2022 Band Shell Stage Performing Artists

Hosts Lisa Couto & Erik Peterson perform as the duo Sounded Ground , an eclectic independent musical duo from Providence, RI. Members include Lisa Couto (vocals, guitar) and Erik Peterson (vocals, piano, production.)  The group was formed in 2019, when Lisa needed to put a group together quickly for the Rhode Island Folk festival. Since then, they've been writing and working on recording a full length album together.  Erik is a Berklee graduate who played with many of the greats on the California coast, while Lisa has been playing live in Providence, RI and southeastern MA. Both have recorded several albums on their own, but have since come together to release music that is more powerful and greater than the sum of its parts 

Jake Blount is an American musician, scholar and activist based in Providence, RI. He is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who draws upon old-time, bluegrass and blues influences.

 He specializes in the traditional music of African Americans.

Sidy Maiga- Master Percussionist based in Providence, RI.

A djembefola is the musician who gives the djembe it's voice. In the hands of a master, a drum comes alive. It sings , laughs , whispers and electrifies it's audience, and Sidy knows how to bring it to life.

Dan Lilley and The Keepers is a classic and original rock band with influences that include Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Grateful Dead, and The Kinks. The group is comprised of 4 RI music veterans: Dan Lilley on vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica, and songwriting; Mike “Scatman” Sullivan on lead guitar and background vocals; Kenn Reynolds on bass guitar and background vocals; and Gary St. Germaine on drums. performance will feature Amy Bedard on violin and vocals.

Julie Rhodes is a powerhouse burning up the Eastern seaboard with her band Julie Rhodes and The Electric Co. 

The Fools are a Massachusetts based rock band best known for the party atmosphere of their live performances and tongue-in-cheek original songs, covers and parodies.

Acoustic version will be performing at the Fest!

"Within the music industry, I've ben compared to both Tracy Chapman and Ani DiFranco. I've also been described as a cross between Suzanne Vega and Jimi Hendrix. And, heir to the legacy of Nina Simone. But, really, I'm just me. "- Pamela Means

The CarLeans are a musical collaboration between singer-songwriters Jim Carpenter, Sarah MacLean, Rachel Maclean-Sargent & Corina Malbaurn , the CT based quarter blend their diverse musical backgrounds to create a captivating sound that has been garnering attention from New England, to Florida to Texas.

Allysen Callery is a critically acclaimed and international recording artist from Bristol , RI, she is often compared to late British artists Sandy Denny and Nick Drake . She makes Quiet music for a loud world. 

Ava Callery is a singer-songwriter from Rhode Island, who fronts the indie rock band Beauquet.

With songs as sweet and biting as the nectar and venom in her voice, Rachel Sumner has been captivating audiences throughout the northeast. 

Jose Docen Is an American singer-songwriter who brings a taste of his travels living with family in the Dominican Republic and time spent living as a musical artist in Spain.

Bank of Ireland is music written , borrowed, begged and stolen by Peri DeLorenzo and Mark Dobbyn. Featuring fiddle and guitar and their two voices,  playing and singing the way people always have.

Swimming Bell is the moniker of Katie Schottland who was named one of NYC's Top 10 Artists to Watch by NPR.  Like folk-era Sharon Van Etten, but with the lush sounds of Laurel Canyon.  Watch as she builds gorgeous, labyrinthine harmonies and crescendos built over intimate moments of pause.

From Southcoast Massachsetts, Joanne Doherty spins her own magic on a wide variety of songs selected from an eclectic catalogue of folk, blues and old standards combining her deft & delicate stylings on guitar and ukulele with a rich smooth voice.

 Sleeping Turtle/Isaiah Johnson is an Indigenous American artist and psychedelic flutist specializing in sonic spells.

Western Mass based band Frozen Corn is keeping  Americana tradition alive with historical songs that testify to the struggle it took for some people to live in this country and the humor that helped them do it.

Mark Cutler is a RI institution, a singer -songwriter who has been the lead singer and songwriter for The Schemers, The Raindogs and The Dino Club.

Beauquet is dream pop Psyche Fuzz from Providence RI

Jess Powers and Tyler James Kelly ( The Silks) formed a duos project featuring classic country and western, and original music.

Robin Lane  is an American rock singer and songwriter. Her band, Robin Lane & the Chartbusters, released three albums on Warner Bros. Records in the early 1980s, and was best known for its single "When Things Go Wrong"