Elev8ion is a group of artists, writers, poets, and musicians that come from all walks of life sharing a common passion of universal soul that motivates our united beat as one.... “Our "EdUtainment" goal is to reach-out and cause a difference by sharing a message that empowers lives for life without violence in the world around us... Carry a vision... Love life... Team B1... Dream a Dream of Dreams... Manage...”
Exploding on to the music scene in 2005, A Partial Freakout has been a catalyst in the re-vitalization of the Dallas live music scene. With high-energy music and performances, APF has a unique flavor to call their own. A Partial Freakout has been welcomed by all genres of music, from the old school rock n’ rollers, to the 21st Century jam band fans, to the selective ears of Texas Country musicians. One DFW paper wrote, “This is what happens when the psychedelic hippie bus breaks down in front of a porch-front hillbilly jam…this is a must see live.”
The Kul, (pronounced “The Cool”) is a Rock n’ Roll band from Dallas, Texas, made up of four guys that are on a mission to bring back the vintage sounds of classic rock. Lead singer Johnny Lenix rules the stage with amazing Kravitz-like performances. Dane Manshack, lead guitarist and co-founder, has been compared to the great Jimmy Hendrix. The drummer, Ross Martinez, offers up an outrageous fusion of Rock n’ Roll sounds as bassist Evan Johnson brings back good-ol funky bass beats. This talented foursome looks to leave a legacy with their music starting with a brand new EP, titled “Your Desire” that is ready for release in April 2007.
The stars have definitely lined up to let six young men join together to form one of the sickest bands to evolve on the national music scene. Hailing from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, Austin Bello, Kyle Burns, Jonathan Cook, Kent Garrison, Marc Stewart, and Caleb Turman got together and formed Forever The Sickest Kids in December 2006. The magic began right away as the band wrote “Hey Britney” and “Believe Me I’m Lying” and posted them on Myspace and Pure Volume, making Top10 debuts on both. In a time span of 2 months they have over 200,000 plays on Myspace from enthusiastic fans from all over the USA. With many major labels flying in and visiting the band, Forever The Sickest Kids has accomplished something that comes around once in a blue moon… They are currently in the studio working on finishing their debut CD and preparing their stage show for their national tour.
Kristen Mari was born into the spotlight by way of her grandfather, Opera singing great Mickey Redmond. Kristen began singing at the age of 4, starting with a Mariah Carey cover of “Hero" that caught her parent’s attention. Since then, she has performed with the world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders as well as opened up for country legends Asleep at the Wheel. Currently Kristen is working with Super Producer ROYAL COURT PRODUCTIONS. Kristen is anxious to introduce herself and her music to the world.
"Singing is my escape. Some people like to express themselves through words, some with touch, for me it’s through my music. No matter the level of success I achieve, singing will always remain my passion. It allows me to be completely honest and myself." -Kristen Mari
A group of elite professional touring and studio musicians from around the country unite to form a diverse, genre-spanning experience known as Strangelove. A 10 piece band featuring a turntablist, an MC, multiple singers, a lush horn section as well as a renowned drummer, bass player, guitar player and a piano virtuoso. This funk Hip Hop Fusion with James Brown-esc vocals creates a refreshingly new sound that has never been heard before.
One Drink Ante is a new band of previously established artists. Their primary influences are Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Elvis and the Beatles blended with Traffic, the Allman Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd producing great energy and fun music that’s hard not to dance to. Hot young players with mature classic rock soul will entertain music lovers of all ages. Original music and lyrics written by lead singer Jack T. Wright, a local Fort Worth phenomenon who was winning awards even as a teenage entertainer. Nate Sifford, bass guitarist, originally of Chicago, has written and performed his own music since he was a young child and took his talents all the way to the Vans Warped Tour. Although a relatively new band, this talented group of established musicians will be one to earmark for the future.
Kayo 13 has a young, enthusiastic, and loyal fan base spreading throughout the Nation. Most 15 year-old boys don’t even have a resume, much less one boasting a long track record of smash performances alongside Doug E. Fresh, Nelly, Bow Wow and Jeezy. His first hit single “Oh” went to #3 on Rap/R&B Billboard charts in 2006.
