TENN FOLD
MARK MURPHY’S MUSIC STUDENT BAND

Tenn Fold is a Mark Murphy’s Music student band consisting of four Columbia High School Seniors. The band is Tennessee on Vocals & Guitar, Susannah on Bass, Max on Guitar and Sam on Drums. 

Tenn Fold will be performing a set of Alt 90s classics! The 90s seems to be having a renaissance right now and Tenn Fold will transport you right back to a great decade with a lot of incredible music. This will be one of the band’s last gigs as they all head off to college in the fall. A set not to be missed!

FISHMARKET STEW

Fishmarket Stew is a SOMA-based band that plays the music performed by Phish during its heyday in the 1990s. Comprised of four Maplewood residents: Eric de Picciotto (guitar), David Diamond (bass), Jamie MacLeod (drums), and Dave Shields (keyboards), they use the Phish catalogue as a launching pad for their own improvised music.

Collectively, Fishmarket Stew have pasts littered with shows, and tours with many bold face names including: members of Phish, Crosby Still & Nash, The Allman Brothers Band, Steve Miller, Steely Dan, Soulive, Jennifer Hartswick, Grippo Funk Band, Uncle Ebaneezer, The Neville Brothers, The Doobie Brothers, Rob Stoner, and Chicago.

What connection drew you to covering Phish? “90's Phish casts the widest net of musical styles of any band's repertoire. From country to Metal, playing Phish's music allows for a tremendous amount of free expression and creativity. . . .and chicks dig it.”

WHISKEY & SUGAR

Whiskey and Sugar didn’t exist until September 2023, when a mutual friend had the brilliant idea to introduce Matt Stone and Jess Frank. Now, after more than 70 shows, it’s obvious that the introduction was the start of something special. Together, they deliver a musical chemistry that kicks. Matt’s soulful guitar and vocals meet Jess’s versatile range—from warm harmonies to bold, soulful belts—while they both engage the crowd and get everyone singing along. Think classic rock, Americana, 90s alt-rock, guilty-pleasure pop, and even those singalongs everyone secretly loves.

Band Members:
Matt and Jess will be joined
Paul Graves (bass)
Anders Fransson (Drums)
KATIE RUMLEY (vocals)
KORY STANBURY (SAX)
MICHAEL RIECKERT (GUITAR)
DAVE DIAMOND (GUITAR)

What connection drew you to covering The Rolling Stones?
“The Rolling Stones write songs that belong to the crowd. The grooves are undeniable, the choruses beg to be shouted back, and the attitude never gets old. Whiskey & Sugar is drawn to that mix of grit, joy, and swagger — music that feels just as electric stripped down as it does on a big stage, and turns a festival of strangers into a singalong.”

EMMA & THE DESPERADOS
MARK MURPHY’S MUSIC STUDENT BAND

Emma & The Desperados is a Mark Murphy’s Music student band consisting of Emma on Vocals, Henry on Piano, Jack on Guitar, Shane on Drums, Tyler on Guitar and their teacher Ray on Bass.  

Emma & The Desperados will be performing a set of Eagles classics! The Eagles music is perfect for this band. The band really wanted to cover an iconic band that incorporates great songwriting, singing, band performances and classic electric guitar lines!

CYNTHIA TUCKER

Cynthia Tucker’s vocal musical journey spans over two decades and has captivated audiences from South America, to New York’s world-famous Cotton Club. Her powerful voice and emotive interpretations bring life and energy to Jazz, RnB, Dance and Broadway tunes.

Born into a family of musicians, Cynthia’s passion for music was nurtured from a young age. She started off playing flute but quickly transitioned to singing, after performing in local shows in the tri-state area. Cynthia was blessed to perform a jazz concert in South America in March of 2018, the Cotton Club, Atlantic City, Sands Casino and the National Anthem during the 2011 World Cup. Cynthia has also released numerous dance tracks and worked with leading producers such as Luie Vega and Ricky Nelson to name a few. She is celebrated for her recorded work and sought after for private and political engagements. Cynthia is dedicated to mentoring young artists, sharing knowledge and passion through workshops and outreach programs. Giving back is always a high priority and she performs for Women’s and homeless shelters to bring joy and hope to those who need it.

