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Local Artists Showcase
12:00–1:00 PM
Spaceman Spiff
Rock
Spaceman Spiff
© Jake Spinney
Spaceman Spiff is Phil Smith on bass and lead vocals, James Shasha on keys and vocals, Josh Larrabee on drums, and Jackson Gibney on guitar and vocals.
Spaceman Spiff started out as an idea of Phil's when he met drummer Josh Larrabee at a show where they were playing in separate bands. They soon became fast friends and started asking around for a good guitarist and when they found one in Jackson. The three decided to see where a little jam would go and it ended up being the conception what turned out to be their first original song "Grass"…and Spaceman Spiff was born! Spiff then went looking for a keyboard player with good chops and creative ideas.. James and Phil had been friends for a time well before the formation of the band and James was asked to join. Thus, Spaceman Spiff became what it is today, and the band has added another strong original, "Victim Of Apathy", along with choice cover tunes.
Phil and James are graduating from Swampscott High, Josh Larrabee from Peabody High and Jackson has just finished his junior year at Marblehead High.
1:15–2:15 PM
Dear Zim
Pop/Rock
 Since early 2009 David Westerhout has been slowly infecting us with his catchy dance like hooks. Always keeping our bodies moving. Although Boston based now, this Zimbabwean born kid has been moving his way around the world living in almost any country imaginable. "I love to try combine as many catchy hooks as I can with different musical ideas from all my past experiences growing up around the world." Recently "Dear Zim" made it to number 1 on purevolume.com for three separate releases, and is experiencing a sudden growth in online fan base. Writing, playing, recording and producing everything himself, this bright, blonde, boy is a talent to watch. Since then David has released his debut EP "Ready, Set, Dance!" as Dear Zim, as well as three new singles "Not Another One", "Small Town" and "Flip flops and Hi Tops" (Featuring Carlprit from Cascada's "Evacuate the Dancefloor") Dear Zim is slowly moving its way up in the scene, after recruiting a full live band, consisting of Nick Barry (Bass) Mark Hylander (Drums) Zack Currier (Guitar) and Tim Ryan (Guitar). Sharing the stage with such artists as Every Avenue, Hey Monday, Forever The Sickest Kids, The Rocket Summer, and many more. This is one live show you don't wanna miss!
2:30–3:30 PM
Me vs Gravity Rock
Pop/Rock
In the short time they've been together Berklee College of Music students, Zach Nelson Guitar/Vocals, Dave Colicchio Guitar/Vocals, Jeff Kinsey Bass/Vocals and Ben Meyers Drums/vocals have formed the band Me vs Gravity and have been blowing up the Boston music scene with their epic pop/rock style. Since their first show a year ago, Me vs Gravity released a self-produced 7-song EP, along with a music video for the EP's lead single, "Walls," which now has over 240,000 views on YouTube. The band created enough buzz to get them to Chicago to record new music with producers from Atlantic and Def Jam, along with a second music video to be released this summer. With a strong online presence, a bombastic live show, and a drive like no other, Me vs Gravity is the real deal. Tell the kids not to miss the next huge sensation…Me vs Gravity!
July 4
Evening Performances
6:00–7:30 PM
The Chicken Slacks
RB/Soul
Chicken Slacks
Photo bu Ton Pownall
The Chicken Slacks bring deep soul treasures to a classic R&B-style revue. The eight year old band features Providence resident Tracy Fontes on lead vocals, whose voice is reminiscent of Smokey Robinson, plus a seamless horn section under the leadership of music director and band emcee Jeremy Valadez. The Chicken Slacks also feature the inventive guitar work and lead vocals of Mike Duke, who himself has been a music director for well-known soul singers from the New Orleans and southern soul circuit.
The Chicken Slacks are regulars on the Boston club scene, including a famous seven year residency at The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge, creating lines out the door for their Thursday dance night party. Their name comes from a commonly misheard lyric from Sam Cooke’s “Dancing the Night Away”—“he’s dancing with the chick in slacks.”
8:00–10:30 PM***
The Brian Maes Band
Rock
Multi-instrumentalist, singer, song writer and producer Brian Maes is a one of kind musician and performer and The Brian Maes Band is made up of the “best of the best” musicians around – all highly sought after and some who have played together for most of their music careers.
A Berklee College of Music graduate, Brian’s musical road has taken him across the country and around the world. In 1982 Brian joined RCA Recording Artist Robert Ellis Orrall's band, and met master guitarist Kook Lawry, They began touring and recording throughout the U.S., the U.K. and Sweden. In 1984, Brian joined Orion The Hunter lead by Barry Goudreau, former guitarist from the mega-rock group Boston. The group toured as the opening act for Aerosmith all summer long in 1984.
TIm Archibald, then the bass player for the very popular Boston based group New Man, joined Orion The Hunter, which later evolved into RTZ (Return To Zero) with another former Boston band mate, the late great singer Brad Delp. Brian wrote the top 26 Billboard chart hit "Until Your Love Comes Back Around." on the debut album by RTZ.
Drummer "Old" Tony DePietro came on board in the early nineties after performing with Mary Lou Lord's band.
In 2001 Brian had heard about an incredible local singer MaryBeth Linehan. Many of Brian's band mates had worked with her and had praised her vocal abilities. The two met at one of Brian's gigs and the rest, as they say, is history… MaryBeth shares lead vocals and play guitar. The couple was married in 2002 and daughter Madeline completes the family….
The Brian Maes Band has just released their newest CD Collateral Damage delivering all new original material that not only pays homage to the musical influences that are woven into the fabric of the Brian Maes Band, but also demonstrates the band's passion and commitment to the music they create and perform.
***With a break for Harbor Illumination & Fireworks
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