Pepsi Stage

Friday, October 2

7:00 p.m. – El Cantador

In December of 2006, long time friends and former band mates Heath Underwood and Sean Murphy began tracking original songs at Sean’s parents recording studio (Backdoor Studios). Finding the process inspiring and artistically fulfilling, they invited bass player/graphic artist Johnny Gwin to help form a band and released their first EP “Orange” in the spring of 2007. The fourth member position of the band has taken on several different talents and personalities, but in the early part of summer 2008, violin/vocalist, Melody Duncan joined El Cantador on stage and has remained an integral part of the group. The band continued to play shows both in their hometown of Mobile, Alabama and in the Southeast to new faces and welcoming crowds. By October, a second EP entitled “The Ground” was released with a stream of tour dates and continued radio play of the tracks “O’Captain” and “No Surprise.”

7:50 p.m. – Meat Puppets

Always recognized as an extremely dexterous and deft live act, the Puppets used 2008 to continue to stretch out the new line up (with Ted Marcus now a full time replacement for founding drummer Derrick Bostrom). The band joined Built to Spill, and later, Stone Temple Pilots, for well received jaunts across the U.S. The Puppets also toured Europe, and took part in each of the 2008 All Tomorrow’s Parties festivals, performing Meat Puppets II as part of ATP’s Dont Look Back series. By year’s end, the shows were “almost” 100% acoustic. “Almost” because Curt was playing a Gibson Hummingbird plugged into his pedal board, allowing him to work his effects just like an electric guitar. The simplicity of the set up belied the sort of arresting dynamics that Muse and Radiohead aim to capture, albeit by spending tens of thousands of quid in arena production.

9:10 p.m. – Cage the Elephant

Cage the Elephant’s raucous live show — which made this red-hot Kentucky-bred band the talk of this year’s South-by-Southwest music festival, and led USA Today to single them out as a band not to miss at 2009’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival — is the perfect showcase for their buzzed-about self-titled debut album for Jive Records. Recorded over 10 days with Grammy Award-winning producer Jay Joyce, and a Top 40 hit when it was released on British indie label Relentless in the U.K. last June, the album is a genre-defying blend of rock n roll and raw youthful punk energy all propelled by Matt’s taunting, Dylan-esque rhythmic vocal delivery, Brad Shultz and Lincoln Parish’s furious twin guitar assault, and bassist Daniel Tichenor and drummer Jared Champion’s rock-steady funk grooves.

10:30 p.m. – Stone Temple Pilots

Since the moment they appeared on the scene in the early 90’s, Stone Temple Pilots dominated the decade from start to finish, racking up 15 singles on the Billboard Top Ten, winning a “Best Hard Rock Performance” GRAMMY in 1994 for for “Plush,” and having their five albums sell more than 35 million copies worldwide. Of all their peers, STP alone had sustained commercial success, earning greater critical acclaim with each release, building a body of work that remains popular and its enduring acclaim has only highlighted the absence of the band, who quietly went their separate ways after the turn-of the millennium release of Shangri-La Dee Da. Despite the presence of the greatest hits album Thank You in 2003, there was a generation that has never witnessed the live power of the vocalist Scott Weiland, guitarist Dean DeLeo, bassist Robert DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz live in concert. That all changed when the band reunited for a massive concert tour in 2008.

Saturday, October 3

2:30 p.m. – Color the Coast

At the age of 16, lead vocalist and guitarist Nick Chamblee began playing under the name Color the Coast. Over the next four years Nick recruited three longtime friends and schoolmates to join the band. Matt Arensberg (drums and vocals), Kyle Coffey (bass and vocals), and Kyle Duncan (lead guitar, piano and vocals) rounded out the lineup that would become Color the Coast for the next two years. The band released its debut CD “Unplug and Run” in November 2007 and began supporting the release by playing gigs in the Southeast, from Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Birmingham, Alabama and as far away as Jacksonville, Florida. Color the Coast played the Launching Pad Stage at Bayfest 2008 and is now sharing the Pepsi Stage at Bayfest 2009 with national acts such as Stone Temple Pilots, Cage the Elephant, 3 Doors Down, Jessie James, T-Pain and Akon.

