Ayla Brown
JUST ANNOUNCED! 2006 American Idol Semi-Finalist Ayla Brown to headline the 8th annual WOKQ Country Festival!

Ayla grew up in the Boston area and has been fortunate to perform at many local functions, both big and small. Some of Ayla's most memorable performances include performing twice at Boston's Top 40 radio station Kiss 108 FM's annual Kiss Concert. In addition, she has performed alongside veteran record producer, David Foster, at the "David Foster and Friends" tour, as well as opened up for country stars, Loretta Lynn and Darius Rucker. In 2011, she also partnered with Outback Steakhouse on their "Feeding Freedom" tour and did a two-week tour in Afghanistan, singing for America’s finest troops. Now a resident of Nashville, TN, Brown will venture up through her home state of Massachusetts and into to Portsmouth, NH for her debut PPAF performance!

Tom Dixon Band
With a unique combination of smooth country vocals and a southern rock style The Tom Dixon Band has given birth to a new way of delivering that sweet country sound, with a heartpumping, foot-stomping beat that can only be viewed as a bit spicy, smooth, southern country rock. The Tom Dixon Band has been invited to perform in many high-profile venues where they deliver the opening performance for such notable acts as The Zac Brown Band, Sugarland, Phil Vassar and Dusty Drake as well as live back-up vocals & rhythm guitar for Nashville's own Crossin' Dixon. The band has been included in shows for 97.5 WOKQ (Dover, NH) on numerous occasions including 5 years in a row for the WOKQ Countryfest at Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH.

Skyler and the Band of Thieves
Third grade. Recess. As most kids wait anxiously for their turn on the slide, ride on the zip line, or shot at the four square court, another group forms around a solitary raised platform. At any other time of day, this spot would be unremarkable. But after lunch, at this elementary school, it is transformed into a stage… where Skyler would perform. And from nearby this makeshift venue, educators can witness a mini "Hard Day's Night" moment.With the release of his latest EP, Take You Away, - recorded and produced by Jonathan Wyman (Halo Studios) and mastered by Adam Ayan (Gateway Mastering) - and his live band behind him, Skyler and the Band of the Thieves (named after a Taylor Swift lyric) are currently looking for their spot on the playground. Come out to a show and be ready to have a "Hard Day's Night" moment of your own.

Karen Morgan and Pony Express
Ms. Morgan started her career in 1982 and the Pony Express was created in 1987.  They've been playing with the same musicians for over a dozen years.  Besides Karen, the band includes Kevin Shea on drums, John Johnson on bass, and Ian Simon and Dave Kersting on guitars.

Jodie Cunningham and Fried Cactus