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-three days of uncharted territory from more than 20 artists along historic Haddon Avenue. So come, listen and find yourself in the music at CMF 2008 on Sept 18, 19 & 20, 2008.

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. Get a feel for the eventby taking a look at the performers from 2007. This year's performers are TBD. Check out the contact section if you'd like to be considered to perform in 2008.

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Schedule:

STAGE AREAS
All Stages along Haddon Avenue.

Stage 4 - Old Zane School/Millenium Clock
Stage 3 - Haddon and Collings Avenues - MAIN STAGE
Stage 2 - Warner Automotive/Haddon & Woodlawn Avenues
Stage 1 - Haddon and Knight Avenues

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 / 6 PM - 9 PM
Cruise Night - Millenium Clock - No Relation
Cruise Night - Knight Avenue - Full Blown Cherries

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 / 6 PM - 9 PM
6PM-9PM - Warner Lot - Lars Halle Orchestra
6PM-7PM - Millenium Clock - Coyote Jack Band
8PM-9PM - Millenium Clock - John Elliot Band

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 / 12 NOON - 9 PM
12PM - Stage 1 - Grey Dominion
12PM - Stage 3 (main stage) - Special K
1PM - Stage 2 - Birdie Busch
1PM - Stage 4 - Kate Klim
2PM - Stage 1 - Trio Nova
2PM - Stage 3 - (main stage) David Joel Quartet
3PM - Stage 2 - Tommie Griggz Band
3PM - Stage 4 - Suzanne Cloud
4PM - Stage 1 - The New Model Cuban and Latin Jazz Quartet
4PM - Stage 3 - (main stage) Foley-McKenna Band
5PM - Stage 2 - John Shaughnessy
5PM - Stage 4 - Valerie Oswald
6PM - Stage 1 - She Hates Me
6PM - Stage 3 - (main stage) Johnny A
7PM - Stage 2 - Sound from Atlantis
7PM - Stage 4 - Carolyn Gibson
8PM - Stage 3 - (main stage) Grey Eye Glances



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Saturday, Main Stage (Stage 3) Performers:

Special K: 12 Noon

The Special K Band was formed in 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.

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David Joel Quartet: 2PM

The David Joel Quartet is an exciting and progressive electric jazz ensemble employing the traditions of jazz melody, harmony, rhythm, and form, in a contemporary format. Its influences of straight-ahead jazz, bossa nova and samba, rock, blues, fusion, and other disparate 20th century music bring a fresh and distinct flavor to its sonic palette. The group has taken different forms since its beginnings in 1988 and has performed in Boston, Washington, D.C. and In its current hometown of Philadelphia with various repertoire and contributing players over the years. Some tri-state area clubs and venues where the group has performed include: Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Ortliebs Jazzhaus, The World Cafe Live, Tritone, Fergie’s Pub , The Temperance House, John and Peter’s, etc.

Composer/guitarist David Joel has performed throughout the east coast, in Europe and Japan, and is joined by some of Philadelphia’s finest jazz musicians: John Stenger - keys, Paul Gehman - bass and Dan Monaghan - drums. The first disc, “Live At Chris’,” was recorded and released in 2003. The band recorded their first studio disc, “Spiral Sky,” 8/06 - 2/07 which was released it on March 17, 2007 at Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Philadelphia, PA. The quartet fires up this recording featuring creative and energetic original
compositions and improvisations reminiscent of Weather Report, The Pat Metheny Group, and Jimi Hendrix.

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Foley-McKenna Band: 4PM

The Foley McKenna Band is Singer/Songwriter Ed McKenna along with guitarist Bob Nage, bassist Mike Joy and drummer Phil Seshens. Ed was born into a military family in Rhode Island in 1977. He spent his childhood living all over the country and in different parts of the world. He got his first guitar at age 12 and never looked back. He was writing songs at age 13 and recording in studios by the time he was 15, but performing is where he finds most pleasure.The first "retail ready" CD (self titled) sold 500 copies out of a duffle bag at gigs in less than 3 months, and another 500 in the next six months. His rock band can be seen on the stages of clubs like North Star Bar, Abilene's, The Pontiac, and many other Philadelphia area staples. Their music is a combination of flavors ranging from folk to groove to rock. Ed "Foley" McKenna relates his stories to listeners of all ages. Bob Nage , Mike Joy and Phil Seshens are south jersey natives with a real passion for the music. Bob has been playing with Ed for 10 years, Mike and Phil have been on board for the last year.

