Collingswood Music Festival:

General Information l Schedule l Artist Information
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General Information:It’s the sound of new. From Old City to the New Jersey burbs, artists with something to say will be saying it at the 2008 Collingswood Music Festival on Sept 12 and 13. There will be two days of uncharted territory from more than 20 artists along historic Haddon Avenue.

Built on the success of the Collingswood Jazz Festival, the Collingswood Music Festival opens its stages to emerging and established artists of all genres to kick-off the fall new music season. Collingswood adds this year's expanded festival to its well-known line-up of town events including Second Saturday, May Fair and Cruise Night.

This years festival is sponsored by the following businesses.

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2008 Event Schedule:

Friday:

6:00 to 9:00 - City Line Swing - Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues
6:00 to 7:00 - Cowmuddy - Haddon and Frazier Avenues
8:00 to 9:00 - Coyote Jack Band - Haddon and Frazier Avenues

Saturday:

2:00 to 3:00:
- Sara O'Brien - Haddon and Knight Avenues
- East Side Vibe - Haddon and Collings Avenue
3:00 to 4:00
- Big Swing Face - Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues
- Monko - Haddon and Frazier Avenues
4:00 to 5:00
- The New Model Cuban Latin Jazz Band - Haddon and Knight Avenues
- Special K - Haddon and Collings Avenue
5:00 to 6:00
- Coyote Jack Band - Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues
- Stars Apart - Haddon and Frazier Avenues
6:00 to 7:00
- The New Model Cuban Latin Jazz Band- Haddon and Knight Avenues
- Smash Palace - Haddon and Collings Avenue
7:00 to 8:00
- Stephanie White and the NJ Philth Harmonic - Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues
- the frankadelics - Haddon and Frazier Avenues
8:00 to 9:00
- Bill Walton band - - Haddon and Collings Avenue

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Take a look at 2008's Musicians:

Big Swing Face - 3PM Saturday

Whether playing renditions of your favorite standards, original compositions, or dance classics, Big Swing Face knows how to entertain. Above all, Big Swing Face loves to entertain a crowd. From the jazz club to the banquet hall we are comfortable in any venue. Groove, musicality, and class are what make up Big Swing Face.

>>> website


Sarah O'Brien - 2PM Saturday

Sara O’Brien’s sound is like Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, Natalie Merchant and Lucinda Williams with a splash of Susan Tedeschi.  Her music touches the heartstrings of kids as young as 3 and as old as 80, telling stories about the humor and tragedies of life, our Rites of passage, and her many travel experiences from the flatlands of the Midwest, to Key West, to the shores of South America. 

Sara O’Brien grew up in New Jersey. At age eighteen she moved away to attend college at the Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. There she became the lead singer and lyricist of IRIS an original alternative rock band. Sara released two albums with IRIS, Looking at the Other Three and 807 Wesley Road.  Years later, her love of music and warmer winters lured her south to Athens, GA where she immediately became immersed in the local music and arts scene. There she fronted her own original folk rock band and released her third album titled, Play it By Ear.

Sara has devoted herself to creating opportunities through music to educate on social, health, and community issues. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. degree in Cross-Cultural Education through the Arts and currently applies this method in teaching workshops in schools, homes and community centers throughout New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. In 1999 Sara founded BreastFest, a non-profit, fundraising, music festival and health awareness initiative in honor of her mother, Tyanna O’Brien who died of breast cancer in 1990. Since its inception, BreastFest has been held in Athens, GA, Clemson, SC, Baltimore, MD, New York, NY and Haddon Township, NJ.  Ten percent of the proceeds from Trampoline sales benefit BreastFest’s patient care projects. www.breastfest.org

Trampoline has been played on over 200 college radio stations across the country.  Sara has appeared in the NY Times, and has had feature stories in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Style Magazine, New Jersey Monthly Magazine and the Courier Post.  While performing in New Jersey she is supported by her band: Steve Goldstein on guitar, Gabriel Cifuni on bass and Greg Morgan on drums.

