The Bloomingfields

Headquartered in the Bloomfield Avenue basement studio of Janet Donofrio and David Rieth, the Bloomingfields sing songs about marriage, commuting, and Velcro® upon a wall of rock built by Brendan Mee (bass), John Packel (drums), and Andy Day (guitar).

The Bloomingfields are currently touring the world, albeit slowly.

Their influences include The Modern Lovers, Grandaddy, The Taking Heads, The Lilacs, Nick Lowe, The New York Dolls, The Moldy Peaches, and Henrik Ibsen.

Avril Fagan

Avril Fagan is a Montclair Mom and third grade teacher. Born in Jamaica, West Indies and raised in Queens, NY, Avril's first singing experiences occurred in the junior choir at Bethany Baptist Church in Jamaica, Queens. Since then she has sung in high school performances, a host of recitals, talent shows and weddings.

These days, Avril takes pleasure in using her voice and love of music to inspire her son Liam, as well as her students, to take chances by performing on stage. She is inspired by all types of music and performs whenever and wherever she can. Avril is very proud to be a parent who rocks!

Rachael and Mark Egan

Rachael and Mark Egan are parents to Arabella.

Rachael is a writer and Stay at Home Mom, and Mark is the New York Bureau Chief for Reuters News Agency.

Shelflife

Shelflife consists of three old schoolmates from Nutley, NJ- Lonnie Lafoon on drums, percussion, and background vocals- Eric Lordi on bass, keyboards and vocals- and Mark Roselli on electric and acoustic guitars and vocals.

They are currently in the studio working on their second full release of original material in the vein of The Police, REM and Toad the Wet Sprocket- expected release date Summer 2008. Their 12-song debut "Splice the Mainbrace" spawned a few songs that made their way onto internet radio playlists, a cd compilation by 91.9 FM WNTI featuring the first volume of NJ best unsigned bands, and even a few iPods.

For latest news, upcoming performances, free previews & downloads, photos and more, go to: www.myspace.com/shelflifetheband

Bob Cannon

Montclair resident BOB CANNON has approached the music business from enough angles to fill a geometry quiz.

An editor and music journalist by day for publications like Entertainment Weekly and Performing Songwriter, he has also enjoyed a long career throughout the Northeast as a performer, songwriter, producer, and arranger.

His songs have earned awards from the American Song Festival and graced the country charts, but living the past eight years in New Jersey has long since erased his Southern accent.

Christine Kelly

Christine Kelly is a single mom, professor and leisure-rocker with the Montclair based band Angels Garage.

A life-long New Jerseyan, Kelly emerged from the New Brunswick music scene in the early 1990 as a rising singer-songwriter, winning East Cost Rocker's "Best Songwriter" and "Best Female Artist" in consecutive years.

Having opened up for acts like Ani DeFranco, Richie Havens, Roger McGuinn, and Warren Zevon, she now takes great pleasure in playing local pubs and cafes.

Alma Schneider

Alma Schneider grew up in New York City, listening to her parents eclectic record collection, harmonizing with her six siblings, and attending the High School of Music and Art. At the University of Wisconsin, and after college, she played music often, both socially and in local venues. After graduate school in Social Work, marriage, four kids and a move to the suburbs, however, she struggled to find the time to indulge her passion for music. In 2005 Alma combined her love of music and background in community organizing to found Parents Who Rock, an organization dedicated to helping parents re-connect with their musical past through organized performances for charity.

Alma is also Founder and CEO of Take Back the Kitchen, LLC (www.takebackthekitchen.blogspot.com), where she combines her background in counseling with her other passion, cooking, to help women overcome the common and individual obstacles to achieving their goals in the kitchen.

Dea Viola

Born and raised in Salvador, Brazil, Dea Viola is a professionally trained singer, dancer and choreographer with a background in musical theater, ballroom dancing, ballet, jazz and modern techniques.

This mother of 4, is the female vocalist for the local rock n’ roll cover band CRANETOWN.

Ruby on the Vine

Ruby on the Vine is a Montclair, New Jersey based underground fold - rock band featuring Myrna Marcarian (vocals, guitar,keyboards) Geoff Feinberg (guitar), Matt Klss (bass), John Ehlis (mandolin), Dave Cushing (drums). Formed in the late 1990s, ROTV is led by Ms. Marcarian, who from 1977 to 1986, was co-leader of the critically-acclaimed new wave band, Human Switchboard from Cleveland, Ohio. Writing in the New York Times back in 1980, Robert Palmer called Human Switcboard the "best underground white band in America today," After the demise of Human Switchboard, Ms. Marcarian released a solo EP (Human Touch) in 1989, and then retired from the music scene to raise a family.

