HOPEWELL PORCHFEST 2025
Loose Panic
Singer-songwriter Jarret Crawford from Loose Panic will be performing a solo acoustic set of original songs. Loose Panic is a local indie-rock band who perform in the NJ-PA-NY area. Their debut EP, In Hindsight, was released in 2023, and they are currently recording their full-length debut, Weightbearing. Check out www.loosepanic.com for more information. 


Revolved
Which is The Beatles greatest record? Jarret Crawford argues that it’s Revolver, and he’ll be performing the entire album from Taxman to Tomorrow Never Knows in a solo acoustic-guitar-driven set. 
Lisa Chosed
Philly native Lisa Chosed is an indie folk singer-songwriter. With a voice reminiscent of Nanci Griffith, her unique writing style contains hints of musical influences Kasey Chambers & Alanis Morissette. Inspired by her travel, photography, and life experiences, her songs are full of self-reflection, storytelling, and societal observations. Lisa also performs covers from a range of decades and genres. You can find her playing shows locally in Philadelphia and in surrounding venues around the tristate area. Lisa’s debut album "Fly" and its single “My Life” are available on platforms like Apple Music, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud. Her sophomore album drops September 25!
THE NATVRAL
Kip Berman, performing as The Natvral, has rocked the world, and I mean THE WORLD! His music has taken him to Mongolia, Brazil, Coachella, Poland, Japan, Australia, and most importantly… to Hopewell Porchfest BABY! His talent is unmistakably modest, and he only really sings three notes. But they are THE BEST NOTES. He will be joined by a motley crew of dads and moms who also comprise a band that may be named after a Fast and Furious catchphrase. 
Tom Tallitsch
Tom Tallitsch has eleven albums as a jazz saxophonist under three record labels. As a multi-instrumentalist he plays saxophones, clarinet, flute, piano, guitar, and drums. As a band and sideman he has toured throughout the U.S and overseas. He regularly plays at jazz clubs and venues in NY, Philly, and the northeast. Tom is the pre-k through sixth grade instrumental music teacher at Princeton Junior School, as well as their piano accompanist for the choir and spring musical. He is the jazz classroom teacher at The Westminster Conservatory Honors Music Program, and has owned a popular music tutoring business in Princeton since 2001. He currently resides in Hopewell, NJ with his wife and daughter.

The HIVE
Jesse Neuman, director of Musicworks, has been a musician and arts educator for 25 years.  The HIVE started as a teaching tool for students seeking supportive yet authentic performance opportunities, and has since gone through several permutations of professionals, amateurs, and students. Together, the HIVE has volunteered performances of its gritty, nostalgic blend of pop punk, grunge, and emo at The Good News Home (substance recovery), Homefront (support for unhoused families), Club Dreams (Downs Syndrome Association of Central New Jersey), and various porchfest/town-wide events. Frequent collaborators Katherine Kahrs (vocals), Andrew Zielinski, and Jesse Neuman (bass) will be joined by Stan Cahill (guitar) and Justin Nawn (drums).  www.MusicworksNYC.org
Loose Bricks
Loose Bricks is a classic rock band playing hits mostly from the 60's and 70's. Come sing along, and don't forget your dancing shoes!
Rockcital
Rockcital is a group of Pennington and Hopewell Students who enjoy rocking out in various groups with each other.   The students choose all the music.  Practice independently and then get together for group practices prior to performing.   Rockcital has been in existence since 2009.   