>>> website


City Line Swing - 6PM Friday

Fans of jazz standards will love the sound of City Line Swing and their updated renditions of popular songs. The group performs classics by the greats – including George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, George Benson, Herbie Hancock and Wes Montgomery. Featuring vocals by Lorraine Barrett, Dan Chamberlin on guitar, Bill Marconi on drums, and special guest Bill Schilling on keyboard.

Lorraine’s singing career has ranged from the Broadway stage to New York cabaret to big bands throughout the country. Dan’s played with The Drifters, The Platters, Phil Perry, Bobby Vinton, Lorna Luft and Billy "Stix" Nicks, the founding drummer of Junior Walker and the All Stars. Drummer Bill Marconi has played with Jimmy Bruno Trio, The L.A. Jazz Workshop Big Band, Trio Nova, and Zurich’s Magic Casino Orchestra.

Veteran Philadelphia musician Bill Schilling has played with jazz legends Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Grover Washington Jr, and Pieces of a Dream. He was also a band member for Sammy Davis, Jr., Bobby Vinton, the Smothers Brothers and Jack Jones. Bill’s career also includes work as a studio musician for Gamble & Huff’s Philadelphia International Records.

>>> website


Coyote Jack Band - 5PM Saturday

John Hastings' music ranges from down-and-dirty funky to sweetly romantic enough to make you cry and his music was in demand at private gatherings. When Clyde Bernabo played some of John's music in early 2007, he aded a texture that just made it come alive. As Coyote Jack has evolved, the arrangements have morphed from its folk-rock roots to a more traditional rock sound. Jim Begley knows when to lay back on the drums to fit those sweet ballads and he knows when to explode to make the audience jump. Gary Lesneski's sophisticated keyboarding ranges from subtle organ pads to honkey-tonk piano and rollicking blues riffs. Janet Dillon's vocal echos and harmonies fit and counter-balance John's baritone. When Roger Bushyeager digs into his Strat(r), you know you're in for a ride - sometimes it's smooth and sweet but sometimes it blows your hair back. And when Sharis starts wailing her vocal improvisations, it'll raise goosebumps.

>>> website


Cowmuddy - 6PM Friday

Cowmuddy is typically a solo or 3 piece act (drums, bass and guitar) performing in the tri-state region.  Some of Cowmuddy's many influences include Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, Radiohead, Johnny Cash, Nina Simone, Gillian Welsh, and Tom Petty. A proud supporter of Food Trust, Farm to City, Buy fresh/Buy local, and everyone who works to strengthen local organic farms, Cowmuddy is well-known in Philadelphia and performs regularly at The Fire and The Tin Angel. Some of his collaborators and good friends include influential singer/songwriters from south Jersey and are based out of Philadelphia including Devin Greenwood and Birdie Busch.

>>> myspace
>>> website


East Side Vibes - 2PM Saturday

Performing a danceable blend of R&B, Funk, and Pop, Jay Keller and the Eastside Vibe make it hard for you to sit down. Pulling influence from James Brown to Prince, their unique sound and contagious energy always leave you wanting more.

>>> myspace



frankadelicis - 7PM Saturday

<<< myspace page


MONKO - 3PM Saturday

Kev Monko cut short a solo acoustic project when presented with the opportunity to team up with some of his favorite collaborators who felt as strongly about his new material as he did. The result is a band called MONKO.

The music of MONKO combines the delicacy and nuance of acoustic instrumentation with the assuredness and insistent drive of rock, all in support of the true crux of the project – a bunch of really good songs.

The music is elegantly crafted with unexpected twists and structures that don’t always stick to the rules. The lyrics are intriguing, sophisticated, sly and quirky, full of wit, irony and dark humor, demonstrating a distinct personal vision. They offer a steady stream of payoffs for the attentive listener. Some songs are stories, peopled with edgy characters engaged in actions that range from desperate to heroic. Other songs are more poetic excursions into the human condition exploring loneliness, love and loss with uncommon depth and sensitivity. Still other songs are culled from the pure twilight of the subconscious - stories that are poems that are dreams about stories that may or may not be memories. And, whether the subject is grave or lighthearted, each song sneaks up on you, unfolding and revealing more with each subsequent listen.

MONKO live is a treasure, a tight musical package that’s loosens up in all the right places. With power, grace, and dynamics that let the spirit of the material shine through, they never fail to captivate their audience.

