THE BANDS
Each year SMF provides the opportunity for singer-songwriter bands of Central New Jersey to showcase their talents in front of a large audience. We feature aspiring professional musicians who make their living primarily performing their own music!
If you are interested in playing at our 2025 festival, please contact: MountainFestArtists@sourland.org
We look forward to seeing you at the Sourland Mountain Festival and thank you for your support of the Sourland Conservancy!
Please stay in touch via our Facebook page facebook.com/sourlandmusicfest
2025 LINEUP!!
2025 headliner
Charles Laurita
Headlining this year’s festival is Charles Laurita & The Mischief, a high-energy funk powerhouse from Hamilton, NJ. Known for their explosive live shows, Laurita and his band combine old-school funk with modern rock edge, bringing serious musicianship and tongue-in-cheek charm. Their danceable grooves and high-octane stage presence are sure to bring the festival to a thrilling close.
Charles Laurita & The Mischief is a funk powerhouse originating from Hamilton, New Jersey. Established in 2012, the band has built a reputation for their high-energy performances and infectious grooves. Led by the inventive and eccentric Charles Laurita, whose creative prowess defines their distinctive sound, The Mischief is celebrated for their signature “Alternafunk” sound.
Band members are:
Will Sarver – Drums
Ralph Conte – Bass
Greg Marsh – Clarinet
Sean Joyce – Trumpet
Pat Vona – Trombone
Dave Butler & Friends ft Jon LaDeau
Opening the show will be Dave Butler and Friends, featuring guitarist Jon LaDeau. Known for their laid-back, rootsy style, Butler and LaDeau bring a warm blend of Americana, blues, and folk to the stage—perfect for kicking off an afternoon of outdoor music and community.
Dave Butler is a drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, and producer based in the Hopewell Borough where he works out of the Butler’s Quarters Studio. He has spent the last 10 years touring around the world with the alternative rock band Guster and before that, other acts such as Lee “Scratch” Perry, Marco Benevento, Tom Hamilton, and Todd Sheaffer.
Along with Dave on drums, the band will consist of Jon LaDeau (guitar & vocals), Scott Colberg (bass), and Aidan Scrimgeour (keys)!
James Popik & Supernova
Festival veterans James Popik & Supernova will return this year with their signature “festival jazz,” a genre-defying fusion of jazz, funk, and jam-band grooves. Their improvisational spirit and joyful energy have made them fan favorites, evoking the early years of the festival when spontaneous jam sessions under the stars were a hallmark of the event.
Guitarist James Popik brings a unique touch and repertoire to his music. From Acoustic Jazz to electrified Fusion Jams, classical Brazilian music and American songbook masters to reworked rock anthems, James has forged a unique voice. Along with original works, James Popik & Supernova play Classic and Modern Jazz with a Jam vibe, what they call Festival Jazz. Supernova brings the groove and FUN. You just might wanna dance.
Better Ducks
BetterDucks will keep the party rolling with an upbeat set featuring tight rhythms, soulful vocals, and infectious energy. Their sound blends rock, pop, and blues influences, creating a feel-good vibe that’s impossible to resist.
BetterDucks is an alternative rock group led by German-born vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Dirk Externest. He is joined by stalwart musicians from the Philadelphia area, including Nick Voutsakis on lead guitar, Charlie Breuninger on bass, and Joe Christian on drums. The band prides itself on its diverse collection of compositions and arrangements over the last 9 years, drawing inspiration from various artists such as REM, Wilco, Dire Straits, Tom Petty, Allman Brothers, and Joe Jackson.
