The Fireside Collective, “Bluegrass, Newgrass, perhaps Progressive folk…” These are some descriptions mandolinist and songwriter Jesse Iaquinto chooses to identify with. “Depending on where you come from and your experience with folk music, you may think we’re very traditional, or on the other hand, consider us a progressive act. We appreciate both ends of the spectrum and may lie on a different end on any given night.” While roots music lies at the core of the Collective’s songs, a willingness to explore the boundaries and present relevant new material remains fundamental.

The band burst onto the scene in early 2014 following the release of “Shadows and Dreams.” The album weaves bluegrass, funk, rock, and blues influences into a refreshing representation of modern folk music. From the opening track “Poor Soul” with it’s energetic bluegrass overtones to the closer “Shine the Way Home”, the album takes listeners on a journey through simple love songs to complex themes such as metaphysics and coexistence. The album, recorded in Asheville at Sound Temple Studios, features guest musicians from Asheville’s rich acoustic music scene alongside members of the Fireside Collective.

His lyrical insight is matched by a smooth baritone voice, virtuosic guitar chops, and creative open tunings, giving him a range and tenderness rare in folk music.

Considered a ‘songwriter’s songwriter’, his songs have been covered by artists such as k.d. lang and many others.  In addition to his writing prowess, his skills as a performer and storyteller are unmatched.  He holds audiences rapt with nothing more than a single guitar, thoroughly written songs, a fearless ability to mine the depths of human emotions of joy, sorrow and everything in between, and all tempered by a quick and wry wit.

Reflecting on well over 20 years of record-making and touring extensively around the US and world, Wilcox says, “Music still stretches out before me like the head-lights of a car into the night.  It’s way beyond where I am, but it shows where I’m going.  I used to think that my goal was to catch up, but now I’m grateful that the music is always going to be way out in front to inspire me.”

There is perhaps no more influential, profound, successful, or enigmatic songwriter in history than Bob Dylan. From the “protest songs” of his early years to his introspective, sometimes caustic commentary on love and humanity, his songs have become an integral part of Americana, and have garnered countless awards and honors around the world. In 2016, he added the Nobel prize for literature to his dossier.

The THE BAND Band, the acclaimed tribute to The Band and a MCOH favorite known for their annual celebration of The Last Waltz, will return for a summer show to celebrate the music of Bob Dylan, performing songs from his folk days in Greenwich Village, NY, his breakout into rock and roll after “going electric” in 1965, his celebrated partnership with The Band through the late sixties and early seventies, and beyond. From the hit songs “Like A Rolling Stone,” “Lay Lady Lay,” and “Just Like A Woman” to deep cuts from his ground-breaking albums Blonde On Blonde, Nashville Skyline, and New Morning, to The Basement Tapes, his mysterious collaboration with The Band, Dylan’s music was a cornerstone of the soundtrack of his generation.

The music of Neil Young, a friend to both Dylan and The Band, will be celebrated by Norm Vincent, who also performs his rendition of “Helpless” with The THE BAND Band at their Last Waltz shows.

Don’t miss this special show honoring two of the most beloved songwriters of our time!

About The THE BAND Band: The THE BAND Band is renowned for their Tribute to Bob Dylan and The Band. This special appearance at MCOH will present the music of Bob Dylan exclusively.

The THE BAND Band has shared the stage with artists that include Richie Havens, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Aztec Two-Step and Marshall Crenshaw. The individual band members have performed or toured with original Band members Rick Danko and Levon Helm; Bruce Springsteen, Chuck Berry, John Hall, Patti Smith, Keith Richards, Steve Forbert, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, Roy Rogers, Roger McGuinn, Robbie Dupree, Max Weinberg, Clarence Clemons, Willie Nile, Maria Muldaur, Genya Ravan, Jimmy Vivino, The Shirelles, and the list goes on.