Kayo has a saying “Yaw speak for adults, I speak for the youth.”
Hailing from East Dallas comes Voicerock along with Calumet. Voicerock makes an attempt to blend numerous styles including Hip-Hop, Rock, Reggae, and a little Country Twang. At the end of the day he does with the music what is supposed to be done……to entertain.
Think… Beastie Boys not drunk, the Roots on Red Bull, Talib Kweli without a headcold, Rage Against the Machine at peace with Armageddon, Busta Rhymes on valium, KRS-One with no ego, Bob Marley on probation, and a touch of breakbeat/jazz. Blunt Force Crew started out as two brothers kicking rhymes. The core of Blunt Force is Dtox, IZK, D.J. DEFT STEEZO, and drummer Johnathon Thomas. Having come from a long-line of artists in their family, expressing themselves came quite naturally. They began to write what they felt and what they felt has struck a chord with fans for over 10 years now.
When you think about Punk-Rock and Hip Hop mixed with a Reggae-Punk-Latin vibe, you can’t avoid thinking that’s either an impossible mix or something you might have never heard before. Joint Method combines these genres into a fun upbeat rocking groove that captures you the second you start listening and stays with you wherever you go. The combination of a singer-rapper, a DJ, and a rock band proves to be something every person in the audience can enjoy. It’s not just a mixture of many styles, but a giant Joint Method.
As a driving force and influence for Dallas Hip Hop artists for over a decade, Chuck Sly’s keen wordplay, original cadences, insightful storytelling and succinct ironies have resulted in a distinct brand of music that transcends the known limits of the genre. Infusions of Rap, Reggae, R&B, even Brit-Rock, have made his performances and recordings varied, unique and items of long study for area lyricists & vocalists. Because his primary focus as an entertainer has always been as a live performer, his recordings number a small but highly valued handful.
His social commentary, “The Hidden Mechanism” is highly anticipated by his peers.
Just mix some Ella Fitzgerald with a little Lauryn Hill. Add a dash of Stevie Wonder and a pinch of the church choir and voila, you have Thesis, a southern belle with a voice as thick and sweet as smoky BBQ sauce. Fusing soul and hip hop, Thesis has grown in favor from a wide variety of music appreciators.
The John Lewis Band consists of four members: John Lewis on acoustic guitar/vocals, Bryan Washington on drums, Evan Johnson on bass, and Lulio Guevara on electric guitar. The music they create is called “Agrooustic Music!” It begins with an acoustic groove creating a magical mix influenced by blues, rock, jazz, and funk giving the groove a body to create movement. The lyrics are a poetic prose drawing from life experience and literary illusions. The result is the embodiment of passion and emotion.
In your face till the cows come home to Jesus. A thrilling experience consisting of all the old time greats but are a pitcher’s duel. Sierra’s voice resonates with sounds unheard to grasp the soul and portray a life of reality in an undefined world.
Old School – Originating from Los Angeles & Dallas, Jones creates and inspires a unique blend of R & B, blues, soul, folk and rock into one full body sound that is refreshingly new and reminiscent at the same time! Original music with a sound and lyrics to inspire.
Exploding on to the music scene in 2005, A Partial Freakout has been a catalyst in the re-vitalization of Dallas live music. With high- energy music and performances, APF has flavor of their own. A Partial Freakout has been welcomed by all genres of music, from the old school rock n’ rollers to the 21st Century jam band fans to the selective ears of Texas Country musicians.
One D/FW paper wrote, “This is what happens when the psychedelic hippie bus breaks down in front of a porch front hillbilly jam…A must see live.”
Xenovibes: a band a show a lifestyle is the brainchild of Australian born Singapore show designer/composer Shueh-li Ong. “Singapure’s 1st and only diva of the Theremin,” Shueh-li with Yamaha e-drummer John Anthony Martinez in her trademark production where “ancient art meets new world technology….. classical meets cyber… ethnic meets funk, psychedelic fuses with rock…”
Nev.r.land is the poetic expression of the soul as it moves through sound. It is pop/rock mixed with folk, add in a dash of elctronic background with real-to life lyrics and you have found a modern day Doors. It is inspiring, addictive and provocative and boasts a history of music legacy from coast to coast. Join in on the story of Thomas on his trip to Nev.r.land.
