First Night Northampton Performers

80's Synthesizer Explosion with Rocco Desgres

A nostalgic performance of your favorite 80’s Synthpop Classics by Depeche Mode, New Order, The Cure, The Human League, O.M.D. and Soft Cell. With a few 80’s inspired originals from the upcoming album “Rocco Desgres Now in Five Exciting New Flavors!

All Feels

Scrambling around somewhere between lo-fi pop, indie rock and basement jams you'll find All Feels spinning around on the hamster wheel of the postmodern music scene fueled by introspection, longing and somewhat sarcastic assessments of modern life. Led by longtime western Massachusetts DIY obsessive, Candace Clement (Footings, Bunny's A Swine) and joined by bassist Will Meyer (Stoner Will & the Narks, Bucket), guitarist Noah Dowd (True Jackie), guitarist and vocalist.

José Ayerve

José Ayerve grew up in Western Mass. He cofounded and continues to front the indie-rock group SPOUSE. In the early 2000s, Ayerve produced and engineered albums for notable contemporaries including Winterpills, Matt Hebert, Mike & Ruthy (The Mammals), and Dennis Crommett. As a songwriter and producer, he has been steadily releasing music under his own name and his alias (A Severe Joy), as well as with his band. His stye of music resonates with listeners of alternative rock, electronic, and new wave genres. In addition to showcasing new, unreleased material, Ayerve will perform tunes spanning his decades-long career.

[joseayerve.com | aseverejoy.com]

bobbie

bobbie is ambient lo fi dream pop. bobbie uses omnichord, guitar + voice to build layers of sounds into songs / portals / incantations.

Russell Brooks (fka Lord Russ)

My act these days is as a solo acoustic performer. I play songs from my nearly 30 year career of making music for Northampton. But, mostly new material, which has an uplifting positive message. In addition to being labeled the "Golden Voice of the Valley", I've also been dazzling people with my nylon string guitar lead playing over a loop pedal. The songs are happy and sure to put a smile on everyone's face. I've been on the cover of the Valley Advocate 3 times and a regular on WRSI. In fact my song "Love Song Trilogy" was voted Song Of The Year in 2013 on WRSI.

Chuckling Charlie Comedy Bus

The Chuckling Charlie Comedy Bus is an exciting, one-of-a-kind experience that turns an ordinary bus ride into a mobile comedy club!

Cloudbelly

Cloudbelly is an award-winning indie-folk & chamber-pop band from Western MA with a sound that is at once intimate and cinematic.

The Colony Motel

The Colony Motel is a rock band from Easthampton founded in 2019 by singer/songwriter Brian Brown and drummer Mark Schmittlein. Buoyed by the transcendent vocals of Kaci Ruh and Amy Wilkinson and the thundering bass of Shawn Gundersen, The Colony Motel wants to whisper to your inner werewolf.

Lucia Dostal Band

An energetic set of original music and popular covers that excels in all areas of production. The Lucia Dostal Band is comprised of drums, bass, guitar, keys with layered harmonies, color coordination and flashy outfits. We encourage everyone to come with their best “groove pants”(released dec 16th) for a visual and audibly aesthetic experience. We are a great group of friends who love what they do, and our ultimate goal is to create an atmosphere where everyone attending feels our love of the music we create and perform.

Downtown Sounds Music School

Featuring youth performers from Downtown Sounds Music School!

Our talented roster of 20+ instructors offer a wide variety of instrument lessons for all ages. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your abilities, our teachers are passionate about working with you to meet your musical goals!

https://downtownsounds.com/music-school/

Expandable Brass Band

Loud, raucous, and full of fun, the Expandable Brass Band is dedicated to spreading joyful music to the people of Western Massachusetts and beyond.

Playing in the Pioneer Valley since 2009, we are inspired by the international street band movement that spreads the joy of playing music and dancing for the fun of it and in support of important social issues.

We are most excited about playing in streets, parks, parades, sidewalks, and anywhere people are close, so we can look each other in the eye. When we march, people can join us; if they march, we can join them! We strive to be up, moving, and interactive.

We are completely self-organized, without a leadership hierarchy, supporting progressive causes, movements for positive social change, and charitable organizations working for the common social good.

Most of all, we are expandable, welcoming all and becoming what our members want us to be.

