Pride 2008 - Rally Stage

A Preview of the 2008 Jersey Pride Rally Stage

Martha Wash

The powerhouse vocalist behind C+C Music Factory’s classic “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”, to seeing her debut solo single “Carry On” reach the #1 spot - in her own name - Martha has unquestionably made her mark in music history.

Beginning her musical journey in the late 70’s as one half of the disco group Two Tons of Fun, Martha found herself singing with the incomparable Sylvester. Twenty-some years later, fans still speak of how extravagant and over the top their shows were! Sylvester’s falsetto rang loud and clear over the massive band sound while swooping through the horn and guitar sounds. The Two Tons added the icing on the cake with their booming vocal harmonies.

In the early 80’s, the Two Tons proudly declared, “Hi, we’re your Weather Girls” and a new talent emerged onto the scene. As part of the Weather Girls, Martha scored a Grammy Nomination for a song that was destined to become a cult classic. Yes,

“It’s Raining Men” - the original version that confirmed it was time to leave your umbrellas at home, rip off the roof and stay in bed. Martha continued to sing with the Weather Girls until the late 80’s when she felt it was time to move on to the next stage of her career.

Her lead vocals on five singles helped to put the group Black Box on the music map. “Everybody Everybody”, “I Don’t Know Anybody Else” and “Strike It Up” were among their biggest hits - all of which still receive airplay some 15 years later.

Martha then collaborated in 2000 with Small Voices Calling on their “Sounds Of A Better World” CD - a project that would benefit a variety of charities which find innovative ways of supporting children in their environment.

“Listen To The People” saw her riding high on the charts once again and captured audiences worldwide with its’ positive message of hope and inspiration.

Martha's newest single hit the top of Billboard's dance club charts for two weeks in December. Join us as we welcome Ms. Martha Wash to the Jersey Pride stage. For more information about Martha Wash please visit her website, www.martha-wash.com.

Growing up in rural Hopewell, New Jersey, Danielia Cotton certainly wasn’t part of the landscape of her neighborhood. Like a maple tree in winter, Danielia’s singular dark beauty and soulful rock style was noticeably different than the pale counterparts she grew up surrounded by. But just as the snow blankets the leafless trees, so did the sounds of British rock, electric blues and gospel music seep into Danielia’s soul, coloring her songwriting and bringing out the God-given virtuosity of her compelling and shockingly big voice. Naming Led Zeppelin, Tina Turner and Joe Cocker as primary influences, Danielia Cotton (only spiritually related to the great James Cotton) not only sings with a tone that is warm, buttery and sexual, she pierces the sky with rock shouts, screams and cries. The sheer joy and pain she evokes in her songs draw the listener in instantly and completely.

She pulls, stretches and grips her lyrics with so much strength they bring new definition to the concept of poetry in song. Not unlike male rock counterparts Jimi Hendrix and Sly

Daniella Cotton

Stone or crossover icons Mavis Staples and Tina Turner, Danielia is quite comfortable being a Black rock goddess, thank you very much. With the release of Rare Child,Danielia Cotton shows now more than ever that she is indeed an oasis in the desert of the current American rock music scene. For more information about Danielia Cotton please visit her website, www.danielia.com.

Telling on Trixie

Named Best of 2007 by MTV’s Logo channel, Telling on Trixie is a New York City rock band created from a partnership of opposites- the introverted guitarist and the extroverted lead singer who bring out the best in one another to create something bigger than themselves. Telling on Trixie is lead singer Derek Nicoletto and guitarist Brad Small. Derek is the self-described “loudmouth”, the one out front, promoting the band any way he can.

Brad is the more introverted of the two, the one who keeps Derek’s flights of fancy grounded, the one who can talk about musical gear for hours, the one who’s guitar sets the musical tone for the band. With the addition of Blue Man Group’s Tommy Kessler on lead guitar, Sandra Bernhart’s bass player Matt Aronoff and Andrew Frawley on drums, the band is now in the midst of writing their sophomore album.

