2011 was a new beginning of sorts for Nick Ruffini, with the launch of his solo career which also spawned Nick's first studio album under his own name, aptly titled "Pressin' On". "It just pretty much sums up where I'm at in life right now - sometimes life throws you a curve ball, or three, or four in a row" laughs Ruffini, "but you've gotta just keep PRESSIN' ON!".

Teaming up with guitarist/producer Johnny Defrancesco (Defrancesco Brothers) and 2011 Grammy Nominated engineer Glenn Ferracone, the record proves to be one for the ages. An instrumental quartet deeply rooted in the soul and funk of yesteryears, the Nick Ruffini Band takes a modern approach to a classic style, and delivers a unique, organic sound. With influences ranging from old Jazz to new Hip-Hop and everything in between, the Nick Ruffini Band has something for everyone... and it's all BURNIN'!

While born in New York City, Jeff Washington has lived much of his life in Philadelphia PA. His skills as a guitarist, songwriter, and, performer have been honed through many years of hard work. Jeff is an excellent guitarist in all styles of modern music performing a diverse array of Funk, Blues, Jazz, Rock, and R&B. Combine this with his talents as a vocalist, songwriter, and, keyboardist, you have a dynamic package. He studied guitar technique and theory from guitar guru, Dennis Sandoli, who has also taught Pat Martino, and Mike Sembello, to name a few.

Jeff has also performed in concert and on tour with the likes of Melba Moore, Lee Andrews And The Hearts, Mary Wells, Freda Payne, Albert King, Mica Paris, Freddie Jackson,Heaven and Earth, Damon Harris, Blue Magic, Lillo Thomas, Vanessa Rubins, Chaka Khan, and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

He has also appeared on the television shows, All My Children, One Life to Live, Show Time at the Apollo, the Pat Sajak Show, David Letterman, and The Arsenio Hall Show. Currently, Jeff still performs in New York City, Maryland, and Pennsylvania as a session guitarist and performer and was voted best guitarist at the Abilene Music Awards in Philadelphia, not too long ago.

His first CD, "Neptune Moon", with The Jeff Washington Band which showcased his guitar work did very well. Also his second CD, "Songs 4 the Lonely", a solo effort, in which he played all of the instruments and did all of the vocals had a Jazzy vibe to it. Jeff's third solo CD, "Strat Land", displays a little bit of both "Neptune Moon" and "Songs 4 the Lonely". Jeff is finishing up his 4th CD, "Tears from Paris", which is slated for a summer 2010 release.

The Sermon! is a funky quintet. They operate as a group, not as a loose assemblage of "pick-up" musicians. This allows a level of musical conversation between friends that cannot be recreated by five strangers. They constantly are improving and changing their sets to have a fresh sound on each performance outing.

Since their inception in December of 2005, The Sermon! has had the honor and pleasure of playing with the following members of the extended Sermon! family: The one and only "Papa" John Defrancesco - legend of the Hammond B-3 Organ, Mark Geist - Trumpet, Seth Mellon - Tenor and Alto Sax, Jim Dugan - Trumpet, Max Willauer - Alto Saxophone, Robert Stone - Tenor Saxophone, Jason Ziglar - Drum Kit, Vince Pizii - Hammond Organ, Chris Cotter - Drum Kit. Josh Komorowski - Vocals.

Monacy hails from West Chester, PA, a bustling little college town on the outskirts of musical mecca, Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love has spawned a plethora of notable musicians including Patti LaBelle, Pink, G-Love, The Roots, Joan Jett, Will Smith, and Hall and Oats, just to name a few. It's the area's stylistic diversity that has so greatly influenced Monacy's musical soul.

The band incorporates a tasteful blend of funk, rock, R&B, hip-hop, and soul, resulting in a unique and savory sound; one almost impossible to classify. This original recipe was created in 2002 by drummer Nick Ruffini, who recruited guitarist/lead singer Bri, bassist Drew Pritchard, keyboardist James McLaughlin, and lead guitarist Brian Nash to complete the lineup.

Since then, Monacy has been spreading their love up and down the East Coast, performing in venues like the Trocadero and Theater of Living Arts, both in Philly all the way up to Nectar's in Burlington, VT. The band has shared the bill with all-stars such as Phish's Page McConnell, The Greyboy Allstars, Melvin Sparks, The Spam All-Stars, Dave Grippo (from The Trey Anastasio Band) and The Bloodhound Gang's "DJ Q-Ball". Monacy also played a command performance of sorts at the Viva La Bam end-of-season "wrap" party. In addition to supporting such high profile acts, Monacy is making a mark of their own as a premier band on the college and regional scenes. The band is primed and well on their way to break out nationally.

With the help of multi-platinum engineer Rich Gavalis (Bloodhound Gang) the band has completed their sophomore EP appropriately entitled "Intensely Casual Volume 1", a collection of 5 songs that will make you want to get down, get funky, and get loose.. To add even more fuel to the fire, Monacy has teamed up with Los Lonely Boys' marketing and promotions manager, Gigi Greco to help spread Monacy's sound.

Monacy's eclectic style and energetic performances are sure to please any musical taste. Just one listen will leave you wanting more.