to have done that with ease.

Thanks, Steve.

No Such Animals Release Show (Recap)

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Monday, November 20, 2017

On September 23rd, the Asbury Park Brewery held No Such Animals release show, with help from Aftermath Collective.  The lineup included local favorites Have a Good Season, Freehold’s Good Luck Spaceman and The Vaughns from Springfield.

Good Luck Spaceman - "Center of the Earth"

Here is a clip of Good Luck Spaceman playing “Center of the Earth,” a song of their latest self-titled EP.  Spaceman brought a lot of energy and a lot of gear, including a TV set that played throughout their performance.  The combination of effects, guitars and volume made for a spacey performance, reminiscent of Sonic Youth.

For fans of The Strokes, The Pixies, Pavement

Have a Good Season - "Joseph"

Have a Good Season kicked off the night with their nostalgic 90’s emo sound.  This was their second show of the weekend and they made sure to switch up their setlist for the fans that were going to be attending both in a row.  Since two of the members are in school their local shows start to slow down once the school year starts.  Seeing them is always a treat and this night was no exception.  Here is a clip of the title track “Joseph” off of their 2015 EP.

For fans of Modest Mouse, American Football, Dinosaur Jr.

No Such Animals - "Suffer"

No Such Animals were the stars of the night.  Performing as a three-piece, they really blew me away. I  had never heard of them before, but they truly gained a fan.  I talked to the guys and I am looking forward to reviewing their latest EP “Create/TV.”  This is one of their newest tracks titled “Suffer.”

For fans of The Blood Brothers, Jimmy Eat World, Manchester Orchestra

The Vaughns

The Vaughns closed the night with an acoustic set.  They were the perfect ending for a night of loud rock and roll.  Usually a loud four-piece, The Vaughns still blew everyone away without a drummer with their sheer talent in songwriting.  It was tough to get up front for them, but here is a clip of a new song.

For fans of Paramore, Pinegrove, Hey Anna

Jersey City/NYC Indie Pop Singer Giselle Releases Mixtape, "not ready to grow up"

PRESS RELEASE

Jersey City/NYC indie pop singer Giselle’s mixtape, not ready to grow up, was recently released on November 17th.  The 9-song mixtape offers a raw, aggressive take on traditional pop music in a tug-of-war between beauty and darkness.  Giselle is perhaps most notable for singing the 2015 viral hit “diarreah song” featured on FX, which collectively garnered nearly 500,000 views on YouTube.  Giselle’s not ready to grow up signifies the pop singer’s evolution with music that is honest and vulnerable, highlighting her dynamic vocal range and taking us on a rollercoaster from youthful innocence to the harsh reality of growing up in today’s society.  Every song on the mixtape will be accompanied by a music video, all of which have been directed by women—offering a change of pace in a world in which women are often underrepresented.

Listen to the mixtape in its entirety here.

~

Contact: 
Meghan Ianiro
Press Manager

Official Website | www.Giselle.us
LIKE | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram
Hear Giselle on "I Love You, Daddy" Trailer | HERE

Interview with Artem Lomaz of NinetyThree Entertainment

Following his recent win as the Best Entertainment Provider/Performer in New Jersey (as voted by readers of NJ Meetings + Events Magazine), I had the chance to sit down with Artem Lomaz, Principal Event Host and Founder of New Jersey-based NinetyThree Entertainment.  NinetyThree Entertainment is a boutique private event entertainment company specializing in private events such as weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and corporate events.

After delivering a seminar at the International DJ Expo in Atlantic City, NJ, Artem suggested getting together at The Park Ave Club, located in Florham Park, NJ.  “Atlantic City and the International DJ Expo are always a fun time, but I need to de-stress in the suburbs of Northern New Jersey,” Artem joked.  After an afternoon at the gorgeous venue, I was able to learn not only about Artem’s unique approach and luxury service, but also about the private events industry, in great detail.

Below are the videos captured that afternoon, as well as my key takeaways from my conversation with the well-dressed and charismatic event entertainer.

Artem serves as Master of Ceremonies, which, as he describes it, is “not only a representative of you to your guests, but also someone who drives the emotional factor of the celebration through announcements, timing, and pacing.  It’s a combination of entertainment direction, personalization, collaborative efforts with all other event partners, and guest inclusion.” Artem oversees event production elements, which include, of course, entertainment (he’s accompanied by a DJ, a band, or both, depending on client preference), as well as ancillary elements such as lighting design, photo booths, furniture and VIP areas, instrumentalists, and much more.  He also works directly with all of his clients during the pre-event preparation period to ensure that all details are covered.  His attention to detail (from the basic elements of which songs should be played at what moments, to his meticulous team-matching, tie-knotting, and pocket square placement) continues to keep him in high demand for his highly selective clientele.  He even jokingly attributes being “admittedly difficult” to his extreme focus on details, but believes that the appreciation level of his clients corresponds to his level of care and concern for “the small things that matter.”

When asked about the said clientele, Artem described them as “those who are usually accustomed to high levels of service, and the personalized approach, throughout all areas of their lives.”  A framework of positivity and an understanding of proper prioritization, whether it be for their celebration or their daily life, were also key factors that were discussed.  Artem shared his belief that when it comes to the most important days of their lives, his clients understand the role that entertainment plays and appreciate the level of service that he and his team offer.

How does Artem, and the NinetyThree Entertainment Event Team, maintain a “quality over quantity” approach and ensure that each client is beyond satisfied?  “10-12 weddings per year, 10-12 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs per year, and a handful of corporate events;  by limiting the number of events that we perform, we can be sure that we have the time to personalize each of them deservingly.” Each performance comes with a premium price, but as Artem’s clientele attests, it’s well worth it. 

To learn more about Artem, NinetyThree Entertainment, and their service, you can reference our video interviews below.

A special thank you to the Park Avenue Club for providing an always-elegant filming location. 

"We've developed a sense of family where our customers and our clients know that we're there for them, and at the same time they're part of something a little bit more special."

-- Artem Lomaz, Principal Event Host and Founder

"We're guiding everybody through each individual necessary element or milestone moment -- parent dances, bouquet tosses, cake cutting. The smoother it's done and the better timed and paced it is, it's like any other performance art."

