Ladies and gentlemen, guys and gals, get ready to rock and jam to some of America’s hottest new talents.

Josh Rouse and Matt Wertz will be performing at the Wake Up People Blowout this Friday and their fresh new sounds will be the perfect addition to all the outrageous happenings.

Rouse released his first and second albums, “Dressed Up Like Nebraska” and “Home,” before 2000. Since then, he has toured with Guster, opened for John Mayer and released several albums including “1972,” “Nashville” and “Subtitulo.”

“He’s kind of mellow, has a 70’s vibe and just puts you in a good mood,” said junior Kasey Baker. “I was absolutely ecstatic when I found out he (Rouse) was coming to Aquinas.”

Baker saw Rouse play at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor this past semester and throughly enjoyed the experience.

“He’s a little different then the rest of the music out there. He just knows how to perform.”

Although his albums are generally only released in small numbers and for sale only through his website or at live performances, he has still built up a fairly big fan base across the U.S. and the globe.

Rouse’s newest album, “Country Mouse City House,” was released in July 2007 and was followed by both a U.S. and European tour. His style is a blend of folk and alternative country and along with writing his own songs, he plays the guitar and harmonica.

Wertz will also be performing. This singer/songwriter, who calls Nashville, Tenn. home, has put out several albums including “Somedays,” “Twentythree Places,” “Today & Tomorrow” and most recently “Everything In Between.”

In addition to his four albums, Wertz is currently recording “Under Summer Sun,” which is due out late this spring or early summer.

Wertz has toured with an amazing plethora of performers including such names as Jason Mraz, Jamie Cullum, Gavin DeGraw, Matt Nathanson and Jars of Clay. He has even headlined several tours nationally in the early to mid-2000s.

On top of all his major performances, his songs have been featured in shows like “Brothers and Sisters” and “Wildfire,” and in the movies “Employee of the Month” and “My Super Ex-Girlfriend.”
As a wonderful contrast to Rouse, Wertz’s style is more rock with great guitar riffs, which he plays himself.

“I’m a big fan of his and I like his style of music,” said senior Lauren Wasco.

“I guess the fact that he is really really ridiculously good looking doesn’t hurt as well.”

These two performers are just a musical taste of the festivities which will be held on Friday in and around the Cook Carriage House. With these outstanding musicians performing live, everyone can be sure Friday will be an event which cannot be missed.