3:40 p.m. – Top of the Orange

With new songs “Who Turned Off the Sun”, “Unchanged”, and most requested “Let Me In!”, Top of the Orange again and again proves they are a force to be reckoned with. In the midst of writing, recording, producing and touring, the band continues to draw new fans far and wide, sharing the stage with the likes of 3 Doors Down, Staind, Shinedown, Three Days Grace, Saving Abel, Theory of a Dead Man and many more. As of 2009, Top of the Orange has gone back to the studio again, this time in Nashville, Tennessee, in hopes that the new tracks they lay down will be the ones to bring them out of the Gulf Coast and into the rock and roll spotlight! Guided by the song “Let Me In”, Top of the Orange will soon be… on TOP OF THE WORLD!

5:00 p.m. – Halestrom

Halestorm unleashes a turbulent torrent of infectious hard rock on their self-titled Atlantic debut. The band-guitarist Joe Hottinger, bassist Josh Smith, drummer Arejay Hale and singer/guitarist Lzzy Hale-churn out uncompromising rock n’ roll anthems. Drawing from an arsenal of songs that she’s penned since she was 13, Lzzy examines love and life on the edge.

6:10 p.m. – Pop Evil

With Lipstick On The Mirror (Universal Republic/Pazzo Music), this Grand Rapids quintet revs up rock n’ roll. Their first full-length album is just as loud and proud as the midwestern mecca where they hail from. Pop Evil push out a propulsive combination of epic guitar leads, massive sing-a-longs and bombastic beats on songs like “Breathe” and “100 in a 55.” When all is said and done, these five men provide the proverbial kick in the pants that hard rock needs these days.

7:15 p.m. – Cavo

In July 2007, the members of Cavo had an epiphany. They were opening for hard-rock band Staind at a resort in Lake of the Ozarks, MO, and decided to use their moment in front of the large crowd to play some of their new material live for the very first time. The band’s frontman, Casey Walker, began to sing “Let It Go,” a stirring song from the St. Louis quartet’s upcoming album Bright Nights * Dark Days. “At the end of the song, I sang the lyric ‘I need to let it go,’ over and over and the crowd started singing the words back to me,” Walker recalls. “It was the first time that had ever happened and it was just surreal. We walked offstage and were like, ‘What just happened?’ This crowd had never heard of us. They didn’t know any of our songs, but the response we got from them was just amazing.”

8:45 – Chevelle

Multi-platinum Epic Records recording artists Chevelle will return with their fifth studio album titled: Sci-Fi Crimes on September 1. The band’s brand new single “Jars” was the number one most added track at rock radio and the single is quickly becoming one of the band’s biggest hits to date entering the Top 20 after only two weeks.

The Chicago-based trio spent seven weeks co-producing Sci-Fi Crimes with Brian Virtue (Jane’s Addiction, 30 Seconds to Mars, Deftones) in Nashville, Tennessee. Chevelle are currently on the road all summer long with Staind and Shinedown where they are previewing some of their new material, alongside hits from their previous releases.

10:00 p.m. – 3 Doors Down

Formed in Escatawpa, Mississippi, the resilient fivesome has blazed a trail as the quintessential rock band, attaining massive mainstream success but somehow never losing that small town identity that has branded them rock’s truest underdogs. They’ve reigned as a genuine force of nature, boasting rock n’ roll’s most earnest work ethic – ‘The thoroughly modern American band’ - crows Billboard, one part swagger/one part tireless road warriors, brandishing an arsenal of battle-tested radio gems like their breakthrough anthem, “Kryptonite.” Unleashed at the beginning of the decade, the song seemed to capture the band’s heroic climb and steadfast refusal to be pigeonholed as just another rock band.

Sunday, October 4

2:30 p.m. – Mob Towne Revival

3:30 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.

4:45 p.m. – Jessie James

A big talent in a petite, power-packed package, James has been ready for her close-up since she was the age of two, when the self-described, well-traveled “military brat,” (with a little bit of Greek and Italian thrown in there), born under the fiery Aries sign in a field hospital in Italy, started singing into a toy microphone and tape recorder, a gift from her mom. By nine, she was composing her own songs on a plastic guitar (the first called “It’s Gonna Be Alright”), performing as a youngster at events like the opening of Sea World and the Republican Convention, and working with a string of significant writers in Nashville at 15.

