BayFest: Sunday, Oct. 5 – Bios

AT&T/Southern Ford Dealers Stage

Brantley Gilbert || 7:30 p.m.
Gilbert’s taste in music always swayed toward a southern country rock feel, but his true-to-life testimony of heartache, trials, triumph, and success found a home in country music. The rising star released his sophomore album Halfway to Heaven, the follow-up to his debut national release A Modern Day Prodigal Son. The sophomore effort peaked at No. 2 on iTunes Country Album Chart and at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Album Chart for all genres. Gilbert’s songs include “Small Town Throwdown,” “Bottoms Up” and “Country Must Be Country Wide.”

Blackberry Smoke || 5:45 p.m.
Mixing elements of gospel, bluegrass, arena rock, soul, and more than a touch of outlaw country, Blackberry Smoke has earned a passionate fan base that continues to grow as the band evolves. With a little more than a decade playing together, the band has released three full-length albums including 2012’s “The Whippoorwill.” The album opener “Six Ways to Sunday,” is a foot stomping tune that mirrors the song’s carefree attitude and could be mistaken for an old Motown track.

Gretsch Lyles & the Modern Eldorados || 4:15 p.m.
The rockabilly, honky-tonk group Gretsch Lyles and the Modern Eldorados combine traditional country with western swing. Their latest album, “Rockmart Demos,” had gained airplay on alternative country and Americana stations in the U.S and Europe. Gretsch’s songs are said to read like a roadmap tracing the roots of American music.

Travis Clark || 2:45 p.m.
Travis Clark embodies a blend of classic and current country styles. Their debut album shows their song writing skills to stick around for the long haul. Finding new fans is what Travis Clark is all about, once you’ve heard their songs, you will be hooked.

Miller Lite Stage

Earth, Wind, & Fire || 7:15 p.m.
This R&B/pop/funk group has been one of the world’s most reliably transcendent party bands for more than four decades. Entering the scene in 1969, Earth, Wind & Fire has earned eight Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards and has been introduced into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. The group has sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and is one of the world’s top touring bands. EWF is mostly known for their hits such as “Boogie Wonderland,” “Let’s Groove Tonight” and “September.”

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
New Orleans native Trombone Shorty began his career as a bandleader at the young age of 6. He toured internationally at age 12, and spent his teen years playing with various brass bands throughout New Orleans and touring worldwide with Lenny Kravitz. The funk/jazz/hip-hop styled artist released his Grammy-nominated debut album “Backatown” in 2010, followed by “For True” in 2011, which topped Billboard Magazine’s contemporary jazz chart for 12 weeks.

The Joe Taylor Group || 4 p.m.
Members of the group include Joe Taylor, guitarist, producer and composer; Steve Holley, drummer; Sean O’Bryan Smith, bass. An acclaimed guitarist, Taylor’s best-selling instrumental records have reached Top 5 chart positions in Billboard and Radio n’ Records. The single “Built For It” was a Top 20 radio hit in the summer of 2010.

Boukou Groove || 2:30 p.m.
From Destin, Florida, Boukou Groove produces a funky hook filled sound unlike any other. With hits like “Stay Broke” and “Jump Back,” the band intertwines funk, soul and blues during their performances. The group continuously refines their unique style and build upon the momentum of the release of “A lil’ Boukou in Your Cup.”

Coca-Cola Stage

Foster the People || 7:15 p.m.
Foster the People is an American indie pop band formed in Los Angeles in 2009. The group’s music, described as melodic dance-infused pop and rock, spans many genres. FTP’s song “Pumped Up Kicks” became a viral success in 2010 and landed them a record deal. After releasing their debut album “Torches” in May 2011, “Pumped Up Kicks” became a crossover hit on commercial radio in mid 2011. Infectiously fun songs such as “Houdini,” “Don’t Stop” and “Coming of Age” are sure to be crowd favorites.

MAGIC! || 6 p.m.
Magic! is a Canadian reggae fusion band, composed of songwriter and record producer Nasri on lead vocals and Mark Pellizzer, Alex Tanas and Ben Spivak. In 2013, they released their debut single “Rude” from their debut album Don’t Kill the Magic. The group’s sound distills Caribbean flavor, arena-sized bombast, and glistening melodies into an undeniably intoxicating musical position. MAGIC! is all about letting loose and having a good time.

The Mulligan Brothers || 4:30 p.m.
The Mobile-based Mulligan Brothers are Ross Newell on lead vocals and guitar, Gram Rea on vocals, fiddle, mandolin and harmonica, Greg DeLuca on drums and Ben Leininger on upright suitcase bass (all can sing lead or harmony). Through a couple of chance encounters their musical paths crossed, instantly sparking a mutual respect and friendship. The chemistry of The Mulligan Brothers is beyond reproach in their personal pursuit of perfection. They won the 2014 Nappie Award for Best New Band.

The Ben Jernigan Band || 3 p.m.
Local favorite Ben Jernigan, a 2014 Nappie Award winner for Best Local Band and Best Local Guitarist, has been taking his own brand of blues based Americana across the Southeast for several years. Having logged many years as a sideman to Gulf Coast legend Hank Becker, Jernigan developed a sound that has found favor with a wide variety of music lovers.

Launching Pad

William Earl Smith Band || 6:45 p.m.
William Earl Smith Band is a rocking, family friendly, country band from Mobile. They play both new and old country, yet still keep it real with the new guys in the industry. Music is their passion and it shows through their performances. The band believes in playing a nonstop show and keeping their audience on their feet.

Battling Delirium || 5:30 p.m.
Battling Delirium is a hard rock group from New Orleans. They combine hard edged riffs, catchy melodies, and pounding drums to bring an unforgettable experience.

Johnny No || 4 p.m.
Johnny No has a high-energy delivery of modern blues that has been well received by critics at Living Blues Magazine, AL.com and Southern Rambler, and their fan base as well.

Bradley Chandler Band || 2:30 p.m.
A fusion of experience, Bradley Chandler, Chad Stinsberg, and Taylor Locklear merge their talents to form the Bradley Chandler Band. Their sound contains rock and roll undertones combined with layers of blues, jazz, and a touch of classic soul and country. The band promises an unforgettable journey for music lovers of all tastes.

Gospel Stage

Angel Molette-Jennings || 4:40 p.m.
Called to worship, created to praise, Angel Molette-Jennings points the way to God and draws others into His presence on the melodies of anointed, spirit-driven music.

Port City United Voices || 3:55 p.m.
Founded in Mobile in 1981 by Jimmy Beard and Ivil Young, Port City United Voices is a local chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Fresh off a performance at the Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Port City United Voices also opened for the Mobile Symphony’s “Music of Whitney Houston: A Celebration” in July at the Saenger Theater. The gospel group is under the direction of Carolyn Belle and David J. Fairley.

Café Stage

Grits N Pieces || 7:15 p.m.
Pick of the Litter || 6:15 p.m.
String Slingers || 5:15 p.m.
CampFire || 4:15 p.m.
Harvest Band || 3:15 p.m.
Back N Action || 2:15 p.m.