Cover Story

BayFest Bios by Stage and Day

Pepsi Stage

Friday, October 3

7:00 p.m. – Top of the Orange

In April-May of 2006, Top of the Orange, along with the creative genius of Matt Roberts of 3 Doors Down, joined forces to track what would become the debut for a full length album from Top of the Orange entitled, “Wait and See.”

8:45 p.m. – Candlebox

Singer Martin and guitarist Peter Klett – the songwriting team that birthed Candlebox – were reunited with original drummer Scott Mercado by the 2006 Rhino/Warner Brothers retrospective, “Best of Candlebox.” After being away from the music kingdom for nearly seven years, the band was welcomed back with open arms and invited to play radio shows across the country with Top 10 multi-platinum artists.

10:30 p.m. – Three Days Grace

On “One-X,” the follow up to Three Days Grace’s 2003 self-titled debut, the band explores that sentiment with alarming honesty. A raw, confessional album, One-X finds front man Adam Gontier delving into a sense of utter loneliness that ironically comes from being constantly surrounded by other people. “One-X” is simultaneously the story of Gontier’s personal destruction on the road, and a universal tale of feeling like an outsider.

Saturday October, 4

2:30 p.m. – Hamelin

To quote Sam Phillips “famous is fast/ you don’t have to be talented or do good work or be smart/ it’s perfect for me/ but every time I go after it/ my ideals run off with my heart.” That one statement sums up the attitude of the Mobile-based four-piece rock band called Hamelin. The most charismatic member of the band, Ross Newell, could be considered tall and good looking, but even he, at times, can also seem wiry and awkward. The remaining three members, at first impression, tend to slip from one’s attention even if they are the only other people in the room. So this band is not going to make it solely on image. This characteristic could be considered a flaw but the band does not see it that way. They see their lack of interest concerning fame and image as a key factor in keeping them focused on creating music.

4:00 p.m. – The Grey

5:30 p.m. – Saving Abel

Jared Weeks and Jason Null formed the band in their small hometown of Corinth, Miss. in 2004. They met when Weeks, who was in a band, was playing guitar at his best friend’s house and Null, who was in a rival local group, walked in to rehearse with his band. Within days of that meeting, Null and Weeks were honing the intimate writing style that now defines Saving Abel. In early 2005, the pair’s songs caught the ear of noted producer Skidd Mills, who took the band into his 747 Studios in Memphis.

7:00 p.m. – P.O.D.

For all of last year’s much-hyped reunions, one that flew under the radar is the rejoining of guitarist Marcos Curiel with his San Diego brothers P.O.D. Don’t expect it to go unnoticed in 2008, as the lineup that took P.O.D. to multiple platinum successes with 1999’s “The Fundamental Elements of Southtown” and 2001’s triple-platinum “Satellite” is back to reclaim their place atop the rock scene with their Columbia Records debut, “When Angels and Serpents Dance.”

8:45 p.m. – Puddle of Mudd

After their 2001 debut, “Come Clean,” sold over 5 million copies and spawned no less than four radio hits (including “Blurry,” the most played song of 2002); and their gold-certified follow-up “Life On Display,” Puddle Of Mudd were able to step back a little to create “Living On Borrowed Time,” which is scheduled for a July release.

10:45 p.m. – Buckcherry

Emboldened, enriched, inflamed, and re-invigorated by the success of 2006’s RIAA platinum, Grammy-nominated “15,” the hard rockin’ California quintet returns with “BLACK BUTTERFLY,” a 12-song set that strides forward with the kind of confidence and spirit of adventure you expect from a band that feels it constantly has more to prove. Produced by guitarist Keith Nelson and Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Def Leppard and Fuel) “BLACK BUTTERFLY” finds Buckcherry using the revival spurred by “15” to push itself even further in its quest for Sex, Drugs and Buckcherry.

Sunday, October 5

2:30 p.m. – Delilah Why

Coming out of Nashville is Delilah Why. Combining a new rock sound with a taste of yesteryear’s Southern Rock, Delilah Why will make you take notice. “We are a rock and roll band plain and simple,” says guitarist Dan Smith. “However, what makes this band different is that we are not afraid to add different styles to the rock.” You may hear hints of bluegrass, blues, R&B, maybe even a little “ole school” country. But it’s rock and roll plain and simple!

