The six-piece roots ensemble APPALATIN formed in 2006 in Louisville through band members’ mutual love of the folk music sounds indigenous to Latin America and the Caribbean. Their songs reflect messages of freedom, community, empowerment, human rights, spirituality, and environmental stewardship. "If one were to introduce Appalatin to the world in one longish sentence, it might be something like this: 'Appalatin is sunny, high-spirited, fun music, technically a cross-pollination of Appalachian-Kentucky Hillbilly and various Latin American Sounds (primarily Andes & Coastal Central American) -- specifically Rumba, Andean, Central American Folk, American Folk, Cuban, Cha Cha, trova movement from the Sixtes and Seventies, Cumbia, and Bluegrass -- with some of their influences being Silvio Rodriquez of Cuba, Mercedes Sosa of Argentina, Victor Jara of Chile, Nineties Spanish pop band Jarabe de Palo, and jam bands like the Allman Brothers.' " ~ Alexander Clark Campbell, Louisville Music News. Appalatin’s debut self-titled CD was released in March 2011 and recorded with a grant from Kentucky Arts Council.

DREAM JOB is a dynamic indie-rock and modern folk trio exploding on the Pittsburgh scene. In just one year together the band is already winning over audiences and building a loyal following across the region. Meet the players: Barrett Black started playing cello at the age of four and was classically trained, playing in orchestras and quartets and soaking up the conservatory environment of Carnegie Mellon University. Multi-instrumentalist Ricardo “Iamuuri” is an honest, and soulful vocalist who has mastered his voice, with a range that transcends traditional norms. Coming from a family that honored the power of the Negro Spiritual, Ricardo has always been close to the source of spiritual music. His voice soars in the ears of his listeners. Percussionist David Neuhart is a veteran of the Pittsburgh music scene. Self taught, he has been performing for over 15 years across the region, with touring bands and as a studio session player.