Eyrie House Ruins

Eyrie House Ruins is a 5 piece Gothic Folk band. Instrumentation consists of Banjo, Violin, Tenor Guitar, Bass and Drums. It's very hard for the band to self describe its music. Gothic Folk was a compromise but it sums up what we do. Traditional country/folk meets the Cure?

The Fawns

Sunny and sweet and simple, dark and heavy and psychedelic, sometimes somber, sometimes powerful, the melodies and stories of singer/songwriter Lesa Bezo both touch your heart and brighten your day. You can call The Fawns a dream-rock-indie band, but they skip through styles and moods. From atmospheric pieces in the vein of Kurt Vile or even the Cocteau Twins, to straight up pop of Cub, The Cars, The Go-Gos, and Fountains of Wayne, to country twangle in the vein of Kasey Chambers or Neko Case, to jagged rockers a la the Throwing Muses or Saint Vincent. The Fawns and the delicate yet powerful voice of Lesa Bezo have an honest pure sound of their own that is filled with hooks and grooves and nooks and crannies.

The Folk Implosion

Formed in 1993 by Lou Barlow (Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr.) and John Davis as a songwriting and DIY recording project, The Folk Implosion released an album and a few singles on Communion before finding unexpected success in 1995 when they were commissioned to do the soundtrack to the film Kids. Their song “Natural One” became a hit single, reaching no. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and no. 4 on the Modern Rock Charts.

Katherine First & Kitchen Party

Katherine First & Kitchen Party create a Cape Breton, festive atmosphere just like the good old times up north in your favorite family kitchen. The instrumentation is fiddle, banjo, guitar and percussion. All band members sing and audience participation is encouraged. In fact, Katherine frequently brings a young fiddler or two on stage to join in the musical festivities. This band brings to you a blending of traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, Nova Scotia, Brittany France, and beyond. They also play old-time Americana, bluegrass, and band originals.

Four Gong Confucius

Improvisational music based on jazz and Indian ragas.

Ciarra Fragale

Ranging from Motown inspired heartbreak pop to modern and cerebral indie rock, Ciarra Fragale creates a distinct sonic world that allows her to display what makes her artistry so special.

Funktionlust

Funktionlust is the one and only Improvisation troupe at Northampton High School. The Funks’ incredible creativity and spontaneity has entertained audiences at Arts Night Out, Smith College, 33Hawley, Lathrop Community, Historic Northampton, for non profits like Friends of Children and of course at the high school! Come and watch these improvisers create scenes using your ideas!

Chris Goudreau

Chris Goudreau weaves story-based songs about heartbreak and loss, but with a sense of humor - blending absurdism and magic realism into his cinematic style of songwriting.

With powerful vocals paired with 12-string guitar, Goudreau croons out songs in diverse styles such as folk baroque, psychedelic pop, progressive rock, 60s-influenced R&B/doo-wop, and sings original avant-garde songs a capella.

Goudreau recently released his debut album "Apocalyptic Love Songs" in June 2023. In the past, he has performed at venues such as the Iron Horse Music Hall, Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, and Ten Forward in western Massachusetts.

Goudreau is currently working on a songwriting project called "2023 & Me," which involves him writing an average of two new songs each month in 2023, followed by a live performance of all of the new songs in early 2024.

Tracy Grammer & Jim Henry

Well-traveled multi-instrumental acoustic/electric duo playing a mix of covers, originals, and instrumentals that span the country, folk, and Americana genres. Funny banter. Beautiful harmony. Best friends. Great music. Valley faves.

Hedgewitch

Hedgewitch is an improvisational trio consisting of keys, violin, vocals, bass, and percussive elements- we've playfully dubbed ourselves "telepathic ASMRcore." We like to explore a variety of in-betweeny sounds, bouncing from meditation to chaos and back. Our project is a game of random rules in a free improv setting, with occasional interwoven narratives.

The Hendersons Blues Band

Bo and Janny Henderson have been married to the blues and to each other for over forty years. With Will on harmonica and Joey on the drums, the Hendersons pour their hearts into vintage blues.

High Definition

High Definition is a hardy and welcoming 15 voice women’s choir who perform mostly a cappella music and have been in existence for over 20 years. We work to create a rich community through song, using our talents and love of choral singing. We are affiliated with the Northampton Community Music Center and our members are from the greater Northampton and Springfield area. We sing a variety of classical, contemporary, jazz and holiday songs. We have appeared at First Night Northampton, area concert venues, retirement communities and collaborative performances with local choirs including Novi Cantori, Hampshire Young People’s Chorus, Green Street Brew and Pride Chorus.

