(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music and Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 12-13, 2025. The Festival kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. Ozomatli from Los Angeles headlines the festival on Sunday night. Boston-based Couch will close out Saturday night, preceded by New York’s The Big Takeover.
These headliners cap two full afternoons of 19 other local/regional bands chosen from over 115 band applications, representing a variety of styles from rock to reggae, R&B to jazz, grunge to Latin, and pop to Americana. The full lineup and schedule is found at the end of this article.
If the city of Los Angeles had a soundtrack, it would be Ozomatli. Since their formation in 1995, the six-piece, multi-genre band has been a cultural force, blending Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae, and global influences into an unmistakable sound that embodies the energy and diversity of LA. In 2025, Ozomatli celebrates an incredible milestone: 30 years of bringing their dynamic, genre-defying music to audiences around the world.
Emerging from the politically charged streets of Los Angeles, Ozomatli’s origins are steeped in activism and a desire to unite communities through music. This ethos has carried the band across three decades, earning them a dedicated global following and accolades that include three GRAMMY® Awards, four iconic performances at the Hollywood Bowl, a TED Talk, and countless sold-out shows worldwide. From high-profile TV appearances on The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Austin City Limits, to groundbreaking tours in places like Burma and Mongolia, Ozomatli’s music and message transcend borders, languages, and cultures.
The ensemble’s six founding members—Asdru Sierra (vocals, trumpet), Raul Pacheco (vocals, guitars), Uli Bella (saxophone, vocals), Wil-Dog Abers (bass), Jiro Yamaguchi (percussion), and Justin Poree (vocals, percussion)—have remained true to their mantra: “We take you around the world through the heartbeat of Los Angeles”. Their music is a vibrant collision of styles, drawing from salsa, dancehall, cumbia, samba, funk, merengue, New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga, and Indian raga. This eclecticism is at the heart of their sound, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Boston-based band Couch injects each project with their signature flavor: expressive horns, warm vocals, and bubbling synths—crafting an oasis of joy for musicians and non-musicians alike.
From their formation in 2019 until spring 2021, members of Couch were scattered across the country; they tackled the challenges of being a “long-distance band,” writing and even recording virtually. Despite these challenges, they celebrated the release of their debut EP, “COUCH”, in February 2021, as well as three singles and a 20-city headline tour in 2022.
In 2023, Couch released their sophomore EP, “Sunshower”, accompanied by a two-part 40-city US headline tour, performances at Boston Calling and Levitate, and a sold-out UK tour. This past fall and winter, Couch opened for Cory Wong (Vulfpeck/Fearless Flyers) on his 38-city US and European tour.
Traditionalists or progressives? Fronted by the charismatic Jamaican-born singer and songwriter NeeNee Rushie, the seven-piece New York band The Big Takeover plays original music that is rooted in and reverent toward the genres and rhythms of Jamaican pop: reggae, rocksteady, ska. They are devotees of Desmond Dekker and the way the old school did it. At the same time, The Big Takeover crosses lines and blends traditions like global pop fusionists. Their deceptively complex arrangements and big hooks connect with the spirit of Motown and the uptown sophistication of the 21st century retro soul and R&B revival scene.
That rich sound, along with their rigorous performing schedule and studio work, has been paying off. In 2018, the Big Takeover completed a successful 12-state tour. They were enthusiastically received by 10,000 at Omaha’s Jazz on the Green festival. They delivered an outrageously infectious and nuanced acoustic performance on the popular reggae-centric Sugarshack Sessions. Meanwhile, their current standalone single “Rainboots” has scored big with the discerning tastes at National Public Radio. The Big Takeover has appeared live in studio on several NPR stations, while “Rainboots” is in rotation on all of them.
Long-standing Committee Member Gary Shippy says, “We are excited to offer a terrific line up of music along with local artisans and food. And, we will be offering a few new things to specifically celebrate our 20th festival that has become a summer Maplewood tradition.”
Committee Member Amy Biasucci adds, “For our 20th festival, we will be introducing the ‘20 Under 20’ Art exhibit, showcasing the art work of 20 local artists under the age of 20.”
Maplewoodstock is a free event held in Memorial Park in a natural grass amphitheater, steps from the Maplewood train station (NJ Transit) and the charming village of Maplewood. In addition to nine hours of music each day, the festival also features approximately 20 food vendors (including vegetarian and vegan offerings), 60 art vendors, 20 Kidzone vendors, and a beer and wine garden (in partnership with SO Elks Lodge #1154).
In addition to being free, Maplewoodstock is committed to being accessible and inclusive for all our attendees. The festival will offer handicapped parking spots, handicapped accessible toilets, a Senior Tent in partnership with SOMA’s Two Towns for All Ages, sign language interpretation staffed by volunteers, and a Sensory Activation Area for those who might need respite from the sights, sounds, and crowds.
