Friday Night Series
The Spectras — July 4
Sponsored by SUR Construction/WOKQ 97.5FM
The Fourth of July fireworks display for the City of Dover will be set off from
Maglaras Park and will be visible from the Cochecho Arts Festival area. This show
will have a rain delay date of July 5th.
The classic rock sounds of The Spectras will open the 22nd annual Cochecho Arts
Festival at the Rotary Arts Pavilion on Friday, July 4, beginning at 7 p.m., sponsored
by SUR Construction of NE, Inc. and media sponsor WOKQ 97.5FM. The Spectras bring
an exciting, richly colorful sound with the rhythmic drive of a rock band, the brassiness
of a swing band, the soul sound of Motown, and the tenderness of a beautiful vocal
on intimate ballads. Opening night will conclude with a spectacular July Fourth
fireworks display from Maglaras Park.
The Spectras were formed in October 1964 by Dick Ray and the late Chris Quackenbush
at UNH. Drummer Buddy Brown joined in 1966, and in 1969, the band received national
exposure for their first album, “And You Love Her”. Sax player Gary Anderson and
trumpeter Lee Gardner joined the band in 1971 and, eight years later, they recorded
“Home Again”, which won the Granite State Rock Music Award. The band reformed after
a ten year hiatus, to play at UNH for the Class of 1970’s twentieth reunion and
the Spectras were back playing regularly, better than ever – “the Rock That You
Remember ...from the Days You'll Never Forget!”
In 2004, in celebration of the 40th anniverary of their start, The Spectras recorded
and released their CD "40-04." This recording has a combination of newly recorded
tracks such as "I've Been Lonely Too Long" and "Temptation Eyes" as well as a recording
taken directly off the radio of their award winning "Home Again" complete with the
disc jockey's talking and also a digital remastering of their original 1969 vinyl
hit single "The Best Years Of Our Lives." It also includes a full color, 8 page
insert complete with pictures of the band dating back to 1965! Copies are available
by contacting the band's website www.thespectras.com and they are available at all
performances.
On a sad note, on February 25, 2008 founding member, bass player and vocalist Chris
Quackenbush passed away after a long and courageous battle with a rare neurological
disease. Chris continued playing with the band during his illness, making a valuable
contribution as bassist and background singer until it became impossible for him
to perform on stage. He will long be remembered for his distinctive singing voice,
and his rock-solid bass lines. His influence on the band's selection of songs, with
his love of Motown, Memphis Soul, and Folk Rock are evidenced in their repertoire.
He was the band's 'fashion coordinator', always insisting that the band's appearance
on stage be of high quality. Chris was a dear friend and will be sorely missed by
band members, friends, and fans.
In preparation for the 2008 summer concert season, the band has added several new
selections to their playlist to show their versatility of style. They have added
the Michael Buble arrangement of "Save The Last Dance" which has a Latin flavor,
Frank Sinatra's swing version of "I've Got The World On a String", and a sizzling
hot rendition of Brian Setzer's "Jump, Jive, and Wail." Other new tunes for this
summer include "Sea Cruise", "Jackie Wilson Said" and Crazy Elephant's song "Gimme
Gimme Good Lovin'."
The Spectras look forward to an exciting summer of fun in the sun and great tunes
from the 1960's and 1970's.
Visit The Spectras Website
Good Mem’ries Big Band — July 11
Sponsored by Citizens Bank & Rotary Club of Dover/WQSO FM96.7
The Good Mem’ries Big Band is from North Hampton, NH and is commencing its 15th
concert season. The 16-piece band plays the music popularized by Glenn Miller, Tommy
Dorsey, Harry James, Duke Ellington, and the other bands of the big band era of
the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. It also plays hits from musicals and shows from later periods.
Although the band performs year-round, its busy season is in the summer in bandstands
of the Seacoast region. The band is under the direction of Warren Muchemore of Portsmouth,
who also writes many of its arrangements, performs on all the instruments, and is
still active playing in other dance bands. He was an instrument teacher and the
leader of the Portsmouth High School and North Hampton School Stage bands during
his teaching career. Four other members of the band are also music teachers, in
addition to performing. So, prepare to tap your toes, clap your hands, recollect
and relive the Good Mem-ries of one of the best eras in musical history.