6:10 p.m. – T-Pain

In the winter of 2005, southern soulster T-Pain burst on the rhythmic scene with his debut Rappa Ternt Sanga and things just ain’t been the same. As a former microphone fiend who was down with the rap pack known as the Nappy Headz, a five-man group who had moderate success with “Robbery” in the early 2000’s, T-Pain was tired of the borders that divides hip-hop and soul, especially since he was excellent at both.

7:30 p.m. – Akon

The mere act of surviving on a day to day basis is the foundation from which a true artist builds his craft. Multi-talented newcomer AKON is no exception to this rule. His dynamic debut album, TROUBLE, a collection of stirring songs, creatively reflects the ups and downs of the singer/songwriter/producer’s life experiences. A crafty blend of soulful hip-hop, TROUBLE is AKON’s vibrant first time tour-de-force.

Miller Lite Stage

Friday, October 2

7:00 p.m. – Bo Grant

8:15 p.m. – Dennis Nelson

Dennis Nelson grew up in a traditional southern environment, which was supportive and nurturing. His musical career began as a youngster in Mobile, Alabama, 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.

9:45 p.m. – Anita Baker

Multiple Grammy Award winner, composer, producer, mother and all-around superstar—contemplated long and hard before she got ready to take her show on the road again. But finally, in early 2003, the woman who gave birth to “fireside love songs” and such classic gems as “Giving You The Best That I Got,” “Just Because” and “Fairy Tales” pulled together her tight rhythm section and her faithful background singers and rehearsed; hoping to start a buzz and see if the timing was right, for a Welcome Back. She thought that her return would be like many singers, who, if gifted enough, have the opportunity to take a break and return to what they do best.

Saturday, October 3

2:30 p.m. – Reggie Boone

From the moment this gifted singer graces a stage, you know that you’re in for a night you’ll never forget! Feel the music and get to know the awesome sound of The “Incomparable Reggie Boone” as he’s never been seen before. Reggie was born in Kingston, NC, the oldest of five children, and traveled extensively with his military family before settling in Killeen, Texas. It was clear from the beginning that his destiny was music and he was without a doubt, “Born to Sing.” Reggie began singing in church at a very young age, delivering gospel ballads with a powerful propensity and heartfelt message that set him a part, even then.

4:00 p.m. – 2 Major Twinz

Wesley and Whiney Grant make up the duo “2 Major Twinz”. Our style is versatile with the ability to create club music, laid back music and commercial jingles. We were influenced at an early age by groups like Run-DMC, UTFO and Whodini. We have followed hip-hop through the many changes until it’s present state.

5:30 p.m. – Sergio Davis

Vocalist, musician, accomplished songwriter and producer… Reginald ”Sergio” Davis does it all and has vigorously emerged into the Southern Soul and Blues arena as one of the most talented and enthralling new artists. He has pliantly crossed the boundaries of nearly every popular musical genre and has illustrated with finesse his undeniable versatility, creativity and profound admiration for music. To see him perform is to be captivated by his unique fusion of his musical influences which include, music legends Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Johnnie Taylor and Tyrone Davis; an influence that is so profound that it can be heard in some of his musical compositions.

7:00 p.m. – Avant

Avant was born and raised in Ohio and was still living there in 2000, when he became the first artist signed to NBA legend Magic Johnson’s Magic Johnson Music. He was only 22 at the time. That same year Avant’s platinum debut, My Thoughts established him as one of R&B’s breakout singer/songwriters. My Thoughts contained the Top 5 Billboard R&B/Hip Hop hit single, “Separated.”

8:45 p.m. – Musiq Soulchild

Philadelphia native Taalib Johnson a.k.a Musiq Soulchild, is a soul artist whose unique style blends R&B, Soul, Funk, Rock, Blues, Jazz, and Hip Hop, creating a sound unlike any other. “I consider myself a soul artist because it encompasses all genres of music!” Musiq states “I like to make music that means something to people, nowadays there are so many categories and labels, I just wanna make music that matters!” Musiq is the eldest of nine children “I always saw myself as the black sheep of the family; I was always doing my own thing!” At a young age Musiq decided he would not continue his high school education, this proved to make his road to success much more difficult “I really wish I stayed, cause even though I didn’t like it that much I still could’ve taken advantage of the many resources that being in school has to offer!”

