Hopewell PORCHFEST Lineup 2025

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??

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.

The Tin Box
The Tin Box is experimental electronic musician Tucker Sferro.

"Will quite possibly put a blissful smile on your face" "Made feeling steady in a stream of optimism, complexity and intimacy" "This is a composer who knows his stuff, very well" "A loose and natural vibe in the face of controlled electronically designed music" "Playful and joyous". See thetinboxmusic.com for music and more.

Brandon Anthony
Influenced by jazz, progressive rock, and improvisational jams, Brandon’s guitar playing is an eclectic mélange of sound guaranteed to transport you on a musical journey.

Michael Sorensen

Michael Sorensen is an electronic musician and guitarist focusing on experimental and improvisational performance techniques. He released his first EDM album “Idiot Brain” in 2022 under the name Sensoren, and obtained his MFA in Creative Music Technology in 2025. His current focus is on his augmented guitar project, the Sammensatt Guitar, which features a built-in digital interface to control software-based signal processing for effects. This performance will incorporate both EDM and experimental approaches, while focusing on the improvisatory aspects of each.

HUBBELL BENSON
Hubbell Benson emerged from Trenton, NJ in late 2022 as an extension of the home-studio reclusiveness of brothers Charlie and Sam Guarino. Joined on stage by cousin Steve Guarino, the psych rock/power pop trio delivers a raucous brand of rock that balances concise accessible song craft and psyched out jam passages.

Ride or Die

Rooted in Princeton, NJ, Ride or Die is a vocal powerhouse that combines songs of folk rock, rhythm and blues and pop to bring an energy-heavy show for the people

Mike Snyder

Mike Snyder is a singer-songwriter known for intimate, heartfelt originals and an eclectic mix of covers. Weaving together soulful vocals and acoustic guitar work, Mike draws from a wide range of influences, from classic rock to modern folk.

Kyle Norris

Kyle Norris is a singer-songwriter from the Philadelphia area who strives to create songs that are familiar stories about the mundane around us. With his indie folk sound, it’s really all just love songs when it comes down to it.

Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves

Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves‘ “electro-country” sound is both freshly nostalgic and startlingly unique. Hard-driving synthesizer licks meet three-part vocal harmonies, buttery bloops and bleeps, crying pedal steel, and pounding electronic beats in our fun, energetic live shows. The band’s genre-bending style draws from the traditions of 1960s country, 1980s dream pop, and modern electronic music, mixed with an experimental aesthetic all Lake’s own. It packs an emotional punch to the heart, and invites the bruised listener to dance and cry along.

Joe Polizzi

Based out of Lambertville, New Jersey - Joe Polizzi blends folk, rock, pop, and blues influences. Drawing inspiration from nature, travel, and community, his music leans into raw emotion and rhythm. His sound can be described as Jersey soul with a touch of gabagool.

Castle Lane

Castle Lane has been making music together for nearly 15 years, covering rock, funk, soul, and pop tunes. Named after Castle Lane in Hopewell Borough, where rehearsals took place long ago, the group is anchored by original members Mel Johnson (drums), owner of M3 Studios in town, and Dana Pontani (lead vocals), a Hopewell Elementary teacher. They’re joined by Dale Graham on bass and Rob Cortina on guitar, both seasoned pros; and adding rich harmonies on vocals, Amy Amiet, a former music teacher and current school principal in Lawrence, shares the stage with her daughter Gabriella Amiet, a local first responder. Rounding out the sound is keyboardist, Phil Orr, former host of Jazz on Broad. While they love playing a variety of venues, local shows remain their favorite way to share the music they love.

LoveIsAllUnique

LoveIsAllUnique is a solo project created by Greg Guidotti, taking experiences and forming them into songs of wonder, love, and pain. Traveled out to New Jersey from California in 2023 in search of truth and found a beautifully vibrant music community. Come down and listen to some soothing storThis Greg’s second year at porchfest in the sweet town of Hopewell, New Jersey.

Dream Mode

Dream Mode is the project of multi-instrumentalist, JJ Giurano. It started in early 2018, playing around with synthesizers, a sampler, and music software in a college dorm room. Taking influence from Jazz, Psychedelic Rock, Hip Hop, and Electronic music, Dream Mode's sound is defined by spacey, ambient synthesizers and keyboards, psychedelic samples, and hypnotic drum loops.

Too Dan Banned

Too Dan Banned is a band from Hopewell, New Jersey, known for their energetic, no-fuss approach to rock, indie, and punk. Their sound is raw and unpolished, with a vibe that feels spontaneous and fun.

The name comes from the fact that there are two Dans—Dan Rollo (vocals and guitar) and Dan Robinson (keyboards and vocals). Add Roger Amidon on drums and Jesse Neuman on bass, and you’ve got a group that’s all about keeping it simple, having fun, and not worrying too much about perfection.

Whether it’s a quirky cover or an unexpected take on a classic, Too Dan Banned delivers with enthusiasm and a sense of humor. When they get a chance to play out, it's all about having fun.

MSG

MSG is a band formed out of the wonderful period of creativity that followed the pandemic in Lambertville, NJ. Thanks to the space created by the non-profit Soupçon Salon and the friendship of guitarist, singer Sean Fackler and drummer Grant Morrison, they met Matheson Westlake on a fateful night in October 2022. Their collaboration would continue based on that initial set list from that night which rocked the house and got feet moving in the second floor of Hibernia fire house. Playing a mix of R&B, funk, rock, and blues they love seeing people move to the groove! We also have a special guest keyboardist Dave Kindig joining us!

Taylor Road

Taylor Road will appear as an acoustic trio this year at the Hopewell Train Station, covering hits from the 60s and 70s.

Hopewell Back Porch Singers
Twenty-eight years ago when Paul and Karen Buda moved to their home in Hopewell, they sat on their porch and envisioned being there, playing guitars and singing together. And the idea of the Hopewell Back Porch Singers was created. Now they're finally making it a reality, with their friend Lucy Amspacker and Paul's cousin, Peter Nardelli. A mix of folk, pop, and good harmonies describe their musical offerings. When not enjoying making music, Paul is an architect and Karen, who previously served in hospital administration, works as program director at a church-based community wellness center. Their son Dalton, a graphic design student and photographer, has also found his musical passion in playing guitar.

Lucy Amspacker Band
Lucy Amspacker is a singer and songwriter who has written original songs and performed cover songs for the last 10 years. Lucy is now sharing her talents with special needs adults through songwriting and vocal coaching, aiming to develop their creative abilities and musical potential. The Lucy Amspacker Band is joined by Paul Buda, and are here to share some happiness and inspiration through their voices and music.

Running For Council
Paul Buda, who has always been committed to both architecture and making music, is also - you guessed it- running for Council, in Hopewell Borough. He's bringing a variety of his own compositions, both songs and instrumental pieces on piano and guitar, to Porchfest this year, along with some musical offerings performed with friends and neighbors.