Based on looks alone, Chatham County Line conjures a sepia-toned timelessness by huddling around a single microphone on stage, playing  traditional string band instrumentation while clad in suits and ties. But for nearly two decades, the Raleigh, NC-based outfit has consistently crafted top-notch, original modern acoustic music that draws upon American roots forefathers like bluegrass inventor Bill Monroe and folk innovator John Hartford while acknowledging its own members’ backgrounds in rock ‘n’ roll band

From elegant European concert halls to large American folk festivals, Chatham County Line has become a fixture on both sides of the Atlantic, where the musical relationships fostered by its consistent line-up are apparent through an unspoken chemistry that allows the freedom for improvisational flashes that seem as polished as the rest of its set.

If your thing is the music of Elton John and his band, then this is the perfect show for you. Greg Ransom plays the Elton John character with aplomb, but most importantly – he has mastered the songs, both vocally and on the piano.

His band is top-shelf too, pulling together all the parts of a master’s music and performing it like you want to hear it.

Benny and the Jets have performed all across the country and also overseas, last summer entertaining our troops in Iraq. This is a classy show, pure fun and great music, sung and played as it should be.

In My Life: The John Lennon Tribute, is performed on our stage exactly 36 years to the day that the great John Lennon sadly lost his life. An especially heartfelt tribute, it is led by Carlo Cantamessa as John, performing on guitar, piano and vocals.

Cantamessa is an internationally known and recognized performer of John Lennon’s music, having toured the world portraying John Lennon with The Cast of Beatlemania and various other Beatlemania-oriented touring shows for over thirty years. Cantamessa brings a lifetime of experience to the role, personally transforming into Lennon onstage every night.

The Beatles first caught his attention in 1964, and later he began portraying John Lennon onstage in 1978. Since then, promoters, agents and buyers around the world have encouraged Cantamessa to put together a John Lennon tribute show, now a reality. As one theater owner put it during his introduction of Carlo’s solo show, “For my money, this guy is the closest anyone can get to the legend. He will channel John Lennon before your eyes and ears”.

The rest of Cantamessa’s band includes Jim Filgate on lead guitar, piano, synthesizers and vocals. He is a legend, known as accomplished, versatile musician and music instructor who has taught in Connecticut area for over twenty years, well-known for his work with numerous musical acts, including his stellar performance as George Harrison in The Cast of Beatlemania.

John Delgado performs on drums, percussion and backing vocals, and has been an integral part of the Connecticut theater and music scene for over three decades. He has toured nationally and internationally, most notably performing with The Cast as Ringo Starr.

Cantamessa’s superb band is rounded out by Michael Filgate on bass guitar and vocals. Well-known for his work with Atlantic Records in the 1980’s, he has performed with several bands touring the Northeast and was responsible for many voice-overs for companies such as Pepsi, UPS, and American Can. He also owned and operated North Shore Recording Studios, working with many major label recording artists.

The Cast of Beatlemania recreates the sights and sounds of The Beatles so faithfully that you will recall when the world was engulfed in the most pleasant fever of all: BEATLEMANIA! Three different costume changes coincide with the evolution of Beatles music and times. Theirs is the first, original and only complete representation of the musical force called The Beatles.

The Cast features former members who starred in the Broadway production and have performed in all fifty states and over twenty foreign countries, including Canada, England, Mexico, Brazil and Japan. They were individually selected from thousands of musicians who auditioned from all over the U.S. for the Broadway show, “Beatlemania.”

The Beatles music set the pop rock standard for most of the 1960’s. Now, in the 2000’s, The Cast of Beatlemania recalls the memories of that exciting era when the Fab Four ruled the world of rock ‘n’ roll.

In the early 1960’s, The Beatles not only became a musical force but a sociological entity as well. Their hair, clothes and humor all contributed to their amazing impact. Probably the most celebrated of rock groups, The Beatles dominated rock music from the early 1960’s until they formally disbanded in 1970. Originally inspired by such U.S. performers as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly, The Beatles recaptured most of the freshness and excitement of the earliest days of rock ‘n’ roll.

Even today, The Beatles remain universally popular in a music culture that thrives on look-alike and sound-alike bands. Through the exacting artistry and talent of bands like The Cast of Beatlemania, the music of the Beatles lives on.