10:30 p.m. – Ludacris

You can call Chris “Ludacris” Bridges a number of things. Hip-hop superstar. Actor. Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. Restaurateur. Pitchman. Online visionary. Columnist. All of these labels are accurate, and with his forthcoming October 21st album release, Theater Of The Mind, the Grammy winning, Atlanta-based entertainment maven shows that, as he continues expanding his reach, his musical prowess remains as potent as ever.

Sunday, October 4

2:30 p.m. – Tim Williams

Musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger and composer. Tim received numerous all-state and county musical awards in high school and middle school as a trombonist and vocalist in his birthplace of Mobile, AL. In high school Tim received scholarship offers in the band and choir from Florida A& M and Alabama A& M University. Tim accepted a full music scholarship in voice to Alabama A& M University. Tim began writing and composing songs in college. In college Tim sung in the university choir and continued playing the trombone in The University Jazz Band. While performing in various jazz ensembles, Tim had an opportunity to perform with trombonist great Fred Wesley formerly with Parliament and James Brown.

4:00 p.m. – Con Funk Shun

Con Funk Shun is a star quality attraction delivering a superb, high-energy show with electrifying choreography, glistening six-part harmonies and a dash of humor. They are, unquestionably, among the heroes of Funk with romantic ballads and dance-party hits galore. They charted four consecutive Gold’s and on Platinum album. Their 20 hit singles included 8 Top Ten R&B Hits and one #1 R&B smash between 1977 and 1986. With finesse and consistency they legitmized what came following them: high-profile, commercial explosions featuring their hits in countless rap/hip-hop samples, exposed them to a new generation, now in their thirties. Mercury/PolyGram released the “Best of Con Funk Shun” in 1993 on their “Funk Essentials” series. Enthusiasm sparked from that album encored the band back to the stage.

5:30 p.m. The Bar-Kays

Fire, smoke, vibrant costuming, and even a live, 12 foot Python snake are all just part of what’s in store for audiences these days at a typical stage performance by the Bar-Kays. Spontaneity and excitement have been a trademark of the group ever since their inception in the late 60’s and today’s Bar-Kays have boosted their high-energy act into an even higher gear for the new millennium crowd.

7:15 p.m. – The Commodores

The Commodores, Walter “Clyde” Orange, William “WAK” King and James Dean “J.D.” Nicholas, have remained a force in the music industry for over three decades. “The Legends of Motown,” “Hit, After Hit, After Hit,” “Grammy Award Winners,” “All The Emotion, All the Excitement,” “If You Haven’t Seen Them Live, You Haven’t Heard The Commodores.”

The Commodores aren’t just any group. They have staying power. Just like their hit song “Brick House,” the Commodores have created a foundation that just won’t budge.

AT&T/IP Casino Resort & Spa Stage

Friday, October 2

7:15 p.m. – The Springs

The Springs debut CD, recorded in Nashville on the CFC Music Label, contains 12 tracks and is entitled “Teens on a Mission.” (It will be released in Wal-mart stores very soon.) They had three world-wide releases in 2008, with two number ones in just six months on the Christian Country charts; about 400 stations. “Mommy’s Little Man” written and performed by 18 year old Stewart, not only went to number one on several charts, it also earned the teenager an ICM songwriting award in Nashville. “Are You An Angel” not only went to number one on some charts, but spent a total of NINE weeks on the main Top 100 Music Row Country Chart. It will be a re-occurring Christmas Song for years to come.

8:45 p.m. Jonathan Singleton & The Grove

Singleton got serious about the guitar, took up his rightful place as a leader and finally let the world hear his voice, which is both fresh and weathered, rough and sweet. His writing came of age too, and when his songs began breaking through for other artists (he co-wrote the No. one “Watching Airplanes” for country maverick Gary Allan and Billy Currington’s recent No. one “Don’t”) he got a long look as a potential recording artist. Now with his self-titled debut album, he offers a collection that ranges from the jagged, lonesome “Lover,” through some country-simple explorations of love’s ups and downs in “Paradise” and “Good Guys,” to the near-five-minute southern rock jam “Storms” that concludes the disc.