Exposure blossomed with their first video, for “Halfway Back to Sane,” featuring America’s Next Top Model star Jade Cole. In June 2008, Derek will host the New Now Next program on MTV LOGO in support of both videos. The debut album has spun on over 300 radio stations nationwide, ranging from Q104.3 FM in New York to several internet programs and podcasts. After awarding “Angels Fall and “Orion’s Light” with Honorable Mentions, Billboard Magazine’s Songwriting Panel said of Telling on Trixie, “Interesting themes and catchy grooves…the talent is obvious.” For more information about Telling on Trixie please visit their website, www.tellingontrixie.com.

Christine Martucci was born into a musical family, she and her brothers learned to play multiple instruments.

She attributes this musical passion to her father, a trumpet player. “Because of my childhood and being brought up around music,” says Christine, “I learned to appreciate it, to really start listening to the songs, the lyrics, the hooks, the meat and potatoes of a song, what made it unique.” She started writing her own original material when she was nine years old, and she hasn’t stopped since.

"I like to describe my music as real, soulful rock and roll,” she says. “I feel that it is very important, to keep the same feel live as you do in the studio. I never hold back in my live show, because fans deserve the best of me, and I try not to disappoint.” Christine says, “Music is the only thing in my life that, even today, makes me the happiest.”

Christine Martucci

Right now, Christine and her band (bassist Duane Horne, drummer Chuck Ribaudo and guitarist Pat Ruh) are putting on shows in support of the sophomore album, “I’m All In”, which won the top local release at the Asbury Park Music Awards. “Our ultimate goal is to have a very successful album, to really set a new standard in the industry,” says Christine. “I want to do this for the rest of my life....I guess any one of us just wants to do what we love to do for as long as we can and make a comfortable living doing it.” For more information about the Christine Martucci Band please visit their website, www.christinemartucci.com.

Brandon Cutrell

Welcome the wildly-popular Brandon Cutrell to Jersey Pride’s stage. Emcee Brandon Cutrell is co-host of The After Party, the weekly Friday night musical theatre “schmoozefest” at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC. Brandon made his entrance on the New York cabaret stage in It’s an Art: The Music of Stephen Schwartz. He is known to Jersey Pride festival goers from his appearances in Broadway By The Year, the 2nd Annual Broadway Unplugged, Pippin, Waiting For Lefty and King Island Christmas. Nationally, Brandon has performed with Theatre of the Stars, Goodspeed Musicals, the Human Race Theatre, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.

Brandon’s solo cabaret debut was honored by TheaterMania as the best debut show of 2002 and by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC), which recognized Brandon with the 2003 MAC Award for Best Male Debut. Brandon’s earned his second MAC award and the 2005 Back Stage Bistro Award for No Reservations. Brandon was the original host of Mostly Sondheim. Every Monday night during the summer, Brandon and his musical director, Ray Fellman, can be found at the Ice Palace on Fire Island as the hosts of Brandon and Ray’s Broadway At The Beach.

The son of a United Methodist preacher, Brandon was born and raised in Indiana. It was in the church where Brandon at the age of three made his solo debut. In addition to sacred choral music and hymns, Brandon was very influenced musically by his mother’s record collection, which included gospel singer Sandi Patty, Johnny Mathis, The Carpenters, Barry Manilow and Anne Murray. For more information about Brandon Cutrell please visit his website, www.brandoncutrell.com.

NEKKED is the music and life of partners JC Faust and Sinn. JC and Sinn were each pursuing separate musical careers in NYC when they first met in 2002. JC - an accomplished songwriter, film composer and digital artist, and Sinn - a successful vocalist, composer,and designer, decided to team up for a “small” recording project - which soon blossomed far beyond their initial imaginings, and they have been working together ever since.

