Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Melvin spun his B-3 magic with the Jerry Garcia Band for 18 years and in doing so helped pioneer and define what has now become "Jam Band Music". From blues to funk to rock to jazz, Melvin Seals serves up a tasty mix with a little R&B and gospel thrown in to spice things up. Melvin Seals and JGB are Melvin Seals - Hammond B3 Organ, Keyboards & Vocals, John Kadlecik - Electric Guitar & Lead Vocals, John-Paul McLean - Bass and Jeremy Hoenig - Drums
The Wailers are a rare breed of musicians who have earned their place in the annals of music history. Their culture-defining music, embodying the spirit of the 70s reggae movement, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Experience the magic of their timeless classics and incredible cuts from Bob Marley’s vast repertoire in a set that is truly unforgettable. Under the guidance of Aston Barrett Jr, son of the legendary “Familyman”, The Wailers continue to preserve the legacy of their iconic sound.
Prince/Bowie is a tribute fusion band that combines the music of Prince and David Bowie into a high energy live show. It features a rotating All-Star cast of characters from various national acts including featuring members of Twiddle, Pink Talking Fish, Remain In Light, Deep Banana Blackout - and more!
The mix of the Prince and David Bowie songbooks blend beautifully and an extra spice is added with master composer, Matt Wayne, creating unique horn arrangements that enhance the music in a special way.
Dangermuffin are storytellers. Casting images that are timeless yet novel, the band blends mindful lyrics with contemplative sounds, creating songs aimed at reinvigorating the soul. Having played festival stages and concert halls across the US and beyond, this seasoned outfit continues to share its music through live shows as well as online, where their streaming numbers have recently garnered exponential growth. The band’s far-reaching catalog is ripe with engaging, singable tracks that ask to be played on repeat. Dangermuffin’s 2024 self-titled release reaches sunward, elevating the band’s role as a well rooted, that crosses the borders of Americana, Folk, Jam & Rock.
Recorded in the vast halls of Echo Mountain, a church turned into a legendary recording studio in the heart of Asheville, NC, this collection of songs showcases the band’s continued growth and commitment to their craft. Dan Lotti’s powerful vocals soar through the hallowed rafters of the old church as he sings on themes of light, healing, and growth, while floating on the beachy and breezy sounds we have come to recognize as uniquely Dangermuffin.
Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Denver, Colorado, Steely Dead is a national touring band that has satisfied the curiosity of music lovers with their unique blend of Grateful Dead and Steely Dan. Comprised of four exceptionally talented musicians – Dave Abear on guitar, Matt Abear on bass, Chris Sheldon on drums, and Dylan Teifer on keys – Steely Dead has gained a dedicated following with their electrifying performances and soulful interpretations of classic tunes.
Steely Dead’s repertoire is a carefully crafted fusion of Grateful Dead and Steely Dan songs, between the arrangement and precision studio recordings of rock legends Steely Dan, cross-pollinated with the Grateful Dead’s free-flowing, melodic improvisation and masterful song segues. Steely Dead merges these major concepts together infusing the influence into each band, all the while creating an original jam element with the song segues. Steely Dead’s performances are a musical journey that takes audiences on a nostalgic trip through the golden era of rock and roll.
