April is a bit too soon to count on beach weather, as I learned at this year's Dewey Beach Popfest, with Friday's showcases being accompanied by heavy rain and temperatures in the 40's.  However, the shoreline wasn't the main attraction here this weekend, so  on to the music.....
Although almost every band I heard was talented in their genre of choice, it seems that the large majority of pop bands currently are choosing the exact same style.  Friday evening featured a significant number of groups in the Jimmy Eat World/Blink 182 style-copying category.  While they all sounded tight and musically sound, they also seemed to echo each other's vibes.

The notable exception for Friday's set was York, PA-based  The Underwater, a definitely heavier sound than most of the evening's fare.  Not quite metal, and with smooth vocals and youthful enthusiasm, their soaring guitar rock was a welcome break in the chain of events.  Note to their lead singer: You might want to go a little easier on the eyeliner.  Call me Mrs. Robinson, but you're pretty damn fine already and this isn't the '80's. 

Brickfoot had a painfully early timeslot, and I regret having missed what I'm sure was a stellar set.  I'm familiar with this band and I suggest taking any opportunity to catch their energetic live shows.

Other note-worthy performances turned in Friday night were from Baltimore's Rocket Transfer Warehouse (hey, I don't make the names up, I just report them) and the Bethlehem, PA band Four Minute Mile.  Both featured melodic hook-filled guitar pop, with an unmistakable reference back to the sound of an old favorite of mine, Squeeze, with the ear-friendly vocals to match.  F.M.M. could possibly use a style consultant and less inane banter between songs, but the music speaks for itself.  R.T.W. has the whole package down.  I'll skip the obvious rocket/blast-off reference to their future success.

Saturday night's line-up began with somewhat the same genre as the previous night's, with talented youngsters like Green to Think continuing the pop festivities.  However, when Harrisburg, PA-area's Wayne Supergenius took the stage, with their truly refreshing bluesy, roots-rock sound, they were like a cold beer on a hot August afternoon.  Patrons put their drinks down and got up to dance, or just to move in place to the undeniable beat that grabs one by the feet.  Certainly, they were the only band on the roster to feature a pedal steel guitar in their repertoire, but this is not twangy country-bumpkin music.  It does echo the influences of country music on what is today's rock, but this stuff is fresh and alive with a much-needed jolt of originality.  These guys stole the night's indoor-stage show.

The outer stages featured several more very notable acts, including another Harrisburg-based gem, Gig Records recording artist Stephen Reso.  I have long been an ardent admirer of Stephen's soulful, provocative sound and several new songs indicate no fall-off in that department.  Backed by a great blend of talented young musicians and music-scene veterans, Reso's music defies listeners to sit still, and few witnesses to his set did so.  His powerful, thoughtful, gutsy rock was another nice contrast to the prevailing style theme of many other bands.  You can visit Stephen's web site at http://www.stephenreso.com.

Another gleaming star in the musical sky was Pilot Radio, all the way from Houston, TX.   Their obvious youth was belied by their mature and very cohesive melodic sound.  Featuring extremely talented vocals and the ability to pull off very diverse types of songs, I would suggest keeping all eyes on the musical landscape for the emergence of these guys before long.  I hope to review a CD of theirs in the future on this site, so watch for that.

A crowd favorite was Ike, from Philadelphia, an energetic and polished band whose description in the Pop-fest flyer says it all: "radio-ready hooks".   Their set seemed to move at twice the speed of the others'.  The last band that really grabbed me, however, was the Rosenbergs.  There was just that little intangible something about their sound that made me long for more than a half-hour musical appetizer.  The strength and clarity of their lead vocalist was set against a backdrop of smooth, spirited tunes that I could have listened to for hours.  They emerged as one of my "mention-worthy" favorites of the evening.

Of course, there were 50-plus bands, at two locations, on six different stages, so there were many bands I was not able to check out.   For anyone who may find themselves on the East Coast at the time, there will be another event, The Dewey Beach Music Festival, in Sept., 2003.  I advise attending.  Where else can a person get a sneak preview of today's musical pioneers, and tomorrow's icons?  Check on-line for details.

Many kudos to Vikki Walls for putting this huge event together, and for having the intestinal fortitude to deal with that many musicians, PR people, agents, etc.   That alone is commendable! 
Looking forward to September.