The Makem & Spain Brothers — July 18
Sponsored by Goss International Americas, Inc./WTSN 1270AM
Every generation has a few acts that define where a musical genre is going, performers
so confident in their chosen field that they are able to completely embrace the
genre and yet introduce something new to it. In Irish folk music today, that act
is the Makem and Spain Brothers.
Not in the past 30 years has a group taken the international stage with such vocal
power and stage presence, capturing the essence of their genre, while standing out
as something truly unique. A host of various instruments and five male vocals, using
precise three-part harmonies blend perfectly for what many have described as a wall
of sound. The Makem and Spain Brothers are at their best onstage where their talent
and enthusiasm draw in fans who have never experienced the joy of folk music.
The band of brothers who were once considered the new kids on the block, have honed
their craft over 15 years of international performances and are now one of the truly
stalwart, road-tested Irish vocal groups available. They have played before millions
of people from Canada to Texas, from California to the Caribbean and over to Ireland,
highlighting national PBS specials and popular Irish talk shows along the way.
The Makem Brothers, Shane, Conor and Rory, were born in Drogheda, County Louth,
about an hour north of Dublin. They continue the lineage of one of Irish music’s
dynasties, begun by their grandmother Sarah Makem, who was sought after by song
collectors for her store of traditional Irish songs. Their father is Tommy Makem,
the modern day Bard of Armagh. Now considered an icon, he helped to bring Irish
music out of the corner and into the international spotlight, where it has remained
ever since.
The Spain Brothers, too, learned Irish songs at their father’s knee. Mickey’s rich,
baritone voice and Liam’s mastery of stringed instruments quickly found a home when
the Makems met the Spains and the brothers realized the power of their combined
talents.
But folk songs are engrained in both families and their songwriting contains the
timeless qualities of folk classics, songs of the worker, songs of the sea and Irish
culture. They tell the tale of Ireland and its people - a culture that has undergone
terrible strife, but remains strong.
Where is Irish music going? There are instrumental bands bringing it down uncharted
roads, moving it forward and keeping it living. But there is only one band that
is driving Irish folk songs into the 21st century internationally. That band is
the Makem and Spain Brothers.
Visit The Makem Brothers' Website
Pondering Judd — July 25
Sponsored by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital/The Shark 105.3FM
Taking risks is essential to art, and life itself. Playing it safe is predictable,
mind-numbing and dull. New England's Pondering Judd have long-pioneered the blurry
waters of rock, folk, and Americana since 1993, intermingling all three genres to
create a unique blend of music best described as roots rock.
Pondering Judd's latest, Coalesce, is their sixth release in seven years, continuing
a prolific run of songwriting dating back to the band's creation in 1993. Coalesce
is laden with visually-poetic lyrics and emotionally-charged melodies which swarm
the senses and rouse the imagination. Sequentially, the ten tracks on Coalesce represent
a musical arc, the day's first beams of sunlight eventually giving way to the dark
edges of night. It also represents PJudd's finest work to date, at once documenting
and showcasing the band's collaborative framework.
PJudd's approach is simple: songs before individual performances; the whole before
thyself. With a culture suddenly absent of storytellers, this thought line is often
viewed as a death sentence for many bands. For Pondering Judd, who pride themselves
as torchbearers for storytelling and melody making, it's taken as a challenge.
"I believe every song you've ever written is already inside you, a sort of median
that runs constantly," Pondering Judd's singer/songwriter Martin England said during
a recent interview. "The trick is being able to hook into that stream at the right
moment. Sometimes it wakes you in the night, other times it'll come on the drive
home from work. I think I've nearly died writing lyrics on the back of a car registration
or oil bill at least thirty times. "
In spring 2006, Pondering Judd completed its first-ever US Tour with Ireland's Sawdoctors,
including performances in Boston (The Roxy), Chicago (The Vic Theatre), Baltimore
(Rams Head Live), New Haven (Toad's Place), Cleveland (Agora Theatre), and Alexandria,
VA (The Birchmere). The tour was secured solely through patience, hard work and
perseverance, without the benefit of a major label deal, a true testament to PJudd's
DIY nature.
