2025 Lineup

American Songbook Jazz

Carrie Jackson & Jazzin' All Stars performs Classic Jazz, Blues, and Pop with an improvisational dramatic flair. The band rocks the music of the Great American Song Book, swinging to the rhythms of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, George Benson, just to name a few. The music makes you want to clap your hands, stomp your feet, and dance!

 

For more, check out:

facebook: @carriejacksonjazz

linkedin: carriejacksonjazzsinger

twitter/X: @carriemojazz

cjayrecords.com

Caribbean Soul Hip Hop

THECAINMARKO a.k.a New Jersey's Juggernaut is a DJ born and raised in the Garden State. He counts genre blending DJs like A-trak, Cipha Sounds, Mark Ronson, Marly Marl and DJ Wonder as inspirations. When he isn't spinning records and pressing buttons playing music you can find him reading comic books and watching all manner of cartoons and anime.  You can check him out on air every Sunday 10pm to 12am alongside DJ Eclipse and DJ Riz on SiriusXM.  You can also see him in the flesh regularly at clubs, bars, and lounges across the Tri-State and at the improv comedy show Dancify That.  Get to know Cain through his music mixes via his soundcloud ( https://soundcloud.com/thecainmarko ).  Be sure to follow him on all social media platforms at @thecainmarko.

Blues, Funk

Adjustable Thrills consists of three accomplished musicians coming together to create a mash of blues, funk, and lowdown swamp noise. Come see them at The Newark Porchfest for great music and fun!

 

For more, check out:

Instagram and Facebook: @adjustable_thrills

YouTube: @adjustable_thrills

Hip Hop House DJ

Born Anthony Lawrence Peterson in Newark NJ, The IZM.'s first album, King For A Day, garnered him a placement in Spike Lee's Da Sweet Blood of Jesus in 2015. In 2019, he released his inaugural house album, Black Boy Wonderment, and the latest release, 2022's Mr. Saturday Night, follows in its path. In 2020, his music video for "Broken Like" received international film festival award nominations and recognition. The music video received the award for Best Dark Theme Short for New York-based Artist's Forum Festival of the Moving Image and Gold Medal for Music Video Short for the Asia Southeast Short Film Festival. He released his first book of poetry, sad black boys are beautiful, too in 2018 with black boy wonderment. to follow in late 2024 along with his 8th full-length album.

Singer/Songwriter

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Profecy973's music speaks for and to the people. With uplifting and motivating lyrics, Profecy973 performs music the crowd can listen and vibe to - music the people can relate to.

Check out more:
Instagram:  @profecy973 
Facebook: @Angel Miguel
TikTok:  nine7three
 

Contemporary Violin

Charisa the ViolinDiva, souljazz violinist/ vocalist has devoted her career to challenging every preconception of what a  violinist can accomplish in contemporary music.

 

Classically trained, her diversity and versatility has allowed her to travel the world, recording and performing alongside such artists as Lauryn Hill,  Paul McCartney, Vivian Green, Kim Burrell, Cyndi Lauper, and Quincy Jones, to name a few. In Dec 2022, her song "Bethlehem" was featured in BETs movie "A Miracle before Christmas". In June 2023, she began a progressive hip hop/jazz fusion orchestra that seeks to showcase orchestral diversity and black excellence across the genres, and throughout history.

 

Beyond performing, Charisa is an in demand teaching artist in public schools. She has developed “the StringTastic Curriculum” targeted at reaching young minority string players;  which she uses regularly to reach 200 black and latino students annually. Charisa has proudly called Newark NJ her home for the last ten years with her producer & drummer husband James Rouse.  On the national stage, she has won the Apollo Amateur Night Competition, performed for senators and dignitaries, rocked next to Patti Labelle and Misty Copeland on BET Black Girl’s Rock, won the McDonald’s Gospelfest Competition with her unique fusion of soul, jazz, hot pink violin, and voice.

 

Stay tuned for her next chapter at www.theviolindiva.com , or see her after the show for more info.

