CENTER STAGE BAR
J. FORTE – Street Pop
Julianne Forte is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. Her music incorporates elements of rock, folk, hip hop, country, and pop. She is currently working on her first major EP release and has contributed
to a number of major label releases as a performer and songwriter.
- Friday (September 11) 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
THE WATERS – Progressive Folk Rock
Where love and music collide, you will find The Waters. An acoustic duo comprised of singer/songwriter Krystal Baker and guitarist Sturgis Waters based out of Phoenix, AZ, they bring a minimalist approach to progressive folk-rock music. Her haunting vocals combined with his colorful guitar melodies blend to create a fabric of intimate conversation. The modest and dynamic aspects of the duo create an authentic experience.
Once compared to a more multi-dimensional yet similar vocal sound to that of Natalie Merchant, coupled with the reminiscent guitar styling’s of Tim Reynolds, you will find a great combination of distinctive yet familiar sounds. Playing both their original songs as well as unique arrangements of other artists, their love of music is something we can all connect with.
- Saturday (September 12) 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m
MATTHEW THORNTON – Indie Rock
Matthew Thornton is a musician who plays in the Phoenix-based indie rock band Vinyl Station. When in Phoenix, he plays constantly with other Vinyl Station band members and other musician friends. Vinyl Station has released 2 full-length albums.
- Friday (September 18) 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m
THE HOURGLASS CATS – Funky Latin Reggae and Rock’n’Roll
The Hourglass Cats are a Desert Reggae & Rock-N-Roll collective based out of Phoenix, AZ. Formed in 2011 by frontman Cori Rios and drummer “Hot” Karl Maier, The Hourglass Cats consist of Chaz Fertal (Saxophone), Lisa Lizanec (Trombone), Seth Gory (Bass), Jesse Morrison (Keys/Vox), Enrique Naranjo (Drums) and Cori Rios (Guitar/Vox).
The Hourglass Cats are known for their high energy live shows and have quickly become the premier party band for festivals, events, and venues all over Arizona as well as California, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, and even parts of Mexico. They’ve shared stages with acts like Cee Lo Green, Thievery Corporation, Slightly Stoopid, Passion Pit, Phantogram, De La Soul and many more.
- Saturday (September 19) 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
HOUSE OF STAIRS – Progressive Soul
With music that’s irrevocably jazz, House of Stairs also draws from funk, soul, electronic and pop influences to create a distinct progressive sound. Because their music is so multifaceted, it has been described as an “aural, visual, and emotional Rubik’s Cube.” Others call it chamber soul or Erykah Badu meets Radiohead. Regardless of the label, there’s no doubt House of Stairs is a one-of-a-kind collective – their instrumentation is unique (there is no guitar or bass guitar).
They play in every meter, from three to 13; and vocalist Holly Pyle loops her vocal harmonies live. The result toggles the line between art and music while weaving in poetry, generating an imaginative exploration in sound that the band hopes will serve as inspiration for people to be their authentic selves and seek out what they most desire in life.
- Friday (September 25) 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
JOEL MAZE – High Energy Acoustic
Joel is a dynamic musician with over 20 years of singing and guitar experience. An Arizona native, he grew up listening to the classic sound of great musicians like Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Bob Marley. As the frontman of the popular Arizona cover band “Kung Fu Grip” and the country band “Southern Country,” Joel is famous for his highly energetic shows and ability to capture and engage his audience with a wide range of genres from classic and modern rock to country and reggae, blues, hip hop and everything in between.
- Saturday (September 26) 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
