Launch Audio Player
FRI APRIL 13th
GATES 4 PM
Galactic
8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
GALACTIC was formed eighteen years ago in New Orleans, and they cut their teeth playing the biggest party in America: Mardi Gras, when the town shuts down entirely to celebrate. CARNIVALE ELECTRICOS is beyond a party record. It’s a carnival record that evokes the electric atmosphere of a whole city – make that, whole cities – vibrating together all on the same day, from New Orleans all down the hemisphere to the mighty megacarnivals of Brazil. Armed with a slew of carnival-ready guests— including Cyril and Ivan Neville, Mystikal, Mannie Fresh, Moyseis Marques, Casa Samba, the KIPP Renaissance High School Marching Band, and Al “Carnival Time” Johnson (who remakes his all-time hit)—GALACTIC whisks the listener around the neighborhoods to feel the Mardi Gras moment in all its variety of flavors.
Ozomatli
6:30 PM – 8 PM
In their fourteen years together as a band, celebrated Los Angeles culture-mashers Ozomatli have gone from being hometown heroes to being named U.S. State
Department Cultural Ambassadors. Ozomatli has always juggled two key identities. They are the voice of their city and they are citizens of the world. Their music– a notorious urban-Latino-and-beyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga– has long followed a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around L.A.
Endoplasmic
5 PM – 6 PM
Endoplasmic is a musical collective that takes pride in the freedom they get performing improvisational dance music! Formed out of the desire to keep a dance floor bouncing, Endoplasmic has been going strong since 2003, making improvisation the key element. Several players have jammed or been a part of endo over the years, and the music has covered a wide variety of sounds and transitions, but the Endo of today is a strong group (band) that has created a nonverbal musical language and has brought the groove to a fun dance party vibe that only Endo can do.
The Motet (inside The Compound – after hours, separate ticket required) 11 PM – 1 AM
Founded and led by drummer Dave Watts, the group began over ten years ago and hasn’t let up since. Featuring complex compositions written and arranged by Watts himself, the music tells a story through syncopated rhythms and melodies. As music and technology evolve at an astounding rate, so too has The Motet pioneered their unique sound while continuing to defy categorization. With roots in Jazz, Afrobeat, Funk, Salsa and Samba, The Motet keeps their audiences in a dancing frenzy by layering House and Techno rhythms into a style that is uniquely their own.
SAT APRIL 14TH
GATES 11 AM
8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Dark Star Orchestras shows are built off the extensive catalog of the Grateful Dead. On any given night the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use the catalog of original songs and often played covers to create a unique set list for the show. This allows music fans both young and old to share in the experience. Dark Star Orchestra presents its critically acclaimed live show at esteemed venues from coast to coast and internationally. Grateful Dead classics are performed in the same way that an orchestra interprets music of classical composers. The composer spirit is derived and channeled as the players capture the excitement and innovation of the original performances and compositions. Touring nationwide for eleven years to the tune of over 1800 shows since forming, the band’s determined commitment to “raising the Dead” has drawn national media attention.
Big Head Todd and the Monsters 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Funky, lilting, and melodic, the new collection features founding members Todd Park Mohr (lead vocals and guitars), Rob Squires (bass), and Brian Nevin (drums), with keyboardist, steel guitarist, and backup vocalist Jeremy Lawton, who joined The Monsters in January 2004. As ever, the hard-touring Monsters will go out to meet the fans this summer. “The quality of the relationship between the band and the fan is the most important aspect of our career,” says Mohr. “We’ve always realized that. That’s why we do cruises with fans, and we sign autographs after shows. We still try to play every request. We listen to our audience and do whatever we can to acknowledge that relationship.”
Anders Osborne 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Oftentimes the most true portraits of America have been rendered by those who have come from outside its borders, yet somehow seem to understand and inhabit our culture more than those of us who have lived here all our lives. Consider the Band, which 30 years ago became the archetypal American outfit despite being four-fifths Canadian. Swedish native (and current New Orleans resident) Anders Osborne is that sort of artist as well. He’s worked his magic for other performers, writing “I Was Wrong” and “A Better Man” both Grammy-winning songs from Keb’ Mo’s album Slow Down. Osborne combines classic American musical forms such as blues, rock and roll, and Crescent City funk to create a sound that acknowledges no borders as they’re usually understood, but defines its own space in the world and demands to be heard.
