 Az Samad Acoustic / Folk Rock / Jazz One of 17 Malaysia's most outstanding individuals (Faces Magazine), San Francisco Bay Area acoustic fingerstyle guitarist Az Samad is a full-time musician who focuses on writing original instrumental guitar music. His songs are a blend of world music, jazz, Latin, pop and new age influences. In 2003 and 2004, he studied with the late British acoustic guitar legend Eric Roche in two Residential Guitar Workshops in the UK. Deeply influenced by Eric's music, Az gradually incorporated more percussive and non-conventional guitar techniques in his playing. After releasing his debut album "Acoustic Gestures" in Fall 2004 to critical acclaim in Malaysia, he moved to Boston, MA to study under scholarship at Berklee College Of Music. He graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors in a dual major degree in Jazz Composition and Performance (guitar). Since 2007, Az has been a faculty member of Berklee's Summer Guitar Sessions. Az has performed in venues in Malaysia, Singapore, England and the United States as a soloist and duets with his father, Malaysian National Laurete A. Samad Said as well as a member of Malaysian singer-songwriter Shelley Leong's band. He is currently writing material for his second album slated for release in Summer 2009. www.azsamad.com  Option 22 Acoustic/Eclectic/World Rock Option 22 is a progressive world folk ensemble with a revolutionary vibe. Fierce and passionate female vocals dance atop a healing groove of instruments from around the world including didgeridoo, shamisen, djembes and other hand drums. Positive lyrics streaming from the soul convey a message of unity and understanding and transcendental melodies elevate listeners' consciousness. Dubbed by one listener a “new age jam band,” their flavorful style is flexible, ranging from funky and rhythmic sounds to mellow and melodic, with each member bringing into the equation affinities for world sounds, funk, folk, jamband music, newgrass, trance, reggae and rock. Full-out drum jams send energy bouncing off the walls of any venue. Another listener dubbed the sound “hippie hop.” The only category that truly seems fitting is “Other.” Based in Princeton, West Virginia, Lori McKinney (vocals, djembe, spoken word), Robert Blankenship (guitar, banjo, shamisen, hand-drums, didgeridoo), and Albert Perrone (guitar, hand-drums) have been writing and playing music together since early 2004. Clayton Blankenship (bass) rounded off the mix in 2008. With backgrounds in theatre, performance, healing arts (yoga/meditation), and visual arts, the group comes together with an artistic mind-set and a vision for a better world. They founded Culturefest in 2004 in order to bring a multi-cultural arts experience to the region. www.option22.net  HopeHop Hip Hop/ Funk Blacksburg, Va. based group HopeHop fuses organic hip-hop with jazz undertones and funky jams, complete with smooth conscious flow driven by their MC and a live rhythm section. This project has limitless potential as it spreads peace, love and oneness. In the spirit of increase and lavish abundance for all, come groove with the mighty funksters of HopeHop. HopeHop and it’s members are striving to demonstrate their talent by doing work that constantly stretches their capabilities. Their philosophies encourage each member to see personal development as theirs to own. Instead of learning how to build a bridge to close the gap between twin cities, they are learning how to build a bridge to close the gap between the minds of the people within those cities. www.hopehopmusic.com  ¡Eduardo Canelón y su Comparsa! Musica De Latino America Latin / Tropical / Samba ¡Comparsa! is a WV based latin ensemble focusing on the musical styles of Spain, the Caribbean, and South America. Rhythms like salsa, merengue, rumba flamenco, bossa nova, and samba can be heard in their performances. A multicultural feast for the ears, Comparsa is always eager to educate, entertain, and transport their audiences to another era or continent. www.latinmusicwv.com/comparsa  The Spurgie Hankins Band Acoustic / Rock / Jam Band "Spurgie Hankins is truly that one of a kind musician, a combination of powerful lyrics, the most ethereal melodies, and heart pounding rhythms. He is the West Virginia version of Maurice White (of Earth Wind and Fire). His music is as deep as the ocean and just as beautiful... Spurgie Hankins is a survivor, whose music "sounds like Africa, it sounds like Spain, it sounds like India, it sounds like rain, it sounds like thunder, it sounds like pain, it