Concerts
State Fair Meadowlands Presents Live Music on the Main Stage. It has become a tradition to invite local bands to State Fair Meadowlands. We invite you to enjoy them free with your admission ticket. You might just catch the next up and coming artist from Jersey.
Sliders
After toiling away for years in the basements and garages of Long Island, New York, The Sliders broke onto the rock scene in 2007 with their demo EP titled “Eric & the Sliders.” The band’s first full-length album, produced by Jim Wirt (Incubus, Hoobastank, Jack’s Mannequin, The Rocket Summer), is due to release in 2011. The record is built on heartfelt coming-of-age tracks and is titled “City By the Sound,” a name drawn from the foursome’s experiences and escapades growing up in the suburbs of New York City. In the 11 songs of their album, The Sliders meld an eclectic mix of rock, funk, jazz and blues. With standout singles like “City by the Sound,” and “Chasing After You,” The Sliders are an essential addition to any music lover’s library.
If it sounds like The Sliders have known each other forever, it’s because they have. Eric (vocals/piano/guitar), Bryan (guitar/vocals), Mike (bass), and JD (drums) have been honing their talents together for years, but it wasn’t until they rented their first rehearsal space that The Sliders really began to take shape. JD knew “it always felt natural,” but Bryan wasn’t always so sure. “I think I realized that this band was going to work once we stopped asking ourselves if we were good enough,” Bryan says. Since 2007 the guys have dedicated countless hours to practicing, writing, recording and performing throughout the New York music scene. Mike admits that when he bought his second bass he “even slept with it.”
The Sliders are influenced by current groups like Maroon 5, The Script, Parachute and The Fray as well as classic acts like Paul Simon and the Beatles. “We pride ourselves on being catchy but clever,” says Eric. The Sliders have evolved from hometown emo-charged crowds with a blues-inspired pop rock sound that sets them apart from the masses of power chord bands. Though lacking black eyeliner, their sensitivity is in tact. In songs like “Way She Moves” and “Letting Go”, strong vocals and harmonies display the band’s softer side.
The Sliders are hungry for the masses. The guys performed at the 2010 Bamboozle festival after winning the associated “Break Contest.” They drew a crowd of hundreds to the Meadowlands and their fan base continued to grow throughout the summer with shows around the Metropolitian area and hometown of Long Island, New York. During the school year of 2010/2011, The Sliders have been touring college campuses around the Northeast. Dartmouth, Cornell, and Temple are some of the colleges that recently hosted The Sliders while plans to visit Buffalo, Syracuse, Amherst, Georgetown and Towson are in effect. Despite their blistered fingers and sore voices, Mike says the guys “love the reaction they get from the crowd” while playing. JD agrees that there’s no greater thrill than “getting on stage and seeing your fans and friends dancing to the music your creating.”
The Sliders’ charisma is notable and significant. Outwardly expressive and funny, the boys’ presence is captivating and exhilarating. Onstage, The Sliders command attention and deliver a show that is hard to look away from. They’re suburban beach boys with a feel-good sound. All four Sliders don jeans and plaid with clean haircuts and big smiles. The Sliders are proud of their music and are always happy to talk to fans before and after a show. “We love to relate to our fans,” says Eric “we are playing for them, not for ourselves.”
Beyond the Summit
Ranging in ages from 16 to 18 ,Beyond the Summit was formed in early 2011 by Austin Taylor, Tommy Huckfeldt , Zane Decker, and Tyler Crifasi and they have been playing out in the Tri State area. They are currently in the studio with Grammy award winner Earl Cohen working on their EP . They have played with and were produced by Tom Kafafian (Fool for You) of Lady Gaga. When they are not recording, they are hanging out with friends and playing sports as well as writing music. Not only are they bandmates, but also brothers. They have played The Stone Pony, Starland Ballroom, The Bitter End in NYC, as well as the Seaside Music festival among many others. They are playing around Constantly so check them out!
GoodBye Friday
Goodbye Friday is an energetic four-piece, Pop-Punk Band from Hopatcong, N.J. We love to create music and perform to live crowds.
