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

August 5-7, 2011 -- Johnstown, Pennsylvania

2011 Performers
JJ Grey & Mofro -- Singing with a passion and fervor directly influenced by the classic soul heroes, JJ Grey has written and recorded five albums of original songs steeped in the rhythm & blues, rock, and country soul of his native backwoods home outside Jacksonville, Florida. Grey comes from a long tradition of Southern storytellers and, in that spirit, he fills his songs with details that are at once vivid, personal and universal. The New York Times has praised JJ's "balance of wildness and cool" describing his music as "Southern swamp rock with undercurrents of Memphis soul. His songs chronicle ambiguous truths and unambiguous urges," delivered by Grey's "winningly uncontrived vocals." Likewise, Billboard has praised Grey's "world-beating blend of Southern rock, blues and Florida swamp soul." Sponsor: Concurrent Technologies Corp.
Bettye LaVette -- Bettye LaVette is one of the greatest soul singers in American music history, possessed of an incredibly expressive voice that one moment will exude a formidable level of strength and intensity and the next will appear vulnerable, reflective, reeking of heartbreak. The powerhouse singer stormed into the R&B Top 10 with her first recording, 1962's insouciant "My Man-He's A Lovin' Man." Although she would hit the lower and mid-range of the R&B charts five more times through 1982, for the better part of 40 years LaVette toiled away in obscurity, slowly fading from the consciousness of all but hardcore soul collectors. But in the early 2000s things began to change, and in 2004 she won the W.C. Handy Award for Comeback Blues Artist of the Year -- and her acclaim is building. The New York Times observed in 2010, "Ms. LaVette now rivals Aretha Franklin as her generation's most vital soul singer." Sponsor: Harrigan's Cafe & Wine Deck
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears -- Growing up in Austin and Round Rock, Joe took it all in -- Delta and Chicago blues, Memphis soul, Detroit garage punk -- and what came out the other end was, and is, unlike anything else out there. After years of struggle to get heard, things started moving fast for Lewis after he put together the earliest incarnation of Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, naming the band after a crusted container of honey they found on the floor of their "disgusting" rehearsal room. Their debut album, Tell 'Em What Your Name Is!, came out in 2009, much of it cut live off the floor. "The album manages to maximize every incendiary second of sonic sexuality the band is putting out," raved PopMatters' Christel Loar. "Make no mistake, Lewis knows his history, but he also knows his moment, too, and it's now. The Honeybears aren't afraid to mine the past to make music for the future." Sponsor: 91.3fm WYEP.
Project/Object featuring Ike Willis & Ray White performing the music of Frank Zappa & more -- Formed in the early Nineties, Project/Object is on a mission to bring the music of the late Frank Zappa to the masses by faithfully recreating the live Zappa experience. They have performed over the years with at least fifteen of Zappa's well-known alumni, including Ike Willis and Ray White, who together and separately toured and recorded with Zappa from 1976-1988. In every new market they visit, Project/Object pleases the Zappa connoisseurs and converts the curious into dedicated fans. Wrote one critic, "Constantly innovating, Zappa's songs retained their form but evolved with each performance, a rare combination of fastidious diligence and unabashed abandon. Project/Object honors the inspiration by being similarly open to whatever muse presents itself each night, capturing Zappa's fearless and merciful spirit and the seeming paradox of his controlled yet frenzied nature." Sponsor: Johnstown Construction.
Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience -- Leading his Zydeco Experience Band, Terrance Simien has become one of the most respected and internationally recognized touring and recording artists in roots music today. His eclectic fusion of zydeco takes you on a multicultural musical tour of the world. Incorporating diverse music styles, Simien creates a hypnotic blend of zydeco-roots-New Orleans funk-reggae-flavored-Afro-Caribbean-world music that will force you out of your seat and onto the dance floor. He has found a way to express himself as a relevant and evolving artist who remains reverent to his roots and musical legacy. During the past 25 years Simien has shared studio and stage with Robert Palmer, Stevie Wonder, Los Lobos, Taj Mahal, Dr. John, the Meters, Alan Toussaint, Paul Simon and Dave Matthews Band to name a few. His music has been featured in dozens of films, including the blockbuster hit The Big Easy and the Disney animated feature The Princess and the Frog. He has performed over 5000 concerts, toured millions of miles to over 40 countries and reached at least a million people during his eventful 25 year career -- including memorable shows at our festival in 2006, 2002, 1998, and 1992. Sponsor: Laurel Management.
