The Minus 5, a rock collective featuring members of R.E.M. and The Posies will perform at Union County MusicFest 2009 on Saturday, September 12th at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, NJ.
The Minus 5, a rock group founded in 1993 by underground pop icon Scott McCaughey, was created as pop/rock collective with the intent of using different lineups with each new record. The Minus 5 is rooted in the talents of McCaughey and Peter Buck, a legendary guitarist and co-founder of R.E.M. which was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 2007. McCaughey himself has worked with R.E.M. both on stage and in the studio since 1994.
The Minus 5 over the years has included Ken Stringfellow and John Auer, Jeff, John, Glenn and Leroy of Wilco, as well as various others. Those contributing to the band’s most recent album include Buck and McCaughey, and Decemberists band members John Moen on drums, Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, Nate Query and Jenny Conlee. Tucker Jackson handles pedal steel duties. The band’s new record "Killingsworth" is scheduled later this Summer.
Joining The Minus 5 on Saturday’s lineup is Nick Harper, a popular and immensely talented singer/song writer/guitarist from England. Harper has played the guitar from the age of 10 (he is completely self-taught) and was surrounded by the likes of Keith Moon, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and David Gilmour during his early years. Harper made his recording debut on his father’s (legendary singer-song writer Roy Harper) Whatever Happened to Jugula? in 1985. A meeting with Squeeze frontman and songwriter Glenn Tilbrook in 1996 led to his playing with and supporting Squeeze and being signed to Tilbrook’s own label.
Also confirmed for Saturday at Union County MusicFest 2009 thus far are Fastball, The Alarm, and Cy Curnin of The Fixx. Confirmed for Sunday are The 1910 Fruitgum Company, Glenn Tillbrook & the Fluffers, Gin Blossoms, Tonic, and They Might Be Giants, who will play two sets, the first of which will concentrate on their Grammy Award-winning children’s music.
Along with the free music, Union County MusicFest 2009 includes all the extra attractions that have made it Union County’s premier outdoor family entertainment event, and more. The Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee returns with a full slate of children’s activities including moonwalks, crafts, and kid-friendly performers, all free or affordably priced. Parents can spread a blanket out on the grass and relax while children of all ages explore the sights and sounds.
A laser tag course will be part of the fun, and to the delight of young BMX fans all over Union County, the spectacular Hell on Wheels riders will show off their heart-stopping stunts with free performances. The Union County Performing Arts Center will also be on hand, providing a convenient way to check out upcoming acts at this beautifully restored 1920’s former vaudeville hall and purchase tickets for first class music, comedy, dance, and theater.
One brand new addition to MusicFest this year is a full scale carnival, complete with a Ferris Wheel and many other popular rides. Dozens of food stands, sponsor booths and vendors round out the festivities.
Raising funds to fight cancer will be the heart of MusicFest, with the Rock On! Walkathon and the 5k Rock ’n’ Run, in partnership with the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation. Proceeds will also go to benefit the Valerie Fund. Union County MusicFest 2009 is scheduled for September 12 and 13 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, NJ. The carnival will run at Oak Ridge from September 10 to September 13.
For more information, please visit the website at www.ucmusicfest.com