Biography

Dave Kleiner was raised in the rural western part of New Jersey. His family had a music store in the basement of his house, so he grew up surrounded by music, musicians, and guitars. He played in local rock bands in high school; his band Bark played many local dances and parties. After high school, Dave moved toward acoustic music, and became one of the founders of the Folk Project, NJ's leading acoustic music organization. His songwriting continued to improve; he became known for his funny songs, and his entertaining performances as a solo artist at coffeehouses in New Jersey, while earning money playing electric guitar and singing at club dates and weddings.
Liz Pagan grew up in Bergen County, and spent her summers at the Jersey shore, strumming her acoustic guitar on the beach. She can sing just about any early Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, or Bob Dylan song. Through the Folk Project, she met Dave, and they began performing and living together.
"Stuck Inside New Jersey" is Dave and Liz's 4th CD. The songs are both evocative and detailed, capturing the mood of the suburban Jersey existence. The musicians on the CD include Dennis Diken of the Smithereens, Graham Maby of the Joe Jackson Band, and Andy Goessling of Railroad Earth. The arrangements are mostly acoustic, crossing genres of folk, bluegrass, country, and pop...a true Americana blend. The melodies are memorable, and the lyrics sneak up and grab your senses.
Dave and Liz perform throughout the metropolitan area, often with a larger band behind them. In 2010, they toured Ireland as the Yankee Caravan, and brought a piece of Jersey to County Clare. Their performances are engaging and full of vim.