Showcase Agency - Oneida, NY

Rusted Root, the multi-platinum sextet out of Pittsburgh, evolved around front-man Michael Glabicki’s distinct sound and grew into a musical entity that has thrived in a non-genre specific category all its own. Rusted Root built their career around dramatic performances; their polyrhythmic, multicultural rock-and-soul picked up fans like a junkyard magnet as they swept across the nation on tour.

Now, over a decade into a career with Rusted Root, Michael is ready to explore roads less traveled. What began as an opening act for Rusted Root shows, Michael’s solo tunes are beginning a new life completely independent from the successful jam band.

Jen Chapin’s music is urban folk - story songs that search for community and shared meaning, powered by the funk, soul and improvisation of the city. Critics have hailed her work as “brilliant. . soulfully poetic” (NPR) , “thoughtful, worth-savoring” (People) , “addictive” (Boston Globe) , “smart, observant, lyrically deft, politically aware and emotionally intuitive” (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel) . JazzTimes has called her “a first-rate storyteller” while Relix regards her as “one of the freshest voices singing today. " She has been featured on “Late Nite with Conan O’Brien, ” honored by the USA Songwriting Competition, appeared on stage with Bruce Springsteen, and opened up for Bruce Hornsby and the Neville Brothers.

Her performances are powerful, spotlighting the world-class musicianship and rare chemistry of husband/acoustic bassist Stephan Crump and guitarist Jamie Fox. As an activist, educator and mother, Jen also brings the knowledge and insight of varied experience (student/traveler in Mexico and Zimbabwe, BA in International Relations, longtime Member, Chair and Secretary of the Board of WHY) to her workshops and presentations to college, community and church groups.

Toby Lightman’s new independently released album, “Let Go” follows her two Atlantic Records releases, 2004's "Little Things" and 2006's "Bird On A Wire", titled after her late uncle’s 1969 LP. She's toured the country extensively, having appeared with such artists as Rob Thomas, Jewel, James Blunt, Gavin DeGraw, and on one memorable evening, Prince. Toby’s national TV performances include the Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, NBC's Today Show, and CBS' Second Cup, among many others. She can currently be heard singing the theme song for NASCAR on Fox broadcasts.

Toby's title track “Let Go” recently appeared on ABC's Brothers and Sisters as well as Dirty, Sexy, Money. "Let Go" can also be heard during the extensive Home Shopping Network TV/Radio campaign. USA TODAY says that “Lightman’s dusky vocals and earthy, groovy vibe invite comparisons to Joan Osborne and Sheryl Crow” while PEOPLE MAGAZINE exclaims “No small talent. Toby Lightman continues to shine a light on her knack for making rich, soulful pop. ”

The Violin Venus Show combines the beauty and refinement of classical music with the energy of folk and jazz. It is centered around the exciting young violinist Jane Hunt who has performed internationally as a soloist at venues that include Carnegie Hall - New York City, The Kennedy Center - Washington DC, The Paramount Theatre - San Fransisco CA, Sir Elton John's Lifeball, Vienna and the Cannes Film Festival, France.

The vibrant show incorporates music from all genres adapted for the violin. Audiences will enjoy all the music that ranges from well known Classical Works to Jazz Standards and Celtic Reels. Jane is joined by other musicians, each of whom is acclaimed for their own specific field of music. They include members of the Eileen Ivers Band (James Riley (Solas, Cherish the Ladies) and Isaac Alderson) , Steve Beck (". one of the cities' most admired young pianists. " The New Yorker) , and Vana Gierig (producer for Regina Carter: Paganini: After a Dream) . By combining the talent of these fine musicians with the different genres of music, The Violin Venus Show is eclectic high energy entertainment that is accessible to almost any audience.

Magdalen Hsu-Li is an internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, painter, and cultural activist that is redefining the female musician and smashing the ceiling in the American music industry. She has been called a “One woman dynamo of talent”, her music described as “Exquisitely furious, beautiful, & exciting” by performing songwriter, “Sweet, melodic, & real" by the new york times, “An achingly gorgeous collection of piano based rock recalling the finest moments of Tori Amos or Ben Folds Five” by Yolk Magazine and "A sumptuous feast for the ears” by Curve Magazine. “a” magazine” says “her blend of hard-grounded folk and sweet siren lyrics makes an enduring impression upon the American music scene - her distinguishing factor is her cool, edgy, sound and courage to be sensitive, tender, and feminine. as she carves her identity as an artist in an industry where Asian women are not thought of as musical powerhouses or innovators - Magdalen is a rare force with which to reckon. ”

"If you want to change the world, then you've gotta change yourself”
- Magdalen Hsu-Li, Change The World

Internationally acclaimed guitarist, Maria Zemantauski, is one of the few touring female flamenco guitarists in the world. Her program, "The Art of Flamenco Guitar, " offers a range of Spanish inspired music from traditional flamenco puro to nuevo flamenco. With a master's degree in Cultural Anthropology, she places the music in its historical and socio-cultural context making her a frequent and popular guest at colleges and universities nationwide.

