Ida Jo [Folk]

It is easy to wonder where Ida Jo came from. A student of violin from the age of 7, her life has been full of honors including the prestigious Emerson Scholarship to Interlochen Arts Center at the age of 14, and the first of several performances at the Winnipeg Folk Festival at 15.

"I grew up listening to Van Morrison and The Band. The Last Waltz has brought me more joy and inspiration than any other album," she says.

Ida Jo employs a seldom heard violin technique that is developed from a folk fiddle style called "chopping." There are maybe a dozen violinists in the world who use the chopping technique and closer to five who use it with such sophistication as Ida Jo.

Band Website

David Ford Lykins [Americana/Country]

Ravin' Dave Lykins writes songs about the world in small pieces. Dave's nationally released CD "Blurry White Guy" was recorded in Nashville with Pat Flynn of the New Grass Revival, Chris Leuzinger (Guitarist - Garth Brooks) and (John Gardner Drummer - Dixie Chicks). Dave has performed throughout North America and in England. He is currently playing as a solo artist and with his trio "The Crimebusters". Lykins has a powerful voice and a hard hitting guitar style. An aggressive indie rock sound married to traditional country story telling. Like the Rolling Stones playing some Tom T. Hall or Kristofferson.

Band Website | MySpace

Days to Dust [Hard Rock]

Eric Hagen [Rock/Country/Blues]

Eric Hagen blends acoustic, rock, country and blues with gritty vocals to produce a sound that is both unique and entertaining. Hours of original music, creative and entertaining covers.

Band Website

The Paramedics [Hard Rock/Funk]

The Paramedics are from Brookfield, Wisconsin, but they have currently been very acquainted with the Milwaukee music scene. Their sound is indescribable, with influences ranging from Led Zeppelin to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Their stage presence is one of a kind, from jumping around to "behind the head" guitar solos. They’re all-around love for music is something that you don’t stumble upon every day. They are a truly talented group of musicians.

Band Website | MySpace

Motorboat [Alternative/Indie/Rock]

Motorboat is a five piece rock and roll band that consists of five very talented musicians with very different musical styles and personalities. This has made for an amazing band chemistry as well as a unique sound.

Motorboat's story began in the bustling metropolis of Belgium, Wisconsin in 2007. They began writing songs and playing cover songs of the bands who had influenced them musically...and that is how the ground work for the band that would become Motorboat was laid down. The members in Motorboat had all been involved in the local music scene previously, but Motorboat is the first time these five would join forces for the cause of Rock and Roll.

2009 was a year of change for Motorboat. Early 2009 saw the addition of Nick D after the departure of their original bassist. 2009 also saw the addition of a second drummer, Gus whose style is drastically different from, but also complimentary to Stephen, their original drummer. This addition provided them with a variation of sound and and musical influences as well as the unique distinction of being a rock and roll band with two drummers. The two drummers often switch in mid-set, although they have been known to play simultaneously. Motorboat plays a wide array of cover songs ranging from Neil Young to Weezer and just about everything in between. They also have original songs that reflect their varying musical influences...but it all boils down to one thing, good rock and roll.

Band Website | MySpace

Dan Vaillancourt [Folk/Funktified Folk/Acoustic]

Storyteller and Traveler. Guitarist and Writer. Teacher and Coffee Drinker. Michigan singer-songwriter Dan Vaillancourt is all these things and more. Drawing on his vivid imagination and real-life events, he weaves words and notes together for a rich tapestry of musical poetry. Vaillancourt and his guitar criss-cross the country performing hundreds of concerts in 33 states to date. Critics, heralding his musicianship and lyricism, refer to Vaillancourt as a guitar virtuoso and “one of the eclectic original and iconic wordsmiths writing songs today.”

Band Website | MySpace | Reverb Nation

Dennis Hawk [Singer/Songwriter/Flute]

Dennis is a yoga workshop leader, combining his music and his Native American heritage in his practice and instruction of yoga. He is a Cherokee / Mesquaki descendent, a pipe carrier, sweat lodge leader and teacher of Native American spirituality. Dennis is a singer / songwriter / story-teller who plays guitar and Native American flute.

Band Website