This alternative soul quartet is unapologetic about two things. One is their huge show stealing voice, which is obvious. The other is the uncanny way in which they mesh modern rock with classic soul, blues and alternative tunes. The end result is music that will be stuck in your head for days, like the sweetest thief. What sets this band apart from their peers is their blatant disregard for genre clichés.
The band was formed by Aaron Clossen and Ryan Short in 2003 when the two met and began writing songs together. After just a few short months they managed to borrow the requisite gear from friends and recruited the rest of the line up, which included one of Short’s old high school friends, Adam Vanderkolk. After the original bassist left the band Tim Jansen was recruited via mutual friend Torr Leonard.
Currently …The Hourly Radio has just finished the first leg of their nationwide tour, and have other dates in the near future. Also notable is the fact that the band was “Artist of the Day” on July 21, 2006 at Spin.com
Billboard critic Jason MacNeil named the album “History Will Never Hold Me” as the #1 record of 2006.
A collab 9 member family of spiritual brothers and sisters with a wealth of experience & music culture. With artists that have performed and played with Erykah Badu, Talibkweli, Pangea Project, Toby Keith, One Love Uprising, Common, Jason Davis, Page 43, Yerba & more. A truly roots based group that fuses the best players of Jazz, Reggae, Dub and also Eclectic Groove with pure intentions & an IRIE message.
Aton is a REAL music experience.
Liquid Bounce is a hip-hop/jazz group based out of Denton, Texas. Culture, harmony, and a youthful intensity make this group a viable entity among the musical elite. Liquid Bounce began in January 2006 and quickly grew a large and intensely loyal fan base in their hometown of Denton, by virtue of a jaw-dropping live show.
3 piece psychedelic power trio builds a wall of noise & melody. Sweet Lee Morrow originated in Dallas, TX. The name comes from the inside cover of the first Tripping Daisy record “Bill or ‘Sweet William’ Lee Morrow”. S.L.M. has relocated to Austin, Texas after Sweet Lee’s front man Jesse Po-Dunk played with the Polyphonic Spree for five years. Colin Peden (bass) & Jared Jackson (drums) have been friends for over 10 years and have only now come to join forces musically. You can find more Sweet Lee Morrow on Podcast & Buzzradio.com. Sweet Lee Morrow has opened for bands such as Smog, Radiant, Pleasant Grove, and the Polyphonic Spree.
The songs of Sean Michel are not meant for a market or genre. They are simply an attempt to find meaning through music in the same place the music we love first found its meaning… The Gospel. Their music represents the listener with equal parts reality and Truth, driven in deep emotion and conviction. These songs are meant to attack the evils in this world, while also inspiring hope, simultaneously piercing the heart and uplifting the spirit. America has fallen in love with Sean as he made it to the top 100 in this year’s American Idol. Not a place too big or too small that won’t love Sean Michel!
The Sweat Lodge – an intoxicatingly detoxifying southern fusion of funk, jazz and pure soul. The Sweat Lodge boasts of its own multi-dimensionalism, as its members play musical chairs onstage, gliding from instrument to instrument. The sultry vocal powerhouse, Von, leads the band with an urban indigenous voice that guarantees any crowd an unforgettable electrifying experience.
Forming in 2002, FTL is a collection of eclectic musicians that are kindred spirits in the groove. Hailing from various areas, five of the members unified in college beginning as a means for feel good jam sessions. FTL has matured over the years, crafting original songs that capture the attitude, beliefs, and delights of the entire group.
Villain Vanguard blends jazz, funk, and rock with a resulting diverse sound of original music. Striving for virtuosic skill in string, wind, vocal, and percussive instruments, Villain Vanguard displays unique energy-packed group dynamics. They entertain all ages while performing challenging originals and few covers.
