What do you get when you mix Ani DiFranco, Norah Jones, Fiona Apple, and Annie Lennox? Toby Lightman, Lava Records' new singer-songwriter who's burning up stages on the East coast. She's already toured with radio heavy-hitters Edwin McCain and Josh Kelly. This genuine Jersey gal hid her violin talent all through high school, and then while attending the University of Wisconsin, decided to give a singing career a chance by learning how to play the guitar. Now she's ready to dive into the Starland Ballroom, one of the Jersey shore's hottest concert venues, opening for national act Gavin Degraw. Loungin' with Ms. Lightman I learned just how she's getting her music heard and bringing her musical light into listener's lives.

She quickly landed spots on late night television this past Spring, including David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Craig Kilborne, and Carson Daly. She dished a bit on her very first national television appearance-David Letterman. "It was really weird," she shares. "It was fast but it was neat to be on a show that I've watched for so long. I used to watch Johnny Carson with my parents when I was little. So I remember him from a long time ago. It was very weird but it was exciting at the same time."

When she was six years old, her mom noticed that she had rhythm and she thought it would be cute if Toby played the violin. Her teacher said she had perfect pitch and it could be a really good thing if she kept playing. "So I kept playing and wanted to quit all through high school," Toby says. "I didn't have the time to practice
   Continued page 9

I caught up with the guys of "For Felix", a local pop/punk band from Bridgewater, New Jersey at The Saint, in Asbury Park. The band started back in Fall of '02. Dan Perea (Bass/Vocals) writes all lyrics, and then the band all write the music. Dan, along with Whit Maull (Guitar) Pete Petrocelli (Guitar) and Jay Gelardi (Drums) were all friends in different bands before coming together back in '02. Their debut CD, " Everyone's Got A Girlfriend " was released on Five Star Records, back in April

of 2003. They currently have a second CD, due to be release some time this fall. Also, if you'd like to check these guys out, you can find them Friday September 24th 2004, at The Internet Cafe or check out their web site of information on their late October Northern tour.

So be sure to visit the guys at www.ForFelixRock.com and come out to one of the shows!

by Stephanie Herbert