Rebel Diaz came together at a critical moment in US History.   In early 2006, as Latinos throughout America found themselves under attack with anti-immigration laws, Rebel Diaz was in the streets of The Bronx, New York , organizing the community to fight against proposed racist legislation.   As a result of strong activist work throughout the United States , Rebel Diaz was invited to perform their revolutionary music at the historic immigrant rights march in NYC in front of 500,000 people, who cheered loudly as they demanded power to the people and an end to immigrant scapegoating for America ’s economic ills.

Using the power of hope and the struggles of the past as inspiration, these sons and daughters of revolutionaries express their wishes and demands for a just and compassionate world.   In the streets of every ghetto across the world, one can hear the sound of people fed up with poverty and second-class citizenship.   Rebel Diaz arises from these conditions for fan the flames of change through songs that inspire, educate and celebrate life.

http://www.rebeldiaz.com/

The Jan Jungden Trio   infuses a carefully chosen jazz repertoire with a sound that is truly their own.    Jan’s keyboard versatility keeps things interesting whether she is swinging with the band on piano, burning up the organ, or laying down a groove on clavinet or synthesizer.   She’ll surprise you by switching to flute and playing cool jazz or a more percussive style.   To break up the instrumentals, she’ll sing you a standard a la Diana Krall, or an original.   Combine this with Fred Fagan’s ability to be comfortable whether he is walking through a jazz standard on upright bass, or snappin’ and poppin’ on electric bass, and Justin Blackburn’s expertise in traditional jazz drumming as well as his natural feel for Latin and funk rhythms.   This tight yet spontaneous 3 piece ensemble really delivers.   The Jan Jungden Trio plays classic jazz as well as lively, “make you want to move” music, making them a fine addition to Willimantic’s upcoming Third Thursday Streetfest.   Contact:   Jan Jungden 860 423-9660   JanJungdenTrio@snet.net   Photos available

The Lawless Coast is compised of five Uconn students hailing from southern CT.    Thomas Marottolo:keyboards & vocals, Brendan Galvin: drums, Pat Pollin: bass, An-Drew Scottile: guitar & vocals, Jeremy: guitar & banjo.   Their unique sound blends a vibe of rock, jam, jazz & psychobilly.   The band is emerging as one of uconn's most dangerous bands with a growing following that always brings the dance groove along with it.   For more information go to http://myspace.com/thelawlesscoast

Ken Atkins & the Honky Tonk Kind   Hi ya folks, Ken here -   We're about Twang Music - The Honky Tonk variety, ....straight country, pure and simple.

When we're not playing our own originals you can expect to hear plenty of classics from the likes of Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, George Jones, Ernest Tubbs, Bob Wills, Ted Daffan, Gene Watson, Dale Watson, Charlie Pride,

Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, The Delmore Bros. and, well, you get the picture.

I like to describe our sound as a cross between Bakersfield , Austin , and Nashville (when they're behavin').   You want Twang?   We won't let you down.

http://www.kenatkins.com/    ken@kenatkins.com    PHOTOS

The Next Level    The Next Level is a Gospel Male organization that provides jubilant, soul-stirring, musical entertainment through contracted engagements, charity events, and entertainment to the masses through live performances, audio and recordings.    Seven men have come together to share their skills, their energetic song, and to be a living testimony of their personal encounter with Jesus. The men have worked hard, merged their talents and skills, in an earnest collaboration to keep God the star of the ministry.     www.nextlevelgospel.com

Echo Uganda is a Willimantic-based band that plays traditional Ugandan music.   Using music and storytelling as vehicles, they seek to promote the appreciation of the folk music and cultures of East Africa .   Members from all walks of likfe play on traditiona, often hand-made, instruments from Uganda .   Their beautiful and uplifitng music is sure to make you want to get up and dance!   Contact:   Gideon Ampiere   860 455-6689   Gideon.ampiere@uconn.edu   www.melodyuganda.com   www.echouganda.com

The Known Unknowns   The mission of this band is the truth, good music and nothing else.   http://www.isound.com/known_unknowns   Blues/rock from Higganum , CT