Combining blues, fusion, funk and good old rock n’ roll, 3AM Live captures the essence of its many influences and dishes up a refreshing helping of soulful inspiration. This powerful 3 piece is anchored by its gospel inspired rhythm section, thought provoking lyrics, and tour de force guitar playing reminiscent of legendary greats Jimmy Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The strength of this refreshing trio lies within their energetic live performances, which are comprised of a multitude of improvisational jams, and an overwhelming passion for their music.
With an unprecedented appreciation of their predecessors’ efforts, and an abundance of emotion, 3AM Live is likely to attract blues fanatics and R&B fans alike. Their contagious grooves and undeniably catchy rhythms are guaranteed to drive heels and bob heads from the first lick… ‘til the last chord. With an abundance of creativity and raw emotion, their powerfully distinct sound is certain to inject new vitality into today’s music scene for some time to come.
Egress is the type of band that will rock you, roll you, leave you sweating and overwhelmed, and have you begging for more. The Arlington, Texas quartet infuses elements of rock, reggae, and hip-hop into a funky mix of music that will keep hips shaking and your soul stirring. They have shared the stage with the Phunk Junkeez, Stink Bug, Vallejo, Vanilla Ice, the Aggrolites, and many others. Let Egress take you on a musical trip that you will never want to come home from.
Dura Hale is soulful, electrifying, energetic, and unique. Billboard Magazine editors agreed when they named Dura Hale the winner of the Independent Music World Series, which spanned many other genres. This group is raw and very talented and obviously driven to be successful. The music is a different and new sound while still incorporating old school and fresh hip-hop influences. Dura Hale and his live band have also been featured in Source Magazine and also in the Guide Live section in the Dallas Morning News. This is an up and coming crew that you should be sure not to miss.
http://www.myspace.com/thebigredrooster
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Lara Martine was raised listening to The Beatles, Donovan, and then branched out to other artists who have influenced her craft including Stevie Nicks, Tori Amos, Portishead, Pink Floyd, and PJ Harvey. Starting on a keyboard at the age of 8 yrs old, this talented artist has been growing her style ever since.
FOLIUM breeds southern trip-hop chasms of violin, crystalline vocals, sultry DJ mix mash beats and naturally omniscient dictions of heart. Once performing under the guise of LEAF (Suspicious Records), the new FOLIUM brings about a solidified intimacy of five individuals. Under the umbrella of Steve Wick and DJ Eric Dove, over 30 musicians make-up LEAF. After LEAF’s first Album, “Made into itself”, featured members from the project began performing selected songs live in Texas. Through multiple performances and individual devotion, new songs were created within a newly defined group. This extrapolation of 5 members from the original LEAF project is to be known as FOLIUM.
The Shock of Pleasure crosses the lines of electronica, trip-hop and dub to bring you the band of the future–live and in person. Shock of Pleasure combines trip-hop and down-tempo music to create this eclectic mix of musicians and sound. This is Electro-Lounge Music in a rare live setting. Currently the group is working on their debut CD… “It’s About Time,” with producer David Castell (Blue October’s Platinum record “Foiled.”)
White Lotus Society is Dallas’ premiere LIVE House/Funk experience. Featuring Internationally known performers and writers: Adam Pickrell (Keyboards), Corey Lacy (Vocals), Gino “Lock Johnson” Iglehart (Drums), Nate Robinson (Bass), Aaron Irwinsky (Saxophone,Flute), and Aaron Milligan (Percussion), White Lotus Society never disappoints. Having released songs on some of house music’s most prestigious labels such as Large Music, and Om Records, and remixes by such artists as J.T. Donaldson, and Derrick Carter, White Lotus Society brings the soulful vibes, and funky beats that have made Dallas a national staple for soulful house music. Some of White Lotus Society’s music is currently available for download on the iTunes web store.