sounds like everything...I just can't explain the sound... I can think back on times when we sent an entire nightclub into a frenzied dance, like the Whirling Dervishes of Sufi Islam, people would just lose their ego-centered selves and submit to the magnetism and light of his music." Charleston-based, The Suprgie Hankins Band lights up The Empty Glass weekly. Find out more about the band at: www.thespurgiehankinsband.com  Hejira Multi-cultural, energetic music for the mind, body & soul This original world music band based in Seattle is comprised of 2 conservatory trained musicians from opposing cultures collaborating on energetic world music to lift the spirit. Don Baragiano, guitar - The Originator: Don is the creative one, having composed 90% of the repertoire. Ashraf Hakim, cello - The Improviser: Ashraf is the incredibly skilled instrumentalist adding stunning improvisational solos to Don's unique music. Discover their music here: http://www.sonicbids.com/hejira  SoulGrass Rebellion Roots Music / Reggae / Bluegrass Soulgrass Rebellion is about a family of friends making music, making people dance, and making people feel good. Their high-energy blend of reggae, bluegrass, and rock n’ roll explodes with the history of the Appalachian Mountains and the spirit of the Caribbean Islands. It’s boogie music. And when you come to the show, it’s a boogie party. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Soulgrass Rebellion has toured both coasts and the Caribbean. Since their formation in the summer of 2009, the band has shared the stage with Galactic, the Victor Wooten Band, Larry Keel, Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones), Bobby Lee Rodgers (the Codetalkers), Jeff Sipe (Keller Williams, Aquarium Rescue Unit), Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band), Dubconscious, and more. Soulgrass Rebellion is fronted by soulful singer/songwriter/guitarist Oso Rey, who moved to Asheville in 2006 from southern California where his bands played with giants like Sublime, Leftover Salmon, and No Doubt. The all-star group includes heavy-hitters who have played with many of the East Coast’s top bands—Silas Durocher (Laura Reed and Deep Pocket, David Earl and the Plowshares, Silas Durocher and Everybody Knows) on electric guitar, Chris Pyle (Royal Trux, Scrappy Hamilton, Woody Wood and Hollywood Red) on drum set, and Jesse Gentry (Doctor Jones, the Don Dadas, Turbidity) on bass. In the words of WNCW dj Laura Blackley, “With soulful songcraft and superb musicianship, Soulgrass isn’t just an up-and-coming band—they’re a supergroup.” www.myspace.com/soulgrassrebellion  Kathleen Coffee Appalachian Folk Kathleen Coffee is an Appalachian folk singer/songwriter stemming from Athens, West Virginia. Kathleen grew up in a small country town outside of Athens where, on Sundays, she’d sit in church pews and listen to her mama play piano. Throughout all of her school years and even through college, Kathleen started reveal to the public her true passion: singing. She began to notice how her voice moves the hearts and minds of audiences, and she has finally accepted her purpose. From warming up atmospheres of homes and churches to playing on stages and in coffee houses around the mountain state, Ms. Coffee is giving her gift to anyone who will listen. She carries an ever-changing sound with her and is sure to entertain an audience, be it 5 to 100,000 faces. Her compositions are engulfed with lyrical melodies and curative messages for the hungry and sick in the world. As the world evolves, so will this young, talented female musician. Coffee stands firmly beside her drive of showing people the truth that they deserve: “It is only through music,” she says, “that they will listen.” Her voice is described as “that of an angel” and guarantees to pull raw emotion from any heart that experiences her light and life. Her song-writing is often likened to hints of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Devon Sproule, and Ani Difranco. Yet her message is one of a kind. Kathleen finds fulfillment as a entertainer doing gigs for benefits, non-profit organizations, festivals, faith-based gatherings, and well... anyone really. In fact, she loves to play in the most "decentralized" locations. Her dream is to play for terminally ill children. www.myspace.com/katcoffee  The Boatmen Americana / Funk / Singer-Songwriter The Boatmen are a recently formed acoustic 4 part harmony group featuring Matt Mullins on acoustic guitar and vocals, Randy Gilkey on acoustic guitar, keys, harmonica and vocals, Nick