Trevor Hall
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Trevor’s music is an unconventional mix of acoustic rock and reggae that serves as a vibrant landscape for his thought-provoking, inspiring lyrics. Produced by Marshall Altman (Matt Nathanson, Kate Voegele, Marc Broussard), Trevor Hall encompasses the entire cosmology of this one-of-a-kind young artist, from the opening “Internal Heights,” with its sitar-accented electro-groove, which recalls Peter Gabriel at his most expansive, to the meditative and intimate closer “Many Roads,” in which Trevor seems to be channeling his primary inspiration, Bob Marley. Indeed, “Many Roads” could stand as Trevor’s “One Love.” “We’ve heard there are many paths, but it turns out they all lead to the same place,” he says of the song’s ultimate point. “These songs are not all where I’m at presently,” Trevor explains. “Many of them are where I aspire to be. Musically, Trevor Hall spans several genres—soul, reggae, pop, electronica, folk—yet the record feels singular in its origin, really. It’s not a sum of its parts; it’s the sum of Trevor.” He infuses his songs with a deep sense of spirituality, as evidenced in the lead single “Unity,” written and performed with his friend (Hasidic reggae artist) Matisyahu.
Tramps and Thieves
1:00PM – 1:45 PM
Arizona’s Tramps & Thieves formed in 2003 and have maintained their original line-up in an ever-changing independent music scene. Made up of four members: dual lead singer-guitarists J. Scott Howard and Emmett DeGuvera, bassist Andy Jensen and drummer Ryan Ferguson. With their unique southwestern sound, Tramps & Thieves have become a cherished staple in the Arizona music scene. Tramps & Thieves continue to play to packed audiences around the Valley, including shows with Jason Isbell, Los Guys, Shurman, Ghetto Cowgirl, and Arizona’s other treasured rock band, Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers.
The Nameless Prophets
12 PM – 12:45 PM
Nameless Prophets emerged on the Arizona scene in the early spring of 2010, this band is made up of musicians from other well-known bands from the valley. Such as Jaron Mossman and Jayson Johnson from “Shawn Johnson & The Foundation”, Jay Allan from “Delcoa” as well as performing solo, and Brian Bell from “The Final”. The members of Nameless Prophets have performed over a thousand shows in the valley.
EOTO (inside The Compound – after hours, separate ticket required)
11 PM – 1 AM
As electronic influences continue to penetrate the live rock, jazz, and jam ethos, one band consistently rises to the top, bringing together fans from across the musical spectrum. EOTO crisscrosses the country blowing out basement dives, packed theaters, and stages under the stars. Check your festival schedules: this 100% improvised dubstep/breakbeat/house/drum & bass/trip-hop duo is the premier late-night party in the country.
Throbbing bass and thudding beats are the signatures of this project from drummers Michael Travis and Jason Hann. Born out of their shared love of electronic dance music, EOTO’s M.O. is to take the free-wheeling party vibe of a DJ set to the next level by using organic instruments, innovative performance technology, and uncharted musical exploration. Live drums, guitars, and keys, and vocals are mixed, remixed, and sampled on the fly using cutting-edge programs. This is all done without a script, and without a net.
SUN April 15th
GATES 11 AM
The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams
6 PM – 8:00 PM
The Travelin’ McCourys are the latest incarnation of the most awarded band in the history of bluegrass – The Del McCoury Band. Keller Williams is known as one of the most innovative solo singer/songwriters of this generation. What happens when the two join forces? The live stage may never be the same. Brought together by equal parts mutual admiration and the desire to change the musical landscape while staying true to their roots, The Travelin’ McCourys and Keller Williams are a perfect – albeit unexpected – fit. The two have a lot in common after all: their high energy, ever-evolving live shows, their individual playing prowess and their strong and unique song writing skills. Fans are most used to seeing Keller sans a band – just him and a guitar with or without his signature live looping technique. For The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams, fans will see Keller playing his music with one of the best live bands on the touring circuit. McCoury fans, used to seeing the boys tour with Del in the lead, will now get to see them playing their songs with Keller on guitar. It’s a perfect marriage of instrumental virtuosos, memorable songwriting, infectious musical camaraderie, and undeniable energy. And with both acts known to bring epic and spontaneous live collaborations to theaters and festivals across America – The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams will take this collaborative spirit one step further, promising to bring something fresh and unexpected to the live stage.
