Our Downtown Entertainment features a wide variety of bands, demonstrations and other acts on three different stages in downtown Newburyport. Whether you're in Market Square, strolling down Inn Street or relaxing at the waterfront, you'll find something to entertain you.

Audio Rush is a youth rock group from Amesbury, Massachusetts. The group covers pop/rock style music for all generations. With a solid two years under their belts, the group has performed at numerous venues, developing as musicians, entertainers, and professionals, they have become a local favorite with a fan base made up of all ages. For more info. checkout Audio Rush on Facebook or You Tube.

Born and raised in Lowell, MA, Dave had just begun playing in downtown bars before he moved to San Francisco in 1991. There, he took over rhythm guitar and lead vocals for the Bay Area band, The Rave On’s. The Rave On’s played the Bay Area for eight years until Dave returned to the Boston North Shore in 1999.

Settling in Georgetown, he soon joined forces with his neighbor, Kevin O’Rourke to form an acoustic duo, Don’t Call Me Shirley. It didn’t take long to add Ron Chane on bass and Matt Beard on drums, and in 2006, Mark Luchini brought lead guitar into the band.

Dave now lives in Newburyport, and continues his work with Don’t Call Me Shirley (www.dontcallmeshirley.info). They regularly play regional venues, including The Grog in Newburyport and The Crescent Yacht Club in Haverhill, as well as many community events and private parties.

Dave’s first CD, All Night Radio, was released in July 2007. With 10 original tracks, All Night Radio is a fine line line between folk and rock. All Night Radio is available in local stores and on line stores like CD Baby and iTunes. Dave’s second CD will released this summer with 11 more original song.

Currently booking solo gigs around the Boston North Shore, Dave can be seen on a pretty regular basis at places like Café de Seina, David’s Tavern, the Newburyport Farmer’s Market, and many of the Newburyport events like Yankee Homecoming. For more information, check out Dave’s web site at www.davebrouillette.com.

It’s my honor to welcome you to a community where bodies are made healthier, minds are made sharper, fun is had and friendships made. Every teacher and student at Tokyo Joe’s Studios of Self Defense remembers taking those first steps into the exciting world of martial arts, and are dedicated to helping those who are now stepping onto that same path.

Our Promises:

1. To provide you with a safe and exciting place where you can feel comfortable taking classes.
2. To be on time, friendly and concerned about each student , their needs and progress.
3. To understand, practice and teach personal and professional motivation, self-discipline and confidence.
4. To teach you how to protect yourself and how to avoid conflict whenever possible.
5. To teach cooperative learning and goal setting.
6. To prepare each student to be a leader.
7. To listen to our students, so we may understand and learn from them.
8. To be positive role models.
9. To always seek better ways to upgrade our curriculum.
10. To constantly expand our knowledge, so that we can provide you with the best martial arts experience available anywhere.

A band to see Dave has an outstanding sound of your favorite classic rock and with his team "The Assembly Line" it all comes together a sound all their own.

What makes this band work is the way we all relate to each other," Brouillette said. "We have no band leader, front man or overbearing soloists. We all have an equal say in everything, and we don't take ourselves too seriously. We just try to keep it fun, and I suspect we'll keep doing this if we stick to those principles."

Meet the band

Genre: Rock

Home sweet home: Newburyport, Groveland, Middleton, Hamilton and Boxford.

Musical influences: Van Morrison, Pat Metheny, Buddy Rich, Rolling Stones, Tom Waits, Paul Simon, Slim Harpo, Eric Clapton and David Gilmour.

A Full-Course, blues funk vibe with an island side. Best blended, but always recommended!

Jamie Welch is an up-and-coming folk musician and lifelong Newburyport resident. He began studying music at the ripe old age of 4 and has kept at it since. Although primarily a guitarist\vocalist, Jamie also tries his hand at other folk instruments including 5 string banjo, mandolin, autoharp, dulcimer and harmonica. His repertoire consists of a variety of covers including Paul Simon, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Buffett and John Denver, as well as traditional folk songs. When not performing, Jamie can often be found on his laptop, eating at McDonald's, browsing around music stores, or just relaxing and enjoying life.

The Hollow Glow is a brand new melodic rock band made up of 2 members of the Universal recording act Ra; Ben Carroll (Vocals/Guitar) and Andy Ryan (Drums). Ra is a band many people claim to be one of the most underrated, but well respected hard rock bands to emerge in the past decade. (Ra has released 5 records since 2002 with the combined sales of over a half-million albums sold in the US, and has had a number of charting radio singles...)