Durm on bass guitar and vocals, and Robert Gross on djembe, percussion and vocals. After attending one of their shows you'll experience a sound of music vets who have been playing for years. Drawing on a mix of influences, a vast original catalog, clever takes on covers is a sure shot to keep audiences entertained. The band has recently shared the stage or worked with a multitude of diverse acts including: Jackie Greene(Phil Lesh & Friends). Tim Blum of The Mother Hips. Zach Gill (Jack Johnson), Dave Brogan and Dan Lebowitz of ALO. The Spin Doctors, Perpetual Groove, The Clarks, Members of Rusted Root, Larry Keel and The Natural Bridge, STYX, Members of The Hackensaw Boys, Members of The Hellecasters, Afroman and many other talented artists of the time. www.reverbnation.com/theboatmen  Glowing Dragon Puppet Rodeo Alternative Media Seth Abramson, Founding Director of Rock Camp Productions, is an Alternative Media Designer dedicated to creating otherworldly environments that engage and awe spectators. He has performed at some of the biggest musical events in the country, including Bonnaroo, All Good, Gathering of the Vibes and Phish 8, and a documentary about his kite installation over Seattle won a 2010 Emmy Award. Prominent critics (like the sweaty dreadlocked hippy you see at every festival) have been known to respond to his work with comments like, "Whooooa," "Geeeenius," and "Far out, man." He is also the founder of the Pink Moon Arts & Music Festival in Rock Camp, WV. Find out more at: www.rock-camp.com  Chally Erb Dance and Movement Theatre Chally is a founding member of Trillium Performing Arts Collective in Lewisburg, WV. He is a performer, musician, prop and set master, mask maker, choreographer and supporter. He studied at the Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre and has performed throughout Appalachia at many festivals, fairs, hospitals and schools. Chally combines his talents as a “Walkabout” on stilts with juggling clubs, fire, knives or anything handy, engaging children to participate in the show. He likes to create work that is both meaningful and entertaining and hopes to continue creating outrageous bits of movement theatre with whoever wants to go out on a limb with him. www.trilliumperformingarts.org  Shakira Al Fanninah and Firelight Mid-Eastern Dance Firelight: Middle Eastern Images is an award-winning professional Middle Eastern Dance Theater group specializing in both authentic cultural dances and interpretive fusion. They have won numerous International Dance Competitions. Under the direction of International Expert and Star Shakira al Fanninah, they have performed at the Great Southern Theater, the Riffe Studio One Theater, Miami University Art Museum, many cultural and arts events and onstage with celebrities from various cultures. Shakira al Fanninah teaches and performs across the U.S. and internationally. She was one of only four instructors selected worldwide for the First Oriental Dance Festival of Finland and was asked back for a tour of four cities. She has also taught and performed in Oxford, England twice. She and her award-winning performers were selected by a juried audition to appear alongside modern dance luminaries such as the Chair of OSU's Dance Department, NYC's Lori Belilove and her Duncan dance company and others. As noted in the various cultural communities for her authentic styling and sensitivity as she is in the arts, Shakira's dancing has inspired noted Arabic composers [she has three pieces named for her]; graced the stage in performance with several stars of Arabic, Turkish and Iranian music and dance and been shown on Arabic TV.  Glenn Singer is ~el gleno grande Visual Comedy Glenn Singer specializes in visual comedy using hilarious optical illusions, a dry delivery, and a warm conversational style. His spoof of a circus equestrian act will have your audience laughing again every time they think about it. Appeals to all ages, all around the world. Guaranteed to delight. Touring at major International Festivals, Corporate Functions, and in Theatres, Schools, and Universities on six continents since 1983. www.horseguy.com  The Captain Lazerblast Band Techno - Folk Captain Lazerblast (Athens, WV) writes original compositions for live performance on electronic instruments with a folk flavor; no loops, no drum machine, no keyboards, no clichés. Tim and Maggie Mainland's goal is not to become instrumental virtuosos, but to create something new. The beginning of this path has a strong foundation in the music of their pasts, including