friday, april 24, 2009
Gates open at noon, music starts at 1:30 PM
Michael Franti
& Spearhead
9:00 – 11:00 PM
spearheadvibrations.com
At first glance, Michael Franti and Spearhead appears to be just another reggae/hip-hop and rock band that pumps out feel-great dance moves and contagious beats. But if you take a moment to look past the appealing rhythm to the meaning of the words, you’ll notice their music is laced with politically charged lyrics of social justice, non-violence, the death penalty and globalization (just to name a few.) This group deeply resonates positive energy, unity and leadership, and has created a global following through relentless touring and live performances. A California native, Franti founded the Power to the Peaceful Festival, which is held annually in San Francisco, and attracts an attendance of over 50,000. Franti can take any crowd and instantly make it the best dance party you’ve ever been to. His sound is inspired by Bob Marley, the Police, the Clash, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Their most recent album, All Rebel Rockers, was released in September of 2008, reached the Billboard top 40 List and is their best-selling record to date.
To see Michael Franti play for people anywhere in the world is to realize that music is the driving force in his creative world. “Above almost any thing else on earth, I love songs,” he explains. “I love songwriting myself, but in listening to the songs of others, I’ve learned that a great song is an incredibly powerful thing. I really believe that music can bring people together because I’ve seen it. To me, music is much more than the way I happen to make my living. It’s the thread that’s gone through my life and given it so much meaning.
“You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can’t bomb it into peace.”
“Everyone deserves music, sweet music.”
hot tuna
7:00 – 8:30 PM
hottuna.com
It is difficult to put into words the intricately weaved partnership that is Hot Tuna, and just how profound an impact they have made in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. “Jorma and Jack,” as they have been affectionately referred to, have masterfully established the core of American rock music and continue to reinvent it with each live performance.
As two boyhood pals growing up in Washington D.C., Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady shared a true passion for the art of music and frequented the local music scene filled with underground blues, roots and country. Soon after, Jorma and Jack formed Hot Tuna (derived froma comment yelled out from an excited fan at one of their shows) and have been making music together ever since –nearly four decades. While a number of musicians have come and gone throughout the last 28 years, as well as brief stints in other bands (Jefferson Airplane, SVT, Vital Parts) their partnership has remained consistent.
Jorma is unarguably the leading practitioner and teacher of freestyle guitar, and established the Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp in Ohio, where he teaches thousands of musicians each year. Jack has transformed the sound of the electric bass, broadening the range and scope, creating a new and distinct sound unlike any other. Separately, Jorma and Jack are both well-respected musicians in their own rite, but it is the warm, unspoken interaction between two old friends, two legendary musicians, and masterful entertainers that draws thousands to witness the extraordinary chemistry that is Hot Tuna.
the new riders of the purple sage
5:00 – 6:30 PM
nrpsmusic.com
From what began as a side project for Jerry Garcia to dabble within the country music genre, The New Riders of the Purple Sage emerged in 1969 offering country-rock music with a twist. With the accompaniment of fellow Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh and Mickey Hart, as well as newcomers David Nelson and John Dawson, the New Riders of the Purple Sage opened for The Dead for several years, eventually branching off into its own direction. In the next 11 years, the band toured and released over 12 albums, selling over 4 million records. Garcia remained in both The Dead and The New Riders until he found himself overcommitted, at which time Buddy Cage replaced him, and the classic NRPS lineup was born.
Named after a 1912 western novel, the New Riders sing laid-back songs riddled with train robberies, dope smuggling and girl troubles and have created a place for themselves somewhere between acid rock and country blues. The group is most known for its 1973 single, Panama Red. Throughout the last three decades, musicians from The Dead, The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Jefferson Airplane have all weaved in and out of The New Riders of the Purple Sage lineup. Nevertheless, it has always been the self-taught pedal steel guitar sound of legendary Jerry Garcia mixed with David Nelson and John Dawson that is the foundation of the band. Together, they have created a timeless style that fans continue to enjoy and appreciate today.
assembly of dust
3:30 – 4:30 PM
assemblyofdust.com
Assembly of Dust each put their stamp on the group's songs with their instrumental virtuosity and extensive experience. All five players blend effortlessly in a way that recalls the intuitive feel of fellow touring acts such as the Black Crowes, Drive-By Truckers and My Morning Jacket. AOD makes heart-felt homemade music that “makes you feel like a friend, even if you aren’t.” The group has been together since 2002, and although a relatively short time, AOD has quickly gained respect traveling along the Festival circuit, and has opened for the likes of The Who, David Crosby, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and The Dead. Led by singer/songwriter Reid Genauer (former front man of Strangefolk) and accompanied by keyboardist Nate Wilson, lead guitarist Adam Terrell, bassist John Leccese and drummer Andy Herrick; AOD are a sincere band, playing strong, gentle classic rock songs that give a nod to the legendary bands of yesterday.