Maplewoodstock is produced by Music & Arts Education Project, Inc. (MAEP), a SOMA-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advocating for comprehensive music and arts education for all students, in all grades, across all schools. MAEP is proud to produce Maplewoodstock as its flagship annual event. See more at musicartseducationproject.org.
Maplewoodstock invites the community to join us: to sit with friends and neighbors; to listen and dance to the music; to buy a special item from an arts and crafts vendor; to enjoy lunch or dinner from a food vendor; to wear a Maplewoodstock t-shirt; to meet a new friend in the Beer Garden. The festival is “OF and FOR the community.”
COMPLETE SCHEDULE - MAPLEWOODSTOCK 2025
SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2025
NOON – Maplewood Glee Club | A beloved men’s chorus known for its humor and harmony, MGC has been a MAPSO staple for nearly 80 years, performing everything from the Beatles to Bruce.
12:45pm – Becky Crosby | A pop rock artist based in NYC, backed by a group of exceptionally talented musicians. Crosby’s compositions possess a distinct and eclectic blend of genres.
1:30pm – Ballistic Berry | A dynamic quartet hailing from Asbury Park. The band blends vintage vibes with a contemporary twist, creating a sound that resonates across generations.
2:15pm – Paper Money | A mix of 90s rock and punk, with a modern twist. The songs are fun and catchy, balanced with lyrical themes that juxtapose nostalgia, sarcasm and existentialism.
3:00pm – Gina Royale | A Jersey-born alt-pop singer-songwriter known for her ability to fuse mainstream pop sensibilities with elements of rock & alternative music.
3:45pm – Laredo | Longtime Maplewood and South Orange residents with special guests, who bring their cover versions of songs from Croce to Carlile and Dylan to Dawes.
4:30pm – Mother Hubbard | A unique funk-rock group hailing from Northern New Jersey, captivating listeners with their unique sound that is somewhere between the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Steely Dan.
5:15pm – Sarah Hodd + The Drive | An 8-piece powerhouse, playing explosive covers and bluesy originals. It’s neo-soul meets rock n roll!! All driven by electric vocals and a rocking band.
6:00pm – Water Street | A new version of Indie-Rock, mixing acoustic melodies with rugged rock and roll bursts, enticing sax riffs, a driving rhythm section & some hints of funk.
7:15pm – The Big Takeover (Featured Act) | Led by the powerhouse Jamaican-born singer and songwriter NeeNee Rushie, The Big Takeover’s horn-powered global blend reveals deep fluency in reggae and world music, hints of soul and Motown, and their own infectious brand of pop classicism.
8:30pm – Couch (Saturday Headliner) | Boston-based band Couch injects each project with their signature flavor: expressive horns, warm vocals, and bubbling synths—crafting an oasis of joy for musicians and non-musicians alike.
SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2025
NOON – Cold Hill | A big sound, original Rock and Roll Band. With Rock as their backbone, other influences of styles breaking through include Bluegrass, Funk, Reggae and Jam Band.
12:45pm – Roe Knows Best | A pop-punk band, indelibly New Jersey in sound, style, and attitude. The lyrical themes of Roe Knows Best songs speak about love, anxiety, and loneliness.
1:30pm – Cheer Up Dusty | They deliver high energy, hook-filled pop punk with authentic lyrics alongside a Philly edge. Perfect for fans of Blink-182, Sum 41, and The Wonder Years.
2:15pm – The Penniless Loafers | Ska that rocks. Brass that booms. Guitars that shred. The Penniless Loafers keep Jersey City & NYC dancing with high-energy, horn-driven grooves.
3:00pm – The Hip Snacks | A Denver-based six-piece powerhouse of explosive soul music. For fans of Tedeschi Trucks Band, Bonnie Raitt, Allman Brothers.
3:45pm – Essex Funk Collective | A local, multi-generational group playing soul, disco, R&B, and funk grooves.
4:30pm – Norbert Leo Butz | A two time Tony Award winning actor of stage, film and television, Norbert Leo Butz is also a singer/songwriter, combining elements of rock, soul, and folk with confessional lyrics.
5:15pm – Reina Williams + The Remedy | A blend of reggae, hip-hop, and soul into a high-vibe experience. From smooth flows to infectious rhythms, they bring a fresh sound that moves the crowd.
6:00pm – simmerr | An infusion of bedrock 80s soul with indie-rock, a carefree yacht rock energy, and Latin jazz rhythms, to put an irresistible smile on the faces of audiences.
6:45pm – Annie Minogue Band | The band’s driving and energizing sound, which combines a gutsy rock attitude, great pop sensibility with a hint of the blues, is reminiscent of rock’s greatest female icons.
7:45pm – Ozomatli (Sunday Headliner) | Ozomatli has spent 30 years uniting communities through music, earning three GRAMMY® Awards. They continue to inspire and move hearts, minds and dance floors across the globe.