Goodbye Friday formed in August '08 have been rapidly advancing our career with each performance. “GBF” truly possesses the ability to capture and entertain audiences with our original music.
Early performances were mainly local venues and benefits shows. Since its’ inception, GBF has performed many shows in the tri-state area and have many major accomplishments towards their success in the music industry.
Girls Night Out “GNO”
Girls Nite Out "GNO" is a new 5 member US based girl group set to put the POP back in the music scene. Cynthia, Katie, Darcie, Jessica , and Alyna under the guidance of their manager and pop music impresario Paul Gargan of Smash Pop have developed a fresh new sound infused with a bit of pop, r&b, dance, rock, and drum n' bass which is pure pop bliss. Each girl has her own distinct style, music vibe and is multi-talented, coming together with something for everyone forming the ultimate girl group.
The girls participate in the writing of their songs, direction of their image, and the choreography. Some of the industries hottest producers from North America and as far away as London and Germany have already come on board to work with the girls, and the buzz is growing both here in the States and abroad by the day. Loaded with talent, style, and charisma GNO is poised to take their place as one of the music scenes hottest breakout acts in 2011.
Watch Girls Night Out on YouTube
Jack Skuller
Jack Skuller's underground hit "Love Is A Drum" received raves in the New York Post, the New York Press, the Star Ledger, numerous music blogs and the Examiner which called it the "best single released by anyone this year." The single was produced by Daniel Rey, known for his work with the Ramones, and released as a limited edition 7" on Bar/None Records. Skuller was invited to perform the song live on FOX TV's Good Day New York marking his TV debut. Insistent and forceful, rock and roll begins again with rock's new young heart.
The Slewfoot Project
2011 marks the official 15th anniversary of The Slewfoot Project but 2010 was the most active and prominent in the band's history. The release of the live CD, "Feels Like Home," garnered countless positive reviews, gained the band radio airplay, high-profile performances and an international following. Several highlights include: selection for inclusion in the line-up of "Singer-Songwriter Cape May," a top-5 result for a song in Spin Magazine's "Next Great Road Song" contest, inclusion in the GAP's acoustic band series, and having a song being considered for inclusion on network television shows. TSP has been joined on stage by the likes of John Fogerty, Lyle Lovett, Chris Robinson (Black Crowes) Maia Sharp and more. This western New Jersey-based band is showing no signs of slowing down; in fact, The Slewfoot Project has just become a quintet, added a full-time drummer to its line-up. Late 2010 also saw the band record 12 original tracks for a new studio-recording to be released in the summer of 2011.
Our song "The Road" finished 4th out of over 1,200 songs entered in the SPIN MAGAZINE/MIDAS ROCK THE HIGHWAY summer 2010 contest as the NEXT GREAT ROAD SONG.
Watch The Slew Foot Project on YouTube
Kings Highway
Kings Highway is a 4-piece rock band based in central New Jersey. The band has recently played gigs in New York and New Jersey, including Convention Hall in Asbury Park, NJ.
Kings Highways roots can be traced back to 2005, when singer Jeff Pilgrim and drummer Cory Pedalino began playing music together at Monmouth University, during which time they formed what would later become the backbone of Kings Highway. Their rock and roll chemistry and improvisational jamming has become the basis for the Kings Highway live experience. The Kings Highway sound comes from a combination of Jeffs singer/songwriter style, Mikes smooth bass lines, Corys up-beat rock influence, and Kevins blazing, in-your-face guitar solos.
Kings Highway is currently seeking management and record label partnership.
Watch Kings Highway on YouTube
I AM FIGHTING
We are a 5 piece pop / rock band from northern NJ. We believe in music that comes like a hurricane and stays in your blood forever. We've spent nearly two years writing, rehearsing, and preparing for a premiere launch which was only this September (2010). In a few months we have built the most beautiful support and fan base there is. We have played huge venues like Webster Hall, Prudential Center, Mexicali Live, The School Of Rock, & The Stone Pony. We are playing Bamboozle 2011 as well as one of the 5 final bands in the Bamboozle Break Contest 2011. We were recently named The Aquarian's 2011 "Band On The Verge". We work beyond any means to write the most passionate beautiful music possible as well give our crowd the most unforgettable shows out there. We are nothing without our incredible Family of Fighters. We are here to make a mark and we are here to stay. We are I AM FIGHTING.
