2022 Lineup

Punk Funk Party Rock Blues

Don't miss Newark's hometown heroes The Randy Haze Trio as they return to the Newark PorchFest stage and rock the crowd like no one else does with their own brand of PunkFunkPArtyROckBLues!
And be sure to follow them on Instagram at randyhazetriomusic

American Songbook Jazz

Carrie Jackson is a vocalist/band leader based in the NY, NJ, CT, and metropolitan area. She’s a wonderful vocal stylist that combines Classic Jazz Standards, Blues, Broadway, Gospel, Contemporary Cabaret, tunes with sincere spirit. She explores the nuances of the melody thru improvisation and lyrics to deliver renditions that make the listener take notice of her creativity and charisma. Carrie’s All Star Ensemble truly swings and performs music from The

Great American Song Book, Composers: George & Ira Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Lerner and Loewe, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, Count Basie, Houston Person,
just to name a few while maintaining a style that is uniquely her own. To get more information on this amazing performer visit her website: www.cjayrecords.com

Caribbean Soul Hip Hop

The Newark PorchFest is happy to announce the appearance of THECAINMARKO, New Jersey's Juggernaut. A veteran DJ in NYC's and NJ's
nightlife spinning everything from Hip Hop, House, Jersey Club, Afrobeat, and anything that makes you move. Catch him every Sunday on SiriusXM's
Shade45 on the Rap is Outta Control Show with DJ Eclipse & DJ Riz; or online @thecainmarko.

Latin Salsa

Newark PorchFest is ecstatic to have Orquesta Lunar return to our stages. They are an electric 10-piece salsa band that has brought their musical talents to venues all over the tri-state area performing weddings, township festivals, New Year’s celebrations, salsa dancing classes or even enjoying a residency at one of our many homes away from home.
Prior to 2020, Orquesta Lunar could be seen performing at La Marina NYC, FM Bar in Jersey
City, Harry’s Food and Drink in North Bergen, Sizzling Salsa Dance Academy in Englewood, NJ and at various street festivals in Newark and Hoboken as well as in Wedding halls across NY and NJ.

Hip Hop House DJ

The IZM. is returning to The Newark PorchFest with his amazing show. Born Anthony 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, Mr. Saturday Night, follows in its path. Follow on The IZM. on Instagram: @the_izm3000

Caribbean-Classical-Jazz

Janetza is a Newark Native of Taína descent who combines the traditions of Jazz, Soul, Rhythm & Blues,
Bolero, Bomba y Plena, Hip Hop, & more into a remixed sonic delight of vocalizations and rhythmic proclamations that transport you to a space that is suspended in time. We're very lucky to have Janétza (a top 18 finalist on NBC's "The Voice") play for us right here in Forest Hill.

Contemporary Violin

The Newark PorchFest is happy to announce the triumphant return of The Violin Diva, Charisa Rouse. She is a contemporary violinist and vocalist who has devoted her career to challenging every preconception of what the violin (and violinist!) can accomplish in contemporary music.

Classically trained, her diversity has allowed her to travel the world, recording and performing alongside such artists as Demi Lovato, Vivian Green, Kim Burrell, Cyndi Lauper, William McDowell, Diana Krall, Quincy Jones, and Patti Labelle and Misty Copeland on BET Black Girls Rock, to name a few.

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More than just a performer, Charisa fundamentally recognizes the importance of string programs in
American public schools as an in-demand teaching artist. She has developed “it's Stringtastic! Strings Curriculum” targeted at reaching young minority string players; a curriculum which she uses regularly in the two NYC public school programs she founded a decade ago, reaching 200 Black and Latino students annually.

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In Nov 2012, she released her first solo CD project the Prelude EP, and will continue the journey with gospel album “the War Chronicles, vol. 1” releasing in fall
2022, and a new R&B/ jazz project and tour to follow soon after. Stay tuned for the next chapter in soul. For more info on her events and projects, please reach out to her at theviolindiva.com.