-- Artem Lomaz, Principal Event Host and Founder

For Additional Viewing: 
An Introduction to NinetyThree Entertainment
The Process
Working with Bands
The Importance of Inclusivity
The Ideal Client

2nd Annual Arts Accessible Festival for Youth and Adults with Disabilities (Oct. 6, 2017)

 Friday, October 6th, 2017 10:00am – 1:00pm
Essex Regional Educational Services Commission   
369 Passaic Ave, Fairfield, NJ 07004

PRESS RELEASE

Orange, NJ - Arts Unbound Inc., in collaboration with Essex Regional Educational Services Commission (ERESC) and Superintendent, Dr. Laurie Newell, will host the 2nd Annual Arts Accessible Festival in Fairfield, NJ.  The inaugural festival held in 2016 was a tremendous success, garnering over 250 participants from schools serving special needs children, seniors, and organizations working with people with developmental and physical disabilities.  This year, the festival will be held at Essex Regional Educational Services Commission, 369 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield, NJ on Friday, October 6, 2017, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.  The purpose of the art festival is to create a safe and creative space for persons with disabilities and underscore the benefits of visual art in special needs communities through hands-on visual art workshops led by Arts Unbound instructors.  The festival is free, wheelchair accessible, and open to the public. 

Each age and developmentally appropriate art activity is designed to further social and functional development; inspire learning, increase skills and self-confidence. The festival will add more art workshops to meet the demand from last year.  Some of the workshops will include painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry-making, art games, etc.  Informational booths for parents will be on hand, along with live music, games, and food.

About Arts Unbound: Arts Unbound is dedicated to the artistic achievement of people living with disabilities and to the continuing artistic enrichment of seniors.  We provide visual arts education and professional development to help emerging artists compete on the retail market.  By promoting the work of artists with disabilities and seniors, we center their art-making rather than any impairment and by doing so challenge the stigma associated with disability and aging.

About Essex Regional Educational Services Commission (ERESC): Essex Regional Educational Services Commission (ERESC) was established in 1979 to provide mandated educational programs and administrative services in a cost effective and efficient manner.  ERESC is a public, non-profit agency that derives its authority pursuant to 18A:6-51 et. seq. ERESC is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of a representative elected by the Board of Education from ten (10) of its constituent member school districts.  The Board of Directors meets monthly to oversee the administration of services.   

Essex Regional Educational Services Commission has been servicing school districts for nearly four decades throughout northern New Jersey including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic and beyond.

ERESC operates three special education and alternative schools:  Essex Junior Academy, Essex Campus Academy, and Essex High School.  In addition, the ERESC operates two educational programs for incarcerated students.  These schools are Sojourn High School and Journey High School.   

Contact

Armisey Smith, Director of Arts Education – Arts Unbound
Organization: Arts Unbound and Essex Regional Educational Services Commission
Website URL: www.artsunbound.org
 

Marionettes Bring Magic & Mozart to Jersey City (Oct., Nov., Dec. 2017)

PRESS RELEASE

JCTC-KIDS and Jersey City’s favorite string-attached theater company – Puppetworks – returns for its new season with an entrancing production of The Prince & The Magic Flute.

JCTC-KIDS presents The Prince & The Magic Flute by Puppetworks, Sundays at 1:00 pm, beginning October 1st at Merseles Studios, 339 Newark Avenue, Jersey City 07302.

Since 2014, JCTCKIDS – the children’s division of Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC)—has brought children’s theater in the form of classic marionette puppetry to the puppet theater at Merseles Studios.  While previous productions were based on fairy tales, folklore and classic children’s literature, The Prince & The Magic Flute is based on a beloved opera, adding another dimension to puppetry in Jersey City.

“Our version of The Prince and The Magic Flute is a musical, but all the songs the puppets sing and the instrumental music on the soundtrack are the original compositions by Mozart,” said Mike Leach, Executive Director of Puppetworks. “Puppetworks pride ourselves with keeping timeless, traditional stories alive. Our shows also serve as one of the first introductions to theater and literature that families can give their children. With The Prince & The Magic Flute, we also add operatic storytelling and Mozart to that introduction.”

The Prince and The Magic Flute was performed in 1791 – just two months before the premature death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart wrote this fairytale opera for the theatrical troupe at the ‘Theater auf der Wieden’, where Mozart frequently performed. The story – of a prince saving a damsel – was actually based on several sources, especially medieval romance literature. The story follows a brave prince and his funny, bird catcher sidekick— with the help of magic bells and a magic flute—on their quest to rescue a princess from the Palace of the Sun. Their story includes such highlights as a giant crocodile, eerie creatures of the night, tests of water, fire and silence, and a final confrontation with the evil Queen of the Night.

JCTC-KIDS presentation of The Prince & The Magic Flute follows on of the most successful Puppetworks runs in Jersey City. The winter/spring production of the Wizard of Oz at Merseles Studios saw sold-out performances as well as special bookings for schools and other groups.

“It is crucial for young audiences to have their first experience with theater to be positive and engaging, and through the artistry of the marionette, children learn about poetry, literature, classical music, and visual storytelling,” said Olga Levina, Artistic Director, JCTC. “We are very grateful for the support we’ve received from Jersey City families, and the responses have been overwhelmingly positive about our programming from people throughout New Jersey and beyond.  JCTC is committed to keeping Puppetworks tickets affordable and working with school administrators, teachers, boards of education and other organizations so we can continue to grow JCTC-KIDS programming.”

Since 1980, Puppetworks has been committed to preserving the tradition of live-theater presentations through the art of Marionettes. Nicolas Coppola, founder and Artistic Director of Puppetworks, was honored by The Puppeteers of America with its 2011 President’s Award for “Outstanding Contributions to the Art of Puppetry.

JCTC-KIDS is presenting The Prince & The Magic Flute by Puppetworks every Sunday afternoon at Merseles Studios, 1:00pm (advance tickets/online sales: $9 for children; $10 for adults. At the door: $11 and $12; $9 each for groups of 20 or more).

