Jackalope Junction

In the summer of 2000 Jackalope Junction performed for thousands of Woodstock Nation faithful at the Yasgur's Farm Reunion in Bethel, NY, and opened for country superstar Martina McBride at NJ's PNC Bank Arts Center. They have shared the stage with country-pop rising star Jessica Andrews and opened for blues-rock veterans George Thorogood and the Steve Miller Band. Inside Connection magazine praised the bands innovative sound and huge crossover appeal, calling songwriter Dave Isaacs "one of the finest writers [Long] Island can claim as its own.

Like its legendary namesake, Jackalope Junction's music is an arresting cross-breed...a mix of rock energy and roots-music groove with the pop sensibility of modern country music. Guitarist/vocalist Isaacs, bassist/vocalist Debbie Novak, and original JJ pianist Angie Sandkuhl began performing together throughout Long Island and New York City in the spring of 1997, bursting upon the local consciousness with a top-10 finish in the 1997 Long Island Music Festival. The band released their debut CD A Sense Of Direction on Isaacs own Shadow Brook Music label in 1998, prompting Long Island Entertainment to rave, Jackalope Junction has produced an album of emotion, elegance, and unforgettable songs. National acclaim was not far behind; Independent Songwriter Web-Magazine wrote "a departure from the obvious fare, this CD sparkles like a gem in the desert... clearly destined for a larger, global audience and selected JJ as one of the twelve best bands in the U.S. in their August 1999 issue. The addition of vocalist Catherine Miles and rhythm guitarist Jay Mafale in the summer of 1999 expanded the lineup to a sextet, and added yet another dimension to what the Long Island Voice had called Jackalope Junctions country-rock hybrid elixir. Keyboardist Paul Piano Dog Silverman replaced Sandkuhl, and the three new members played their first show with Jackalope at Long Islands Jones Beach Theater. In the spring of 2000, Miles made her recorded debut with the band with the release of Miles From Nashville, showcasing what Mule Dog Magazine called her "subtly beautiful presence" and "vocal mastery". The acoustic EP also featured stellar fiddle and mandolin contributions from recording artist Clinton Gregory. The seamless vocal harmonies of Jackalopes three lead singers are a band trademark, along with the interplay between Isaacs' riveting guitar playing and the effortless virtuosity of the Piano Dog on keys. The pulsing, granite-strength rhythm section of Mafale, Novak and drummer Paul Viole provide the groove and backbone that has made Jackalope Junction a top draw on the NY metro area country dance circuit. Nashville-based freelance writer Paula Ghergia once wrote of JJ, Jackalope Junction really does have a sense of direction, heading to the top! and this hardworking sextet is doing their best to make her words into a reality.

The 2000 Woodstock Reunion at Yasgur's Farm was definitely one of the most memorable gigs we have ever played! This band loves to play live and gigs regularly at dance halls, clubs, fairs and festivals throughout the NY metro area and beyond. Local Long Island favorite places to gig are Matty T's in Deer Park (for honky-tonk atmosphere w/ a rock & roll attitude) and the Starlight Ballroom in Port Washington. NYC venues include the legendary Bitter End and the late, lamented Denim & Diamonds.

contemporary country-pop (Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Mavericks, Dwight Yoakam) Americana and country/roots-rock (Grateful Dead, Eagles, Bonnie Raitt, John Hiatt, Bob Seger, Neil Young), Southern boogie (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Bros, Little Feat), and driving pop-rock (Lindsey Buckingham's Fleetwood Mac, early Tom Petty, REM)