MONTH BEFORE MAY
Month Before May is a collaboration of multiple styles, ages, and musical opinions. The ending result is a fresh, radio playable sound with a little bit of something for everyone. Month Before May has played at various popular venues throughout NJ and NY, including the famous Stone Pony in Asbury Park where Bruce Springsteen got his start. Month Before May began writing in 2005 and has been stringing together catchy melodies and rock vibes ever since.
DANNY NOVA
Touted as a world class vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, this raspy-voiced recording artist, whose live shows are energetic, earthy and personable, sports a four-plus octave vocal range. He turns the heads of many music enthusiasts. In the press, Danny Nova is admired for his fine blending of lyrical content with melodic musical compositions, as his original tunes are musically soulful, uplifting and inspiring. Additionally in the press, his lyrical content is considered seasoned, sensitive and somewhat profound, as well as lightly risqué with a think lining of obscurity. Danny’s crafty music is categorized as AC/Roots/Acoustic Rock.
3 WEST
All the Hits, Stripped!
One Guitar, One Voice. A set list that moves with Pop Culture.
3 WEST strips down the most demanded and chart topping singles by artists such as Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Bruno Mars, performing them raw and unplugged. Using social media to the max, 3 WEST entertains and interacts with fans worldwide via YouTube with their professional live videos. 3 WEST also donates any free time they have with Musicians On Call, an organization that brings live music to the bedside of patients in hospitals all over the country, all while performing 200+ live shows a year. 3 WEST is constantly fresh, up on the latest trends and always having fun!
HUMAN WHEELS
HUMAN WHEELS plays more Mellencamp in one night than Mellencamp himself!! That's right, rockin' one hit after the next! The core members of this six-piece tribute band have been together since 2001, while the newest members were hand picked to bring you an incredibly seasoned, high quality group of musicians!! Enjoy classics like Pink Houses, Authority Song, Cherry Bomb, Small Town, Rain on the Scarecrow, Jack and Diane, Hurt So Good, Need a Lover, Paper in Fire, Lonely 'Ol Night, and more! C'mon and check them out, you know more John "Cougar" Mellencamp than you think!!!
The music of Mellencamp is often equated with rural life, deeply rooted in Americana and the working class; good wholesome music enjoyable and recognizable by listeners of all ages. This makes the band ideal for your all-ages outdoor event, as well as entertaining for your local bar or club crowd.
Comprised of seasoned, experienced musicians who have played such popular clubs as Tradewinds, Bar Anticipation, The Chatterbox, The Osprey, The Stone Pony, The Fireside, The Clubhouse/Shout and many more, the professionalism, consistency, and quality of musicianship will certainly exceed your expectations.
ESCAPE DIRECTOR
Escape Directors is an alternative-rock and indie inspired quartet based in the heart of Bergen County, New Jersey. The band is made up of Steve Carter on lead vocals and guitar, Nick Wilson on vocals, guitar and keyboards, Brendon Bigley on bass, and Colin Rieser taking the reins on percussion.
The band burst into the scene, gaining the attention of bloggers and music tastemakers nationwide after the release of their debut full-length, Ladders. Released a few short months after the band’s formation, Ladders showed extreme promise for the band, featuring a powerhouse assortment of tracks that effortlessly mixed the lyrical sincerity of Death Cab For Cutie and the mainstream arrangements of alternative-rock superstars Coldplay.
Since their first release, Escape Directors have grown immensely, hitting the books and learning the ropes of the music business, fine-tuning their musical craft. Escape Directors grew closer than ever, which helped fuel material for their newest EP, The Crowded Room, which is set a July 16 release. The band picked up and moved to Cleveland for a week to work with indie and alternative guru Jim Wirt. The legendary producer has guided several big names in the scene, including Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, Incubus, Fiona Apple and Hidden In Plain View. With the new EP, Escape Directors promise even more experimental tracks by throwing in rock-driven instrumentals and influence from more obscure indie acts like Radiohead.