The Prince & The Magic Flute by Puppetworks runs October 1 to December 10th. (Please note: there will be NO performances November 12, 19, 26).

School discounts and private party bookings are also available. To purchase online tickets visit: jctcenter.org. 

Jersey City Theater Center
Merseles Studios
339 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 795-5386

Funding for JCTC-KIDS presentation of The Prince & The Magic Flute by Puppetworks was made possible through the generosity of Ben LoPiccolo Development Group, JCTC’s Board of Directors, private donors and local Jersey City businesses.

Jersey City Theater Center, Inc. (JCTC) manages programming at Merseles Studios and the adjacent White Eagle Hall. JCTC is a nonprofit, 501c3 arts organization committed to presenting innovative and progressive performing & visual arts as well as educational arts programs that embrace the multicultural identity and preserve the rich history of Jersey City, bringing its community closer together and enhancing its quality of life. > jctcenter.org

New Album from Aquino - City Stars (Oct. 13, 2017)

PRESS RELEASE

City Stars, the second album by New Jersey native Aquino, will be released on October 13 by Cocotazo Music.  City Stars follows his 2015 release Giants Will Fall.  The Montclair Times called Giants Will Fall, “…a wide range of sounds, textures and a relentless creative streak,” while You Don’t Know Jersey said, “There is a connectivity running through the songs that is held together by excellent musicianship and Aquino’s emotional and honest delivery.”

In City Stars, Aquino explores themes of growing up Latinx in an urban center of northern New Jersey.  “I drew upon different characters—or ‘stars’—I’d met in my youth and their fascinating stories.  Most of the songs reflect on their passions and missteps, and the trajectory on which it set them.  The opening track, ‘Milly,’ explores a young Latina on the brink of womanhood who makes a life-altering choice.  The title track follows two young lovers and their desire to see past the light pollution of the city.  The last song, ‘We All Dance Like Fire’—a reflection on who I’ve become since moving away from the city—is dedicated to my wife.”  The new songs were recorded in New Jersey and engineered by Jim Killgore in Ontario, Canada.  The album was recorded over the span of a year with the help of some of New Jersey’s best independent musicians.

To celebrate the release of City Stars, Aquino will host an album release party at the Bloomfield Public Library’s Little Theatre on October 14.  The event will begin at 2:00pm.  Larée Cisco will perform an opening set.  Admission is  $10/person.  Proceeds will be donated to the ConPRmetidos Hurricane María and Irma Recovery Fund.  ConPRmetidos is an organization, “connecting people in order to foster commitment with the personal, social and economic development of Puerto Rican communities wherever they are.”  Visit michaelaquino.com for more information.

Millstone Mosh (Recap)

September 8, 2017
Millstone, NJ

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted September 21, 2017

Earlier this month, Ryan Doyle and Dominick Cosola put on one of the first shows for local bands in Millstone, NJ.  The two decided to have the show at the Millstone Elks Lodge and brought in a PA system, lights, and a group of teenagers all dying to see a concert in their town.  The lineup consisted of Ryan Doyle, Cosola’s band Stay Home, Halogens, American Lions and my band Corrina, Corrina.  When I wasn’t playing, I was busy taking videos of the bands on this bill to help document the first of many shows in Millstone.

Ryan Doyle

This is a clip of Ryan Doyle’s “Losing friends, losing time”. Doyle put on the show and played first that night. His set consisted of song reminiscing about summer nights and growing up.

For fans of: American Football, Kevin Devine, Manchester Orchestra

Stay Home

Stay Home covered “You’re So Last Summer” by Taking Back Sunday and it was a perfect fit. Although the band does not have any recorded music yet, their set gave me a mid 2000’s pop punk feel and they sounded very tight.

For fans of: Taking Back Sunday, New Found Glory, Real Friends

American Lions

This is a clip of American Lions playing their song “Drifter” off their 2014 EP “Peru”. This was my first time seeing them and they really blew me away with their energy. According to their spotify, their debut LP is coming out soon, but until then you can listen to the studio version of “Drifter”.

Halogens

Halogens were the last of the night and put on another great show. In this clip they are playing their hit “Ayudame!” off their 2016 self titled EP. I’ve lost count of how many times I have seen Halogens, but they continue to be my favorite local band and some of my best friends.

For fans of: Modern Baseball, Modest Mouse, Sorority Noise

Hip Hop Artist IgnoVa Announces Release Date for Two Singles (Sept. 22, 2017)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

            NEW JERSEY, September 14, 2017 - New Jersey native IgnoVa, a rising hip hop musician, today announced his next two singles, 'Here We Go' and 'STD', will be released September 22, 2017.  This will mark the rapper's first multi-song release, having showcased his first single in February.  Both trap-inspired songs will be available on iTunes, Spotify, and international streaming services.

            'Here We Go' is the first of Ignova's singles to be released on September 22nd. Highlighting down-tempo trap drums, 'Here We Go' tells of the trials of balancing relationships with music work.  “'Here We Go' expresses how regardless of one's demanding tasks and duties, this person still finds time for a significant other,” IgnoVa explains.

            'STD', the second of IgnoVa's compositions being released the same date, incorporates an upbeat tempo and driving bass line.  Remarking on the single's theme, IgnoVa said, “'STD' showcases how the power of words and flow can garner enough energy to make an individual dance regardless of the situation at hand.”  An acronym for “Shake, Twerk, Drop”, 'STD' embraces modern party elements.

            Previous to the September release date, IgnoVa has digitally distributed one single and two mixtapes.  Most recently, the rapper released 'Right Now', a danceable hip hop tune embodying braggadocio prototypical of rap history's most acclaimed idols.  Mixtapes 'EMU' and 'EMU 2' acted as dual music collections that set the stage for the musician's foray into the world of rap.  IgnoVa has also been featured on Thousand Times by electro-pop singer M.C. Pollock. 

            IgnoVa is an international hip hop artist who combines maintstream genres with an astounding, acute presentation of lyrics.  Known for his trademark K E E P positiveSpirit™ campaign, the young NJ native's mission is far from over.  More information can be found at www.keeppositivespirit.com.