This highly-acclaimed act from Venice Beach, California pays tribute to Jim Morrison and The Doors by recreating the magic and intensity of a Doors concert experience. Based out of Venice, California, lead singer Tony Fernandez lives out every move of Jim Morrison on stage and delivers a powerful recreation of true likeness in presence, vocals, mannerisms and spirit. Peace Frog is the drama and rock theater that made the Doors famous. Dark and spooky, mystical and hypnotic, the band demonstrates the ability to transform any room into an actual Doors concert experience. With intoxicating renditions of “Hello, I Love You”, “Light My Fire”, “L.A. Woman”, “The End” and many of the Doors classic songs, Peace Frog has the crowd entranced! Jim Morrison can no longer perform live, but when you witness Peace Frog you will think you are at Doors concert. It is a must-see for all Doors fans or anyone looking to experience an amazing recreation of a Doors show! The show was great. Did ‘Riders on the Storm’ and ‘Light My Fire’. Huge crowd for Napa. Very cool show.” - Ray Manzarek, Keyboard Player, The Doors “You guys sound great, it was fun jamming in Venice with you all.” - Robby Krieger, Guitarist, The Doors

Tony Sands captivates his audiences with the mannerisms, illusion and romance that have made him a must see in Atlantic City & Vegas for more than 20 years. Tony’s impressive resume includes numerous television appearances throughout the east coast as well as his spot on portrayal of Sinatra in a Rat Pack style revue.

Currently Tony Sands if producing a never before seen musical journey about the life and times of the late Frank Sinatra called “It Was A Very Good Year”.

The Mauch Chunk Opera House is an exquisite venue to hear Big Band music & this performance will feature an 8 piece world-class big band. You’ll hear all the best loved Sinatra Classic true to the original arrangements.

Half a million people came to a small dairy farm in upstate New York. They came to be a part of what would become an historic event. They came to be a part of  “a gathering of the tribes.” They came to be a part of the music. They came to “the Garden.” Gary Adamson, founder/leader of Back to the Garden 1969, has gathered a group of seasoned players who have toured, performed, and recorded nationally. The musicians all are multi-instrumentalists, as well as unique lead vocalists. They bring to life the music and spirit of the Woodstock era. By performing these well-loved favorites, they remind us of the astounding breadth and depth of the music of the Woodstock generation.

The group first formed in 2015 with the goal of capturing both the studio and live aspects of the songs and to really hone in on the essence of Bon Jovi.  First and foremost it is all about the music. So that means working the vocal harmonies, guitar and keyboard sounds, and most importantly the lead vocals.  To be a good Bon Jovi tribute you need to sound as much like Jon as possible!  A pretty tough feat….

DOA’s live performance are reminiscent of the rock shows from days long gone. Sound, lights and to engage the crowd, getting them on their feet while screaming for one more. Yes, our lead singer looks a little like Jon, and our guitarist (in a cowboy hat) could pass for Ritchie… But we are not trying look like the band, so you will not see us in wigs, trying to imitate the 80’s era group.  For us it is a celebration of the music, while at the same time, trying to deliver an authentic experience to all the other fans of Bon Jovi. 

Mountain Heart is the band that has been fearlessly revolutionizing the way acoustic music can be presented and played. The band’s name has been synonymous with cutting-edge excellence in acoustic music circles since the group’s creation. Widely known throughout the music industry for continually redefining the boundaries of acoustic music, the band has gained legions of loyal fans both as a result of their superlative musicianship and just as notably, their incendiary live performances.

Mountain Heart or members have been nominated for Grammy’s, ACM, CMA awards. The band has also been nominated for and won multiple IBMA’s. They have appeared on the revered stage of the Grand Ole Opry in excess of 130 times, and have shared the stage with acts ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Montgomery Gentry, Merle Haggard, George Jones and Brad Paisley to Alison Krauss, Tony Rice, The Avett Brothers, Yonder Mountain Stringband, The Punch Brothers, Levon Helm, John Fogerty and many more.

Mountain Heart’s musical virtuosity – the band is comprised of top call studio pros at every position, unmatched energy, and a keen sense of entertainment dynamics have helped them to forge a highly unique sound and stage show which appeals to an ever-growing variety of musical tastes. From large outdoor Folk music, Americana, Jam and Bluegrass festivals, to sold-out shows opening for Southern Rock icons like The Marshall Tucker Band, The Tedeshi Trucks Band or Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mountain Heart always makes an undeniable connection with an audience. This rare combination makes Mountain Heart one of the more versatile musical acts ever assembled.