Kev Monko plays acoustic guitar and sings, delivering each song like he means it. He has graced the stage as a solo performer and performed with numerous bands over the years. Other efforts include The Balkan Apollos, The Fabulous Fondas, The Revolvos, and The Man in the Basement Arkestra.

Bill Fergusson offers inspirational contributions on mandolin, bousouki, and acoustic guitar. He can tickle the music with a light touch or attack a tune with a recklessness that led one fan to dub him “Jiminy Hendrix.” Bill also performs with John Train and was a significant member of Burn Witch Burn. Bill and Kev first played together as members of The Fabulous Fondas.

John Ferenzik’s bass throbs and weaves, thumps and bubbles, shaping and coloring the material with a rich variety of tones and styles. John has released several CD’s of his own projects and also toured and recorded with the likes of Todd Rundgren and Jefferson Starship.

Collingswood resident Mark Schreiber lays down a solid foundation as well as supplying plenty of percussive expression and finesse. Mike’s other recent contributions have been with John Train and Slo Mo, a WXPN favorite.

<<< myspace


Smash Palace - 6PM Saturday

Smash Palace returns with their sixth CD, “Everybody Comes and Goes” featuring 10 new songs (plus a cover version of George Harrison’s, “I Want to Tell You”, recorded for WMGK’s “Breakfast with the Beatles” in Philadelphia). The new CD, “Everybody Comes and Goes” brings together many original members of Smash Palace as well as a few guest appearances by members of Quincy.  For band leader Stephen Butler, it was an opportunity to collaborate with people he’s known since he was a kid. The new CD can best be described as a musical sound that is modern, yet inspired by echoes of the past. Think Beatles, Kinks, Yardbirds meet XTC, New Pornographers and Tom Petty. It’s a big rumble of sound, combining soaring vocal harmonies and melodic guitar riffs.

Smash Palace was signed to Zip Records in 2005 after the label saw the band perform at the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. This energetic performance led BBC disc jockey, Spencer Leigh to comment that Smash Palace was one of the best live bands he’d seen in Liverpool that year.  Zip Records soon issued the band’s “Best of 99-06” that brought about critical praise, an extensive tour in the US and the UK, radio play, and TV appearances. 

Band leader Stephen Butler, along with his brother Brian, have a history of making great music. Their first band, Quincy was discovered, then managed by Hilly Kristal, owner of CBGB’s, then signed by Paul Atkinson of the Zombies to a deal with Columbia Records. Shortly after the record release, to the band’s disbelief, it was sued by Quincy Jones for stealing his name.  The Butler Brothers then disbanded Quincy, started over again, forming Smash Palace and securing a new deal with Epic Records.

After a few years of touring and waiting for their major label break, the band went on hiatus as the brothers went on to work as staff writers for BMG publishing. Smash Palace reformed in 1999 to record “Fast Long Loud”, followed by “Unlocked” (2001), “Over the Top” (2004) and last year’s, “Best of 99-06”.

>>> website


Special K - 4PM Saturday

The Special K Band was formed in August 2002 after Daniel Caruso donated a kidney to Kim Montalvo.  They joined musical forces and created an amazing duo.  In 2006, Daniel and Kim released their debut CD titled "Gift of Life."  Their uplifting and inspiring CD comprises eight totally original songs ranging from soft rock to pop to R&B.  The words and music speak of love and encouragement no matter the circumstances.  Since forming the band, Daniel and Kim have enjoyed great success working in the Atlantic City market, as well as many other venues in the Delaware Valley.  Either as a duo up to a full six-piece band, their music and energy is engaging and contagious.

<<< myspace
<<< website

Starts Apart - Saturday 5PM

stars apart the band formed in 2005. A very melodic band that kicks out crafted, vibrant rock tunes with warm, expanding tones and melodies. There are some familiar ingredients you can hear in this music that represent the band's sound, extracting hints of post punk bands that paved the way for rock music. Make no mistake though, stars apart owns their original space in music with dynamic songs ranging from rock driven arrangements to alternative/indie country. The band is a pro style, polished act delivering a captivating live show with very cool energy. The debut, 11-song CD "Investigation of the Phantom Signal" was released in October 2007 and met with sterling reviews. The band is currently supporting the release on stage locally in the Philadelphia area and planning on expanding with upcoming shows already adding several new songs to set.

