ROCK THE SET

US Open Rock the Set presented by Heineken kicked off the 2011 US Open festivities in rockin' style with a VIP party and concert at Manhattan's Terminal 5 that featured Brooklyn-based, indie power-pop duo Matt and Kim and mash-up master Girl Talk. In addition to the great music, Heineken offered up attendees some engaging interactive experiences throughout the venue. To check out photos from the event and get more information about US Open Rock the Set presented by Heineken click here.

WYE OAK

Wye Oak, a Baltimore-based indie rock duo comprised of Jenn Wasner (guitar, vocals) and Andy Stack (drums, vocals), took their name from a symbolic 460-year-old tree in their home state of Maryland. Formed in 2006 under the moniker Monarch, Wasner and Stack recorded their first album gypsy style, bouncing around various basements and apartments, eventually landing a record deal with indie heavyweight Merge. The label would go on to release the act’s 2008 debut, If Children, as well as the 2009 follow-up Knot and 2010 EP My Neighbor/My Creator. By the time of the 2011 self-produced album, Civilian, Wasner and Stack were producing the finest work of their career and firmly placed themselves near the top of the indie rock pile. (by James Christopher Monger, allmusic.com) www.wyeoakmusic.com

Performing: Thursday, Sept 1st – Baseline Stage – 6:00pm – 7:30pm

GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS

When Great Lake Swimmers’ Tony Dekker wrote the song “Everything is Moving So Fast,” he couldn’t have predicted that it would foreshadow the rapid success of the Toronto band’s fourth album, LOST CHANNELS. For a project that has seen a slow upward trajectory since its humble beginnings in 2001, the Great Lake Swimmers are suddenly getting exponentially more attention across North America and Europe, entrancing newcomers to the band with Dekker’s unforgettable voice and compelling songwriting. www.greatlakeswimmers.com

Performing: Sunday, Sept 4th– Baseline Stage – 6:00pm – 7:30pm

MINIATURE TIGERS

Miniature Tigers' sound was forged in the air-conditioned, Arizona bedroom of frontman Charlie Brand. Brand's lyrics - a mix of deeply personal insights and playful references to the disparate cultural artifacts that have informed his existence, and effortlessly constructed indie-pop arrangements – made the band fans in his native Phoenix and beyond. Brand soon reconnected with drummer, collaborator and fellow charter member of the band Rick Schaier. The band has come a long way since Rolling Stone named them one of MySpace’s 25 best artists in late 2006. Brand and Schaier finally have a steady lineup now, rounded out by guitarist Algernon Quashie. Their debut album Tell It To The Volcano was released in 2008 to critical acclaim. The band recently made the move to Brooklyn, where they began writing songs that were more experimental than Tell It to the Volcano's acoustic-based pop. Their second full-length album Fortress, was released in summer 2010. www.miniaturetigers.com

Performing: Friday, Sept 2nd – Baseline Stage – 6:00pm – 7:30pm

MARCELLUS HALL & THE HOSTAGES

Following the success of previous bands, Railroad Jerk and White Hassle, Marcellus Hall set out to make a new sound. With an acoustic guitar and harmonica, Hall holed up in his NYC apartment and crafted the songs that would make up his debut solo effort, “The First Line.” With a nod toward American folk and country traditions, the music does not fall into any alt-country or singer-songwriter ghettos. Instead, Hall references texting, emailing, and the very act of songwriting itself (the title track) in his lyrics. www.marcellushall.com

Performing: Monday, Sept 5th – Baseline Stage – 6:00pm – 7:30pm

AVA LUNA

Ava Luna has the kind of sweet, soulful harmonies that could knock the blues off a blueberry. The three back up vocalists, Becca, Felicia, and Anna will woo you with their voices and Carlos’ smooth soul melodies will lead you into a swoon. Add great bass lines, solid drums, and funky synthesizer by Ethan, Julian, and Nathan respectively and you have the full package. Brooklyn’s Ava Luna does not disappoint. Visit their site at: www.avaluna.posterous.com