Throughout the band’s storied history, members past and present have dedicated their time, talent, and creativity to the group, leading to their hard earned reputation as one of the most exciting and unforgettable live shows anywhere in the world. With a new team in place, Mountain Heart is beyond excited for this new beginning and journey ahead.

Deep,raw funk. Stax-style Southern soul.Positively uplifting & Original Motown-channeling anthems. Atlanta’s Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics are the heirs to the thrones of the old-school masters. But they’re much more than just a group of revivalists trying to create a period piece. Powerhouse singer Velle and her band will settle for nothing less than bringing these classic sounds glimmering into the now with a fresh, new contemporary sheen. It’s this inviting and accessible bravado that has scored the band critical acclaim from outlets such as The New York Daily News, MTV, Paste and more. And in addition to their critical success, at a time when record sales are at an all- time industry low, the completely independent, DIY-minded Velle and the Soulphonics sold a quarter-million downloads of their single, “My Dear” on iTunes, landing them in the top 30 on Billboard’s Heatseeker charts and at a stunning #4 on the iTunes R&B charts when their debut album It’s About Time was released in 2012.

Whether alone with just the guitar and his voice or surrounded by a full band, Cris Jacobs enchants listeners with his inspired, poignant songwriting, virtuous guitar playing, and soulfully transcendent voice. Artists across the board have discovered Jacobs’ musicianship and supple versatility, resulting in an impressive variety of formats in which he has played over the last few years.

After a decade, five records, and 200 shows a year as principal songwriter and frontman for beloved Baltimore-based band The Bridge from 2001-2011, Jacobs wasted no time continuing to write music of his own and exploring different configurations for his craft.

If you’ve seen David Mayfield perform with The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, Jessica Lea Mayfield, or at Bonnaroo, you’ve caught the charisma, the heart, and the comedy, and it’s likely you’ll come back for more. This singer-songwriter, band leader, and Grammy nominated producer David Mayfield grew up playing bass and touring with his family’s bluegrass band. As a teenager he established himself as a hot picker collecting national awards for his dexterity on guitar and mandolin. His knack for colorful performances was evident as a backing player in his sister Jessica Lea Mayfield’s band including their appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” He oozed personality on stage – a trait that makes him a natural frontman. He took his skills and personality when he joined the bluegrass outfit Cadillac Sky, playing sold out shows with British folk revivalists Mumford and Sons. Encouraged by his friend Seth Avett, to record his original material, Mayfield did just that, to much acclaim. Since that time he has toured almost non-stop. Conscious of not just being a musician, but an entertainer – something his father instilled in him in the family band – he certainly makes an impression live. But it’s the strength of his songwriting and musicianship, combined with that charm and personality that keep audiences consistently lining up to join the parade.

An Evening with Nyke Van Wyk & Friends

Not your everyday violinist, Nyke Van Wyk has been captivating audiences for years. With his diverse musical background and unique blend of styles, you’re bound to hear a violin performed as you’ve never heard before. He, has traveled far and wide performing with incredible musicians around the globe, armed only with his violins.

On September 8th, at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, for the first time ever Nyke will be uniting a company of all-star musicians he’s written with, performed with and respected throughout the years. The evening will showcase a selection of originals featuring performances with Bret Alexander, Adam Web, Genevieve Gillespie, Laura Shay, Dustin Douglas, and perhaps a surprise or two more!

The most remarkable tribute to the great singer-songwriters Simon and Garfunkel, performed nationwide by AJ Swearingen and Jane Kelli. Acknowledged and respected singer-songwriters in their own right, they put together a compelling tribute to music that is one of America’s cultural treasures. So sit back and enjoy this remarkable tribute to the great Simon and Garfunkel.

