VEGGIEFEST 2008

Style Weekly writes: "Jonathan Austin... is arguably Richmond's most popular individual performer. He has delighted crowds of all ages.. since he was 14 years old. He is a staple at every major Richmond festival and he typically draws the biggest crowds...
Jonathan combines an outstanding personality that relates to children and adults of all ages, with a hilarious sense of humor, timing, skill and feats to provide a truly "must see" show that you will be talking about for a long time."

12:15 59H2O

59H2O 's original compositions are songs you can sing along to that still hit an emotional chord. The strong female vocal lines showcase the insightful lyrics, while the locked-down rhythm section carries each song. The band's layered songwriting technique allows both guitars and keyboards to create a strong presence - what results is music with depth, power and emotion.

The band has performed since 1995 at various local and regional venues, from festivals in Richmond and Virginia Beach to club shows in New York, Nags Head, NC, DC, and shows throughout Virginia. 59H2O's work ethic and talent have earned a devoted fan base throughout the southeast region.

59H2O embodies the notion that, when it comes down to it, music is all about feeling. Each member's passion for their craft comes together to make some truly powerful songs.

Website: www.59h2o.com

1:30 Billy Williams Quartet

About me...........hmmmm, let's see........I was born April 17, 1987..........I began playing drums in my grandfather's church (Brotherly Love Church of God in Christ) at the age of ten years old, and continue to play there today. I began playing jazz at the age of 13. I am a recent graduate of the Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, VA and current student at Virginia Commonwealth University. Throughout my short career as a musician, I have had the opportunity to work with some very talented people whom have influenced me a great deal............I am thankful for every opportunity I have to play music as I realize that it is a gift from the creator..............I'm striving every day to reach my goals...........

Website: www.bwdrumz.com

2:45 Hotel X

Founded in 1992 by Tim Harding and Ron T. Curry as a setting to explore electric bass duets, Hotel X was quickly joined by a host of Richmond, Virginia underground music scene veterans and released six albums on the L.A. based SST Records. SST Records was founded by members of the seminal punk rock group Black Flag and included in their catalog some of the great American underground groups such as Minutemen, Meat Puppets, Husker Du, Sonic Youth, Sound Garden , Universal Congress Of and Sacharine Trust.

Hotel X toured regionally and nationally between 1992 and 1997, received reviews in Jazz Times, Washington Post, Option, The Wire and Alternative Press among others; was nominated for Best Jazz Group by NAIRD (National Association of Independent Record Distributors) 1996, and participated in the JVC Jazz Festival in NYC 1997. National Public Radio selected soundbites of several songs from the Hotel X cd "Engendered Species" for use between news stories during Morning Edition in 1994. Richmond Magazine awarded Hotel X with the Pollack Prize for Excellence in Arts in September of 2005.

Between 1998 to the present Hotel X has been mining the musical wealth of Africa and Latin America by using rhythmns and melodies inspired by traditional music and contemporary composers from those regions. The 2003 self produced/released seventh cd by Hotel X titled "Hymns for Children" marks the departure from the groups' earlier more electric, harmolodic adventures into the organic, world music inspired band of today.

Website: www.myspace.com/hotelx

4:00 Unity Sound

Unity Sound was started about seven years ago in Wayne's garage by Wayne and Doug. Unity Sound plays Jamaican style reggae, concentrating on foundation riddims. No ingredients. Strictly hardcore.

Wayne has played in several other reggae bands for the past decade, including Jah Revelations and One. He is heavily influenced by the sounds of Studio One reggae and rocksteady.

Doug has been playing reggae guitar for 15+ years, skanks like a metronome, sings sweet harmonies and some lead vocals too.

After several years OJ joined. OJ is a master of reggae keyboard and he brings 20+ years of experience to the band. He is a founding member of Awareness Art Ensemble, one of the first reggae bands on the east coast. AAE has shared the stage with a list of reggae artists far too long to include here. OJ has also played with some of the finest reggae musicians from Jamaica as well as the legendary Richmond band Razor Posse.

After trying many drummers, we were finally blessed by the appearance of Ryan in late 2007. Ryan is a young drummer with experience beyond his years.

Rob answered our want-ad in early 2008 and he was a perfect match from day one. Rob is formerly of the band Deadline Click and he was the final piece of the puzzle. Rob has taken many trips to Jamaica and brings a real authentic sound to the band.

Website: Unity Sound at MySpace.com

5:15 Christopher Branch

When people hear Chris is known around the region for the best Neil Young tribute they are only skeptics until he starts to sing some of their well known long-time favorites. Then their ears perk up, heads spin, and everyone starts to see where Neil snuck in.

Chris, a native of Virginia & current Richmond resident, has played guitar since high school, but only really began seriously entertaining audiences with his spot on renditions of classic Neil Young songs about four or five years ago. Since that time he has performed numerous times at places such as the State Fair, Carytown Watermelon Festival, Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center, Dogwood Dell, the Richmond Convention Center, St. Patrick's Irish Festival, and scores of other events & locations.

Influences include Neil Young (of course), his Uncle Fred (now deceased) who changed his life by introducing him to the Beatles' Abbey Road & CSN&Y's Deja Vu', his life was changed forever. Another major influence is as a guitar student of twice Grammy Winner Bill Miller. Recent influences include his band mate in Broken Arrow, the local legend Harry Gore, The Atkinsons, many of the acts at Rockitz events, and Harry Clary, with whom Chris has played at O'Tool's each month for the past couple years.

To see some video performances of Chris at various gigs see YouTube (under BrokenArrow1967), or at www.Rockitz.net