Indë

Indë (they/he) is a prolific artist, born and raised on Norwottuck land (Northampton) to Afro-Caribbean American heritage. Their recent work redresses the absence of queer BIPoC in this area who might have served as role models in their youth. Their fourth studio album, Role Model, explores this subject in detail, and Indë is thrilled to present their stories right here in their hometown. Indë's art practice incorporates singing, painting, sculpture, music composition, and communication design.

artbyinde.com ~ @artbyinde

It’s Mandy

experimental electronic pop singer based out of western mass, she hopes to see you soon. be on the look out for a limousine <3

https://mandys.bandcamp.com/

Solymar

Solymar is a rock band including Violet Nolan, Lucy Platt, and Jamie deVelder. 

Avery Joi

A vocalist from Western Massachusetts, specializes in jazz, neo-soul, funk, and R&B. She began with jazz in high school and later studied jazz vocal performance at The New School and William Paterson University. While in NYC and NJ, she performed in various jazz gigs and studied with renowned musicians like Amy London and Johnny O'Neal. She has since expanded into other genres and formed several musical groups in both NYC and Western MA.

Kalliope Jones

Kalliope Jones (Alouette “Lou” Batteau, Wes Chalfant, and Isabella DeHerdt) is a post-rock power trio of elven drum beats, driving guitar grooves, and deep, esophageal bass lines. Originally a folk-rock group.

Jake Klar

Jake Klar is a western Massachusetts based singer songwriter

www.Jakeklar.bandcamp.com

www.jakeklar.com

Klezamir

Klezamir, New England’s dynamic roots rockin’ klezmer band extraordinaire, together since 1987, serves you up traditional and original klezmer infused with a wide range of other styles (in the tradition of true klezmorim from time immemorial!) Coming from the powerful country, rock, R&B, classical, folk, bluegrass, and Balkan dance backgrounds of seasoned luminaries Jim Armenti, Brian Bender, Keith Levreault, Joe Blumenthal and Amy Rose, this is one great band! Klezamir sings and plays clarinet, guitar, mandolin, flute, piano,trombone, melodica,  nose flute, bass, drums and percussion. AND we just might get you up and dancing!!!

Tom Knight - Musical Puppet Show

A creative at work and entertainer at heart, Tom Knight brings fun, whimsy, and personality to the center stage. A pinch of puppetry, a dash of music, and a sprinkling of educational classes for young children have been baking for more than 35 years to create an engaging, delightful persona that has charmed audiences around the world.

Some themes include celebrating reading (“The Library Boogie”), protecting the environment (“The Garbage Monster”), science (“The Solar System”), and Spanish/English bilingual education (“¡Salta Caiman!/Alligator Jump!”).

Tom has performed more than 1000 times at schools, pre-schools, libraries, festivals, and museums across the country, including the Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. Western Massachusetts performances include the Green River Festival, River’s Meltdown, First Night Northampton, and the Forbes Library. He recently released his 6th album of music for families - Look Both Ways.

Latin Dance Made Easy: Salsa Lesson with McCoy Jamison

Internationally trained teacher, dancer and choreographer McCoy Jamison is the passionate founder of Latin Dance Made Easy. After discovering dance in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, where he trained intensively at the prestigious Jaime Aroxa Academy, he continued his studies in the U.S. and Cuba, covering numerous styles of Latin and African social dance. In addition to creating online dance lessons, McCoy runs weekly Latin dance events featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, and kizomba. He also offers DJ services and dance lessons for parties, weddings, festivals and community events.

The Leafies You Gave Me

The Leafies You Gave me is chiefly a 10-piece avant-garde rock ensemble, but we also have a constant theatrical element (pantomime, with practically no banter at all) with minimalistic props and costume changes. Our shows consist of a series of original musical pieces in several disparate genres, some with vocals, some instrumental, played with little to no breaks in between.

Love Crumbs (Acoustic Duo edition)

Love Crumbs is an indie folk-rock group based in Massachusetts known for blending poignant lyrics with powerhouse female vocals. “[T]here are some artists so fizzing with potential that their success seems predestined,” Keep Walking Music writes of Love Crumbs. Of their live performance, Glide Magazine says they have "energy and talent to spare" and that they "wowed the audience with their talent, energy, and enthusiasm...leav[ing} the crowd in awe."