Che Apalache is a four-man string band based in Buenos Aires with members from Argentina, Mexico and the United States. The group’s founder is Joe Troop (fiddle), a North Carolinian multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and composer who moved to Argentina in 2010. While patiently carving out a niche in the local music scene, Joe taught bluegrass and old-time music for a living. That’s how he met Pau Barjau (banjo), Franco Martino (guitar) and Martin Bobrik (mandolin), his most dedicated students. They quickly became picking buddies and in 2013 decided to hit the stage.

Che Apalache began as a bluegrass band, but eventually incorporated Latin American styles into their repetoire. Combining instrumental prowess with tight vocal harmonies, they have created an authentic blend of genres to reflect the nature of their lives. Evoking images from Appalachia to the Andes, their debut album, “Latingrass,” is a testament to a powerful cultural and musical exchange. In 2017 the band received grants from the North Carolina Humanities Council and the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities to tour the United States. Everywhere they went on their five-week ramble, they were met with enthusiasm and praise. At the prestigious Appalachian String Band Music Festival in Clifftop, WV they were awarded first place in the Neo-Traditional band competition. The momentum is growing for Che Apalache, and the future looks promising in both South and North America.

Tusk, The Definitive Fleetwood Mac Tribute invites audiences on a trip back to when great pop songwriting ruled the charts and Fleetwood Mac dominated the airwaves with multiple top ten hits spanning two decades. TUSK masterfully duplicates all the hits of one of rock’s premier super groups.

Awaken is comprised of extremely talented and seasoned musicians dedicated to celebrating the music of Yes. By combining elements from the original studio recordings along with the inspirational power of past live Yes performances, Awaken provides a truly authentic and dramatic musical experience that will impress even the most critical and passionate fans of the band they pay tribute to.

While in the past Driftwood used the stage to work out arrangements of new songs, for their 2016 album “City Lights,” they used the studio. “It wasn’t until this last album that we took some time off to learn more about being in the studio. We wanted to take our time and record on our own terms.”

As evidence of their growth and compatibility, they tag “Skin and Bone” as the head of the album. It touches on trying to keep perspective, forging ahead, and embracing the future.” Clearly, that’s a state of mind they can all relate to.

The heart of the album, though, is a toss up as thy bounce between the romance of “Too Afraid,” the nostalgia of “The Waves,” and Kollar tapping the excitement of the title track. That disparity may be because, in their decade together, the musicians have all undergone monumental life changes. They have come into their own… together. “Generally speaking, there’s a maturity to us now,” Kollar explains. “We have a bit of experience doing what we do and the music reflects that point of view. The song subjects, our playing/singing abilities, our recording abilities, and our relationships have all matured.”

That’s precisely what’s heard in the music. A sharpened band. Skilled songwriters. Down-right masterful instrumentalists. And the sum of their seasons together has only strengthened their fabric. It’s pretty clear in their current songwriting and recordings as well, as Driftwood is now laying the groundwork for an upcoming album set to be released in the Spring of 2018. If history is any indication, it will be another strong step forward for this talented group.

HOME AGAIN leaves no stone unturned, covering the entire repertoire of the multi-award winning singer/songwriter Carole King.  Included on the list are songs Carole wrote & recorded on her own as well as songs she wrote that were recorded by other musicians. She made her mark with ‘Tapestry’ in 1971 but was already a well established songwriter for over a decade starting with her first hit in 1960 “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” recorded by the Shirelles.   Other well-known hits from Carole include “Pleasant Valley Sunday” by The Monkees, “Take Good Care of My Baby” by Bobby Vee, “Up on the Roof” by The Drifters & many more old favorites.  We will take you on a musical journey spanning decades of amazing music!  

John Denver is alive and well with Ted Vigil! With his uncanny resemblance to John Denver, both physically and vocally, singer/songwriter Ted Vigil has stunned audiences across the country with his tribute performances.

Born and raised in the same open air which John Denver so deeply cherished, Vigil recreates the original concert experience in his tribute to John Denver. Ted’s incredible voice and likeness elevates this show to the most accurate representation of any artist your likely to see on stage.

