Welcome to the official site of the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival! Produced by the Johnstown Area Heritage Association.

August 6, 7, 8 -- Johnstown, Pennsylvania

2010 Performers
Click here to get your passes/individual sponsorship packages now! Los Lobos -- This L.A.-based band is eclectic in the best sense of the word. It's impossible to encapsulate or pigeonhole Los Lobos, since they excel at (and manage to synthesize) every form of modern roots music into their sound -- hard R&B and blues, Tex-Mex, country, pop rock, folk music, ethereal psychedelia, gorgeous ballads, and pure, raucous garage rock 'n' roll. These guys deliver it all in spades, while forever remaining true to the traditional Mexican music that brought them together as teenagers. Founded in 1973, the band had a monster hit in 1987 with "La Bamba," but as one critic observed, the song barely scratches the surface of their talents. They've been guests on albums by Ry Cooder, Elvis Costello, Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Paul Simon; toured with Bob Dylan, the Clash, the Grateful Dead, and Dave Matthews; and contributed tracks to tribute albums for Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix, and Buddy Holly. The band is releasing their first album of new material in four years, "Tin Can Trust," on August 3. As Rolling Stone once wrote, "This is what happens when five guys create a magical sound, then stick together for 30 years to see how far it can take them."
Robert Cray Band -- Five-time Grammy Award winner Robert Cray is internationally admired as a stylist whose innovations have brought new life to the blues. Considered to be one of the most expressive vocalists and impressive guitarists on the contemporary rhythm and blues scene, Robert Cray draws on R&B, rock, pop, and jazz with equal insight and authority. Noted one critic, "Robert Cray is not only making great music, he's making history. With a few exceptions. . .it used to be that there was the blues and there were the masses, and never the twain shall meet. But Cray, who obviously is respected in blues circles, is a press darling and crossover smash."
Galactic featuring Cyril Neville and Corey Henry (Rebirth) - Continuing the tradition of bringing great New Orleans music to Johnstown! Jazz-funk ensemble Galactic burst on the scene in 1994, and is today recognized as "the quintessential modern-day New Orleans band and one of the funkiest outfits in the known universe." Armed with the rhythmic tradition of its hometown, the six-piece band tears through venues across the world, leaving hordes of die-hard Galactic junkies in its wake. Constantly weaving modern and retrospective styles into its own trademark jazz-funk-rock fusion, Galactic has created a far-reaching canon informed by ongoing influence from a wide range of genres, including hip-hop, blues, pop, and electronica. Special guest Cyril Neville, who has been singing professionally since 1967, is a solo artist and former member of the Meters and the Soul Machine. He is also the percussionist and a powerhouse singer in his family's band, the world-famous Neville Brothers. Horn player Corey Henry of the Rebirth Brass Band will also be featured. As described by Kermit Ruffins, "He plays what we in New Orleans call 'tailgate style' -- laid back and swinging out."
Anders Osborne -- "I'm in the promised land," says proud American immigrant and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Anders Osborne. The Swedish-born, longtime New Orleans resident is among the most original and visionary musicians performing today. As a songwriter, he's worked his magic for other artists, writing "Watchin' the Wind Blow By," a number one hit for country superstar Tim McGraw, and "I Was Wrong" and "A Better Man," both from Keb' Mo's Grammy-winning album "Slow Down," among many others. But live onstage, Osborne is a force to behold. His wildly energetic, physical live performances find him ripping notes out of his guitar, playing riveting steel-on-steel slide solos, and pouring his entire soul into his vocals. Paste Magazine says, "Osborne has an impossibly great, soulful voice and the songs to match." Living Blues adds, "Osborne is a songwriter of enormous depth and an incredibly passionate musician."
Devon Allman's Honeytribe -- Devon Allman has sat in with Les Paul, The Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts, Keller Wiliams, Beth Hart, and Billy Bob Thornton and has been featured in Relix, Guitar Player, Guitar World and Guitar One magazines. But Devon Allman's Honeytribe is much more than just a band fronted by a singer /guitarist of famous heritage (yes, he's the son of Gregg Allman). It's an idea... a feel... a band with serious musicians who simply want to see good music live on and are willing to tour almost 300 dates a year to serve it up worldwide. The trio also includes world-class bassist George Potsos and Gabriel Strange on drums, who is an absolute monster to behold, both in terms of energy and musicianship. The band released their debut album in 2006 -- and in June 2010 is anticipating their sophomore release, "Space Age Blues."
The Lee Boys -- The Lee Boys, who last played our festival in 2006, are one of America's finest African-American sacred steel ensembles. "Sacred steel" is a type of music described as an inspired, unique form of gospel music with a hard-driving, blues-based beat -- infused with rhythm and blues, jazz, rock, funk, hip-hop, country and ideas from other nations. Their unique sound has attracted musical artists such as Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, The Black Crowes, Los Lobos, Gov't Mule, Derek Trucks Band with Susan Tedechi, The North Mississippi Allstars, Umphrey's McGee, and Victor Wooten, all of whom have played with the Lee Boys and/or invited them to tour. Veterans of Bonnaroo and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Lee Boys have been tearing up the festival circuit in 2010 -- they're on the bill at All Good, Wanee, Delfest, Merlefest and many others.