Rev Tor & Friends return with a live performance of Paul Simon’s Graceland Album in its entirety along with a few other select songs from Simon’s solo career. The melding of South African styles and Simon's trademark sensibility made for one of the most intriguing albums (not to mention commercial hits) of the '80s. Lively, thoughtful, gorgeous, and tough, Graceland acknowledges splits both in South Africa's social fabric as well as in Simon's personal life. For this performance Rev Tor has assembled an all-star collective of musicians and singers including Tom Major (Entrain), Jamemurrell Stanley (Max Creek), Dave Vittone & Aaron Dean (Misty Blues), Brian O'Connell (Dead Man’s Waltz), Rob Sanzone (Picky Bastards), Beth Rose & Lee-Ann Lovelace (Guinevere) and Tendai Muparutsa (African Music Performance Artist in Residence at Williams College)
Not just another Grateful Dead cover band. A cosmic exploration of the Grateful Dead catalog! Bearly Dead, Boston-based quintet, performs a concert-style show that celebrates the journey of the Grateful Dead from their earliest records until their final tours. The band delivers a full-spectrum concert experience filled with danceable energy and world-class musicianship. Each and every Grateful Dead member is honored through a collection of classics, b-sides, deep cuts, and exploratory jams. Holding true to the spirit of the music, Bearly Dead frequently adds to their 250+ song catalog and continues to showcase authentic, spontaneous improvisation – live and in-person – making each show a wildly unique Grateful Dead experience you do not want to miss. .Bearly Dead is Tyler Brooks (Drums, Vocals), Owen Finley (Bass), Nick Swift (Guitar, Vocals), Kris Yunker (Keys/Organ/Synth, Vocals), and Michael Butler (Vocals, Percussion).
Interweaving the classic songs and jams of The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band and The Band, Dead Man’s Waltz (formerly Steal Your Peach) is an all-star collective from the Northeast festival scene. Dead Man’s Waltz features top-notch musicianship and offers a refreshing twist to the music of three legendary and iconic bands. While staying true to the spirit of the music, the band members put their own dynamic spin on a vast catalog of beloved songs that are now part the new American song book. At its core, DMW is a celebration of the long standing tradition of crossover between The Dead, The Allmans and The Band, culminating with the legendary 1973 Summer Jam Music Festival in Watkin’s Glenn, NY where the three bands performed together. DMW’s arrangements are experiments, as they easily flow from the familiar to the obscure, moving from standards like “Jessica” into Going Down The Road Felling Bad” into “Don’t Do It” or “Up On Cripple Creek” into “They Love Each Other” into “Midnight Rider.” The band always keeps it fresh with new and unexpected arrangements and improvisations, while engaging fans in the free-spirited party and colorful, close-knit community surrounding their shows.
With 2 drummers, DMW’s line-up mirrors those of both The Dead and The Allmans as well as later line-ups of The Band.
Since debuting his musically revolutionary Talking Dreads project live at the High Times Music Festival on the beach in Negril in late 2015, the charismatic Jamaican-born singer and performer Mystic Bowie has electrified audiences at over 100 shows across North America – spinning the heads of initially skeptical Talking Heads fans, and getting everyone else grooving along to the infectious, joyous rhythms and jubilant spirit of his native island. Considering the success of these events, it was only a matter of time before Bowie – who has lived in the Northeastern U.S. for many years – headed back to his cherished homeland and set up shop at the famed Barry O’Hare Studios in Ocho Rios. He gathered old friends he had played music with since childhood, along with younger musicians, legendary Jamaican artists and other surprise guests to capture all the magic of his live performances on the epic, 13 track recording Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads.
Hailed as a “fast-rising NY band” by Live For Live Music, and a group that's “making waves in the scene” by JamBase, Organ Fairchild craft their organ-trio-meets-rock-band sound—described as “adventurous, vital and alive” by Glide Magazine—by synthesizing influences ranging from Soulive and Medeski Martin & Wood to The Grateful Dead, Steely Dan and the Meters. And when they're on stage completely captivating an audience without a bass player-and nobody singing-there is no confusing them for any other artist on today's scene. As FunkCity.net writes, “Get ready to be bowled over by this terrific trio-old school funk with new era notions of jam.”
The Wheel (Live Dead and Beyond) based in Albany, NY puts their driving, thoughtful and expressive spin on the GD music that’s deep in your heart. Formed 15yrs ago they’ve played Troy Savings Bank Music Hall 2x and numerous venues in NY and VT. The Wheel will be playing the classic acoustic album, “Reckoning”.