The Bridge -- This Baltimore-based jamband covers unbounded musical territory with no shortage of verve, striking a rare balance between high-quality songs and sharp instrumental interplay. They have the tools to see their expansive musical vision through, starting with the unorthodox nature of their lineup: string band elements powered by a plugged-in R&B- and roots rock-ready rhythm section, heated by keyboard and horn and, here and there, seasoned with syncopated beatboxing. The six-man band is currently touring in support of their new album, National Bohemian, and is heating up the festival circuit this year at All Good and Gathering of the Vibes. Sponsor: Tribune-Democrat..
Tab Benoit -- Tab Benoit is a Cajun man who's definitely got the blues. Born November 17, 1967, he grew up in Houma, Louisiana. A guitar player since his teenage years, he hung out at the Blues Box, a ramshackle music club and cultural center in nearby Baton Rouge run by guitarist Tabby Thomas. Playing guitar alongside Thomas, Raful Neal, Henry Gray and other high-profile regulars at the club, Benoit learned the blues first-hand from a faculty of living blues legends. The nightly impromptu gigs were enough to inspire Benoit to assemble his own band -- a stripped down bass-and-drums unit propelled by his solid guitar skills and leathery, Cajun-spiced vocal attack. He took his show on the road in the early 90s and hasn't stopped since -- in fact, he played our festival in 1997, and we're delighted to welcome him back. Sponsors: Payless Car Rental and Cambria Ace Hardware.
The Pimps of Joytime -- If you've yet to encounter The Pimps of Joytime, prepare to take a funky ride! Bandleader Brian J is a charismatic and soulful visionary, whose well-crafted songs invite the listener to enter a world of infectious dance grooves and indelible melodies. Spending formative years in New York City, New Orleans and Los Angeles, Mista J honed his craft, becoming an accomplished live performer, multi-instrumentalist and producer. The band's diverse sound and spirited attitude is strongly influenced by the Brooklyn DJ culture and live music scene from which they emerge. Over the past four years, The Pimps have evolved into a road tested and audience approved groove machine. The exponential growth of the band's fan base can be partially attributed to an artful blend of musical styles, including elements of afrobeat, salsa, rock & roll and electronica. Brian J's classic songwriting and the band's undeniable swagger on stage consistently energizes dance parties wherever they appear. Sponsor: Carpenter's Union Local #1419
Bill Kirchen & Too Much Fun-- Raves one critic, "Bill Kirchen rules. It's just that simple. [His] no-nonsense diesel guitar attack, powered by great booming, bottom-heavy licks still covered with axle grease, is undoubtedly the real thing, scattering scorching guitar runs in all directions, it's all immediate, in your face and more than a little dangerous." The former guitarist for Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, Kirchen has earned the title "Titan of the Telecaster." His 30-year career celebrates an American musical tradition where country music draws upon its origins in blues and bluegrass, rollicking rockabilly and the Western swing of Texas and California honky-tonks. A favorite at our festival in 2004, 2007 and 2009, Kirchen is known for his crowd-pleasing live shows. Sponsor: elements of afrobeat, salsa, rock & roll and electronica. Brian J's classic songwriting and the band's undeniable swagge
Brothers Past -- Hailing from Philadelphia, this indie-electronic band has been called "one of the most talked about independent acts in the nation." Since its founding in 2000, the band has released three records and one EP. They've performed across the United States and Canada including appearances at SxSW, Wakarusa and Bonnaroo, where The New York Press proclaimed them "the square-jawed, bastard child of Pink Floyd with a gigantic stage show." Sponsor: Feight Audio
The Hackensaw Boys -- With feet firmly planted in the old-time song tradition, hands soiled by the dirt of rock 'n' roll and eyes fixed steadily on the future of real country music, the Hackensaw Boys are among the most exciting groups charting new territory in today's diverse Americana music scene. Wrote one critic, "The seams of the music: a deeply rooted country sensibility, a colorful cast of singers and musicians, a sense of humor, and threads bound to punk rock just as much as country and folk music. What stands at the apex of this group, though, is the original songwriting." Sponsor:RE/Max Team Realtors.