Contact:

inignovawetrust@gmail.com
www.keeppositivespirit.com

Links:

@dreamsatwrk
Fb.com/therealignova
Youtube.com/therealignova

Indie Rock Duo, Underlined Passages, Return with New Album, Tandi My Dicafi, on September 15th on Mint 400 Records

PRESS RELEASE

Since the release of their 2015 self-titled debut album, Baltimore’s indie rock duo Underlined Passages has been developing a reputation for their guitar driven and lush emotionally intense music.  Consisting of guitarist/vocalist Michael Nestor and percussionist Jamaal Turner, the duo continues to deliver songs that resonate, with a fusion of soulful, borderline-wistful vocals, catchy and twangy guitars, and tight drums on their upcoming new album, Tandi My Dicafi, which will be released on September 15th on Mint 400 Records. 

Recorded and mixed by Frank Marchand (The Thermals, Bob Mould) from April-June 2017, according to Michael, on Tandi My Dicafi, Underlined Passages presents a “sonic palette filled with nods to mid-80’s Flying Nun Records, mid aughts sweater indie rock, and modern alternative rock music.”  He continues, “We wanted the album to be sonically heavier, and more dynamic than our last, ‘The Fantastic Quest’”, but still in tune with the core sound that is Underlined Passages.  The record is the audio culmination of the last six months of our ups, downs, gains, and losses.  Its creation served as our catharsis through the emotional roller coaster we as a band have endured. Jamaal lost his wife in tragic freak car accident right before we went into the studio in April 2017, and we struggled to find our footing.  This record was like an emotional foundation upon which we could walk step by step out of that tragedy for our band family.”

Simultaneously heavy and ethereal, the eight tracks on the record ebb and flow from softened layers of melody to frenetic shreds of distortion to catchy, twangy pop.  Igniting a shared emotional connection, the band takes their listeners along their journey from song to song.  Tandi My Dicafi opens with the track "Feelings", which is the first single and video from the album.  “This song is about our current culture of oversharing,” Michael says.  “Everyone expects you to have feelings about everything. It is not possible as a human to do that. Sometimes, as the chorus states ‘you don’t have those feelings’. It is OK to just be and not think. However, the song also deals with the desire to be heard. This modern life is all about the juxtaposition of needing to be seen, and wanting to be anonymous.”

Recognized for his work as the main songwriter, singer and guitarist for acclaimed band The Seldon Plan (2002-2011) and Pupa’s Window (1994-2008), Michael also ran the well regarded Beechfields Record Label from 2003-2011.  He formed Underlined Passages in 2014 and recruited ex-Seldon Plan drummer Frank Corl to make their self-titled debut album, recorded by Frank Marchand.  After the record was created, he met New Jersey indie rock veteran Neil Sabatino of Mint 400 Records and was signed to the label, with no real band behind it.  After signing, Michael began to support the record, with some urging from Mint 400, by recruiting a bassist and drummer for the band.

Michael and Jamaal, the current iteration of Underlined Passages, met months after the release of the band’s 2015 self-titled album. After the departure of the band’s then drummer and still having to support a tour, Jamaal was brought on to finish.  Not originally intended to be the recording lineup, the band bonded and crafted a unique musical style over the course of the live shows during the tour. Using the momentum and the sound honed on the road, they created the 2016 album, “The Fantastic Quest”.

With a friendship enduring through thick and thin, the collective weight of their experiential journey is fully on display with Tandi My Dicafi.  Halfway between indie rock and tonal exploration, the new record is sure to appeal to the hearts and minds of listeners with familiar emotions: longing, wonder, ennui and joy.

 ####

http://www.underlineslove.com/

https://www.facebook.com/underlinedpassages/

https://underlinedpassages.bandcamp.com/

ANTHONY CARRERA to Perform at ROCK New Brunswick (Sept. 10, 2017)

Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017
Boyd Park, New Brunswick, NJ

Friday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sept. 10, New Brunswick, NJ's cultural and artistic diversity will be on display at ROCK New Brunswick, an expanded version of Hub City Sounds' annual free local music festival.  ROCK New Brunswick will feature five events -- a panel discussion, two warm-up parties, a main event, and after party -- over the course of three days. (For more information, see the Press Release.) 

On Sunday, Sept. 10 at Boyd Park, visitors can enjoy performances by nearly a dozen music acts, plus aerial acrobats, a DIY Market, food trucks, busking artists, and community workshops with Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, LEGO Play, and Brodsky Center for Innovative Print of Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts.  For those not familiar with the area, Boyd Park is located on Memorial Parkway off Route 18 South at Commercial Avenue (GPS address: the 1914 Rutgers Boathouse at 5 Memorial Parkway, New Brunswick, NJ 08901).   Free parking is available in the park.  The will also be parking at the Public Safety Building which is located at 55 Commercial Ave, at the corner of Commercial Ave and Nielsen Street.  From there, Boyd Park is just quick walk away, over the Commercial Avenue Bridge. 

Performing at 5:15PM on Sunday on the ACOUSTIC STAGE (i.e. Farm Wagon Stage, right next to the DIY Market) is world music multi-instrumentalist ANTHONY CARRERA.  Enjoy this interview with Anthony, below: 

1. What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now, and what do you do?

My name is Anthony Carrera & I am a world music multi-instrumentalist from & based out of Morris County, NJ.  I seriously study flamenco guitar, handpan, & sitar but also lightly study other styles of music and instruments. 

2. What's your background? What would you like people to know about you & your work? 

My musical background stems from years of studying classical music at the County College of Morris (CCM) as well as private lessons in flamenco and rock styles and a little training in vocals as well.  I am also currently a student in the Taalsadhana School of Indian Classical Music which is where I am studying the sitar.  While all of my musical education has been done in the most traditional aspect of each respective style/instrument, I try my best to bring it all together and mix styles together both in the studio and on stage.

3. How did you hear about ROCK New Brunswick? What can we expect to see/hear at the festival, and what are you personally most looking forward to? 

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure where I first heard of ROCK New Brunswick specifically, most likely from Bob Makin of MyCentralJersey newspaper.  New Brunswick is year-round a very strong center for musicians and live music of all different kinds, [and] because of this there is always word of events going on.  People can expect to see a truly unique, completely mesmerizing  instrumental showcase from me.  I'm mostly looking forward to seeing how people react to my music (playing unique styles & instruments sometimes receives mixed responses) as well as seeing what other kinds of musicians will be playing. 