4:00 p.m. – The Ugli Stick

Formed in 2000, the timing of The Ugli Stick couldn’t have been more prophetic: a new millennium to usher in this band’s fresh way of making music. A way in which they let a variety of styles, such as pop, singer/songwriter, funk and hip-hop, inspire their music without defining their sound. With their 2001 debut album, “Beatdown,” the band let each song take a life of its own. From traditional rock to quirky, acoustic-inspired songs, the eclectic mix reflected each member’s need for, and respect of, creative exploration.

5:30 p.m. – Sister Hazel

For Sister Hazel, it’s always been about the music, but over the course of their decade-plus music-making career, it has expanded beyond that to incorporate so much more. They’ve maintained their unerring focus and desire to help, to share, to include, and to grow – be it through their music or through other means – all the while stretching their musical umbrella to cover what has become a true community. “We love to do so many different things,” says singer Ken Block. “Between writing songs we believe in, the live shows, building a community, expanding our events, and the charity, there’s this whole lifestyle that is what Sister Hazel is all about.”

7:15 p.m. – Better than Ezra

The story behind “Before The Robots,” the latest and most ambitious album from platinum rockers Better Than Ezra, involves one vivid nightmare, a random encounter with aging pop icon Meatloaf, two years investigating the musical underbelly of New Orleans, the death of Gram Parsons, and a whole litany of pop and alt-rock stars, including Howie Day, Liz Phair and Missy Higgins. Oh, and did we mention Kajagoogoo? They’re involved, too.

Miller Lite Stage

Friday, October 3

7:00 p.m. – Yaz Alexander

The styles of music Yaz works with are various mixes of: Reggae/Rocksteady/Jazz/Blues/Hip Hop/R&B/Soul/Rock/Dub/Indie and experimental ideas. Yaz’s foundation is Roots Rock Reggae/Jazz & her favorite music flavors are Reggae influenced but she is very open to working with all styles as long as her voice fits.

8:30 p.m. – Dennis Nelson and Friends

Dennis Nelson grew up in a traditional southern environment, which was supportive and nurturing. His musical career began as a youngster in Mobile and during his summers in the Bronx, Dennis was drawn to the rich, rhythmic New York Latin groove sound, which became a major influence on his guitar style. Growing up with the desire to make music while other youngsters were playing games, Dennis was confronting the arduous task of daily music practice, not fully knowing that all of his sacrifices and dedication to his instrument would someday pay off in a big way.

10:15 p.m. – Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

In 1983, with the release of “We Are One,” Frankie Beverly & Maze solidified their international standing with such hits as the title track “Never Let You Down,” “I Love You Too Much” and “Love is the Key.” As the ‘80s came to a close, the group released “Can’t Stop the Love” and a second in-concert package, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly Live in L.A.,” which served both as a retrospective of the group’s remarkable career to date and a fitting close to the first chapter of the Maze legend.

Saturday, October 4

2:30 p.m. – Jazzy Blu

Jazzy Blu is a band based out of Washington D.C. with a jazzy soulful sound enriched by the traditional jazz tones of years past. The band was started in 2005 by drummer, Dominic “Nikk” Taylor and keyboardist Mark “Mustang” Matthews. Jazzy Blu consists of vocalist Jackie “Ms. Jackie B” Brown, bassist John Kirksey, jazz guitarist Leslie Lee, percussionist Mike Artis and saxophonist Chris “Crazy Sax” Ofstein to complete Jazzy Blu. Each musician brings an extremely diverse background, from Jazz, Funk, Rock, Gospel, and Blues to R& B and beyond.

4:00 p.m. – Roderick Cotton

Roderick Cotton is a jazz saxophonist from Mobile who has finished his debut album “Modification.” The songs on this album are not jazz standards or a new form a smooth jazz, but a look at jazz as it runs through the streets night after night catching the ears of those waiting for the band to start their gig. You will be entertained by a mixture of smooth yet relaxing grooves with a splash of spontaneous expression.

5:30 p.m. – Gina Brown

Gina was New Orleans’ best-kept secret…. but not anymore. She grew up in Mobile, but New Orleans has been her home base for the past 14 years. She first started her career as a radio announcer for WBLX-AM/FM in Mobile. That’s where she started singing commercial jingles. From there her career as a vocalist took flight.

