~ Johnny A. ~ 

Saturday - August 21, 2010

Johnny A. has one of the most eloquent voices in modern music — and he doesn't sing a note. Instead, he channels joy, love, humor, sadness... every aspect of the human experience, through his guitar.

Only the finest musicians have the ability to capture the nuances of life in sound, which puts Johnny in a very exclusive group of six-stringers that includes Les Paul, Wes Montgomery, Jeff Beck, Chet Atkins, and Jimi Hendrix. The secret is his blend of melody, sonic definition, technique and that indefinable-yet-tangible quality called "soul."

This year's appearance by Johnny A. continues a rich tradition of world-class guitar players at the Skylands Music & Arts Festival that places him in the rarefied company of peers like Robben Ford, Stanley Jordan and Mike Stern.

"Devotion to melodies, tight dynamics and succulent tones perfectly temper Johnny's balance of fire and ice." - Ted Drozdowski, Guitar World

"Johnny A. has eclectic musical vision and the skills to realize it...A.'s music is both accessible and sophisticated." - Ed Kopp JAZZIZ

~ Ryan Shaw ~ 

Saturday - August 21, 2010

Nominated for the Grammy in Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for "I Am Your Man", Ryan Shaw's music is a youthful reclamation of the glory days of southern soul music. This 26-year-old singer/songwriter from Decatur, Georgia is out to revive the passion and soul of the Golden Age of Rhythm & Blues (1960-1972) for a new generation. His One Haven-Columbia debut album, This Is Ryan Shaw, combines a powerfully expressive voice with a clutch of great songs both classic and new--and a state-of-the-art, in-your-face sound that makes it impossible to sit still.

Ryan delivers every song with the kind of emotional commitment and vocal panache that have nearly vanished from the mainstream musical landscape. Compositional craft and studio technology blend in an album of irresistible appeal from the opening dance blast of "Do the 45" to the heart-wrenching ballad "I Am Your Man" and "Over and Done," the upbeat Ryan Shaw original that closes the set on a joyful, triumphant note.

On stage, Ryan brings it all together with a combination of Southern warmth and New York vitality. Using just a small rhythm section and two male backing vocalists, he's able to effectively reproduce the sound of his album while stretching some tunes into full-on vocal rave-ups. Ryan's thrilling voice and charismatic presence are all that he needs to get over with an audience. There's no posturing or mindless booty-shaking, no need for contrived antics: Ryan Shaw is the real deal.

"Prepare to have your soul rocked…" – Casey Dolan/The Los Angeles Times

~ subdudes ~ 

Friday - August 20, 2010

Over the course of 20 years and eight albums, the subdudes have quietly become one of America's national music treasures.The New Orleans-formed group is a living encapsulation of American music, a vibrant cauldron of sounds that stirs together meaty grooves and jazzy dynamics, souful R&B swagger, easy vocal harmonies, cheeky rock 'n' roll attitude and folky social consciousness -- not to mention some of the sharpest musicianship and ensemble playing you'll ever hear from any five musicians. It's tight enough to be loose, but never gratuitously sloppy.

The Subdudes aren't just stellar musicians of the swampy jazz-rock-blues New Orleans persuasion, as they've come to be known. They're also a group of guys whose working-class roots run as definitively, and maybe as deeply, as Bruce Springsteen's. Few bands give up the grit with this much conviction and skill.

"If the subdudes' music were a fruit, it would be a bunch of red grapes eaten out of season: robustly flavored, composed of taut clusters of sound loosely arranged that – left to mull a bit – induce a mild intoxication. This is New Orleans R&B at its most swinging, with touches of barroom blues, gospel-inspired harmonies, rock and country rhythms and, very simply, some fine playing." - Rolling Stone

~ Swampadelica ~ 

Friday - August 20, 2010

One of Northwest NJ's most popular roots-rock ensembles and a hit at SkyFest 2009, Swampadelica is artfully establishing its own voice in todays open ended music scene by infusing Americana with Haitian roots. At once radical and grounded, Swamps instrumentation electrifies this multi-cultural blend with a wide sonic palette created by a modified & mutated Hammond B-3 and electric guitar. The arrival of vocalist Nadine LaFond, continues to move Swampadelica in broadening directions. Nadine's native Haitian Creole imaginatively winds its way thru the lyrics, grooves & melodies. The Skylands Music & Arts Festival is proud to welcome Swampadelica back for an encore performance in 2010.