those labeled art, pop, folk, and electronic. Tim Mainland was educated at the University of California at Santa Barbara, the Université de Bordeaux, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (DMA, 1977). He studied composition with Peter Fricker, Lukas Foss, Scott Huston and Paul Palombo. He became Professor of Music at Concord University in 1978, where he has been a prolific composer and teaches music theory, composition, classical guitar, and classic banjo. Maggie Jusiel began her education at the University of South Florida, and completed her Bachelors degree in music education at Concord University in 1998. She taught in the WV public school system from 1999 to 2003, and has taught private lessons in winds and strings since 1990. She also tunes pianos in Southern WV and parts of VA. The duo are also a central force in the RiffRaff Arts Collective. As resident artists, they find community and a happy artistic home within the space, which is helping to revitalize the downtown of Princeton, WV. www.captainlazerblast.com  Melissa McKinney & The Borrowed Band Blues/Folk Melissa McKinney is a highly praised and well known vocalist who was based in the NC/SC region for several years and was a member of Charlotte Blues Society. Her career peaked with a performance at the famous Double Door Inn right before the West Virginia native returned home in fall 2008 to open her business, “Stages Music School,” a creative music performance school for children. Her business is now thriving and is part of a major arts movement which is revitalizing the downtown of Princeton. Recently Melissa was featured with Nat Reese at the Blue Ridge Music Center and will be appearing again with him at Floydfest. She was crowned “Princeton Idol” in a 6 week long singing showdown sponsored by J104 and also won the Blues Portion of WV Finests vocal competition last fall. She lights up the stage with her powerful and soulful voice. McKinney is joined for Culturefest by James Hart of Big Phat Delicious and Lori McKinney and Robert Blankenship of Option 22; they make up the "Borrowed Band." Watch for Melissa running the magical area of the festival known as “LaLa Land” and watch for her students, the wildly popular all girl kid band, Miss Behavin'. www.myspace.com/melissamckinneyrocks  Io and the Ions theatrical art-folk-rock Io and the Ions is the house band of Third Eye Cabaret, a floating spectacle of theatrical music, art-folk-rock and the spoken (and unspoken) word. Performers include cabaret host Douglas Io, along with a retinue of players bearing multiple instruments and shifting identities, who may include Douglas Imbrogno, Robert Blankenship, Lori McKinney, Albert Perrone, Clayton Blankenship, Kayla Ward, Sister La-La, Gaia della Phoenix and others. The usual band instruments, often played unusually, are teamed with digeridoos, shamisens and Fischer-Price toys as The Ions rock on as musical characters in the unfolding space opera "Saint Stephen's Dream" (saintstephensdream.com), a timely tale told in song, word and imagery.  Big Phat Delicious Jazz / Rock / Funk Big Phat Delicious is a 4 piece band from the Princeton/Beckley area of WV. James Hart (lead vocals, lead guitar), Joey-Liegel (bass), Andrew Lowe (drums), and Robin Williford (trumpet/soundboard) began playing in September of 06'. Their influences are many, so their style is blended. BPD has many great originals, but they also enjoy doing cover tunes from many styles of music from the 60's to the present. Their goal is to get everyone out on the dance floor to groove to their originals and covers alike. www.myspace.com/bigphatdelicious  Samadhi Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Samadhi Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Troupe brings women of all ages, shapes and sizes together to dance while having fun and forming lasting friendships. They have been an active performance group in the Charleston - Huntington area since 2004. Current troupe members include Amira, Mia, Hattori from Hurricane, Shaleh from Charleston, Hadassah from Scott Depot, Shekinah from Clendenin, Pixie from Buffalo, and Yazmeen from Winfield. Samadhi is based in Hurricane, West Virginia. www.wvbellydance.com  Carrie and Michael Kline Folk / Country / Americana "We, as musicians, are preoccupied with West Virginia songs, from the ancient ballads of the Hammons Family in the central highlands, to mining laments and songs of resistance in the coal fields. We enjoy love ballads and country songs as well, especially the poignant imagery of Kate Wolf