delcoa
2:30 – 3:15 PM
www.myspace.com/delcoa
Wrap folk, funk, blues and good ol’ rock n' roll around tight harmonies that erupt from four men and one soulful woman and what you get is Phoenix-based band Delcoa. Composed of five musicians from unique and diverse musical backgrounds, Delcoa formed in 2005 from lead singer Jay Allan’s catchy guitar playing and heartfelt songwriting and Ashley Norton’s dynamic and soul filled voice. In the beginning of 2006, the duo known as “Jay and Ash teamed up with Phoenix music scene all-stars: bassist Ethan Newman, drummer Tony King and guitarist Jay Poole to complete the dynamic group.
haven james
1:30 – 2:15 PM
havenjames.com
Scottsdale-based quartet, Haven James offers powerful, wide-open vocals infused with an acoustic purity and a dynamic rhythm section. Their vocals possess intelligent harmonies and a meaningful message while maintaining a pure balance of delicate guitar solos and distinct rhythm patterns. Audiences, young and old, will discover that their songs give an intimate glimpse into a world of love, vulnerability and what happens after “happily ever after.”
saturday, april 25, 2009
Gates open at 10am, music starts at 11 aM
the flaming lips
9:00 – 11:00 PM
flaminglips.com
In the early 1980’s, the stars were aligned perfectly for a few skinny white guys from Oklahoma and their instruments. This is where The Flaming Lips were born. Since then, they havereleased 11 full – length albums, eight EP’s, six compilations, four DVD specials, contributed to 20 movie soundtracks, played many festivals (Bonaroo, ACL, Lollaplooza, Virgin), shared the stage with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Modest Mouse, Cake, Beck and The Who, and still continue to reinvent themselves today.
In 2002, Q Magazine named The Flaming Lips one of “The 50 Bands to See Before You Die,” and the band has three Grammys under their belt (two for Best Rock Instrumental Performance and one for Best Engineered Album). The unusual journey that has shaped the Flaming Lips has kept fans obsessing for decades. Whether it is their hand puppets, confetti, animal costumes, lighting effects, large-screen projections from mini-camera angles or Wayne Coyne launching himself into the audience in his signature man-sized plastic bubble – there is something about this band that is worth seeing. It will be an experience out of this world – coming to Arizona for the first time since 2000.
"Most times when you walk into a rock show it's like.. you already know exactly what will happen. I hope that people can come to these shows with the whole slate wiped clean...." - Wayne Coyne, 1998
Matisyahu
7:47 – 8:47 PM
matisyahuworld.com
Matisyahu offers a truly unique sound, mixing Jewish teachings with reggae, traditional rap, and guitar solos more typical of rock music. Most of his songs are almost entirely in English with just a few words of Hebrew and Yiddish mixed in. Matisyahu’s reggae vocal style is along the lines of traditional Rasta Roots styling mixed with a modern dub sound. He mixes in contemporary rap and beat boxing, similar to Sublime, delicately wrapped in a traditional Jewish style. Towering high above 6 feet tall, Matisyahu has a distinct Hasidic style and quiet demeanor, and provides us with a glimpse of a world unlike any other; a holy place that has morphed into a musical/cultural phenomenon. He has said, "All of my songs are influenced and inspired by the teachings that inspire me. I want my music to have meaning, to be able to touch people and make them think. Chasidism teaches that music is 'the quill of the soul.' Music taps into a very deep place and speaks to us in a way that regular words can't."
Matisyahu has a truly unique stage presence; one can’t help but sense a calming, peaceful aura while he performs. At a few points during his live performance,
he takes a casual seat on one of the massive stage speakers, stepping out of center stage and nodding lightly in acceptance of the drummer, bassist, keyboarder
and guitarist of his band, giving them each a platform to shine; to show the audience that they, too, know how to rock. Although Matisyahu does have a Jewish undertone to their music, fans of all walks of life appreciate and praise Matisyahu, for he is a true individual; attracting followers and supporters from around the globe.