Soulive
4 PM – 5:30 PM
Brothers Alan and Neal Evans, on drums and Hammond B-3 organ, respectively, form two-thirds of the soul/groove trio Soulive. Rounding out the group is Eric Krasno on guitar. The band was formed in the late ’90s when all three members were under 25 years old. However, each already had a substantial background in the “jam band” scene. Alan and Neal are former members of Moon Boot Lover, and Alan also played with the Greyboy Allstars. Krasno founded the super-funky Lettuce, a wildly popular Boston-based band.
Soulive is all about danceable, organ-driven instrumental groove-jazz. Their success is a result of fusing the soul-jazz of the past with a modern hip-hop feel. Krasno’s spidery yet very direct guitar lines recall Grant Green. The rhythmic concepts employed date back to those learned from artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Sly Stone.
Bob Schneider - ***CANCELED***
2 PM – 3:30 PM
Now, at the core of Bob Schneider’s talent lies a versatile singer/songwriter. But Bob has too much to say and too much to play to be tied to the limits of that model. All of his many faces are revealed through his solo work and the bands that he fronts – The Scabs (performing this year at the Austin City Limits Music Festival), Texas Bluegrass Massacre, and Lonelyland. His fans have come to expect the unexpected from Bob Schneider but all of these bands give him free rein to explore the music that he loves – funk, pop, bluegrass, jazz, soul, blues, hip-hop and good old-fashioned bar rock raunchy enough to make you flush, and emotional enough to choke you up…
Carolina Chocolate Drops
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Rolling Stone Magazine described the Carolina Chocolate Drops’ style as “dirt-floor-dance electricity”. If you ask the band, that is what matters most. Yes, banjos and black string musicians first got here on slave ships, but now this is everyone’s music. It’s OK to mix it up and go where the spirit moves. In 2010, with the release of their Nonesuch recording, Genuine Negro Jig, the group confirms its place in the music pantheon. With its tongue in cheek, multiple-meaning title, the album ranges boldly from Joe Thompson’s Cindy Gal to Tom Waits’ Trampled Rose and Rhiannon’s acoustic hip hop version of R&B artist Blu Cantrell’s Hit ‘Em Up Style.
CREAMY RADIO STAGE
Creamy Radio is Phoenix, Arizona’s premiere independent Internet Radio station. In an era of unlimited iPod storage and bland artist-centered internet streams Creamy Radio is a true music lover’s station. Their eclectic, continually updated playlist introduces every listener to new rarely heard artists and deep under-appreciated album tracks. Balancing great popular and classic music with local and independent artists: “Eclectic From the Mainstream to the Indie Scene”.
2011 marks Creamy Radio’s seventh year sponsoring the Creamy Radio Second Stage at MMMF, bringing only the best up and coming local artists. See them on the Creamy Radio Second Stage this year as a preview of who might be hitting the Mainstage next year!!!
Friday April 13 Creamy Radio 2nd Stage at MMMF Presents:
Quick Henry: 7:50 – 8:30PM Quick Henry started with two guys (Tim Case-Drums, and Kevin Redlich-Vox/Guitar) that knew each other from elementary school that had recently become band-less. After 8 months of jamming on and off with a handful of different bass players, Tim brought over an old business partner, Josh to play bass. Josh had never played bass in a band before, and didn’t even own an amp. After another 7 months of jamming with a revolving door of different musicians, they met Dave Swaintek (Keys/Vox). The lineup for Quick Henry was finalized in March of 2011 with Kevin, Josh, Dave, and Tim…and they all sing. Quick Henry now has three studio tracks available for download as well as 3 live tracks that were recorded at the Rogue Bar. They are scheduled to start working on their full length debut album this year.
PHX: 5:50 – 6:30PM: PHX is a collaboration of four individual souls with one purpose to write, record, and perform great music. The band takes influences from rock, blues, funk, reggae, and latin and everything that is good and true about music. This high energy sonic blend of music with no boundaries reaches a wide audience that likes to dance and enjoy the ride. PHX is looking to record an EP later this year.
