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Popfest 2003
Popfest 2004













[ Friday, April 29th ] [ Saturday, April 30th ]
See Performers Listed Alphabetically

BOOKSANDCOFFEE

8:00 - MICHAEL K. (Baltimore, MD)
Michael K. channels all the bands he grew up listening to (Crowded House, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Matthew Sweet) as well as like-minded peers (Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Adam Duritz). He takes everything he loves about rock, and everything he knows about pop, and plays it his way. Michael K. was chosen as one of the Top 15 unsigned acts in the Northeast in Disc Maker's 2004 Independent Music World Series, beating out thousands of other bands. Michael K.'s original song "Beginning of Love" was included on a nationally-distributed compilation CD. Another song,"Waterview Avenue" has topped Internet Radio stations and has been included on the HFStival Compilation CD. Several tracks off Michael K.'s debut CD have been licensed for Network TV. And his live performances are winning him fans throughout the area.
9:00 - JODELLE
(Pompton Plains, NJ)
Alternative piano rock, confessional & emotional lyrics driven by heavenly vocals & orchestrated piano melodies. Shared stages with Catie Curtis, Jen Chapin, Melissa Ferrick and Ferron. Jodelle regularly performs at premiere NY/NJ venues including Cutting Room, Bitter End, CBGB’s, Postcrypt and Maxwell's. 2004 Industry Showcases include: CMJ, M.E.A.N.Y., MECA, Midpoint Music Festival, Millenium Music Conference, NACA National Convention Showcase, Ithaca Women's Music Festival and Philly Songwriters Project.
10:00 - JEREMIAH BIRNBAUM (NYC)
"Jeremiah Birnbaum's eclectic singer/songwriter compositions reveal a traveling soul beneath his poppy jazz-rock exterior. Lyrically influenced by such writers as Steinbeck and Dylan Thomas, Birnbaum crafts mellifluous words to mesh with his precisely built tunes." —Music-Tech.net
11:00 - STEPHEN LAWRENSON (PA)
"Excellent debut from Stephen Lawrenson and now out on the continually excellent Paisley Pop label...this is 10 perfect tracks timed to such an affect they most certainly do not over stay their welcome but leave you wanting more without the frustration of not being able to get it. The rich harmonies (and their carefully layered arrangements) are a balm to all our pop senses with their uplifting refrains. The intent is pure here, that is clear– which makes this debut all the more charming and exciting." —Bruce Brodeen from Not Lame

THE LIGHTHOUSE

Outside Stage A
7:00 - MILKSHAKE JONES (Harrisburg, PA)
Remember AM Radio? Milkshake Jones does. It was the time when every song was your favorite and you couldn't wait to hear what tune the DJ played next. This Harrisburg, PA-based combo Jones blends the best of contemporary power-pop, a bit of 60s vintage rock and a sprinkling of alt.country to craft a sound uniquely its own.
8:20 - DAVE DEVLIN (Philadelphia, PA)
Dave Devlin has been making a name for himself over the last five years in the challenging and thriving Philadelphia music scene. From thousands of new fans to a successful freshman CD release on DTC Records, national success is knocking on his door and deservingly so. He is the ultimate double threat whether it is fronting his energy driven rock band or playing solo at the packed houses of popular acoustic lounges. Dave can change the energy of the room effortlessly, which makes his live performances unforgettable. Days after a show, an attendee will most likely find themselves humming his driving rhythms and stacked harmonies, or singing a hook from one of his many compositions.
9:40 - NO SECOND TROY (Washington, DC)
Imagine Coldplay's soaring electric guitar and solemn mood, Remy Zero's eclectic pop experimentation, Ben Folds' hook driven piano, and the Dave Matthews Band's acoustic undertones and rhythms and you come very close to nailing No Second Troy.
11:00 - JUNKFOOD (Baltimore, MD)
Delivering hook-laden rock through their high energy live show, this popular NoVA based band has shared many East Coast stages with everyone from Fuel to Pat McGee, and has been featured numerous times on programs for XM Radio and The WB.
12:20 - JPARIS (Rehoboth Beach, DE)
JParis is a four-piece power-pop rock band in the vein of Dashboard Confessional, Sum-41. and Something Corporate. Hailing from Dover, DE, JParis released its first full-length album entitled 660. Since its November release, 660 has sold nearly 1000 copies through FYE stores with little to no airplay.