Railroad Earth
5:15 – 7:15 PM
railroadearth.com
It is in Stillwater, New Jersey, where a group of musicians casually met one another. Not yet knowing they were destined for poetic and mesmerizing entertainment futures; they started jamming together. Three weeks later, the beatnik-influenced group recorded five songs on a live demo CD titled Black Bear Sessions. Immediately after the recording, the infamous Telluride Bluegrass Festival books the band. At this moment in time, Railroad Earth is born. Since then, Railroad Earth has been on a grueling journey zigzagging cross-country, playing back-to-back shows, and loving every single minute.
Many bands amass a fan base, but very few attract a devoted, passionate following similar to Railroad Earth. Known as the "Hobos," many of these die-hard fans will travel to multiple shows to see their intricate, improvised live performances. Ask any one of them to describe the sound, and many claim it is a mixture of rock 'n' roll, folk, swampland funk, bluegrass and acoustic brilliance.
Narrated perfectly by lead vocalist and songwriter Todd Sheaffer, their music takes you on an emotional rollercoaster – whether you feel like dancing, crying, or just putting on your headphones and listening, Railroad Earth is the soundtrack of everyday life. Named after Jack Kerouac's short story titled October in the Railroad Earth, the band encompasses Kerouac's Beat Generation–underground, non-conforming style. They perform uncategorically amazing live music. This is a great example of a good group of musicians, not sitting around waiting for a record deal or anything to come to them. The wanted to get their music out there to the ears of the world, and that’s exactly what they did, and have never looked back.
“I've traveled near & traveled far, I beat a hole in my guitar. Crawled with the zeroes and I stood with my heroes –and I still got a long way to go."
-“Long Way to Go”
Indigenous
3:15 – 4:45 PM
indigenousmusic.net
Hailing from South Dakota’s Nakota Nation, Mato Nanji, the leader of the blues-rock band Indigenous, has been the constant heartbeat of the group since its inception in 1998. As the son of Greg Zephier, a musician and prominent Native American Rights activist in the 1960’s, Nanji and the rest of his siblings were taught how to play instruments through the inspiration of blues greats B.B. King and Buddy Guy. Accompanied by his sister, Wanbdi; his brother Pte and his cousin Horse; they began touring and spreading their heavy, thick blues-rock across the country. Now, nearly ten years later, the sound of the band has broadened, and they truly explore every musical avenue with their sound, including blues, soul, R&B, and country. Ask any one of Indigenous’s devoted fans and they will tell you that the only way to serve this music is live. To some, it is just music, but to others, blues is not just music, rather a spiritual journey through one’s soul. Mato Naji and company bring a compelling cultural diversity to the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, channeling the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix along the way.
Young Dubliners
1:15 – 2:45 PM
youngdubliners.com
Fuse together the feel of your favorite Irish pub on a Saturday night with the excitement of a St. Paddy’s Day celebration; toss it back with a jig ‘o whiskey and you’ve got yourself quite a party. The Young Dubliners are just that; a mix of Irish and Los Angeles natives that overflow with high energy that draws every audience into their world of high kicks and Irish jigs. Formed in Southern California in 1988, The Young Dubs play a mixture of Celtic, Irish, and good old-fashioned rock ‘n roll. Keith Roberts, front man and main staple of the band, was stuck in a revolving door of musicians until early 2000 where the current lineup was established. The Young Dubs play a variety of music from original recordings to traditional Irish songs, including “Bodhran” and “The Rocky Road to Dublin.” Their most recent release, entitled With All Due Respect – The Irish Sessions, is an excellent compilation of twelve Irish classics recorded live in studio. Similar to their Irish counterparts Dropkick Murphy’s and Flogging Molly, the Young Dubliners are an excellent group of musicians, filling their hits with catchy sing-along choruses and heavy guitar riffs and whether you’re enjoying a pint or not, this band knows how to turn the quietest afternoon into a jam-heavy night of Irish revelry and merrymaking!
Random Karma
12:00 – 12:45 PM
randomkarma.com
Arizona-based rock band, Random Karma, was established in February 2008 with the influence of guitarist brothers, Erik & Al Ramnath, and veteran rhythm section Louie Moses & Greg White. All of the members had been active in the Phoenix music scene as participants in classic rock/alternative cover bands. Random Karma’s music has inclinations of being old school rock, but also has an added complexity that makes it unique.