Pondering Judd is the aforementioned singer/songwriter Martin England, guitarist
Mark Edgerly, bassist Brian Gosselin, and drummer Steve Jacques. Collectively, Pondering
Judd continue to redraw the lines between rock, folk and Americana. With Coalesce,
PJudd kicks the door from its jamb by adding blues to that list, pulling in various
elements previously thought of as inaccessible to the band's core. "Americana has
hope in these men, and we have hope that there is still good music such as this
out there waiting for our ears." -Daniel J Lavagna, Northeast In-Tune Magazine
Pondering Judd's high-energy performances capture the attention of a vast array
of generations and music lovers alike. They have shared stages with Guster, Sawdoctors,
Entrain, Push Stars, and Dispatch, to name a few. Through the years, PJudd have
always considered themselves as a live band, first and foremost. Their diverse musical
nature allows them to perform in music halls and living rooms alike. "Pondering
Judd put on a blistering set, before I knew what hit me, I was swept onto the dance
floor." -Margaret Logan, Northeast Performer
Pondering Judd has been recognized both locally and regionally for its efforts,
winning the 2004, 2005, & 2006 Spotlight Awards for Best Rock Band, the 1999 & 2000
Spotlight on The Arts Award for Best Alternative Band, and in 2000, P-Judd's release
of Curve of Her Soul received top honors as Best CD by an Established Band. The
band will be inducted into the Spotlight Hall of Fame in Spring 2008.
Visit The Pondering Judd Website
Don Campbell Band — August 1
Sponsored by Federal Savings Bank/WOKQ 97.5FM
The Don Campbell Band, featuring the world-class vocals of Maine native, singer-songwriter
Don Campbell and the Band’s award-winning adult contemporary, folk-rock and country
music, return to the Cocheco Arts Festival stage at the Rotary Arts Pavilion, on
Friday, August 1st.
Named Maine’s Best Singer-Songwriter in the 2008 Maine Sunday Telegram Readers’
Poll, Don and the Band are frequent performers on stages around the country and
have opened for acts including American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, Willie Nelson,
Keith Urban, Ricky Skaggs, Toby Keith, Gretchen Wilson, Merle Haggard and more.
Don Campbell performs over 150 shows per year, co-based out of Portland, Maine &
Nashville, TN. He’s recently released, “American Garage”, a new CD that captures
a nostalgic slice of Americana in 11 original tunes and 2 covers.
“American Garage is full of lush imagery that’s made all the more vivid by Campbell’s
buttery-smooth tenor. His upper range has an underlying deep timbre that allows
him to effortlessly dip in to the bass range, giving a rich versatility to his crooner-like
vocals…. Like his voice, Campbell’s playing paints images. There’s intricate picking
on ‘Beautiful Rain’ that’s reminiscent of soft rain melodically bouncing off the
roof on a rainy night. On ‘Finding Your Way Home’, Campbell’s layered guitar work,
combined with beautiful harmony vocals, reassuringly takes the listener on a soul-searching
journey through the uncertainties of life.” - April Boyle, Maine Sunday Telegram
A national winner of the Jim Beam Back Room Band Search, Campbell’s band includes
Andy Happel, Sean Daniels, Sumner McKane & Tonya Shevenell.
Visit The Don Campbell Band
Website
James Montgomery — August 8
Sponsored by Bill Dube Ford/Toyota/Scion & TD Banknorth/WERZ FM107.1
When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he "brings it on home".
Whether it's recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting
his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up
in Detroit he learned first-hand from the masters - James Cotton, John Lee Hooker,
and Jr. Wells - at the legendary "Chessmate." Over the years, he's carried on in
the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic
performers on the scene.