Lotus Peace Arts

Lotus Peace Arts instructors, students, and guest artists will present a medley of poetic movement performances -- "Celebrating Connections" -- including Tai Chi & Qigong, Aikido, Okinawan Karate, Filipino Stick Arts, Poemotion, and more.

Mad Science of Western New England

For 25 years, Mad Science has been bringing its unique brand of “edu-tainment” to children of Western New England through spectacular stage shows, after-school programs, in-school workshops, parties, activity booths and summer programs. Now you can ring in the New Year with a spectacular Mad Science show. Come see a one-of-a-kind exploration of the science of the season and more, featuring dazzling demonstrations and interactive fun. Kids of all ages will be entertained by amazing scientific antics...but watch out - if they are not VERY CAREFUL - they just might learn something!

Eva Markham

Local singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Honest, clever lyrics balanced by powerful and intricate vocals. Described by many to be transporting, and emotionally evocative. "I was in a trance, [Eva] could have played for five hours, [she] could have played for years and I would have withered away without noticing."

Pamela Means

Pamela Means, singer-songwriter and jazz musician, is “one of the fiercest guitar players and politically-rooted musicians in the industry today," (Curve Magazine) with her "insanely brilliant" (Press Herald, Portland ME) and “stark, defiant songs.” (New York Times) Plus “with her snappy delivery of lounge classics, Means takes her rightful place among contemporary superstar jazz vocalists such as Cassandra Wilson and Norah Jones.” (Curve)

Melody and Company Chamber Series

A classical concert of Schubert's Piano Trio in E-flat Major, op. 100. This charming yet profound piece of music will transport and transform the listeners, and we would be honored to share this music for First Night! The piece takes just under 45 minutes to perform, so it fits perfectly into your programming. The performers will be Melody Fader- Piano, Sophie Ackermann- violin, and Nicolas Deletaille- cello.

The Mitchells

The Mitchells are a Northampton area rock trio that have been carving out their version of angular and/or blurry guitar pop since the Baystate Cabaret days of the mid-90's. They have 4 albums to their name.

Hannah Mohan

Hannah Mohan’s new album is a first in more ways than one. Time Is a Walnut is the first solo release from the Western Massachusetts singer and songwriter, after nearly a decade fronting indie-pop band And the Kids. The album also comes amid the longest stretch Mohan has spent in one place since she left home at 16 to hop freight trains and hitchhike across North America.

Making music has been at the center of Mohan’s life ever since, even as other circumstances have changed—sometimes radically. A long-term relationship crumbled in 2019. Then the pandemic arrived, bringing an end to her band. After writing a batch of new songs taking stock of her situation, Mohan asked Alex Toth of Rubblebucket and Tōth to produce them, the latest installment of a longtime friendship and occasional creative collaboration. During the heart of the coronavirus lockdown, they spent a week recording in Mohan’s basement in Massachusetts, with subsequent overdubs at Toth’s place in Brooklyn.

Mohan left home in Northampton when she was 16, and spent the next five years crisscrossing the continent, busking on the street for a living and learning songs around the campfires she shared with other traveler kids on the road. Though she doesn’t talk much about the experience, it was obviously formative.

She came back to Northampton in 2012 and started And the Kids with a friend from middle school. The group released three LPs between 2014 and 2019 and toured hard across North America before dissolving in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. As she emerges back into the world with Time Is a Walnut, Mohan is ready to embrace whatever comes next, even though it’s not always clear what shape it will take.

Laura Mustard

Laura Mustard took her five years of playing both solo and in bands in the Western MA music scene (including the world famous Yellow Sofa open mic!) and mixed it with Nashville storyteller songwriting. Known for audience participation and funny stage banter. Laura brings songs about body positivity, self acceptance, love, treehouses and typewriters to life in her engaging acoustic shows, armed with only her voice and a keyboard!

Jocie Nangle

Through songs in Irish Gaelic and English, Jocie uses her voice to bring audiences along with her to the Emerald Isle. Traditional songs, mostly, shape the experience – from otherworldly sean-nós laments, to playful love songs, to fast dance-tune songs. On some songs, Jocie relies solely on her voice, on others, she accompanies herself on guitar. She might even play her flute. And, when the setting is right, Jocie will invite toe-tapping, hand-clapping, and simple sing-alongs, as the audience transforms into her band.

