SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Regional and emerging artists from the Northeast and beyond will be performing at The Big E as part of this year’s lineup for The E Stage, sponsored by Blue Chair Bay Rum. The venue will feature shows by musicians of all genres throughout the run of the Fair. Daily performances are 3 and 7pm, Monday-Wednesday; and 12:30, 4:30 and 8:30pm, Thursday-Sunday. Shows at The E Stage are free with admission to The Big E.
The E Stage, located near the Flag Plaza, was developed to showcase emerging artists dedicated to creating original music. The programming has grown considerably over the last five years, making the venue a destination for fairgoers and a welcome complement to the already expansive entertainment offerings on the grounds.
Featured artists include:
One Time Weekend – September 17, 8:30pm
One Time Weekend is a fresh band that has craftily created a groove-laden spirit and infused it with a clean, melodic and progressive edge. Since forming in 2016, One Time Weekend has made an impact in the Northeast music scene with their rousing four-part harmonies, storytelling capabilities and creativity. The band is comprised of lead guitarists Adam Eytan and Zac Mulcahy, bassist Ian D’Arcangelo and drummer Ben Sullivan.
Melaner with DJ Creme – September 18, 8:30pm
Melaner Quiroz is a soulful Afro-Latina determined to change what a woman should look like in the Latin Music Industry. From Berklee College of Music to the stage of reality show Reina De La Canción, Melaner continues to prove that she will not stop knocking on doors. Melaner reached the Top 9 of the Daddy Yankee executive-produced Reina De La Canción, an all-female competition to find the next Latina music superstar.
Melaner will be supported by DJ Creme, founder of In The Mix DJ School, Latino music editor for iHeart Media, and respected DJ who takes Reggaetón and Latin urban mixing to the next level.
Professors of Sweet, Sweet Music – September 21, 7pm
The Professors of Sweet, Sweet Music (POSSM) have an infectious charm and enthusiasm for life. Their original songs are a surprising collection of songwriting and arranging that harkens back to groups and musicians who became industry icons. POSSM are co-creators of the Hartbeat Music Festival in their hometown of Hartford, Conn., and have received numerous accolades including the titles Best Overall Band and Best Local Band in Hartford Courant’s annual Best of Hartford readers’ poll.
Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan – September 22, 8:30pm
If the fabled Dr. Funkenstein set out to make a two-headed, ivory tickling, guitar ripping, gut busting, crowd slaying monster and a catastrophic disaster in the lab went perfectly wrong, Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan would be the byproduct. Sasser has assembled dueling guitarists, Danny Mayer and Justin Henricks, Bill Carbone on drums, as well as the lovely vocalist, Mary Corso, to craft a perfect brew of organ driven, hard-hittin’, boogaloo rooted power funk with a rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
Taija New – September 24, 8:30pm
Rhythmic Pop artist Taija New began her musical journey in 2013, performing at open mics in her hometown, Springfield, Mass. In 2015, she released her debut EP Color Me Complex. Since then, she has delivered two more projects including the 2017 release of her sophomore album, Heart on the Stage, and toured throughout North America. Taija is currently completing her fourth project and gearing up for her third tour.
Morgan Myles – September 30, 12:30pm
Powerhouse vocalist, singer/songwriter Morgan Myles is one of those artists that makes it look and sound so easy. The Pennsylvania native has already earned critical acclaim from outlets such as Billboard, Rolling Stone and CMT for the way that she seamlessly blends her own brand of Soul, Pop and Rock. Myles’ booming voice can be heard alongside recording artist Cody Johnson’s current single, “Nothing On You.” Her debut album, Therapy, was released in 2020 with a team of award-winning producers, Corey Crowder and Jason Mater.
Sun Parade – October 1, 8:30pm
Sun Parade is a five-piece Rock and Roll band from Northampton, Massachusetts. The band formed in 2011 as a collection of Psychedelic Poprocks Led by vocalists and guitarists Chris Marlon Jennings and Jeff Lewis. Their unique brand fuses reverb grooves and wailing vocals with lively performance and passionate dreamscapes that will make you want to groove, twist and kiss. Sun Parade has more than 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and has released three records. “The guys can harmonize like the Beach Boys on acid. They sound like the psychedelic ‘60s, the indie ‘80s, and the electro-pop boom of the aughts. If you like, well, rock ’n’ roll, you’ll like Sun Parade.” – Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald
Jesus Pagan & Conjunto Barrio – October 2, 8:30pm
Conjunto Barrio has been performing live since 2009 under the musical direction and guidance of Salsa singer and composer Jesus Pagan, and bass player Luis Morales. The duo formed Conjunto Barrio to bring new sounds to the Latin music scene. Together, the band combines a variety of influences including Salsa, Latin Jazz, Boleros, Descargas, Merengue, Cumbia and even some Reggaetón.
Additional artists performing on The E Stage include: Lindsey LaBelle (Sept. 16), Adelaide Punkin & Something Simple (Sept. 16), Dwayne Haggins (Sept. 16), Chloe Belsito (Sept. 17), Emily Victoria (Sept. 17), Kristen Merlin (Sept. 18), Branded: Country that Rocks (Sept. 18), The Penniless Wild (Sept. 19), Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze (Sept. 19), We Don’t Know Yet (Sept. 20), MALADO! (Sept. 20), 3 Exits to Hattiesburg (Sept. 21), Justus Michael (Sept. 22), The Greys (Sept. 22), Vinny B (Sept. 23), Whalom Park (Sept. 23), Rumboat Chili (Sept. 23), Miranda Rae (Sept. 24), CD Rose (Sept. 24), Back Rhodes (Sept. 24), Sam Pursey Trio (Sept. 25), The Red Hots (Sept. 25), Platinum Moon (Sept. 25), Lemon Street (Sept. 26), The Cantalini 3 (Sept. 26), Cessa and The Zach (Sept. 27), Alex Rohan (Sept. 27), Wild Bill and The Flying Sparks (Sept. 28), RICE: An American Band (Sept. 28), Kyle Langlois (Sept. 29), Weege & The Wondertwins (Sept. 29), Austin James and the Nomads (Sept. 29), Myles Jéh (Sept. 30), Tales of Joy (Sept. 30), Faith Rheault (Oct. 1), Shake (Oct. 1), Halley Neal (Oct. 2), Sandy Bailey (Oct. 2)
See the full schedule of artists playing The E Stage at TheBigE.com/TheEStage.
The Big E, the largest event on the East Coast and third largest Fair in North America, returns to West Springfield, Mass., Sept. 16-Oct. 2. Stay up to date on year-round events and programs taking place at Eastern States Exposition by joining the email newsletter list at TheBigE.com or connecting on social media.
–The Big E