For the two industry veterans The Hollow Glow is not a side project, nor is it the first spin around the block...all of their experience has in fact set The Hollow Glow up in a nice spot to launch to the world and they have their sights aimed high.

The Hollow Glow's music is something eerily familiar, yet at the same time, something brand new and different altogether; dark & hypnotic, drawing influence from bands like Muse, A Perfect Circle, Silversun Pickups, Coldplay, 30 Seconds to Mars and well...Ra (no getting around that one.)

They are already gathering quite a buzz, even without an "official" release. While their self-titled first full length album is not officially out yet, it is currently available for download through the bands website, (http://thehollowglow.com) from which the band itself actually receives the lions share and which they use to re-invest right back into the band itself...something completely unfamiliar to a pair of Universal Recording Artists. Download your own copy of The Hollow Glow today and not only do you get a brand new album to explore but you will be helping this young band bring it's music to the world.

For Ben Carroll, Vocalist & Guitarist for The Hollow Glow, playing Yankee Homecoming takes him full circle...back to where it all began. Ben grew up in Salisbury and the first concerts he ever attended were at Yankee Homecoming on the waterfront.

As a teenager Ben also worked for the sound company that set up and ran the sound systems for all of the Yankee Homecoming music events.

Up and coming guitarist Max Sullivan performs around NH and MA just about every weekend solo and with his band. Max has been a guest at Parker Wheeler's Sunday Blues Party at the Grog and is also lead guitarist for the International House of Blues Foundation band. The Max Sullivan Group, with Chris Brown on drums and Lee Boissonneault on bass is back again this year with their relentless onslaught of blues and rock. http://www.myspace.com/maxsullivangroup.

McAlister Drive will make you grow in their garden of shimmering chords, sugary harmonies and big bittersweet hooks. A balmy, summer night joyride with perfect melodies. A few tasteful guitars, simple piano, heartbreaking voices, and the sticks to beat a drum that moves the crowd. McAlister Drive is ROCK for people who want Soul, Blues, Folk and India Pop.

Ocasio's True Martial Arts was founded in 1985 by "Kyoshi" Herman Ocasio in Haverhill MA. Founded on the principle that each student must find their true path to self improvement, our instructors have worked diligently to produce quality Black Belt Leaders within our communities. Students range in age from 4 to seniors. Our classes teach an eclectic blend of martial arts with the main core being Kempo Karate. Students improve their physical fitness, self esteem, confidence, balance, coordination and leadership skills while learning the martial arts. Over the last 25 years Ocasio's True Martial Arts has promoted over a 1000 students to Black Belt. Our schools have ample parking, convenient class schedules, classes for beginners to advanced, air conditioning, parent/guest viewing areas, friendly helpful staff and spacious dojos. Visit one of our two schools conveniently located at 50 Merrimack St, in downtown Haverhill MA (978-373-4100) or at 160 Plaistow Rd #5, off Rt 125 in Plaistow NH (603-382-4199).

Dave Konyha developed his playing & writing style while living some 23 years on the coast of southern California, mostly on the guitar with a few years spent studying classical & jazz piano. While avoiding the habit of only one genre his own style emerged, and continues to take shape. While playing solo gigs he sometimes teams up with fiddle players, chromatic harpists, with the occasional rythmn section when needed. He resides in Hampton, NH as of the past 14 years, and is soon to release his CD through Spiraltunes publishing.

The Flip is a local pop/rock band with a repertoire consisting of both original music and covers. Their covers range from Johnny Cash to The Beatles and CCR to Sublime, Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga. The five-piece band's unique draw is a blend of three lead singers and impressive vocal harmonies. This is The Flip's second year playing at Yankee Homecoming. Check them out on myspace for a full gig schedule and join The Flip facebook group for weekly updates on where to find the band!
www.MySpace.com/TheFlipOnMySpace

Founded in the spring of 2006 by the current director Nicholas Girard, Overboard is a male cappella group from Boston, MA. Although Overboard’s rep ertoire consists primarily of contemporary pop/rock songs, including the cover from such artists as Rascall Flatts, Stevie Wonder and the Beatles, the group remains true to its a cappella roots and continues to perform classic selections such as "Blue Moon," "In The Still of the Night" and "Stand By Me."

Scott Ouellette has been performing solo guitar music for over 25 years. He's performed at such venues as the Palladium in New York City, the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburport MA and Gothic Hall in Boston MA. Scott attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he concentrated on guitar performance and theory. Scott's music is a mix of latin american and jazz music, often ifluenced by music, people, and places he's traveled.