Dancehall, Reggae

A high-energy dancehall singer and songwriter, HeLLaFied is sometimes joined on stage by guest artists.

Check out more:
Instagram: @thereal_hellafied
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2vM04m9yAmq28Q6ulYwA4R?si=SPf0zi8UTdywkDxp4WW_VQ
https://youtube.com/channel/UCK0hIbc9CvTQvUKi-24XGew
 

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Visual Art + Americana/Bluegrass, Jazz

Kassaye Selassie is a singer/songwriter, guitarist, and pianist with work that spans across R&B, Folk, and Jazz. As a visual artist, Selassie’s focus is centered upon portraiture and sequential art.

 

Visit him on instagram: @kassayeselassie

Spoken Word Poetry

Since 2005, Rhyming Poets International, a tax exempt nonprofit organization, has been encouraging and supporting rhyming poetry,  with free workshops and performance events all over NYC and Newark. They run juried contests with cash prizes, publish a magazine titled Flute, have 3,000 members in their Facebook group, and are often joined in their endeavors by famous poets.  You may have seen them at various festivals in the area and likely heard their anthem written to celebrate Branch Brook Park.

 

For more check out:

YouTube.com/sbrhyme

Experimental Hip Hop Funk Soul Electronica

ThaGataNegrra - Imagine a Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes/Del Tha Funky Homosapien vocal delivery hybrid, with lyrical content reminiscent of Janet, De La Soul, and Eminem, all slapped on a technicolour New Wave hip-hop cosplay rave in Tokyo.

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For more visit:
thagatanegrra.net
Instagram: @tha_gata_negrra
Facebook:thagatanegrra
Bluesky: @thagatanegrra.bsky.social
X: @GoGoMewbari
TikTok: @ThaGataNegrra
 

Samba, Bossa Nova, Jazz

Based in Newark, NJ, BW Mejia’s Latin America Jazz Combo delivers a high-energy blend of Latin American rhythms and jazz improvisation. Drawing inspiration from legendary Afro Caribbean jazz artists like Horace Silver, Eddie Palmieri, Paquito D’Rivera to Tito Puente, our group takes audiences on a musical journey through styles such as salsa, samba, bossa nova, tango, cumbia, and merengue.

With infectious percussion, driving bass, and soulful horns, we celebrate the rich traditions of Latin music while exploring the freedom of jazz. Our performances are a tribute to both the classic pioneers and modern innovators of Latin jazz, and are sure to get audiences dancing, clapping, and enjoying the universal language of music!
 

Bagpipes

Jonathan Detres is the first Puerto Rican bagpiper of Hudson County. He is a member of the Newark Firefighters Pipes and Drums Band, the Staten Island Pipes and Drums Band, and the Essex County Shelilagh Pipes and Drums Band.  Jonathan started playing the bagpipes in 2011, influenced by the poignant ceremonies held on September 11th every year, where pipe bands from New York City police and fire department, and the Port Authority performed. Jonathan Detres has performed at a lot of events; sadly he played the bagpipes at his grandmother's funeral, still a very difficult memory for him.

For more check out:
Instagram: @k9jayfire94
 

Jazz R&B

An accomplished vocalist and voice instructor, Chaance serenades with sweet, soft, soprano interpretations of R&B, Neo-Soul, jazz, and 90's tunes. She is accompanied by a jazz-inspred live live band.

 

For more check out:
@chaancebarnes
 

Jazz, Latin, Classical

José Beviá Trio performs straight-ahead Jazz and Latin Jazz, along with Classical Music. The trio includes Ronen Itzik on the drums and Matt Dwonszyk on the bass. Their recently released album, Chasing Light, is available on all platforms.

Instagram @beviapiano, @ritzik, @dwonszyk
linktr.ee/josebevia
www.josebevia.com
 

Handcrafted Jewelry

Aya Styled Creations's unique, handcrafted, and wearable art is inspired by color as vibrant as a rainbow or as soft as  earth tones. They offer all forms of jewelry (necklaces, earrings, bracelets) and hair adornments.