7:00 p.m. – The Stylistics

The Stylistics was formed in Philadelphia in 1966 from two groups, The Percussions and The Monarchs. After working locally for a number of years, the group was approached by Bill Perry who asked if they would be interested in recording. Their first song. “You’re a Big Girl Now” was recorded at Virtue Recording Studio, a local studio in Philadelphia. Their ‘70s-era hits include “Betcha By Golly Wow,” “Stone In Love With You,” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New.”

8:45 p.m. – The Whispers

Yesterday, today and tomorrow, describes how long the Whispers’ music will live on in the hearts of Americans. Known for their smooth soulful ballads throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and the new millennium, the Whispers remain one of the premier R&B groups to ever grace the stage. Their musical success can be attributed to a careful balance of R&B, disco, jazz, and pop to the delight of millions of fans.

10:30 p.m. – The O’Jays

With their place in modern music history secure, The O’Jays have a body of work that includes over 60 albums, 24 Top Ten smashes and 59 total charted songs. They continue to perform incredibly energetic and dynamic live shows with their Olympian vocals and continue their social and political impact on generations and nations.

Sunday, October 5

2:30 p.m. – C City Riders

Hailing from Citronelle, Ala. and consisting of FlyBoyD, Luc and Young Prodigy, the C City Riders are best known for their hit song “ButtaHead.”

4:00 p.m. – One Block Radius

One Block Radius was formed in late 2003. Marty and MDA were living in Marty’s North Hollywood studio, “The Dump,” and working on a project when they decided they needed another voice and flavor to make it sound complete. They had been fans of San Francisco underground rap star Z-Man’s “Gingerbread Man” and “Four Hours Of Sleep” tapes and asked him if he wanted to work on some songs. He said “oh heck yes” and madness ensued.

5:30 p.m. – Bow Wow

Born in Reynoldsburg (Columbus), OH, Bow Wow began rapping at a very young age and had developed his style quite impressively by the time he hooked up with Jermaine Dupri of So So Def, a successful Atlanta-based record label. Dupri had experienced much success throughout the ‘90s with kid rappers such as Kris Kross and Da Brat, and he saw similar potential in Bow Wow, enough to bring him aboard the So So Def hit parade.

7:15 p.m. – Nelly

A savvy pop-rapper with crossover appeal, Nelly seemed like a novelty when he first debuted in summer 2000 with “Country Grammar (Hot…),” yet he was no one-hit wonder, consistently returning to the pop charts with successive smash hits like “Hot in Herre.” His universality is partly rooted in his hometown: the Gateway City, officially known as St. Louis, which set him apart from all of the prevailing rap styles of his time.

AT&T/IP Casino Resort & Spa Stage

Friday, October 3

7:00 p.m. – Janet Martin

n 1996, Janet ventured off to Anchorage, Alaska and went from working as a medical assistant and aerobics instructor to a respected radio reporter/anchor, morning show co-host and midday on-air talent. Janet also could be seen and heard on television commercials for Sears, Bennihana’s, National Bank of Alaska and One Stop Travel to name a few. During this time, Janet began writing and recording her own songs, not realizing that this would be her destiny. Since Janet began her music career, she has completed two full-length albums, Stronger Than Love, and the self-titled followup, Janet Martin.

8:30 p.m. – Darius Rucker

On “Learn To Live,” his first project for Capitol Records Nashville, Rucker has created a work that is steeped in the country traditions of meaningful lyrics and resonant melodies, yet sounds completely modern. As the best country albums do, “Learn To Live” takes the listener on a trip. The album’s arc covers major life themes such as falling in love, birth and death. “This CD is a journey,” Rucker says. “I realized I’m 42. I’m not going to write many songs about drinking, chasing girls or booty calls. I was going to write songs about having kids and stuff – songs about life.”

10:00 p.m. – Wynonna

A world-renowned vocalist and entertainer, Wynonna has accumulated sales totals as a solo artist in excess of 10 million units, a top Female Vocalist win by the Academy of Country Music and 13 top ten hits on the charts. Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and her life story, this 23-year music veteran has celebrated 20 #1 hits and a multitude of gold and platinum records.

Saturday, October 4

2:30 p.m. – Tyler Reeve

Born in Mobile, Tyler’s music is well rooted in Southern Americana. Growing up listening to his uncle play guitar and sing on the porch deck of a beach house, Tyler’s inspiration came at an early age. Tyler attended the Florida State University, where he became refreshingly dependent on his fan base. Paying his dues and performing in bars for eight years before recording his first album, “Whiskey Down” (February, 2008), he has tailored his music to the live venue.