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Johnny A: 6PM



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Grey Eye Glances: 8PM (Headliner)

The history of Grey Eye Glances – the name is cribbed from an Edgar Allen Poe poem – begins with Jennifer, Dwayne and Eric recording a pair of Indie albums, “Songs of Leaving” (1993) and “Further On…” (1994), for their self-owned label, Sojourn Hills Records. In 1996, they signed with Mercury Records and released “Eventide” (1997) and “Painted Pictures” (1998). During the recording of Eventide, guitarist Brett Kull and drummer Paul Ramsey joined the band. Prior to “A Little Voodoo,” the group’s most recent work was the six-song EP, “If I Was...”

An integral part of the band’s history is their innovative business sense. It was Grey Eye Glances who, as recognized by Billboard Magazine, invented the practice of using Borders Books & Music as a venue to perform and promote their music, as opposed to the traditional in-store appearance. They were one of the first bands to recognize the value of a website – something that seems natural now. “I remember a music executive telling us, ‘The Internet and music: that’ll never go together,’” Eric says with a laugh.

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Saturday, Stage 1 Performers:

Grey Dominion: 12 NOON


Grey Dominion formed in spring of 2007. Consisting of vocalist/guitarist/bassist, Hayden Payne, bassist/guitarist, Bryan Jones, keyboardist, Kevin Katz, and drummer, April Benson. They hail from Medford, NJ. Influenced by Joy Division, The Cure, The Smiths, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and such; Grey Dominion, dressed in black of course, creates a different, new post-punk sound not heard very often these days.

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Trio Nova: 2PM

Trio Nova” was formed in 1994 as a duo originally named “Dos Nova”. Guitarist Pete Devine and bassist Mike Vogelmann, band mates in a bar band that had just broken up, decided to stay together as a duo to play instrumental covers of songs they liked irrespective of style or era. The musical format of the new duo came into focus when they covered a Bossa Nova piece by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Pete was able to use his training in the classical guitar and also improvise in a jazz context and Mike found a perfect vehicle for his very musical, supportive bass playing. They learned several Bossa Nova compositions by Jobim and other composers such as Luiz Bonfa and Kenny Dorham in addition to playing unique, cool arrangements of jazz, pop and r+b tunes. Pete also wrote several originals for the new duo. All the tunes had the stamp of the very original sound that “Dos Nova” was creating.

In 2004 Kris Rudzinski was brought in as a part time third member playing congas and percussion. In 2005 Kris has become the bands full time drummer/percussionist.

Trio Novas unique sound is comprised of a combination of the instrumental, fingerstyle guitar arrangements by Pete that he plays mainly on the electric classical guitar, Mikes tasteful, toneful bass playing and Kris' rock solid drumming that combines his experience with jazz, rock and classical music. Their repertoire is vast and varied enough to be able to play to any room, event or concert. They play Bossa Nova, jazz, pop and originals all with a cool, groovin’ style that is entirely their own.

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The New Model Cuban and Latin Jazz Quartet: 4PM
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She Hates Me: 6PM

She Hates Me is a two person musical dynamo consisting of guitarist/comedian Kevin Sullivan and vocalist/diva Shannon McGill.

We offer a fresh interpretation of a variety of songs ranging from the jazz standards of the 30's and 40's to the guilty pleasures of 80's pop. Listeners are treated to a six decade musical retrospective that includes some perennial favorites as well as some lesser known gems. The novel juxtapositions of our song selections, our inventive arrangements, and an open hatred for one another make for a fun and unexpected performance each and every time. Now featuring the holy grail of electric guitars, the Hello Kitty Stratocaster.
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Saturday, Stage 2 Performers:

Birdie Busch: 1PM

The music of Philadelphia’s Emily 'Birdie' Busch is natural. There is no pretense, nothing forced or processed – just delicate, beautiful melodies and deceptively simple lyrics that resonate deeply upon further discovery. Inspired by writers like Paul Simon, Gillian Welch and Neil Young, there is a distinct jubilance to her writing that is informed with a sweet sorrow, creating a musical balance that is at once comfortable, familiar and still unique.

