Dark Star Orchestra

Dark Star Orchestras shows are built off the extensive catalog of the Grateful Dead. On any given night the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead's 30 years of extensive touring or use the catalog of original songs and often played covers to create a unique set list for the show. This allows music fans both young and old to share in the experience. Dark Star Orchestra presents its critically acclaimed live show at esteemed venues from coast to coast and internationally. Grateful Dead classics are performed in the same way that an orchestra interprets music of classical composers. The composer spirit is derived and channeled as the players capture the excitement and innovation of the original performances and compositions. Touring nationwide for eleven years to the tune of over 1700 shows since forming, the band's determined commitment to "raising the Dead" has drawn national media attention.
Cornmeal

Formed 10 years ago in Chicago, Cornmeal has grown from humble beginnings into a nationally recognized live music institution. Heavily influenced by American roots and folk music, Cornmeal blends lightning fast tempos and impeccable harmonies into an unrivaled live performance that continues to expand upon the five-piece acoustic-electric groups’ vast musical repertoire. While steeped in the tradition of John Hartford and New Grass Revival, Cornmeal continues to forge their own path, pushing the boundaries of bluegrass, Americana and folk for a whole new generation of music lovers. The release of their latest album, “Live in Chicago, IL Vol. I” showcases bluegrass as a springboard for improvisational works that touch on country, rock, psychedelic, funk and disco. With a growing fan base and ever-evolving sound, Cornmeal challenges the recipe of the bluegrass sound and live performance.
Family Groove Company

Family Groove Company is a four piece band from Chicago that is turning heads and catching ears with a sound that is uncannily fresh, and live performances that simply envelop audiences in the fun, excitement, and passion that FGC radiates from the stage. Integrating the groove sensibility of funk/jazz crossover artists like Herbie Hancock and Medeski, Martin, and Wood, with tight, Beatles inspired songwriting, Family Groove Company creates an infectious, fresh sound unlike anything else. Based in Chicago since October 2002, Family Groove Company continues to grow their fan base, touring all across the country from The Midwest to the Rockies. 2008 marked the release of the group’s third studio album, Models and Metrics, and showcases Family Groove Company’s continuously evolving high-energy rock performances, tight ensemble playing styles and impressive musicality. Making a highly anticipated return to Summer Camp, Family Groove Company is a band that should NOT be missed.
Jus Marley (Tribute to Bob Marley)
Jus Marley is an 8-piece band led by Adrian Bartholomew. Born and raised in Trinidad, Adrian Bartholomew has been surrounded by the infectious vibes of Reggae and Calypso all his life. This music flows through his veins and is readily apparent in acton. He has successfully transferred the ethnic art form to the tribute stage due to his life´s immersion in the culture as a musician. The band consists of 3 female singers, akin to Bob's "I Threes"; a keyboard player essential to the underlying "bubble" of reggae; a lead guitarist versed in the old blues characteristics of Peter Tosh of Bob's band, The Wailers; a drummer that speaks the language of Carlton Barrett, Bob Marley's drummer; a bass player that has captured the essential lazy sound of Carlton's brother, "Family Man" and of course "Bob" himself as JUS MARLEY´S very long dreadlocked and energetic lead singer.
Brainchild

Hometown heros Brainchild is a band that combines the feeling of jazz and soul with the intensity of shredding guitar solos. Their growing list of original songs combined with a diverse selection of covers are a perfect blend of many styles of music. The best way to describe the sound is ‘Brainchild.’ They are an up and coming band that’s out to melt your face, touring the Mid-West with bands like 56 Hope Rd., Family Groove Co. and Jobu, and playing regularly in Chicago and Indianapolis. A favorite touring highlight? Having special guest Chris Meyers from Umphrey’s McGee sit in at the Kinetic Playground After Show during their New Year’s run. Brainchild will be attending their fifth straight Summer Camp Music Festival this year and they guarantee it will be the best one yet.
Chicago Farmer

Cody is a folk-singer’s folk-singer and a poet’s poet. He was born and bred in Delavan IL, population 25, surrounded by the endless skies of the American Midwest. Before moving to Chicago in 2003, Cody tried his hand at sessions in Nashville and carefully hewed and tested his art in college town bars and honky-tonks around the Midwest. He now plays regularly in the city and it’s not uncommon to see whole rooms full of strangers erupt and sing along to the choruses of his songs on their first listen (I’ve seen it happen). Cody’s voice is powerful and gritty, emotionally piercing while subtly imbuing additional layers of meaning and poignancy in his lyrical delivery. His song-writing is deeply rooted in the American Folk tradition and all of its grit but with a post Dylan sense of wit, perspicacity and that certain savior-faire.
Easy Riders
www.myspace.com/easyridersmusic

Formed by front man Singer/Songwriter and Lead Guitarist Mike Miller. The Easy Riders come from the heart of the Midwest. Originating as a 3 piece power Trio, Easy Riders have come a long way in a short amount of time forming into a 5 piece youthful Blues/Rock band.The Riders have successfully played over 100 shows in 2009 and in recent years shared the stage with great acts as E.O.T.O. (percussionist and drummer Jason Hann and Michael Travis from String Cheese Incident) as well as The Schwag and Jerry Garcia Band with Melvin Seals, and Great American Taxi featuring Vince Herman from Leftover Salmon, also Rev. Payton Big Damn Band and The Lee Boys. Recently Easy Riders broke through and were spotlighted on 99.9 The Buzz! Two weeks in a row!