Funk, R&B

Breaknrecords Band is a popular soul funk band with a musical twist - they will make you bob your head, tap your feet, and get up out of your chair!

 

Check them out at Instagram: @breaknrecordsband

Rock

Newark Porchfest is happy to welcome Mary’s Dream to our stages. Young artists seeking the rock life, making spanish-english indie rock music. The members of Mary’s Dream brought their music and art passion to Central High School with lyrics of love and some influences from stone rock.

Pop-Rock

Songwriters Ted Allen and Pat Cioffi join forces with John Zincani and Brian Attas to bring you Concept Of A Plan, a band that runs the gamut from ‘70s-influenced pop to hard-driving rock tunes. 

To check out more:
Facebook @tedallenmusic
 

Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Jazz

Blending Latin American rhythms with global sounds like funk, hip hop, jazz, and soul, THEKOIWAY creates a bold, multicultural sound that bridges borders and generations. The project’s name, meaning "The Way of the Koi," is inspired by the myth of the koi fish swimming upstream to become a dragon — a symbol of resilience, transformation, and the power of going against the current. Built on a foundation of collaboration and social consciousness, THEKOIWAY unites musicians from across the Americas and beyond. Their songs often carry messages of identity, migration, resistance, and love, wrapped in infectious grooves and rich storytelling. Live performances incorporate theatrical elements, visual projections, and choreography, creating immersive experiences that highlight both artistic freedom and cultural unity. With recent recognition at international film and music video festivals (including Tokyo, Berlin, and Santiago), and a growing presence in New York’s independent scene, THEKOIWAY continues to push boundaries — musically, visually, and politically.

Check out more:
thekoiway.com
@thekoiway on all social media platforms and YouTube
 

Hip Hop, Rap

JM Haze provides sounds of Hip-Hop/Rap that will have you moving.

 

For more, check out: 
linktr.ee/wittheflows__?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=fa9a21b2-fc74-463b-914c-29f7ec87b6b5
 

Jazz Trumpet

Bruno and Friends perform Gospel, jazz, R&B, Reggae, and other genres of music. Bask in the sounds of Bruno L. Lee's - a.k.a. "The Trumpet Man" - instrument, which expertly soars and falls, making each note lyrical and magical.

 

Check out more:
Instagram and Facebook: @leetrumpetman
 

Singer/Songwriter

Arturo de las Fuentes brings the legendary tale of Iñigo Montoya and his quest to find his one true love to Newark PorchFest once again through his songs. Get ready to discover a world of love, magic, and thunder! A journey through space and time at the speed of life! 

For more, checkout:
Instagram and Facebook: @arturodelasfuentes  
arturodelasfuentes.com
 

Visual Art

Step into the world of Malik Whitaker. As a fine arts painter, I capture Black narratives using a pointillism style of art. I meticulously build captivating images, where every dot tells a story, dot by colorful dot. Here, you'll discover the intricate dance of color and light that brings my artistic visions to life, one precise stroke at a time. 

Check out more at:
malikwhitaker.com
Instagram: @malik_whitaker
 

Hawaii, Hula

Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Nuioka is a hui (group) where we strive to perpetuate the teachings of our kumu (teacher), hula, the culture of Hawaii, and the spirit of aloha. Unique to the islands of Hawaii, hula is a dance steeped in tradition and used not only to tell stories but also to keep the history of Hawaii alive.

To check out more:
napuanuioka.wixsite.com/nuioka
 

Manga Art

Art By Sol joins Newark PorchFest as a multi-year returning artist, presenting work in digital illustration and paintings. 
Check out more of her art on Instagram: @soul1thief

Anarchy-Laced Folk-Punk

Jester of No Court is an elusive but fabled composer and musician whose music has an anarchistic folk-punk twist. The Jester has received critical acclaim from every musician who has ever challenged him to a musical duel. He has released two albums, Reduce the Size of Government and Break Up the Banks, and is reworking his most recent collection of singles as part of an upcoming album.

