Neulsom (Fusion Gugak)

Neulsom is the acronym of this fusion gugak group's real Korean name which means “People Who Always Cultivate Their Talents.” This group was formed to foster passion for gugak and to try various new things for the diversification of the concert culture. They play their music in various ways that are all rooted in traditions but are infused with creative, challenging and experimental spirit to seek music that can communicate with everyone.

Yonggubell (Rock)

This is a two-man band made up of a warm-hearted guitarist and singer who want to share the joy of music with their audience. The band was one of the awardees of the first National May Creative Music Festival.

Voice Holic (Rock)

The grand prize winner of the first National May Creative Music Festival.

Honeybread (Rock)

They are a team of composers based in Gwangju who is working with the rock band, “Arteriosclerosis,” which was formed in 2000. This team selected Gwangju as their base to contribute to the development of music In Gwangju. Through various activities, they have proven that musicians can actively pursue music even in the provinces. Their dream is to set a good example to fledgling musicians.

Mulgogi Byul (Rock)

This is a four-man indie band that pursues endless change and evolves constantly. They have been performing since October 2002 in various clubs near Hongik University such as Lydian, Jammers and Rolling Stone. They have been influenced by bands such as Nirvana, Coldplay and Fishmans, and their music is part of a new genre that is emotionally moving and dreamlike.

Macintosh (Rock)

They are the Rock band club at Chonnam National University that boasts a 35-year history. They actively participate in many concerts held on and off the campus.

Gwangju Enzian Yodel Club
(World Music)

This historical club was founded in 1977 and since its inception, the members of this close-knit club has been learning how to yodel and play instruments as well as forming friendships through regular meetings. They are an experienced amateur team who has performed at over 300 concerts.

Sangsik Band (Rock)

This band was formed in 2009 to pursue a world with a healthy social awareness and where common sense holds sway. They were 1st runner up at the first National May Creative Music Festival with their song, “2010 March for The Beloved.”

U.S.B (Rock)

This is an indie band currently active within the Gwangju Entertainers' Association. They usually perform their original songs and when performing covers, they rearrange the songs to reflect their own color.

Acoustic guitarist Lee Jang-soon and folksinger Kim Hong-gyu

This is a joint concert by two of the most talented folk musicians. Lee Jang-soon is one of the first generation acoustic guitarists in Korea who was active during the 70s and 80s. He contributed much in acoustic guitar music laying its roots in Gwangju through MBC's famous radio show Starry Night in 1972 when folksongs weren't well known in Gwangju.

Starade (World Music)

Desert (Rock)

This is an amateur band made up of teachers from Gwangju. Except for one member, the members of the band are foreigners working as EPIK Teachers at elementary and middle schools. They only play their original songs and currently they have a lineup of 7 songs. They play a broad spectrum of music that are mostly relatively cheerful and jaunty Brit pop with some lyrical music as well as funky music.

B.o.B (Rock)

Bastards of Bupyeong (B.o.B) is a three-man band whose music is mostly rock and pop. The band members play basic rock instruments like bass guitar, guitar and drums. They play songs popular in both the western and eastern cultures in their own unique style. The members of B.o.B are comprised of Irish and American nationals so their music is different from general pop music. They’ve merged traditional Irish music with punk and modern hard rock and created a new style of rock music that every music lover around the world can easily relate to. Music genres such as rock, pop and blues have heavily influenced the world music in a way that can never be forgotten and B.o.B aims to offer the excitement and sharp sounds so unique to this genre to their audience.

We Need Surgery (Rock)

This band was formed in Korea by foreigners in 2007. Since its inception, the band has been regularly performing in clubs in Seoul and despite the fact that the band has only been active for three short years, they are now one of the most influential bands in the indie music scene in Korea. The band mainly plays what is known as retro dance punk and has been praised by many musicians and fans. 2010 is a very special year to We need Surgery. They have had the pleasure of recruiting Lim Jeong-gyu, the leader of a Korean indie band Minari, as their 5th member and they also became the first band of foreigners to participate in the 2010 Time to Rock Festival. They have been very active since the release of their first demo album in June and they plan to make their debut in the U.S. in September.