UPDATE:
The Festival is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Spook Handy
Shore Stage (5:30-6:15PM)
Jam Tent (12:00-1:15PM)
Spook is excited to return to the Shore Stage where he got his start at the NJFF in 1998. In addition to having performed alongside Pete Seeger at festivals and concerts more than 50 times from 2003 – 2013, Spook is an accomplished songwriter in his own right. Inspired by his extensive touring of the U.S. and Canada, Spook’s original songs add new chapters to America’s story. This year, Spook takes us in a new direction as he showcases new songs in the singer/songwriter genre mixed in with old favorites from his “Remembering Pete Seeger” concert.
Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise
Shore Stage (3:15-4:15PM)
MC/ Poet/ Songwriter Kuf Knotz and classically trained Harpist / Guitarist / Pianist / Vocalist Christine Elise have combined forces to create a new album. The unlikely pair connected and built the project with a similar vision, wanting to create positive, forward thinking music driven by a strong message. Both individuals are intrinsically motivated to foster community growth through musical expression.
Sean Tobin
Shore Stage (2:30-3:00PM)
Raised on the Jersey Shore, Sean Tobin grew up surrounded by music. Having taught himself to play guitar, he began writing songs in high school, and by 2018, self-released his first LP: This Midnight. Tobin played dozens of shows following his freshman release including an opening set for Rhett Miller of the Old 97’s. The following year, Tobin played Frank Turner’s Lost Evenings III Festival in Boston. In July of 2019, Tobin self-released his second work titled Dreams & Black Caffeine, a four-song EP. Tobin continues to play countless venues around the US.
Lisa and Lori Brigantino
Shore Stage (2:00-2:30PM)
Lisa and Lori Brigantino perform Lisa’s original, multi-genre songs at a variety of venues and festivals. The sisters are known for tight sibling vocal harmonies and multi-instrumental musicianship. ‘Round Magazine says of Lisa’s latest album I’ll Waltz Before I Go, “Nearly every track is a standout…This is a stunner of an album.” Lisa is a former original member of Lez Zeppelin, the world’s first all girl Led Zeppelin tribute band (bass, keyboards, mandolin). Lori can be heard singing and playing on I’ll Waltz Before I Go and her vocals can be heard on Lisa’s previous albums. In addition, Lori is a trained actor with Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway, TV & film credits.
Circle Round the Sun
Shore Stage (1:00-1:30PM)
Circle Round the Sun is a New Jersey- based acoustic band that performs original and cover songs best described as Americana, with a special emphasis on rich harmonies and sizzling guitar licks. Their music lives at the intersection of folk, country, blues, and rock. Jay Wilensky sings and plays guitar, Marie Trontell sings, Christ Bukata plays inspired lead guitar, George LaVecchia plays rock-solid acoustic bass guitar, and Joe Brice holds things together playing rhythm guitar. Circle Round the Sun has been performing at festivals, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, and benefit concerts since 2005.
Nina Ricci
Shore Stage (12:15-12:45PM)
To those who follow folk music, Nina Ricci has been said to be “reminiscent of a young Joan Baez,” and “one of the great voices in folk music today.” John Paul White (Civil Wars) noted similarity to the doll of country music, Dolly Parton. Her characteristic vibrant long tones sustained by a hypnotic vibrato are the features of the voice of a young woman who has studied her craft. “American folk music revivals are sparked by distinct, heroic voices that capture the spirit of the times and people who make up the American mosaic. Nina Ricci is one of those voices. She has chosen a musical path that will enrich the lives of others.” —Michael C. Gabriele, Author of New Jersey Folk Revival Music: History & Tradition
Sara Ontaneda
Shore Stage (11:30AM-12:00PM)
Sara Ontaneda is an Ecuadorian-American singer-songwriter based in NYC. Her music is often described as Alternative Pop, blending Folk, R&B, and South-American sounds. In March 2017, Sara released her first studio, full-length album, “Entre Espacios y Colores”, inspired by her multi-cultural upbringing. With songs about acceptance, unity, and love, the LP received many positive reviews and has led the artist to tour within the US and Latin America with notable performances at SXSW, the NAMM Show, and LIFA Music Festival (Mexico City), among others. Sara is the winner of the “Best World Music” Award from Richmond Film and Music Festival. Recently, she also won the “Revelation Artist of the Year” Award at Premios Unidad (Ecuadorian Music Awards in NY). Sara continues to tour internationally and releasing singles of her upcoming album.
Carla Ulbrich
Shore Stage (10:45-11:15AM)
Carla Ulbrich is a comical singer-songwriter and guitarist whose biggest musical influences were (and still are) Sesame Street, camp songs, and cat food commercials. She has a love of the absurdities of ordinary life, a somewhat twisted viewpoint, and a way with words. Carla’s 8 indie CDs have been featured on the BBC, Dr. Demento, Sirius XM Radio, Pandora, and NPR’s Morning Edition.
Lauren Jaimes
Shore Stage (10:00-10:30AM)
Lauren Jaimes is a Berklee trained singer-songwriter with a passion for storytelling. Her sound, which has roots in Country, Folk, and Americana, evokes a dreamy vintage western vibe that is reflective of some of her favorite influences, including Kacey Musgraves, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash. After releasing her debut EP, “Here to Stay”, it went on to win the category of Best Female EP from LA Music Critic Awards for Indie Artists. Lauren is currently working on two music video releases and writing her debut full-length album, “Constellations”.