~ Vance Gilbert ~ 

Saturday, August 21

Vance Gilbert burst onto the singer/songwriter scene in the early 90's when the buzz started spreading in the folk clubs of Boston about an ex-multicultural arts teacher and jazz singer who was knocking 'em dead at open mikes. The word spread of this Philadelphia-area born and raised performer to New York; Shawn Colvin invited Vance Gilbert to be a special guest on her Fat City tour. Gilbert took audiences across the country by storm 

Now, with eight critically acclaimed albums, VANCE GILBERT continues to refine his unlikely union of humor, virtuosity, and the unexpected. Whether with classic, original songwriting or ageless interpretations of covers, his is a presentation steeped in deep humanism and bravery, stunning artistry and soul, and contagious, unbridled joy.

"...the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god..." - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

~ Maia Sharp ~ 

Saturday, August 21

Four years ago, Maia Sharp achieved a lifelong ambition, when Bonnie Raitt invited her to open for and perform with her on the road. Now Maia will take the stage at the 2010 Skylands Music & Arts Festival. Maia is "a uniquely gifted singer, writer and multi-instrumentalist, whose peers are the most discerning artists in the business.."

"Sharp wields her crisp, alluring choruses like a temptress; listeners will surely be ensnared. Her tear-soaked lyrics and high-cresting melody conspire for a finely crafted lesson on invincible pop." – Billboard

"Maia Sharp: A Songwriter Set To Arrive" – NPR's "All Things Considered"

"John Q. Lonely" might make you doublecheck the writing credits to make sure they don't read "Lennon/M– JamBands.com

~ Caravan Of Thieves ~

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Stretching the parameters of acoustic swing, Caravan of Thieves has been winning immediate praise for their new and unique brand of gypsy flavored song writing and their high intensity show. The vocal harmonizing, acoustic guitar spanking husband and wife duo Fuzz and Carrie have extended their family to include fiery violinist Ben Dean and double bass madman, Brian Anderson to complete their colorful vision. Seeking inspiration from beyond the great divide, the quartet produces layers of Beatlesque vocals, driving rhythms, satirical, dramatic song writing and an overall circus of sound.

"Caravan of Thieves stole my heart. There's something about the band's witty, spirited gypsy folk-jazz that is so new and yet so familiar all at once.The band has been together only about a year, and yet its debut album, "Bouquet," belies the members' old souls and musical chops.Violin, upright bass, acoustic guitar and harmonious vocals blend into a sweet, melodic whirl of musical flavors." -- Nancy Dunham - The Washington Post

~ The Alternate Routes ~

Saturday - August 21, 2010

The Alternate Routes first got our attention when they were suggested for the 2009 SkyFest... too late to make the roster. Now, nearly one year later, both Alternate Routes full-length Vanguard releases, Good And Reckless And True and A Sucker's Dream are still in constant rotation on the office iPod. A refreshing blend of guitar driven rock with a touch of country, lyrical prowess and killer hooks.

  "Sometimes there aren’t enough adjectives to describe a band you think everyone should hear when you know they probably haven’t heard them before. But if that band is the Alternate Routes, it’s better to just shut up and hand someone a CD. Just don’t expect to get it back." - Mike Farley, BULLZEYE.COM

~ Newfound Road ~

Saturday, August 21 & Sunday August 22, 2010

One of the most exciting new bands to emerge on the national bluegrass scene in the new millenium, NewFound Road specializes in a powerfully streamlined sound delivered with heartfelt honesty and passion. NFR is a role model for the modern self-contained bluegrass ensemble, providing both sympathetic accompaniment and thrilling, hard-driving solos. NewFound Road is contemporary bluegrass at its most soulful and sincere. 

