2024 Band Bios

We are thrilled to welcome back Future Joy to the PorchFest lineup, this year featuring world-renowned saxophonist Michael Wilbur of Moon Hooch! Future Joy is a Future-Funk hybrid duo that blends elements of funk, house, bass, pop, drum and bass, hip-hop, techno, jazz, dubstep and more, taking the listener on a joyous adventure with no musical boundaries. Both artists DJ, sing and play keyboard while Zach shreds tenor, baritone and bass saxophones in the key of fun. You can’t have FUNk without the fun, and Future Joy is a funky good time!

We are thrilled to welcome Küf Knotz and Christine Elise to Jacksonville PorchFest 2024! This unlikely pair connected and built a similar bond to creating positive, forward-thinking music fusing hip-hop with the boom bap era and lo-fi inspired beats supported by the harp. Their unique blend of hip-hop, soul and classical traditions will take you on an era-fusing, genre-bending journey that you can DANCE to! We absolutely cannot wait to catch Küf Knotz (Producer/MC) and Christine Elise (Harpist/Vocalist) on November 9!

Welcome to the lineup, Annie Dukes! This femme-fronted Florida rock band has been touring heavily over the last two years, landing them direct support slots with the likes of ZZ Top, Maggie Rose, Nita Strauss and Plain White T’s. Their sound is a mixture of 70s rock with 90s rock/grunge tones, saturated with three-part harmonies, heavy riffs and a driving melody. Read more about Annie Dukes in this feature by Jacksonville Music Experience: https://jaxmusic.org/jme/2024/03/annie-dukes-cherry

Bringing the ultimate Latin fusion experience to PorchFest 2024: Baba Caiman! This electrifying band brings together the best of Latin music, from salsa and merengue to bachata, reggaeton and beyond. With a passion for rhythm and a flair for showmanship, their high energy performance will have you dancing in the street!

Originally hailing from Paterson, New Jersey, Broadway Louie uses his powerful lyrics and authentic storytelling to express his emotions and speak out about mental health and love. His latest album, “Magick” is a testament to his desire to uplift and empower women. Read more about Broadway Louie in this feature by Jacksonville Music Experience: https://jaxmusic.org/jme/2023/04/boradway-louie-lookin-review

We’re thrilled to welcome Cacique Jakar to the 2024 Lineup! Cacique drives a new wave of hybrid artistry called Nea Americana, appealing to fans of all generations with his smooth voice, moving melodies, poetic lyricism and musical spontaneity. His unique sound is a blend of R&B, jazz, folk, rock, country, Latin and elements of hip hop. Following a sit-in residency in the American music capital of Motown, USA, a successful independent tour and extended pilgrimage to Nashville Tennessee, his physical limited edition debut “The Gate” will be available at this year’s PorchFest.

We are very excited to welcome Dean Winter & The Heat to Jacksonville PorchFest 2024! This North Florida-based band of four friends blends traditional country sounds with their unique blend of twang, rhythm and Americana soul, capturing the highs and lows of life, love and nostalgia. In each new release, Dean Winter evolves as a songwriter, finding details in the experience to draw the listener closer. Ultimately, their sound is meant to be felt and experienced, resonating with anyone who’s ever navigated life’s ups and downs.Get to know Dean Winter & The Heat a little better in this interview with Jacksonville Music Experience: https://jaxmusic.org/jme/2023/06/dean-winter-and-the-heat-interview

We are thrilled to have Dejah Symone on the 2024 lineup! This native Jacksonville artist and producer explores modern R&B using her sultry vocalization and poetic lyricism inspired by 2000s Neo-Soul. Dejah takes an experimental approach to the genre, exploring themes of love and romance, faith and self-discovery. Read more about Dejah Symone and her latest single “Lost Ones” in this feature by Jacksonville Music Experience: https://jaxmusic.org/jme/2024/05/dejah-symone-lost-ones

Welcome to the 2024 PorchFest lineup, Ebonique! Raised in Jacksonville, Ebonique Brooks is an R&B/Soul singer-songwriter who began singing in church and school choirs at age six. Since then, Ebonique has performed at various venues, including opening for rap duo “EARTHGANG” at Jax River Jams, and events such as Winterland SIX and L.O.V.E. Fest. She released her EP “Edge Control” in 2021 and debut LP “alterEBO” in April 2024. Read more about “alterEBO” in this feature by Jacksonville Music Experience: https://jaxmusic.org/jme/2024/04/ebonique-alterebo

Welcome to the PorchFest lineup, Glazed! Making their PorchFest debut, this Jacksonville indie punk band is fresh off a tour and spending the rest of 2024 playing shows in Florida while writing a record at their rehearsal space in the neighborhood. Their existing body of work includes a 2016 LP entitled “You’ve Changed,” two EPs, several single releases and a recent split record with Philadelphia band Sleep In.