In 2006, the Village Voice said of her acclaimed debut, “ The Ways We Try is one of the slyest neo folky records in recent memory, its blues loopy and eccentric, and its simple melodies often as inspired as say, Syd Barrett’s.” That unique sound has elicited raves from the press and created genuine anticipation for her new album: “If Birdie Busch is this good on her first, we expect greatness for #2” (VH1.com), “Busch closes by using a full rich band on the last track, concluding the freshman record the way the sophomore should begin” (CMJ).

Birdie’s newest release, Penny Arcade, does indeed build on the promise of The Ways We Try.
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Tommie Griggz Band: 3PM
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John Shaughnessy: 5PM

"John Shaughnessy is a South Jersey singer-songwriter who plays for the love of the music. And it’s his lifelong fascination with pop and rock that is the driving force as well as the source of his musical passion. Emerging from the the mid-90s “open mic” scene on South Street in Philadelphia, John developed his style organically by soaking up all the music around, creating something unique while drawing liberally from his influences. John describes himself as “an avid listener.” Says John, “I’m a consumer of music, and also a student, always 'taking notes'". As a result, the musical product is rhythmic and melodic, influenced by local Philly sounds, and classics like the Beatles, as well as today’s singer-songwriters. His music is multi-fasceted, at times riveting, and in the next breath, “just plain fun.” But whether singing a heartfelt folk ballad or a silly pop song, his warm, engaging style connects with an audience. Shaughnessy’s themes and moods range from cynical to inspirational, from deep and spiritual to lightweight and superficial, from expressions of desire and yearning to simple celebrations of the mundane and the humorous sides of life. But while eclectic, it’s all very “accessible”, with its strong foothold in pop tradition, and John’s pleasant, emotive vocals at the forefront. You can find John and his guitar, performing at many venues around South Jersey, Philadelphia, and elsewhere (often in collaboration with other artists). Until the next gig, he’ll follow his muse where it takes him." Jorge Auslander, Chesilhurst Times-Journal Variety Report

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Sound from Atlantis: 7PM
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Saturday, Stage 4 Performers:

Kate Klim: 1PM

Kate Klim's distinct voice and profound songs have caught the attention of audiences thoughout the East Coast, earning recognition from some of the premier songwriting contests, and opening up for legendary artists like Shawn Colvin and Richard Shindell. Kate attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, and recently returned to the Philadelphia area to pursue music full time.


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Suzanne Cloud: 3PM

Suzanne Cloud started her career in regional theater in the Philadelphia area appearing as the lead in productions both musical and dramatic including Pajama Game, Silent Night, Lonely Night, an original musical version of Bell Book and Candle, touring with The Fantastiks, Carousel and South Pacific and finally Sex Tips for Modern Girls at the Society Hill Playhouse. Cloud also appeared on television in the PBS movie A Woman of Spirit about early feminist Lucretia Mott and was chosen to sing on the talent segment of NBC's Fantasy Show .

In the late 1970s, Suzanne Cloud toured the East Coast with a Top 40 disco band, but by 1980, Cloud had switched to songwriting and jazz. She quickly began working and recording with some of Philadelphia's best jazz artists including: fusion pioneer Eddie Green, famed trumpeter Johnny Coles, pianist Uri Caine, bassist Tyrone Brown, bassist Gerald Veasley, tenor man Larry McKenna, tenor sax Bootsie Barnes, pianist Sam Dockery, pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Darryl Hall, guitarist Jef Lee Johnson and baritone sax player Denis DiBlasio.

