Smilefest 2010 Performers

Micheal Franti and Spearhead

After closing out the last Smilefest in 2006 with an unforgettable performance, Micheal Franti and Spearhead have been rocking crowds worldwide with their energetic and positive message. With their hit single Say Hey (I Love You) being played on mainstream radio, his message during these turbulent times is more important than ever. Fresh off tours with the Counting Crows and John Mayer, Franti and Spearhead triumphantly return to Smilefest to offer up songs of love, harmony and “power to...


Keller Williams Solo

A long time Smilefest performer, Keller first played for us back in 1997. Many of you have heard the story....Keller reminds us often....during the middle of his set....the porta potty guy decided to clean the backstage toilet....in full view of Keller, the audience and Emily, his lovely wife. Rumor has it that it all was caught on video! Only fitting that Keller will be back for the Reunion. Keller Williams has built a career on his uncanny ability to captivate a packed house—all by himself...


MaGraw Gap

After winning the best band competition in1995 at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival players Larry Keel, Danny Knicely, John Flower, and Will Lee lit a fire in the world of Appalachain and bluegrass music. With there cutting edge performances they set forth to strengthen the roots and revive an already mighty scene of up and coming performers in their chosen genre. It’s been a long time since these fellows have come together to perform and with the peak of Pilot Mountain as a backdrop they...


Acoustic Syndicate

Acoustic Syndicate may be the most widely known and respected artist to ever play Smilefest. From their 5 hour “retirement” show in 2005, to Steve McMurry with the Keels in Big Daddy’s Bluegrass Band, Acoustic Syndicate has given it’s all again and again. In 2009 they were voted the 6th top artist of the last 20 years by WNCW listeners. With all the accolades and all the memories, all in attendance at the reunion will again be smiling when they take the stage in May....


Cornmeal

Heavily influenced by American roots and folk music, Cornmeal was started as side project over seven years ago only to watch it grow into a Chicago institution. Known for their vast musical repertoire, lightning fast tempos, and impeccable harmonies, the five-piece acoustic-electric band prides itself on the energy it puts forth each night creating an unrivaled live performance that continues to shape itself into a truly unique experience.
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Keller and The Keels

Larry and Keller first got together back at Smilefest 2001 or 2002 when they did a "workshop" on the Homegrown Music Stage. Since that time they've performed together throughout the US....bringing in Larry's bass playing with Jenny to round out the group. Their first CD was a huge success and I believe they are planning another release soon. You will see Larry throughout the weekend several different times...expect to see him anytime!
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Jeff Coffin Mu'tet

Jeff Coffin has been a very busy since his last performance at Smilefest in 2006. Since then he has been recording, winning Grammies, and touring with his regular outfit Bela Feck and The Flecktones and has replaced Leroi Moore as the touring sax player of the Dave Matthew Band. Along with Kofi Burbridge(Derek Trucks Band), Jeff “Apt Q-258” Sipe(Leftover Salmon, ARU), Bill Flanning, and Felix Patorius ,THE MU’TET takes a variety of different styles and combines them into a show that...


Acoustic Manner

"Four out of five former members of Smilefest favorite, Barefoot Manner, have reunited after a 3 year hiatus and will be joining the Smilefest lineup under their new title... Acoustic Manner. The boys have reunited with one goal in mind: to play together as friends; no frills, no excuses, all fun and enjoyment of the music that propelled Barefoot Manner forward for so long. Don't miss the renewed sound of this seasoned group."
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Darol Anger/Scott Law

Darol Anger the violinist, fiddler, composer, producer and educator, Anger is at home in a number of musical genres, some of which he helped to invent. He has a constantly developing population of young excellent string players, which includes Scott Law.


The Yonrico Scott Band featuring Laura Reed

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia these members of the Derek Trucks Band, Kofi Burbridge, Todd Smallie, and Yonrico Scott have combined there talents to create a sound bursting with smooth compilations and great rhythms. With The Yonrico Scott Band riding high with their success with Derek Trucks they will be bringing this feeling to all at Smilefest. Joining the trio in a new collaboration will be ex lead singer of Deep Pocket, Laura Reed.


David Via and Corn Tornado

David Via returns to Smilefest once again with his mighty band Corn Tornado. David Via has played several past Smilefest impressing musicians and fans alike. This May, David Via and Corn Tornado will bring forth their best bluegrass , picking sweet sounds through the Pinnacle, North Carolina air all weekend long.
www.davidvia.com


Purple SchoolBus

Playing Smilefest in 1996 at Castle McCoulgh and AMJAM 2008, Purple Schoolbus will again be driving into the North Carolina foothills to bring their “southern fried Chinese eyed rock and roll”. Smilefest fans will want to rediscover a great band that helped spread great music at festivals and venues across the US. Flourishing in this scene for more than two decades, Purple Schoolbus’ great tunes will echo memories of past good times and ones yet to made at Smilefest 2010.
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Folkswaggin'

Folkswaggin' was born in the back of a 1967 VW MicroBus in the summer of 1995. Soon after the band formed, they were invited to play the very first Smilefest, which was essentially a memorial gathering for the untimely passing of Jerry Garcia. Over the years, the band built a great following of loyal friends, fans and families; released a CD entitled "Psychefolkadelic"; toured the southeast, sharing the stage with greats such as Merle Saunders and others.