Saturday April 14 Creamy Radio 2nd Stage at MMMF Presents:
Spafford: 7:50 – 8:30PM Spafford’s music is characterized by captivating vocal harmonies, catchy and unique riffs, and solos from each member of the band. Spafford is known for “bringing the jam” wherever they go, motivating people to have a good time, dance, and support their local venues. This is a group that is passionately driven to reach people with their music. Spafford’s goal has been to reignite an active music scene in Arizona that embraces the seemingly lost art of the jam. Spafford has been described in The Daily Courier as a band that is “musically driven for musically mature listeners” while they have been listed in The AZ Edge as the Prescott band to watch in 2011. The band has also been featured in Pop Rocket and The Daily Courier.
Future Loves Past: 3:20 – 4:00PM Future Loves Past is best described by the term “Harmony Rock.” With five voices, the band creates rich and complex harmonies that float over interesting, upbeat melodic hooks that make you groove. Rare is the act that incorporates easily interpreted lyrics and melodies, so first time listeners are singing along. When Future Loves Past plays, their sound is almost all-encompassing. Think neo-soul meets ’70s rock, with a nod to current indie trends from bands like Yeasayer and Local Natives. It borrows lovingly from all genres and blends them together in a straightforward way that’s easy to relate to and digest. They are the definition of watching potential become kinetic and it’s a fantastic metamorphosis to be fascinated by.
Synaptic Soul: 12:45 – 1:15 Synaptic Soul was founded by musician and Board-Certified Music Therapist Stephanie Bianchi in 2009. After years of observing the profound transformative and healing effects music had on her clients (both one-on-one and in small groups), Stephanie became motivated to improve the human condition on a grander scale. This prompted her to assemble a group of talented musicians to create eclectic yet radio-friendly music, which would serve as a platform for local, national, and international causes. Stephanie tapped fellow Music Therapists Robin Rio, Michael Plunkett, Julie Murillo, and Richard Bogen, whom she knew from clinical and academic settings, as well as like-minded musicians and long-time friends Sergio Vie, Brian Golub, and Frank Thompson. They all shared Stephanie’s visions and interests, and were excited to collaborate. Thus, Synaptic Soul was born.
Sunday April 15 Creamy Radio 2nd Stage at MMMF Presents:
Voluntary String Band: 5:20 – 6:00PM Founded in Flagstaff, Arizona in 2001, the Voluntary String Band (VSB) has comfortably jumped between many disparate musical styles, both old and new, during its first decade. The VSB, primarily featuring banjo, standup bass and guitar, stretches well beyond bluegrass and old timey sounds, but still manages to maintain strong ties to roots and traditional music. As a result, the trio has carved out an unmatched presence in the eclectic northern Arizona music scene while refusing to be bound by any exact definition. The band weaves its love for all things musical with an experimental sensibility, taking advantage of a nimble three-piece lineup to produce live performances that are always spontaneous and unpredictable. With material that includes a healthy catalog of original music, the VSB also incorporates sometimes-surprising covers and their own occasionally skewed interpretations of classic traditionals. The VSB has shared the stage with many of the West’s finest modern roots-oriented bands. They also were honored to have played the three of the annual Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festivals in Flagstaff, Arizona, where they shared the stage with the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, Chatham County Line, Crooked Still, the Claire Lynch Band, the Steep Canyon Rangers, Run Boy Run and their local buddies Muskellunge Bluegrass.
Decker: 3:20 – 4:00PM Over the last two years, Decker has played over 250 shows, touring relentlessly from their hometown of Sedona, AZ to Seattle, WA to Shreveport, LA and everywhere in between. Not confining his shows to music clubs alone, Decker is known to play free shows in cafes, farmer’s markets and on street corners alike. Decker crafts songs which find profundity in their naked sincerity. Not quite rock, not quite folk, his acoustic-based psychedelic Americana balladry draws upon a variety of influences; from Leonard Cohen to Tom Waits, from Cat Power to PJ Harvey. Yet in the end, his music is unique and uniquely him, and that is his offering. In the midst of traveling 50,000+ in his Dodge Caravan, he has self-released three albums on his own local record label, Mescal Porch Records, and, in June, delivered his first-born son in his kitchen to boot. It’s safe to say, Decker is amongst the hardest-working touring songwriters you’ve never heard of. Just this past October, released Broken Belts, Broken Bones, a 7-track EP, written largely in the midst of a 99-show tour.