Her programs are both entertaining and educational. Based in New York's Capital Region, Maria performs either solo or with her flamenco-inspired group, "Alegria, " described as an "elegantly understated global music ensemble. "

The Zydeco experience Blue Sky Mission Club creates can often make one think. . "I am having an Incredible time! Why haven't I heard this kind of music before? " Thats because Zydeco music is one of the newest forms of traditional music. This spirited style of music stems from the depth of Louisiana history.

Blue Sky Mission Club's newest form of this traditional music takes Zydeco and introduces it to blistering Lap Steel Guitar, Funky and Deep Hypnotic Grooves. All while writing songs with socially relevent lyrics that make everyone want to sing and dance along.

We call this Soulgrass! Truly defining Blue Sky Mission Club is - "Practicing the age old tradition of playing music people want to dance to. "Love and the love of music is the influence behind Blue Sky Mission Club. Rooted in Creole, Zydeco and branching into Soul, Bluegrass, Reggae and Funk.

Artists Against Hunger and Poverty (AAHP) , a division of World Hunger Year (WHY) , works with artists, the music community and the music industry to raise awareness and funds for the most innovative and effective community-based organizations working to combat hunger and poverty all over the world.

This program includes a lecture and performance by Urban Folk Sensation and Hunger Activist Jen Chapin and R&B Recording Artist Toby Lightman. A portion of initial fees will be donated directly to World Hunger Year; a not-for-profit organization.

Here are some of the artists who have worked with WHY to combat hunger and poverty: Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Michael McDonald, Jen Chapin, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Chicago, Starsailor, Yoko Ono, Aerosmith, Joss Stone and Toby Lightman.

Leon's love and passion for the art of magic has taken him all over the globe, performing both nationally and internationally in places such as New York, Miami, Dublin, and the world-famous magic circle in London. Leon's performances have also won him awards; including CNY Magician of the Year from the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 101, and Stage Magic Champion from the Magicians' Alliance of Eastern States.

Leon Etienne's premiere feature: A brand new, two hour, critically-acclaimed full-stage illusion production. This world-class performance, appropriately titled The Art of Magic, uses grand illusions and award-winning sleight of hand. Breathtaking, astonishing, and captivating - The Art of Magic has been selling out major theaters across the nation to rave reviews.

"Leon's award-winning act was a bonus ending to a very successful evening. "
(The World Famous Magic Circle, London, England)

"What a fantastic show you put on at MVCC. It was just wonderful. Thank you for providing such a memorable evening! "
(Randall J. VanWagoner, President, MVCC)

"It was truly a pleasure to host your act at the Brewery. When we have more events we will be sure to invite you back. Thanks again, you truly are a professional. "
(John Naegele, F. X. Matt Brewing Company) .

Steve Agee
Rory Albanese
Flex Alexander
Aziz Ansari
Ty Barnett
Shelley Berman
Mike Birbiglia
Lewis Black
Josh Blue
John Bowman
Neal Brennan
Bruce Bruce
Dan Boulger
Bill Burr
John Caparulo
Wyatt Cenac
Louis C. K.
Blake Clark
Jeff Dye
Craig Ferguson
Christian Finnegan
Paul Gilmartin
Greg Giraldo
Nikki Glaser
Ben Gleib
Judy Gold
Tiffany Haddish
Kevin Hart
Heath Hyche
Victoria Jackson
Maz Jobrani
Aaron Karo
Nick Kroll
Dan Levy
Adam Lowitt
Stephen Lynch
Na'im Lynn
Kathleen Madigan
Marc Maron
Michael McDonald
Tim Meadows
TJ Miller
John Mulaney
Frank Nicotero
Ron Pearson
Colin Quinn
Caroline Rhea
Tony Roberts
Johnny Sanchez
Adam Sandler
Paul Scheer
Sinbad
JB Smoove
Tyler Spindel
Nick Swardson
Nick Thune
Robert Townsend
Bruce Vilanch
Greg Warren
Reggie Watts
Ron White
Tom Wilson

Comedy Packages:
Comedy Central on Campus
CollegeHumor. com Comedy Tour
NBC's Last Comic Standing Live Tour
The Human Giant Tour featuring Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer
VH1 Best Week Ever Live
The Official National Lampoon's Lemmings Sketch Comedy Tour
*Comedy packages and comedians represented by APA