As their musical and artistic bonds grew so did their friendship and mutual admiration. JC and Sinn soon found that an undeniable physical attraction and a strong spiritual connection had grown to the point where they had to admit that they were in love, and wanted to be together more than just for professional pursuits. Four years later, Both JC and Sinn are still in awe of their connections; “Some people warned it would be a challenge to be in a relationship and be working together at the same time…. in actuality it’s amazing… yes, a challenge, but not only is that “spark” still there, it keeps getting better and better, woof! (hehehe)”.

NEKKED

Separately, and as NEKKED, JC and Sinn have performed around the globe. Their music has been performed internationally including: SONAR in Barcelona, the Australian Computer Music Festival, the Bourges Festival in France, and the New York Digital Salon. Their music has been licensed and used in films and on television including Team America, Tales From the Crypt, and Melrose Place. Awards and honors include an EMMY for television work.

NEKKED recently combined forces with the acclaimed string quartet “Ethel” in a New York City concert at the World Financial Center. In 2007 NEKKED won the GayVN award for “Best Music 2006,” for music written for “Michael Lucas’ La Dolce Vita.” For more information about Nekked please visit their website, www.NEKKED.net.

Virago

ViRAGO is Amy Schindler and Maire Tashjian, a high-energy guitar and percussion duet. Their music is described as an edgy rock sound with elements of blues and samba. They have performed internationally including Bahia, Brazil. The New York Council on the Arts recognized ViRAGO for their recording “Here Be Dragons.” ViRAGO has inspired children and adults to explore the World of ethnic drumming. They are music educators and present “The Joy of Rhythm” multicultural, educational percussion program, including workshops, after-school programs, interactive school assemblies, community drumming circles and in-service programs for educators and facilitators. For more information about Virago please visit their website, www.viragomusic.com.

Jersey Pride gives a great, big, bear hug to Martin Swinger, a witty,upbeat, infectiously bright, and powerfully moving performer. He brings award winning original songs, swing and jazz standards, and traditional and contemporary Americana selections to our stage. His fluid tenor voice and incredible vocal range are truly compelling. Martin has produced four CD’s - Scrapbook, Mockingbird, American Seed and BearNAKED. He writes songs for local Cable TV shows, radio stations, schools, community musical productions and private clients. Martin performed at this years “Big Taboo” Festival in Provincetown and is featured in a recent book, Folk Millennium. A renowned music educator, Martin recently relocated from Maine to his new home in Asbury Park. For more information about Martin Swinger please visit his website, www.martinswinger.com.

Martin Swinger

Regina Sayles Project

This cutting edge singer/songwriter was born in the small midwestern town of Tiffin, OH. She began playing guitar at age ten, and joined her first rock cover band, Reflections, at sixteen. Regina’s influences are a variety of artists that mix genres of Rock, Soul, Country and Jazz. She is best described as a mix between Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin.

Regina is very excited to have just released her first 7 song EP, It’s Home. Teaming up with her brother KOIL who produced and engineered the project, you will find the mix of genres a compliment to Regina’s multifaceted voice.

The Regina Sayles Project can be found playing various clubs in New Jersey,New York, Pennsylvania, and on occasion returning to her roots in Ohio. In addition to Regina, the band includes Tom Hopke, Jeffery Shriener, and Brian Spitzer, three of the coolest guys on the planet. When she’s not home polishing her guitar, she can be found detailing cars at North Haledon Auto Body in North Haledon, NJ.

This girl is gonna blow you away! For more information about Regina Sayles please visit her website, www.reginasayles.com.

Sweet Namaste is the dynamic energy and magical duo of Sue Bailey and Robin Cohen. They met in the January of 2007 through mutual friends and soon realized they shared a passion for music. After a number of impromptu jam sessions they realized that the musical energy between them had an independent life of its own, and Sweet Namaste was born. They are a unique musical mix with Sue on Guitar and vocals and Robin on mandolin, harmonica and classical guitar.

Their music and storytelling will make you laugh, make you cry, make you think, and will definitely leave you wanting more. For more information about Sweet Namaste please visit their website, www.sweetnamaste.com.