Performing: Saturday, Sept 3rd – Baseline Stage – 6:00pm – 7:30pm

PRETTY GOOD DANCE MOVES

Pretty Good Dance Moves want to make you dance. The voices of Jimmy Giannapoulos and Sydney Wayser are the perfect guide through dance beats provided by multi-instrumentalist Aaron Allieta. Check out some of their tunes at their website: www.prettygooddancemoves.com

Performing: Thursday, Sept 8th – Baseline Stage – 6:00pm – 7:30pm

THE AVIATION ORANGE

Brooklyn indie rockers The Aviation Orange are relatively new to the music scene but they have already caught the attention of well-respected, national indie tastemakers such as Under the Radar, Filter Magazine, The Deli, LP33, and MTV U’s The Freshman. They are poised to take it a step further in 2011 with East of Here, the new self-released EP out August 9. Visit their website at www.theaviationorange.com

Performing: Tuesday, Sept 6th – Baseline Stage – 6:00pm – 7:30pm

SUSAN JUSTICE

An intriguing, authentic new voice on the pop landscape, singer-songwriter Susan Justice has been performing for most of her life traveling the globe with her family. Justice’s debut album for Warner Bros. Records is a set of stellar, emotionally resonant pop songs that, although deeply personal, will connect with anyone who’s ever tried to figure out who they are and where they belong. Have a listen at www.myspace.com/susanjustice

Performing: Wednesday, Sept 7th – Baseline Stage – 6:00pm – 7:30pm

JOSHUA ROMAN

Dubbed a “Classical Rock Star” by the press, 2011 TED Fellow Joshua Roman is a cellist of wide-ranging musical interests and inspirations - from performing concertos with the San Francisco, Seattle and YouTube Symphony Orchestras to playing Radiohead covers with DJ Spooky.  www.joshuaroman.com

Performing: Saturday, Sept 10th – Baseline Stage – 6:00pm – 7:30pm

VIOLIN VENUS SHOW

Featured as a soloist at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Radio City Hall, The Cannes Film Festival, Sir Elton Johns Lifeball, the original music of British born violinist Jane Hunt combines the power and beauty of classical music with the energy and vitality of pop music. She has toured extensively as a soloist in North America, South America & Europe performing her own compositions. www.violinvenus.com

Performing: Monday, Aug 29th – Baseline Stage – 3:30pm – 7:30pm
Wednesday, Aug 31st – Baseline Stage – 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Sunday, Sept 4th – Baseline Stage – 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Sunday, Sept 11th – Baseline Stage – 12:30pm – 4:30pm

HUMBLE G & THE AFRIPEANS

Humble G and The Afripeans are a rhythmic, unique blend combining African drums with European strings to create a vibrant new sound. Their mission is to change the name of the game from Hip-Hop music to Hip/Hope (their own personal brand of conscious, purposed rap) and from entertainment to edutainment, all while bringing you the joy of their beautiful music. www.globalentertaininc.com

Performing: Sunday, Sept 4th - South Plaza - 4:30PM 7:30PM

THE MOONLIGHTERS

The Moonlighters have been performing in New York City since 1998. Their music is a blend of 1920's pop and jazz, Hawaiian guitar, and other diverse influences. They released four cds on their Onliest Records label between 2000 and 2006, and their fifth cd "Enchanted" on WorldSound Records in June 2009. Check them out at www.reverbnation.com/themoonlightersny

Performing: Monday, Aug 29th – South Plaza – 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Friday, Sept 9th – Baseline Stage – 12:00pm – 4:00pm

