Angus Kress Gillespie Main Stage

10:00am

    A Long Time Coming

    Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Tribute

    The “ Long Time Coming CSNY” band is very excited to be welcomed back for the fifth time to perform at the NJFF! The five member band has been playing together in various lineups over the past 30+ years, having appeared in such venues as the historic Stanhope House in Northern New Jersey, the Wonder Bar, The Saint and The House of Independents in Asbury Park and the Tropicana in Atlantic City to name a few, and have also performed at festivals such as the Stonehenge and Bourbon Street Blues festival. They have collectively played across many musical genres including Folk ,R&B, Blues, Funk and Jazz, but they have never strayed from their lifelong passion for the music of Crosby, Stills Nash and Young, who’s progressive and unique sound combines vocal harmonies with a fusion of all those genres and more.

    10:30am

    Welcoming and opening ceremonies

    including; National Anthem

    Welcome Remarks by NJFF Founder: Dr. Angus Kress Gillespie, NJFF Managing Director: Matthew Ferguson, and Rutgers-SEBS Executive Dean: Laura Lawson

    Entry Music by the New Brunswick Jazz Project Brass Band & National Anthem by Rutgers Mason Gross Alumni: Charlie Barber

    11:15am

    Tempo Alegre

    Tempo Alegre, a seasoned ensemble with a legacy spanning over 25 years, has graced both private and public social and cultural events with their diverse repertoire of Latin music styles. From the spirited rhythms of merengue and salsa to the timeless melodies of bachata, cumbia, bolero, and beyond. Over the years, Tempo Alegre has cultivated a reputation for professionalism, reliability, timeliness, and musical excellence. With each performance, Tempo Alegre brings people together through the universal language of music.

    12:30pm

    Jackson Pines

    Original and Traditional Pine Barrens Folk Music

    Jackson Pines will perform original songs from their records “Purgatory Road” and “Wheel”, and focus on songs from the Merce Ridgway and the Pine Hawkers tradition such as “Mt. Holly Jail”, “Julie Jane”, and “The Pine Barrens Song”.

    Jackson Pines are a band of best friends from the Pine Barrens of NJ. Taking cues from the past, but always looking to the future, James and Joe pen songs of hope and despair, love and death, and redemption on the road of life. They also interpret 80-200 year old songs from the woods where they grew up. In 2024 they released a 20 song record of original songs called “Purgatory Road” as well as “Pine Barrens Vol. 2” , which was named the 2024 Album of the Year by The Aquarian Magazine.

    2:00pm

    Al Olender

    Al Olender brings deeply personal storytelling and hauntingly beautiful melodies to the New Jersey Folk Festival. With a voice that is both raw and tender, she weaves heartfelt songs of love, loss, and self-discovery. Her performance will showcase songs from her debut album Easy Crier, along with new songs from her forthcoming sophomore release.

    3:15pm

    Spook Handy

    Spook Handy has been performing at the New Jersey Folk Festival since 1998. Having performed elsewhere alongside Pete Seeger more than 50 times, Spook really gets what Folk music is about. On the Gillespie Stage, he will present a mix of iconic songs of the Folk Revival with new songs he has written that everybody can sing.

    Handy, a singer/songwriter and longtime performer at the NJFF, who played for many years with folk music legend Pete Seeger, will review his current and future musical activities. A 1982 graduate of Rutgers University, many will recall Handy’s appearances at the Corner Tavern in New Brunswick, a musical series (“The Spook Handy Show”) that ran for 20 years, beginning in September 1985.