Sweet Namaste

A Preview of the 2008 Jersey Pride Rally Stage
Martha Wash The powerhouse vocalist behind C+C Music Factory’s classic “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”, to seeing her debut solo single “Carry On” reach the #1 spot - in her own name - Martha has unquestionably made her mark in music history. Beginning her musical journey in the late 70’s as one half of the disco group Two Tons of Fun, Martha found herself singing with the incomparable Sylvester. Twenty-some years later, fans still speak of how extravagant and over the top their shows were! Sylvester’s falsetto rang loud and clear over the massive band sound while swooping through the horn and guitar sounds. The Two Tons added the icing on the cake with their booming vocal harmonies. In the early 80’s, the Two Tons proudly declared, “Hi, we’re your Weather Girls” and a new talent emerged onto the scene. As part of the Weather Girls, Martha scored a Grammy Nomination for a song that was destined to become a cult classic. Yes,		“It’s Raining Men” - the original version that confirmed it was time to leave your umbrellas at home, rip off the roof and stay in bed. Martha continued to sing with the Weather Girls until the late 80’s when she felt it was time to move on to the next stage of her career. Her lead vocals on five singles helped to put the group Black Box on the music map. “Everybody Everybody”, “I Don’t Know Anybody Else” and “Strike It Up” were among their biggest hits - all of which still receive airplay some 15 years later. Martha then collaborated in 2000 with Small Voices Calling on their “Sounds Of A Better World” CD - a project that would benefit a variety of charities which find innovative ways of supporting children in their environment. “Listen To The People” saw her riding high on the charts once again and captured audiences worldwide with its’ positive message of hope and inspiration. Martha's newest single hit the top of Billboard's dance club charts for two weeks in December. Join us as we welcome Ms. Martha Wash to the Jersey Pride stage. For more information about Martha Wash please visit her website, www.martha-wash.com.

Growing up in rural Hopewell, New Jersey, Danielia Cotton certainly wasn’t part of the landscape of her neighborhood. Like a maple tree in winter, Danielia’s singular dark beauty and soulful rock style was noticeably different than the pale counterparts she grew up surrounded by. But just as the snow blankets the leafless trees, so did the sounds of British rock, electric blues and gospel music seep into Danielia’s soul, coloring her songwriting and bringing out the God-given virtuosity of her compelling and shockingly big voice. Naming Led Zeppelin, Tina Turner and Joe Cocker as primary influences, Danielia Cotton (only spiritually related to the great James Cotton) not only sings with a tone that is warm, buttery and sexual, she pierces the sky with rock shouts, screams and cries. The sheer joy and pain she evokes in her songs draw the listener in instantly and completely. She pulls, stretches and grips her lyrics with so much strength they bring new definition to the concept of poetry in song. Not unlike male rock counterparts Jimi Hendrix and Sly		Daniella Cotton Stone or crossover icons Mavis Staples and Tina Turner, Danielia is quite comfortable being a Black rock goddess, thank you very much. With the release of Rare Child,Danielia Cotton shows now more than ever that she is indeed an oasis in the desert of the current American rock music scene. For more information about Danielia Cotton please visit her website, www.danielia.com.

Telling on Trixie Named Best of 2007 by MTV’s Logo channel, Telling on Trixie is a New York City rock band created from a partnership of opposites- the introverted guitarist and the extroverted lead singer who bring out the best in one another to create something bigger than themselves. Telling on Trixie is lead singer Derek Nicoletto and guitarist Brad Small. Derek is the self-described “loudmouth”, the one out front, promoting the band any way he can.		Brad is the more introverted of the two, the one who keeps Derek’s flights of fancy grounded, the one who can talk about musical gear for hours, the one who’s guitar sets the musical tone for the band. With the addition of Blue Man Group’s Tommy Kessler on lead guitar, Sandra Bernhart’s bass player Matt Aronoff and Andrew Frawley on drums, the band is now in the midst of writing their sophomore album. Exposure blossomed with their first video, for “Halfway Back to Sane,” featuring America’s Next Top Model star Jade Cole. In June 2008, Derek will host the New Now Next program on MTV LOGO in support of both videos. The debut album has spun on over 300 radio stations nationwide, ranging from Q104.3 FM in New York to several internet programs and podcasts. After awarding “Angels Fall and “Orion’s Light” with Honorable Mentions, Billboard Magazine’s Songwriting Panel said of Telling on Trixie, “Interesting themes and catchy grooves…the talent is obvious.” For more information about Telling on Trixie please visit their website, www.tellingontrixie.com.

