HEAVEN FOR REAL

The Toronto by way of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada project is formed around the nucleus of twins Mark and J. Scott Grundy. Since 2012, the back-and-forth between Mark’s evocative lyric-driven songwriting and Scott’s musically expressive instincts has breathed a precious life into Heaven For Real - their sound is most simply described as art rock, but more accurately described as post-punk unravelled with one tug of a thread to reveal an internal pool of psych, jazz, ambient, electronica and Britpop. H4R's sophomore album "Energy Bar" dropped via Mint Records in Fall 2022.

JOE GUTIERREZ

Joe Gutierrez rollicked around southern California's DIY circuit for years performing as Steady Lean before heading out east to settle in Western Mass in 2021. The summer's end brought an opportunity to indefinitely care for a relocating friend's bouzouki (an 8-string Greek instrument akin to the lute or mandolin). Gutierrez quickly took to the bouzouki, exploring its capabilities, melodies, and resonant drones, eventually deciding to share what they've learned through improvisational performance.

NORMA DREAM

"Norma Dream is a troubadour from Western Massachusetts. With her banjo, little bird voice, and a patchwork of original and traditional songs, Norma Dream has performed from here to Bosnia and back. Her debut album, Mothers & Daughters, was released in 2021. An ode to transitions-- those within and in the natural world-- the album features performances by Norma Dream's father as well as her childhood community chorus.

As a music educator, Norma Dream works with youth and adults to explore the expressive and connective potential of sound. Her book Make Music! was released by Storey Publishing in 2019."