KUFF KNOTZ, MK Groove Orchestra, Club Casa Chamber Orchestra, DJ YN

Kuf Knotz is one of todays fastest emerging alternative artists. No musical territory goes unexplored when it comes to Kuf, and it is this attitude that has led him to open for top acts - Ms Lauryn Hill, Robert Glasper, The Wailers, Common, Dr.Dog, Robert Randolph, Arrested Development, Inspectah Deck, Amos Lee, Steel Pulse, Josh Ritter, SOJA, Bone Thugs & Harmony, The Roots & Soulive , to name a few.

The new album by Philadelphia- and Brooklyn-based artist Kuf Knotz — pushes the boundaries of hip-hop. “My music’s always had a pretty broad spectrum as far as influences go,” he says. “It feels really natural to blend genres. I’ve always just felt that music is music.”

Inspired to take his own indie-progressive style to the next level, Kuf began work on a collection of upbeat, feel-good music. “I felt like it was important and it was needed in hip-hop,” Kuf says. Armed with his songs, he headed for Amsterdam. The change of scenery allowed him to focus on A Positive Light — his first album in more than three years — Kuf teamed with artists like Hanyo van Oosterom, who added live production (NL), Omar Ka, Ntjam Rosie & Tess Garthe' who added vocals & and Mark Gademan(NL) , who mixed the entire album.

Kuf volunteers his time for WXPN’s Musicians On Call program, bringing live music to the bedsides of patients through weekly programs at six area hospitals.

In late 2012 Kuf Knotz relocated and now resides in NYC.


The MK Groove Orchestra is not your grandparents big band, the MKGO is equal parts rock band and jazz band, drawing upon all sounds and cultures that inspire them. Musical omnivores to say the least, depending on what night you see the group, you may be treated to a transcription of a B side from an obscure old school funk 45, the opening theme of a Bruce Lee film, a rendition of a classic recording by a cuban orchestra from the 50s or a classic rock anthem...most likely all of the above. The MKGO's originals also have an equal sense of adventure and breadth, written with clarity and purpose and performed integrity, intensity and virtuosity. Imagine all this...wrapped in face melting guitars.


The CCCO is a Brooklyn-based collective led by Sly5thAve that uses classical instrumentation to create lush soundscapes from popular and original songs.

Alto Sax: Michael Jelani Brooks
Tenor Sax: Jason Arce
Baritone Sax/Bass Clarinet: Tim Stocker
Trumpets: Igmar Thomas, Nick Marchionne, Stephen "Pharaoh" Fowler
Tenor Trombones: Nadav Nirenberg, Kevin Meohringer
Bass Trombone: Max Fisher
French Horns: Lis Rubard, Jon Carroll
Tuba: Chanel Crichlow
Percussion: Brad Williams, Cooper Heffley, Jay White
Flute: Leselle Hatcher, Camille Thurman,
Clarinet: John Leadbetter, Chris Reza, Brian Landrus
Additional Trumpet: Clynt Yerkes
Additional Woodwinds: Sly5thave