2021 ARTISTS
2021 Artists A-Z
Acoustic Mayhem, Country/Bluegrass/Americana
Spanning both coasts of the U.S., Acoustic Mayhem has been exploring the roots of the American Sound since 1999. Founders Zachary Green (guitar/strings/vocals) and Michael Reisman (guitar/keys/percussion/vocals) along with longtime collaborator David Williams (percussion/vocals) offer a varied set of folk, bluegrass, country and rock 'n' roll numbers. With over 200 original compositions and covers, Acoustic Mayhem offers a unique take on the traditional songwriter motif featuring tight, simple arrangements and three part harmonies.
Autumn Jones, Soulful/Alternative/Singer-Songwriter Music
Autumn Jones is a singer-songwriter from Maplewood, New Jersey, and a recent graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. The soulful R&B she creates is an expression of her life experiences as told through her stories and in each of her songs, which are available on all major platforms. She has had success performing in the Boston area at venues such as City Winery, Ryles Jazz Club, Midway Cafe and Hard Rock Cafe. She's also had recent success in New York City, New Jersey and Spain with her performances at Silvana in Harlem, Rockwood Music Hall in Manhattan, Radio City in Valencia and the annual Maplewoodstock festival in NJ. Autumn has also had the amazing opportunity to open for R&B Artists Vivian Green and Jon B. at the acclaimed South Orange Performing Art Center. Her recent release, "Bittersweet" has won a Tracks Music Award for Best R&B Song and another for Best Studio Sound in 2021.As a proud lyricist, she believes that the combination of word and music are extremely powerful, and hopes that her songs and lyrics move others as much as they have moved her. Her love for performing has shaped her into the confident show woman that she is today, and she cannot wait to get back on the stages in front of live audiences once again.
Cats Will Play, Rock/Reggae/Funk/Blues
With feel-good classic rock, reggae, funk and blues, Cats Will Play brings back memories from the times in your life when music mattered. This earthy Short Hills and SOMA-based band features singer Matt Stone, lead guitarist Dave Diamond, rhythm guitarist David Garfinkle, bassist Dave Gardner and drummer Anders Fransson.
Chris Pastore, Country Rock
For me songwriting is a constant, a daily routine, interactions, daydreams, struggles and jubilation, love, fate and sometimes just a good hook and a solid groove. Some take years to cultivate and others come in minutes. The words and music can intertwine so simply like pieces of a puzzle when finished, stories like little voyages, then subject to the listeners interpretations and mood. My influences are too many to list. I've been writing, performing and recording for 25 years in various groups in the northeast....studied blues and jazz with some great teachers and hit the Baltimore scene right out of college fronting and touring with the group Fat Apple in the late 90's which gave me the chance to meet many amazing musicians along the way. Recently embarking on my first album in over a decade titled "Turn the Music Up Loud", a compilation of unrecorded older songs and many new ones. This release features some of the best players and friends that I have ever had the opportunity to share the stage with. Crafted and Recorded at the renowned Wrightway Studios under the care and guidance of Steve Wright, this album has far surpassed all of my expectations and invigorated my passion for songwriting and performance.
Deepa & Friends, Bollywood & Classic Hindi Covers
Deepa was inspired on the tennis courts of the Racquets Club when her friends found out she is a talented singer. Which further inspired the creation of Deepa and Friends to incorporate other local musicians to create Hindi music magic.
Harris Harper, Singer-Songwriter
Harris Harper is a singer-songwriter from California and student at the New School. She draws from the folk tradition as well as contemporary influences. Somber leaning, ballad fanatic. She plays with good friend and keyboardist, Will Scott.
Hot Dog Joint, Pop/Acoustic/Vocals
Our names are Rachel, Kate and Ava and we’re called Hot Dog Joint (at least for now)! We live together in New York and when we’re not eating brownies (Betty Crocker obviously), playing monopoly or watching Bachelor in Paradise, we like to sit in our living room and play some songs together.
Livingston Leo, Rock
Lenny Meranus is an artist who works in two different media – music and barbecue. The 1982 Livingston High School graduate is a self-professed “Livingston guy, through and through.” He has lived here for nearly his entire life – since 1968. His band, Livingston Leo, named for the town he loves, brings together his passion for both music and barbecue. “I tell people, I write songs about ‘love and barbecue, and loving barbecue,’ ”he laughs. “You think I’m kidding?” He’s not. He’s got six barbecue grills lined up along the side of his house. His favorite thing to grill is chicken, which has earned him the nickname “Chicken Genius” from his friends. (“Chicken Genius” is also the name of a popular Livingston Leo song.) “If I’m not working or taking care of my kids, I like to sing the blues. Oh, and barbecue!” he says. Meranus’ artistic roots run in the family. His father, Arthur, is a fine arts painter. His mom, Phyllis, is a life-long singer, dancer and actress whose name is synonymous with the Livingston Community Players. Meranus himself has been playing guitar since the age of 13, when he received one for his bar mitzvah. “lot of the guys I played with became my earliest musical influences,” he notes. These include his cousin, Brad Stern, and his friend, Michael Karpas, who both took music lessons, then passed what they had learned on to Lenny. Although he has a full time profession, his heart is, and always will be, with his music. And his grills. Did he mention he loves barbecue?