In 1970, while attending Boston University, Montgomery formed the James Montgomery
Band. His inimitable (oh yeah, he majored in English) harmonica playing combined
with his incredibly energetic live shows led to the band's quick ascension on the
New England music scene. Within two years, the James Montgomery band was among the
hottest acts in Boston along with J. Geils and Aerosmith, and they were quickly
signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn Records.
Since that time, James has recorded six albums. His first, "First Time Out" has
been remastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Other include "James Montgomery
Band" on Island Records which was number nine on Billboard's national playlist,
"Duck Fever" with members of the David Letterman Band, "Live Trax," with the Uptown
Horns (the Rolling Stones' horn section), and his release on Tone-Cool, "The Oven
Is On."
Montgomery has toured with many major artists, including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt,
Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller and others. He has jammed on
stage with B.B.King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie
Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf
among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York's "Trax".
Over the years Montgomery's band has been a springboard for many musicians. Members
of his band have included Billy Squire, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart),
Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Nunzio Signore Bo Diddley), Jeff
Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra, Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with
Ted Nugent, Squire and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith's Tom
Gambel, and many others.
Regarding the Johnny Winter Band featuring James Montgomery, the Nashville Tennessean
writes "If ever the time came to use two "legendary" tags in one story, it is to
describe both Winter and Montgomery. They are blues masters of the first and highest
degree" The James Montgomery/Johnn Winter combination has worked out beyond anyone's
hopes. Since Johnny asked James to join his band along with Scott Spray and Wayne
June his shows have been remarkable. Johnny is having his best time playing in many
years. He puts his heart and soul into each performance, most of which sell out.
The audiences have all been pleased. The highlight in the US, a packed house at
Chicago's House of Blues attended by Johnny's old buddy Pinetop Perkins. Look for
James and Johnny to go to the House of Blues in LA in January as part of a West
Coast tour, and to Istanbul Turkey in the summer as part of a European tour that
ends in Norway
Visit The James Montgomery
Website
All Together Now — August 15
Sponsored by Tritech Engineering Corp/Soft Rock 98.7 THE BAY
A musical tribute to the Beatles, performing together since 1994, All Together Now
is not a Beatles look-alike band, but a sound-alike band, celebrating the Beatles’
music in an interactive way that gets the audience singing, dancing, and having
a great time. Their extensive song list reflects the Beatles’ entire repertoire
and career, from Twist and Shout, to Sgt. Pepper to Abbey Road. They play the classic
hits and add a few surprises.
Tommy started playing piano at age 7, took up the guitar at 12, and then fell in
love with the bass guitar at 14, after hearing Paul's bass lines on the Sgt. Pepper
album. He earned a music degree at University of New Hampshire and performed with
such jazz greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, and Billy Taylor.
Tommy has played with several rock bands over the years, including Jeff's original/cover
band Landrock, known for its renditions of Beatle music. In the 80s, Tommy played
with Northern Star, opening for such acts as: The Stray Cats, Foghat, Johnny Winter,
The Joe Perry Project, Robin Trower, and Tommy James and the Shondells. He received
a Grammy nomination in 1985 for "Best Instrumental Rock Performance" against Stevie
Ray Vaughn, Jeff Beck, Yngwie Malmsteen, and John Butcher Axis, losing the award
to guitar legend Jeff Beck. In "All Together Now!" Tommy sings John and plays Paul.
Jeff Landrock is a Paul/John hybrid. He plays rhythm guitar like John, plays Polish
piano (whoops--that should read "Paul-ish piano"), and sings the Paul McCartney
parts.
Jeff realizes that nobody really reads band bios beyond the first few lines, so
as far as he's concerned, the pressure is off! However, being a team oriented kinda
lad, he'll continue with the blah, blah, blah....
Jeff received a self-designed degree in audio engineering from the University of
New Hampshire back when his professors were wondering what a recording engineer
was. After years of freelancing in New England recording studios, Jeff finally opened
his own studio in Berwick, ME, and dubbed it Landrock Recording because he's so
darned creative when it comes to naming things. Recreating Beatle music is something
Jeff never tires of. He hopes you'll come and see some ATN shows.
Says Jeff, "You haven't read this far, have you.... I'm not surprised. If you actually
did read this far, write to me at my super-secret e-mail address: jeff@landrock.com.
