2008 Scheduled Performers & Speakers

View Performance Schedule

Dead Poser's Society formed in 1996 by four friends with the philosophy to simply have fun and play only the songs they enjoy from the greatest hits by modern rock and alternative artists. The band quickly gained recognition as one of California's most talented cover bands performing to sold-out venues throughout the region.

Dead Poser's Society play music from the 90's to today. Songs from the Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Lit, Buckcherry, etc. DPS also pays homage to one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Stone Temple Pilots. Performing the greatest hits of STP with near exact reflection of the originals, Dead Poser's Society holds true to the STP legend. If STP is one of your favorite bands, then you need to experience Dead Poser's Society. With songs such as Crackerman, Wicked Garden, Dead & Bloated, Down, Vasoline, and Sex Type Thing, you will be sure to have a great time and reminisce seeing live, one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Their emphasis on playing selective songs gives excitement to the sound with near exact reflection of the originals. Dead Poser's Society live performances are visual, energetic and one you would expect from a top alternative band, with emotional honesty that keeps true to the music and the audience expectations. Don't miss a chance to see this band perform.

Nuthin' Fancy: A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd meticulously replicates the stage performance of Lynryd Skynyrd, mastering every detail from the original band's clothing to its ripping piano and guitar solos. Each member of Nuthin Fancy has at least twenty years of musical experience, which has assisted them in collectively developing a sense of professionalism and unity unparalleled by other cover bands. "They sound so much like the real Skynyrd" commented one observer, "that I have to keep reminding myself they're not the real thing".

Hula 'Ohana O Puananikauikawekiu performs for their second year at the Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival. The group is based out of Fremont and is led by Kumu Aileen Gaspar and Toere Arata'i Francis Gaspar. They perform year round at public and private events, and specializes in Hula and Tahitian dancing.

Jessica Johnson a San Jose native has been turning heads and ears with her smooth and soulful brand of jazz infused R&B, earning more praise and awards than most musicians twice her age receive in a lifetime.

At 20 years old, what Johnson may lack in professional experience is made up for with a voice as strong and bright as a young Aretha Franklin. Her recently released debut CD, 'Till It Happens', is a dynamic collection of
R&B treasures that span from Stevie Wonder's "You and I" to classics like "Summertime" and "Cry Me a River."
With a promising start towards a brilliant career, San Jose's own Jessica Johnson might be one of the next divas of soul.

Louisiana Rain is a vibrant tribute to the music of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Made up of seasoned musicians, this band brings together the experience of touring, recording and thousands of performances to present a new tribute to a great artist. Louisiana Rain features the distinctive voice of Tom Petty, touching on some of his side projects as well as work with the Heartbreakers. It makes for a show not to be missed!

Highway 4 is a Northern California band consisting of former national touring musicians. CRIS SNYDER is from San Jose,CA. He is a founding member of Nuthin Fancy, a highly acclaimed Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. Cris was also a member of the Tim Murphy band, and occasionaly works with Lydia Pense and Cold Blood. JIM ASHLEY grew up in the San Fransisco bay area. He was band director and lead guitarist for 2-time Grammy nominee Tim Murphy, making numerous T.V., radio,and concert apperances throughout the U.S. Jim also plays Mandolin and Banjo. SAM AIELLO currently lives in Discovery Bay,CA. Sam has worked with top Nashville song writer Jeff Steele. As well as the band Silver Creek,and vocalist Jason Scott Evans.

Dance Attack! Performing Company members have a particular love and aptitiude for the performing arts. Being a member of the company enables our dancers to take their studio training to the next level; that is, learning to perform for an audience. The experience develops self-confidence and teaches the importance of teamwork: a commitment to oneself and to one another. The award winning company performs at various community events and competitions, in addition to attending various conventions and master classes.

USA Martial Arts The name USA Martial Arts is used to show respect for all syles of our martial arts family. Our purpose is to form a martial arts coalition that promotes a positive image of martial arts to the public and to community leaders.

NorCal Elite Allstars is an all-star cheerleading program coached by innovative choreographer Roy Adam Lucas. We are beginning our third season and have joined forces with Cheer Xplosion for a second Nor Cal location in Livermore. We have a combined total of 12 competitive teams ranging from age 5 and up.

Shaolin Kungfu Zen is based on the traditional Chinese concept of Shaolin Buddhist culture combined with modern martial arts techniques to promote flexibility and Shaolin weapons (a form of meditation weapons fitness). Shaolin Kungfu Zen is an exercise in physical discipline and control.

Cheer & Dance

Brete Harte Cheer & Dance, Leland Cheer and Pioneer Dance.

Council Member Nancy Pyle: In 2005, Nancy began her first term on the San Jose City Council as the representative for District 10. A retired teacher of 25 years and a former Community College Board Trustee, Nancy represents more than 89,000 residents from Almaden Valley and Blossom Valley.

As District 10's City Councilmember, Nancy takes an innovative approach to solving today's challenges through creativity and collaboration. She has focused city government on the basics, maintaining our streets and parks, keeping our neighborhoods safe, investing resources in youth and senior programs and making city government more accountable.