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The music scene can be difficult for local bands to get their start in the Philadelphia area, especially with the closing of two iconic venues, The Trocadero in Philadelphia and The Pennant, right here in Southern NJ. That is why, for decades now, I have offered my personal support and love featuring the talents of local bands on our lawn to give them a presence here. It is an opportunity to hone their craft, build confidence and spread the word. Woodstock Trading Company has helped to launch the careers of now well-known jam bands like Bohemian Sunrise, Splintered Sunlight, Leftover Salmon and The Disco Biscuits, who performed here on our lawn in the early 90s.

Solar Circus also boosted their career here with the launch of their LP (yes, we are dating ourselves) They have since grown to become The Juggling Suns. And, Mr. Charlie also comes to mind. This psychedelic band has become a staple in Philadelphia and Southern NJ with new sounds and songs on the horizon for them.

And, let’s not forget The Jugband! Fran is such a creative soul. He has recently gathered a new crop of talented musicians to reach well beyond the borders of the Dead, debuting this 7-piece electric reggae and rock cover band in bars throughout Southern NJ since launching their new sound at our May Pole Festival earlier this year. Their vocal harmonies and jugband twist on songs from Paul Simon, The Band, Allman Brothers and Marley will make you smile and shake your bones. Dana Smith, our esteemed pr guru here at Woodstock, joined the band as a vocalist after jumping up and singing a tune with them on a whim last summer right here on our lawn. Talk about getting your start at Woodstock Trading Company!

We’ve also had the pleasure of spotlighting such great talents as Vince Welnick, formerly of the Grateful Dead and Merle Saunders, the acoustic yin to Jerry Garcia’s yang. Merle was a gracious man, who helped us to plant our dogwood tree. We rededicated this tree years later in memory of Merle. We put a little angel in the tree to commemorate his spirit. As Lori Constantine, a talented keyboardist played that day, a little bird came down to sing along beside her. The dogwood has now grown to provide a shady respite for those who come out to enjoy live music here.

Society has changed so much since we opened our doors over two decades ago. With the advent of technology, people don’t interact as much. Live music is a binding force of nature. It touches the heart in a way that a recording cannot. It brings us together.

I encourage local bands to make their mark upon the community. Call me at 856-424-6166 or email me your information at [email protected]. Let me know when and where you are playing, so I can encourage others to seek you out to enjoy your creative talents. We are already planning for our spring lawn concerts next year, so send me some demos and let’s get you out there where you belong…bringing joy and happiness to others through live music.

And, I encourage all of you, the music lovers, to come on out and share in these momentus moments of newfound talent, so you can look back someday and say, “Hey, I know that band. Wow, look at them now!”

Love…Mom