Bula B-Lounge
134 Spring Street, Newton, NJ

Peter Biedermann

Around 1983, PB decided he was going to be an instrumental musician... a guitarist no less...in a field already boasting oodles of eccentrics and virtuosos. This is equivalent to investing in a dot.com company after the crash and no longer exists. Well...did that prospect deter him? Absolutely not...madness rules and logic drools. So...for more than 25 years PB has gone against these forces...gone up against the greatest of odds...not giving a flying you know what about artistic and musical trends...simply because he loves...repeat...LOVES what he is doing and must pursue his muse at all costs. He has the disease...and...hopefully...it is catching.

For more serious info on this musical chameleon, go to http://www.peterbiedermann.com/ for historical information and other semi-useful tidbits.

The Big Three

The Big Three puts together a unique blues sound that is right on board with the blues movements of John Mayer, Derek Trucks, and Jonny Lang. Among there influences are the greats of blues: Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, BB King, Howlin' Wolf, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Rock legends like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Allman Brothers Band, and Jimi Hendrix also play greatly on the style and techniques used by The Big Three.

Lifelong friends Matt DeMicco, Rutger Missenheim, and TJ Sekulski make up The Big Three. Their roots together go back to their youth when they found a common sense of music at an early age while growing up in Warren County. It seemed almost destined from early on that they would have a long standing musical relationship. While many of their friends formed bands perhaps more attuned to teenagers, The Big Three found their own niche. After trying several styles, The Big Three went their own course, taking on the blues and quickly found a fan base that is quickly growing.

The Billies

Regulars on the Coffee House Circuit in Central and South Jersey, the Jersey shore based trio is quickly making a name for themselves.

Chrisie Santoni is on lead vocals and guitar, Cornelius Catfish Turtle plays percussion and sings, and Jeremy Renner rips on guitar.

Santoni and her previous band, the Chrisie Santoni Band, have played at the Knowlton Riverfest.

For a sneak preview of their music, go to www.myspace.com/thebilliesmusic.

Blue Buddha

Blue Buddha plays light rock sounds from the 70s and other generations.

Jim Cannon

folk singer Jim Cannon

Circle Round the Sun

Circle Round the Sun is the folk/acoustic group of Marie Trontell and Jay Wilensky, now joined by Dan Parillo on bass. Jay's warm baritone and Marie's rich alto let the group perform an eclectic mix of great acoustic songs with a special emphasis on duets and sensuous harmonies. Their influences include great singer-songwriters like Dave Carter, Michael Smith, Cheryl Wheeler, and Tom Rush.

Jay and Marie met as members of New Jersey's Folk Project and formed Circle Round the Sun to bring sweet harmonies to great songs.

DC

From Asbury Park, DC mixes covers and originals. His "original sound" is unique and it comes through in his personable style. DC was one of the featured acts at this past summer's Black Potatoe Festival in Clinton.

Christine DeLeon

After a short listen to singer-songwriter Chrstine DeLeon, it is easy to hear the combined beautiful voices of Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and Judy Collins all in one.

DeLeon has a deep dedication to music that began at a very young age. In fact, her earliest memories of childhood are of the captivating sounds from the radio. With an artistic drive and ability that fostered it, she discovered the joy of singing as a member of the children’s choir at her family church at the age of 8. Even after a cautious warning by a mentor for being overly zealous (not being able to refrain from dancing), Christine knew that music was in her life to stay.

Learning guitar in her early teens, Christine then began songwriting at the age of 17 and has since spent more than 20 years exploring that creative path. Her performances are varied and versatile as she embraces many styles. DeLeon is equally comfortable with her original songs of a reflective, humorous or storytelling nature as well as familiar sing-along tunes that inspire audience participation.

DeLeon has enjoyed involvement in many New Jersey Choral groups such as The Harmony Singers of Wayne, the Morris Conservatory Chorus and she has been a member of Suburban Sound, the Montclair Chapter of the nationwide Sweet Adelines group.

In 2007, she recorded her first CD, "January Hiding," which offers her reflections of a wide range of subjects, from fond childhood memories to the perplexing tragedy of September 11, 2001.