10:00 p.m. – Alan Jackson

“Good Time” is a honky-tonk jam that kicks off Alan Jackson’s new Arista Nashville album for a tremendously easygoing yet edgy five minutes-plus. It’s a Friday night country tune sung by a dog-tired guy who has worked straight through the week yet doesn’t want to sleep — not now; not when “all the conditions are right,” as Jackson sings, for something sweeter. The guy has cashed his check, cleaned his truck, picked up his girl across town, and as the sun goes down, he,s heading out for some fun — some beer, some Bocephus, some relief.

Saturday, October 3

2:45 p.m. – The Cary Laine Band

Cary Laine, this blonde-haired, blue eyed country girl from the gulf coast of Alabama is quickly gaining attention from the music industry for her unique sound, voice, and songwriting. Cary has performed at various venues across the Southeast including the Broken Spoke Café and Bluebird Café in Nashville, the Hank Williams Festival, and Bayfest in Mobile, where she opened for both Jessica Andrews and Shedaisy. Cary has performed throughout Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee with an emphasis on building a fan base among country fans, both young and old.

4:00 p.m. – Fat Man Squeeze

Hailing from Lower Alabama, Fat Man Squeeze has been wowing audiences with super-picking speedgrass since early 2003. The quartet has the distinguished honor of winning the 2003 Atmore Fiddler’s Convention “Best Instrumental Band” category, as well as taking first place in Dobro and third in guitar. The popularity of their live shows and crowd reception of the band’s original music promted the boys to record their first album January, 2004. Recorded at the Ninth Ward Picking Parlor in New Orleans, LA, the album was engineered and produced by roots super talent Mike est(www.mikewest.net) who has recorded such greats as The Jeff and Vida Band, Mike Kerwin, Truckstop Honeymoon and many others. The idea behind the three day event was to capture the live feel of the band, and was recorded in that manner.

5:15 p.m. – Hank Becker and Boogie Chillin

6:30 p.m. – Wet Willie

Wet Willie is an American band from Mobile, Alabama. They were best known for their hit “Keep On Smilin’,” but had a number of charted songs in the 1970s utilizing their soulful brand of Southern rock.

8:15 p.m. – Train

Formed in San Francisco 1994, Train quickly developed an avid local following and, by 1997, was opening for national bands like Blues Traveler, Barenaked Ladies, and Counting Crows.

Its D.I.Y. debut album, Train, was produced by the band and Curtis Mathewson. In February 1998, it came out on Aware/Columbia, and the band hit the road in a rundown 1987 Dodge Ram minivan with a little red trailer. It stayed on the road for the next two years.

10:00 p.m. – Steve Miller Band

With songs such as “Take the Money and Run,” “Rockin’ Me,” “Jet Airliner,” “The Joker,” “Fly Like An Eagle,” “Livin’ in the USA” and “Abracadabra” to his credit, blues/rock singer-songwriter-guitarist Steve Miller is one of the cornerstones of classic rock. Born on October 5, 1943 in Milwaukee, WI, he grew up in a home frequented by musicians such as Charles Mingus, Les Paul and TBone Walker. Miller formed his first band at age 12 with friend Boz Scaggs. After stints in Madison, WI and Chicago, IL blues bands, he moved to San Francisco in 1966.

Sunday, October 4

2:30p.m. – Wes Loper Band

Growing up and residing on the South Alabama Coast, Wes Loper progresses into stardom and entertains professionally across the region. He has performed along the gulf coast for the past eight years and continues to mix Rock, Country, Blues, and Folk music to create his own style with a funky, beach side feel.

4:00 p.m. – James Otto

The easy approach in a sound bite culture is to succinctly label the persona and the project, but which to choose: The kid from the Pacific Northwest who bleeds classic rock? The backwoods Alabama teen whose voice channels Southern Rock and high volume country? The romantic balladeer whose passion for soul draws on Otis and Conway? The successful and contemplative songwriter?