Cynthia’s happy place and home is the stage, and it is here where she truly releases the gifts placed inside her and leaves a small piece of her core with her audience!

What connection or draw do you have to this genre? “The 70's Disco Hits are classics! Everyone knows them young and old. The music has been made popular in movies, commercials, at skating rinks and even sporting events, so even young people have heard these tunes! I've seen young girls in college now singing along to "I Will Survive", because the message is one that we all can relate to. We've all survived something! The songs in that era spoke to the issues and emotions that tie us together as human beings!”

CHAANCE BARNES

Chaance Barnes has been singing and performing for over 20 years. She currently directs the Middle School and High School Choir at Cicely L. Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange. Since her time as director, Chaance' has led the Middle School Choir to winning 1st Place at the Music In The Parks Competition for three years consecutively. Chaance performs professionally throughout the tri-state area. Primarily singing Jazz, R&B and Gospel. Chaance has performed on some of the New Jersey's best stages including New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Prudential Center, South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), WBGO 88.3 FM, and Paper Mill Playhouse, Smalls Jazz Club, Newark PorchFest, Kaufman Music Center, Kean Stage and many more. 

Instagram: @chaancebarnes
Facebook: Chaance Barnes

WORKINGMAN’S JED

The music of the Grateful Dead continues to evolve at a faster pace than ever -- long after the band played their last show, over 30 years ago.  Indeed, the passing of Bob Weir this past January has only generated more love for these timeless songs and a greater demand for bands to play this music live.  

The members of Workingman's Jed share a love for the Dead’s musical cannon as well as their passion for improvisation.  We strive to honor the original compositions through our individual styles and musical experiences, to create something familiar, yet different and special.  We do this, through designing unique set lists for each show, merging songs together in original ways, and always pushing ourselves to interpret the music in a fresh and different way.  We thrive on the energy we get from each other (as well as the audience) take great joy in what we do.

In our 8th year of existence, we continue to play shows on a regular basis, both locally, and outside our community, at major venues in Manhattan, as well as Philadelphia. 

What connection or draw do you have to covering Bob Weir? “Bob Weir's contributions to the Grateful Dead cannot be overstated.  Quite simply, there would be no Grateful Dead without him.  His prolific song writing, highly original and captivating rhythm guitar work, unique and energetic singing style, as well as his overall presence are some of the most key ingredients to what made the band (and still makes the music) special.

THE LOCAL HEROES

The Local Heroes band hails from South Orange and Maplewood, NJ. Featuring the powerhouse vocals of stars of stage and screen, Charlie Pollock and Diane Davis, the band typically performs a rousing mix of Americana, country and rock music and can be seen at various NJ venues throughout the year. For more information and to join the band’s mailing list www.somalocalheroesband.com.

In addition to their regular performances, The Local Heroes are the backing band for SOMA Rocks -- A Singer Showcase. This annual event showcases the amazing singing talent from the South Orange and Maplewood community, while raising money for local causes. For each SOMA Rocks event, The Local Heroes band invites its talented neighbors and members of the SOMA community to perform with the band as guest vocalists. Over the past six years, the event has raised tens of thousands of dollars for Columbia High School’s music program.

The Local Heroes Band Members:
Charlie Pollock (vocals)
Diane Davis (vocals)
Dave Macarone (bass and guitar)
David Pohl (guitar)
Dave Shields (keyboards)
Mark Litwin (violin and viola)
Matt Katz (drums and percussion)
With special guests:
Marc Gidal (Bass)
Howard Freund (Saxophone)
Michael Daleo (Keys)