4. How can people connect with you online? 

For anyone interested in learning more about me, or my music, they may visit my website www.anthonycarreramusic.com.  I am also currently in the process of releasing my first debut album this upcoming fall.

Interview with Jersey Beat's Jim Testa, a ROCK New Brunswick Media Partner

Friday, Sept. 8 - Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017
New Brunswick, NJ

Friday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sept. 10, New Brunswick, NJ's cultural and artistic diversity will be on display at ROCK New Brunswick, an expanded version of Hub City Sounds' annual free local music festival.  ROCK New Brunswick will feature five events -- a panel discussion, two warm-up parties, a main event at Boyd Park, and an after party -- over the course of three days. (For more information, see the Press Release.) 

ROCK New Brunswick is co-curated, promoted, and sponsored by over a dozen music media outlets, collectively referred to as the NJ Music Media Partnership.  One of said media partners is Jersey Beat, run by NJ's Jim Testa.  Enjoy this interview with Jim, below: 

1. What's your name, where are you from, what do you do? 

I'm Jim Testa from Weehawken, and I started Jersey Beat fanzine back in 1982 to cover local music.  We published a print fanzine for 25 years - we were doing 128 pages with a color glossy cover in our glory days - but in 2007 we switched over to a website which continues today at www.jerseybeat.com.

Jersey Beat continues to cover NJ music and beyond.  I also write a weekly column for the Jersey Journal/NJ.com covering Hoboken and Jersey City, but I've been covering bands from New Brunswick and Asbury Park for a good long time.

2. How did you hear about ROCK New Brunswick? What can we expect to see/hear at the festival, and what are you personally most looking forward to?

Bob Makin approached me and asked if I would like to be a co-sponsor.  I plan to be [at Boyd Park, the festival's main event] all day Sunday.  I am most looking forward to checking out Cook Thugless for the first time and seeing my old friends and one of my favorite NJ bands, The Anderson Council.

3. How can people connect with you online? 

www.jerseybeat.com is the website.  We have a Jersey Beat page on Facebook and I'm on Twitter and Instagram as @jimjbeat.  I also do a podcast where I either play music we've been covering or interview local musicians, and you can find that at jerseybeatpodcast.blogspot.com.

We are always looking for volunteers who would like to write reviews or interviews or live reviews or take photos, please get in touch.  And we're always looking for new artists from New Jersey and the area to write about.  People can contact me at jim[at]jerseybeat.com.

I am also a folksinger, songwriter, and sort-of-musician, and if anyone's interested, they can hear my music at jimtesta.bandcamp.com.

MR. PAYDAY to Headline ROCK New Brunswick Warmup Party (Sept. 9, 2017)

Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017
Volume IV, New Brunswick, NJ

Friday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sept. 10, New Brunswick, NJ's cultural and artistic diversity will be on display at ROCK New Brunswick, an expanded version of Hub City Sounds' annual free local music festival.  ROCK New Brunswick will feature five events -- a panel discussion, two warm-up parties, a main event, and after party -- over the course of three days. (For more information, see the Press Release.) 

Starting at 7pm on Saturday, Sept. 9th, Hub City Sounds, New Brunswick Cultural Center, Smugbug Productions, NJ Music Media Partnership will be presenting the
ROCK New Brunswick Warmup Party at Volume IV (120 Jersey Ave).  To RSVP to the event via Facebook, click here.  Admission is $5.  All ages show. 

Headlining the evening's event will be Power Pop band MR. PAYDAY.  Enjoy this interview with guitarist/vocalist Doug Zithum, below: 

1. What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now, and what do you do?

The name of our band is Mr. Payday.  We're a 4-piece Power Pop band with Punk Rock influences from New Brunswick, NJ.  We've been together since 2011.  The band is Doug Vizthum on Guitar and Vocals, Caroline Feinman on Keyboard and Vocals, Tom DiEllo on Bass and Vocals and Nick D'Amore on Drums and Vocals.

2. What's your background? What would you like people to know about you & your work?

Doug was an original member of seminal NJ Hardcore band Pleased Youth.  Doug and Tom played together in a band named Bad Karma from 1988 -2000 and also Lunar Ensemble from 1986 to 2008.  Doug also worked at the Court Tavern from 1984 until the original Court closed in 2011 and booked the club for 15 years during that time.  Nick also plays in the band Overlake.  Mr Payday just released a new record, Welcome To The Modern World, on there own Polanco Record label.  It is their 3rd release and first full length recording.   

3. How did you hear about ROCK New Brunswick? What can we expect to see/hear at the festival, and what are you personally most looking forward to? 

We were asked by Bob Makin to headline the kick off party.  I think overall it's a great showcase for the New Brunswick music scene, and we're looking forward to playing to a younger crowd and connecting with people that haven't been exposed to us.

4. How can people connect with you online? 

www.mrpaydayband.com

https://www.facebook.com/mrpaydayband/

https://mrpayday.bandcamp.com/

THE CLYDES to Perform at ROCK New Brunswick After Party (Sept. 10, 2017)

Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017
The Scarlet Pub, New Brunswick, NJ

Friday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sept. 10, New Brunswick, NJ's cultural and artistic diversity will be on display at ROCK New Brunswick, an expanded version of Hub City Sounds' annual free local music festival.  ROCK New Brunswick will feature five events -- a panel discussion, two warm-up parties, a main event, and after party -- over the course of three days. (For more information, see the Press Release.) 

Starting at 8pm on Sunday, Sept. 10, The Scarlet Pub & Caroline Romanelli Presents will be hosting the ROCK New Brunswick AFTER PARTY featuring four NJ-based bands. To RSVP to the event via Facebook, click here.  Admission is $5.  Ages 21 and over. 

Among the evening's performing acts is alt-pop-rock band THE CLYDES.  Enjoy this interview with THE CLYDES below: 

1. What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now, and what do you do?

We are The Clydes from New Brunswick.  Always have been and still are.  We are an alt-pop-rock band on Mint 400 Records. 

