The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in conjunction with presenting sponsor Overlook Hospital has confirmed two jam-packed days of music on three stages at MusicFest '08, including Everclear, who will headline Friday, September 5, and The B-52's, who will headline on Saturday, September 6, at Nomahegan Park in Cranford.

Free to the public, the 11th installment of this annual event will feature more than 20 performers, among them a contingent of rising musical stars from New Jersey on both days.

Friday September 5th:

Everclear, the alternative rock band originally formed in Portland, Ore., and known for such hits as “Santa Monica,” and “Father of Mine." The Art Alexakis-led group will take the stage at approximately 8 p.m.

Cracker, a modern rock group formed by former Camper Van Beethoven frontman David Lowery. The band rose to prominence in the 1990s, scoring hits with "Low," "Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)" and "Get Off This."

Jenny Owen Youngs, a singer/song writer from Montclair, N.J., who has received strong national reviews for her debut album, "Batten the Hatches."

Val Emmich, a singer/songwriter and actor haling from Manalapan, N.J. His new album, "Little Daggers," is due to be released September 30. Along with a recurring role on ABC's "Ugly Betty," he has been seen in NBC's "30 Rock" and ABC's "Cashmere Mafia."

A host of local acts sponsored by The Crossroads of Garwood -- including a solo performance by Smithereens frontman Pat DiNizio, Beale Street Love, Tom Vella, 3rd Party and others will perform on MusicFest '08's newly added Walmart-sponsored third stage.

Helena Maria, a New Jersey born-and-bred duo, will open the main stage. Their music has been featured in MTV’s “The Hills” and the upcoming movie, “In My Sleep.” HelenaMaria also appeared on mtvU’s “Meet or Delete: Best Music on Campus” episode.

Saturday's musical highlights will include:

A headlining set by legendary party rock band, The B-52s. Known for scores of hits, including “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster,” "Private Idaho" and “Roam," the band released "Funplex," its first new studio album in 16 years, in March to universally positive reviews. The band will close out MusicFest '08 with a bang.

Tokyo Police Club, a young indie rock band from Toronto that has been featured on MTV, and critically acclaimed in Spin, Rolling Stone and other leading music publications since the release of their full-length debut, “Elephant Shell,” earlier this year.

The Gin Blossoms, a power-pop act whose classic 1992 album, “New Miserable Experience” sold 3 million records thanks to several hits, including “Hey Jealousy,” "Found Out About You" and "Allison Road."

Rock N’ Roll Hall of Famer Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals. The voice of one of the biggest groups in the country from 1965-69 will perform such beloved hits as "Good Lovin'," "Groovin'," "A Girl Like You," "A Beautiful Morning" and "People Got to Be Free."

Dan Zanes, described by People magazine as "the crown prince of contemporary kids music." A Grammy award-winning artist and former member of legendary rock band The Del Fuegos, Zanes and his band are regularly seen and heard on PBS' "Sesame Street" and Playhouse Disney, and known far and wide for his incredible family-friendly musical performances.

MIKE PETERS with the NJ Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players. The founder and lead singer of The Alarm will return to MusicFest without his band for a very special solo performance of his well-known songs with orchestral accompaniment.

Glen Burtnik & Friends performing a set of classics from The Beatles catalog. Based in New Brunswick, N.J., Burtnik is a successful and respected singer, guitarist and songwriter. A one-time member of Styx, he is also well-known for his portrayal of Paul McCartney in the original Broadway production of "Beatlemania."

Danielia Cotton a fiery, blues rock artist from Hopewell, N.J., who has earned raves for her stage performance and three original studio albums, including the recently released "Rare Child." Cotton and her band have toured with many notable artists, including Gregg Allman, Flaming Lips, Buddy Guy and fellow New Jerseyans Bon Jovi.

Several local acts -- including Jobonanno and the Godsons of Soul featuring Vini Lopez, the Roadside Graves -- will perform on MusicFest '08's newly added Walmart-sponsored third stage.

Additionally, MusicFest '08 will feature several performances by The What Cheer? Brigade, a rowdy 19-piece roving brass band from Providence, R.I., across both days.

Other attractions will include:

· The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a state-of-the-art mobile audio and video recording studio and educational vehicle will deliver a hands-on musical experience for MusicFest '08 attendees.

· The Major League Baseball Traveling Road Show, which includes pitching and batting cages and video game kiosks, was a very popular attraction at last year's event and will return to the MusicFest grounds in 2008.

· The Marketplace, expanded for MusicFest '08, will add a variety of vendors and a host of new food merchants.

· As previously announced, the Rock on! Walkathon and 5k Rock N’ Run (on a certified USATF course) will open the festival on Saturday, September 6 (7:30 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. run start, 9:15 a.m. walk start) to benefit the Love Hope Strength Foundation (www.lovehopestrength.org) and The Valerie Fund (www.thevaleriefund.org).


Last year, a single-day version of MusicFest drew an estimated 50,000 attendees to take in two stages of music, making it one of the state’s premier entertainment draws. Beyond expanding to two days, this year’s event will feature even more musical entertainment on a third stage, a larger version of Kids Kingdom in a new location in the park, additional food vendors, a marketplace, and the return of the Love, Hope, Strength charity walkathon, paired with a newly added 5k race.

MusicFest '08 will officially open Friday, September 5, at 3 p.m. The music will continue bright and early on Saturday, September 6, at 8 a.m. to coincide with registration for the Rock On Walkathon and 5k Rock N’ Run. Both nights will close at 10 p.m. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are welcome.