Live Glass-Blowing Demonstrations

GlassRoots is an arts education center that ignites and builds the creative and economic vitality of greater Newark, through the transformative power of glass. Since its founding in 2001, GlassRoots has engaged tens of thousands of youth and young adults with its programs, including school-based and public classes and workshops, field trips, summer
camps, fellowships and internships, events and commissions. While our students learn the process of glassmaking, they also develop social emotional learning skills like creative problem-solving, teamwork, discipline and resilience. They also gain
hands-on experience in chemistry, physics and math, and learn about entrepreneurship as they develop and market their products.

GlassRoots is excited to join with our fellow artists and neighbors for this year's Newark
PorchFest to demonstrate the art and craft of glassblowing via our portable Hot Shop.
Our master glass blowers will turn 2000-degree molten glass into beautifully sculpted
forms, exhibiting and explaining the traditional postures, techniques, and types of blown glass.

Visual Art + Americana/Bluegrass, Jazz

Coming from a large musical family spanning 4 generations, singer & multi-instrumentalist he taps into a unique blend of Rhythm & Blues along with American and Ethiopian Jazz into a sound he can only refer to as Acoustic Soul.

 

As a visual artist, Kassaye Selassie has been involved in many aspects of the field professionally since 1994. Spanning from concept design, book illustration, fine art, fashion, and television set design.

 

Originally from NYC, he relocated to Bloomfield, NJ continuing on his path releasing a children's book (Omi & Elli Go To The Park) and showcasing his work throughout the tri-state area.

 

Visit him on instagram: @kassayeselassie

Cabaret

Back by popular demand to the porches at The Newark PorchFest, vocalist Lisa Viggiano will
perform music from her award-winning show, LADY DAY TO THE BOSS with musical director/pianist, Tracy Stark & bassist Matt Scharfglass. The set surveys 50 years of music by recording artists discovered by the legendary John Hammond for Columbia Records. Listen to her original takes on these classics and learn more at lisaviggiano.com

Spanglish Sea Shanties 

Returning to The Newark PorchFest, Deivito performs original Spanglish Sea Songs, verdant mountain tunes, and beloved classics from throughout the
Americas. For more on Deivito visit his website: https://deivito.bandcamp.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/deivitomusic

Folk/Soul 

The Newark PorchFest is delighted to have the return of Crystal Gaynor, to our stages. She is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, whose inspired interpretations of popular songs stylings create a musical experience that delights. Crystal brings her love of popular
rock, soul & folk music into an "unplugged" acoustic format with musical sensitivity and fun!
Please visit her instagram for more at: @CrystalsMusicBox

R&B Soul

Demarco is an up and coming R&B Soul Artist whose musical influences are Marvin Gaye to name a few. He's looking to bring back R&B Music that Men, Women and Children can relate to and listen to. Demarco's current album, "Crimes of Passion," talks
about love and relationships, which will be some of the songs that he will perform at The Newark PorchFest.

Jazz

We are happy to announce the appearance of Jerome Bongiorno to our Newark PorchFest stages.
He is a wonderful easy listening jazz guitarist from Newark, NJ.

Funk-Pop-Soul

Diamonds in Jupiter returns to the porches of their hometown — Forest Hill! This powerhouse band has been getting their fans up and out of their seats for
well over a decade. A real showtime cover and original band, Diamonds in Jupiter will be performing the best in Pop, R&B, Funk, Dance plus Smooth Jazz
Grooves for your listening and dancing pleasure. Don't miss them!
Follow them on Facebook: @Diamonds in Jupiter

Jazz R&B

Returning to Newark PorchFest for a 2nd 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

Reggae

Reggae artist Challenger & The Kingsguard comes to us The Newark PorchFest right here from Newark by way of Jamaica. For Challenger, Reggae music is the
vehicle to root his message about Peace, Love and World Unity, and to bring light to everyday struggles. Make sure you catch this dynamic hard-grooving, original Reggae band!