Shane Pruitt Band with Special Guests

Since Shane’s last performance at AMJAM 2008 on the second stage at Deerfields this phenomenal trio has been ripping the scene apart across the country. Sharing the stage which great acts such as Galactic, The Neville Brothers, Robert Randolph, and Johnny Winter, The Shane Pruitt Band’s high energy shows have brought forth a blues explosion the likes of which have not been seen in many years.


Pimps of Joytime

Straight pimpin’ all the way from Brooklyn, New York this multi – ethnic band blends soul, funk, latin, afro- beat, and pop to create a one of kind orgasmic visual and audio experience. Relentlessly touring from coast to coast spreading there music and love to all players and player haters, The Pimps of Joytime will be leading all at Smilefest into a funky, funky groove. We are excited to have them for their first ever Smilefest performance. Play on Players, Play on!!!!
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The Mantras

The Mantras’ music is a high-energy collaborative of jam-fusion and funk-rock that shakes your knees and rattles your toes. Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, the band has been playing to ever-increasing and sold out crowds in their home state, as well as expanding to new markets in the South and North East. Comprised of guitarist Keith Allen, guitarist Marcus Horth, drummer Justin Loew, bassist Brian Tyndall and percussionist Brent Vaughn, The Mantras unified their musical vision in...


Josh Phillips Folk Festival

Josh Phillips Folk Festival has been gaining a veritable army of fans that range from the youngest musical listeners, to seasoned long time traditional music fans. With the release of their first studio album, Wicker, Phillips has truly provided a strong testament to his ability to effortlessly capture generations worth of musical evolution, and traverse years of cultural dilution, bringing the listener back to the very source of roots, folk, soul, r & b, rock and reggae. Josh is no...


Quiver

Spiraling jam quartet, Quiver, formed in 1994 in Virginia Beach, VA and played until 1999. Throughout the last few years they have played together only a handful of times and are happy to be returning to Smilefest 2010. Their 1997 release “Cup of Gold” featured Keller Williams on “Suntide II”. Quiver drummer Jason Bruner actually sat in on djembe with Keller Williams in 1997 on his famed “porta potty” set he commonly refers to. As a matter of fact to add to that story, Quiver’s van was...


Josh Roberts and The Hinges

From Columbia, South Carolina The Hinges play rock and roll raw and uncompromising with country, blues, punk, and soul in the mix. With dirty guitars, contrasting with beautiful harmonies they are starting to make a name for themselves in the southeast. With the songs from their debut album The Sugar Bird Test and the fortitude of their founding leader Josh Roberts these young musicians are ready to rock the foothills of North Carolina all weekend long....


Jackass Flats

With two albums under their belts and a buzz about their great live performances spilling from the mouths of bluegrass lovers everywhere, Jackass Flats will be coming to Pinnacle, North Carolina to show that the new blood in Virginia bluegrass(Virginia State Champion Bluegrass Band 2002) can pick and party with the best Smilefest performers both past and present. www.jackass-flats.com


Jenna Lindbo

Another rising star from Asheville, North Carolina, Jenna Lindbo is a playful spirit and warm presence onstage. Coupled with creative rhythms and an extremely rich tonal relationship between her voice and the six string Jenna is drawing crowds everywhere. Along with the surprisingly powerful and compelling vocal that flows from this young musician, Jenna exudes a genuine sense of delight when she plays that her fans describe as "heartwarming and irresistible."
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Kerosene Willy

Kerosene Willy began in 1995 when several St. Louis bands had a weekend off. Ahzad Bogosian, then-drummer for the granddaddy of St. Louis jam/Dead bands Jake's Leg, put together a show at the now defunct bar 20 North. Ahzad rounded up members of Blue Dixie and his own band to do a two-night stint at "The North." Various forms of The Willy played for the next five years in St. Louis and surrounding areas. When Chopper moved to Virginia in 2000, he took the name with him.


Cadillac Jones

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia Cadillac Jones has graced the Smilefest stage several times in the past and is returning on the heels of its’ latest release Rhythm Method. With their combined wild rhythms, funky grooves, tight melodies, and improvisational jams Cadillac Jones shows have been fun and interactive for over ten years. Touring throughout the country they will no doubt be bringing the funk to Jomeokee Park and all the Smilefest faithful....


Big Daddy Love

BIG DADDY LOVE brings a natural blend of grass, roots, and rock to the emerging North Carolina music scene. With fiery vocals, sweet-sugary harmonies, authentic song-craft, and undeniable musicianship, the quintet delivers high-energy performances comprised of their own brand of good-time music. It is the startling power of these live shows that resonate with their audience. Genuine and intensely personal lyrics captivate and connect.

Be captivated. Get connected. Feel the love....


THUNDERDRUMS

Tribal electronica fused through world-beat percussion in a unique fashion, that is Thunderdrums. Looping unlike most audiences have ever seen is this melding of organic percussive instrumentation with electronic nuance bringing Frank Bloom to the crossroads of tribal, trance, house, drum-n-bass, and afro-beat compositions that have audiences nationwide on their feet and wanting more.
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