EVANESCENT

Evanescent is a duo project featuring Bliss Blood (The Moonlighters, Pain Teens) on vocals and ukulele, and Al Street on guitar (Sugarman Three, Sweet Divines, Michael Leonhart's Avramina 7). Vocalist Bliss Blood and guitarist Al Street formed the band Evanescent to write original songs in the summer of 2010. They released their first 10-song cd "Evanescent" in February 2011 and have two songs featured in the NY indie film "Hello Lonesome." They play regularly in New York City area. Find out more by visiting www.reverbnation.com/evanescentblissblood

Performing: Monday, Sept 5th – South Plaza - 11:30am - 3:30pm

SPF-4

Continuing the tradition pioneered by instro-masters like Dick Dale, The Ventures, The Chantays, Link Wray and other 60's instrumental surf bands, SPF-4 shares the sound and vibe of the music, now in its current wave. With reference to the past and an eye on the future, SPF-4 is crafting its current wave of surf-inspired instrumental rock with energy and edge. Visit SPF-4 at www.spf-4.com

Performing: Saturday, Sept 10th – South Plaza – 4:00pm – 7:00pm

MUSH HOSOTANI

Born in Tokyo, MUSH HOSOTANI picked up a guitar at 13 and taught himself to play by listening to Rock, Motown, R&B, funk, and blues. Added to the MUNY (Music Under New York) roster at the 2005 audition, his original "Boogie Boots" style is achieved by attaching a spoon to his boot and providing percussion for his guitar playing. www.pinkypilots.com/Site/MUSH_HOSOTANI.html

Performing: Saturday, Sept 10th – South Plaza – 12:00pm – 3:00pm

PHIL THOMPSON

From the Royal Imperial Palace in Vienna, to the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, and returning for a second year in a row at the US Open Tennis Tournament, Phil continues to take has pop-piano based show on the road for thousands of eager listeners every year. In addition to performing original material (heard in Target store compilations and film and television soundtracks such as the PBS documentary “Footsteps: A Journey in Faith” and the television series “Blueprint for Green”), Phil showcases his versatility and expression as an artist by creating his own arrangements of both classic and pop hits by some of his biggest musical inspirations. Learn more at www.philthompson.com

Performing: Sunday, Sept 4th – South Plaza – 11:30am – 3:30pm
Friday, Sept 9th – South Plaza – 11:30am – 3:30pm

TIN PAN

Tin Pan connotes a world from the past – the most dominant and enlightened strains of American music of the early part of the 20th century – jazz, blues and American popular song. The band has created a rabid following by playing music that resonates powerfully because its intention is pure – to make people dance, smile and conjure with the spirit of music itself. Comprised of Jesse Selengut on trumpet, and compositions, Clifton Hyde on guitar and hollerin’, Stefan Zeniuk on reeds, and Peter “Baby Hands” Maness on bass. www.tinpanband.com

Performing: Saturday, Sept 3rd – Baseline Stage – 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Monday, Sept 5th – Baseline Stage – 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Saturday, Sept 10th – Baseline Stage – 10:30am – 2:30pm

JAY & ELYSA – RUMBA FLAMENCA

Jason and Elysa Hochman, a married couple, play as an acoustic guitar world-fusion duo along with their exceptional percussionist, Chris Howard. Jay and Lee's repertoire consists of their own compositions as well as remixes of Spanish and flamenco style compositions. Jason composes and performs beautiful and soulful melodies while Elysa compliments these melodies with glamorous and ornate rhythmic and percussive guitar playing. Please visit their website for audio and video samples of their music: www.RumbaFlamenca.com

Performing: Monday, Aug 29th - Baseline Stage - 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Monday, Sept 5th - South Plaza - 4:30pm - 7:30pm

MATTHEW WHITAKER

When New Jersey native, Matthew Whitaker was three years old, he was given a small Yamaha keyboard.  He immediately started banging on it a few times.  To his parent’s amazement, Matthew was playing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” without anyone showing him how to do it. At the age of five, Matthew was one of the youngest children to enroll in a music program at a New York school for the blind and visually impaired.  He studies classical piano, drums, bass guitar, percussion instruments and music technology. Matthew was a winning participant in the 2010 Amateur Night at the Apollo children’s segment. Please visit www.matthewwhitaker.net