"...NewFound Road is a revelation--an innovative template of how bluegrass can remain thrilling and relevant by fusing the best of the past to a clear vision of what is essential today. - Raleigh News & Observer

~ Peter Karp & Sue Foley ~

Sunday - August 22, 2010

"He Said - She Said" is the new inspired show featuring a collaboration of original songs by Peter Karp and Sue Foley. The project is based around a correspondence the two shared through letters that were written over a year period. These letters started as a casual exchange between two committed performers sharing their common bond of the loneliness of the road, the pain of separation from family and home and above all, the drive to make music. But as time went on the letters they shared became more poignant, more revealing. Those letters became their songs. The result is "He Said - She Said." The show features songs of two artists in development, sharing artistic purpose and spiritual kinship in a meeting of hearts and minds. Peter and Sue are joined by the Skyland's own Niles Terrat (bass) and Mike Catapano (drums) for what is sure to be an unforgettable set of folk, jazz and blues that is moving, literate, romantic, rocking and exciting.

" 'He Said - She Said' is a unique, daring idea beautifully executed by two talented, inspired artists unafraid to express themselves outside of - but still influenced by - their respective genres." - Blues Revue Magazine

~ YARN ~

Sunday, August 22

This year's most requested band by friends of SkyFest, Yarn is a well polished folk-country unit drenched in rutted byways and hot broadacred suns, laying it all down for the audience to do with what they will. The musicianship and earnestness are first-rate, and the critical tie-ins to Gram Parsons quite warranted, though frontman Blake Christiana is no imitator, just kindred, from another county, and talented as hell. The live experience is wild. Each member can hold the band together, trade off the lead at times, and there are instrumental forays into the unlikeliest of places -- even into vintage Guns 'n Roses. They jam, but it's never boring for the 3-minute crowd, because it keeps momentum and never lingers too long in one place. If the hooting and hollering is indication, women adore them; and the crowd is generally grooving and giddy -- and sometimes plain inebriated.

~ Swingadelic ~

Sunday, August 22

Swingadelic is the New York City Metro Area’s greatest “little big band”. They deliver the traditional big band music of Ellington, Basie and Sinatra, mixed with the soulful sounds of Ray Charles and adds just the right dose of some swingin’ Sixties grooves. Swingadelic leader Dave Post is no stranger to the SkyFest audience having played the venerable Knowlton Riverfest several times with his seminal acoustic swing band "The Amazing Incredibles". 

"This group resembles no less a band (though half the size) than the famed Count Basie Orchestra, investing each number with volleys of inspired but precise mayhem. Can they swing? Absolutely! - Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team

~ B. D. Lenz ~ 

Friday, August 20th

Hailed as one of the top 20 "up and coming" jazz musicians of New Jersey by the Newark Star-Ledger, and featured in the New York Times, noted guitarist B.D. Lenz leads an original band which has best been described as "a spirited mixture of sounds in the contemporary vein, ranging from the sprightly to the hard-wailing" (Curt Yeske - The Trenton Times).

Signed to NY Jazz label Apria Records he has released six CD’s of his original contemporary jazz which features such greats as Randy Brecker, Will Lee, Mark Egan, and Joel Rosenblatt among others. B.D.’s music has also been licensed to over 100 television shows internationally on such networks as MTV, VH1, USA, A&E, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Travel Channel, Food Network, Spike TV, etc., while his high-energy ensemble can be seen performing throughout the U.S. and Europe.

We're thrilled to present B. D. Lenz to open the Main Stage at SkyFest 2010.  Another great example of the fantastic musical talent living right here in the great N.J. Skylands.

~The Gentlemen's Club~

Friday, August 20th

The Gentlemen's Club boasts a long list of influences that range from metal to jazz to plain old rock and roll, and they combine solid songwriting with technically impressive instrumentals to create a truly unique sound. They are returning to Skyfest this year after having won the Exposed Battle of the Bands at last year's fest.

~Jungle Jazz Initiative~

Friday, August 20th

Since the fall of 2005 The Jungle Jazz Initiative has been pumping out the sickest alien music to ever penetrate the ear drums of the American public. After four long years of hard work and determination, these musicians and their musical content continue to press the limits of modern day rhythmic and melodic concept. Combining outlandish sounds coupled with traditional contemporary musical idioms taken from Jazz, Electronica, Hip Hop, Funk, and Jam The JJI will make your booty shake, all the while blowing your mind with unreal beats, textures and leads!!!