His self-produced CD titled "Straight Ahead", an 11 track disc showcasing his ability as a composer of guitar, was released in 2007. Scott performs regularly in and around the Boston area, and rarely turns down an opportunity to perform.

By day, they're doctors, lawyers, business people, teachers, nurses and software engineers from greater Newburyport. But after hours, they get their groove on, playing music as members of an adult Blues/Rock band from the Newburyport area - Shaky Ground.

John "Shorty" Hill is about his music he enjoys rock and whatever comes his way, he is always growing. Come see Shorty & connect with him. Also a member of "The Shadows".

The Inn Street stage will be featuring talented student musicians and their teachers, ranging from young beginners to advanced performers. They will be from the greater Newburyport area and surrounding towns' teaching studios and schools including The Musical Suite, Eric Clemenzi's guitar studio, and St. Salerno Music. The teachers of these students bring varied and fabulous backgrounds and will do some performing either with some of their students, their own bands, or in addition to them. It will include all styles and all ages and will be in tangent with the ambience of the pedestrian shopping area of Inn Street (therefore, the dynamics (louds and softs) of the music will be at enjoyable levels. As last year, there will be seating available for the passerbys to sit and take a breath and enjoy the music. In between performances, during transitions, there will be a variety of acts to bring further entertainment joy to the shoppers and general public. This stage setting is being designed and is being produced by St. Salerno Music.

Now infusing guitar jazz, ambient sound, and drum beat, That Toga Band has developed an instrumental edge that is impossible to ignore.

What sounds lurk in the hearts of aging Baby Boomers? "The Shadows" know!

The best of Newburyport since 1964 to the present. "The Shadows" are a band you are sure to enjoy enjoy

Starring Anthony Kareckas / Comedian

Vocalist and keyboards performing classic hits of the 60's and 70's, a mix of ballads, blues and rock.

Errata, is an Amesbury, MA band. Band members include (left to right on photo) Logan Piercey - Vocals and Lead Guitar. Casey Surgent - Bass Guitar. Caleb Grot - Drums and Percussion. Evan Grissino - Rhythm Guitar & Keyboard. The band has played at the SAD Café in Plaistow , NH as well as in Festivals in Amesbury and Salisbury . Their genre is rock and inspired artists include King’s of Leon , Coldplay, as well as original works.

Sierra and Andrew, both recent UMass Amherst grads, joined forces as a musical duo last fall. Sierra Partlan (vocals, keyboard), a Newburyport native, has been creating and performing her original music since an early age. She studied jazz voice and composition and has collaborated with several various musical groups around Massachusetts. Andrew Aghababian (guitar, vocals) got his start on the drums and soon applied his musical prowess to the guitar, which led him to build up his own original repertoire. He has also written and performed with several different bands around the state. As a duo, Sierra and Andrew fuse their unique but compatible ideas and styles to create an ecclectic set that comprises a melange of intriguing original tunes, as well as original renditions of some well-loved covers. You can check out some of their music, keep up to date with their performance schedule, and contact them for bookings at www.myspace.com/andrewandsierra.

Anna began harp studies 4 and a half years ago at the age of 9 with Stephanie Curcio of Stratham NH . Two years later at age 11 she was invited to perform Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique with New England Conservatory's Youth Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Benjamin Zander. She is now proud to be a permanent member of that orchestra. She is also principal harpist for the Boston Youth Symphony conducted by Federico Cortese and is a regular harpist for the New Hampshire Philharmonic. At 10 she began playing as a soloist with her older brother's high school orchestra. Together they will be performing the Mozart Concerto for Flute and Harp in the fall. Anna has also been invited to play as a soloist with the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra and will be perfoming Gliere's Concerto for Harp in the fall as well. In 2008 she was recommended by NEC to audition for a RDF television documentary about prodigy Alex Prior and exceptionally gifted young musicians. She was one of five children chosen nationwide to participate in the filming in Miami and performed at the Broward Center. She also played in a private audition for Alex Prior and Giselle Brodsky, founder of Patrons of Exceptional Artists. The documentary aired in the UK last spring. Anna has played in a masterclasses for Marie-Pierre Langlamet, Edward Witsenberg. and Ann Hobson Pilot. Anna is a student at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School where she studies harp with Franziska Huhn. Anna also studies music theory and participates in the chamber program. She has also studied voice with Kathryn Fields and particpated in the children's chorus. Anna loves everything about the Conservatory and describes it as "a magical ,musical place." Anna recently was heard as a soloist on NPR's From the Top taped in Portland Maine at the Merrill Auditorium. Anna believes in the power of music to make a difference and touch peoples lives, and has decided do devote this summer to community outreach and raising money for CureSearch for Children's Cancer.