Watch Escape Directors on YouTube
DANIELLE ASHLEY
“Dani" as her friends call her, Danielle Ashley Dante has been putting years of blood, sweat, and tears into advancing her career. This NYC-born girl is paving her own way in the music biz. What's interesting is that she's accomplished this through her own writing and lyric skills, combined with a natural ability to perform on stage with a very intense presence.
She has worked with talented producers to develop her own distinctive sound and record her first EP/Album. This past year, her first single released, “Yup, It’s Me” was extremely well received and won 1st place overall in the 2 weeks it was entered in ‘TweenPopRadio’s’ Fan Voting. “Yup, It’s Me” along with the rest of Dani’s first album can be purchased on iTunes, Amazon & many other online music sites. You can hear full versions of these songs, and see photos and videos of some of her live performances and behind the scenes footage on her website www.DanielleAshleyOnline.com.
“Danielle truly commands the stage”. Not only does she write all of her own material, but she choreographs all of the performances for herself and for her back up dancers. She has performed alongside some of the Industry’s Greats including JoJo, Yung Joc, Trey Songz, Ray J and Freestyle Legends Rockell, Saphire, Judy Torres, Lisa Lisa, TKA, Lisette Melendez, George Lamond, Tony Muran, and Corro just to name a few. "With a strong presence and impressive style, Danielle continues to forge her own identity in the pop world.”
DIAMONDS IN JUPITER
Drawing on its individual and group talents, Diamonds in Jupiter will be showcasing original songs as well as ole and new school R n B, funk, pop, and dance electronica. Seven seasoned musicians from the NY/NJ area, catch this groove arriving in your Soul R system.
KEEPING RILEY
Keeping Riley was formed in 2004 by a group of high school seniors in the New Jersey suburbs of New York City. Originally called A Life of Riley—a phrase popularized in the 1950s referring to a carefree existence—the band consisted of five close friends strumming guitars and playing bongos at house parties. In 2005 Keeping Riley released its first album, Loud Underneath, to an enthusiastic audience of hometown peers. For the band’s second independent release, The Resolving Note (2007), KR added a drumset, saxophone, trumpet, and keys to the instrumentation.
In the summer of 2007 Keeping Riley began touring in earnest, focusing on the New Jersey / New York City scene. With the addition of three members came a progression in style for the band, and their new blend of pop, rock, and funk both surprised and enthralled audiences. The group played a full schedule of gigs during the summer of 2008, culminating with their victory in the Gorilla Music Battle of the Bands (beating over 7,000 bands). This title gave KR the opportunity to sign with indie label Rock X Records. Upon graduating from their respective colleges in the Spring of 2009, the members returned home and committed themselves to writing their first label-backed release. They recorded their record with producer Michael Seifert (Tori Amos, Regina Spektor, Colbie Caillat, Lifehouse) at Ante Up Audio in Cleveland, OH, over winter 2009-10.
Keeping Riley officially released its third studio album, Welcome Fire, on June 5th, 2010 at Sullivan Hall in New York. That summer the band toured extensively and filmed the music video for their first single, “60 Days,” which debuted in October (http://www.youtube.com/user/1033Films). In the Fall, KR paired up with nonprofit fashion company Of Rags, playing over fifteen universities in support of sustainable practices in Sub-Saharan Africa, an area of the globe that has ignited the group’s empathy. KR is currently planning its Spring 2011 tour, while continuing to compose catchy grooves for their next release. Armed with acoustic rhythms, electric melodies, lively percussion, a versatile horn section, and powerful, harmonious vocals, Keeping Riley offers a truly unique listening experience.
More on Keeping Riley | Listen to Keeping Riley
THE SCOTT DECARLO SIX
The Scott DeCarlo Six have been playing together for some time and since they are all college graduates, they have “great day jobs” in the fields of teaching, management, banking, and yes, even the police force. The increasing number of club dates in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey give you an indication that “The Scott DeCarlo Six” are truly “building a name for themselves” - state-by-state and club-by-club.
The band’s founding namesake, Scott DeCarlo, is the passionate good-looks lead vocalist/songwriter who is surrounded by 5 distinctive and dedicated musicians.