Lubriphonic -- Digging deep and giving it all in everything they do, Chicago's Lubriphonic specialize in a unique offering of funky rock 'n' roll. The septet's tight and raw sound is immediately familiar, fusing the roots of soul with explosive in-your-face delivery and sensuous R&B dance music. The Lubriphonic sound is full of precision orchestrations made up of blazing guitars, tight three piece horn lines, soulful songwriting, bluesy vocals and the habit to cut the funk loose. The best description of the band's sound comes from Relix Magazine: "Superb, adventurous, diverse, simply mesmerizing instrumental work. Steeped in soul, rock, pop, and blues, Lubriphonic's members play with a tenacity and precision that sets them apart from equally proficient bands." Sponsors: 96 Key, Froggy 95, Hot 92, and Rocky 99.
That 1 Guy -- At 150-200 live shows each year people gather to see this one-man-band at work, curiously watching as That 1 Guy plugs an electric chord into the heel of a cowboy boot and transforms it into an instrument. With his curious instrument, creative performances and abundant talent, That 1 Guy has caught the attention of promoters around the world and tours heavily, wowing crowds at Big Day Out, Glastonbury, Monterrey Jazz Festival, Lowlands, Wakarusa and numerous other festivals. As Billboard noted, "In the case of Mike Silverman's slamming, futuristic funk act... the normal rules of biology just don't apply." It suits That 1 Guy just fine. "I like being my own person," he says. "I didn't set out to be a weirdo but I'm starting to embrace it." Sponsor:Atlantic Broadband
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." Sponsor: Hornick Auto Sales & Service.
Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds-- This nine piece powerhouse delivers a blend of gut-busting soul, earthy rock, and New Orleans-inspired beats. Frontwoman Arleigh Kincheloe's powerful voice is ten times her size and mature beyond her 22 years, and she delivers her seductive lyrics with an electric stage presence. Sister Sparrow is backed by a heavyweight horn section, soaring guitar, and shredding harmonica -- all laid over a funky, thundering bass and drum lock-up. The band's infectious energy and huge sound generates ecstatic crowds and packs dance floors night after night. Raved one critic, "Move over Sharon Jones and Grace Potter: Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds. . . ..can go from Memphis soul to James Brown funk to Sonny Boy Williamson-style harp blues in a single song, and then turn around and lay down a funky reggae strut or a Latin groove." Sponsor: WJAC-TV 6.
American Babies -- After spending the early 2000s building a national fan base fronting the electro-rock band Brothers Past, Tom Hamilton founded American Babies in 2007. The Philadelphia-based roots rock band has played Bonnaroo and CMJ (2007), Langerado, SxSW and Newport Folk (2008) as well as supporting slots for the Derek Trucks Band, Sheryl Crow, The National, and the Wood Brothers. They are currently touring in support of their new album, Flawed Logic, which was released on April 19. Sponsor: American Eagle Screen Printing & Embroidery.
Sweet Earth -- Hailing from Pittsburgh, this five-piece instrumental group combines a dynamic blend of New Age dance beats, funky rhythmic grooves, mathematic progressive rock, exciting live improvisation. Combine all that with their incredible multi-instrumental talents, and Sweet Earth has created an intoxicating sound and energy all their own. Sponsor: Somerset Trust.