Inside Stage B
7:40 - MIKE SHUPP (Washington, DC)
Falls Church, VA’s Mike Shupp fronts a driving, power-pop band with crunching guitars, soaring harmonies. Amplifier Magazine writes “[Shupp] has released his third solo album, ‘This Time’, and it’s a killer... a must-have.”  “Big hooks, sharp pop instincts” —Washington Post.
9:00 - THE APRIL SKIES (Harrisburg, PA)
A band from Hershey, Pennsylvania that has been recording & performing their original music since 1988. Think 80s/90s alternative bands like Elvis Costello, The Cure, The Ocean Blue, The Stone Roses and newer acts like coldplay, Interpol & The Stills
10:20 - FRED NIZNIK (Brooklyn, NY)
Fred Niznik’s music has been described as being distinctive, dynamic, & genre bending. Already being licensed to the 2005 season of MTV’s The Real World, Fred and Co. play songs that appeal to our generation…They are pop/rock songs about the seemingly lost art of love with tinge of R&B and Latin, but don’t be surprised if you decide to jam or rock out to this up-and-coming artist.
11:40 - THE ROCKWELLS (Knoxville, TN)
The Rockwells are a band based in Knoxville, Tennessee that discovered that with the right mix of talent, charisma, charm, alcohol, good influences, hard work, wit, sexual innuendo, cynical optimism, optimistic cynicism, foul language, musical training, drive, and humor you can make just about any group of people stand up, drink, and perhaps shake their asses a little. Yes, even hip people. They like to have a good time just like everybody else.

THE RUSTY RUDDER

Stage A- Back Deck
7:00 - EVERSINCE RADIO (Ocean City, MD)
8:20 - ENTRAIN (Martha's Vineyard, MA)
Formed by drummer Tom Major in 1993, Entrain is also conga/djembe/trombonist Sam Holmstock. Joining them is saxophonist Klem Klimick, bassist Lenny Bradford and guitarist/keyboards/vocalist Alex Howland. Veterans all, their collective resume includes stints with such diverse players as Chuck Berry, Flor De Cana, Southside Johnny, Gil Scott-Heron, Carly Simon and NRBQ.
Entrain has recorded five albums, Available on Dolphin Safe Records, All of which have been praised for their ability to shift effortlessly between musical styles - from rock, blues, calypso and ska, to zydeco, jazz and funk - often within the same song.
9:40 - BUDDAHEAD (NJ)
Having toured with everyone from Glen Phillips to Everlast, Buddahead is a diverse and powerful musical force. Like a simple flower growing out of the rubble, Crossing the Invisible Line is Buddahead’s (a nickname bestowed upon him by friend and fellow musician Leona Naess) debut solo release. From his to-the-sky vocals, backdrop of soaring strings and tightly woven orchestration, to a simple guitar and his stories, the light is finally shining and the clouds are breaking for this musical survivor.
11:00 - JULY FOR KINGS (OH)
With the release of their MCA/Geffen debut album Swim, Cincinnati based rock band July For Kings garnered national attention and critical acclaim with their hit single “Normal Life.” Their music was also used by MTV for The Real World episodes.
12:20 - BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB (Jersey City, NJ)
Billionaire Boys Club, or BBC, as some call it, was formed in the summer of 2002 by four like-minded young men, tired of being told what was cool and hell-bent on having their own say. Bored with the same lame sounds being peddled over the airwaves, our friends in Billionaire Boys Club resolved to be at the forefront of a revolution years overdue—the re-birth of Rock & Roll. What they stand for is simple: honest, catchy, guitar-driven/harmony-laden rock with street credibility. They have a sound and image that go hand-in-hand, but they are definitely not all style and no substance.

Stage B- Front Deck
7:40 - FRANCIS KIM BAND (Cambridge, MA)
The Francis Kim Band is a Boston-based pop quartet. Sometimes Weezer, sometimes the Beautiful South, and other times Keane, the Francis Kim Band's oddly natural blend of wit and wistfulness leaves you laughing in the dark. Asia Pacific Arts declares their music "just plain contagious." The Noise Boston says, "he's got a huge voice, and he uses it really well… Genuine talent." Berklee's Groove simply states, "Kim really shines."
9:00 - LANKY
(Homeless)
A resonant voice and a collection of serene yet passionate melodies, with catchy rhythms and simple yet heartfelt lyrics. Lanky is the moniker adopted by New Jersey native, Frank Stabile, who considers himself pretty much homeless these days. Spending 200 days a year performing in the South, Southeast, Midwest and Northeast, his 'roadwork' has been paying off through glowing reviews from national press, regular airplay at AAA radio, and award nominations. The track "Lovesick" from his live EP received a 2004 Asbury Music Award nomination for Song of the Year and was called "an undeniable gem" by The Big Takeover magazine. His new cd, Odd Hour Work Week, kicks ass!!
10:20 - U-PHONIK (Charlotte, NC)
Check out this chick magnet band. High octane live show with awesome songs delivered with great sensuality. Mix of brit pop à la Coldplay, Oasis, Travis with an French Canadian twist. Don't miss this unique line up!!!
11:40 - BRIDGES AND A BOTTLE (Harrisburg, PA)
Exploding out of Harrisburg…“Bridges” with their soulful singing, meaningful songs, and rock-out live performances has created high anticipation for therelease of their debut album. Bridges creates deeply moving and uniquely captivating rock music with an edge.