Scott and the “Six” are into their music. It is genre catchy, styled-crossed and yet, acutely contemporary. The college-aged club audiences are providing the “lyrical word on the street” and the band’s growing popularity is a song-filled piñata ready to burst.
The “band started” when Scott DeCarlo was gigging around as a solo artist. The support band ‘Ocean Eleven-ed’ around him - musician by musician.
“Almost all of the songs we do are pretty much heartfelt and bare some soul. As a band, we fuse what you might say is the infectious feel in ‘club-rock’ culled into fresh style of story- telling heard in ‘21st century country”. It’s been a team effort and for a guy who used to sing at Kenny’s Castaways in the Village, this band is the right place, right time for me - for all of us”. We all feel the band’s promise and pace” DeCarlo said recently.
The Scott DeCarlo Six have a number of indie CDs out and there are site downloads available. The tracks offer a chronological song catalog of how the band hit strides with originals like “Come Walk With Me”, “Black Eye Wandering” or “Built This Floor”. Is a full album forthcoming? Yes, but for not months and in the meantime, do the next best thing, experience Scott and the band live – scottdecarlo.com for further information.
SHERRY LYNN
Peel away that every day, casual persona and you will find the heart of country girl from a little town in Jersey. Sherry Lynn's amazing soul shines through in her music. If you take a ride through Lynn's life, you would be in awe of the person she is and where she has come from. Sherry Lynn hails from a little town by the name of Clayton. At a young age, Sherry Lynn lost her father to a tragic murder. Left on her own, her mother did what she could to put food on the table and raise three children. Her mother worked two jobs, so Sherry Lynn and her siblings often had the responsibility of looking out for each other. Growing up, Sherry Lynn acquired a love of music through her mother. Her mother often had country music playing through the house. "I could recite Coal Miner's Daughter word for word," chuckled Lynn. Singing into hairbrushes around the house led to dreams of stardom. . She started writing songs and meeting people on song writing websites. She met Ted Hewitt, a veteran producer who has earned a gold selling album with Rodney Akins' "If You're Going Through Hell." She also had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at a Phillies and Mets game. Sherry Lynn has been performing all over her home state. She has performed in venues ranging from local bars to theatres to fairs and festivals to outdoor concerts. She has been fortunate enough to open for National Acts along the way which recently consisted of John Rich, Buxton Hughes, Troy Olson & Daryl Worley. . Lynn’s brand new single “What a Day to Shake a Heartache” which is currently in the top 40 on the Music Row Country Breakout Chart is said to be proof that “Sherry Lynn is ready to run with the Big Dogs” Robert K Oermann.
Without a doubt, Sherry Lynn is moving up in the world of country music.
Listen to Sherry Lynn | Sherry Lynn Website
THE TONIGHT LIFE
The Tonight life is a four musicians from New Jersey with one common goal: to share our passion for music with anyone who is willing to listen. Whether it is rock, pop, acoustic or the blues... we love to write, record and perform music and will continue to do so with everything we have in us.
Follow The Tonight Life | Listen to The Tonight Life
PAYTON TAYLOR
Payton Taylor is a South Jersey native who has been a staple in the local theater community there from a very young age. She studied dance at the tender age of 2, and began singing and acting at age 8. She has appeared on stage in roles such as Louisa in The Sound of Music, Alice in Alice In Wonderland, and most recently as Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank.
Her passion for performing revolved mostly around Theatre, until, at the age of 12, Payton had the opportunity to travel to Nashville, Tennessee, where she was given the chance to perform at the famous, Lonnie’s Western Room, in the Printer’s Alley section of the city. She sang two songs by Taylor Swift, and afterward, everyone in attendance marveled at how naturally her voice fit the style. Upon returning home, Payton immediately began to work on learning as many songs as she could, writing her own music, and performing wherever there was a stage that would let this talented, tenacious, young 13 year old get up and belt out her brand of Country and Pop Music.
Now, only 2 years after her debut at Lonnie’s, Payton is about to release her first CD and performs throughout the Northeast with her own band and a new passion for going as far as her talent and drive will take her.