2024 Lineup

American Songbook Jazz

Carrie Jackson, who honed her skills in her hometown of Newark, is a classy vocalist on the cultural Jazz mecca scene performing in top venues in New York, abroad, and throughout the USA. She and her All Star Band perform America's classic art forms—Jazz, Blues, and R&B—keeping the legacy of these musical genres alive. Her multifaceted singing style harmonizes and swings classic standards from composers, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Lerner & Loewe, as well as songs from the Great American Songbook, cabaret, Pop tunes, and ballads. Her performances are complemented by her engaging stage presence and graceful moves. A gifted lyricist, Jackson has great timing and truly sings from her heart.

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.

Gospel, Pop & Soul

William LaVant is a singer/songwriter. Sounding the alarm with his boldness and army-strong vocals on the streets or in front of a congregation, at that specific time, any and every culture comes together in unity. William's style of ministry in music, along with his unexpected appearances, draw crowds of all ages, and surprisingly amazes those who are eager to experience his presence. William continues to strongly make this musical statement, as it clearly expresses who and what he stands for.

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

Beckett’s style of singing and songwriting are inspired by his thoughts and musings on how he’s grown to see the world. Curious by nature, he uses his music to seek answers to say out loud what rolls around in the brain, all to the backdrop of soulful chords and melodies and led by his “brass voice.”

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.

Jazz, Rock & Pop

Coming from different paths in life, the planets have somehow aligned for these 4 strangers to become great friends, and even better musicians together. New Jersey natives Starikova are a band who are here to grab you by the collar, envelop you in their music, and leave you wanting more!

The combo of John Diaz (Guitar, Vocals), Ricky Rose (Guitar, Vocals), Tyler Duane (Bass, Vocals), and Nini Alfano (Drums, Vocals), has resulted in a unique and eclectic sound sprinkled with nods to legends of rock music history, such as Incubus, Green Day, Radiohead, Queen, Weezer, and Foo Fighters.
 

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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

Visual Art

Russ Wills is a New Jersey based fine artist working in photography and fused glass. While using glass and light as the primary subject matter of his photography for his MFA thesis, Wills accidentally became obsessed with glass fusing. 

Wills' photography is heavily influenced by Abstract Expressionism and uses the formal elements of his abstraction to suggest hope, restoration, and renewal. While the work can be enjoyed at a purely sublime level, the deeper spiritual meanings of the work also offer mental and spiritual stimulation.

Wills earned his Master of Fine Art from Academy of Art University in Fall of 2015. Wills has shown his work at the Soho Photo Gallery in NYC, City Without Walls gallery in Newark, NJ, the Watchung Art Center in Watchung, NJ, the Maplewood Art Center in Maplewood, NJ, All Angels Gallery in NYC, Darkroom Gallery, in Essex Jct, Vermont, and other venues across the country. 
 

Spanglish Sea Shanties 

Deivito's original Spanglish songs are a synthesis of sounds inspired by Latin and Caribbean American music and his love for Outlaw Country and Rockabilly music. Among his dearest influences are Hector Lavoe, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Eliades Ochoa, Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, Natalia Lafourcade, Ojos de Brujo, and The Stray Cats. He sings mostly about marginalized voices, the sea and the moon and his favorite things to eat. He hails from Elizabeth and lives in Newark with his family.

For more on Deivito visit his website: https://deivito.bandcamp.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/deivitomusic

Spoken Word

Ameerah Shabazz is a spoken word artist/producer and founder of a female spoken word org: “When Women Speak.” She is also a photographer. Shabazz has performed throughout Newark and New Jersey. Her work has been shown in multiple galleries, the Newark Arts Festival, the Newark Museum, and is currently on display at the Newark Library.

Bagpipes

Bagpipes music, pipes and drums honoring the fallen. 