ten dollar outfit
11:00 – 11:45 AM
tendollaroutfit.com
TDO rocks on the contemporary tip, with an original sound that blends folk, rock, jazz, and pop — sometimes in a single song. The band's studio album, East Meets West, displays the Phoenix trio's ability to merge smart acoustic arrangements with unbridled jams, but it's Ten Dollar Outfit's two live albums — Live at The Clubhouse and Live at Chandler Center — that really show off the band's musical dexterity. Ten Dollar Outfit (Brian Chartrand/vocals and guitar, Peter Venti/keys, and Kaleb Anderson/drums) takes its studio recordings and stretches them into epic, extemporaneous odysseys in a live setting. Given that front man Chartrand names Steely Dan as one of his biggest influences, it's no surprise that these jams are often keyboard-heavy and lean in a progressive-rock direction. In the studio, TDO is solid, but the live show is where the trio really comes unhinged and rocks it. And in an era when studio wizardry often masks musical ineptitude, being able to say your group is a "live band" is quite an accomplishment." Phoenix New Times "Best Jam Band 2008."
MMMF Drum Circle Jam with the AZ Rhythm Connection
A drum circle is a place where everyone regardless of music ability gets together to make fun music by creating collective grooves and just having a plain old good time being absorbed into a deep dose of in-the-moment music. The AZ Rhythm Connection Drum Circles continue to be the energetic highlight of the Creamy Radio Acoustic Stage. Festival attendees young, old, tall, short, families and singles all rush to join in when they hear the beats begin! These four circles bring an explosion of energy, grooves and audience participation. Each year these circles burst at the seams with happy participants as instruments are played, smiles are shared and beats abound!
The AZ Rhythm Connection supplies the drums, percussion and instruments for everyone in the audience to join the jam while Frank Thompson facilitates the event and gets all involved. You are invited to bring your own drum or percussion instrument and join the drum circles. They are a can’t miss and absolutely rockin’ good time for everyone.
REMO drums are supplying two drums for the silent auction. Win a drum and bring it to the circle!
See you there!
Drum Circle schedule
FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH
3:15 - 3:30 pm |
Session 1 | |
6:30 - 7:00 pm |
session 2 | |
saturday, april 25th
11:45 - 12:00 pm |
Session 1 | |
7:30 - 7:45 pm |
Session 2 | |
8:45 - 9:00 PM |
Session 3 | |
Creamy Radio Acoustic Stage lineup
We are pleased to announce the following as Friday’s acoustic lineup.
Saturday’s lineup will be announced soon!
Once again, Creamy Radio brought some great local acts to the acoustic stage in the Marketplace. See below for the specific bands that graced the stage both days, with a link to their sites. It was a great blend of music, from relaxing percussion sets to all-out rock and jams. Thank you, Creamy Radio, for believing in the local scene and creating a platform for these bands to shine! www.creamyradio.com
Contact Chris Emge at Creamy Radio if you are interested in playing at the Festival on the acoustic stage, captain@creamyradio.com
friday's lineup
black carl
8:30 – 9:00 pM
myspace.com/iamblackcarl
With their mix of soul, funk, blues, psychedelia, and big beat Black Carl will make you feel like you're riding a psychotic horse toward a burning stable. A funky fun live show that where the band is not afraid to jam out on a groove that may include such oddities as a human beatbox, hand claps, and foot stomps.
Michael Garfield
4:30 – 5:00 pM
myspace.com/michaelgarfield
Michael Garfield is rooted in an athletic, vulnerable voice displaying a dazzling palette of intricate finger style techniques, his sets turn on a dime between instrumental etudes, dynamic ballads and anthems with a hypnotic acoustic-electronic loopscapes.
saturday's lineup
what laura says
5:00 – 5:30 pM
whatlaura.com
One of the great Arizona finds, What Laura Says has a breezy mix of pop, and rock with folky undertones, Beach Boy harmonies and a Brian Wilson like ability to tinker that equates to a sounds that is all their own. The boys' incredible live show has garnered some serious buzz throughout Arizona and across the southwest.
the tryst
3:00 – 3:30 pM
myspace.com/wearetryst
Tucson band The Tryst walk on a tightrope between jazz and funk with tremendous skill and personal flair. to weave an exotic, seductive sound. Their lead singer Keli Carpenter has among the finest voices in rock today, indie or otherwise. Even when they're chilling, The Tryst are always active, always moving.
matthew reveles
12:45 – 1:30 pM
myspace.com/matthewreveles
Matthew Reveles is a multi-instrumental singer-songwriter from Tempe, AZ and is accompanied by his band and can be seen performing regularly at bars, clubs, and galleries. With sixties era inspired harmonies and tinges of southern style guitar and harmonica sure to satisfy a wide variety of palettes, even of the most discriminating music lover.
Previous Lineups
Click images below to view posters!
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