Cloud's radio appearances have include many interviews on WHYY-NPR The Bob Perkins Show, WRTI Jazz 90 NPR Live at the Painted Bride, WRTI"Jazz 90 Live at the Aztec and Live from Fairmount Park, WDAS Jazz World, WDCU in Washington DC, The Jerry Hanlon Show and WHYY Radio Times with Marty Moss Coane. Suzanne Cloud has played all the major hotels in Philadelphia and Atlantic City as well as the jazz clubs Not Quite Cricket (where she ran a famous jam session in the mid-1980s), Zanzibar Blue, The Upstairs, The Blue Note, Just Jazz, and the Borgia Café. She also was featured at many of the Mellon Jazz Festivals, the Berks County Jazz Festivals and Willingboro Jazz Festivals. Suzanne has also shared the stage with other female performers for a Jazz at the Mann appearance that featured Flora Purim, Odetta, Sonia Sanchez, Mavis Staples, Regina Carter and others.

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Valerie Oswald: 5PM

Rocking the piano and guitar since age seven and performing publicly since seventeen, Philadelphia artist Valerie Oswald has been crafting powerful, unique songs for over two decades. Steeped in lyrical poetry and infused with a delicate vocal balance of fire and tenderness, Valerie’s songs showcase her roots in the rare art of storytelling through music and instantly distinguish her as an original voice.

Valerie’s debut CD, Señorita, was released in July 2006 on Dreamscape Records. An eclectic fusion of rock-tinged folk and sultry piano ballads, Señorita is the confessional of a young woman who is not afraid to write her own story and develop her own voice. In the past year, she has performed at Philadelphia venues such as the Tin Angel, World Café Live, Grape Street Pub, Doc Watsons, Doubleshots, Kaffa Crossing, Coffeeworks, Infusion, Mill Creek Tavern, and others. She has also been featured on WCTW 93.7 FM.

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Carolyn Gibson: 7PM
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Friday, Warner Lot Performers:

Lars Halle Orchestra: 6PM

The Lars Halle Jazz Orchestra was formed by drummer/composer Lars Halle in 2000 and has been in the forefront of Philadelphia Jazz for several years. The LHJO showcases the finest among young jazz musicians in Philly, and a unique sound, since the majority of its repertoire comes from the pen of Halle himself.

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Friday, Millenium Clock Performers:

Coyote Jack Band:6PM
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John Elliott Band: 8PM

Johnny Elliott is a singer/songwriter from Collingswood, NJ who plays the guitar and harmonica and performs original songs and covers. His music is mostly blues, rock and folk influenced. He’s played many places from coffee houses and bars to Arts and Music festivals throughout the country. He has a deep appreciation for music which is the reason why he’s trying to pursue a career in the music business. He just finished his new CD titled “Johnny Elliott” which contains all original songs.

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Thursday, Millenium Clock Performers:

No Relation Band: 6PM

No Relation is a four piece rockin’ party band. The band was formed in 2001 shortly after touring as a duo and trio. Band mates are: Sam Caruso, guitar and vocals. John Rossi, guitar, mandolin and vocals. Tim Sheehan, base, vocals and harmonica, and Freddie Cometz performs percussion. The band discovered each other at open jam sessions, volunteer performances and through the music grapevine. The members soon discovered how to merge their varied and extensive back rounds to give its audience a wide range of music. They continue their success as a four piece playing over 30 to 40 clubs and private parties a year as well as volunteering their talents to local causes. They recently opened at The Atlantic City Seafood Festival for South Side Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. They can be seen performing at most town functions in Collingswood as well.

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Event Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor -




Platinum Sponsors -




Silver Sponsors -


Gold Sponsors -




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Web Banner Exchange:

Here are the official web banners to link your website, MySpace site or blog to this site. Be sure to paste the specific code for the banner you are using in your HTML.

BANNER A: 240 pixels wide by 400 pixels tall.



<a href="http://www.collingswood.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.collingswood.com/files/images/musicfest_240x400_0.gif" border="0">

BANNER B: 125 pixels wide by 125 pixels tall.



CODE BELOW:
<a href="http://www.collingswood.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.collingswood.com/files/images/muscifest_125x125.gif" border="0">


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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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