I know you won't; nobody has ever read a band bio all the way through. You must
be weird!"
At age six, Ace was a reluctant drum student who changed his attitude after listening
to his first Beatle album. From that point on, drum lessons were replaced with long
hours of drumming along with Beatle LPs and concert videos, as well as researching
the unorthodox techniques and equipment used by the famous Mr. Starkey.
Listed in the Who's Who in American High School Musician's publication and inspired
by drummers such as John Bonham, Neil Peart, Alex Van Halen, and his first influence,
Ringo Starr, Ace began performing on recording sessions for a variety of local and
national artists while still in his teens. His rock solid timing, Ringo vocals,
and drum sound will bring you back to the magical 60s.
Before I start my bio thingy, I would like to recognize the immense talent of my
predecessor, Lauren Passerelli. That little lady has tiny feet, but HUGE shoes to
fill!! I'm a huge fan of Lauren's, and I hope I can do justice to the amazing work
she did with All Together Now. All my love and best wishes, "George"!
Bruce Hilton began singing along with Beatles records (stolen from my older brother) at age 7, and hasn't stopped since. I began playing guitar shortly after, and at the age of 17, was drooling over the 12 string Rickenbacker guitar (like George Harrison’s) hanging in the local music shop. My parents bought it as a high school graduation present. I still own that Ric, and use it for certain numbers onstage with All Together Now.
Today, I am the singer/guitarist for The Digbees, a roots rock/Americana band. Our first CD, “Love Is A Train”, which Northeast Performer calls “Brilliant and criminally addictive”, contains songs that have been placed on hit Television shows such as “Veronica Mars” and “Greek”. The Digbees also have recorded two Beatles spoofs, “Beat the Meetles: The Stinky Blackwater Tapes” and “Rubber Revolver: The Stinky Blackwater Tapes Vol II”. These works have been touted by Beatlesarama.com as “...the funniest Beatles parody since the Rutles”. The Digbees continue to record and perform live in the ME/NH Seacoast region. In All Together Now I sing and play George and sometimes John.
Visit The All Together Now
Website
Entrain — August 22
Sponsored by DF Richard Energy/WHEB FM100.3
Epic in sound and kaleidoscopic in vision, the eclectic Martha's Vineyard-based
six piece Entrain has been thrilling critics and fans alike since it's inception.
Formed by drummer Tom Major in 1993, Entrain is also conga/djembe/trombonist Sam
Holmstock. Joining them is bassist Lenny Bradford, lead vocalist/guitarist/keyboards
Jeff Clark , saxaphonist Phillip Young and guitarist Johnny Trama. Veterans all,
their collective resume includes stints with such diverse players as Bo Diddley,
Carly Simon, Chuck Berry, Southside Johnny, Sam Kinninger, John Browns Body, Flor
De Cana, and Blood Sweet and Tears.
Entrain has recorded seven albums, available on Dolphin Safe Records, all of which
have been praised for their ability to shift effortlessly between musical styles
- from rock, blues, calypso and ska, to zydeco, jazz and funk - often within the
same song."The whole Entrain concept is based around the drums and infectious rhythms.
Once we've got that.... anything goes, everything goes," explains Major. As Sam
Holmstock says, "The most important thing that we try to do with our music is bring
everybody together in the spitit of peace, love, fun and a ton of drums!" Entrain's
lastest record "Entrain 7-Just a Matter of Time!" has enjoyed heavy rotation in
such trendsetter markets as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New England, Upstate New York,
Aspen, Santa Fe, Houston, Cincinnati, and Nashville, among others and climbing important
industry trade charts like those in CMJ, Album Network, FMQB, and The Gavin Report.
Entrain's visibility has increased recently, as their song "Dancin' in The Light"
has been featured in a national TV and radio commercial for The Sylvania Light Company.
