PERFORMERS
BRONZE RADIO RETURN - Headliner
Formed in 2008, Bronze Radio Return’s line-up took a few years to solidify, though most of the band’s members were orbiting each other for years at the Hartt School, one of the country’s best schools of music, located in Hartford, Connecticut. For debut Old Time Speaker, the band relocated to Nashville for a two-week period, to, as lead vocalist Chris Henderson puts it, “A place we’d never been with a producer we’d never met, and played a bunch of songs we’d never played before.” For such an inauspicious set of circumstances, the band managed a solid and well-received debut, and forged a lasting bond with producer Chad Copelin. Fan favorites “Digital Love” and “Lo-Fi” have been picked up for advertising and television licensing and the album landed on CMJ’s Top 200 Album Chart.
JAMES JUSTIN & CO.
A native of rural, Chesapeake Bay-area Virginia, Burke grew up with the sounds of his mother’s church choir and his father’s classic rock records. In high school and in college, he led funk bands, but always wrote bluegrass and Americana music on the side. He calls Southern Son, So Far “non-traditional folk music.” Joining James Justin Burke are two long-time collaborators and childhood friends. Bailey Horsley’s banjo playing is heard throughout Southern Son, So Far, adding bluegrass flavor to JJB classics like “Turn This Thing Around.” Rounding out the trio, Tom Propst offers both his steady upright bass lines and the third in a trio of impeccable vocal harmonies.
THE WAFFLE STOMPERS
Post-Ska band The Waffle Stompers comes from the New Jersey music scene with the intent to create great music and put on an explosive live show for the rest of forever. Forever hasn’t necessarily happened yet, but the past years have shown signs that they may actually have the balls to achieve that goal. The group has taken from a wide spectrum of influences to inspire a style of music that is both unique and refreshingly honest. Their intricate horn and vocal arrangements reflect their hard work and devotion, while the rhythm section blends the in-your-face feel of rock and roll with the electricity of punk rock and ska. Each live show reflects their belief that heart and energy are the foundation of a musical community. Ask any fan or friend of the band; they’ll tell you who brings it every single night.
The Waffle Stompers on Facebook
MERCY CREEK
Based in Virginia, Mercy Creek performs original music they call aggressive folk rock. Singer/guitarist Cheryl Nystrom and song writing partner/drummer Jim Ball combine elements of modern folk, world beat, rock, and hints of blues and bluegrass to create music that is fresh and unique. From world beat to folk, the musical styles used in Mercy Creek's songs are anchored by Nystrom's beautiful voice and intelligent lyrics.
Mercy Creek has released 7 independent albums and have been a full time performing act since 1998, playing across the country at clubs, festivals, and concerts. Their recordings have charted on radio stations nationally, were used heavily in Playnetwork's retail outlet store Eddie Baeur, have been used in nationally syndicated radio shows, and have been played on XM Radio.
THE FLOORBOARDS
The Floorboards marry rock n' roll and country roots music with the sights and sounds of southern mountain towns. Jake and George shake the leaves from the trees. Bob wails like steam whistle cutting through the pines. Patrick coaxes stringed cries from the hills and hollers. Matt tells the story.
www.reverbnation.com/floorboards
WES CHARLTON BAND
This 22-year old, singer/songwriter integrates his Americana roots with modern themes to create a heartfelt and at times haunting vision of relationships, the struggle to find yourself, and the pursuit of the “Promised Land”. With proficiency on piano, guitar, harmonica and Hammond B-3, Wes blends his musicianship with sophisticated lyrics to paint a profound portrait of growing up in rural America, while maintaining a connection to contemporary youth through driving rhythms, electric guitar and the exploration of found-sounds.