Keith Williams started cello at 5 years old. He is currently studying with Eugene Kim and is the principle cellist with New England Conservatory's Youth Symphony. He tied for first place in the NEC concerto competition and soloed with his orchestra. Previously, he played in the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras and the orchestras at the Longy School of Music. He attended the Killington Music Festival last summer. Keith lives in Boston , is homeschooled, and is 15 years old. Keith has sung in fully-staged operas and choral works under such esteemed conductors as James Levine, Keith Lockhart, Raphael Fruhbeck de Burgos, David Hoose, Richard Pittman, and David Robertson in Boston and Tanglewood. He now sings with the Boston Children's Chorus Young Men's Ensemble and interns with the youngest group of the PALS Children's Chorus. In his free time he likes to play ultimate frisbee and referee soccer.

Nash Ryder studies violin with Donald Weilerstein and Ying Xue at the New England Conservatory and has been playing violin for over seven years. Former violin teachers have included Anait Arutunian and Clorinda Noyes. This summer he will be studying with Frank Huong and Joan Kwoan as part of the Bowdoin Music Festival. In 2009, Nash was a top prize winner in the New England String Ensemble concerto competition and was selected and performed as guest young artist for the White Mountain Bach Festival in North Conway , New Hampshire . In the summer of 2008, Nash became a prize winner at the Connecticut International Young Artist Competition and was a featured performer at the Portland Chamber Music Festival in 2007. In addition to his violin studies, Nash studies theory, piano, and is the violinist for the Tourjee Piano Quartet. Nash is 14 years old and lives with his parents and brother in Southern Maine . In addition to his music endeavors, he is an avid reader of history, library volunteer, and fundraiser for animal rescue organizations.

Alex has been singing, playing the guitar and writing songs since she was 12 years old. She is currently 16 years of age. Her love for song writing has blossomed into over 12 original songs that she plays on her Taylor Acoustic guitar every chance she can. Alex lives in Merrimac , MA, and has performed at various events including The Tupelo Hall, Newburyport’s Yankee Homecoming, the Haverhill’s Mayor’s Inauguration Celebration, and Community Auditions at The Foxwoods Casino where she perfomed Jordin Sparks Battlefield. Alex is currently enrolled at The DeAngelis Studio of Music and Arts, where she is working with her vocal teacher, Tracy Parris. Alex is working on the improvement of her vocal abilities, and working with other musicians in hope of forming a band. Alex would like to have a professional CD of her music made that includes a full band . She hopes that the CD is good enough to produce, distribute, and play on the radio. She wants to be a part of the music industry in some capacity either singing, playing or writing for other artists. Contact Info: Email - theintimidator@msn.com www.myspace.com/alexnett

A group of Christian young adults who perform skits, games, music as well as full musicals/plays. They tour the eastern part of the United States performing at various Salvation Army events and other venues.

Toni is coming back to her hometown to play. She is bringing with her the sound of Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Rush, The Who, Melissa Etheridge and so much more. If you want the high energy of fun and great music, Toni is bringing it home.

Marc Smith, guitarist for several area and national acts, has been playing guitar for 40 years. Has toured and recorded with with Nashville recording artists Jacy Dawn, Jeff Batson and Glenn Stewart, as well as plays in 'Souled Out', a 9 piece top New England-based soul, funk and rock cover band.

The band consists of four guys, all from the North Shore: Michael Campiglio on guitar and vocals, Jim Ledger on Guitar and vocals, Billy Scarborough on bass/drums and vocals, and Jeff Morgan on drums/bass and vocals. The band name came about by where we practice in Haverhill....we came up with many silly names, and this is the one that stuck. The material we mostly play is Classic Rock (the music we grew up with), but throw into the mix is a few newer songs, and a couple of originals.

Summer Jam is a project of friends, inspired by lights and drip-drops and wind and color, and linking them to find the sounds of the future. Appropriate for all ages.
We are: Philip "The Beatmaster" Arets (back left), Nico "The Ivory-Tickler" Osborne (back right), Patrick "The 6-String Samurai" O'Connor (front right), Ethan "The Lowdown Slap-jack" Machurat (front left)

Sunday July 25 - Saturday July 31
Waterfront Stage, Market Square & Inn Street