Truth is, James Otto is all of these, and probably a few more. Standing an easy 6’5” tall with a frame more akin to an NFL lineman than an entertainer, his mere presence is enough to garner your attention. And his voice? Maybe bigger. John Rich of the country duo Big & Rich often introduces Otto as “The Biggest Voice in Country Music,” a claim few refute upon hearing him sing.

5:30 p.m. – Billy Currington

From small-town Son of the South to hot new artist to bona fide country star, Billy Currington has seen it all. In 2003 he burst onto the Nashville scene with his self-titled debut album, and proceeded to burn up the charts with Top Ten singles “I Got a Feelin’” and “Walk a Little Straighter”. It wasn’t long before the legendary Shania Twain tapped him to be her duet partner in their smash hit “Party for Two”. In the accompanying video, Currington swung from an enormous chandelier and straight into the hearts of Americans everywhere.

7:15 p.m. – Gary Allan

It’s raw and emotional. It’s freight-train-to-nowhere lonely. It’s hard-rockin’, no-apologies country music that has traded in its twang for a gravelly growl millions of fans recognize as the voice of Gary Allan. And with LIVING HARD, his latest release from MCA Nashville, Allan once again proves that, though times may change, the thread of truth at the center of his music remains the same.

Café Stage

Saturday, October 3

2:15 p.m. – Dat B

3:30 p.m. – Jimmy Botter

4:45 p.m. – Acoustic Café

6:00 p.m. – George & Donnie Mills

Dedicated… talented… unbelievable… smooth…..are just a few words that have been used to describe this Mobile, Alabama born and based Singer-Songwriter. The Mobile Press called Donnie, “One of Mobile’s most accomplished songwriters” and he was voted 2nd place for Best Songwriter in Mobile by Laigiappe Mobile.

7:15 p.m. – Sugarcane Jane

Anthony, origninally from Birmingham, has been sharing the stage with Neil Young since the early 80’s. (International Harvestors, Shocking Pinks, Electric Band) In addition to playing with Neil Young he has accompanied Steve Winwood, Dwight Yoakam, Blackhawk, Nicolette Larson, and Sonny James on world tours. Steve Winwood, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers, Lee Greenwood, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sawyer Brown, and Lorrie Morgan all have recorded songs from his catalog consisting of an astonishing 400+ and counting.

Sunday, October 4

2:15 p.m. – Sugarbone

SUGARBONE is a five piece, high energy party and dance band from the Gulf Coast port city of Mobile, Alabama. SUGARBONE features a smoking hot rhythm section with 5 vocalists, male and female, to cover all styles of music. Each member of SUGARBONE comes to you with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment field to make every event extra special.

3:30 p.m. – Underground Aroma

4:45 p.m. – Mama’s Mojo

6:00 p.m. Pick of the Litter

7:15 p.m. – Grits & Pieces

In early 2006 a couple of guys (Mark Willis And John Keuler) had been pickin & kickin around the idea of forming a group that was a little different than what was being offered in the area. They had a vision of mixing reggae-bluegrass-country-rock-folk & blues to form their own unique sound while playing mainstream classics (sometimes with a twist).

Launching Pad

Friday, October 2

7:30 p.m. – All American Tragedy

8:45 p.m. – Jon Miller Band

Performing since 1995, Jon Miller has been steadily promoting his unique style of positive country music. Becoming more and more known, Jon has been the opening act for such acts as Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels, Josh Turner, Gary Allan, and Trick Pony. In 2007, the Jon Miller Band opened for Big & Rich at BayFest on the streets of downtown Mobile, Al. Jon is known for his engaging live shows and imaginative songs.

10:00 p.m. – Delilah Why

Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Delilah Why’s stompin’ southern sound has nearly blown out speakers from far and wide. These southern road dogs never show a stage any mercy.

Saturday, October 3

3:15 p.m. – Phar Fletcher

Phar Fletcher is a group of musicians, students of the craft of making and playing music. Categorically speaking, modern rock/alternative would nail it down, but would grossly underestimate the number and variety of influences drawn from to create the sound that defines Phar Fletcher.