The retirement didn't last forever. ROTV has been gigging in the New York area now for nearly 10 years , and in 2003 released their debut album, This World of Days, to rave reviews. Containing 10 new original songs, the album features an impressive roster of friends and musicians, including her longtime collaborator and co-songwriter, Geoff Feinberg. Doug Hall (keyboards, backing vocals, guitar, production), Bernie Worrell of Parliament Funkadelic (keyboards), Tony Maimone, Pere Ubu (bass) Mark Spencer who has played with Laura Cantrell, Uncle Tupelo and the Blood Oranges, (guitar), Frank Villardi from Feedie Johnson, Suzanne Vega and the Bacon Brosthers (drums), Andy Mckee (bass), Ron Metz (drums, George Usher (keyboards),

"This World of Days is a remarkable comeback . . . Marcarian hasn't missed a beat despite a 14 - year layoff. Purring and wailing like the mature Patti Smith, Marcarian's voice sounds terrific, from slinky sex-kitten torch songs to passionate ballads to drving, garagy rock . . . Here's hoping 2004 sees Ruby on the Vine bring some of that old Human Switchboard magic back to a NYC club scene that's starving for a band with this much substance and passion." Jim Testa, Jerseybeat Magazine

"Intriguing . . . We already knew she could walk alone, and now she's sounding real sharp again," Richard Riegel, Village Voice

"An impressive offering, Ruby on the Vine features Myrna's distinctive vocals at the helm with traces of Marianne Faithful, Patti Smith and Maria McKee . . . The album is loaded with catchy tracks . . from Americana roots to 50s girl- group to 80s New Wave. Give this very original work a listen." Michelle Picardo, Freetime Magazine, Rochester, NY.

Ruby on the Vine is working on a second album.

JOHN “YANNI” FOTIADIS

An Architect by day, and multi-instrumentalist / singer-songwriter by night, John Fotiadis (‘Yanni’ to his friends) has written and recorded pop music for film, theater and TV. He is presently working on a new album / project called “Empty City Squares”

John’s original music fuses Britpop and Rock. An accomplished musician (guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and vocals), John performs frequently in Manhattan and Northern New Jersey. He often plays music with his 11-year-old daughter Kassandra, a budding pianist and singer.

For more info go to www.soundclick.com/johnfotiadis

Ed Daingerfield

Ed has played in several rock, blues and jazz groups during the last century. For the past few years, he has backed up many notable singers in the PWR community, raising money for charity and having a blast. Ed lives in Montclair with his wife Linda, daughters Emily, Liz and Caitlin, and two rambunctious hound dogs.

Favorite album: Miles Davis' 'Kind of Blue' (of course)

Currently listening to: Jim Hall, Buddy Guy, and anything Eric Clapton ever put out.

Maureen Fichten

Maureen Fichten is a singer/songwriter and mom of two.

Originally from Massachusetts she spent her early years performing in New York City and across the US.

She is very happy to be a part of Parents Who Rock.

Rabbi E. Noach Shapiro

Rabbi E. Noach Shapiro has been the rabbi of Shomrei Emunah since August 1, 2004.

Rabbi Shapiro's vision of the role of a congregational rabbi is "to lead a community in transforming a synagogue from a 'Beit Hak'nesset', a place where people gather, to a 'Kehilla Kedosha', a sacred community defined by mitzvot, compassion, commitment, Torah, music and celebration."

A little known fact about Rabbi Shapiro is that 'back in the day' he lived briefly in Northern Thailand and made a living playing music in pubs every night.

John Paul Uva

John Paul Uva grew up in Hoboken, started playing guitar when he was 8 and played in rock and roll bands in and around NYC for many years. He lives in Montclair with his wife Elizabeth and children Christian and Emma, and works in technology management.

All-time favorites include Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, and REM, but nowadays he listens to a lot of alt-country bands -- Old 97s, Ryan Adams, Wilco, Jayhawks.

Jack Rigg

Professional Musician, Producer, Songwriter, Composer. 1971-1995.

Performed and recorded as a guitarist; toured internationally and performed in clubs, concert halls and arenas with many bands; played on many recordings, wrote songs and composed music for modern dance companies and off-Broadway shows; produced records; written up in Rolling Stone, People, New York Times, New York Post, Village Voice, Cream; earned Gold Record. Bands that I have toured and recorded with include Blue Oyster Cult and David Johanson. Favorite bands include Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam, Black Crowes. Currently listening to Richard Thompson, Jeff Buckley.