Performing: Tuesday, Aug 30th – Baseline Stage - 1:30pm – 4:30pm

DANCING CLASSROOMS YOUTH DANCE COMPANY

Founded by Pierre Dulaine, Dancing Classrooms is the nation-wide arts-in-education program that was profiled in the critically acclaimed documentary, "Mad Hot Ballroom," as well as the inspiration for the feature film, "Take the Lead." Members of the Dancing Classrooms Youth Dance Company were first introduced to ballroom dancing in the New York City public schools through Dancing Classrooms residencies. For more information regarding Dancing Classrooms or the Dancing Classrooms Youth Dance Company, visit www.dancingclassrooms.com

Performing: Tuesday, Aug 30th – South Plaza – 11:30am – 1:00pm

B-XTREME

B-Xtreme is a high-energy acrobatic interactive break dancing show. These award-winning performers have not only brought dance from the streets but have exhibited their talents to colleges, festivals, half-time, shows film and special events around the world.  Their shows are packed with acrobatic stunts, hilarious antics, and the hottest dance moves. By combining their cutting-edge dance choreography with performing talents, they deliver an unforgettable experience that leaves crowds cheering for more. Please visit: www.B-xtreme.us

Performing: Tuesday, Aug 30th – South Plaza – 11:00am – 2:15pm

NICOLO ENSEMBLE

The Nicolo Musical Ensemble is a group of highly sensitive chamber music players from the New York City, Metropolitan area who have delighted listeners for over 20 years with their talent, unique chemistry and their ability to adapt to a great variety of musical atmospheres. www.nicoloensembles.com

Performing: Monday, Aug 29th - President's Gate – 11:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday, Sept 3rd - South Plaza - 4:30pm – 7:30pm

SEAN GRISSOM

A smash act! Sure fire foot-tappin’ fun! A one-of-a-kind performer! The point is, when Sean Grissom and his stripped-down homemade electric cello step into the spotlight, the audience is in for a memorable new entertainment experience. Sean has produced and released nine recordings that prove you can never have enough cello. His latest release of 11 original Beatles arrangements is called “Just Cello Just Beatles.” Sean has performed his unique brand of Country, Cajun, Classical, Swing, and Rock music from the streets and subways of New York City to the concert halls of Europe and the Far East.

Performing: Monday, Aug 29th – South Plaza - 11:30am - 3:30pm
Saturday, Sept 3rd – South Plaza – 11:30am – 3:30pm

KIRSTEN AGRESTA-COPELY

Kirsten Agresta-Copely has charmed audiences internationally since she began study of the harp at the age of five. She has performed extensively as a solo artist throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, South America, Israel, Japan, and the South Pacific, and has debuted as soloist multiple times in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. She has played alongside artists such as: Jay-Z, Enya, Kanye West, The Roots, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, and had the honor of performing with Beyoncé at the second White House State Dinner for Mexican President Felipe Calderón and President Barack Obama. For more information, including recording samples, go to: www.nycharp.com

Performing: Monday, Aug 29th – President’s Gate – 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday, Sept 10th – President’s Gate – 11:00am – 2:00pm

LIVING STATUES

These amazingly realistic, bronzed living statues are styled as 1930s Tennis Players to display the long history of the US Open in a fun and interactive way. They love having pictures taken with US Open tennis fans.

Performing: Saturday, Sept 10th – Roving - 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Sunday, Sept 11th – Roving – 12:30pm – 3:30pm

STILT WALKERS

Three of tallest tennis players around (mainly because of their stilts) enjoy strolling through the crowds of the US Open on Finals Weekend in their longest pants. They love having their photos taken with tennis fans and providing shade to those below.

Performing: Saturday - Sept 10th – Roving - 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Sunday, Sept 11th – Roving – 12:30pm – 3:30pm