A delightfully concocted blend of Caribbean rhythms, hip-hop, dance hall beats, and rock intensity! Served best with sensamilla and spirits! Irie! Hailing from roots branching every side of this planet and blending their music from their cultural roots, this is a show that leaves you wanting more… and more…
This is an amazing group, not made up of just talented musicians but visually entertaining performers as well. Fueled by a powerful drum line and matched with soulful, funky, fun, straight up Rockin’ guitar parts. Frontman Egg Nebula adds personality to the mix with funky new styled vocal work celebrating a message of peace and changefull of hidden double meanings that also add a real sense of insight and fun.
The band has been known to break off in the middle of a song to start a Parade in the Crowd involving everyone, encouraged to “Say what you want, Do what you want, Be what you want”. The Spoonfed Tribe delivers a high energy positive “vibes” sound guaranteed make anyone smile and all the rest dancing fools!
Michael Palma has toured Japan and played with Roy Hargrove at the Monterey Jazz Festival in California, as well as opening for Joshua Redman. He attended Booker T. Washington high school and like his fellow alums Erykah Badu, Norah Jones and Roy Hargrove, his soulful melodies make it hard not to get up and groove.
A fresh amalgam of rock n’ roll rhythms and country flare, Saints and Sinners are unlike anything you have ever heard before. Hailing from Dallas/Fort Worth, this infant band is on the verge of making a huge impact on the world of music. Although they draw their influences from contemporary rock and traditional folk/country, their style cannot be pigeonholed into either category. The lines are blurred just enough to stay interesting without becoming experimental. Saints and Sinners churn out catchy little numbers with hooks you’ll be singing for days…in a good way! These guys have something to say. Luckily, it’s the kind of social commentary that you can shake to!
“Well, it all started about 8 months ago when I, Ryan Fitzgerald, The Rock Legend, had an itch to scratch. The itch being fronting my first band and the scratch resulting in a new band called The Push. Up to date I have spent the last 6 years touring with a Rock and Roll boot camp called The Polyphonic Spree and felt if I could find the right people, a good band might happen. The first person I found (Jay Henderson) is my musical soulmate. He is the best drummer in the world. I know because I play with him every week. Then Moody Fuqua aka The Ladies Man, jumped aboard. As long as he plays the bass half as good as he is with the ladies then we will rock hard! Finally, Jonathan Hopkins, jumped into the mix to complete us. He is the cherry on top. Combined, we are like the four seasons. We are The Push. We make the catchy melodies interesting by bringing in mixed meters and weird sounds. We are good. I know this. Why?
Because I play in another band that toured with David Bowie. If I can get that far, then you might think I like great music. I like making music.” Truly… Ryan Fitzerald
http://www.myspace.com/woodbelly
Cassie Holt, born and raised in Dallas, Texas, has had a passion for music since she was a young child. By the age of 17 she was playing open mic nights in Deep Ellum. With more groove than a Saturday night and more soul than a Sunday morning, her vocals will blow any music fan’s mind. Her performances always deliver and with a newly formed band backing her, Cassie is sure to leave a mark at this year’s festival.
Who are we?? What are we? Or most important, who else do we sound like? Hopefully the answer to the last question is no one and a little bit of a lot of people. Live music has been on the decline, but is being revived once again, Country Fried Soul is committed to the music 1st.
Come witness what truth in music and sound feels like. Soulful originals that is sure to make you move and covers that pop including Amy Winehouse and Bob Marley. Mo & Co. has performed in venues great and small but never leaves the crowd unsatisfied. Their CD is due in the summer of 2009 so make sure to catch a live performance!
Every five years or so the Deep Ellum Arts Festival being the 1st weekend of April falls on Easter Sunday. Well this year there is a way that you can enjoy the always great festival and the celebration of Easter Sunday. Deep Ellum Church is hosting Easter festivities at the Festival. On Sunday the 8th of April, starting at 11:00am we will kick off the day with a Easter service at the singer/song writer stage. This is located at the corner of Malcolm X and Main St. For all of you parents out there, you may drop you kids off at Life in Deep Ellum between 10:15-10:45, which is only three blocks from the stage location. (Visit www.lifeindeepellum.com for exact location). Later that evening at 5:30pm we will be doing a musical and artistic interpretation of Easter on the Main stage.