Christine Martucci was born into a musical family, she and her brothers learned to play multiple instruments. She attributes this musical passion to her father, a trumpet player. “Because of my childhood and being brought up around music,” says Christine, “I learned to appreciate it, to really start listening to the songs, the lyrics, the hooks, the meat and potatoes of a song, what made it unique.” She started writing her own original material when she was nine years old, and she hasn’t stopped since. "I like to describe my music as real, soulful rock and roll,” she says. “I feel that it is very important, to keep the same feel live as you do in the studio. I never hold back in my live show, because fans deserve the best of me, and I try not to disappoint.” Christine says, “Music is the only thing in my life that, even today, makes me the happiest.”		Christine Martucci Right now, Christine and her band (bassist Duane Horne, drummer Chuck Ribaudo and guitarist Pat Ruh) are putting on shows in support of the sophomore album, “I’m All In”, which won the top local release at the Asbury Park Music Awards. “Our ultimate goal is to have a very successful album, to really set a new standard in the industry,” says Christine. “I want to do this for the rest of my life....I guess any one of us just wants to do what we love to do for as long as we can and make a comfortable living doing it.” For more information about the Christine Martucci Band please visit their website, www.christinemartucci.com.

Brandon Cutrell Welcome the wildly-popular Brandon Cutrell to Jersey Pride’s stage. Emcee Brandon Cutrell is co-host of The After Party, the weekly Friday night musical theatre “schmoozefest” at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC. Brandon made his entrance on the New York cabaret stage in It’s an Art: The Music of Stephen Schwartz. He is known to Jersey Pride festival goers from his appearances in Broadway By The Year, the 2nd Annual Broadway Unplugged, Pippin, Waiting For Lefty and King Island Christmas. Nationally, Brandon has performed with Theatre of the Stars, Goodspeed Musicals, the Human Race Theatre, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.		Brandon’s solo cabaret debut was honored by TheaterMania as the best debut show of 2002 and by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC), which recognized Brandon with the 2003 MAC Award for Best Male Debut. Brandon’s earned his second MAC award and the 2005 Back Stage Bistro Award for No Reservations. Brandon was the original host of Mostly Sondheim. Every Monday night during the summer, Brandon and his musical director, Ray Fellman, can be found at the Ice Palace on Fire Island as the hosts of Brandon and Ray’s Broadway At The Beach. The son of a United Methodist preacher, Brandon was born and raised in Indiana. It was in the church where Brandon at the age of three made his solo debut. In addition to sacred choral music and hymns, Brandon was very influenced musically by his mother’s record collection, which included gospel singer Sandi Patty, Johnny Mathis, The Carpenters, Barry Manilow and Anne Murray. For more information about Brandon Cutrell please visit his website, www.brandoncutrell.com.

