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Anthem IMF 2009 Artists

Voting for the 2009 International Music Festival (IMF) has come to a close. Thank you to all who listened and voted - you helped decide the final 7, and the IMF Champion.

All the city representatives are immensely talented and as a result their music profiles will be memorialized on the IMF website forever!

We look forward to seeing all these talented acts back for the 2010 International Music Festival. Watch the site for the 2010 IMF updates and the 2009 IMF Champion!






Sly Chi

Sly Chi
Portland, ME

Sly-Chi [chee], from Portland, Maine, defies your standard musical genres. It takes more than a word to describe their style. There's funk, soul, a little R&B - all with an underlying jazz edge. Throw in the classic rock and you're pleasantly confused. This unique combination - along with the sheer size of the band - creates an unmistakable energy. The group has horns, 4 singers, a long list of percussive instruments, and a super-tight rhythm section to support all that sound. They pack dance floors much like the bands they're often compared to - Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Brand New Heavies. The group got started in early 2000 and their family of friends and fans has been expanding ever since. Soon after their debut CD, "Wave Sound", reached best seller status in Maine and New Hampshire, they were voted Best Live Act and Best R&B Act in the 2004 Portland Phoenix Best Music Poll, followed by Best R&B Act in 2005 and 2006. With the addition of new saxophonist, Brian Graham, and Q97.9's Maine Idol Winner, Kelly McKenna, the band has placed in the finals of The 2008 Anthem International Music Festival. Most recently Sly-Chi has released their sophomore album, "The Space," which is now available at Maine and New Hampshire Bull Moose locations. Their first single, "Why," released in early 2008, has had radio play on most Maine stations and a number of college stations across the country. and the band is scheduled for an upcoming appearance on local television show "207."



The Midnight Howlers

The Midnight Howlers
Boston, MA

Formed in 2008, The Midnight Howlers earned the honorable title as Boston's IMF champions. The 4 piece Rock 'N Roll band consists of members ranging in ages from 18 to 22. The rhythm section is made up of drummer Red Jacobs and bassist Wyatt King, on keyboards is Ricky Ruckus, and the band is fronted by lead singer and guitarist Jim McIver. In just less than a year, The Howlers have progressed from garage band, to well respected, hard rocking artists in the Boston and Greater Boston area. The band has also received honors playing alongside Graveyard BBQ and even headlining at the well-known Middle East Downstairs. The Midnight Howlers insist on letting their music and live, on-stage performances do the talking for their rocking style, and play with the heart and soul to make an unforgettable statement. So, crack open a cold one and welcome yourself, to the den of The Midnight Howlers!



Remember September

Remember September
Hartford, CT

Over our three years together, we have seen our grassroots effort grow from playing mostly local clubs in New York City and Connecticut to performing at major venues across the East Coast with legendary acts, including Chicago, Average White Band, .38 Special, The Spin Doctors, guitar legend Steve Vai and several others. From speaking with many of these rock superstars backstage, they tell us to "keep doing your own thing!"...and we have made this our anthem!! Our acoustic rock sound combines the elements of classic and contemporary rock with jazz, the blues and reggae in our own special "brew." We are honored to participate in The International Music Festival and excited by the warm reception to our music at the show in Hartford.



Beautiful Lies

Beautiful Lies
Boston, MA

Brothers Nick & Zach McLean have been writing and performing their brand of melodic alternative rock since a very young age. Working with a revolving lineup of musicians and band names, they have seen multiple cd releases and tours, and have worked with many talented and experienced people. Beautiful Lies was formed after meeting drummer David Widaman and Phil Crayton at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. The band has since released two records, toured 8 countries in Europe, embarked on two US tours, and is currently working on their third album. What makes Beautiful Lies different than every other band you've heard of? With over 100 shows in 1 1/2 years, the band makes live performance a high priority. They have been featured on Weezer.com for their cover of the bands Pinkerton album last Halloween, a feat that will soon be repeated this year when the band chooses the next album to cover. The band has an international fan base, due to their visits to Europe on tour and to their push for an online community of fans.