Mrs. Eller & the Fellers, Pop Rock
New Jersey based trio Stephanie Eller, Michael Reisman, and Zachary Greene are the soulful components creating the unforgettable harmonies of “Mrs. Eller and The Fellers.” Covers ranging from country to rock and folk paired with original songs create an eclectic set list producing a genuine sound. Rotating guitar, drums, mandolin, and harmonica paired with vocal interest, the trio draws crowds in North Jersey venues and parties.
The Parkers, Alternative/Electronic Pop/Rock
The Parkers are a grungy synth-pop group with anthems of disenfranchisement, burning missives to toxic love, and searing social commentary. Blond and doe-eyed, sisters Anya and Kate Parker-Lentz exude a detached suburban cool, but in reality are tirelessly driven musicians. Propelling the sisters forward live is the dynamically explosive drummer, Henry Kane.
The Parkers have released singles “15 Again” featuring rapper Marcaux and “AI Mind” following their debut EP – a collaboration with a variety of producers such as Ido Zmishlany (Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, The Chainsmokers, Camila Cabello), Julie Hardy and Mike MacAllister (Meg Mac, Donna Missal).
Particle, Jam Band
Particle is an American jam band formed in Los Angeles in 2000. The members are Steve Molitz (keys, synths, vocals), Mike Daum (guitar, vocals), Clay Parnell (bass), and Kito Bovenschulte (drums). The band is regarded as a jam-band with progressive rock roots. They have described their music as “space porn funk”, a term coined by one of their early fans, and “funktronic”.
Along with The Disco Biscuits and Sound Tribe Sector 9, Particle was among the first to blend rock, jazz, funk, and electronica into the milieu of what has been dubbed “livetronica.” The group made a name for itself and built an enthusiastic fan base, known as Particle People, by performing energetic late-night sets at festivals around the world!
Rachel Ella, Singer-Songwriter
Singer/songwriter, voice teacher, creator and an artist based in New York and New Jersey area. With many years of experience in the music world, Rachel has been involved in a variety of projects and have done shows from festivals, weddings and corporate events to cruise ship programs and TV shows. In 2018 she graduated from the New York Vocal Coaching Teacher Training Program and became a voice teacher. Been born in a small country called Estonia, with her Northern European roots she feels like she can combine the two worlds- where she grew up and where she lives now, and make the best out of it in her art, as she believes culture plays a big role in determining our values and who we are. Rachel’s passion is writing music and telling stories through which she wishes to inspire people around her!
Rodyna, Traditional Slavic
Rodyna (meaning "family" in Ukrainian) is a collective of musicians and artists who came together for their mutual love of playing and performing traditional Slavic and Eastern music, and their love and respect for one another. Each performer brings their unique gifts to Rodyna: Joseph Castelli (guitar and bouzouki); Jennifer Anya Castelli (balalaika and vocals); Caty Bentler (vocals); Kazuki Kozuru-Salifoska (percussion and vocals); Marta Jaremko (vocals). Members of Rodyna hail from right here in Millburn and other parts of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Rudie Crew, Reggae/World Music
El Husey and Dan Dulin, upon leaving the Ska band Skinnerbox NYC, formed a new band dedicated to Reggae and Ska with Dancehall vocal styling’s. The Rudie Crew began rehearsing at Ludlow Street Studios in NYC. They knew right from the start that a new and exciting sound had been hatched. The Rudie Crew soon released their debut album “Invasion” and followed up with “Ride” the title track was used on the TV series “Burn Notice". Then came “This is Skragga” which is their newest release. Since the band formed they have played the East coast, and beyond continuously, including The Warp tour, The Montreal Ska festival, and numerous other Venues, opening for The Wailers, The English Beat, Bad Manners, The Selector, and The Toasters.
The Rudie Crew are currently preparing to record their fourth full-length Album. With a new fire burning “The Rudie Crew” rejuvenated and ready to bring the world Skragga a combination of Reggae, Ska, and Dancehall. On horns El Husey, Tenor and, Soprano Saxophone, Dan Dulin Trumpet, and Pablo Rodriguez Trombone, spicing up the music with their intoxicating sound. Anthony Juggla Minervino AKA (Juggwise) twisting up fast style firing lyrics with his unique combination of Mc style, toasting chatts, in a Jamaican, UK , US style... Engelbert Ramos, spicing it up with his sweet melodic vocals. This all comes together with the very gifted Ciro Medina on rhythm and lead guitar, Robert Mansfield on Keyboards, so melodic and animated, the ever so talented Steve Capecci on bass, with his heavy intoxicating bass lines, Ramsey Norman drummer extraordinary, holding down the groovy pumping rhythms, to create this amazing sound.