Many an evening singing and playing in Irish traditional music sessions, time with renowned Irish singers and musicians, study of sean-nós singing and Irish Gaelic, and travel in Ireland, ground Jocie’s understanding of Irish traditional music in the feel of the music and a deep sense of community and culture. Her singing has been well received both here and in Ireland.

“Making her magic” – F. Alex Johnson

Queer Joy Chorus

Queer Joy Chorus is a joyful, inclusive chorus for the LGBTQIA+ community. Encompassing multiple generations, races, and experience levels, the thing that brings us together is our love for singing and for building community.

New Leaf

New Leaf is John Tabb on button accordion, Kira Jewett on fiddle and Jim Bunting on guitar, vocals and bouzouki. Together they play traditional tunes with tight, driving rhythm, interspersed with Jim's unique take on Ireland's song repertoire.​

Mark Nomad

A set of solo blues and original songs with vocal, acoustic guitar and harmonica.

Northampton Woodwind Quintet

The Northampton Woodwind Quintet is an ensemble dedicated to the literature, voice, and multiple personalities of the woodwind quintet. We play works composed for the quintet and transcriptions of works composed for other ensembles. Two pieces have been written for us and we have made our own arrangements of works by composers from J.S. Bach to Elvis Costello.

The Northamptones

Northampton High School’s A Cappella group, The Northamptones, have a rich history and connection to the Pioneer Valley community that reaches back over two decades. Each year this group of dedicated students comes together to sing a variety of pop, rock, and jazz repertoire. And while the group members change from year to year, the music-making stays at the center of the group’s passion. Keep an eye out for them across the Valley and thank you for supporting music in our schools! Check out our instagram (@thenorthamptones) for upcoming performances!

Northampton Karate

Thousands of adults, teens, and children from across Western Massachusetts have come to Northampton Karate to learn the traditional Okinawan Matsubayashi style of Shorin-ryu karate since its founding in 1988. Our students learn martial arts techniques, self-defense, and physical discipline through kata (forms) as well as partner work including kumite (sparring).The founder of Shorin-ryu believed that cultivating the mind was as important as physical training, so we emphasize deep focus and mindfulness in our practice. We welcome all genders, experience levels and fitness levels. Karate can be enjoyed for a lifetime! We are excited to be making a return to First Night after many years and invite audiences to join us for a demonstration (with some audience participation!) of this beautiful and functional martial art. Learn more about us at northamptonkarate.com or by emailing info@northamptonkarate.com

Offbeat Womyn's Drumming Ensemble

Offbeat Womyn's Drumming Ensemble have been performing together for more than a decade. Our sound is influenced by a variety of drumming traditions, but predominantly African. We play both hand and stick drums. We honor the origin stories and cultural roots of the rhythms we play, and receive them indirectly from African drum masters who support our sharing of them. We enjoy bringing vibrant, high energy performances to community events, like Pride parades and non-profit fundraisers.

Wildcat O'Halloran

Lively Blues dance music, featuring longtime WMASS guitar slinger ( and former Bo Diddley sideman) Wildcat O'Halloran, with stellar supporting cast.

Henning Ohlenbusch

If instead of Garfunkel it was Robyn Hitchcock. So, Simon and Hitchcock, but one guy. Henning is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and performer. He has been a part of the Northampton music scene for years with his bands, Gentle Hen, The Fawns, School for the Dead, The Aloha Steamtrain, and Humbert (to name a few). Here's how Ray Mason sums him up: "Henning has his own unique way of looking at and commenting on the human condition. And in doing so he makes us think."

Solo performer with a voice, an acoustic guitar, and a long catalog of thoughtful and memorable songs.

Instagram: @henningo
Twitter: @itsmehenning

Original Cowards

We're a band with some classic influences -Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Wilco; some indie - Guided by Voices is another; and many others.

The Pangeans

World Music Dance Party with the Pangeans. 7-piece band (with horn section) plays Latin, Reggae, Afrobeat, Samba, Funk, African music and more.

Peace & Rhythm DJs Dance Party

Peace & Rhythm, founded in the Valley in 2014, is both a record label and a DJ collective. The label concentrates on releasing contemporary indie global grooves on limited edition vinyl with quality packaging in partnership with musical artists who are also friends. The DJ team plays an eclectic mix of music in both digital and vinyl formats. For First Night, the Peace & Rhythm DJ team consists of Bongohead and Studebaker Hawk.

Joey Pesce

Performing original songs by myself, Joey Pesce, in a modern rock style with me on electric guitar and my buds on drums, bass and atmospherics. I do a lot of solo electric work in this introspective sort of set.