Stage C- Back Stage
7:40 - TANGERINE (Pittsburgh, PA)
With his raspy baritone, Tangerine lead singer Tony Matz sounds world-weary beyond his years and indeed, for a debut release, the level of musicianship on Tangerine (self-release) shows a maturity in arrangements and dynamics that many more-seasoned bands strive for yet never achieve. This two guitar, bass, drum combo has a bit of an 80‚s sound with its chorused guitars and Matz‚ almost Morrissey-like detachment, but Tangerine is no retro throwback. With great melodic hooks and engaging, mature lyrics, Tangerine has that intangible something that makes it stand out. This is an outstanding release by on of Pittsburgh‚s best new bands. Catch them while you can. —Pittsburgh Magazine
9:00 - FOOLS AND HORSES
(Baltimore, MD)
Fools & Horses has forged the edge of classic rock with the finesse of new British rock, redefining rock & roll in a way Baltimore has never seen. You’re going to get sophisticated and ballsy guitars, a solid foundation of bass and drums, soaring piano and keyboards, and the honest and contagious lyrics, vocals and harmonies that have made Fools & Horses the hot commodity of Baltimore. These college-aged rockers are as visually striking as they are musically. Fools & Horses delivers each song and impassioned performance with enticing energy, leaving its audience smitten with this polished and professional group.
10:20 - SPIRALING (New Brunswick, NJ)
Edgy and dynamic, Spiraling plays their own unique brand of synth-infused modern rock. The band has toured with OK Go and They Might Be Giants, and has been featured in publications including The New York Times, The Onion and The Boston Globe. "Spiraling seem a likely band to put some fashion sense and underground appeal into art rock - just the way the Cars did in their prime." —Boston Phoenix
11:40 - THE STRINES (NYC)
This NYC pop-punk-rock band hit the ground running in the summer of 2003 with gigs lined up at the best music venues in New York, playing to a rabid crowd any debut artist would wish for. They've quickly emerged as one of the hottest unsigned bands in the city. Influenced by 80's pop and today's punk-rock, their catchy upbeat songs are already being recognized by the TV and music industries. This five piece creates a full-on blast of unbridled energy in their live show, and is not to be missed. Dog*ger*el, the Strines' full length debut CD is available now at cdbaby, towerrecords.com, itunes and musicmatch.

Stage D- Corner Stage
7:00 - STEPHEN LAWRENSON (PA)
"Excellent debut from Stephen Lawrenson and now out on the continually excellent Paisley Pop label...this is 10 perfect tracks timed to such an affect they most certainly do not over stay their welcome but leave you wanting more without the frustration of not being able to get it. The rich harmonies (and their carefully layered arrangements) are a balm to all our pop senses with their uplifting refrains. The intent is pure here, that is clear– which makes this debut all the more charming and exciting." —Bruce Brodeen from Not Lame
8:20 - KENTON SHELLEY (York, PA)
Kenton Shelley is a singer/songwriter hailing from York, Pennsylvania. Kenton’s ability to take his singer/songwriter qualities and mix them with a great rock feel make his music appealing and very far from ordinary. Kenton writes and delivers his songs with passion and his voice has a “reach out and grab you” quality that most artists do not possess
9:40 - CLIFF HILLIS (Wilmington, DE)
Cliff Hillis now has the opportunity to showcase his musical skills with the release of his debut album Be Seeing You on NotLame Records. Contemplative singer/songwriter one minute, power popper the next, enigmatic love song balladeer three and a half minutes after that. You may think that you are hearing Paul McCartney meeting Michael Penn at a Posies reunion but you would be wrong. It's that East coast beach boy Cliff Hillis.
11:00 - JOHN FAYE OF “IKE” (Philadelphia, PA)
John Faye, powerhouse vocalist and songwriter of the Philly-based rock foursome IKE, will do a special "solo" set for Dewey Beach Popfest '05, drawing not only on IKE's current catalog but also on material from his days with The Caulfields (A&M Records). Faye will be joined onstage by IKE bandmate Cliff Hillis as well as special guests from the Harrisburg powerpop combo The Jellybricks.
12:20 - THE JELLYBRICKS (Harrisburg, PA)
Their brand new album, Power This, is loaded with relentless hooks, killer riffs, and tight harmonies. Capturing the energy of their live show, "Power This" truly justifies the band's acclaim as "One of the hottest pop-rock acts around." —FMQB


MICHAEL K.

JODELLE

JEREMIAH BIRNBAUM

STEPHEN LAWRENSON

MILKSHAKE JONES

DAVE DEVLIN

NO SECOND TROY

JUNKFOOD

JPARIS

MIKE SHUPP

THE APRIL SKIES

FRED NIZNIK

THE ROCKWELLS

ENTRAIN

BUDDAHEAD

JULY FOR KINGS

BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB

FRANCIS KIM BAND

LANKY

U-PHONIK

BRIDGES AND A BOTTLE

TANGERINE

FOOLS AND HORSES

SPIRALING

THE STRINES

KENTON SHELLEY

CLIFF HILLIS

JOHN FAYE

THE JELLYBRICKS