Arts Foundation of Cape Cod Announces Pre-Show Performers for 26th Annual TD Bank Pops by the Sea

Some of Cape Cod's most popular performers will open the 26th Annual TD Bank Pops by the Sea concert on Sunday, August 7. The Bart Weisman Klezmer Swing Group, Funktapuss, and the Lydia Warren Band will perform from 1:15 pm to 4 pm on the Hyannis Village Green prior to the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra taking the main stage at 5 pm. 

The Bart Weisman Klezmer Swing Group has played traditional Klezmer and Swing music for private events throughout Cape Cod and has performed concerts from Falmouth to Provincetown. The group members include Monica Rizzio (violin & vocals), Clayton March (clarinet & sax), Alan Clinger (guitar), Laird Boles (bass) and Bart Weisman (drums). Bart Weisman has been playing and recording Klezmer music for over 25 years and has performed Klezmer on Cape Cod, in New York, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Washington, DC, most notably at the Kennedy Center. Bart is the founder, Executive Producer and Performer for the annual Provincetown Jazz Festival. 

What started as "Purple Monkey Dishwasher" in the late 90's with the friendship of three young men has evolved into the energetic, high quality music of a six piece band known as Funktapuss. Band members are Brian Vanderbeek (electric bass), Chris Santos (drums), Ryan Tivey (saxophone), Tommy Davis (electric guitar), and Latez Crawley (vocals). With a repertoire of over 70 songs, the music of Funktapuss comprises original tunes and influences from such artists as Stevie Wonder, Parliament, Funkadelic, Soulive, Maceo Parker, and Victor Wooten. Funktapuss has entertained crowds of over 1000 at many of Cape Cod's top clubs and prides itself on being tight with a massive groove that will fill a dance floor. 

Lydia Warren tours internationally from Brooklyn to Beirut, whipping audiences into a frenzy at each stop. A versatile singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer, the Boston-based performer tours and records as a solo act and with her band. The Lydia Warren Band has been nominated for a Boston Music Award, appeared on NBC's Today Show and has released five albums. Lydia honed her skills opening for and appearing alongside B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Johnny and Edgar Winter among many other notables. She has graced the stage at The Boston Blues Festival, North Atlantic Blues Festival, Westford Roots and Rhythm Festival, Montreal's FestiBlues and in 2010 won the Granite State Blues Society's "Best Solo/Duo Act" category. 

"The quality and diversity of these performers will certainly create the mood for a wonderful day of music," said Kevin Howard Exceutive Director of the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, organizer of the day's events. "We also are pleased to showcase talent with deep Cape Cod roots." 

The 26th Annual TD Bank Pops by the Sea will feature a Cole Porter Tribute Program performed by three-time Tony-nominated Broadway star Kelli O'Hara, and Theater World Award winner Broadway star Jason Danieley. The celebrity guest conductors will be the comedy writer and director duo Peter and Bobby Farrelly. 

The TD Bank Pops by the Sea concert, viewed by an enthusiastic annual audience of 15,000, is scheduled for August 7, 2011, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Hyannis Village Green, featuring a Cole Porter tribute program by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra. Many levels of seating are available starting with General Admission Lawn Tickets at $15. Ticket proceeds support the work of the AFCC including its bi-annual grants programs to support arts-driven projects and individuals.