John Porcino

A Heck of a Way to Stay Warm: Stories and Songs that Celebrate Winter’s Hidden Light

In this program nationally renowned storyteller/musician John Porcino will spin a patchwork quilt of his most beloved tales and songs to celebrate the holiday season and warm up the chilly winter's day. Together we'll enter a world were woolen mittens burst into laughter and snow banks melt to reveal a blooming heart. Joyful, warm, playful stories and songs that celebrate Winter's hidden light.

Ed Popielarczyk's Comedy Magic

My magic show is a comedy show that uses a lot of audience participation. The kids are the stars because they make the magic happen. I usually have lots of trouble! I don’t just “do a trick” I tell a story that revolves around each trick. It may be a short story or a longer one, but each story helps to bring the trick together. Every child who comes on “stage” to be a helper receives a souvenir!

The show is appropriate for ages three and up.

Pre-Emption Road

A multi-genre string band featuring guitar, banjo, bass and drums playing rock, folk, pop, Americana and more.

RADiO

RADiO is raw authentic music. Powerhouse vocalist and monumental songwriter, Mackie Gene Spear fronts the band with energy and panache. Holding it down when the group goes LIVE! A crushing rhythm section featuring Kevin Mason on drums and Bassist Joey Sicard tearing up 6 strings. RADiO is alive, so tune in!

The Raging Grannies

In the tradition of wise women elders, The Western Mass. Raging Grannies seek to promote global peace, social, economic justice and democratic processes. They perform satirical song parodies and slightly irreverent ditties to raise public awareness of many issues facing us today.

Ragtime Piano with Dick Moulding

Tales and tunes from a time when dinosaur pianos roamed the earth and ragtime syncopation was "sweeping the nation". Northampton's own Dick Moulding revisits treasures by Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake, Julia Niebergall, Fats Waller, Joseph Lamb, W.C. Handy, Jimmy Yancy, Max Morath, and more.

ReBelle

ReBelle is a multi-talented musical force conceived in love, rebellion and the evocative musical vigor of Manou Africa and Kalpana Devi.

Kalpana and Manou are musicians, composers, activists, parents and upholders of love and justice. Their powerful musicianship and mystical lead vocals are contemporary, vital and spell binding. Nothing remains the same after a ReBelle experience. If you want to dance as you dream; chant on the move; find yourself in the compelling atmosphere of origin, then come to ReBelle. They'll more than meet you there. They'll take you there.

“Few bands brave the more difficult challenges of composing new, intelligent and trail blazing music... ReBelle is one such band.” Dirty Linen

"Multi-lingual, multinational and multi-talented succinctly describes ReBelle." Dub Missive

“ReBelle does some heavy channeling in their live shows…..When ReBelle performs, concert halls become churches, and for several hours, at least, people come together.”- Valley Advocate

Recent History

Recent History is an alternative dance-rock band based out of the Northampton area fronted by Glen Fant (Bang Camaro/ The Fatal Flaw) along with Ryan Guillen (Tetramono) and Rocco Desgres (Moving Day), Kate Dowd (Ex-Temper/ True Jackie) and Dillon Pinard.

rhubarb duo

Two-piece math rock drums and baritone guitar.

The Rocking Puppies

Introducing the formidable duo from the heart of Western Massachusetts, the Rocking Puppies! This extraordinary father-and-daughter punk band has been igniting stages and captivating audiences with their infectious energy and boundless enthusiasm for over two years. With the ageless dad at the helm, accompanied by his pint-sized 8-year-old rockstar daughter, the Rocking Puppies have become a force to be reckoned with in the local music scene.

Roger Salloom

Original Americana Topical Music that will get your toes tapping as well as to keep your Heart & Mind motivating in a Good Way.
“...The writing talent of Dylan or Guthrie... musical genius...hilarious and tragic, kindhearted and careless, all the complexities of a real human being.” IMDb

Colin Jalbert

The solo project of drummer and electronic musician Colin Jalbert (Kat Wright, Jalbatross). With a drum kit and a projector, Jalbert samples and remixes video footage of everything from concert footage to TV ads, creating new works that are paired with dynamic and engaging drumming. The result is an audiovisual collage of jazz, trip hop, downtempo and house.