Laurie Davis
Laurie Davis is a Singer/Songwriter from Cranbury,NJ. Laurie’s original pop-rock sound is highlighted through her introspective lyrics and foot percussion accompaniment. Laurie reaches out through her music to connect with audiences of all ages. In addition to her solo performance today, she will be supporting Soul Stew on the drums and vocals.
Marc Del Giudice
Marc's musical journey is a dynamic tapestry, blending the classic tones of rock with a contemporary indie flair. His compositions, fueled by introspective lyricism and captivating melodies, pay homage to the roots while exploring the modern frontiers of indie rock. Each song is a journey through the landscapes of emotion, narrated with authenticity and a distinctive musical fingerprint.
Crown Acoustic
Crown Acoustic is a dynamic trio that brings a rich tapestry of Americana, Country, Folk, and popular music to Central Jersey. The band seamlessly blends heartfelt songwriting with intricate musicianship, creating a sound that resonates with fans across the region. At the heart of Crown Acoustic is Paul Henry, the lead singer and rhythm guitarist. With a knack for crafting evocative lyrics and memorable melodies, Paul is the driving force behind the band’s original material. His storytelling ability and engaging stage presence make every performance an intimate experience for the audience. Barry Schoendorf, the lead guitarist, adds layers of sonic depth to the band’s sound. His virtuoso guitar work complements Paul’s rhythm guitar and provides a vibrant backdrop for their performances. Barry also contributes his smooth harmonies as a backup vocalist, enriching the trio’s overall vocal texture. Completing the trio is Cecilia Hetzer, whose melodic voice and light percussion skills add a distinctive flavor to Crown Acoustic’s music. Cecilia’s harmonies blend seamlessly with Paul’s lead vocals, while her percussion elements provide a rhythmic pulse that enhances the band’s acoustic arrangements. Together, Crown Acoustic crafts a blend of Americana, Country, Folk, and popular tunes that captivate and entertain. Whether performing at local venues, festivals, or private events, Crown Acoustic continues to charm audiences with their unique sound and passionate performances.You can find video performances here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069229248264YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CrownAcousticBand

Greg McGarvey
Greg McGarvey is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and visual artist. Greg used the guitars passed on by his father and grandfather to teach himself music. Equally at ease in a hushed theater or a rock club, he has performed his genre-hopping music both solo and with an ever-changing lineup of friends since 2001.

Manuel Barbará
Manuel Barbará is a metal guitarist and composer from the East Coast of the United States who combines the aggression and technical mastery of heavy metal with formal and harmonic concepts learned from the great composers of the 19th and 20th century. Trained at Berklee College of Music (2020, Guitar and Composition), Manuel brings his love of modern “classical” music and composition to bear on the progressive rock that has always inspired him. His compositions, whether for metal band or chamber ensemble, aim to unify these two disparate spheres of music.
Soul Stew
Born from the New Jersey Acoustic Music in the Park group of musicians in Somerville, four members have been playing together since 2019. Their latest incarnation is SOUL STEW. Alan Zeldin handles the bass, Allan Mitch guitar, vocals & harmonica, Kim Vasaturo lead vocals & guitar and Tom Merolla guitar & vocals. This year we’re overjoyed to have drummer & vocalist Laurie Davis join us. Our focus is earlier Rock n’ Roll, R&B, and Soul covers. When not playing Porchfests or NJAMP festivities, you’ll find us at open mics in Central N.J. Never too old to Rock n’ Roll? Yeah baby, and we’re loving it!

BTE
BTE – guitar player Steve Zarodnansky, bass player Beth Deene, vocalist Jean Sullivan and drummer Dave Cole - serves up an eclectic mix of their favorite music, including classic and alternative rock, pop, 70’s R&B, and country tunes. Singing along and dancing are encouraged and appreciated! All tips and proceeds are donated to various charities, both local and broader-reaching. What do the letters BTE stand for? Come on out to a show and find out!

Mixt
Barry Bassen is an acoustic guitarist who has been playing guitar and writing music since he was 14. A long-time favorite at open mics throughout central New Jersey, he met Lisa Neeld at one of those open mics and spent the next five years trying to convince her to sing with him. These days, the pair shares both life and song, writing and performing, with each other and many of their musician friends. John Mazzeo is a multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, lap steel, mandolin, and bass with a number of Princeton-area performers and musical groups.


Bourbon Neat Trio
We are Larry, Whit, and Joe, three men who love music that moves the mind, body and soul. Playing songs, dug up from B- sides and music that never got the notoriety it deserves! Our roots are in old Rock n Roll, Punk and Outlaw Country. Can you DIG IT??
The Laundrymen
The Laundrymen, aka Mike Snyder and Drew Brady, met in Princeton 20 years ago, and have been playing guitars and singing everly brothers style harmonies together ever since. With a dynamic and sympathetic sound highlighting an eclectic mix of your favorite songs from the last 8 decades, they're prepared to turn any porch into a party, and any party into a porch. Something fun for everyone.




Sourland Mountain String Band
The Sourland Mountain String Band is a Bluegrass band formed in the heart of the Sourland Mountain region. The group consists of Michael Abrams (Banjo), Arleigh V. Closser (Mandolin), Stefan Gromoll (Guitar), and Mark Young (Bass).  The band plays classic and contemporary songs in the Bluegrass tradition, and their music features tight three-part vocal harmonies and fast-paced instrumental solos.