Handcrafted Jewelry

When you buy a piece of jewelry from Aya Styled Creations you are buying a one-of-a-kind piece of art as no two pieces are entirely alike. Using beads and exotic materials from around the world, Nadiyah creates bracelets, earrings, necklaces and hair accessories that always get noticed and reveal your unique sense of style. Come visit Aya Styled Creations at The Newark PorchFest to see these unique treasures. "Let Me Create Something Beautiful And Unique Just For You"

Dance, Poetry, Afrobeats

Newark PorchFest is excited to present a wonderful dance experience with Adeola Fashina. Come and enjoy this Afrobeats dance class that infuses contemporary dance with traditional moves.Get ready to learn Afrobeat steps infused with
traditional West African, Hip Hop, Jazz, Funk and Dancehall. Come break a sweat that you won't forget with the rhythms of popular music from Nigeria, Ghana and across the African continent.

Gospel

The Newark PorchFest welcomes Seychelle Elise, a powerful Gospel Recording Artist whose uplifting music will have you dancing in the streets and feeling joyful. Be sure to check out her latest single #SoAmazing out now! To learn more about Seychelle follow her on Instagram: Seychelle Elise.

Folk, Jazz, Pop, R&B

Emme is the union of Michelle and Mateo, who met in 2018 while pursuing their musical careers in college. They have been songwriting and arranging songs since early 2020. Their musical approach consists on story telling based on their own experiences and
others’ close to them. You can expect to hear a selection of contemporary Pop tunes to classics from the American Songbook with a folky twist. You might also hear some original music as well as classics in Spanish, their native language.

Emme hopes to see you at the Newark PorchFest with your brightest smile and best dance moves!

R&B-Funk-Soul-Dance

With a combination of soulful keys, music production, seductive drumming and dynamic vocals, Blaq Rose brings life a quality to any event they show up to. They have cultivated a unique sound by combining gospel, pop, hip hop, and different elements from other genres also. This band is authentic in what they do, when they show up they show out and leave you wanting more. The Newark PorchFest is happy by the return of this dynamic group to our stages you
need to check them out.

Pop-Rock

We are thrilled to have Ted Allen on our Newark PorchFest stages. In 2012, Ted Allen released his first pop album, HOLD THE APPLAUSE. Ten years and one global pandemic later comes HEAVY LIFTING,
thirteen tracks about love and loss, heartache, longing, and isolation—all sonically sugar coated with a sweet '70s and '80s vibe. You don't want to miss Ted and his band as they break out this fantastic new material.
To hear Ted’s music go to: tedallen.hearnow.com
Or visit: facebook.com/TedAllenMusic
http://twitter.com/ted_allen

Rock

A Classic Rock cover band playing songs from the 60’s up to today’s favorite songs. A complete 5-piece band who enjoys playing great music, meeting new people and having fun playing a wide variety of songs. Please feel free to check us out on Facebook as RPM Rocks.

Classic Covers

The Newark PorchFest is happy to announce the return of Never Grow Up to our stages. Friends from high school, Tony Lagatutta, Anne Pinto, and Dave Estey play the music they love and encourage you to let your inner child shine through. From Bowie to Sinatra, Bee Gees to Roy Orbison, you will travel through time like a Delorian doing 88 mph. Never Grow Up!
Follow them on Facebook: @nevergrowupmusic

Jazz Trumpet

We are thrilled to present New Jersey's very own Bruno L. Lee, also known as ‘The Trumpet Man’ to The Newark PorchFest stages. He will dazzle you with his amazing horn skills. Expect a full range of music
including Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Reggae and more!

Visual Art

The story of Christine Carroll and art is simply a mental connection through the trials of life. Uncovering a release when times are up but also down. Finding your soul filled release, staying true to it, and imprinting those vibes into the soil. Check out Christine’s art at The Newark PorchFest

Funk-Hip Hop-Jazz-Video Game Music

A modern jazz group influenced by fusion, rock, hip-hop, R&B, electronic and video game music. They play mostly original music along with video game covers, arrangements on jazz standards and the music of various artists from Herbie Hancock,
Jeff Beck, Steely Dan, Richie Beirach, and more.
Instagram: @fannypackmusic

Country, Rock, Bluegrass

E & L (Elliot Fischer and Lou Patrone) play a unique brand of acoustic rock. With influences from many genres, including bluegrass , blues and folk, they play songs from The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, The Band, the Byrds, The Rolling Stones, Pure Prairie League, and many others. The addition of a steel resonator guitar enhances many song genres and singular arrangements.
 