Additional information is available at ucmusicfest.com.

Mike with Orchestra......that sounds like a DVD that needs to be filmed/made to me!!! Might make up for the only two Gathering's that I've attended that sadly don't have a DVD release (13 and 17)...or are those still coming some day!!!!!

If Mike has to spend time in NJ practicing with the symphony for the show in Cranford, is there any chance of some local acoustic gigs? Just wondering.

Festival Schedule & Time Slot's Can be found at front page of:

http://www.ucmusicfest.com/

Mike will also be doing a Second Set on Saturday giving an acoustic performance on the Wal-Mart stage at 4:45 p.m.
The set with the Symphony is scheduled for 1:30.
Also, The Love Hope Strength contest winners, "Maybe Pete" will be on at 10:00 a.m.
Their winning version of Strength can be viewed on you tube at:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=V5Ds0ID9yUU

This message has been edited. Last edited by: NYC Alarm gal,

Yeah yeah yeah. We'll be making the 10 hour trip from Detroit to see the two gigs Saturday. Gonna be a good time. See you all there I hope.

Nice one Mark. I know it will be worth your road trip.
Let us know if you need anything.
See you then.

We have to all get together for a group photo on Saturday

Yes, preferable with All Seeing being played by Mike & The Orchestra in the backgorund

Weather forecast not looking so good at the moment. Apparently as Hurricane Hanna approaches The Carolina's the gales and rain are expected here in New Jersey on Saturday.

just through on the wire...

...........


Get out those Wellies!!!


MUSICFEST TO BE HELD RAIN OR SHINE THIS WEEKEND AT NOMAHEGAN PARK IN CRANFORD

CRANFORD---With an everchanging forecast showing possible rain for this
weekend, preparations have been made to ensure that Union County MusicFest
will continue to be held on Friday, Sept. 5th and Saturday, Sept. 6th at
Nomahegan Park in Cranford, County officials announced today.

Stages have been made weather-proof, and artists are prepared to perform, and
the public should be prepared to bring any rain gear needed in the event of
rain. County groundskeepers are also making the necessary preparations for any
rain, including materials that would help keep the soil and grass traversable
following inclement weather.
According to today’s accuweather forecast, Hanna is expected to push up the
East Coast with high pressure over the western Atlantic steering the system. By
Saturday, Hanna may weaken to a tropical storm after moving over land Friday
night, but may bring rain into the mid-Atlantic and along the Eastern Seaboard
this weekend.

“We are continuing to monitor the weather pattern for Union County,” said
Christopher Scaturo, the Deputy Director of the Union County Office of Emergency
Management. “While there is still a bit of uncertainty about the track of
the storm, concert-goers should be prepared to bring ponchos and rain gear.”
Anyone seeking more information on the concert should go to
www.ucmusicfest.com.

It's going to be a freaking monsoon on Saturday. And you know what? I DON'T CARE!!!

I'm going to Cranford and I am going to embrace the wetness. My only message to Hanna is "Come get some, baby."

I trust Mike will be adding "Rain in the Summertime" and "Eye of the Hurricane" to the setlist.


Tim

And what a monsoon it was. Gallons & literally gallons of rain fell for hours right after Mike finished the 1st set with the symphony which was absolute perfection. (Tim I trust you'll post the set list)
I have never seen rain like that in my whole life. But for those who stuck it out as the waters were rising, Mike took on Hurricane Hannah & did perform a brilliant second acoustic set in what has humorously been christened "Guerilla Tactics 4" playing under one of the plastic covered tents to a very soggy group of about 80 in a fantastic performance, yet again with with no microphone and no pa as a group sing-a-long. Greg has shot some footage for youtube and will post up the link shortly. It certainly was a day for the memory books.
And in addition with some great news, $80,000 was raised for the foundation and just as wonderful over 200 people registered for the National Bone Marrow Data Bank which is going to help so many people. It was fanastic to see so many people from the Alarm family signing up to be a donor. It was a very special thing you all did and will literally change lives.
Great sharing this weekend with everyone & kudos to Mark and his family who took on a 20 hour drive from Detroit to be there.

Hey now, it was only 19 hours.

Just home a while ago, and yes, it was worth it. My family might disagree, but 19 hours driving for a little over an hour of music is crazy to most. I'm glad I did it. The string acompaniament was awesome.

I hate to admit it because I know it's many people's favorite, but I've always hated Walk Forever. Until yesterday that is. The violin on that tune almost made me cry the big emotional whimp I was after such a long drive. Spirit of 76 with the 18 piece back-up was truly magnificent, and very appropriately that it began to rain during Rain In The Summertime, and ended as the song ended. A little eerie if you ask me.

Great to meet up with Lily, Greg, Tim, Andrew, Lynn, BIll and a ton of other Alarmheads. We really do travel quite well.

My wife and daughter were troopers putting up with the 9.5 hours of Alarm tunes on the way there, the 1.25 hour set, then the downpour. While we had every intention of making it for the 2nd set, after seeing my daughter shivering and coughing due to being soaked to the bone by the sideways rain, we left before the 2nd set.

He played in the LHS tent then? Knew it. Didn't think he'd be crazy enough to strap himself into an electric kit with that rain.

Fun weekend. Good family time. I'm out of games to play in the car though. We ahve a new limit of 5 hours away though.