NEKKED is the music and life of partners JC Faust and Sinn. JC and Sinn were each pursuing separate musical careers in NYC when they first met in 2002. JC - an accomplished songwriter, film composer and digital artist, and Sinn - a successful vocalist, composer,and designer, decided to team up for a “small” recording project - which soon blossomed far beyond their initial imaginings, and they have been working together ever since. As their musical and artistic bonds grew so did their friendship and mutual admiration. JC and Sinn soon found that an undeniable physical attraction and a strong spiritual connection had grown to the point where they had to admit that they were in love, and wanted to be together more than just for professional pursuits. Four years later, Both JC and Sinn are still in awe of their connections; “Some people warned it would be a challenge to be in a relationship and be working together at the same time…. in actuality it’s amazing… yes, a challenge, but not only is that “spark” still there, it keeps getting better and better, woof! (hehehe)”.		NEKKED Separately, and as NEKKED, JC and Sinn have performed around the globe. Their music has been performed internationally including: SONAR in Barcelona, the Australian Computer Music Festival, the Bourges Festival in France, and the New York Digital Salon. Their music has been licensed and used in films and on television including Team America, Tales From the Crypt, and Melrose Place. Awards and honors include an EMMY for television work. NEKKED recently combined forces with the acclaimed string quartet “Ethel” in a New York City concert at the World Financial Center. In 2007 NEKKED won the GayVN award for “Best Music 2006,” for music written for “Michael Lucas’ La Dolce Vita.” For more information about Nekked please visit their website, www.NEKKED.net.

Virago		ViRAGO is Amy Schindler and Maire Tashjian, a high-energy guitar and percussion duet. Their music is described as an edgy rock sound with elements of blues and samba. They have performed internationally including Bahia, Brazil. The New York Council on the Arts recognized ViRAGO for their recording “Here Be Dragons.” ViRAGO has inspired children and adults to explore the World of ethnic drumming. They are music educators and present “The Joy of Rhythm” multicultural, educational percussion program, including workshops, after-school programs, interactive school assemblies, community drumming circles and in-service programs for educators and facilitators. For more information about Virago please visit their website, www.viragomusic.com.

Jersey Pride gives a great, big, bear hug to Martin Swinger, a witty,upbeat, infectiously bright, and powerfully moving performer. He brings award winning original songs, swing and jazz standards, and traditional and contemporary Americana selections to our stage. His fluid tenor voice and incredible vocal range are truly compelling. Martin has produced four CD’s - Scrapbook, Mockingbird, American Seed and BearNAKED. He writes songs for local Cable TV shows, radio stations, schools, community musical productions and private clients. Martin performed at this years “Big Taboo” Festival in Provincetown and is featured in a recent book, Folk Millennium. A renowned music educator, Martin recently relocated from Maine to his new home in Asbury Park. For more information about Martin Swinger please visit his website, www.martinswinger.com.		Martin Swinger

Regina Sayles Project This cutting edge singer/songwriter was born in the small midwestern town of Tiffin, OH. She began playing guitar at age ten, and joined her first rock cover band, Reflections, at sixteen. Regina’s influences are a variety of artists that mix genres of Rock, Soul, Country and Jazz. She is best described as a mix between Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin.		Regina is very excited to have just released her first 7 song EP, It’s Home. Teaming up with her brother KOIL who produced and engineered the project, you will find the mix of genres a compliment to Regina’s multifaceted voice. The Regina Sayles Project can be found playing various clubs in New Jersey,New York, Pennsylvania, and on occasion returning to her roots in Ohio. In addition to Regina, the band includes Tom Hopke, Jeffery Shriener, and Brian Spitzer, three of the coolest guys on the planet. When she’s not home polishing her guitar, she can be found detailing cars at North Haledon Auto Body in North Haledon, NJ. This girl is gonna blow you away! For more information about Regina Sayles please visit her website, www.reginasayles.com.

Sweet Namaste is the dynamic energy and magical duo of Sue Bailey and Robin Cohen. They met in the January of 2007 through mutual friends and soon realized they shared a passion for music. After a number of impromptu jam sessions they realized that the musical energy between them had an independent life of its own, and Sweet Namaste was born. They are a unique musical mix with Sue on Guitar and vocals and Robin on mandolin, harmonica and classical guitar. Their music and storytelling will make you laugh, make you cry, make you think, and will definitely leave you wanting more. For more information about Sweet Namaste please visit their website, www.sweetnamaste.com.		Sweet Namaste