Shelf Life String Band -- The Shelf Life String Band is Pittsburgh-based, untraditional bluegrass four-piece with a solid repertoire of musical delight. These boys will keep the energy high with their full bodied, feel good sound, captivating crowds old and young alike.Sponsor: Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.
City Dwelling Nature Seekers -- City Dwelling Nature Seekers was spawned from the creative songwriting of Michael McCormick, who assembled the rest of the band in early 2008 from friends and colleagues while attending Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. The band learned songs from McCormick's huge catalog of original material, which ranges from up-tempo bluegrassy numbers to beautiful ballads, always with an emphasis on memorable melodies. In late 2009, they released a six-song EP, which is available on CDBaby and iTunes. Songs from the EP have been receiving airplay from Pittsburgh radio stations such as WYEP, as well as Philadelphia's WXPN. The August 2010 debut full-length album from the group will please those that appreciate refined songwriting; a dynamic set of 13 songs that are lyrically poetic and musically captivating.Sponsor: The Flower Barn.
600 Lbs. of Sin-- Josh Thomas and Mike Pushkin formed 600 Lbs. of Sin as an expansion of their acoustic duo, The Filthy No 'Counts. Mike Pushkin is a well known local musician and songwriter in Charleston and Morgantown, WV, and is a founding member of The Joint Chiefs. Josh Thomas has played in local Charleston, WV bands for over 10 years. Together their vision of blending honky tonk, reggae, southern rock, bluegrass, folk, and blues with intense improvised jams & unique vocal harmonies, reminiscent of the jamband greats by which they are so heavily influenced, came together with the addition of vocalist Sierra Ferrell. Sierra's vocal range & demanding stage presence, along with her song writing alone, are enough to have you begging for more. The current rhythm section is an all-star lineup with Jon Lavigne on bass, Steve Markle(Rasta Rafiki) behind the drums & Nery Arevalo (Donna The Buffalo & too many more to list) on percussion. Sponsor: High Powered Electric
Clinton Clegg & the Backstabbing Good People -- These past few generations of our culture have slowly become an advanced class of music and art lovers. When it comes to music everyone listens to everything these days. Rappers love Coldplay, Metal kids love Techno, and people who grew up listening to country secretly love Bob Marley. Clinton Clegg & The Backstabbing Good People are a result of being raised in this great era. The Pittsburgh-based band has put together a collection of songs that have encapsulated real life experiences and portray them through many different styles they all love -- including soul, hip-hop, rock, reggae, and blues. Sponsor: Minahan Sign Company.
Black Coffee -- Black Coffee is a soul, blues and funk band based out of Central Pennsylvania. Fronted by singer Caitlin Cuneo, the band creates an energized show, spanning from slow blues/jazz numbers to all-out funk grooves. The rhythm section supports Miss Cuneo with their subtle hooks, pulsating rhythms and tasteful solos - and the band's passion for performing live is evident from their dynamic performances. Wrote one critic, "This band is definitely to be reckoned with in the blues jazz world." Sponsor: Brett Insurance.
Southside Strays -- Created to have a free flowing swirl of guest musicians around a solid core, The Southside Strays grew out of another Johnstown band, ERA, to capture the listening ears of a diverse audience. Mixing the right ingredients of the Grateful Dead, the Beatles, and the Byrds with the blues, country and a touch of grey gives this band a solid, simmering recipe for a good time, different songs, and musicians that like to experiment along the way. At the festival the band will premiere their first CD of all-original songs, "Out All Night." Sponsor: GapVax, Inc..
Jeff Perigo & Friends-- Singer-songwriter Jeff Perigo, who has been playing live music since 1994 in the Johnstown, Indiana and Somerset areas -- including acoustic or electric, classic rock, folk, blues, country and jam band. Influences include The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, The Band, The Allman Brothers Band, and many underground musicians he has seen throughout the years. He prefers writing blues-based rock songs and rearranging cover songs adding his own unique twist. Appearing with Perigo will be Scott Jeffreys and "Even" Steven Azami. Sponsor: Wessel & Company.