Los Straitjackets -- Surf rock straight outta Nashville! Los Straitjackets has been making its brand of raucous, instrumental rock since 1994 and have become known as one of the most dynamic and skillful instrumental bands on the planet. Their renowned live show is filled with mind-bending guitar theatrics, group choreography and fuzzed-out experiments in high fidelity rock and roll showmanship. Big riffs and even bigger chops are their musical hallmarks, and they always perform in all-black clothes and Mexican masks -- this is a show you're going to have to see to believe. Los Straitjackets have appeared on Conan O'Brien half a dozen times, and their music has been featured in at least 10 feature films. Raved the Reverend Horton Heat, "I think this is the best guitar band in the whole darn world!"
Billy Price Band -- Billy Price, east coast blue-eyed soul man, has been entertaining audiences for the past three decades. In his hometown of Pittsburgh, he is an institution -- and he packed the house when he played our festival in 2006. Price's popularity isn't hard to explain. As Geoffrey Himes of the Washington Post has written, "Unlike so many blues revivalists, Price is not an imitation of older, better singers--he's the real thing." Raves another critic, "Price doesn't sound like any particular soul singer, but he possesses the vocal characteristics of the best--liquid smoke wrapped in barbed wire." Price is backed by a tight, horn-heavy band that brings out the best in soul classics and Price originals.
Eilen Jewell -- Boise-born and Boston-based, Eilen Jewell has quickly distinguished herself as one of the rising stars of a new generation of roots musicians. She mines rich veins of folk, alt country, country, western swing, rockabilly, jazz and early rock 'n' roll, creating a sound that is both inspired and inspiring. As Jewell herself notes, "There's a lot of styles of music that I love equally, and I come from all of them." Raved No Depression, "Eilen Jewell is showing she can wander with the best of them, and write riveting song-stories about her adventures along the way."
Eric Tessmer Band -- A mainstay of the Austin, Texas music scene, Eric Tessmer plays sizzling electric blues with a talent some critics have compared to the young Stevie Ray Vaughan. The band last played our festival in 2006, and are now touring in support of a new album, "Green Diamond." One critic raved, "Eric Tessmer holds a nightly clinic, a sermon if you will, in Strat manipulation. . . to call his licks fast would be an insult to Mr. Graham Bell and light itself."
Boogie Hustlers -- Rooted in the heavy pocket grooves of funky soul and jazz artists of past and present, the Boogie Hustlers collective began piecing itself together in 2003. Creating original music in the vein of their funk-forefathers, the band started a forward-thinking musical evolution that continues today, drawing from numerous styles including soul, R&B, hip-hop, funk, jazz, fusion, and time-tested pop music. Their mission: to bring positivity and spirituality back into the live music scene and onto the radio. Wrote one critic, "[this] horn-powered, funk-fortified outfit mixes a little hip-hop influence into its groove-oriented, dance-heavy sound. . .Even if you can't shake your hips worth a nickel you may leap onto the dance floor when Boogie Hustlers start rolling."
Tim Dabbs -- Born in Johnstown, Tim Dabbs moved back to the city after first playing the our festival in 2000, and is today one of the area's most popular singer-songwriters. His music is in the storytelling tradition of folk, and includes many songs about this region. Known for his well-developed fingerstyle guitar technique, Tim has a melodic playing style that compliments his tenor voice, and is well suited to the topical songs and the tender ballads in his repertoire. Dabbs has been featured on National Public Radio and Good Morning America. According to one critic, "Tim is a very talented songwriter writing in the tradition of Stan Rogers and Gordon Lightfoot, and people who write about real events and real places." He last played our festival in 2008.
Jimmy Adler Band -- A Pittsburgh favorite, blues guitarist Jimmy Adler last played our festival in 2007. His music is a blend of Chicago blues and West coast jazzy jump, complemented with passionate, rough-edged vocals. Jimmy is known for his stingingly sweet slide guitar, as well as his elegant phrasing and clean fat tone. His band also includes barrelhouse piano and a tight rhythm section, channeling the essence of the blues. Raved one critic, "Witness some of the best Slide Guitar licks in the Burgh! If you like bad to the bone slide guitar, don't miss a Jimmy Adler show."
