South Jersey Arts Fest Music Line-Up Announced

The first weekend in June, the beautiful countryside of South Jersey will ignite with lively entertainment at South Jersey ARTS FEST. On Saturday June 2nd, Adam Travis and the Soul will open the mainstage at 1:00pm, followed by traditional Spanish dance troupe Alborado Spanish Dance Theatre, unique cooking and spoken-word poetry duo Adobe Fish Sauce, and singer-songwriter Joe Crookston. Balkan brass band West Philadelphia Orchestra closes the mainstage leaving the audience wanting more... And for those who indeed want more, overnight guests can participate in an evening campfire with an intimate concert with Joe Crookston. Festivities on Sunday, June 3rd start at 1:00pm with bluegrass and folk rockers The Yokels, followed by Indian dance troupe Community Bollywood Dance Project, groove band Funkylicious, and country music duo Williams Honor. Foot stomping Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution will rock the late afternoon away with their upbeat, dynamic presence.

Appel Farm invites thousands of people to attend with the theme: "Ignite Your Imagination!" The family-friendly event will include mainstage music performances; student-based theatre, choral and dance performances; hands-on STEAM, visual arts and performance workshops for all ages; crafters and artists; gourmet food trucks, craft brew and vintage wine; Arts Camp Pop Up; and the SJ Cycling tour.

"We are thrilled to present a new kind of festival in our region this year," said Cori Solomon, Appel Farm's Executive Director. "Our eclectic Festival will not only bring familiar musical acts like Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution back to our region but also opens the doors for talented performers like country performers Williams Honor who are quickly rising to the top as one of Asbury Park's music scene favorites."

Straight from NJ's legendary music scene, comes an unstoppable collision of likeminded influence, chemistry and a true love for country music. Singer and performer powerhouse Reagan Richards and producer/multi-instrumentalist Gordon Brown have come together to show the world their love for modern country by building on the years of tradition, harmonies and story songs the genre continues to pride itself on. Reagan has been a backing vocalist for many major artists including Cheap Trick, Jon Bon Jovi, among others, while Gordon has toured the world as a guitarist and continues to write for acts like Audrey Kate (ABC's Rising Star) and Audra McLaughlin (NBC's The Voice) among others. Check them out at http://williamshonor.com/video.php?vid=7

Often touted as one of the best live bands in the land, Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution received official confirmation of their widespread acclaim when they recently won the Independent Music Awards "Best Live Performance" category. The two main visionaries - Brother Joscephus and his eccentric cohort, The Right Reverend Dean Dawg - dip heavily into a musical gumbo rich with old school soul, roots, classic rock stylings, New Orleans rhythms, and feel-good "secular gospel" music. This special dynamic return engagement closes the Festival leaving you eagerly anticipating the SJ Arts Fest 2019 mainstage line-up. Visit their youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPZCnwdlTVc to rev up for the Festival.

Groove Band Funkylicious will have you dancing to the beat, while Balkan brass band West Philadelphia Orchestra brings a unique Eastern European sound to the stage. Bluegrass and folk rockers The Yokels hailing from Cape May County bring their South Jersey flavor to the stage; Adam Travis and The Soul with roots deeply embedded in the Philadelphia music scene will all shine on stage during the weekend.

And back by popular demand, Appel Farm's favorite singer-songwriter, Joe Crookston joins the festival not only on the main stage on Saturday afternoon, but also creates a magical evening around the campfire for those staying overnight. And did you know that Joe's talents go beyond being music? He is also known for his talents as a visual artist as well. Visit his booth and check out his exceptional figurative, landscape paintings.

The Festival mainstage will also highlight dances from other countries and a cooking/spoken word poetry duo, Adobo Fish Sauce. Fiery flamenco dances, illustrating the rich diversity of Spanish culture in the region, will be performed by Alborado Spanish Dance Theatre while the Community Bollywood Dance Project brings traditional dance from India to the stage and to an interactive workshop that highlights Indian dance and culture, including henna design. Adobo Fish Sauce, with their Puerto Rican and Cambodian heritage, combine their love of cooking and poetry to provide a savory performance that fuses spoken word, cooking, music and more!

new this year! Children performers will join seasoned performers on our mainstage! Performers include Speedway, a band of three young musicians formed at Appel Farm's Arts Camp; the Garden State Girlchoir and Boychoir; Trenton Music Makers; and the Mainstage Center for the Arts musical theatre class performing excerpts from HONK! Jr.

About Appel Farm

Transforming the lives of thousands every year, Appel Farm reaches families and children of all ages, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds through arts education. Appel Farm's award winning overnight Arts Camp serves as the state's only overnight immersive fine and performing arts summer camp program and reaches over 400 children from across the world annually. In order to ensure access to all families, Appel Farm provides a robust camp tuition assistance and scholarship program. Appel Farm also provides on-site arts retreats, school residencies, after school programs, social service collaborations, and professional development to make an impact on more than 25,000 people annually. Located in picturesque South Jersey, Appel Farm leads the region in arts education, facilitating relationships between teaching artists, youth, schools and the surrounding community. More information about Appel Farm can be found at www.appelfarm.org or by calling (856) 358-2472.

Location
Located in picturesque Salem County, NJ with easy access to Routes 77, 40 & 55. Only 35 minutes from Philadelphia, 30 minutes from Wilmington, DE, 90 minutes from Princeton, AC & Cape May, 2 hours from Baltimore & NYC. 457 Shirley Road, Elmer, NJ 08318.

Accessibility Information

Please allow two weeks advance notice for any assistance needs. NJ Relay Service (TRS) (800) 852-7899. Accessible Parking with golf cart transportation to the stage, accessible port-o-lets and large print schedule will be available on the day of the event. Braille available with two weeks advance notice.

Made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Supported in part by the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism/Department of State. General support funding made possible in part by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Salem Health & Wellness Foundation and Pascale Sykes Foundation. Sponsors include Bank of America, Subaru of America, Wedgewood Pharmacy, EnviroSafe, Bowman & Company LLP, AM Skier, Your Part-Time Controller, Flying Fish Brewery, Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery, and Action Wheels Bike Shop. Marketing partners include Kid's Corner-WXPN FM 88.5, Social Impact Studios, Movement Sports Magazine, VisitSouthJersey.com, VisitSalemCountyNJ.com, NJHeartland.org, JerseyArts.com and ArtsEdNow.org. Thank you to all our donors for supporting our Arts Education programs!