Eternal Circle

For many years, Steve MacPeek and Doug Hawk separately did their musical thing. But now they’ve joined forces as Eternal Circle.

Playing acoustic “Classic Rock”, Eternal Circle predominately performs the hits of the 60s and 70s mixed in with some original tunes. They are currently working on their first album.

Producer Neal Jones of Aladdin Entertainment in Nashville says of MacPeek, “This guy has one of the most commercial voices that I’ve heard in a long time.” MacPeek spent his earlier years honing his skills on the pub scene in New York and New Jersey while Hawk predominately played with an array of rock bands.

Eternal Circle plays throughout Northwest New Jersey, in pubs and restaurants, and has also played at the Festival in the Borough in Washington and the Hackettstown Fiesta, among other regional events.

For more about Eternal Circle, go to www.myspace.com/joehirsh.

Joe Janci

Joe Janci mixes covers with originals in an easy-going delivery that has audiences smiling. His selection runs the gamut from folk hits to soft rock renditions that bring back memories, and create new ones.

Jeff & Karen

"You Guys Are Fantastic"
-Mike Woods, Good Day New York

New Jersey residents, singer/songwriter Jeff Penque and songstress, Karen Fairweather have joined forces to create a fresh and unique acoustic duo that have been taking NJ coffee houses, wineries, and restaurants by storm. They blend classic folk/rock from the 60s through today - with original tunes - to create a truly memorable musical performance.

It all began when Jeff was performing solo one evening at The Sanctuary Café in Little Falls, New Jersey, and Karen happened to stop in for a Cappuccino and some tunes. Jeff was captivated by her silky soprano as she harmonized from her table – and the rest - as they say, is history.

They began working together at gigs where Jeff was showcasing songs from his solo CD, Hidden Feelings, it was then that they discovered that their voices blended perfectly - and the feedback was so positive, that they decided to work together permanently and formed, Jeff & Karen – Acoustic Duo.

As Jeff & Karen, they have toured the state of New Jersey playing festivals, libraries, shopping outlets, coffee houses, restaurants, wineries and more. This journey exposed them to new towns, landscapes and experiences throughout the state –which inspired them to name their first CD – Jersey Fresh.

Jersey Fresh features (11) original songs written by Jeff and are performed in brilliant harmony with driving acoustic guitar arrangements. They achieve an overall retro 60’s/70’s sound - mixed with today’s musical influences.

In addition to traditional performing venues, Jeff & Karen work together and separately as liturgical musicians and are both a part of the music ministry at Holy Trinity Church in Fort Lee, NJ – and have also joined the roster of artists working for Hospital Audiences Inc., a non-profit organization that provides professional entertainment to hospitals, senior centers, pre-schools, etc.

Kate & Paul

folk rockers Kate & Paul

Kindred Spirit

Kindred Spirit was formed in 1996 by two friends who share a love for music of many styles & influences. The name "Kindred Spirit" comes from the bond they share with the many friends & fans they have met along the way. Kindred Spirit is folk music, modern music, American, Irish & Scottish music.

It is a hundred influences combined in the lives of two musicians who love what they do. Tim provides the multi-instrumental compliment of Kindred Spirit, playing Mandolin, Banjo, Irish Flute and a host of Irish Whistles both made of wood and metal. Among Tim's influences you can hear in his performance a fondness for Tommy Makem, The Clanceys, The Irish Rovers as well. Dean is the Guitarist/Songwriter of the group, Dean's guitar provides the foundation of the Kindred Spirit sound. Dean's influences vary from the Wolfe Tones, Dubliner's, Christy Moore, Chieftans Pogues & the Saw Doctors.

Mef & Angela

This acoustic duo unites Mef's bluesy power and Angela's passionate twang with magical results; anyone who has seen them knows it. The performances are witty, touching and very personal. 

Kathy Phillips

What makes a performer special? The ability to empathize through a well-turned lyric, the talent for writing an effective hook, a connection with an audience projected from the stage, and a sense of purpose and passion in an artists' music are all qualities possessed by those who are able to make the transition from musician to performer.

That sums up the talented Kathy Phillips, whose intimate live performances at places such as the Stone Pony, the Starland Ballroom and the Stanhope House have given her an extensive following. Phillips’ smooth polished sound has been described as a graceful connection between rock, folk and pop and drew media comparisons to early Natalie Merchant and Edie Brickell.