Corned Beef & Curry -- This Pittsburgh-based band, as its name suggests, is a combination of very intriguing influences. Lead vocalist John McCann began his legendary musical career in Buffalo as a self-taught musician playing classic rock, country and Celtic. He became a powerful force as a solo Irish performer in Pittsburgh, where he joined forces with Bob Banerjee to form Corned Beef & Curry. Banerjee, who played solo at our festival last year, is originally from India but his music is universal. Originally a classically trained violinist, he loves to take the fiddle beyond its stereotypes and injects passion and creativity into pop, country, Celtic, fusion, and world music styles. He has also surprised many with his mastery of mandolin and guitar and the depth of his melodic vocals. Bob was the fiddler for the internationally famous band, Gaelic Storm (the Irish steerage band from the movie Titanic). The band is completed by drummer Todd Hartman, who adds vocals, percussion, Irish bodhran and washboard.
Good Brother Earl -- In 2003 Good Brother Earl was selected by TAXI and Billboard from a field of 1600 bands as one of the top 15 independent acts in the Northeast. That distinction helped them gain national exposure and sell albums across the country. The band is frequently heard on XM Satellite's Radio Unsigned Channel, and was recently showcased on the NPR show "Mountain Stage." Closer to home, their original sound is a staple on Pittsburgh's WYEP, and they've often featured on other regional stations. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette calls Good Brother Earl's music "a full-bodied Triple-A rock sound that can fall right into place between the Counting Crows, Dave Matthews and the Jayhawks."
Mon River Ramblers -- The Mon River Ramblers first began playing their unique blend of bluegrass on the streets of Pittsburgh in 2006, and soon began to get noticed. Their mix of traditional bluegrass, rag-time, jazz, blues, folk, punk, and rock infused with tight pickin' keeps their brand of fiery bluegrass music innovative and fresh. In the short time the Ramblers have played together they've shared the stage with the Hackensaw Boys, Devil Makes Three, bluegrass hall of famer Mac Martin & the Dixie Travelers, Hoots & Hellmouth, Crooked Still, Hot Buttered Rum String Band, and many more. In 2009 they released a debut CD and competed in two of the most prestigious festivals in the bluegrass world, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Delfest.
Boca Chica -- Boca Chica is an amalgamation of Pittsburgh musicians fronted by songwriter Hallie Pritts. The band picks its way through the Americana and indie rock genres with great ease, drawing from folk rock, indie pop, and freak folk while managing to sound familiar and homey. They've shared the stage with The Avett Brothers, Mason Jennings, Jolie Holland, and Jennifer O'Connor, and have been featured on NPR. Their 2009 album "Lace Up Your Workboots" was named one of the most important releases of the year by the Pittsburgh City Paper and WYEP -- and catapulted them into the international indie scene, scoring them a 2010 release with Indiecater Records of Ireland, "Valentine," and a partnership with the Norwegian micro-label Eardrums Pop. A third full-length record is in the works. Wrote the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "Think Neil Young circa 'Harvest' crossed with the hipster cool of Neko Case."
Mark Dignam -- Mark Dignam is an Irish-born, Pittsburgh-based songwriter who began as a busker on the streets of Dublin. Dignam's songs are intelligent and insightful, balanced with an infectious sing-along quality and an irresistible Irish wit. Live, Dignam delivers powerful, three-dimensional performances, a songwriter's songwriter, and yet an accessible gem. He has been invited to open for or tour with Billy Bragg, David Gray, Richard Thompson, Joan Armatrading, Vic Chestnut, The Frames, Paddy Casey and a host of others, and last appeared at our festival in 2006. Wrote acclaimed British songwriter Teitur, "This is real music. His voice carries so much emotion and nerve that it will instantly change the way you feel. If you have heard him once, you will remember it always."
Rising Regina -- Based in Pittsburgh, Rising Regina was founded in 2007 by sisters Jessica and Kiki Young. Rising Regina's sound incorporates the best of American roots music including rock, folk, blues, jazz, bluegrass and Celtic. Tight harmonies and upbeat arrangements are hallmarks of the acoustic group. With a debut CD, "Travel Lightly," coming out in May, a growing fan base and an active tour calendar, Rising Regina is a band on its way up.
Dave DiStefano & the West Hills All Stars -- The West Hills All Stars are comprised of singer/songwriter Dave DiStefano and his collection of well-seasoned veteran musicians, all hailing from the Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania. Dave has been writing, performing, and stretching the limits of all genres of music in the area for over 15 years.
The Bogarts -- Based in Jamestown, New York, the Bogarts are a roots rock band with country sensibilities and alternative influences. Their music harkens back to a simpler time, yet presses forward with purposeful jams, high lonesome harmonies, and lyrics that tackle topics from politics to heartache and retribution.
The Weathered Road -- Hailing from Taylorsville, PA, The Weathered Road is young trio whose music blends the genres of singer-songwriter, folk, traditional, Celtic, and newgrass to create a sound all their own, a sound they call AmeriCeltic Newgrass. Often described as Nickel Creek meets CSNY, their infectious, upbeat sound is winning new fans of all ages wherever they play. Wrote the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "The Weathered Road's Celtic and Appalachian tendencies. . . endear them to both folkies and Wearers of the Green."