Check out more at:
Instagram and Facebook: @jesterofnocourt
jesterofnocourt.com
 

Eclectic Cover Band

If you love a VIBE, check out Forest Hill, Newark’s very own Diamonds in Jupiter. We challenge you NOT to dance to their covers of Pop, R&B, Smooth Jazz, Funk, and dance music from the 70's on up to today. You’ll catch a few originals, too, that you won’t want to miss. 

Wide Ranging Cover Band

Don't Go, Just Stay is a student-led band from Essex County College! Our covers range from Alternative Rock to Jazz, including original pieces. Their musical message: Although life has its challenges, we should always remember to hold on and stay committed to who we are and what we were meant to do.

For more check out:
Instagram: @dgjsband
 

Funk, House, Jazz DJ

Cameron Kelly is essentially a House DJ from New Orleans, tapping into the entire fabric of what makes the music so wonderful. Jazz and Blues set his foundation, Disco is the backbone and the Soul is... Soul.

For more info, check out his link tree

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https://linktr.ee/cameronkthedj?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c6c15c67-8b4e-4540-9cce-b28d59af04da
 

Brazilian Samba Jazz

In addition to traditional standard Jazz, Gerson Galante's repertoire presents Brazilian Music and the fusion of both styles, which they call Samba Jazz, or Brazilian Jazz.

For more, check out:
gersongalante.com.br
 

Salsa

The number one SALSA band in New Jersey considered by New Jersey and New York instructors and their students in the Tri State area. Known to play hard-core salsa for the dancers with amazing Latin rhythm.

For more from this exciting band, visit:
Kndelaentertainment.com
 

Visual Art

Jadeley Louis-Jean’s work is a deeply personal yet universally resonant exploration of identity, healing, and cultural memory. Blending vibrant palettes, symbolic florals, and expressive portraiture, her paintings evoke both emotional depth and spiritual reflection. She draws from Afro-Caribbean heritage, post-Impressionist influences, and contemporary social narratives to construct visual stories that speak to migration, womanhood, and resilience. Whether through canvas, poetry, or design, her art embraces vulnerability as a powerful form of self-expression. Each piece serves as a visual meditation—grounded in emotion, guided by symbolism, and open to collective interpretation.

For more of this wonderful artist, visit: 
Instagram and Facebook: @jadesartcorner 
jadesartcorner.com
todayifeellikecheckingin.com
 

Painting

Artist Melanie Rodriguez explores modern contemporary abstraction, made to provoke deep reflection and to challenge perspectives. With her art you will develop appreciation for uncertainty, beauty in the mess, and order in the chaos. 
Melanie uses her art to release built up emotions and anxieties to better see and understand them; she studies what she has created to interpret her own hidden messages. 

Check out more at:
Instagram: @Arthealsall
Arthealsall.com 
 

House, Soul, World

Popido's style is "Global Diaspora via Newark"! He's a master of blending genres, sounds, and people, creating unforgettable and exhilarating experiences. With a talent for bringing diverse souls together, he loves exercising the art of gatherings, making each full of fun and meaning! Get ready to dance, laugh, and connect!

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To hear more, visit:
soundcloud.com/galleryretail

Classical, Barroque

Counter Tenor David Yin along with his regular accompanist will perform a selection of baroque music at The Newark Porchfest.

Jazz Guitar

Jerome Bongiorno’s light jazz guitar has been featured at charitable and cultural events globally, as well on the soundtracks of films. 

Check out more on X: @BonProds
 

Classic Rock, Country, Folk

A New England Music Award-nominated “Songwriter of the Year," Kyle Erickson gives us raw, profound lyrics molded together with Americana/Bluegrass and Rock melodies. He accompanies his heart wrenching lyrics on an acoustic guitar that sings perfectly along with him. Erickson has been honing his craft with local bands in venues all over New England and supporting national acts like Kylie Morgan, LANCO, Mike Doughty, and Jamie McClean all over the country in venues big and small.