4:30 p.m. – The Grey

5:45 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 four piece rock band based in Mobile, AL called Hamelin. The most charismatic member of the band, Ross Newell (guitars, piano, and lead vocals), 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 ones 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 ability (or interest depending on how one looks at it) concerning fame and image as a key factor in keeping them focused on creating music. They feel that what they lack in image they more than make up for in talent, creativity, and hard work.

7:00 p.m. – Elley Duhe Band

8:15 p.m. – StereoHype

The sonic explosion that is StereoHype has been captivating audiences since 2003, and there is certainly no end to that in sight. Based out of Bay St. Louis, MS (of hurricane Katrina fame) the band has a sound not usually heard from the Deep South. Their sound has become something truly original, staying away from the fads of the times, expanding on their already well established core following and gathering many new loyal fans with each and every show. Upbeat aggressive rock with a pop sensibility combined with the clean tones of ska and reggae on top of smooth, snazzy brass lines makes their sound truly genre defining, if they even could be grouped into a genre.

9:30 p.m. – Gravy

Sunday, October 4

3:15 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 LaVela” in Panama City, Fl. Before Nine has also performed in many major outdoor festivals including Mobile’s Bayfest, Gautier Mullett Fest, and other regional clubs.

4:15 p.m. – Together Tomorrow

Defining Southern Mississippi’s rock scene since day one, Together Tomorrow began in the summer of 2008 in the small town of Hurley. Two friends; Jesse Duncan(vox guitar) and Mason Holland(drums), decided to record a few songs as an attempt to add something new to the Mississippi music scene. After adding Marcus Trebotich(Bass) the “Power House Trio” was in place. Since then nothing has been able to slow down their momentum.

5:45 p.m. – Swamp Noise

Swampnoise is the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s funk-rock jam band that brings together many styles of music to create their unique sound. Each show is a blend of progressive funk, rock, reggae, electronica, and blues, set to their own original songs and covers. Growing up just down the road from the New Orleans music scene has made a serious funky impact on Swampnoise’ songwriting and clever arrangements of cover music.

7:00 p.m. – Bella Orange

Rooted in soul with sultry vocals, cool jazzy guitar overtones, funky reggae basslines, and a rockin’ backbeat, the Pensacola, Florida based quartet Bella Orange brings an energetic and dynamic live performance to venues across the southeast.

Radio Avalon Jazz Tent

Friday, October 2

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, AL dabbling in the arts of “new” 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 3

2:00 p.m. – Jim Armstrong

3:30 p.m. – Hank Becker’s Sol Lab

5:00 p.m. – Bay City Brass Band

Bay City Brass Band was formed in 1997 by tuba player and band leader, Marcus Johnson. Marcus, at the time was also a member of one Mobile’s other brass bands, the Olympia Brass Band.

6:30 p.m. – Jimmy Robinson

In a story not unusual for musicians living in New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina put a twist on Jimmy Robinson’s solo career. Forced to evacuate New Orleans with his wife, son, mother and sisters, he wound up in Memphis where he was – like many New Orleans musicians – embraced by the local music community. Jimmy wound up performing regularly as a soloist in the Memphis area, and wrote much of the music for his debut solo cd. Jimmy pursued his solo acoustic career in earnest since then, featuring his original guitar instrumentals and vocal pieces as well.

8:00 p.m. – Shane Philen Quartet

Shane is a participating member of the National Association for Music Education, the International Association for Jazz Education, and the Alabama Music Educators Association. As a professional saxophonistsince 1992, Shane has devoted his talent and experience as a performer, instructor, band leader, and arranger throughout the United States and in several countries. 9:30 p.m. – Dennis Nelson

Sunday, October 4

2:00 p.m. – Murphy High School Jazz Band

The Murphy Band has a long history of musical excellence. The band has achieved superior ratings at numerous local, regional, statewide, and national marching and concert venues. In 2008, at the request of the City of Mobil,e the band performed in Cockburn,Western Australia in their Springtime Festival celebrating the newly-formed Sister City relationship between Cockburn and Mobile.