E & L have performed most recently at Cedar Beans Coffee Joint in Cedar Grove, Make Music Event in Montclair as well as other Essex County venues.
Elliot also plays acoustic blues with an emphasis on slide guitar from the Mississippi Delta from the 1920’s and 1930’s. The set list at Newark PorchFest will feature a mixture of E & L and Elliot’s blues.

Manga Art

We are thrilled that local NJ artist Solimar Infante is returning to Newark PorchFest. Pop color illustrations and original character designs are her passion. Stop by her exhibit and you'll find some awesome and affordable products featuring her dynamic art. In
addition to original artworks, she'll be selling buttons, stickers, keychains and magnets guaranteed to brighten up your space and bring a smile to your face.
Check out more of her art on Instagram: @soul1thief

Rock

Rich has enjoyed a varied career in his lifetime musical journey. The Newark PorchFest is happy to have him appear on our stages this year. From classical, to college bar bands, to big bands, Rich has a diverse and wide repertoire that shines through with every performance. Now he has finally branched out as a solo performer playing songs from the 1960's to present day with a sound ranging from west coast rock to English beat groups. Rich is happiest when he's playing and hopes you will have as much fun with him while he performs.

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

Appearing on The Newark PorchFest is the wonderful singer Larayne. 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. This Jersey bred singer, songwriter, producer and budding NFT maven has graced the stages of S.O.B.'s, Soul In the Horn, LA's SoulfulofNoise and more and leaves few stones unturned.
Join the movement! @mslarayne

Hula Dance

The Newark PorchFest is pleased to announce the return of the wonderful Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Nuioka to our stages, a former branch of Halau Na Pua Mai
Ka Lani based in Kalihi, HI under the direction of Kumu Hula Kale Pawai, continues to strive and perpetuate his legacy and teaches in New York City since his passing in February 2016. Na Pua Mai Ka Lani translates into 'The Many Different Flowers from Heaven.' It is said that Queen Lili'uokalani favored
the children, calling them the flowers (Na Pua) of Hawaii. It is from that saying Kumu Kale named his halau, which started in June 2002.

Visual Art

The Newark PorchFest welcomes Jadeley Louis-Jean, a Newark-based, Haitian artist specializing in abstract and cartoon art. She is the creator of “Verona’s Comics “ which offers a glimpse into the life of a young woman learning to navigate the world.” by way of it's heroine, Verona: a blue-haired cartoon woman who you may have seen around the city.

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 found glass to be surprisingly strong while simultaneously fragile, a powerful metaphor of life.

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The glass used in Wills’ photography along with his stand-alone glass pieces suggest hope, restoration, and renewal. The most striking glass pieces are cut, often violently ground to dust, and ultimately exposed to tremendous heat before the life-giving beauty will emerge. While the work can be enjoyed at a purely sublime level, the deeper spiritual meanings of his work also offer mental and spiritual stimulation.
 

Wills has shown his work at 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, Darkroomm Gallery, in Essex Jct, Vermont, the Soho Photo Gallery in NYC, and other venues in the tri-state area.

Visual Art-Painting

Newark PorchFest is overjoyed to have Gregg Banks at this year's festival. He is an award-winning visual artist who brings a passion for today's social concerns to his work. His designs, portraits and murals are a way for him to connect with the viewer and to stimulate communication. As he says: "My purpose for creating images is to connect with the viewer in order to bring forth a form of therapy as opposed to the chaotic distractions of everyday life."

Yoga

Come experience a yoga practice with I’m So Yoga. Run by a group of like-minded people who live in and love Newark as well as yoga. The primary goal is to bring a healthy and enjoyable activity to the area as well as grow a community of friends with a common interest. We’ve created an inclusive space for people to practice yoga from a beginner level to advanced. I’m So Yoga is a Vinyasa (Flow) based studio in downtown Newark that includes a variety of teachers from different backgrounds. Learn more at @imsoyoganewark

Interdisciplinary Art

The Newark PorchFest welcomes Fatou Ridgird, an interdisciplinary artist from Newark exploring the spiritualistic notion that everything is connected. Fatou challenges herself to make the seemingly mundane tangible. Working across sculpture, performance art and painting, her current research is deeply invested in the legacies of self-identity through grounding exercises that focus on connecting to her inner child, shadow self, and documenting her life experiences which all become the product of her future pieces. Her current exploration involves looking
to nature for wisdom and uncovering a greater understanding of life and purpose.