Shiprock & Anchordog

A multimedia storytelling project following the adventures of two kind dogs as they move across enchanted landscapes and make many friends as they go. With Clara on bass, Lucy on drums, and Evan on guitar, the stories are shared through songs in a whimsical, energetic live performance.

SHOW Circus Studio

At this dark time of the year, join SHOW Circus Studio's professional and student circus artists as we explore and celebrate the many facets of light. Come along on a fun and fantastic escape - journey with us among shadows, waves, and colors as our acrobats and aerialists fly through the air. Let there be light! (All acts conducted under strict safety procedures.)

Shubalananda Kirtan

Shubalananda is an American sadhu, traveling across the Northeast since 1995 and sharing his unique, bluesy style of kirtan, which is the meditative call and response gospel music of India. The first stage of inner discipline and yogic attainment is emptying the mind of thoughts, and as Shubal says, “You can’t think when you sing. Therefore, kirtan is the shortcut to no-thought.”

Shubal is a Tantric devotee of Shree Maa of Kamakya. He has studied with many of the gurus of India, including Sathya Sai Baba, Baba Ram Dass, Karunamayi, Baba Hari Ji, and the greatest kirtan singer of them all, Ma Chetan Jyoti. These studies, along with his voice of deep bhava and experience, and his masterful musical skill, allow Shubal to offer his kirtan as a gift to his Guru, to his highest self, and to the community around him.

When Shubal leads kirtan, the flow of his Gurus’ Shakti fills everyone in the room. Shubal’s kirtan is unique: his power, his love of God, his amazing experiences and wisdom, and the grace of his Guru, create an environment which can be experienced nowhere else. Come and feel the uplift with Shubalananda Kirtan.

Tony Silva Spanish Guitar

Tony Silva has been playing acoustic guitar for over 40 years. Early influences range from Stephen Stills to Andrés Segovia. His father Pedro Silva was from Chile, and passed on the love of the music of the Andes Mountains. As a solo performer, Silva specializes in Rumba Flamenca (the style of the Gipsy Kings). He also plays a wide range of music from Latin America, and transcribes flute and harp music from the Andes for guitar. His repertoire includes rumbas, waltzes, boleros, and huapangos with songs from Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, Chile and lots of Gipsy Kings! www.tonysilva.com

Ron Smith / Soulful Jazz Trio

Ron Smith / Jo Sallins / Kevin Sharpe

The Soulful Jazz Trio are a collection of Western Massachusetts most established musicians / educators /entertainers. Very highly skilled musicians who share their love and passion for all styles of jazz and instrumental Pop music. The Soulful Jazz Trio have performed at The Indie Soul Music Festival, First Night of Northampton, Dewey’s Jazz Lounge, The Springfield Jazz Roots Festival, Thursday Jazz Sessions at The Wurst Haus in Northampton, Deerfield Inn-Champney’s Summer Patio Music Series. and Northampton Jazz Festival. Prepare yourself for a night of soulful and energetic music. We are 3 but sound like a 6 piece ensemble.

Spirit of The Heart

Indonesian Martial Arts demonstration by adults, kids, and teens.

www.spiritoftheheart.org

Spouse

Western Massachusetts-based SPOUSE has existed under the general radar for the better part of three decades. These indie rockers have been honing their versatile brand of alternative pop across seven full-length albums and a handful of singles and EPs, evoking the raw grit of The Replacements and the unpredictable dynamics of Pixies in the process. Lead singer and guitarist José Ayerve is often joined by J. J. O’Connell on drums, multi-instrumentalist Ken Maiuri onguitar and keys, and Marc Seedorf on bass. The SPOUSE family is extensive and includes notable co-writers and collaborators Liz Bustamante, Dan Pollard, Erin McKeown, and Alisha Goldblatt.

spousemusic.com

Ian St George Band

Founder of Thee Arcadians, Gland Pageant, and Phenomena 256.

StompBoxTrio

StompBoxTrio incorporates 20th-century American blues, rock, and soul with 21st-century mojo.

Talking Hands Theatre

BUGABOO REVUE

Some people think creepy crawlies are just plain gross. But if you look closely, each bug in the garden has a song to sing about the special job it does to help plants grow. Wiggle like a worm, flutter like a ladybug, buzz like a fly, and more, along with the puppets in this show as each one sings a song to convince Miss Rosie why she needs bugs in her garden.

Thrasher Wheat

Thrasher Wheat is a rock band who performs the music of Neil Young. Featuring local heavy hitters Mike Jennings, Chris Jennings, Mike Parham and Jacob Rosazza. Plus a special double drums set with both Don McAulay  AND  John Moloney!