Get out your bell bottom jeans and polyester shirt! Recapture the days of Boogie Fever and do The Hustle to all of the top Disco hits of the 70’s. It’s time to party with the East Coast’s hottest Disco tribute! Dancin Machine makes every event a party! It Only Takes a Minute to Fall in Love with their Disco Inferno. There Ain’t No Stoppin’them now. So if you were Born to be Alive, get out your Boogie Shoes and Let’s Groove tonight with Dancin Machine! A supberb group of seasoned New York musicians with diverse backgrounds ranging from Pop to Rock, Jazz, Blues and Classical! These guys will have you Shakin Your Booty all night. Dancin Machine will Play That Funky Music that’ll Make You Feel Like Dancing!

The Weeklings channel the music of The Beatles. The band performs Beatles material with a style that is at the same time authentic and freshly original—clearly distinguishing their musical approach from anyone on the “Beatles tribute” scene today. For the Weeklings, “channeling” means far more than simple note-for-note reproduction. 

The band lives in the spirit, humor, swagger and bold creativity of the 60s, bringing the Beatles to life, not through costumes and gimmicks, but through their own original edge. They infuse this vision into newly arranged covers such as “Paperback Writer” and “Baby You’re A Rich Man”, as well as in the original Beatles-inspired power pop rock ‘n roll that they compose and record. The Weeklings show their audiences both what The Beatles were, and what they might have produced if they were still together today.

After a string of sold-out performances in the region, 70’s flashback visits the Opera House for the first time. It is an 8-piece show band, performing remarkable enactments of the greatest music of the 1970’s. Their playing is almost like seeing your favorite performers onstage.

Musical director Matt McGasko is a third-generation keyboardist, having been performing since the age of five. He has opened for Herman’s Hermits, The Grass Roots, Tommy James, Steppenwolf, and Uriah Heep, and was musical director for the PTPA Arts Center and a series of progressive rock bands.

Lead vocalist Richie Molinaro started his career at age seven, and has written and recorded for Warner Brothers and Roulette Records. His early group Ornir and the Nite People gained fame in the late sixties with their nationally-released single, “I Found a New Love,” often thought of as an early Punk classic. He went on to form the eighties band, sSlik, which was one of the first bands to incorporate video in their shows.

Capturing the Distinct Motown Sound

A little more than half a century ago, a new sound took shape in and around Detroit that revolutionized the music industry. Today, the Motor City Revue faithfully recreates that signature Motown sound and, in the process, takes audiences on a journey back in time to where it all began.

The Motor City Revue is an 11-piece band covering popular and rare Motown and Stax hits, plus rock and soul classics. Although there are many bands that cover Motown tunes, few strive to match the vocal harmonies and  instrumental mix that distinguished the original recordings. Motor City Revue was formed to offer music lovers an authentic tribute to the artists and songs that defined a generation.

Motor City Revue will have you dancing and singing along to the songs immortalized by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes and countless others. Come and enjoy Peace, Love and Soul!

What makes The Glimmer Twins such a special attraction is their ability to capture the raw energy of the most electrifying performances throughout The Rolling Stones career, and present it in such a way that audiences are able to experience the same sensation of what it was like to be at a Stones concert in their heyday.

Because of the uncanny resemblances to Mick Jagger & Keith Richards in their prime coupled with the special attention given to the minutest details both musically and visually, The Glimmer Twins deliver a Classic Rolling Stones Experience to their audience.

Juno nominees and winners of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala write and sing in harmony best described as angelic. These two best friends met in their high school music class in 2002; they have since released five albums and toured extensively across North America. Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are now poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world.

Drawing upon influences like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful. Amanda’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Sheila’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark.

“There’s nothing pretentious about Dala’s music; it’s stripped down and laid bare. That’s not to say it is without polish – far from it. Sheila Carabine and Amanda Walther have worked hard to exploit every facet of their extraordinary musical blend, and it would be just as at home in a 1960s coffeehouse as it is now on the contemporary concert stage”. -Andrew Craig, Host of CBC “Canada Live”

The sheer joy with which they perform is infectious, turning first-time listeners into instant fans. Dala are equally entertaining between songs, telling funny and down to earth stories that make every show unique. Dala have opened for artists such as Tom Cochrane, Stuart McLean of the CBC’s Vinyl Café, Richie Havens and Arlo Guthrie. No strangers to the festival scene, they have also performed at The New Orleans Jazz Festival, The Edmonton Folk Festival, California’s Strawberry Festival and Mariposa. In 2009, they were the only Canadian act invited to play at the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival.