Boston and Bosco

Boston and Bosco
Plymouth, MA

Boston and Bosco hail from Plymouth, MA. Their goal: deliver high quality, high intensity rock music that stands the test of time in a world where most music is disposable. To achieve that goal they gather their influences from bands such as AC/DC, Guns'n'Roses, Queens of the Stone Age, The Foo Fighters, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon, and Pat Benatar. Boston Catalano's endless energy and powerful pipes on lead vocals front Boston and Bosco's in your face rock. The driving rhythm behind their music is led by Lightning Luke on drums. Their catchy guitar riffs and shredding solos are the handiwork of Boris the Spider on lead guitar. Flint Locke John on the bass, lends his steady groove while Moon Medeiros gives the music its swagger with his rhythm guitar and rock piano. In the summer of 07' when the young life long rockers of Bosco's Disturbance met acoustic singer songwriter Boston Catalano, the super rock band, Boston and Bosco, was born. The day after they met, they went to work on their craft, booking gigs, building a loyal fan base, and marketing themselves, all the while attracting attention from local production companies. Their image and sound came naturally as they matured into a full-blown rock and roll act. In the winter of 08' the band recorded their debut album set to be officially released in March 09'. Boston and Bosco aim to rock you and the ground on which you stand; see them live and you will agree that they have the world ahead of them.



Trebek

Trebek
Providence, RI

TREBEK explores a kaleidoscope of musical genres that breeds a sexy and courageous blend of rock, punk, funk and R&B. Their undeniable complexity is evidence of each member's individuality. Appropriately, TREBEK is not just a band. TREBEK is an experience. TREBEK is the two year ('07 & '08) consecutive winner of the Worcester Music Award for Best Live Act. TREBEK contributed music to the New England Patriots' soundtrack for the 2008-09 season including playing at Patriots' Monday Night Football Verizon tailgate on 10.20.08 and writing music for and appearing on the TV program, "Totally Patriots".



Syndicate 19

Syndicate 19
Southern Maine

Syndicate19 began in 2002, as a three-piece band. During the next few years, band names, members and styles were tried and tested. By May of 2007, they had finally found the right combination to create a passionately unique sound. A sound that can be difficult to define by a single genre. From one song to the next, or within a single song, the feel can shift from arena rock to funky blues or relentless angst to hopeful resolution. This intensely dynamic sound is the result of the assortment of influences and styles of the individuals in the band. This cast of characters includes the Impulsive Dreamer, the Data-driven Idealist, the Accident-prone Wise Guy and the Affable Maverick. Their musical inspiration spurs from every genre, and their influences range from the Beatles to Tool to Mozart to Snoop Dogg. This diverse, four man line up generates a powerful, alternative rock sound with blues, jazz, funk and metal undertones. Through their diversity and depth, Syndicate19 engages a detached generation that is skeptically looking for something to believe in...something more. Their music reflects on the state of the world, society, government, relationships, spirituality, media, money, technology and cultural disconnectedness. The eclectic nature and deeper messages resonate with many.



Fire in the Field

Fire in the Field
Dover, NH

The wails of a prodigal blues singer, fat back grooves pluming from the back of the van, a young guitar slinger anointed with the oils of the old gods. They summons into the future, spirits of the past, which still haunt the hearts of true rock fans. Fire in the Field presents a nubile yet experienced backseat sacrifice at the alter of rock and roll. Get yourself a taste, feel the thrill of fresh rock and roll unfolding for your pleasure. Take a listen, all it takes is just the tip, just one more time.



Harbour Grace

Harbour Grace
Northampton/Amherst, MA

In today's era of carbon copy bands and record company pawns, emerges the unique and reviving sound of New England's own rock music act, Harbour Grace. This super group comprised of established musicians works off of the proven formula of compelling instrumentation and addictive melodies that is suitable for music fans of all genres. With their latest release, "Placid," receiving four star reviews, the band has been tearing up the club scene making a name for themselves throughout the Northeast. One listen to Harbour Grace promises to bring back the inner rock groupie in everyone.



Project 18

Project 18
Southeastern MA

Project 18 was formed in September 2006 by Andy Kenn (Guitar), Dan 'O' Mac Leod (Drums), and Chris 'Needle' Zahner (Bass). What started out as a jam session in a basement had led to the building of a rehearsal studio. P18 spent many months writing new tunes and trying out potential members. Their music during that time was constantly going through a genre change starting out as a blues rock style to a hard rock then on to the heavier sound you hear today. In March of 2008 P18 headed in to record, at the same time still looking for the missing pieces to the P18 puzzle (Second Guitarist and Lead Vocalist). When a friend, Lou Argenzio (Guitar) contacted Dan'O' in April of 2008, it was a gift from the metal heavens! It was a no brainer to add Lou's talents to the P18 Line up. They were one step closer to becoming a local music force. But there was one thing missing, Vocals. After countless searches the final piece surfaced. Drew Dampier (Vocals) replied to one of P18's ads in July 2008. When Drew auditioned his attitude and vocal ability made it known that this was the front man needed to round out this musically diverse group. In September 2008, P18 headed for the recording studio again, to finalize their tracks. "Fade Away", "Divide & Conquer", and "Coma" were released in late 2008. Their sound will set your blood to boil. Project 18 will not be ignored!