Tommy Twilite

Songwriter, performer and Massachusetts Beat Poet Laureate - Tommy Twilite cut his musical teeth in the early 80’s Northampton scene at legendary local venues Sheehan's Cafe and the Bay State Hotel. Tommy performed and recorded through the early 2000’s with various original acts including: No Apparent Reason, The Plutonians, Decoupage, the Tommy Twilite Orchestra and the Birds of Mars. Some of these early albums have recently become available online via Spotify, etc., with more yet to come! Now a solo performer, Tommy brings his acoustic guitar, lyric-driven songs, spare arrangements and intensely passionate vocals to venues near and far. Through his music and poetry, Tommy Twilite continues to explore what it means to be a troubadour in the modern world.

The Understudies: An Improvised Musical

It's the opening night of a brand new musical! Unfortunately, the show was never written or rehearsed. This is the moment we've been training for. Be part of the fun as the determined Understudies create an entire musical from scratch, with a little help from the audience.

Valley FLOW & Juggle Jam

A hands on, popular event for people of all ages, abilities and experience. FLOW is a fun activity that creates community as people learn together to express their personal creativity through movement, in collaboration with others using a variety of equipment and props. FLOW props and juggling equipment available for use by participants. Instructors provided for all levels, beginners especially welcome. Not a performance to watch, but something to actually do. Poi, Hoops, rings, scarves, balls and much much more.

Valley Jazz Voices

Valley Jazz Voices brings together singers and audiences who are passionate about jazz vocal music. Directed by Jeff Olmsted, the group performs a rich and diverse repertoire in four part harmony, drawing from swing, bebop, cool, Brazilian and pop-inspired jazz arrangements. Based in Northampton, Massachusetts, Valley Jazz Voices is the largest community jazz vocal ensemble in Western Mass.

Valley Light Opera

Songs from current and past VLO productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.

Vimana

Vimana is a "heavy jazz" trio (Brian Rodrigues, bass; Bruce Todd, drums; Leo Hwang, guitar) based in Montague and mix equal parts rock, funk, and jazz into a stone cauldron.

"The tunes on Space Triangle of Love have more structure, and feel more intentional: these guys know where they want to go, and have a notion of how they want to get there. Plus, they have chops. Guitarist Leo Hwang dials in a variety of tones and textures, bassist Brian Rodrigues is equally at home on big, splatty basslines [...]and subtle accents, [...]while drummer Bruce Todd steers the tune [...]. Hwang, Rodrigues and Todd are each capable of playing with flash, but their prime directive is serving the song." Eric R. Danton, Freak Scene 

Vimana creates all original jazz fusion compositions that have a sound that is contemporary but reflects in our influences from the 1960s and 1970s and weaves together cultural roots from Korea, to Portugal, to America.

Stefan Weiner

Stefan Weiner grew up in Northampton, soaking up the town’s rich music scene. He is now an NYC-based queer singer-songwriter. He mixes the immediacy of classic pop writing with the intimacy of a quiet conversation with a friend. He has a unique ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level, both as a singer and a storyteller. Stefan hopes to create space for people to access vulnerability. Audience members often come up to Stefan after shows to share stories from their own lives and tell him how much they connected to certain songs. After years making pop music, Stefan made the transition back to indie folk, where he got his start. Stefan released his first folk EP in 10 years, My Birthday Again, earlier this year. He is particularly excited for 2024, with two more EPs on the way, a full length album in production and shows around the Pioneer Valley and beyond.

Wise Guys / On That Note

A cappella groups On That Note (mixed voices) and Wise Guys (men's voices).

Wishbone Zoe

Zosia Kochanski (Wishbone Zoe), b. 1994 near Northampton, Holyoke and Amherst Massachusetts, is a multi-disciplinary artist and musician. She works across hand-drawn animation, songwriting, exploratory music, performance art, drawings, video, bass guitar, voice, poetry, multi-media collage, and sometimes soft sculpture and mask design.

YO-YO GUY

John Higby is the Yo-Yo Guy! He has performed his unique high-energy comedy yo-yo show in 26 countries from New Zealand to Japan, holds the world yo-yo champion title and 4 Guinness World Records.

Zikina

Traditional East African instruments and singing enveloped in a totally unique cross-cultural blend of dance beats, rock, funk, and jazz.