The Slambovian Pre-Halloween Mischief Show marks the return of one of our most legendary dates ever, and a continuation of the great music and fun we bring to you.

It’s about time and we’re thrilled!

The Slambovians play music that harks back to the idealistic, catchy folk rock of the 1960s and 1970s. But they’re not a nostalgia act. “Instead of rehashing the old stuff, we went back to the well,” says lead singer Joziah Longo. Almost anything (think purple pancakes) can happen at a Gandalf show, and usually does.

Come in costume if you like, and let your imagination go wild. Citing influences as diverse as Hank Williams, Dylan, Bowie, Incredible String Band and early Pink Floyd, Longo describes the band’s music as “punk-classical-hillbilly-Floyd,” and no matter how you’re dressed, you’re guaranteed a rollercoaster of whimsical, thought-provoking songs.

The Sensational Soul Cruisers are an 11 man horn group fronted by four soulful vocalists who pay homage and tribute to classic performers from Otis Redding and the Drifters to Barry White and the Commodores. With a lifetime of study and hard work, this group captures and emulates the distinctive style, skill and choreography of a classic show band. The Soul Cruisers are former members of famous R & B and smooth soul groups, capturing the true essence of the Jersey Shore sound and its true R&B roots, the classic Philly Soul, Motown, Disco, Stax, and the music of Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago.

While the group has been known as the Soul Cruisers for the past 18 years, the rhythm section was known for many years prior to that, being the band behind Eddie Testa, as Eddie and the Cruisers. That band and its name inspired the somewhat popular (albeit entirely fictionally based) movie of the same name.

If one were to name one Savannah-based musical act that most exemplifies this time-honored, eclectic and adventurous city, they’d be hard to find a more appropriate ambassador than Velvet Caravan. This unorthodox, high-energy, acoustic-based quintet of guitar, violin, standup bass, percussion and keyboards (including accordion) has, over the past few years, emerged as one of the shining lights of Savannah’s burgeoning music scene. This has resulted in an envelope-pushing group that’s just as successful at dazzling jaded cocktail drinkers as they are at commanding the rapt attention of serious music aficionados in whisper-quiet recital environments. “We try to describe ourselves as a Gypsy Swing Band or Gypsy-Latin-Swing Band, or Gypsy-Tonk-Latin-Swing Band, or Southern-Gypsy-Tonk-Latin-Swing Band, or simply ‘European Redneck Music with a Classical Influence,’” he says with a chuckle “Our ultimate goal is to be a creative, successful and ever-evolving band that makes great music and puts on one hell of a show.”

“WOW! YOU GUYS SOUND KILLER!” –Keith Howland, Guitarist, Chicago The Chicago Authority is a tribute to the music of one of the most popular and prolific bands of all time: Chicago!

For fifty years Chicago has been one of the world’s top touring acts, and their 2016 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has skyrocketed their popularity and introduced their vast 36-album catalog of music to millions of new fans.

he Chicago Authority pays tribute to that legacy during a three-hour show that mimics the look and duplicates the sound of the touring band. You’ll hear plenty of hits including Make Me Smile, Saturday in the Park, If You Leave Me Now, 25 or 6 to 4, Hard Habit to Break, and Colour My World, plus selected album cuts such as Introduction, In the Country, and Flight 602.

Celebrate a 50-year musical legacy and a new-again Hall of Fame popularity with a band that has been called “the best Chicago tribute band in the world”, The Chicago Authority!

If David Byrne is one of the geniuses of modern times, then Start Making Sense is a tribute to genius.

The musicians in this 7-piece band recreate the music and the magic of the Talking Heads’ entire career, and they do it flawlessly. Together they bring the Heads’ blockbuster live show to the stage once again, with front man Jon Braun as a spot-on David Byrne, along with the same throbbing beat and musicality of the original.

The talent in this band is hard to overstate: this band can flat-out play. Non-stop.

Prepare yourself for a rockin’, funkin’, dance celebration of the New Wave art-punk you loved from the 80’s!