3:30 p.m. – Lil Greenwood When Duke Ellington walked in on Lil Greenwood’s act at the Purple Onion in San Francisco something over 50 years ago he was at no loss for comparisons. Ellington later was quoted in Ebony magazine, (April, 1960):

“This girl has a voice that’s a mixture of Marian Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Mahalia Jackson; and I don’t know but what she’s better on spirituals than when she’s walking and singing the blues.”

5:00 p.m. – Faulkner Sun Chiefs Jazz Band

6:30 p.m. – Rebecca Barry Quartet

A new voice on the tenor sax is turning heads on New Orleans’ vibrant jazz scene, a voice with a playful, warm, swinging quality, rich tone, deep sensitivity…and then some. That voice is Rebecca Barry, a twenty-three year old who grew up in Fairhope, Alabama. Remarkably, she was classically trained and didn’t really encounter jazz until the age of eighteen when she came to New Orleans on a Loyola University music scholarship.

8:00 p.m. – Tonic Strings

They are travellers in the world of music and seekers in the world of notes: the duo Tonic Strings (Toni & Nic = Tonic) comprising guitarists Toni Donadio and Nic Niedermann from Baden (CH) belongs to the top class of European musicians. Their music exists due to the mutual harmony for one another as well as the solistic freedom they allow each other. On stage, it’s not just sounds that are produced. It’s a lot more: stories are told and emotions are transmitted. The compositions full of Mediterranean joie de vivre, sensuality and warmth turn each and every Tonic Strings concert into a thrilling and unique experience.

Gospel Stage

Friday, October 2

6:45 p.m. – Yatron Yatron began singing in church and recognized her call in the ministry of music at the age of 14. While singing to the glory of the Lord, Yatron set about pursuing a career in music and had been lead vocalist for numerous pop and R& B bands in Colorado, Alaska and Las Vegas, Nevada.

7:20 p.m. – Word of Life Community Church Fine Arts Ministry

8:05 p.m. – Port City United Voices

Port City United Voices is a local contemporary choir that has performed extensively in the Southeast region at such events as the Shrimp Festival, BayFest and area churches. The group is made up of singers and musicians from various churches in the area.

9:05 p.m. – New Prodigal Sons

The New Prodigal Sons is a group of talented young men whose lives have taken on a rebirth in Jesus Christ. Their refreshing sound refines the spirit and serves as a ministry for the Glory of God. They are brothers united in lifting the Name of Jesus through a profound message that ushers God’s Holy presence into their performance.

Saturday, October 3

2:20 p.m. – New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

3:05 p.m. – Charles Collins Ministries

3:50 p.m. Harmony Ridge

Harmony Ridge is a southern gospel singing group based out of Mobile, Alabama, and has been singing together for nearly four years. The group consists of five very talented, dedicated Christians that love to do the work of the Lord.

4:35 p.m. – Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

5:20 p.m. – Brian Hines and Company

Brian C. Hines, native of Mobile, Alabama, arrived on the music scene in 1995 as a drummer and guitarist. Before long, Brian ventured into playing the organ and keyboard. As a 16-year-old, self-taught musician, he was inspired to write and compose songs. Throughout the 1990’s, he attended music workshops and continued to increase his knowledge.

6:05 p.m. – Rod and Staff

Rod and Staff is a Moss Point Mississippi group of young people whose southern style of gospel has been featured at festivals in Mississippi and Alabama, most recently the Poarch Creek Indians. The group recently debuted a new CD which includes such songs “I Keep Running,” “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” and “Revelation.”

7:05 p.m. – Elements of Difference

7:40 p.m. – Vision 2 XIT

Sunday, October 4

2:30 p.m. – D. T. Wright

With an early gift for both melody and harmony, an angelic singing voice, and a natural gift for romantic expression, David T.Wright is creating songs that resound with authentic magic and heartfelt lyrics.

3:10 p.m. – Big Show and Crowd Pleaser

3:50 p.m. – Moffett Road Assembly of God

4:30 – Jewel Lucien

5:15 p.m. – The Chosen Five Singers

The Chosen Five Singers’ unique voices and riveting talent is a rich blend of contemporary and southern gospel music. The eight-member group’s newest CD “God’s Blessing Me,” is soulful variation of such songs as “Journey River,” “What I Like About Jesus,” and “Walk With Me,” and is a testament to the group’s dedication to God.