Jazz R&B

Returning to Newark PorchFest for a 3rd year, Chaancé is a Jazz & R&B singer with a
voice you will not forget. Her influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Minnie Riperton and
Aaliyah. Chaance presents Jazz music with a fresh R&B flavor. You are sure to enjoy her sounds with a live band!
You can find more of this wonderful artist at chaancebarnes.tumblr.com or follow her on
Instagram: @chaancegould

Visual Art

Jadeley Louis-Jean is a Haitian artist based in New Jersey. With a passion for post-
impressionist portraits, graphic design, and digital comics, she seamlessly weaves
together different mediums to express the complexities of the human experience
 

During the 2020 pandemic, Jadeley found solace and inspiration in creativity, giving
birth to "Verona's Comics." This webcomic delves into the intricate tapestry of human
emotions, exploring the highs and lows with profound empathy and comedic insight.
 

Jadeley extends her creative reach even further as the founder of "Jade's Art Corner,"
her design company where she brings visions to life through bespoke artistic solutions.​

Handcrafted Jewelry

Aya Styled Creations designs and creates unique expressions of wearable art in the form of jewelry. Her creations are handcrafted using various types of materials. She is most inspired by color, bold as a rainbow, or soft neutrals of earth tones. While she does enjoy the monetary benefit of jewelry making, her greatest joy is the smile of satisfaction on a customer's face after purchasing one of her designs.

Funk, R&B

Newark PorchFest is so excited for Breaknrecords Band to hit our stage for the first time in 2024. Their music is a mix of Neo Soul and Funk music that will make you move.

Visual Art

Bleriot Thompson joins Newark PorchFest 2024 showcasing Public Enemy,  a compilation of portraits that Thompson uses to illustrate visual pockets of his subjects’ lives. Thompson relies on the human figure as a social muse while exploring the bounds of paint and documentation–building portraits while collaging different design concepts, crucial contributions, and moments from his subjects’ lives. 

Pop-Rock

Catchy, melodic Pop with a nod to the classic singer/songwriters of the 1970s. Thought-provoking lyrics and ear-catching melodies combine with scorching solos to create a sound that evokes Billy Joel, the Eagles, Ambrosia, and Ben Folds.
To hear Ted’s music go to: tedallen.hearnow.com
Or visit: facebook.com/TedAllenMusic
http://twitter.com/ted_allen

Rock

RPM is a four-piece classic Rock band that perform cover songs of the greatest hits from the 60's up to today's hits. For over ten years they have been performing for their fans and meeting new people. The band will always welcome suggestions for songs to be added to their extensive music list. RPM is looking forward to seeing everyone at this year's Newark Porchfest!

Country, Pop

Mia Soleil Sanchez is a rising 13 year old singer, musician and actress from Franklin, NJ. You
may recognize her from the current season of America’s Got Talent, where she wowed the
celebrity judges with her rendition of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever”, earning 4 “Yes” votes
with Howie Mandel proclaiming “I love everything about you and I think America and the
World will love you too!”. Singing since her toddler years and performing in front of audiences
since the age of 5, Mia is known locally as the “Tiny Singer” with the big voice and has
performed at countless competitions and events across the tri-state area and beyond,
including National Anthem performances for the WNBA, MLS and MLB. She has also
recently had the honor of performing twice at the Legendary Apollo Theater and has been
featured on Celebrity Vocal Coach Cheryl Porter’s social media channels.

Jazz Trumpet

One of our day-1 supporters, year over year Bruno Lee brings the energy and the swagger that draws crowds toward his melodic trumpeting.  Expect to hear a familiar mix of R&B, jazz, and gospel tunes.

Singer/Songwriter

Arturo, also known as Art de las Fuentes, is a singer, songwriter, producer and video director
from Saltillo Coahuila, based in NYC.
His new solo album "Bye to Yesterday" was released in June 2024. 

Visual Art

She likes to call her art “meditative abstract.” Diving into a world of color, her art is where imaginations can roam free, making out different images from the lines and shapes. Viewers will find their own hidden Soul messages when they look closely and with an open heart: You find what you feel. 

arthealsall.com

Funk, Hip-Hop

Lef’s musical influences are too vast to name everything, but they have led Lef to create music in a multitude of ways. Simply put, Lef won't make something twice.