and Laurie Lewis. We present our music both as entertainment and social history, with engaging ease and hard-hitting passion. As two people absorbed in the study of oral tradition, we spend time with old-time singers and tellers living in the Appalachian region. Singing to audiences of all ages, we perform in a variety of situations; from classrooms to prisons, from coffeehouses to picket lines. Our style is an amalgamation of musical and oral sources representative of places like Cherokee, North Carolina, the Appalachian coal fields, and industrial cities of New England." www.folktalk.org  Liberty High School World Percussion Ensemble The Liberty High School World Percussion Ensemble was established in 2007 by Jeremy Rodriguez, music teacher and a founding member of the West Virginia World Music Educators Cooperative. The group performs a large repertoire of music on percussion instruments that originate in Africa, Central America, and the Middle East. The ensemble’s primary purpose is to educate its audience about world music through its interactive shows. These interactive performances are facilitated by the students. The Liberty High School World Percussion Ensemble has performed throughout the state of West Virginia including the State Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia. The group has given world music clinics for Head Start programs, public school music programs of all ages, and Energy Express. They will be giving a drum workshop Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Culturefest. www.myspace.com/libertyworldpercussion  Briddy Morris Lyrical / Alternative / Rock Bridgette Morris was born in Bluefield West Virginia and still resides there today. Over the course of her life she dipped her toes into arts such as poetry, theatre, sketching, and music. As she entered into her confusing adolescent life she discovered music was her heart and soul. Since then that was the path she walked on; breathing, eating, and sleeping music. At age 17 she found a home at the Riff Raff Arts Collective where her abilities as an artist grew tremendously. She discovered new instruments to dabble in and wiser musicians to gain wisdom from.Her songwriting focuses on life's experiences and problems listeners can relate to. She is a passionate individual who speaks her mind on issues like racism and injustice. www.myspace.com/briddysublime  Miss Behavin' Rock This talented group of girl rockers is made up of Ary'an Graham age 11 (electirc guitar, bass and drums), Bethany Keesecker age 11 (guitar, bass, drums, and vocals), and Kayla McKinney (bass, drums, and vocals). The girls are students of Stages School of Music in downtown Princeton, WV. Under the direction of Melissa McKinney, they have played at numerous fairs, festivals, and charity events over the past year and have enjoyed a significant amount of media attention. Watch for this band to do great things in the future! www.stagesmusicschool.com  Pseudo Ethnic Salad Eclectic/World/Jam This flavorful pot of musical stew blends members of The Captain Lazerblast Band, Option 22, and others. These adventurous musicians take world sounds and instruments and fuse them together, allowing free expression to reign without being restrained by rules. Everything they have ever heard becomes influence and inspiration. The members come together with a deep interest in making music as an expression of humanity and exploring cultures of the world. They are also the core of The RiffRaff Arts Collective in downtown Princeton, WV. www.theriffraff.net  Keli Semelsberger Comedy Keli Semelsberger is a 16 year Chicago comedy veteran who is also the owner and founder of the Charlotte Comedy Theater in Charlotte NC. Keli spends her winters teaching, directing and producing improv comedy workshps and shows, and her summers rafting the New River in WV. She's been featured on NPR, MTV and preformed with Amy Poehler (SNL), Stephanie Wier (MADD TV) and many of todays top comdic talents. Keli has two kids and splits her time between NC and WV. "I Live in NC so I can afford to LIVE in West Virginia." She teaches improv comedy to people of any experience level. Her laid back, inspiring and hilarious classes are as much philosophy of living in the moment as they are about the skills of improvisational comedy. Learn to take yourself and the world around you less seriously and how to cultivate a more playful and joyous life experience thru the art of improv. She will be teaching workshops at this year's Culturefest. www.charlottecomedy.com MORE TBA - STAY TUNED!!! |