Created by Lena Simon (La Luz) and Glenn Michael Van Dyke (BOYTOY) after playing in bands confined by genre, Kairos Creature Club is a project designed to explore music more freely, fueled by collaboration and bringing together artists inspired by the moment and capturing those creative sparks. Their new self-titled album through Greenway Records showcases their roles as producers and songwriters, and aims to express their individual voices as they reflect on themes of conflict, catharsis and indulgence.

Welcome to the 2024 lineup, KALE THAT RAPS! This Daytona Beach-born artist aims to inspire with his music, which features hints of a bounce mixed with the soul of the south. Most of his tracks showcase the infusion of well-written lyrics and gospel-like harmonies. He has opened for Grammy-nominated artist Deante’ Hitchcock, appeared in short films, and performed at festivals throughout the south. You can read more about KALE THAT RAPS in this feature by Jacksonville Music Experience: https://jaxmusic.org/jme/2023/10/kale-that-raps

Lauris Vidal has been bringing his Florida-based brand of music to the world with the “fierce energy of a hangry alligator” since 2006.  Steadfastly committed to every element of his art being handmade, he personally delivers his music to kindred spirits in every town, crafting everything from self-made instruments to printed cases and merchandise. His one-man band setup is a spectacle, combining handmade guitars, lap steels, banjo, ukulele, kick drum, snare, floor tom, and cymbals to create a sound reminiscent of a tight, heavy southern soul band driving their 60’s Cadillac dangerously close to the edge of a cliff. You won’t want to miss his performance!

Luci Lind’s music is a unique blend of bedroom pop, rock, hip-hop and R&B, characterized by its DIY, low-fidelity style, giving it a warm, vintage feel. Drawing from personal experiences in his songwriting, his tracks have a diary-like quality and often explore introspective themes within the pop melodies. Read more about Luci Lind in this feature by Jacksonville Music Experience: https://jaxmusic.org/jme/2024/04/luci-lind-songwriting-school

Self-described as “a crew of iconoclastic jazz rebels,” Madre Vaca has been turning improvised music on its head since its humble start by a quartet of teenagers with pawn shop microphones in 2005. Now a “collective of wizard musicians,” Madre Vaca explores the sonic world through experiments with improvisation and composition. Read more about Madre Vaca and their recent “Knights of the Round Table” album in this feature by Jacksonville Music Experience: https://jaxmusic.org/jme/2024/01/madre-vaca-knights-of-the-round-table

Rapper, producer and engineer Mecca thA Marvelous tells the stories of his native Jacksonville through rhythm and rhyme, capturing the struggles, triumphs and dreams of our community in his music. Through his lyrics, he weaves a bond with his hometown and invites his listeners to witness the essence of Jacksonville’s urban soul. Read more about Mecca thA Marvelous and his single “Relapse” in this feature by Jacksonville Music Experience: https://jaxmusic.org/jme/2023/04/mecca-tha-marvelous-relapse-review

Welcome to the lineup, Rae and the Ragdolls! This eclectic band of rock and rollers is not confined to any one genre and has something for everyone to boogie down to. Hailing from the metro-Atlanta area, Rae and the Ragdolls have been on lineups with greats like Nick Perri and the Underground Thieves, The Velveteers, Starcrawler, Larkin Poe, Tyler Bryand and the Shakedown, Drive-By Truckers, and Mavis Staples. We can’t wait to welcome them to OUR lineup on November 9!

Welcoming Rambler Kane to Jacksonville PorchFest 2024! This singer-songwriter from Jacksonville, FL presents a spirited blend of Americana. His first full-length album “Live at Blue Jay Listening Room” was released in May, and we can’t wait to see him back on a Springfield Porch on November 9! Read more about Rambler Kane in this feature by Jacksonville Music Experience: https://jaxmusic.org/jme/2023/03/rambler-kane-on-your-line-review

Welcome to the 2024 lineup, Sunriver! This duet is known for their reflective songwriting and harmonious acoustic arrangements, blending folk and Americana influences to create heartfelt music that offers listeners an authentic and resonant experience. Read more about Sunriver in this feature by the Jacksonville Music Experience: https://jaxmusic.org/jme/2022/05/new-music-jacksonville-artists-bebe-deluxe-jesabel-sunriver

Please join us in welcoming The Queens of Tulua to Jacksonville PorchFest 2024! Curated by Jordyn Shepherd, this will be a show you won’t forget. As the show director for Tulua Bistro in Springfield and the new owner of an all new Hamburger Mary’s in Jacksonville, Jordyn is no stranger to the stage, and also devotes her time as an activist in the community. Featuring Alabama’s Miss Rising Star 2021 Lolly Gag, Rico Deelite, Alexis Sherrington, Teyonna Lefierce and Madam Platinum, this will be a show you don’t want to miss!

Moving the Margins features live visual artists Marcus Williams, Myah Freeman and Chris Clark.

We are proud to bring back the Student Porch to Jacksonville PorchFest 2024! This year’s student lineup will include performances by the Jacksonville Arts and Music School (JAMS) Jazz Combo Band, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Songwriters, and School of Rock Mandarin House Band. Be sure to stop by the Student Porch and enjoy music from these up-and-coming artists!