2013 Entertainment Lineup Bios

FRIDAY, JULY 26th
North Cove Stage

Trainwreck Formed in 2010 by five Stanwood area music enthusiasts Trainwreck is a Country and Rock band intent on taking their guitar driven sound all around the Northwest. Country and Southern rock hits abound in their live shows along with their ever growing list of originals songs about love, growing up, and small town life. From Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings to Eric Church and Brantley Gilbert, you will recognize the danceable covers and learn to sing along their songs such as Modern Day Gypsy and Back to the Wood. Their shows range from Skagit County to Seattle at venues like the Tractor Tavern, Little Red Hen, and Hard Rock Café, Trainwreck has made it their mission to being live, original, authentic country music to the Pacific Northwest. Drawing on a rich history of country influences dating back to the 50's and 60's to the upbeat hits of today.

Brad Upton Headlining Aquafest’s Friday Family Night entertainment is the comedy of Brad Upton. Brad Upton is a past winner of the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and appeared recently at Caesar's Palace as part of the HBO Comedy Festival. Twenty-six years and 5000 shows have made this Seattle based comic a much sought after performer and earned the respect of his peers. Writing about everyday life, a long term marriage and anything else that pops into his head, Brad packs more laughs-per-minute into his set than nearly anyone in the business. He has been seen in concert with Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers, The Smothers Brothers, Lewis Black, Joan Rivers, Dolly Parton, Rita Rudner and Tim Allen. He is currently touring theaters and performing arts centers with The Masters of Stand Up, a group that includes comedy stars: Jimmy Brogan, Cathy Ladman and Maryellen Hooper. His new CD entitled, "Smart Guy, Stupid World" is heard regularly on XM and Sirius Satellite Radio and is available on iTunes. His ease and likeability on stage have made him very popular with corporate clients and the cruise ship industry where he is a headline performer for several of the major cruise lines. Brad has headlined nearly every comedy club from Anchorage to Miami but his club appearances are becoming increasingly rare because of his busy schedule. Brad has made numerous television appearances and was heard around the nation for several years as a regular guest on National Public Radio's "REWIND" program. Brad and his wife of 24-years have a 18-year old son and 15-year old daughter....they live in a cul-de-sac.

Movies in the Park Aquafest Presents: “Movies in the Park”, where a featured family film will be shown at the North Cove Park. Bring a blanket with your family and have a great time! Title of movie will be announced soon.

SATURDAY, JULY 27th
North Cove Stage

Joachim Nordensson Joachim is a crossover guitar artist and balladeer whose eclectic style meshes upbeat and mellow rock with a serving of jazzy pop. His guitar work mixes straight finger picking with strumming that reveals the influence of artists like Chet Atkins, John Mayer and even Django Reinhardt. Joachim's singing style, reminiscent of Jack Johnson or Dave Mathews is immensely personal and intimate, as if he knows the listener and is singing precisely for you. Joachim has been writing and performing his music in the Pacific Northwest for the past three years. At twenty Joachim may seem a musical youngster, but don't be fooled.

Blue Rocket Blue Rocket is a band that boasts four seasoned musicians playing keyboards, bass, guitar and drums with strong lead vocals and 3-part harmony. The sets include music from the Blues, Rockabilly, some Country and a splash of Americana. Our music is taken from the likes of Carl Perkins, Robert Cray, Coco Montoya, John Hiatt, Taj Mahal, Queen and Tom Petty to name a few. Our repertoire represents the great music from those genres without being full of songs you have heard too many times before. As a result, our sound is fresh but familiar. Blue Rocket is a performance-driven band. We are there to entertain with our music and showmanship. Emphasis is placed on the vocals. Our songs are arranged specifically for a live audience with the vocals out front where they belong. The band delivers good music at a volume that moves the audience but does not damage the eardrum.

The Voodoos Get ready for a new musical spirit simply called THE VOODOOS. Hailing from Ireland, THE VOODOOS are a four-piece band consisting of Mark Daly (vocals), Nick Greatrex (guitars, vocals), Mick Bogan (bass), and Fionn Hennessy (drums, vocals). Performing their unique brand of rock wherever and whenever they could (and conquering several Battle of the Bands competitions along the way), it wouldn't be long before THE VOODOOS garnered a mass following from all over Ireland. The band began writing more of their own songs and slipping them into their performance. Local television and radio quickly took notice of their original compositions and the band would find themselves performing for both networks and stations along with fairs and festivals. As luck of the Irish would have it, Susan Tate, manager of the multi-platinum rock band, Queensryche, recognized their unique, raw and energetic brand of music, and was quick to bring the boys over to America to do a full tour of the States as an opener for Queensryche. That tour ended in November with the band earning a spot playing on Shiprocked alongside bands such as Buckcherry, Sevendust, Candlebox and Filter where the Voodoos energetic style captured the hearts of rock fans on board. Following this first ever very successful tour of America the band was back in Belfast to perform their song, “Yesterday’s Future” at the MTV EMA awards in front of 20,000 very happy rock fans (view video). Since the beginning of the year, THE VOODOOS have been going non-stop, focusing on both touring and writing their first album, which already includes original songs such as "Yesterdays Future," "Restless," and "Laugh Without Smiling". In the midst of all the musical things that are necessary to keep the band alive and thriving, the lads are not only able to get along as band mates but as great friends as well. Part ritual, part charm, part magic. THE VOODOOS will definitely put a spell on you. THE VOODOOS will perform before the Aquafest Fireworks Show at dusk.   VIEW VIDEO

SUNDAY, JULY 28th
North Cove Stage

Predators of the Heart Predators of the Heart has been captivating and educating audiences since 1998. There animal encounter show has been seen by small community groups to the largest festivals with 40,000 in attendance. Predators of the Heart has also been a guest of numerous television programs. They have grown to become the largest traveling wildlife exhibitor in the Pacific Northwest. The show will provide educational and entertaining close up of Natures most amazing animals. Stay tuned for updates on what birds, reptiles, and mammals will be presented!

Celebrity Softball Game Mt Pilchuck Elementary School Baseball Field Featured on Sunday is THE AQUAFEST 5th ANNUAL CELEBRITY SOFTBALL GAME. The celebrity team is hosted by Game Time Northwest Sports Radio Personality “The Fish” Jeff Aaron with other sports and music celebrities. The Lake Stevens team is sponsored by Lake Stevens Journal and will feature local area businesses and local sports team members. The game will be held at Mt Pilchuck Elementary School between 2:30 to 4:00 pm. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a great event at Aquafest! Celebrity Team will be announced soon. Catch "The Fish" on www.gametimenorthwest.com