Light of Day Festival 2016, Willie Nile & Band, Dramarama, The Weeklings, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, Gary Douglas Band

Willie Nile is a Buffalo raised American singer-songwriter. In 1980 Nile released his self-titled debut album which according to one critic remains “one of the most thrilling post-Byrds folk-rock albums of all time”. His early career was interrupted by various problems, but he eventually returned to recording and performing in the US and Europe, establishing himself as a respected singer-songwriter. “The Buffalo News” said that their hometown troubadour's “Streets of New York” (2006), “House of a Thousand Guitars” (2009) and “The Innocent Ones” that included the blazing anthem One Guitar (2010); stand as “three of the finest recordings to ever straddle the worlds of “singer/songwriter” fare and good ol’street-tough rock ‘n’ roll”. In 2013 Willie released arguably his best album to date, “American Ride” followed by an album of piano centered recordings “If I Was A River”. On May 28th, 2015, at the Best Buy Theatre in Times Square, New York City, Willie joined Bruce Springsteen, Joan Jett, Roger Daltry and Billy Idol at the 11th annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert to honor Pete Townsend for his commitment to helping other musicians with addictions. Willie Nile is an artist to be reckoned with who is a the peak of his powers.


Dramarama is a Los Angeles based alternative rock band always fronted by singer-songwriter John Easdale. The band was formed in New Jersey in 1982 and disbanded in 1994. The band formally reunited in 2004 following an appearance on VH1's Bands Reunited reality show. Amid renewed interest since the Bands Reunited episode and a large-scale appearance at KROQ-FM's annual Inland Invasion festival concert (attended by more than 78,000 fans), Dramarama has since been touring nationally. In 2005 they released a new, full-length studio CD titled Everybody Dies. The current band consists of original members Peter Wood (guitar) and Mark Englert (guitar) along with longtime members Mike Davis (bass) and Tony Snow (drums). Dramarama has recorded new material that remains unreleased as of 2015.


The Weeklings are an Asbury Park based quartet that perform original Beatles inspired power pop as well as lesser known Beatles material with infectious passion and enthusiasm. Consisting of Glen Burtnik (Lefty), Bob Burger (Zeek), John Merjave (Rocky) and Dave Anthony (Ramblin’ Dave) they have, as individual professional musicians and songwriters, appeared and collaborated with many high profile national artists.


A North Jersey roots rock/Americana band led by lead singer/songwriter Joe D’Urso, began their career in the early '90s. Their raw raucous style is keenly similar to the likes of fellow American rockers John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, and Bob Dylan. D'Urso, has been critically acclaimed for being a passionate songwriter and an earnest performer with a deep love for making music. Joe independently released their debut, Rock-Land, in 1993. Mirrors, Shoestrings & Credit Cards followed three years later and led the band to opening spots for Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Wilco, Joan Osborne, the Allman Brothers, and Bruce Springsteen. In 1998, he signed to Capitol/Right Stuff and issued their third release, Glow, in 1999. A year later, considered to be one of his best works, Rock and Roll Station was released. He and the band have released a total of 13 albums and continue to tour the world.


Gary Douglas says that there are really only two kinds of music and Gary does the second kind. Music No. 1 aspires to be well crafted, with sophisticated lyrics, nice melodies, maybe some polished orchestral arrangements.Then there’s rock ‘n’ roll, Music No. 2, which kicks that chair out from under you, cranks up the volume, slams out a beat like punches to the gut and dredges its message from the deepest passions singers and listeners can bear. Sweeten it from the wells of Americana, country music and blues, and you get the music that drives Gary Douglas. He drank it up in the streets of Brooklyn as a kid, where, in his words, “everybody knew everybody’s business. Everybody was hot-wired about whatever was on their minds.”