Week number two of "Prelude To JAMFEST 4" featured Raritan, NJ singer/songwriter DALE LAKATA.

Dale brought her new lead guitarist DAVE BATESON with her, as well as PETE JESTER and DONNA TORRES, the owner and manager of JAMFEST 4 venue THE LOCAL SHACK.

This show was definitely quite unique as we discussed many different topics ranging from JAMFEST 4 to Hydrogen-powered vehicles to the U.S. military.

DALE LAKATA has been playing and performing since the early '90s. A staple at many open mics statewide, she is a tireless performer who combines her originals with some select cover tunes that fit her "dark" style. Born in NYC, LAKATA has spent some time in Boston as well as Long Branch, NJ before settling in her current hometown of Raritan, NJ.

Inspired and influenced by many classic rock artists, as well as her life experiences, LAKATA pens original songs that are a reflection of the various styles and genres that she favors. Dale's vocals are hard to pin down to any one style. Her voice, in my opinion, is very similar to that of the Motels' Martha Davis. It's low and borderline sultry.

In studio, Dale performed her song "Hydrogen," which is about cars and alternative energies of the future. We also played a track called "New Life," which will be on her upcoming (still untitled) CD.

Along with DALE LAKATA, the owner of the LOCAL SHACK, PETE JESTER, also performed an original song of his. A military veteran of twenty four years, JESTER sang of his experiences in the Army as an Airborne Ranger. JESTER brought along the manager of the LOCAL SHACK, DONNA TORRES. Donna spoke of the special JAMFEST 4 five-dollar food voucher that actually will net anyone who purchases it ten dollars in savings. There will also be food and other specials. The LOCAL SHACK is a BYOB establishment, so bring your adult beverages and relax with great food, and fabulous music.

This Sunday, June 20, the final JAMFEST 4 participant, EVERGREEN FILE, will be the guest of ROCK ON RADIO. These country-style, Americana Rockers from Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ "bring decades of experience" to the table. www.myspace.com/evergreenfile.

Also, as a side note, I will be performing along with AGENCY bassist MIKE THOMPSON as part of the KIM YARSON rhythm section at a "Turn The Corner Lyme Disease Foundation" benefit for TORCHY BLAINE at Brewster's Bar and Bowling Alley in Bradley Beach, NJ this Saturday, June 19. This event begins at 3pm with a suggested donation of ten dollars. The music starts at 5:30pm and features a fantastic line-up of musicians who are all donating their time and talent. To learn more please visit www.torchystroubadours.org.

Turn on... tune in... and, as always... ROCK ON!