Hackensack’s own Elijah Bland is a self-taught musician who has been playing piano since the age of 5. As a young songwriter and producer, he discovered his own voice, which led to a promising career as an independent recording artist. His musical sensibility in jazz and R&B/soul reflects a range of inspiration, from Prince to Bill Withers, from Al Green to Isaac Hayes. He has performed at B.B. King Blues Club, SOB’s, 54 Below, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and DC’s historic Howard Theater, with such artists as Stanley Clarke, Yolanda Adams, Lenny Williams, and George Duke.

Lindsay Carter (Opening Act), a Hackensack resident, has been performing ever since she could hold a microphone. She was introduced to music at a young age by her father, a talent agent, and pianist, who would accompany her while she sang popular jazz and Broadway songs. Her biggest musical inspirations are Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Linda Ronstadt, Laura Nyro, Barbra Streisand, and Sara Bareilles.