Tribute to MTV New Wave Artists

Natalie Cunningham (formerly Turgeon) first stepped onto the NH

music scene in 2010, launching her

career at local open mic nights such as the Red Blazer in Concord. Her talent quickly propelled her into the

competitive circuit, where she became a standout in competitions like NH Idol, Star of the Day, The Voice, and others. As her reputation grew, Natalie became one of the most sought-after voices in the region. While many musicians vied for her to join their projects, she chose to blaze her own trail, forming the

Natalie Turgeon Band (NTB) in 2011.

The band’s popularity grew rapidly, backed by critical acclaim and fan support. Her trophy shelf reflects a diverse range of talent, including:

● New England Country Music Association (NECMA): Winner of Best Vocalist.

● The Hippo Magazine: Best Original Band.

● Cider Magazine: Award for Excellence in Singing.

One of their earliest and most prestigious achievements was winning a trip to Texas to perform

at the Austin Star of Texas Rodeo. Sponsored by Ram Trucks, NTB placed second overall in the competition, an achievement that opened doors across New England. From intimate local venues, Natalie transitioned to some of the region’s most iconic stages:

● Major Fairs: The Deerfield Fair, Stratham Fair, Belknap County Fair, and more!

● Premier Theaters: The Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord.

● Regional Hotspots: Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill (Foxborough, MA), Johnnie’s (Boston, MA), and casino circuits throughout Maine.

● Opening Act: She has shared the stage with legendary artists, including opening for Country Music Hall of Famer Ricky Skaggs at the Flying Monkey.

After years of touring and several recording sessions, Natalie’s focus evolved toward songwriting

and, eventually, her family. Following a hiatus to raise her children, she is now reclaiming her place under the spotlight. Natalie remains a vocal powerhouse whose command of the stage is as undeniable as ever. With a dynamic range that remains unparalleled in the NH music scene, she invites you to experience

her return. Come see her perform—you won’t want to look away.

Brien is multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who has performed with Greater Boston Top 40 bands such as Closing Time, Sweep the Leg, The Wize Crackaz and primarily as the front man of Reckless from 2009 to 2019. He is also the current lead singer for the David Bowie tribute band The Young Americans. Brien grew up during the grunge movement but quickly became fascinated with 80’s New Wave, citing The Cure, Depeche Mode and The Smiths as his favorite bands. Brien's upbeat energy is contagious!

 Jeff started playing bass at the age of 14 and studied under Ray Lessard at Darren's Music Center in Derry, New Hampshire.  At just 17, for his sight-reading ability, Jeff was hired to play bass guitar for the Town & Country Playhouse in Salem, New Hampshire, a summer stock theater with actors from New York City.  Productions included Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on The Roof, and Nunsense. He toured with Up with People (Cast C 88) shortly after high school. During this time, he developed his skills playing for large audiences, over 7,000 people in some venues, and continued to progress as a solid bassist. Jeff entered the Bass Guitar Performance program at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA in the fall 1989. He made the Dean's List and achieved ratings for ensemble playing in his second semester. Jeff also took additional courses in audio engineering, MIDI concepts and arranging. Jeff started attending New Hampshire Bass Fest as a student and was once again connected with bass instructors from Berklee, including the proprietor of Bass Fest, Jim Stinnett. This new opportunity found Jeff taking classes and spending quality time with the likes of Michael Manring, Todd Johnson, Bruce Gertz, Joe Hunt, Celso Pixinga and many others.  Jeff teaches bass guitar and has been filling in on bass for over 10 bands in the New England area. 

Rod is known for his drumming in the Boston music scene. His previous bands including Joey Ammo and Paul Edward Band had recurring videos playing on MTV and airing on local Boston radio stations. Other bands include KK Proffitt, Natalie Turgeon Band, Members Only, RAF, AZROC, Nashville Recording Artist Chris Moreno, Divvisions,  The Reflex and Infinity. Rod also played in U2 Tribute bands including V2, New Year's Day: A Tribute to U2 and Zootopia. Rod was the founder of Castle Gate Entertainment.   

He's famous around the entire neighborhood for his mastery of guitar, synthesizer, and singing. But who is the man behind the music? Born in 1847, Nikolas Trismegistus Farr had very little musical experience before joining Neon Wave. He was briefly part of a ragtag group of performers on the streets of New Orleans, from whom he learned the mysteries of the tenor banjo. After falling into a wormhole, Nik was transported through time to the year 2022, where he was immediately horrified by modern music. Fearing that he would never play an instrument again, it was not until he heard the sound of 1980s New Wave that he found his true calling. As luck would have it, Nik met drummer Rod in Manchester, UK's famed dance club Muchacho. The two became fast friends, and Rod invited him to join Neon Wave. Nik quickly proved adept at making a real racket on the guitar, and he isn't a half-bad singer. (Although that means he also is a half-bad singer. That's just math.) Nik has also played and sung in various other bands, including the original groups such as the Solipstics, Kenny Arnold & the Sightings, and DIVVISIONS.