ProgDay is happy to announce the first US appearance by the outstanding French band Nemo. Formed in 1999, they quickly established themselves as a band to watch, and by the release of their 2nd album the progressive rock press was calling them one of the best French-speaking progressive rock bands of the contemporary scene. With music that ranges from sweeping orchestral inspired arrangements to hard rocking to quieter introspective ambience, Nemo features amazing musicianship with wonderful interplay and a sound that feels new, fresh and challenging.
Compared to bands as diverse as Yes, Dream Theater, Ange, King Crimson, Kansas, Rush and Zappa, ultimately NEMO create a sound that is all their own. With seven albums to their credit, Nemo continue to find ways to evolve and expand their music with each new release. Their latest, Si Parte II: L'homme Id?al, may be their best yet, and we're pleased to bring Nemo to the ProgDay stage for a performance we're sure you won't want to miss.
Although Oblivion Sun is a new band, most of it?s members should be no strangers to ProgDay attendees. Sax / keys man Frank Wyatt and guitarist / vocalist Stanley Whitaker both have performed twice at the festival as members of Happy The Man. In fact, Stan has actually appeared on the ProgDay stage an additional time as a member of Tenn Jinn in 1999. Keyboard / vocalist Bill Plummer performed in the Mike Keneally all star jam that concluded ProgDay 2005. Add in drummer Chris Mack from Iluvatar and bass veteran Dave Demarco and what you have is a band of progressive rock all-stars. They debuted their live show to an enthusiastic audience at Orion Studios last year. As would be expected with a band of this pedigree, their live show encompasses both complex music structures and invigorating improvisations. Oblivion Sun will open the festival on Saturday and are sure to get things off on a high note. Watch for the release of their first album this summer.