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

Visual Art

Walls draws and paints images related to comics, movies, and TV. He uses pen and ink, watercolor and digital media. Besides original artwork, he will be displaying printed work and comic books.

Neo-Soul

Sultry, sassy, Queen BLEU Nile, melodically takes you on a soul full journey of funk, jazz, and everything Neo-Soul! Accompanied by some of Jersey’s most
talented musicians and vocalists, Paterson-bred Queen Bleu Nile’s energetically captivating performance style, will leave you wanting more!
Check out more on Instagram: @queenbleunile

Pop-R&B-Hip Hop

Larayne is a canvas painted with sultry highs and lows, chanting, belting and even dropping #Bars over gritty bass lines and hypnotic backgrounds spread over Pop, R&B and Hip Hop. Makes you think maybe this is what it might sound like if Aaliyah met H.E.R. at Toni Braxton's house.

 

This Jersey bred singer, songwriter and producer and biking plant mom whose original music is an eclectic mix of Pop, R&B/Soul, and Hip Hop leaves few stones unturned. Stay locked in for her next release!

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Learn more about Larayne’s music at https://laraynemusic.com/home

Rock

Simple music for complicated people. Mars Is Watching’s music ranges from angular and jagged, guitar-driven indie Rock to in-your-face power Pop, always framed by sardonic lyrics and a somewhat skewed view of life.

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
 

Jazz

The Newark PorchFest is happy to introduce you to Clara Castanheira, a Brazilian singer who has recorded in some of Rio de Janeiro's best studios. She has provided vocals for “Domingão do Faustao” at the famous Brazilian channel “Rede Globo" and has toured as a backup vocalist for one of the most famous singers in Brazil, “Anitta”. Come hear her sweet voice at PorchFest!

Punk Rock

GYP is a rock and grunge four piece playing out of Allentown, PA covering songs from bands like Alice and Chains, Black Sabbath and The Pixies.  Joe (vocals and lead guitar), Hunter (bass and backup vocals), Pat (drums) and Liz (guitar) share a love for playing and making music that people know and enjoy.  Their energy and self taught talent is what keeps crouds gypped.  You can find us at GYP on spotify, and gyp.band on instagram and facebook for more announcements.

Visual Art

Contemporary acrylic paint illustrations.

Handcrafted Jewelry

Jem Circles returns to Newark PorchFest for 2024 with original Handmade jewelry and vintage chalk-painted furniture.

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 gathering, making each fun and meaningful! Get ready to dance, laugh, and connect!

Jazz

Joining the list of great performers for the Newark PorchFest is A♭ Septet,  performing jazz standards from all over the swing and bebop era. Their original arrangements by Adrienne Bazile are heavily inspired by legends like Wayne Shorter to modern day Jazz musician Godwin Louis.

Ukulele Jazz, Pop

A fusion of jazz and pop - Norah Jones meets Ingrid Michaelson.

Classic Rock, Country, Folk

Kyle Erickson is a newcomer to the Newark PorchFest, with 2024 marking his debut! He will hit the stage with a mash-up of Classic Rock, old Country, and old Folk.

Latin, World

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R&B, Soul

​Nayo Dez’s openly expressive, captivating performances reach across several generations. Her powerful, moving music is an original and unique take on modern editions of R&B/Soul. 

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!

Funk, Jazz

​Newark PorchFest is excited to welcome the Ryan & Sid duo to the PorchFest stage for the first time in 2024! One of our very own Forest Hill neighbors, Ryan & Sid will bring their jazzy funky sound to get the neighborhood moving! 

Jazz, Fusion, Eclectic

​Introducing U.L.T.R.A. S, a jazz fusion band that has been stirring up the NJ music scene with their unique and captivating sounds. With musicians well-versed in various musical styles, including jazz, fusion, video game music, rock, etc. This eclectic group produces a vibrant concoction of sounds and tones to delight any music lover.