9 Circles
The hook heavy rock songs of Long Valley New Jersey's 9 Circles puts the band in a league all its own, away from all the emo/hardcore/punk outfits that are crowding the Garden State's music scene. The members of 9 Circles create songs that leave the listener pressing play over and over again, vocals you can sing along to, and chords you can break out your air guitar for. See them kickoff our 2008 show.
Website: www.myspace.com/9circles
Geoff Achison
Hailing from Australia, Geoff is a performer you must see play the guitar to fully appreciate. He's an award winning songwriter with an infectious mix of catchy original tunes, improvised jamming and inspired versions of blues and soul classics. "Geoff's appearance at Riverfest will continue the tradition of bringing world class guitarists to Northwest NJ" Greg Lewis, WNTI.
Website: geoffachison.com
Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
A whimsical blend of folk, rock, hillbilly and pop, their loyal followers describe their music as energizing, uplifting, mystical and even spiritual. Onstage they create an enchanting atmosphere combining musical ability and finesse with charismatic personalities. And just in time for Riverfest the release of their new cd.
Website: slambovia.com
The Horse Flies
A melange of of rock, folk and minimalism"; "ancient, yet modern sound" ; "Brilliantly peculiar" ; "Realism coexists with surrealism" ; "Demented, post-modern mountain music" ; "music that challenges the brain without sacrificing the groove" ; The Horse Flies have figured out how to hold a hoedown in a physics lab"..... just a sampling of what various critics have said about one of the earlist bands to bring punkish energy to traditional Americana music.
Website: thehorseflies.com
Streetlights
Streetlights recently released their second cd which contains thoughtful lyrics and fine instrumentation producing a fresh, original sound. This young, local quartet is obviously very serious about their music and driven to succeed and it is our pleasure to have them perform on our stage two years in a row.
Website: myspace.com/streetlightsmusic
Sarah Ayers Band
A multi award winner from the Lehigh Valley, a powerful vocalist with dramatic intensity, last we saw Sarah she was leaving the Riverfest stage to a standing ovation.
Website: www.sarahayersband.com
Cate and the Funky World Soul Orchestra
Combining elements of jazz, funk, rock and Brazilian, " Groove Artist "Cate and his multi-ethnic band create a unique sound. Soulful vocals, thoughtful lyrics and an uplifting live show may make you dream of the days of Sly and The Family Stone and Curtis Mayfield.
Website: www.cateinfo.com
KJ Denhert and the NY Unit
KJ guickly connects with her audience showing the joy she feels onstage. A powerful voice, lyrics filled with intelligence and insight and impeccable musicianship, KJ describes her music as urban folk and jazz. Backed by her four piece band, The NY Unit, she is adding a horn player for this years performance
Website: kjdenhert.com
Frank Vignola's Rhythm Machine
At times sublime, controlled and elegant, these innovators can instantly change gears to wildly imaginative improvisation. and heavy hot picking. They meld contemporary gypsy jazz, bluegrass, swing and front porch jamming into a sound all their own.
Website: frankvignola.com
The Ian Parker Band
Ian Parker has been a popular recording/touring artist in his native UK and throughout Europe for the past seven years. He has developed a fanbase in Northwest NJ off of local radio airplay and will no doubt expand that fanbase when he performs at Knowlton Saturday evening Aug 16. He possesses a deep rich soulful voice to go along with his world class guitar skills and his incredible stage appeal. Don't miss this talented roots/blues player!! "... Greg Lewis WNTI Radio.
Website: ianparkermusic.com
Del Castillo
Del Castillo has become a cross-cultural power of music with their eclectic blend of Flamenco, Rock, Latin, Blues and World Music. "Brothers Rick and Mark Del Castillo, whose tumbling brilliance on nylon-string classical guitars features jaw-dropping dual leads. These eruptions of technique and taste conjure images of Eddie Van Halen fronting early Santana (with an assist from the Gipsy Kings)." ...Rolling Stone.
Website: delcastillomusic.com
Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience
2007 Grammy Award Winner, Terrance Simien is one the most creative and diverse musician in modern zydeco, infusing his deeply rooted Creole sound with R & B, funk, gospel and reggae. An astonishing voice, and fiery accordion player, when Terrance and The Zydeco Experience take the stage on Saturday night, it will feel like Mardi Gras under the big tent in Knowlton.
Website: terrancesimien.com
Pat Wictor
In a remarkably short period of time Pat Wictor has become the name that is being talked about on the acoustic, folk, blues and Americana circuits. Pat is a contemporary songwriter and interpreter drawing on the rural country, gospel and blues tradition of our nation.
Website: www.patwictor.com
Cadillac Sky
Upon first hearing Cadillac Sky it's apparent that they are a different type of roots band with a sound that is wrapped in tradition but not bound by it. There is plenty of the old- time bluegrass style, plus innovative classical, jazz and Celtic influences with an understated spirituality that infuses everything the band does.
Website: cadillacsky.net
The Darrell Scott Trio
Darrell Scott has been referred to as the King of Americana. His tune "Hank Williams' Ghost" just won Song of the Year at the 2007 Americana Music Awards. We've tried many times to bring this Grammy-nominated, award-winning, musical talent to Riverfest...2008 is the year!
Website: darrellscott.com
Bill Kirchen and the Hammer of the Honky Tonk Gods
Grammy nominated guitarist, singer and songwriter Bill Kirchen, "The Titan of the Telecaster", is one of the fortunate few who can step on any stage, play those trademark licks and elicit instant recognition for a career that has spanned over thirty years. His music celebrates an American musical tradition where country music draws upon its origins in blues, bluegrass, the Western swing of Texas and California honky tonks.
Website: www.billkirchen.com