“Buckle up, put it in gear, and enjoy the ride with NY Capital Region’s authentic sounding Grateful Dead tribute band, The Wheel as they put their driving spin on the music you love and enjoy. The Wheel brings a big, danceable groove to the party, driven by the deep pocket of rhythm guitarist and bandleader Andy Morse, bassist Dave Pallas, drummer Bob McKeon and percussionist Pete Andriakos. They provide an unshakable foundation over which lead guitarist Bryan Gautie and keyboardist Kenny Schneidman weave solo after evocative solo together with virtuosity and taste. Yet they are also capable of complex, interwoven conversations that display the nuance and dynamic range of the Dead’s music in quieter, more blissful passages. Vocally, The Wheel possesses a diverse blend of styles, from Morse’s smooth, heartfelt delivery, Schneidman’s full-throated soul, and Bryan Gautie’s Jerry Garcia-like tenderness”-Nippertown
Jatoba is a high-energy groovegrass bluegrass trio that has been captivating audiences since their formation in 2008. Hailing from Brattleboro, Vermont, the band consists of John Jamison (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Jason Scaggs (guitar, banjo, vocals), and Jeff Richardson (upright bass, vocals). Known for their unique musical connection, the members of Jatoba bring uniqueness to their songwriting and compositions and communicate seamlessly through spontaneous composition and improvisation, bringing an unpredictable and dynamic element to their performances.
Influenced by their roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire, Jatoba has shared their music up and down the East Coast. They have provided direct support for celebrated acts like the Jeff Austin Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Trampled By Turtles, Rusted Root, The Kitchen Dwellers, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Leftover Salmon, and have been featured at festivals such as Northlands Music Festival and Frendly Gathering, with recent recognition from Rolling Stone. The band’s versatility is evident in the multi-instrumental talents of each member, enabling them to craft rich, layered soundscapes infused with dynamic bluegrass rhythms that distinguish them within the genre.
Matt Turk and C Lanzbom joined forces to form Deadgrass, a string band adventure through Jerry Garcia’s musical world. A seasoned recording artist and multi-instrumentalist, Matt Turk is a veteran performer who has performed and recorded with Pete Seeger, opened for Judy Collins, The Doobie Brothers, Fiona Apple and the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart. He has performed at the Clearwater Festival, Gathering of the Vibes, Atlanta's Music Midtown, Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Beacon Theatre.
Grammy award winner C Lanzbom is a touring and studio guitarist with producing, performing, writing and engineering credits with Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Crystal Bowersox, Shlomo Carlebach and Soulfarm. C's studio, Sherwood Ridge, is a state of the art recording facility just north of New York City. C has numerous television and film song placements.
Bassist Dave Richards performs in Hamilton on Broadway and has recorded and performed with The Indigo Girls, Rosanne Cash, Buster Poindexter, Madeline Peyroux, Jewel and Richie Havens. He has toured throughout Europe, Canada and the USA, appearing at Ottawa Jazz, Toronto Blues festival, The Hollywood Bowl and Austin City Limits.
Banjo player Boo Reiners is a multi-instrumentalist who has performed, recorded, filmed and toured with Dispatch, Phil Lesh, Al Kooper, Pete Seeger, Charlie Louvin, Steve Martin, Tony Trischka, Michael Moore, Amy Poehler, Natalie Merchant, Martin Sexton, and many others. In the studio and on tour with world music pioneers The Klezmatics, he helped the group to win their 2007 Grammy Award for "Wonder Wheel: Lyrics By Woody Guthrie.”
Jazz violinist Kensuke Shoji was born in Gifu, Japan. He joined his father's bluegrass band as a teenager. As a young adult he moved to the U.S.A. to study jazz violin with Berklee String Department chair Matt Glaser, and world renowned violinist Christian Howes. Dedicated to improvisation, Kensuke moved to New York City in 2013 to play with Alex Hargreaves, Barry Harris, Jacob Jolliff, Maria Muldaur and more.
Mark Mercier from Max Creek and various side projects, Mark Paradis from “Dead Show” and “Lobsterz from Marz”, Dave Stoltz from Dickie Betts “Great Northern” and “Jaimoe’s Jazz Band”, and Brian “Duke” Konopka, from “Dead Show” and “Duke”….