3:45 p.m. – The Springs

5:00 p.m. – Caddle

Mixing gasoline and nitro would make a pretty impressive explosion, though nothing like the high powered alt-country performance from these blue collar boys from Birmingham. Described as “dixie fried roots rock with a dash of punk,” Caddle draws on classic country and bluegrass influences,

then supercharges them with hard driving rock n’ roll with an attitude.

8:00 p.m. – Delbert McClinton

When Delbert McClinton announces with his latest album that he has “Room To Breathe,” he sure ain’t kidding. After more than four decades of making music, McClinton is breathing freely with the confidence and energy of an artist who knows that he has mastered his game. Still basking in the glow of a new Grammy Award, he has followed up what The Wall Street Journal declared his “best recording ever” – 2001’s “Nothing Personal” – with a set that displays even greater muscle, smarts, charm and soul.

9:30 p.m. – Kid Rock

“Rock N Roll Jesus” is Kid Rock’s most honest, eclectic, and soulful record to date. It’s his State of the Union address, a deeply personal statement that looks at racism in America, empathizes with soldiers in Iraq (Rock visited the troops last Christmas) and also lays bare his tormented relationship with Pam Anderson. During their breakup, Rock assumed a low profile, focusing on his music for the first time in years. Initially, he teamed up with producer Rick Rubin, who gave him a much-needed jolt of confidence.

Sunday, October 5

2:30 p.m. – David Nail

Growing up in a small southeastern Missouri town, David Nail might’ve chosen to follow any of the dreams that drifted by like the riverboats on the mighty Mississippi: but in the end, it was music that called his name. “I was definitely more into sports growing up,” says the Midwest native, “I think I was expected to play in college, but as I grew older I became more interested in music. After my senior year, I had a few small college offers to play baseball. My coach came to me and said ‘David, you need to decide where you’re going to school,’ and out of the blue I just said, ‘Do you know anybody in Nashville?’”

4:00 p.m. – Eric Church

Church’s songs are as straightforward as he is. His is music that looks its listener in the eye and speaks plainly about the human condition. It is a line that passes through Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings to John Prine and Steve Earle, and is finding a handful of torchbearers in this new century. “Honesty is my number one responsibility,” Church says. “If you listen to this, you’ll find out who I am.”

5:30 p.m. – Blake Shelton

The collection of songs on “Pure BS” is equally diverse, ranging from “She Can’t Get That” – a cheating song with a twist – to the funny “The More I Drink,” in which alcohol turns the song’s character into “the world’s greatest lover and a dancing machine.” Among the album’s other standout tracks are a remake of the edgy Chris Knight/Craig Wiseman song “It Ain’t Easy Being Me,” and the sing-along anthem “The Last Country Song,” which features guest vocals from two of Shelton’s all-time heroes, John Anderson and George Jones.

7:15 p.m. – Rodney Atkins

Rodney Atkins is country – every essence of country. He comes from it, writes about it, and sings about it. He loves it. And he’s proud of it. He believes in how its music affects people. “There are values and beliefs inside of country music that speak to people, and it’s that spirit that lives at the Grand Ole Opry. I think that’s why they call it the ‘Mother Church of Country Music’. Every time I’m on that stage, I’m reminded of the message I’m supposed to carry out on the road and on the radio to represent this format. It makes me proud and very humbled.”

Cafe Stage

Saturday, October 4

3:15 p.m. – Albert Simpson

4:15 p.m. – Sound Check

5:15 p.m. – Acoustic Cafe

Headed up by Wojo, the group of guitar players has been together for eight years and encourages audience members to join in. The rules to join the group are 1) all egos have to be left in the parking lot, and 2) if you start the song you should be able to finish the song.

6:15 p.m. – Dat B

7:15 p.m. – George Mills Band

Sunday, October 5

2:15 p.m. – Elizabeth Reed

3:15 p.m. – Formally Known

4:15 p.m. – Jon Miller

5:15 p.m. – Pick of the Litter

6:15 p.m. – Grits-n-Pieces

Launching Pad

Friday, October 3

8:15 p.m. – Gravy

Gravy is the culmination of four distinct views of musical appreciation. Since forming in 2004, Gravy has quickly climbed the ranks of the New Orleans music scene, providing a mix of styles and genres that satisfy the sophisticated palates of their fans.

