2026 Lineup

Father-daughter duo Mike & Tessa Gordon have developed a heartfelt acoustic collaboration that blends vocal harmonies with an eclectic mix of folk, Americana, classic rock, and contemporary songs. While Mike is best known as the bassist and co-founder of Phish, the duo offers a more intimate musical experience, with Tessa taking the lead on many of the vocals and Mike accompanying on acoustic guitar and harmonies.

Photo by Andy Mann

Trumpeter and vocalist, Jennifer Hartswick is one of the most exciting performers in music today. She exudes confidence and joy and brings her own refreshing spirit to the stage every time she performs. Jennifer’s music is honest, soulful and comes with a maturity far beyond her years.

Hartswick is an original member of the Trey Anastasio Band and has recorded/shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, Phish, Christian McBride, Tom Petty, Aaron Neville, Carlos Santana, The Rolling Stones, Big Gigantic, Dave Matthews and countless others.

Jennifer’s live performances are renowned as spontaneous, joyful and contagious. Her natural charisma and sincerity shine through, and each performance is a celebration of musical collaboration. And whether she is wailing on the trumpet or singing an intimate vocal solo, her performance is all part of a single seamless instrument, one that is played not only with astounding technical proficiency, but also with sensitivity, conviction and heart.

Nick Cassarino has always believed in the healing power of music. He grew up listening to James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Steely Dan, Bob Marley, and Earth Wind and Fire. In high school, he immersed himself in jazz studies. He soon began performing at premier venues in Burlington, VT, with his own group, The Nicholas Cassarino Ensemble.

At 22, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. It was here that he honed his chops in gospel churches and jazz nightclubs. He soon joined a 10-piece hip hop collective called the Lifted Crew, and they became the touring band for hip hop legends Slick Rick the Ruler and Big Daddy Kane. In 2013, he formed an electric-church/soul-rock project, The Nth Power, in New Orleans. They have been releasing records and touring internationally ever since. In 2018, he joined forces with singer/trumpet player Jennifer Hartswick and began writing and producing records with her and bassist Christian McBride. They have been touring internationally ever since.

Nick has performed with such renowned artists as Babyface, John Mayer, Toni Braxton, Stephen Marley, Melissa Etheridge, Nicole Scherzinger, Take 6, Lalah Hathaway, Leslie Odom Jr, John Popper, Peter Gunz, Koffee, Elle Mai, Slick Rick the Ruler, Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kwali, Ivan Neville, Cyril Neville, Jimmy Herring, Trey Anastasio, Oteil Burbridge, Christian McBride, Eric Gales, Cory Henry and Nicholas Payton.

Photo by Kory Thibeault

Bassist Nate Edgar has built an impressive career performing with acclaimed artists and bands including The Nth Power, John Brown's Body, Matisyahu, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, and The Groovechilds. Known for his deep groove, versatility, and dynamic stage presence, Edgar has become a sought-after collaborator across funk, soul, reggae, rock, and jazz, bringing his distinctive musicianship to festivals and stages around the world.

Photo by Alex Kluft

Soule Monde is avant funk born of the syncopated minds of power drummer Russ Lawton and organ wizard Ray Paczkowski. The “duo” is cemented into an indestructible unit, where bold improvisational leaps are interpreted telepathically and reciprocated effortlessly.  Paczkowski has an intrepid ability to simultaneously tame the Hammond B3 and clavinet, filling Soule Monde’s sound with beautiful and dynamic melodies.  Lawton is the consummate ‘pocket’ drummer, driving the groove further without ever losing a step, or Ray. This is the jazz-duo your parents warned you about.

For more than a decade and a half, Burlington, Vermont-based guitarist and songwriter Bob Wagner has been a secret-weapon sideman, lending his licks and leads to some of the tightest live acts in the Northeast.

This summer, with the release of his debut solo album I’ve Been Down, Wagner stepped into the spotlight. Released June 12 on Royal Potato Family, captures Wagner confidently stepping into the role of songwriter and bandleader. The album was recorded at The Studio Nashville — home to sessions by artists like The Wood Brothers and Seth Walker.

Beyond the album, Wagner remains deeply embedded in Vermont’s musical community. He serves as bandleader for the Hug Your Farmer concert series — a project that raises funds for agricultural initiatives across Vermont.

Photo by Shem Roose

Hot Pickin' Party is a bluegrass band comprised of guitarist Doug Perkins, bassist Mike Santosusso, and dobro player Adam Frehm. The trio first appeared on the Vermont music scene over 25 years ago as the core members of the popular newgrass jamband Smokin’ Grass, who released two critically acclaimed CDs, appeared on numerous compilations, and toured nationally, performing in over 30 states.

The music of Hot Pickin’ Party celebrates the reunion of these three friends with heartfelt harmonies, dynamic musical interplay and a spirit of exploration of journeys old and new. At a Hot Pickin' Party performance, you'll hear a mix of original songs, traditional bluegrass songs, familiar yet eclectic classic covers and the occasional completely improvised jam. A Hot Pickin' Party show is hot and cool, fun and funny, and always a party.

Electric Bear delivers heartfelt Americana music tangled in deep roots. With their expansive sonic palate and story-telling lyrics, Electric Bear provides the soundtrack for your journey down the cosmic highway.