<<< myspace

 

Stephanie White and the NJ Philth Harmonic - Saturday 7PM

Stephanie White and Robbie LaFalce, Jr. are the founding members of Stephanie White and the New Jersey Philth Harmonic – a six piece Soul/Rock/Funk/Folk group from Northern NJ. Their debut album Knee Deep InSanity was independently released in October of 2007 and has sold over 1,000 copies to date. Previously, Stephanie was an award winning singer and finished as one of the top 21 females in American Idol's season 5. Robbie was writing, recording and performing with his previous band and finishing up a degree in music education. Now, the two have converged on the same dream and have crafted some truly original and captivating music. Joined by phenomenal musicians, Chris Staranka (Bass), Aleks Ozolins (Keyboards/French Horn), Eric Lindberg (Guitars) and more - the band comes together to wow audiences with their unique ability to captivate - musically and emotionally. Their sound has been described as a sort of "Joss Stone meets Dave Matthews Band" mash up of organic palatable pop.

The band performed at the Collingswood Mayfair this year and were received terrifically well and anticipate an even more exciting visit this September. Keep your eyes on the band's myspace page to find out if they'll be bringing a horn section along for this gig as well as when other gigs in the area are.

>>> myspace


Billy Walton Band - 8PM Saturday

In the history of rock n roll there is a long tradition of guitarists trading in their jobs as sidemen to become virtuoso frontmen in their own right. Early on Jimi Hendrix played in Little Richards’ band and Eric Clapton worked with numerous groups like John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, The Yardbirds, Cream and Derek and the Dominos before starting his legendary career as a solo artist. Even Stevie Ray Vaughn had a stint as a member of David Bowie’s touring band before going solo. There seems to be something about apprenticing with another artist that brings out the best in some guitar players. After spending years honing their craft it becomes impossible for their unique style and personality to be held back.

Such is the case with Billy Walton. Since the age of 15 Walton has plied his craft in the Asbury Park/New Jersey shore music scene--most notably as the guitarist/vocalist for Boccigalupe & the Bad Boys which features Tony Amato a veteran of the Asbury scene since the 70s (the nickname...Boccigalupe was actually given to him by Bruce Springsteen & Little Steven Van Zandt). During his time with Boccigalupe, Walton has played countless gigs in both the United States and Europe and sat in with numerous of rock luminaries including Springsteen, Gary US Bonds and Stevie Ray’s backing band, Double Trouble.

The 30-year old Walton’s talents are no secret among everyone in the Jersey shore music scene and with the founding of the Billy Walton Band there’s little doubt his reputation will grow far beyond the Garden State. The Billy Walton Band’s sound is a combination of hard blues reminiscent of Hendrix, Clapton and Vaughn mixed with a healthy dose of Warren Hayes and Derrick Trucks. Live, Walton has always been an explosive performer with jaw dropping talent but with the addition of bassist William Paris, drummer Marcus Croan the Billy Walton band churns out a singular brand of funky blues that has deep roots in both the jam band musical tradition as well as the Jersey shore Walton has cut his teeth on.

Walton’s connection to his heroes is not just through his record collection. Over the years he has developed a close friendship with Roger Mayer, the well-known British guitar effects guru whose devices have played such a pivotal part in rock n roll for nearly every major player since Hendrix.

But regardless of his influences or where he’s from, the Billy Walton Band’s ultimate appeal lies in the unique musical gifts of its founder, Walton himself, who, like his forebears is poised to join the long and storied list of sidemen whose time has come to step out front.

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Photo Gallery:

Photo Gallery coming soon.

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Directions:

Take PATCO and go!

Trains run continuously from New Jersey and Philadelphia to the Collingswood station—only 100 feet from Stage 1. What could be easier? Click here for official schedules and fares.

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Contact:

If you are a musician or group that is interested in participating in the Collingswood Music Festival, please email your contact information, website and bios by clicking here. Submissions for the 2008 event are now being accepted.

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