~Quimby Mountain Band~

Friday, August 20th

From a small mountain top called Quimby Mountain in Northwest New Jersey, emerges a band with a large dream. Known for their multi-genre sound, with pieces of funk, blues, rock, reggae, and soul mixed in and playing predominately original songs, these guys live to play music.

~Levi Schmidt~

Saturday, August 21st

Former Hackettstown resident and soul/folk/R&B musician and songwriter Levi Schmidt is having a summer of firsts! Levi is on his first US tour, of his first album release."Like Water" has been described as a fantastic collection of songs that refuse to be placed into a single genre. His work is full of memorable melodies, lovely ballads with catchy and compelling beats, and the cleverly designed, introspective lyrics of a fresh and thoughtful young artist.

~Kathy Philips w/Walt Bibinger~

Saturday, August 21st

An Americana songstress, Kathy Phillips is one of those under the radar gems that you are glad to come across. Performing beautifully cathartic songs, with expressive lyrics, heavenly melodies, and gorgeous harmonies and with the wonderful addition of Walt Bibinger's extraordinary guitar and dobro magic, they'll leave you wanting more!

~Rick Luts & the Road Handlers~

Saturday, August 21st

Rockin' blues jumpin' and swingin' at it's best! Rick Luts has been singing, playing and recording traditional blues in the tri-state area for over 25 years. Featuring Nick Franciosa on Tenor Sax, and influenced by the likes of T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell and Duke Robillard just to name a few..so, get your dancing shoes on and SWING!

~Anne Mironchik~

Saturday, August 21st

Like "Carole King, with some extra swing!" In fact, the vocal mic Anne used on the new recording of Cookin' in the Kitchen, was the same one used during the recording of the legendary Tapastry album! Anne's music is reminiscent of adult contemporary hits of 70s & 80s. She is a vocalist, pianist, composer and lyricist with a conservatory degree in jazz and roots in rock, blues, R&B and country. Her shows include original songs and well-known jazz standards. Her well-crafted songs mix the simplicity and soul of Carole King's melodies with the R&B spirit of Laura Nyro's chords and rhythms. Weaving in lyrics that are sensible, without being sentimental, she never misses a toe-tappin' beat as she explores the struggles, loves, fears and joys of everyday heroes.

~Roamin' Gabriels~

Saturday, August 21st

Roamin’ Gabriels have the uncanny ability to weave memorable pop melodicism, sophisticated harmonic and rhythmic invention, with the adventurous spirit of improvisation, and deliver it with a "rye" sense of humor. Leader and songwriter, Len Mooney, has shared the stage with such diverse legends as Rick Danko (of the Band) and Bernie Worrell (P-Funk, WOO Warriors), both Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers. On the jazz front, he has performed with George Young (Saturday Night Live Band) and jazz pianist John Coates, Jr.(Pacific St. Records) In the world of pop, he has recorded and toured with From Good Homes (RCA Records), bluegrass Railroad Earth (Sugarhill Records), rock jamband The Samples (MCA, WAR).

~Crista Orefice~

Sunday, August 22nd

Crista Orefice believes in the true healing power of music. Drawing her musical influences from classical, Broadway, Celtic, folk and pop genres Crista offers a style likened to "classical-crossover".

Sunday, August 22nd

Starting out as a Thursday nite pickin' session, Reverse Curve mixes traditional and progressive bluegrass, dawg music, classical music, and rock and roll to create a rousing, fun sound that pleases the ear and moves the feet.

Sunday, August 22nd

Chasing June is the folk rock collaboration of Judy Aaron and Steve Coleman, two northern New Jersey singer songwriters. When Steve and Judy met by chance in the summer of 2009 they had 6 albums between them, this collaboration will bring them their 7th; combining their individual styles into a distinct blend.

Sunday, August 22nd

Lelica is a young rising star from NJ with great energy in her voice and personality. Lelica has a love for music that began at age of 5, when she started playing the piano. Throughout high school she was writing songs with Nine Circles guitarist Tom Spears. Her debut appropriately titled "Not a Moment to Late" was released in Feb, 2010.This record is filled with great songs, that are well crafted, and beautifully produced. She has been busy playing venues in a variety of different formats across the tri state area.

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