For more, check out:
Instagram: @kyleericksonmusic
youtube.com/@musician_kyle

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KIWSctrJ4cbbC2H1zjlIU?si=1cd65pbsTpWMDSZDYvE-f
 

Latin, World

​An 11 piece-band that performs socially and spiritually conscious world music, Sangha Tierra is based in the New York City/New Jersey area and mixes world and Latin music influences.  "Sangha" in Sanskrit means a community that is spiritually connected and "Tierra" in Spanish means Earth. Sangha Tierra's goal is to create a world community spiritually connected through their music.  To accomplish this, they play a fusion of world genres that express positive messages of love and unity in several languages, including English, Spanish, and Portuguese. 

Multimedia Sortytelling

Jován's multimedia work tells a story within a story, exploring the intersections of identity, healing, and social change. With great attention to detail, Jován's blends Afrocentric themes with avant-garde expression. His work is mixture of Banksy, a famed British street artist, and Jacob Lawrence, whose focus was African American history with a hint of radicalism.

To see more of the work, check out:
brush.bio/protejaystudios

Instagram: @protejaystudios 
 

R&B, Soul

NAYO DEZ 's music is an integration of the many cultures that are shared by others in the community. Regardless of culture, music is the universal language that NAYO DEZ speaks fluently in song, while building acknowledgment to their brand H.A.T. (Haitian-American Tribe). 

FOR MORE CHECK OUT:
Instagram: @nayodez
youtube.com: @nayodez
 

Visual Art

Watercolor and oil paintings that attempt to explore the nuances of each medium.

Visual Art

Russ Wills is a fine art photographer, educator, and musician. Wills has been creating fine art photography for more than 10 years with shows in New York and New Jersey galleries and events. Wills's photography is heavily influenced by Abstract Expressionism and uses the formal elements of abstraction to suggest hope, restoration, and renewal. While the work can be enjoyed at a  purely artistic level, the deeper spiritual meanings of the work also offer mental and spiritual stimulation.

R&B, Soul

​DJ No Requests is a New Jersey based DJ and radio host from Brazil who lives by the philosophy that music is medicine. When DJ No Requests is behind the deck, she is armed with the intent to make people move their bodies and put their woes (and work weeks) behind them. No Requests isn’t just a name, it’s a message…come out and let her hit you with the prescription!

Photography

John S. Masi, a Newark native, has spent more than 35 years capturing unique perspectives of everyday life in his photography. A graduate of the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts, John is locally recognized for his work of vintage signage and iconic images of New Jersey. A published photographer, he has had solo exhibits at venues throughout New York and New Jersey, as well as photographs housed in corporate and private collections.

See more of his work at flickr.com/photos/masi1028
 

Funk, Jazz

You'll find talented Ryan and Sid playing frequently at many venues in the area both in bands and as a duo. Both are students of the great jazz guitarist Dave Stryker, so they have a lot to say with many notes!

To hear more, check out:
nstagram.com/reel/C7eeQaCuvmw/?igsh=dHA4eTZuN3o5bWVl
 

Jazz, Fusion, Eclectic

Introducing U.L.T.R.A. S, a jazz fusion band that has been stirring up the NJ music scene with its unique and captivating sounds. With musicians well-versed in various musical styles, including jazz, fusion, video game music, rock, etc., this eclectic group produces vibrant sounds and tones that will delight all music lovers.

To check out more:
Instagram: @universelesstraveledmusic
ultrasmusic.com
 

Indie Pop

Shruthi creates music that encapsulates feelings, allowing her listeners to feel exactly how she felt when the song was written. Her music is rich with gloomy melodies, hard-hitting lyrics, and heavy feelings.

 

Instagram: @shruthi._.raman

TikTok: shruthimusicofficial

Website: https://bio.site/shruthi.

Jazz, Gospel

The music of the Knights of Christ is designed to raise awareness about the importance of faith, unify audiences with upbeat songs that promote spiritual awareness, celebrate diversity in jazz, and foster unity in Gospel. Our music transcends different genres with language that is elegant and moving. We aim to bring people together, reminding everyone that we can accomplish more together than apart with our common thread called humanity. We draw on our spiritual roots to uplift those who are ill, struggling with mental health issues, or going through a difficult time, and to encourage them not to give up.