Be sure to check out her website at fatouridgird.com

Jazz

Born in Newark, Brandon and Adrienne wish to spread the music whose history runs deep in the city. Inspired by jazz greats such as Charlie Parker to Roy Hargrove they’re pursuing a degree in jazz. The Cali Cats enjoy playing all types of music and feels of
jazz, including Afro-Caribbean, r&b, funk, and swing. Look for their performance at Newark PorchFest.
Check them out on Instagram:
Brandon W. Mejia @brandonw.mejia
Matt Vera-Corcoran. @mvc99music
Emek Tasdemir @bassjorts
Adrienne Bazile @adrienne.tempt
Eliel Pepito @elielpepitv

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!

Visual Art

Showing their work at The Newark PorchFest is Sun God, an expressionist that creates paintings and drawings from trauma, love, dreams and environment. The purpose is to produce art that makes people feel, acknowledge their emotions and senses through art forms.

House DJ

Peter Reyes was born and raised in the "Little Havana" Union City, New Jersey to Cuban parents. From an early age, Peter started to listen to black radio shows through which he discovered the roots of Soul, Funk, Latin, and Jazz. In 1976 while stationed in Germany, Peter had the opportunity to DJ all across Europe at clubs such as: 25 Club, The Cobra, Big Ben and The East Side. On his return in 1982, Peter landed
a residency at the "The Monastery" in Seattle, Washington, after the legendary DJ "Walter Gibbons" of the Salsoul Records fame went back to New York. Peter’s unique skills as a DJ are his capacity to not only incorporate diverse genres and styles, but to transcend them by infusing his music with pure emotion. Peter’s talent is matched only by his passion, which has seen him become one of the most respected veteran DJs among his peers in the industry today.

Peter continues to go strong after 35 plus years DJ-ing and has a record collection of over 60,000 plus records to show for it.

Handmade Crafts

You don't want to miss the incredible handmade crafts offered by Colibri. Colibri boutiques is a mother daughter, family business with exceptional bead, raffia and wood crafts. Each piece is handmade by the España family, featuring brilliant designs executed with a loving attention to detail. See their beautiful products at @colibri_boutique.n

Irish Step Dance

The Heritage Crew returns to the stages at The Newark PorchFest! You may recognize this style of dance from shows like Riverdance or Lord of the Dance. It is a traditional Irish dance involving a lot of rhythm and fast footwork. These dancers have been
Newark residents their whole lives, and have been in the competitive scene since childhood. They'll be demonstrating some exciting show dances for the audiences at PorchFest.

Karaoke

After watching the performers sing their hearts out at The Newark PorchFest, you might be itching to perform your favorite song on a stage....or porch. Karaoke Corner will give you that chance to belt out that song (or any one of a thousand to choose from). Show us what you got— we know you'll find your voice and have a whole lotta fun while doing it!

Poetry

Dr. Swapan Basu did a PhD in Chemistry. He is the Chair of Rhyming Poets International, a FB group. He will sing his poem on Branch Brook Park, social
poems to observe 100 Thousand Poets For Change, a global event and sing his translated Nobel RN Tagore's songs. He will be accompanied by John
Kaniecki et al.

Talent Showcase

Bienvenidos mi preciosa gente! We are happy to announce that our extraordinary Royal Court of the Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade Inc. are showcasing their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talents at the 2022 Forest Hill Porch Fest in our great City of Newark on September 24th 2022. Join us for a performance filled with heritage, culture, and Latin flair. We have an amazing show for you so come out and bring your family and friends ! No podemos esperar a verte!
 

For further details please visit our website: https://prdpnj.org/