Kathy has opened for/shared the stage with national acts such as: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Hootie & the Blowfish, Styx, Andy Summers (Police), Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Dickey Betts, Catie Curtis, Tony Levin Band, John Eddie, Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), Michael Glabicki (Rusted Root), Bernie Worrell, Jeffrey Gaines, and Bernard Purdie. Kathy has also been involved with singing backups for The Matt Angus Thing alongside members of the Harlem Gospel Choir.

For more on Kathy, visit www.kathyphillips.com.

http://www.kspirit.info/

Frank Porcelli

Sussex County resident Frank Porcelli’s songs, he notes, are a compilation of thoughts, ideas inspirations and sometimes repressed feelings that add genuine meaning. The singer-songwriter says that he writes about “real people and events” in his life.

Porcelli combines original tunes with lesser played covers by bands such as Jimmy Buffett, John Mayer, Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews, The Allman Brothers, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

Jody Price

Jody Price is an instrumental acoustic artist whose mix of material gives his works an expansive feel. Influenced by the likes of Leo Kottke, John Renbourn, George Harrison, Ralph Towner, Patty Larkin and a whole lot more, his tunes are a mix of Jazz, Acoustic Blues, English Folk and Avant Garde.

"In reality, all of my compositions have two lives: the recorded version and the live version. When I play live, I like to take chances and a lot of what I do is improvisation off of an idea," Price notes.

Price mainly plays a 6 string acoustic guitar, however he often adds some 12 string and electric to his act, and has been known to bring out a Synth guitar once in a while. When recording, he uses a lot of orchestra samples and loops to add to his compositions.

Price’s musical background is varied, having once played with the rockers Black Jellybean, whose album, "Heavily Processed American Cheese" received an award from the Northwest New Jersey Music Society. Price has recorded a solo album, "Bliss," and is currently working on another, "In Memory Of."

Price has some interesting artistical lineage as well. He is the grandson of the late great actor Vincent Price.

Jack Tannehill

Jack Tannehill is all of these wrapped up into one: acoustic rock artist, singer, songwriter, story teller and poet.

A carpenter by trade, Tannehill has been known to write many of his best songs while sitting on someone’s rooftop.

For those unfamiliar with Tannehill’s work, think of an eclectic combination of Steve Forbert, Bob Dylan and Neil Young, but clearly with his own unique style and voice.

Tannehill has recorded several albums including "Greatest Hints" and "Earlier Lateley – The Very Blest of Jack Tannehill," both of which have been top sellers regionally.

Denny Tilton

Denny has been performing for his devoted fans for over two decades. His heartwarming and thought provoking songs touch the heart and speak to fans of all ages. Denny's latest release "Long Way Home", is a self produced effort that came out in December of 2007, on his SPI label. For this project Denny recorded tracks in Nashville, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He used noted musicians as Gary Olyar (Loggins & Messina), Larry Beaird(Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts), Mark Clifford (Springsteen-Seeger sessions) as well as his regular players Tom Askin (The Samples), Loni Bach, Tom Delaney, Kel Pilshaw, and Alan Bowers. Denny has opened for a wide array of performers including Dave Mason, Roger McGuinn, John Sebastian, David Bromberg, Chris Hillman, The Moody Blues, John Hartford, The Strawbs, Renaissance, Christopher Cross and more.

Kenny Woods

Los Angeles Music Award Winning Singer/Songwriter Kenny Woods from Summit, NJ performs his roadhouse blend of introspective folk pop songs, recorded with band members of Jackson Browne and k.d. lang, with music featured by: American Idol, Borders, CW11 Morning News, PBS and the New Jersey Star-Ledger. His songwriting has garnered recent accolades from the Billboard and Unisong Songwriting Contests.

Glenn Zervas

Glenn has written over 200 songs and is a music producer with productions spanning many moods and variations. His musical experience spans from playing in rock bands in the 70's to a solo acoustic guitar performer since the 90's. Glenn teaches guitar and bass guitar in his home studio in Fredon, as well as in many schools in the area.

http://www.glennzervas.com