10:00 p.m. – By All Means Band

Saturday, October 4

3:30 p.m. – Peek

Celebrating their fifth year together, Peek is continuing to play venues across the Southeast. Formed in 2002, this rock band has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with artists such as Sister Hazel, Colbie Callait, Marc Broussard, The Low Millions, Wet Willie, John Eddie, Ben Aurthur, Ingram Hill, Delbert McClinton and many more. Not only have they gotten to play with these great acts, but they also have received critical success from several organizations around the Mobile area.

5:00 p.m. – Color the Coast

Color the Coast, hailing from Mobile, combines the catchy melodies and layered harmonies of early sixties pop/rock with heartfelt lyrics and an upbeat tempo. Formed in January of 2007, Color the Coast has since recorded their debut album “Unplug and Run”, which is now available on iTunes and Rhapsody music.

6:30 p.m. – Marshall Ruffin Band

Sometimes the art and artist prevail through our society’s system of normalcy. This certainly seems to be the case for 23-year-old Marshall Ruffin. The roots and blues singer-songwriter-guitarist grew up in typical Americana, but where science was at the fabric of the family not art. As a youngster Marshall discovered his musical connection while listening to the radio. Then, after finding a guitar in the family attic during his high school years, Marshall began to teach himself to play. Even though the instrument only had three strings, it was enough to set a clear direction for the budding musician.

8:30 p.m. – Chronic Blues

Chronic Blues originated in Mobile and has quickly become one of the most popular bands on the Gulf Coast. By combining influences of Blues, Funk, and Rock, Chronic Blues has generated a large following of listeners.

10:15 p.m. – Before Nine

Before Nine is a mainstream modern rock band hailing from South Mississippi and South Alabama. After rapidly building a local fan base, Before Nine began touring regionally including such venues as “The Swamp” in Ft. Walton Beach, Fl and “Club La Vela” in Panama City, Fla. Before Nine has also performed in many major outdoor festivals, and other local clubs.

Sunday, October 5

3:30 p.m. – Hard Labor

5:00 p.m. – Theresa Andersson

Melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre; these are the traditional building blocks of pop music. Yet although you will find them in abundance on “Hummingbird, Go!,” the new album by Theresa Anderson hardly sounds like conventional pop. That’s because the New Orleans singer-songwriter chose to approach her craft from different perspectives before she even began composing. “I stopped thinking in terms of traditional songwriting,” Anderson explains. “I worked on shapes, forms, and textures, scents and colors. Elements which are more earthy and organic inspired me.”

6:45 p.m. – Lisa Zanghi

Lisa Zanghi performed locally in the ‘70s and ‘80s at various nightclubs in the Mobile area. Some of her early influences include Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Bonnie Raitt. All of which have a major affect to her unique style. She moved to Nashville in 1993 to pursue her musical career. She played piano and sang backup while touring with country music star Doug Stone. Lisa has appeared on National television numerous times and has written and co-written over a hundred songs, one of which was recorded by Doug Stone.

Radio Avalon Jazz Tent

Friday, October 3

6:30 p.m. – Shad and the Gang

8:00 p.m. – Roman Street

Roman Street is a energetic band born and raised out of Mobile dabbling in the arts of nouveau flamenco, smooth and not-so-smooth jazz, and its own brand of fusion style music with a youthful and spontaneous approach to musical expression.

Saturday, October 4

2:30 p.m. – Greg Brown

Brown’s songwriting has been lauded by many, and his songs have been performed by Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, Michael Johnson, Shawn Colvin, and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

4:00 p.m. – Bay City Brass Band

The Bay City Brass Band was founded in 1997 by tuba player Marcus Johnson in Mobile, the birthplace of Mardi Gras. The Bay City Brass Band has revitalized the brass band tradition in Mobile. Their music consists of New Orleans style upbeat jazz, R&B, Blues, Gospel, Motown, etc.

5:30 p.m. – Vibration Configuration

7:00 p.m. – Jimmy Robinson

8:30 p.m. – Shane Philen Quintet

Sunday, October 5

2:30 p.m. – Murphy High School Jazz Ensemble

4:00 p.m. – Jim Armstrong and Friends

5:30 p.m. – Rebecca Barry

7:00 p.m. – Joe Occhipinti’s Real Jazz

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