2. Briefly, what's your background? What would you like people to know about you & your work? 

We've been together for about six years.  And yes, our name is a nod to New York Knicks great Walt "Clyde" Frazier. 

We recently released a four-song EP called Lucid Garden — half of which is a bit darker than usual and half of which is a bit funky.

Now, we are about to release a full-length album, So The Story Goes, on Mint 400 Records on Oct. 20th.  It was produced by the label's founder Neil Sabatino, the frontman of veteran Jersey rockers Fairmont.

Our focus is on songwriting.  We believe even the best bands are only as good as their songs. Everything else comes second. 

2. How did you hear about ROCK New Brunswick? What can we expect to see/hear at the festival, and what are you personally most looking forward to? 

We have been based in New Brunswick for years and have spent many a night playing The Court Tavern.  In that time, we got friendly with journalist Bob Makin, who helped put this show together.  And he asked us to play.  Plus, we're happy to help highlight the music from a city we love.

We're playing the after party Sunday night at The Scarlet Pub.  Which is a bit of a homecoming. It's a bar frequented by students at Rutgers University, where all of us went to school.  But we've only played acoustic shows there.  This will be our first time playing electric.  So nearby bars should buy earplugs for their patrons. 

3. How can people connect with you online? 

We are all over the interwebs: 

Website: www.theclydesmusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheClydesMusic/
iTunes: apple.co/1chJkxT
Spotify: spoti.fi/SqtV4f
Bandcamp: bitly.com/ItWKb9
CD Baby: http://bit.ly/1kE7A0R
YouTube: bit.ly/1jN7GvO
Twitter: bit.ly/1jN7Cwn

NALANI & SARINA to Perform at ROCK New Brunswick (Sept. 10, 2017)

Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017
Boyd Park, New Brunswick, NJ

Friday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sept. 10, New Brunswick, NJ's cultural and artistic diversity will be on display at ROCK New Brunswick, an expanded version of Hub City Sounds' annual free local music festival.  ROCK New Brunswick will feature five events -- a panel discussion, two warm-up parties, a main event, and after party -- over the course of three days. (For more information, see the Press Release.) 

On Sunday, Sept. 10 at Boyd Park, visitors can enjoy performances by nearly a dozen music acts, plus aerial acrobats, a DIY Market, food trucks, busking artists, and community workshops with Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, LEGO Play, and Brodsky Center for Innovative Print of Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts.  For those not familiar with the area, Boyd Park is located on Memorial Parkway off Route 18 South at Commercial Avenue (GPS address: the 1914 Rutgers Boathouse at 5 Memorial Parkway, New Brunswick, NJ 08901).   Free parking is available in the park.  The will also be parking at the Public Safety Building which is located at 55 Commercial Ave, at the corner of Commercial Ave and Nielsen Street.  From there, Boyd Park is just quick walk away, over the Commercial Avenue Bridge. 

Performing at 12:45PM on Sunday are rock/pop/soul duo NALANI & SARINA.  Enjoy this interview with Nalani & Sarina below: 

1. What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now, and what do you do?

We are Nalani & Sarina from central-western NJ - currently based in NJ/NYC. We are songwriters, musicians, and performers.

2. What's your background? What would you like people to know about you & your work? 

With a mix of rock, pop, and soul, we have been performing our original music up and down the east coast since the age of 16. Our goal is to bring the integrity back to pop/rock music.

3. How did you hear about ROCK New Brunswick? What can we expect to see/hear at the festival, and what are you personally most looking forward to? 

Jay Lustig approached our manager in having us perform. You can expect to see a high-energy performance with some incredible players. As it will be our first time performing with a full band in New Brunswick, we are most looking forward to having our NYC musicians there with us - including Oscar Rodriguez and Chris Kuffner (guitarist and bassist for A Great Big World) and Jim Hines (drummer of Brian Wilson). We are also looking forward to seeing all the great talent coming out of New Jersey. This will be a great showcase for musicians, and [we] can't wait to show people what Jersey is made of.

4. How can people connect with you online?

www.nalanisarina.com

www.facebook.com/nalanisarinamusic

www.twitter.com/nalanisarina

www.instagram.com/nalanisarina

www.nalanisarina.bandcamp.com

www.soundcloud.com/nalanisarina

Expanded ROCK New Brunswick Fest Announces DIY Market Vendors, Food Trucks, Buskers and Panelists (Sept. 8, 2017)

New Brunswick Music Scene Archive panel discussion
with legendary Smithereens drummer Dennis Diken to kick off three days and five events

Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 through Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017
New Brunswick, NJ

PRESS RELEASE

Expanded to three days and five events to more greatly celebrate the cultural and artistic diversity of the City of New Brunswick, Hub City Sounds: ROCK New Brunswick 2017 will kick off 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, with a free New Brunswick Music Scene Archive Panel Discussion. The event will take place at Rutgers University Alexander Library, 169 College Ave. Panelists will be:

·      Dennis Diken, drummer of Jersey legends The Smithereens, who got their start in New Brunswick in 1980 and put the local rock music scene on the national map with their 1986 major label debut, “Especially for You”

·      Sharief Hobley, who came to prominence within the local music scene in the mid-1980s with the funk-rock band Spy Godz and has had a successful career since with Amandla, John Legend, Alicia Keys and more

·      Audrey Wicht, poetess-rapper of the New Brunswick jazz-punk spoken-word outfit The Wichts and former programmer of a popular Hub City show house, The Blueberry Shire

·      Andrew Spina, owner of Hub City’s only record store, Spina Records, an Easton Avenue shop that focuses on vinyl and collector’s items

·      Bob Makin, an award-winning New Jersey music writer for nearly 40 years who has covered the New Brunswick music scene since 1989.

The expansion of the fourth annual Hub City Sounds: ROCK New Brunswick will include for the first time ever a DIY Market with 26 vendors and food trucks at the FREE main event from noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 10 in Boyd Park on Memorial Parkway at Commercial Avenue. Vendors of music, clothing, jewelry, art, crafts, toys and more will include Spina Records, Stitch Witch Me, Batty Boutique, Quest Complete, The Paper Cicada, Traces of Wonder, Crafters Quest, Red Hot Gals Boutique, The Fairy Odd Mother, Rustica Jewelry, Etched in Ember, Great Bowls of Fire, Szugar Skulls Etc. and more found at Hub City Sounds: ROCK New Brunswick 2017’s event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/862635813884607/.

