Songwriter Series: Janet LaBelle + Jared Knapik

(cancelled) Brooklyn-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Janet LaBelle, channels her love for varied musical traditions and a passion for classic and timeless sounds. As a New Jersey native, LaBelle emerged on the scene in her teen years as lead singer with the pop-punk band, Avery, touring nationally with songs featured on Nickelodeon and Disney. Since her early start, LaBelle has become a staple of the New York City scene, as a front woman, drummer, touring multi-instrumentalist (most notably performing with Jimmy Destri of Blondie), and most importantly, a forward-thinking producer, rapidly turning song sketches into fleshed out nuanced works. Her latest singles "You're Gone" and "Cry Me a River" are available via Wild Violet Records. LaBelle is gearing up for a series of shows and working on a new EP in 2024. She is looking forward to being a part of the Boonton Coffee Presents songwriters series this spring and performing new music from her upcoming EP.

Pulling as much influence from the punk bands he discovered in his adolescence, as from the '50s rock 'n' roll playing in the house as a kid, Jared Knapik has honed a unique and distinguishable sound all his own. Taking pages from the books of esteemed acts such as Dashboard Confessional and The Gaslight Anthem, Jared's catalog simultaneously sounds familiar and refreshing. His, at times, bashing style of guitar playing paired with personal lyrics breeds a performance that - while not in volume - in spirit, rivals that of a full band. With his 2017 full length LP, More Than You'll Ever Know, laying a solid foundation of touring material, and his follow-up release, 2019's Waiting Me Out, garnering even more praise, Jared's first collection of songs in three years - 2022's Never Said EP - has been met with further acclaim.