ENTERTAINMENT  

Performing throughout the day

JONATHAN AUSTIN - Juggler & Magician

Style Weekly writes: "Jonathan Austin... is arguably Richmond's most popular individual performer. He has delighted crowds of all ages.. since he was 14 years old. He is a staple at every major Richmond festival and he typically draws the biggest crowds...

Jonathan combines an outstanding personality that relates to children and adults of all ages, with a hilarious sense of humor, timing, skill and feats to provide a truly "must see" show that you will be talking about for a long time."

MUSIC 

Performing at 12:15pm

THE PAUL SIGMON BAND

The Paul Sigmon Band is a Blues trio based in Bowling Green, VA and consists of Paul Sigmon, guitar/vocals, Bob Hubbard, bass/vocals, and Sonny Bell, drums/vocals. All three musicians have a wealth, and variety, of musical experience. Bringing you the best in traditional, electric blues from West Coast, East Coast, Chicago, Texas, and Delta genres, you'll experience a variety of toe-tapping, finger-snapping Blues that is sure to make you want to get up out of your seat and boogie with us. The Blues is all about story-telling this band will tell the stories in a manner that you appreciate, and realize that the Blues touches all of us. Whether you are young, old, or somewhere in-between, expect to have a good time with The Paul Sigmon Band.

"Keeping the Blues alive in Virginia"

Website: http://www.myspace.com/thepaulsigmonband

Performing at 1:30pm

JIM BRANCH

Jim Branch has performed throughout the US and abroad with such noted artists
as Ted Heath, Nellie Lutcher, Cleo Laine, with John Dankworth, and, was a
favorite vocalist of violinist Joe Kennedy, Jr.

Website: www.vajazz.org/vajazz/

Performing at 2:45pm

RICHMOND AFROBEAT MOVEMENT

Using music as its weapon, the Richmond Afrobeat Movement carries the torch of the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Combining funk, latin, soul, jazz, high-life, and traditional African music with political and social awareness, the R.A.M. preaches for revolution through its music. With sometimes as many as 15 members on stage, they create an undulating groove, which carries an unstoppable horn section. The term “movement” applies in many ways: to the non-stop energy created physically, sonically, and visually, a group of people working together to advance their shared political, social, and artistic ideas, the principal division of a longer musical work, self sufficient in terms of key, tempo, and structure, and is also refers to the moving parts of a mechanism. Be that as it may, the R.A.M. is committed to putting on the best possible performance it can to as broad of an audience as it can. 


Website: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=118094254

Performing at 4:00pm

SPECIAL ED AND THE SHORT BUS

Special Ed and the Shortbus is a bubbling fountain of virtuosic insanity. Seeing them play is like watching a high-speed train about to jump the tracks. Unstoppable energy matched with technical mastery, outlandish humor and fully engaging entertainment, the Shortbus is a sight to behold. 

Jug band, Bluegrass, Old-Timey, String Band, Vaudevillian, Jazz, call it what you will, it's just American music (except when it's Eastern European). The band employs banjos, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, a trap set, a doghouse bass, many kazoos, and a whole host of other toys to create their irresistible sound, a truly Special blend. 

Special Ed and the Shortbus have been playing music together since the Spring of 2002. Based in Richmond, VA, they have traveled far and wide through VA, MD, NC, and WV; as well as up through NY and New England. Over time, the music has moved in many directions as their individual characters have come together, creating a many-limbed frenetic bluegrass beast. They have gained a reputation both near and far for high energy and sometimes bizarre live acts.

In 2004 they released two albums simultaneously. Special Ed and the Shortbus Bluegrass Band, is a more straight ahead endeavor, while Downhill From Here, contains more blue material. They are in the process of recording a third, which is tentatively set for release in the summer of 2007. 

Special Ed and the Shortbus base both their sense of humor and their musical tendencies primarily on self-indulgence. Their frenzied exuberance is not intended to set them apart, it's just instinct. The same is true of the music. They play it that way because that's what they like. Experience Special Ed and the Shortbus for yourself and your life will be changed forever. 

Website: www.specialedshortbus.com

Performing at 5:15pm

11th HOUSE

11th House is a rock band with a tendency for sharp edge improvisations. Based out of Richmond, VA, 11th House has been rocking faces since Spring of 2001. Sharing the stage with other great bands such as Fighting Gravity, Carbon Leaf, The Matones, In Session, Prabir and the Subsitutes, The McGuffin. 11th House is comprised of Robin Anderson on Drums, Andy Bossolla on Bass, Hart Dementi on Lead guitar and vocals, Matt Sthreshley on Rhythm guitar and lead vocals, all making up an explosive combination of musical colour and chemistry. 

They pride themselves on their personal, yet relatable songs, wide range of covers, and energetic live performances. An 11th House show is always different than the last. You will never see the same show twice. They are influenced by countless musicians/bands in every genre, ranging from the Pink Floyd to Prince; Ween to D’vorak; Johnny Cash to Primus. 11th House’s sound is very unique and constantly expanding. 
11th House is not just a band, they are an experience. 

Website: www.11thhouse.net