First Mountain Music Festival Brings Five Indie Artists to Montclair State University – Feb. 13.

A One-Night Celebration of Local Indie & Alternative Artists at Memorial Auditorium

Montclair, NJ — Five rising indie and alternative artists will take the stage at Montclair State University for the inaugural First Mountain Music Festival at Memorial Auditorium on February 13 7:00 PM to 10:00PM . The lineup includes Marauder, Alessandra Foti, Roe Knows Best, Ellie Beder, and Alexa Tabbacchino performing original music and tracks from their upcoming releases in a fully student-produced concert event. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Makes This Different

Students are running everything – audio engineering, video production, stage design, lighting, and live event management. Seven university programs are collaborating to deliver a professional concert experience while gaining real-world skills in an industry that is actively hiring.
“We are seeing significant growth in the live event production careers, and this festival gives our students real experience in an industry that’s actively hiring.” said David Sanders, professor in the College of Communication and Media and the College of the Arts. “By bringing together audio, video, stage management, and broadcast teams, we are preparing Montclair students for the collaborative work they’ll do professionally.”
Students from Concert Production, Intro to Music Production – Broadcast Music Production, Television Production Company, and Theater Production classes all technical and creative aspects of the event working alongside the Theatre and Dance Department on ticketing stage management and front of house operations, WMSC-FM and Hawk +.
The Lineup
Marauder – High energy indie rock with emotionally driven songwriting
Alessandra Foti – Country-pop storytelling with intimate vocals
Roe Knows Best – Genre-blending indie with catchy hooks
Ellie Beder – Indie pop emphasizing melody and mood.
Alexa Tabbachino – Folk-pop Americana singer-songwriter.
Tickets
All attendees must reserve tickets through the Kasser Box Office.
Montclair State University & Bloomfield College Students: Free with valid ID.
General Public: $17 (includes handling fees for online and phone orders)

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Artist Bios
Marauder
Marauder is a local indie rock act known for high-energy performances and emotionally driven songwriting. Blending dynamic instrumentation with punchy melodies, the band’s live sets balance intensity with moments of reflection.
AlessandraFoti
Alessandra Foti is a singer-songwriter whose work draws from country and pop influences. With an intimate vocal style and thoughtful lyricism, her performances center storytelling and emotional connection, offering a stripped-back contrast within the festival lineup.
Roe Knows Best
Roe Knows Best is a pop-punk band, indelibly New Jersey in sound, style, and attitude. Roe has been called, “the quintessential songwriters’ songwriter” by NJ’s Jack Silbert, and her debut full-length album, Now Arriving…at Secaucus Junction, which is now available on all streaming platforms, has been deemed an “indie-pop gem…loaded with Jersey attitude and humor,infectious melodies, and robust production” by Jim Testa.
Ellie Beder
Ellie Beder is an emerging artist whose music leans into indie pop and alternative sensibilities. Her songs emphasize melody and mood, delivering performances that feel understated yet impactful.
Alexa Tabbachino
Originally from Waretown, New Jersey, 23 year old Alexa Tabbacchino is an upcoming artist who blends folk, pop, and Americana sounds in her music. She is a singer, songwriter, multi-in instrumentalist, producer, and audio engineer. Growing up near Long Beach Island, NJ, Alexa got her start performing solo acoustic covers at local spots on the island. Since then, she has taken her original music to venues in the Tri-State area with her band, The Tabby Cats. Find her on Instagram @alexatabbacchino. https://linktr.ee/alexatabbacchino
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About First Mountain Music Festival
First Mountain Music Festival is a new initiative designed to celebrate local music while giving students real-world experience producing a large-scale live event. By combining live performance with broadcast, recording, and promotional elements, the festival reflects Montclair State University’s commitment to experiential learning and creative collaboration across departments.

About Concert Production & Promotion (FMTV_361_15)
The one-credit course in the College of Communication and Media teaches students to organize, promote and execute a live concert event. Students collaborate across departments with WMSC-FM, Recording Arts, Theatre and Dance, Film & Television to produce a live concert with an audience. The class partners with campus radio WMSC-FM and video streaming platform Hawk+ to deliver professional-quality broadcasts of the events reflecting current industry standards and the skills employers are actively seeking. Working alongside campus radio and video streaming services, students gain hands-on experience with modern production workflows and technologies used in today’s live event industry.
About Introduction to Audio Technology in the Studio I (MUTC103_04)
An introductory course to audio and recording technology. Focus will include history, explanation of sound properties, hands-on application using recording equipment, and experience performing in a studio environment.

About Television Production Company (FMTV_454)
The course is structured as a production company with students serving key creative and support positions to produce a variety of original programs and College of Communication and Media or College of the Arts initiatives. The class produces professional programming suitable for distribution on current and emerging platforms.
About Theater Special Topic: An Exploration of Live Music Festival Production ( THTR 432_14)
This one-credit practicum immerses DTM students in the real-world production of a live music festival featuring amplified bands and acoustic acts from the CALI School of Music. Students will work as part of a professional production team, gaining hands-on experience in live sound, stage management, production coordination, and event logistics. Responsibilities may include load-in and strike, stage setup, microphone and backline support, patching and signal flow, live mixing assistance, artist support, and crew communication. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, professionalism, safety, and applying classroom knowledge in a high-stakes, live performance environment.

About WMSC 90.3 FM
WMSC is Montclair State University’s student-operated radio station, broadcasting on 90.3 FM and online at wmscradio.com. The station, housed at the College of Communication and Media, offers a diverse mix of music, talk, sports, and news programming, providing students with hands-on experience in broadcast media, journalism, and production.

About Hawk+
Hawk+ is the nation’s first student-run, “Netflix-style” streaming service operated by Montclair State University’s College of Communication and Media. It is a free platform that showcases student-produced content, including live sports, news, films, music, and special university events.

About Department of Theatre and Dance
Montclair State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is a nationally recognized leader in performing arts education, known for its high standards of artistic excellence, professional preparation, and inclusive community. We offer a rigorous liberal arts foundation paired with intensive, hands-on training led by accomplished faculty, working professionals, and renowned guest artists. Through artistic experimentation, critical inquiry, and a shared commitment to equity and excellence, we prepare adaptable, socially conscious artist-thinkers ready to make meaningful contributions to the world.

About Recording Arts & Production
The recording Arts & Production program explores the art and science of music through courses in Music Recording, Digital Audio Production and Songwriting, developing a strong foundation in both technical ability and creative expression. You’ll also dive into Sound Design for Film and Television, Gaming, Foley Sounds FX, and advanced production techniques, expanding your expertise across multiple areas of the field.