TOUBAB KREWE – Toubab Krewe has soaked up the patterns and rhythms of music from Mali, Zimbabwe, Congo, Brazil and the Caribbean and added a hint of Jerry Garcia’s legato guitar. The Asheville, NC quintet's fusion of rock ‘n roll and west African music has made them a festival favorite, including Langerado, SXSW, Bonnaroo and Merlefest.

CAROLYN WONDERLAND - A triple threat with her diverse songwriting, soulful vocals, and guitar goddess status; one of Austin’s best roots artists. Known as a bit of a renegade, she likes to incorporate elements of Blues, Country, Swing, Zydeco, Surf, Gospel, Soul, and some nights, maybe even a Cumbia into the musical mix.

SUENALO - Latino rhythms, Caribbean raggamuffin and North American hip hop melded with horns and gyrating, wah wah peddled guitars that will get you jumping. An exciting multi-cultural ten-piece band who reflect the diversity of their hometown of Miami.

THE DEDRINGERS - At the ripe old age of 21 the Dedringers (who were great at the 2007 Tropical Heatwave) are upcoming stars of folk and alt country from Austin, with a terriffic debut album that has just come out and coming to the Birthday Bash with a rocking quartet.


WILD SWEET ORANGE - A new band primed for summer rollout of their Columbia debut, We Have Cause To Be Uneasy, a work of exquisite power, its songs propelled by edgy emotion and a cathartic yearning for connection. The Birmingham, Alabama-based rock outfit hone an intimate and individualistic sound that veers unrestrained from aching intimacy to a turbulent, seething intensity. Paste Magazine lists them as one of 25 Bands To Watch.

THE EXPLORERS CLUB - The Charleston S.C. sextet conjures the sun-drenched power pop sound of The Beach Boys circa 1966; the young band do a great sound justice in a way that hasn’t been pulled off in years. Can they pull off their studio wizardry live? “This hippy dippy South Carolina six-piece, riders on the Beach Boys' melodious surfin' safari, wowed us at SXSW….” - spin.com.

BIRD STREET PLAYERS - Bird Street Players is a Bay area high energy funk, soul and reggae band with driving bass lines, wicked horn solos, a rhythm section that doesn't stop and a front man who's sure to keep you movin'! Too much under the radar as they honed their sound, that will change soon with debut CD out later this summer. New Orleans Mardi-Gras music, reggae, and most of all, down and dirty funk.

CHRISTIE LENEE'S FUNKGRASS GROOVE – One of Tampa’s most exciting young new bands, they are an original cornucopia of sound and style, with ripping jazz chords, melodic harmonies, soulfully inspiring lyrics, jumping bass lines, hypnotic beats. Singer/songwriter/guitarist extraordinaire Lenee offers extreme versatility in composition and songwriting. Her debut album with her excellent band is slated for a July release.

TRIBAL STYLE - Formed five years ago by four Jamaicans and two Californians, Tribal Style is beloved for their earthy and eclectic approach to reggae and are gaining new recognition. Their tight horn section and two talented vocalists give them flexibility as shown by their amazing performances at WMNF’s tribute to The Clash and a recent James Brown tribute show.

RAIFORD STARKE BAND - Raiford Starke, the only person named after not just one but two Florida prisons (and co-host of WMNF’s Florida Folk Show), combines blues, country, folk and good old rock and roll into one stunning repertoire. He is known as The Human Jukebox for his uncanny ability to play any song after hearing it once. His hot picking and emotional singing makes him a compelling and entertaining live performer.

HYBRID GROOVE - Blues inspired and rock born, lead singer Amy Savage sends an emotional explosion of music through to her audience. Matched in the group is fellow front person Ken Lettich, who could be growling out powerful guitar riffs or blowing a feel good harmonica solo depending on which he feels most passionate on at the moment. Their debut CD is one of the best local blues CDs this year.

EDISON SHINE (reunion) - They played Tropical Heatwave in 1997 and it’s been ten years since one of Tampa Bay’s best alternative band has played together.

GO-GO NADS - an all male tribute to the Go-Gos.