Also several tracks from their fourth CD "All One" are featured in the Artisan film"Cutaway",
an action-thriller starring Stephen Baldwin, Tom Berrenger and Dennis Rodman. "Cutaway"
premiered in May 2001 to strong reviews at the Cannes Film Festival. Producer Richard
Glasser personally chose to feature "All One's" Shimmering title track prominently
in the film. In addition the anthemic "Arm Yourself" and the ska tinged "Jolly Green
Giant" (also taken from "All One") are included in the film.
Since it's inception, Entrain has jammed with the likes of singer/songwriter James
Taylor, Grateful Dead Alum Bob Weir and rock legend Bo Diddley, Not to mention amateur
saxophonist and professional leader of the Free World Bill Clinton. Entrain continues
to perform as a hugely popular live act throughout the North East and Mid-Atlantic,
and in 1995 the band garnered a Boston Music Award for Best Live Show. Before their
appearance on the "Cutaway" soundtrack Entrain's music was used as the theme song
for MTV's Real World Hawaii, While their t-shirts, bumper stickers and posters have
been featured on the popular WB series "Buffy The Vampire Slayer." Entrain has also
starred in and performed a memorable TV commercial for one of the nations leading
furniture retailers, which aired during the 1999 Super Bowl.
But Entrain's goal is not just to be the biggest and the best, says Major, "We wanna
create music that makes people feel good. When we look out from the stage, all we
see is smiling faces and bodies moving. You can't beat that feeling. At the same
time if we can help to make peace and love cool again... great! There's enough negativity
in the world, let's spread a little joy around and whatch how infectious it can
be."
Visit The Entrain Website
Shark in the Park Lunchtime Concert Series
Big John and The Twins — July 10, 2008
The Twitch — July 17, 2008
Jen Thayer Band — August 21, 2008
Please note that due to rain the Jen Thayer Band has been moved to August 21st.
Truffle — July 31, 2008
Four Sticks — August 7, 2008
Casual Labor Band — August 14, 2008
Tuesday Children Series
Marcus Gale, Singer/Storyteller — July 8 – 10:30 AM
Singer/Storyteller Marcus Gale gets the children in his audience actively participating
in the performance with his delightful repertoire of songs. His love of children
is the energy that is woven into all of his performances and inspires his music
and storytelling. Marcus’ catchy, sing-along melodies are fun and easy to learn
and his lyrics teach children life lessons in a way they can understand and experience.
Visit Marcus Gale's Website
Jody Gourlay, Musician/Storyteller — July 15 – 10:30 AM
Jody Gourlay has been a professional Top 40 Pop/Rock singer entertaining throughout
New England and Canada for over 20 years. Trained as a Kindermusik instructor, she
has worked with children from newborns to 7-year-olds in this wonderful early childhood
music program. Jody is a Kindermusik Maestro Award-Winning Instructor and has been
performing children shows for libraries throughout New Hampshire. Her most recent
library show, Camp Wanna Read, introduced her first original children's’ book and
CD. She occasionally performs with the Tim Theriault Band, The Funky Divas of Gospel,
as well as freelance studio work for many local artists. Jody resides in Milton
NH with her husband Rob, who is also a musician, their daughter Ella, and son Eben.
Visit Judy Gourlay's Website
Nancy Kelly Breton School of Dance — July 22 – 10:30 AM
The Nancy Kelly Breton School of Dance was founded in 1958 by Nancy Kelly Breton, who just celebrated
her 50th year of teaching dance for ages 3 and up. Located in Rochester, she specializes in tap,
ballet, pointe, jazz, acrobatics, and Country Clogging. Daughter Denise Breton joined her mother
in 1983 and now runs the Rochester Studio. Many of their individual students and classes have
competed in dance competitions, winning platinum, gold, and high gold medals. On our stage today,
we have some of those award-winning dancers, performing for you!