Hilltop is a four piece Funk Rock band from Albany, NY. Over the past six years they’ve made a name for themselves with carefully crafted originals, mind bending improvisation & fun, diverse covers. Each member offers a unique approach to their instrument that defines this exciting musical experience. Hilltop has already been featured on bills with headlining acts like Dark Star Orchestra, moe, Eggy and many more. This band of young musicians is eager to spread their music and will continue to engage crowds wherever they go.
Terrafunk is an exceptional female-led psychedelic soul octet dedicated to bringing a vibrant funk atmosphere to your life since 2013! Our music seamlessly blends funky rhythms, soulful melodies, and elements of psychedelic rock, drawing inspiration from sixty years of musical excellence. They perform throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine at various venues, including clubs, bars, restaurants, events, and festivals, creating an environment where you can't help but dance! Terrafunk is Nicole Henley - Vocals, John Stefanik - Guitar, Jeff Barberie - Keys, Garth Retallack - Trombone, Bryan McCulloch - Trumpet, Kami Lahoski - Saxophone, Billy Sullivan - Bass, Jake Snyder - Drums
Brett Hughes and Lowell Thompson team up to share each others' original songs— which sound a little like what might happen if Gram Parsons and Tom Petty got on Waylon Jennings' bus and showed up at Bruce Springsteen's house in a mood to brawl (musically!) It's Honky Tonk Rock, with curveballs and in-jokes, full-throated harmonies and jangly guitars. Joined by long-time ace rhythm section Pat Melvin on bass and Steve Hadeka on drums, joined at Dead Of Summer by towering Leon Campos on keys, they'll rip through their own home-made favorites and deep-cut covers.
Come soothe your soul on Sunday at the Main Stage for some tent revival gospel . 2019 International Blues Challenge finalist, Misty Blues, is fronted by lead singer/band founder Gina Coleman. The band is based out of Berkshire County, Massachusetts playing original and traditional blues with hints of jazz, soul, funk and tent revival gospel since 1999. The band has recorded with Eric Gales, Charles Neville and Joe Louis Walker, and opened for contemporary blues artists like Mike Zito, Albert Castiglia, Tab Benoit, James Montgomery, John Primer, Roomful Of Blues, Albert Cummings and Michael Powers. Misty Blues performs extensively throughout New England and has toured the continental U.S., Canada and the UK. The band has been nominated for a few Independent Blues Music Awards and their original recordings have broad international airplay. In 2024 the band had a song they released selected for use in a U.S. Presidential campaign ad.
Raised and joined in the Shires of Vermont, Heavy Nettles are a trio of true bards - individual masters of their own instruments, singers, songwriters, and collaborators for a lifetime. Described as “Black Hole Bluegrass”, and “Prarie Jazz”, their sound oscillates in and out of traditional Bluegrass sounds, traveling through jazz, hot jazz, celtic, jam grass, and so much more. Featuring Marc Edwards on Guitar, Mandolin Hank on Mandolin, and Mowgli Giannitti on Double Bass.
Bow Thayer and Krishna Guthrie are a dynamic and well rounded duo. Both are great musicians in their own right, but when they come together it is magical. From old timey banjo tunes to big spacey jams with the baritone, you are in for an amazing journey.
KID’S SET~ANDY THE MUSIC MAN
On Saturday in the Jam Tent, join Andy "The Music Man" Morse a children's musician who possesses an ability to forge an undeniable musical bond with his young audiences. With his masterful skills as a rhythmic guitarist, Andy artfully combines a medley of traditional and original tunes, along with delightful novelties, to captivate and engage children in an exhilarating musical experience. Through lively sing-a-longs, infectious dancing, and mesmerizing storytelling, Andy effortlessly transports kids into a world of pure joy and wonder.. www.andysings.com
Andy has been playing music full time for 28 yrs, ran children’s activity tents for 16yrs at festivals and leads the band The Wheel www.thewheelband.com based in Albany, NY.