Music Fest at the Dutot & Deer Head Inn

Famed jazz composer and musician Bob Dorough is a native of Arkansas but now makes his home here in the Poconos. Both states have honored his accomplishments. Dorough is an inductee of the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame and was selected by the Governor of Pennsylvania as the 2002 Artist of the Year. He started out on piano in the 1940s, then took up singing in the early '50s. From 1954-1955, Dorough lived in Paris, where he recorded with singer Blossom Dearie. The improviser launched his own recording career when he signed with Bethlehem in 1955 and recorded Devil May Care, which introduced the defiant title song and lyrics to Charlie Parker's "Yardbird Suite." Gen-Xers know Bob from the "Schoolhouse Rock" videos that entertained them on ABC-TV during the 70s, 80s and 90s. Bob handled the music for about fifty of these timeless little classics. Dorough has recorded numerous albums. His most recent is Small Day Tomorrow, recorded in London in 2006

Uncle Pete Tawny and Juggernaut run on a high octane blend of April foolishness and party tunes seasoned with Pete's originals, many set in the environment of the Delaware River. Uncle Pete Tawny rocks the jug band, playing familiar tunes on oddball instruments. Pete is joined by Carolyn “Cat” Burbage on world drum kit, rubboard, spoons and vocals, (sometimes all at once), and Dave Larrison on bass. Audience members are welcome to join the band.

The Blue Planet/Planeta Azul is an Appalachian, Andean, Mexican, African fusion of danceable cumbias, sweet lyrical love songs, and soulful blues, with multi cultural and rhythmic interpretations of Holly's original tunes. Our vision is one of world peace through the love and understanding inspired by sharing our cultures through our music. We named our band after one of our songs, The Blue Planet Blues, which describes environmental angst from the heart. The Blue Planet is Holly Avila, songwriter and bass player, Ralph Romano is the keyboardist/accordionist, Ian Kirk on electric guitar, and Ed Hudak on drums.

Nancy & Spencer Reed's unique brand of vocal and instrumental styling has been enjoyed by audiences in Italy, Japan and Mexico as well as coast to coast at home in the U.S. Their forte is their vocal blend, with tight yet natural phrasing and unusual harmony. Both grew up in New York City and started their musical collaboration as teenagers in the Bronx. They were influenced by the classic performances of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Sarah Vaughan, Jackie and Roy, and George Benson. Their audience is always treated to a warm, relaxed yet swinging and intense set. They offer an unusual selection of rarely heard tunes punctuated by unique treatments of jazz standards.

Varuna's jam based offerings are an eclectic mix of reggae, blues, jazz and extended grooves. The band is made up of a synergetic energy in the cast of players and their diverse backgrounds. Fred Kresge sings and fronts the band and also writes the tunes. His influences include Jazz, Phish and the Grateful Dead. The players breathing life into Fred’s original music include Lloyd Keller on Drums, Chris Centrella on keys and electric piano, Aaron Courtright on Bass guitar and backing vocals, and Jon Bittner "the boy wonder" on rhythm guitar. Both Chris and Lloyd are music teachers, and have both been involved in theatrical, musical and dance productions. Aaron is a songwriter fronting the band Redlove and also creates beautiful handcrafted rustic furniture.

Donato-Wilson perform smooth yet intricate jazz melodies on their guitars. Together John Donato and Marty Wilson exhibit a dazzling mastery of the instrument. Donato-Wilson's unique stylings are a regular offering at The Deer Head Inn.

Dakota Jay is an emotional, fearless, and descriptive musician full of fresh talent. Influenced by artists such as John Mayer, Bob Dylan, and The Counting Crows, Dakota is a singer-songwriter based out of Doylestown who is just beginning to make his way into the Greater-Philadelphia area music scene. His latest single is "The Next Time" produced by David Ivory.