Still Cool at 100-Degrees - Maplewoodstock Schedule

Being cool has never been a problem for the many musicians who have played Maplewoodstock. Staying cool, however, might be the biggest challenge of all during this weekend’s festivities at Memorial Park.

With temperatures expected to be as high as 104-degrees on Saturday, Maplewoodstock staff are urging people to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and seek shade when they need it.

Festival organizer Gary Shippy said the staff will be prepared for the intense heat. Plus, that this year the public will have more options for refreshment than ever before. “People will find the shaded areas, the sangria and the beer garden,” he said.

Furthermore, they are drawing walkways to improve crowd control to make for a more orderly, comfortable festival all-around. According to Shippy, they expect approximately 5,000 people to visit Memorial Park over the two days, and the 22-band lineup, he said, is as good as ever.

“Last year was a big hit,” he said. “Having the Smithereens close Sunday’s show – that’s tough to beat. This year, though, from top to bottom, we probably have the strongest lineup we’ve ever had. We have a lot of new bands playing that have never played [here] before… And a lot of bands with impressive credentials. People like Jill Criscuolo, The Mar-Tays on Saturday or Rachel Allyn and Elijah and the Rockers on Sunday.”

The always eclectic lineup features a number of rock and soul artists, two reggae bands and even some country artists.

The festival starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. Music starts at noon on both days.

Below is the complete concert schedule as it appears on the Maplewoodstock website, maplewoodstock.com. Updates to the schedule will be announced on the festival Twitter account, twitter.com/maplewoodstock.

In case of inclement weather, the schedule is subject to change. The stage is covered, so anything less than heavy rain won’t stop the music. They will not stop the concert because of heat.

Shippy’s message to concert-goers: “It’s an event we throw for our neighborhood. Come out, find a shady spot and have fun.”

Also, as always, it’s free.

MAPLEWOODSTOCK SCHEDULE: DAY 1
Saturday, July 7, 2012

• noon —  8bit ( … original and indie/alternative covers performed by four young rockers from Columbia High School …)
• 12:42 — Moodring ( … Maplewood and South Orange’s premier jam band; eclectic originals and covers; whatever the mood, they jam it …)
• 1:24 — House of Essex (formerly known as Three Gentlemen Only) ( … an eclectic vintage style rock band of original material loved by beautiful women …)
• 2:06 — 13 Scotland Road ( … the brainchild of Bill Binford plays a wide range of original music, featuring Aaron Seglin …)
• 2:48 — Elijah and the Rockers ( … straight out of Jamaica and NYC; roots rock reggae like it’s supposed to be …)
• 3:30 — Running Late ( … a smooth eclectic blend of funk, pop, and alternative rock that gets you moving …)
• 4:12 — Big Mamou ( … Cajun, Zydeco and Cosmic Country featuring John Sherman accordion and Julianne Fenhagen vocals from Montclair …)
• 4:54 — Jill Criscuolo ( … A NJ based pop/dance artist that delivers an energetic family oriented stage performance …)
• 5:36 — The Martays ( … a band of NYC’s most illustrious recording and touring musicians create rollicking, soulful re-imaginings of classic songs)
• 6:18 — featured artist The Martin Briley Band ( … The Martin (Salt in My Tears) Briley Band play gritty, yet sophisticated, pop gems …)
• 7:15 — co-headliner James Maddock ( … NYC’s WFUV 2011 Listener’s Poll named Wake Up and Dream one of the top albums of 2011, with the song “Beautiful Now” #9 in the same poll …)
• 9:00 — headliner Chris Berry and Panjea ( … the powerful groove and socially conscious message of Chris Berry and Panjea has its roots in the ghettos of Zimbabwe; the music speaks of personal power and the ability to change one’s own life and the world for the better …)

MAPLEWOODSTOCK SCHEDULE: DAY 2
Sunday, July 8, 2012

• noon —  Sad About Girls ( … power pop meets mopey indie in a dark alley …)
• 12:42 — Matt Mattheis ( … South Orange singer/songwriter has been performing for over 30 years and will debut his new CD Living in Grey with his six piece band …)
• 1:24 — The Mungers ( … never too serious, The Mungers deliver pop hooks that you’ll be humming later …)
• 2:06 — Rachel Allyn ( … Jersey born, Nashville educated singer/songwriter Rachel Allyn brings a new perspective to country music…)
• 2:48 — Hilton Nawlin’s Funk Marching Band ( … come get funktafied in a Nawlin’s kinda way …)
• 3:30 — Shari Pine ( … straight up, low down, burning and churning, Pine is zero to soul in 10 seconds …)
• 4:12 —  Dachee & Culturally One ( … a band that uplifts, inspires, and entertains to make change in the world …)
• 5:00 — featured artist Seth Walker ( … “The first time I heard Seth Walker at a small club in Nashville I was impressed like I haven’t been impressed in 30 years, with performance, presence, and great songs” — Delbert McClinton)
• 6:15 — co-headliner Ollabelle ( … American roots–rock band that has been sharing their rare chemistry for over ten years …)
• 7:45 — headliner Shemekia Copeland ( … heir to the rich tradition of soul-drenched divas like Ruth Brown, Etta James and Koko Taylor, Copeland’s shot at the eventual title of Queen of the Blues is pretty clear; by some standards, she may already be there …)