Pigeons Playing Ping Pong brings end-of-the-world enthusiasm to their high-energy psychedelic funk. Their infectious electro-funk grooves, undeniable live energy and contagious smiles have their rabid fanbase “the Flock” growing exponentially. Based out of Baltimore, MD, this animated quartet has been scorching up the country with their explosive performances and danceable peaks… and they’re loving every minute of it!
After forming in Buffalo in 2006, Aqueous (pronounced “ay-kwee-us”) has earned a reputation as one of the most promising improvisational rock acts in the country. Best known for their “groove rock” stylings, guitarist Mike Gantzer, guitarist/keyboardist David Loss, bassist Evan McPhaden and drummer Rob Houk have developed a unique sound characterized by meticulous compositions and rich exploratory jams that easily transition from laidback, in-the-pocket grooves to furious, high-intensity peaks. Composed of longtime friends, Aqueous’ members have developed near-psychic abilities with one another over the years, enabling them to stretch each song while maintaining a staggering degree of precision. In a live setting, the group’s undeniable technical prowess truly shines, making for dynamic performances that bring fans back night after night.
Magic Beans (Scott Hachey, Casey Russell, Chris Duffy and Cody Wales) have steadily built upon their national notoriety in a very short period of time with a passion for music that is as infectious as their songs. Hailing from Denver, their development has been aided by the warm hearth of the Colorado music scene, and quickly setting themselves apart from the pack as one of the state’s premier acts.
LITZ brings together a wide array of musical influences ranging from funk, jam, go-go, soul, electronica and just about everywhere inbetween to amalgamate a new sound for the ears of the world. Their sound strives to sonically transport it’s listeners to another planet free of the stress, struggles, and tribulations of modern day life through the use of funky horn riffs, wah-wah keys, pounding bass, driving/progressive rhythms and melt your face guitar.
Mungion is a band that transcends genre classification with their intense musicality, exploratory improv, and light-hearted, yet dedicated attitude on-stage and in the studio. Blending elements of Rock, Jazz, Latin, Metal, Bluegrass, Jam, Electronic, Classical, World, and Funk, they create a true fusion of musics. Though, as they are quick to point out, it is not fusion, but rather a synthesis of many different melodic ideas into a new and original one.
Get ready for the first-ever set by The Domefest All-Stars! Who knows what stars will align…
Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers will make a sprightly young groove doctor out of anyone. With spectacular energy pulsating from every member of the band, the Rainbow Seekers could illuminate the very chambers of Heaven. Lead singer Joe Hertler splashes through lyrical puddles of golden rain, leaving his audience wearing flowery crowns and bubbling smiles. A ride on the Rainbow will take you across the mountains of Motown, through the fjords of folk, over the archipelagos of Americana, and—at last—into a funky firth, where only the fiercest of friendships can be found.
The Fritz is a soul-driven dance rock band hailing from Asheville, NC.
The group’s aggressive approach to funk, soul, and rock creates a sound that is uniquely their own. Their high-energy, danceable songs provide a platform for each member to shine. With powerful vocals, climactic solos, and tight grooves, The Fritz has built a devoted following and is captivating audiences everywhere.
Funk You humbly contributes to a music scene that has given them so much. The band steadfastly crafts and develops their sound while touring across the country, growing closer as a family of musicians. Focusing on the many styles that construct and compose the glorious genre of funk, these players artfully blend clean and powerful vocals with passionate musicianship. Funk You feels most at home on stage and their captivating live performances keep fans coming back time and time again.
Cycles epitomizes the power-trio format with ripping guitar, fat bass grooves played out through furious slapping, and dynamic drum beats flowing over intricatetempo changes. Each member wields a unique take on their instrument that when played together, forms a truly fresh and cohesive sound.
Known for their high-energy shows, the band mixes a fierce rhythmic foundation, dual guitar solos, and an Appalachian-tinged mix of genres that makes standing still nearly impossible. By focusing on musical intricacy and creating seamless improvisation, Fletcher’s Grove has captured the imaginations of thousands in the Mountain State and beyond.
Goose is an indie-groove band based out of Norwalk, Connecticut. Rick Mitarotonda is the guitarist-singer-songwriter whose folky, hummable melodies are supported by Peter Anspach on guitar/keys, and a deep-pocket rhythm section of Trevor Weekz on bass and Ben Atkind on drums. The band’s music is both memorable and danceable; an organic and easy-to-love mix of funk and contemporary folk, with touches of reggae, jazz, blues, and rock.
Since their conception, Funk/Soul band West End Blend has been playing their version of Funk and Soul in venues all over the Northeast. Fronted by vocalist Erica T. Bryan, the band pays homage to classic throwback sounds while adding their own distinct vibe and flair. Behind her, the Blend packs a horn section, two guitars, bass, keyboards and drums onto stages every night.
Since the band’s conception at Plymouth State University, Swimmer has cultivated a fanbase throughout the country with their unique, high-energy performances. Swimmer has shared the stages with bands such as Dopapod, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Aqueous, Kung Fu and many other heavy-hitters in the scene. Swimmer has performed at festivals such as Disc Jam, Wild Woods and Strangecreek.
Baltimore’s own Deaf Scene is quickly becoming recognized as a standout band on a regional and national level, bringing a powerful blend of Post-Rock, Grunge, Progressive Metal, and Jazz-Fusion to their songs and live shows. This ever-evolving instrumental power-trio has consciously embraced walking a musical road-less-traveled since their inception in 2010.
Hailing from Baltimore, MD, The Dirty Grass Players have established themselves with one toe-tappin’ foot in traditional bluegrass and blazing musicianship that pushes boundaries. Comprised of Josh Ballard on bass, Alex Berman on banjo, Ben Kolakowski with the guitar, and Ryan Rogers on mandolin, this four-piece is successfully bringing their growing fanbase a down, dirty and heated performance. Their ability to seamlessly transition from down-home bluegrass to spirited improvisation makes each performance unique. Throw in some Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd or a dash of southern rock and you’ll quickly understand what they mean by Dirty Grass. Their self-titled debut CD, ‘The Dirty Grass Players,’ captures this energy and as 2017 winner of Charm City Bluegrass & Folk Festival Band Competition clearly indicates, this is just the beginning. For anyone that enjoys a musical throwdown by skilled musicians, its time to get your grass dirty.
Chalk Dinosaur (John O’Hallaron) is a recording artist from Pittsburgh, PA who has recorded and released 15 albums since 2009. Whether it be solo or full-band, Chalk Dinosaur’s live sound blends musical sounds consisting of electronic, psychedelic, funk and dance. Recently, O’Hallaron recruited local talent for live performances, creating a more explosive improvised sound on stage.
A tantalizing mix of electronic and analog “cosmic funk” performed by longtime pals and fellow funkstronauts Owen Murphy and Ben Carrey, bassist of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.
The music of Mateo Monk is beyond classification. It is a synthesis of multiple genres of world roots music, heavily informed by the spontaneous freedom of psychedelic jam culture. Mateo performs solo on the guitar, flute, synthesizer, and melodica, utilizing a looper pedal to create fully-textured rhythms, adorned with virtuosic melodic musings, all seamlessly woven into the song form in real time.
Formerly know as LIFTED, Puremotion combines pure essences and inspirations of music varying from rock, funk, jazz and soul and explores these capabilities live and in studio. All four members met and formed at the University of Hartford and features Pigeons Playing Ping Pong’s drummer Alex “Gator” Petropulos. The combination of different upbringings and backgrounds in music led to a unmatched dynamic range of songs.