School of Rock, Classic Rock/Hard Rock
Our Street Team is the top tier of our Performance Program, representing our hardest working and most advanced students. They have additional performance opportunities over the course of the year and an annual Summer Tour. Street Team students participate in weekly rehearsals led by our Music Director, working to perfect an array of songs, culminating in performances on local stages, festivals, fundraisers, events and regional tours.
Annually our Street Team rocks for great causes, raising thousands of dollars for organizations like New Eyes for the Needy via Kids Rock for Vision concerts that SoR Chatham sponsors, and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
Street Team is a precursor to the School of Rock National AllStars program. Five of our SoR Chatham Street Team musicians earned a spot on the 2019 National All Star teams, touring the country, playing stages like BB Kings and Webster Hall in NYC, House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafe, and Lollapalooza Festival.
So i Heard, Music School, Kid Rock
Sean Killary and Sam Morgan founded So i Heard Music based on the principle that music lessons should be fun, and taught using modern technology.
The original location in Millburn, NJ opened its doors in July of 2013 and quickly became the talk of the town. By 2018, So i Heard Music has grown to serve more than 1,300 students per month, and all of our students have seen the benefit of our unique style of music lesson.
Students can learn how to play an instrument, read, write, and record music, all within a fun, safe, and high-tech environment built for K-12. We teach beginner through advanced piano lessons, keyboard lessons, drum lessons, percussion lessons, voice lessons, guitar lessons, songwriting lessons, bass lessons, violin lessons and more in technology-equipped studios that foster creative expression.
Soulfege, A Capella
Our very own award-winning A Cappella group from Millburn High School, Soulfege, has appeared on Lifetime's national television series Pitch Slapped, performed for the NJ Delegates at the 2016 Democratic National Convention and various venues and competitions since 2008. Check out their 3 singles available on iTunes and Spotify! Soulfege loves having the opportunity to perform for the community and share their passion for music with others!
Stephane Wrembel Band, Gypsy Jazz Guitar
Stephane Wrembel is one of the most highly regarded guitarists in the world specializing in the style of legendary composer/guitarist Django Reinhardt; he learned his craft among the Gypsies at campsites in the French countryside. He has had a remarkable career, touring the world, and releasing 16 albums under his name and the nom de plume, The Django Experiment with the most recent installment in the series, The Django Experiment VI, out now. His original compositions have been featured in three of Woody Allen’s movies including Vicki Cristina Barcelona, Midnight in Paris (“Bistro Fada”) and the score for the yet to be released, Rifkin’s Festival. In October of 2019, Wrembel released the highly regarded Django L’Impressionniste, featuring 17 of Reinhardt’s preludes for solo guitar, followed by a book of his transcriptions in April of 2021. Since 2003, Wrembel has produced the Django a Gogo Festival, bringing together some of the finest musicians in the world to celebrate the Sinti guitar style to perform in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Town Hall.
Tatiana, Rock
This Jersey girl with Brazilian roots was only three years old when her father gave her the gift that would forever change her life,a guitar. Although she did not know it yet,that moment became the catalyst for her passion for music. Her parents recognized the raw talent in her and immediately signed her up for music lessons, which exposed her to many genres that would later influence her as a singer/songwriter and musician.
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She has shared the stage with Billy Porter,Naomi Watts, Judy Collins, Brazilian artists:Fagner and Claudia Leitte, and T.S. Monk(Thelonious Monk’s son), among others. Hermain goal is to reach as many people inthe world with her pop music in English,Portuguese, and Spanish while spreading her message of inclusivity.
Toad and the Stooligans, Hip-hop/Funk/Jazz
Hailing from Providence, RI, and growing up in the nearby suburbs, Toad and the Stooligans is far from the typical hip hop group. Formed in early 2015, the high school friends joined together with the common goal of playing a different brand of hip hop. Heavily influenced by funk, jazz and other genres, the Stooligans mesh multiple sounds together to create a canvas for their dual-vocal delivery.
The Stooligans have played extensively in the Providence area, including winning the 90.7 WXIN Battle of the Bands in 2017.
Their debut album "Very Handsome" was released on September 15, 2017.
Twice Heard, Rock
We are a local pop-rock/alternative cover band formed in 2019. For us, it’s all about playing good tunes and having a good time sharing our love of music. Vocals by Abby Glass and Olivia Ruhnke, Jake Leyzerovich and Anthony Azevedo on guitar, Jamie Dilworth on keyboards, Max Levy on drums.