Julie & Brownie, Musicians/Storytellers — July 29 – 10:30 AM
Julie & Brownie’s award winning mix of fun-filled songs and important educational
messages for children has earned critical praise and launched them on tours throughout
the eastern United States and CanadaThey have appeared in dozens of publications,
as well as on radio and television. Julie and Brownie make over one hundred appearances
each year at schools, fairs, libraries, community festivals and events throughout
New England and beyond. A veteran performer since 1965, Brownie has composed songs
for The Kingston Trio, The Irish Rovers, Atlantic Music Corp, Cherry Lane/Cherry
River Music Corp, Nova, (PBS) and many others on an international level. He has
appeared on stage with Jay Leno, Theodore Bikel, The Kingston Trio, Pure Prairie
League, Doc Watson, Eric Weissberg (The Dueling Banjos) and countless others. With
Julie Thompson, he has co-written two children’s books, The Streamlined Double Decker
Bus, and A Pirate’s Life for Me.
An accomplished actress and singer originally from Ware, MA, Gisele Ganz (Julie)
started performing at a very young age. Her talents have been seen from stage, film,
print and commercials. Her work with children has ranged from teaching and directing,
to performing along side of them for several years as well. Along with being an
accomplished actress, Gisele has sung with the Boston Pops Gospel Choir, New England
Light Opera, The Millennium Choir and Share a New Song in countries as far off as
South Africa, Cuba and Russia. She has also been affiliated with the Boston Ballet
and has performed with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, appearing on the recording
“A Splash of Pops.”
Visit Julie and Brownie's Website
Judy Pancoast, Musician/Storyteller — August 5 – 10:30 AM
Award-winning entertainer Judy Pancoast is an acclaimed children’s musical artist
whose exceptional original songs for children instantly captivate audiences of all
ages and bring children and families together in a spirit of wholesome fun. Judy
earned her BA in Music from the University of Maine, and was a solo performing artist,
the leader of two popular bands, and a successful radio announcer for many years.
Her natural ease with children and belief that they receive an invaluable education
through music led her to pursue and attain a Master’s Degree in Education. It was
then that the confluence of her musical ability, her ability to inspire children
and her sense of humor resulted in her acclaimed series of original recordings and
renowned children’s concerts. Pancoast is a featured artist on the select roster
of Artists in Education of the New Hampshire State Council for the Arts and the
roster of the New Hampshire State Library’s “Kids, Books and the Arts” summer reading
program. She can also be heard regularly as an announcer on Boston’s Oldies 103.3.
Visit Judy Pancoast's Website
BJ Hickman, Magician — August 12 – 10:30 AM
A regular entertainer at Hollywood’s Magic Castle, magician BJ Hickman has performed
more than 5,000 live shows for well over 500,000 people in his career. From educational
school assemblies, festivals, art centers, theaters, and special events throughout
New England to speaking presentations throughout the United States, BJ is one of
the busiest magicians in America. His interest in magic began as a child growing
up in Manchester, New Hampshire, "My dad taught me a little trick with a piece of
string and I was hooked.", recalls Hickman. While still a child, Hickman joined
The International Brotherhood of Magicians and went on to become an "Order of Merlin-Shield"
member and Territorial Representative. He is active locally, having held every office
in the New Hampshire chapter of The International Brotherhood of Magicians. He is
also a member of several other organizations including the Academy of Magical Arts.
BJ Hickman has been reviewed as “a master of the double-take and one who connects
with wonderful audience rapport.” He is credited with being “the magician who keeps
getting invited back.” His comedy, audience participation one man magic show is
suitable for audiences of all ages. People enjoy his dazzling deception, mind reading
miracles, silly surprises, and sleight of hand. His new book is Magic Speaks Louder
Than Words.
Visit BJ Hickman's Website
Wayne From Maine, Singer/Storyteller — August 19 – 10:30 AM
For over a decade Wayne has been writing and performing family style music for the
young at heart. He lives in Kittery with his wife and two children and has been
a professional musician for over twenty years. After the birth of his first child,
he started writing children's music and calls playing for kids “the greatest”. He
performs at schools, preschools, libraries, festivals, and children's events from
Maine to Maryland and was invited for three years in a row to perform at the “Little
Ducklings Parade” in Boston. “It's always a thrill to have kids singing along with
me to my own music and I love to receive little notes and cards from kids, telling
me how much they enjoyed a show or one of my songs. Sometimes I think I must be
One Lucky Guy.”
Visit Wayne From Maine's Website