Along with nine performers, including Hub City Stompers, The Anderson Council, Cook Thugless and Nalani & Sarina, the festival’s main event also will feature delicious dishes and popular treats of five food trucks and vendors. Patrons can enjoy the gourmet grilled cheese of CheezeN, Italian-American favorites of Poppy’s Kitchen, amazing Jamaican cuisine of Simply Jerk, refreshing shaved ice of Hawaiian Husky and ice cream of beloved Mr. Softee.

Other performers in Boyd Park will include Killer Shrimp, Vertical Fixation, DJ Don Dazzo of Whirling Dervishes and Everlounge, Silent Knight & The Band Called FUSE, and Sharief in Burgundy, featuring Sharief Hobley. The festival also will feature several buskers who will help raise money for the Elijah’s Promise food justice and empowerment program. Buskers will be announced soon at the Hub City Sounds: Rock New Brunswick 2017 event page.

Organized and curated by New Brunswick Cultural Center's Hub City Sounds, Smugbug Productions and the unprecedented 18 member outlets of the NJ Music Media Partnership in association with Volume IV, NJ Skateshop, Caroline Romanelli Presents and Scarlet Pub, Hub City Sounds: ROCK New Brunswick 2017 also will feature:

·      Alcohol-free all-ages ROCK New Brunswick Warmup Party with Mr. Payday, Spowder, Glazer and Schwervon! from Kansas, 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 9, Volume IV, 120 Jersey Ave. $5

·      Alcohol-free all-ages ROCK New Brunswick Warmup Party with Neighborhood Watch DJ collective, 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, NJ Skateshop, 160 Easton Ave. (across the street from Scarlet Pub). FREE show

·      Free community workshops with Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, LEGO Play, and Brodsky Center for Innovative Print of Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts at the main event from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10 in Boyd Park

·      ROCK New Brunswick After Party with Speed Queen, Experiment 34 , The Turnbucklers, and The Clydes, 8-11 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, Scarlet Pub. 21 and up. $5.

Hub City Sounds: ROCK New Brunswick 2017 mainly was curated and is co-promoted by 18 music media outlets working with each other as the NJ Music Media Partnership. They are Carousel Arts, CoolDad Music, Danny Coleman's Rock On Radio, Garden State Hip Hop, Jersey Beat, Jersey Indie, Jersey Rock, Live from the Dining Room, Makin Waves, My Central Jersey, MikeroMedia, New Brunswick Music Scene Archive, NJ Arts, New Jersey Stage, The Pop Break, Speak into My Good Eye, WRAT 95.9 the Rat, and WRSU 88.7 Rutgers Radio. Other sponsors are Hub City Sounds, New Brunswick Cultural Center, Smugbug Productions, Volume IV, NJ Skateshop, Caroline Romanelli Presents, and Scarlet Pub. For updates, visit www.facebook.com/events/862635813884607/.

Hub City Sounds is the FREE annual summer-long, multi-ethnic concert series of New Brunswick Cultural Center, mostly along the scenic New Brunswick waterfront of the Raritan River. Hub City Sounds 2017 will continue with (all locations in Boyd Park unless indicated):

·      2nd Annual Indo-American Festival, 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12

·      2nd Annual Caribbean Festival, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26

·      5th Annual Central Jersey Jazz Festival, 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, Livingston Avenue at George Street

·      Raritan River Festival, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 24, featuring live music, vendors, new Brunswick Community Farmers market, children’s activities, cardboard canoe race, and the Beez Foundation’s annual Rubber Ducky Race with prizes for winners

·      3rd Annual Corazon Latino Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, Joyce Kilmer Park, 143 Joyce Kilmer Ave., part of New Brunswick Ciclovia.

Hub City Sounds is sponsored by City of New Brunswick, Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick City Market and Magyar Bank. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.

All events feature free parking. Boyd Park events have free parking in the city’s Public Safety Building, 55 Commercial Ave., over the Commercial Avenue Bridge. Visit www.newbrunswickarts.org/2017-hub-city-sounds-festival/.

New Brunswick Cultural Center is a nonprofit umbrella organization working to support, promote and develop arts, art education and community arts engagement in the New Brunswick area in partnership with resident companies State Theatre of New Jersey, George Street Playhouse, Crossroads Theatre Co., American Repertory Ballet, Zimmerli Art Museum, and Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, as well as coLAB Arts, City of New Brunswick and more. Visit www.newbrunswickarts.org.

An electronic press kit for both the entire Hub City Sounds concert series and Hub City Sounds: ROCK New Brunswick 2017 can be found at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B01yMICiLUESQVdNcVVQaDdKczA. The EPK includes audio and video public service announcements, banner ads, posters, photos and more.

Contact: 

Tracey O’Reggio Clark, 908-917-2862, toreggio@devco.org
Dan Swern, danswern@gmail.com
Bob Makin, 732-998-9339, makinwaves64@yahoo.com
ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B01yMICiLUESQVdNcVVQaDdKczA

ERYN SHEWELL to Perform at Soulsational Festival (July 29, 2017)

On July 29th from 11am to 8pm, Soulsational Festival will be celebrating music and wellness for its 7th year at Veterans Park in Bayville, NJ.  This free community event will feature "live music, local health and wellness businesses and practitioners, giveaways, a silent auction, and lots of opportunities to give back and unite the Jersey Shore community."  One of the event's live music acts is singer and songwriter ERYN SHEWELL.  Enjoy this interview with Eryn, below: 

What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now, and what do you do?

My name is Eryn.  I am originally from Maryland, but I am based in NJ now.  I am a Retropop singer and songwriter. 

What's your background? What would you like people to know about you & your work? 

Eryn has developed a reputation as one of the premier up and coming voices on the scene today. Originally from MD and now living in NJ, Eryn's style is heavily influenced by the musical traditions of the south.  

