Silver Dollars
Formed in 2006, The Silver Dollars have managed to come up with a unique Rock and Roll/Hip Hop fusion that eludes classification. The Group's sound is the synthesis of five very different playing styles and influences, from Rap to Rock n' Roll/ Pop to Jazz to Funk.
During his sophomore year of college, Ben Martinez tried laying his eccentric guitar playing over Hip-Hop beats produced by his longtime friend and drummer, Will Whitney. The two were able to crank out beat after beat, but realized that they needed a lyricist. Andrew Spence was brought in to rap, and the chemistry was immediately apparent. The addition of Ben's brother Ryan Martinez on keyboards, bass, and whatever else might be needed, completed the band. They have started playing gigs in local venues and are always looking for opportunities to share their unique sound with the world. The combination of minds of the bands members creates a synergy greater than any could have hoped for.
For more on the Silver Dollars check out their Myspace Page.
Also Performing
Jazzmatazz
Keith Elam, better known as GURU, was encouraged to listen to jazz by his father and grandfather who introduced him and his friends to the likes of Sonny Rollins, Mingus, Monk, etc. He grew up in the seventies, listening to pop and jazz music, particularly Roy Ayers, Donald Byrd and Herbie Hancock.
Read their full bio.
Josh Garrels
With echoes of Ben Harper, Digable Planets and Sufjan Stevens, Josh Garrels captures a thick yet efficiently-constructed, understated style that fluidly encompasses not only lo-fi bred, beautifully-dreary folk but threads of hip hop and electronic phraseology.
Read his full bio.
Momentary Prophets
Momentary Prophets is an acoustic duo based out of Newport News. Their
distinct sound is rooted in a variety of popular music genres and folk
traditions. Both members, Jake Hull and Ted Packard are currently
finishing up school at Christopher Newport University. They have carved
an unique niche for themselves at their campus as well as at James
Madison University, the College of William and Mary, and local coffee
shops.
Read their full bio.