Eryn's respect for the traditions of Jazz, Blues and Country fused with her modern Retropop style and brought together by her incredible vocal ability has been said to give even the most hardened critic chills.

She has recorded and shared the stage with artists such as Gregg Allman, Don McClean, Gin Blossoms, Johnny Winter, Robert Cray, Little River Band, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Marsha Ball, Eric Lindell, Sonny Landreth, Steve Ferrone, Bernard Purdy, and many more.

How did you hear about Soulsational? What can we expect to see/hear at the festival, and what are you personally most looking forward to? 

I heard about the festival via a friend.  I will be playing a mix of my original songs mixed with a couple covers as an acoustic trio.  I am looking forward to listening to all the other amazing talent on the bill that day.  

How can people connect with you online? Do you have a website? Are you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, etc.? 

My website is www.Eryn.band.  You can find me under the name ERYN or ERYN SHEWELL on all social media. 

JULIAN FULTON AND THE ZOMBIE GOSPEL to Perform at Soulsational Festival (July 29, 2017)

On July 29th from 11am to 8pm, Soulsational Festival will be celebrating music and wellness for its 7th year at Veterans Park in Bayville, NJ.  This free community event will feature "live music, local health and wellness businesses and practitioners, giveaways, a silent auction, and lots of opportunities to give back and unite the Jersey Shore community." One of the event's live music acts will be JULIAN FULTON AND THE ZOMBIE GOSPEL.  Enjoy this interview with Julian Fulton (songwriter/multi-instrumentalist), below: 

What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now, and what do you do?

My name is Julian Fulton.  I'm from and currently live in New Jersey, and I'm a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

What's your background? What would you like people to know about you & your work? 

I grew up in a big family of very animated and creative people.  That's definitely had a huge impact on me, as I've been involved in art and music since a very young age, and they've been my biggest supporters along the way.

How did you hear about Soulsational? What can we expect to see/hear at the festival, and what are you personally most looking forward to? 

I actually played Soulsational with The Zombie Gospel back in 2014.  Everyone can expect to hear us play some new, old, and unreleased songs and probably sweat a lot along the way.  We're looking forward to sharing our music with festival-goers again and taking in all the music and activities offered by Soulsational.

How can people connect with you online? 

http://julianfulton.com
http://julianfulton.bandcamp.com
http://soundcloud.com/julianfulton
http://facebook.com/julianfulton
http://instagram.com/julianfulton
http://twitter.com/julian_fulton
http://youtube.com/julianfulton
https://play.spotify.com/artist/3uhHYU7D4t9nUU843IDhS6?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open

Julian Fulton (and The Zombie Gospel)
JulianFulton.com | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | Twitter

JOSHUA VAN NESS to Perform at Soulsational Festival (July 29, 2017)

On July 29th from 11am to 8pm, Soulsational Festival will be celebrating music and wellness for its 7th year at Veterans Park in Bayville, NJ.  This free community event will feature "live music, local health and wellness businesses and practitioners, giveaways, a silent auction, and lots of opportunities to give back and unite the Jersey Shore community."  One of the event's live music acts is singer/songwriter, guitarist, and drummer JOSHUA VAN NESS.  Enjoy this interview with Joshua, below: 

What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now, and what do you do? 

My name is Joshua Van Ness, born in Somerville, NJ currently living in East Brunswick, NJ.  I am a singer/songwriter, guitarist and drummer. 

What's your background? What would you like people to know about you & your work? 

I've been making music since my teens.  I've been fortunate enough to tour this great country on several occasions.  While I really enjoying writing and recording, I truly live for performance.  I love being able to connect with people on some sort of intangible line or wave length even if it is just for a moment.

I call my music "soulrock."  My music tends to be of the rock/pop nature, but everything I do, I try to inject at least a hint of soul into it.

How did you hear about Soulsational? What can we expect to see/hear at the festival, and what are you personally most looking forward to? 

I first heard of the Soulsational festival I think 3 summers ago.  This will be my second year in a row playing the festival.  Last year's event was just incredible!  Great live music, awesome food, a great mix of vendors, and a lot of cool activities for families.  I am really excited for this year's line up of performers.  

How can people connect with you online? Do you have a website? Are you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, etc.? 

I invite people to connect with me on Facebook.  (I use a personal page.  You can search "Joshua Van Ness," I will be the guy with the guitar and hat.)  You can also catch me on Instagram  www.instagram.com/Joshuavannessmusic or on Twitter www.twitter.com/joshuaJvanness.

QUINCY MUMFORD & THE REASON WHY to Perform at Soulsational Festival (July 29, 2017)

On July 29th from 11am to 8pm, Soulsational Festival will be celebrating music and wellness for its 7th year at Veterans Park in Bayville, NJ.  This free community event will feature "live music, local health and wellness businesses and practitioners, giveaways, a silent auction, and lots of opportunities to give back and unite the Jersey Shore community."  One of the event's live music acts is QUINCY MUMFORD & THE REASON WHY.  Enjoy this interview with frontman / guitarist Quincy Mumford, below: 

What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now, and what do you do? 

My name is Quincy Mumford.  I am a singer-songwriter, guitar player, and front man of Quincy Mumford & The Reason Why.  I grew up in West Allenhurst, NJ and now am based one town over in Asbury Park.

What's your background? What would you like people to know about you & your work? 

I am 25 and have been writing, performing and putting out records since age 16.  I like to create authentic funky positive music.  My goal with each new song and project is to write music that soothes the soul and makes you feel lifted.  So far, each record has a different vibe and different message, as I am always trying to evolve my sound.  Check out my latest release "State of Mind" on Spotify! 

How did you hear about Soulsational? What can we expect to see/hear at the festival, and what are you personally most looking forward to? 

I have seen the posters around over the years for Soulsational.  It always seemed like a really cool festival.  I am glad they asked us to play this year!  I am looking forward to getting funky and making people dance, along with seeing some of my friends in the other groups playing. 

How can people connect with you online? Do you have a website? Are you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, etc.? 

Quincymumford.com
facebook.com/quincymumford
Instagram: @quincymumford
Twitter: @quincymumf
Spotify