CHIRP Schedule 2022

Tues. June 7: Making Movies –

Underwritten through the generosity of Naomi Manners Stern

Thurs. June 9: Marcia Ball Band –

“The Queen of Gulf Coast party music” Good time boogie and blues carry you straight to the bayou! …”infectious rhythmic patters nor the Crescent City run through her music like a rich vein of gold.” Time Out Chicago . http://marciaball.com/

Underwritten through the generosity of the Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation

Tues. June 14: Sue Foley –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBN-N0Gzy2w”

One of the finest blues and roots artists of our time. Her album Pinky’s Blues was the #1 album in The Roots Music Report’s Top Blues Rock Album Chart for the Year of 2021, the #1 album on the NACC Blues chart for over 4 weeks and debuted at #4 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart. In 2020, she won “Traditional Blues Female” at the International Blues Music Awards in Memphis. She’s also a Juno Award winner, holds the record for the most Maple Blues Awards including “Best Guitar Player”, and has earned three Trophées de Blues de France. http://www.suefoley.com

Underwritten with the continuing support of Allen Purkiss of Purkiss Capital Advisors, LLC

Thurs. June 16: Shayna Steele -INSIDE THE PLAYHOUSE AT 7:00 P.M.

With a voice that the London Jazz News says “unleashes enough voltage to light up the West End”, Steele has made her mark as an in-demand vocalist on stage and in the studio. After spending 8 years as a Broadway ensemble member in shows such as Rent and Hairspray and 6 years in the background supporting artists like Bette Midler, Rihanna, and Kelly Clarkson, Shayna stepped out on her own with the release of her 3rd studio album Watch Me Fly (Must Have/Membran) following the huge success of her album Rise (Ropeadope Records) in 2015 which reached #3 on the U.S. iTunes jazz charts. https://www.shaynasteele.com

Underwritten through the generosity of David & Andrea Beebe

Tues. June 21: The Hillbenders – Moved inside to East Ridge Middle School at 7p.m.

Formed in April of 2008, and still touring with the original lineup, The HillBenders have firmly established their presence as one of the most energetic and engaging progressive acoustic bands on the scene and they continue to wow audiences from stages around the contry and around the world. The group has released its fourth studio album, appropriately and eponymously titled “The HillBenders”. https://www.hillbenders.com

Partially underwritten with the support of Fairfield County Bank

Thurs. June 23: John Papa Gros –

John Papa Gros was an unanticipated delight and fantastic find last summer when we welcomed him to stand in for the New Orleans Suspects who were stranded down south by a hurricane.

“Sharing New Orleans with the world is my calling,” says pianist and organist John “Papa” Gros (pronounced grow). “That’s what I have been doing and that’s what I’ll do the rest of my life.”

For over three decades, Gros has brought his city’s celebratory culture to listeners around the globe. Gros mixes all the sounds of New Orleans – funk, trad jazz, brass band, blues  – and makes it his own signature gumbo. https://johnpapagros.com

Generously underwritten by Ridgefield Station – SLR, Assisted Living for Seniors, https://www.seniorlivingresidences.com/communities/ridgefield-station/

Tues. June 28: Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez Band

CHRISTINE OHLMAN (a/k/a “The Beehive Queen” for her mile-high platinum-blonde hairdo) is a long-time vocalist with NBC’s Saturday Night Live Band. She’ll be joined onstage by the members of Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez,  including Cliff Goodwin (guitar), Lorne Entress (drums) and Michael Colbath (bass).
In 2017 she was inducted into the National Blues Hall of Fame of American Heritage, International and landed the Top Female Americana Vocalist honors on The Alternate Root’s International Readers’ Poll. Her theme song for “30 Rock” was recently featured in the July 2020 reunion special on NBC. Mixing a fiery brand of rootsy Americana with an old-school soul music flavor, she serves up a style that’s been dubbed by SIRIUS/XM’s Dave Marsh “Contemporary Rock R&B.”https://www.christineohlman.net

Generously underwritten by Gary & Susie Singer

Thurs. June 30: Jamie McLean Band

 Jamie McLean Band creates a musical gumbo that incorporates New Orleans soul, middle Americana roots, Delta blues and New York City swagger. The band has shared the stage with the likes of Gregg Allman, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Taj Mahal, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Trombone Shorty, Los Lobos, Blues Traveler, Marc Broussard and many more. Jamie Mclean Band has appeared at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Mountain Jam, Targhee Fest, Okeechobee Fest, Ottawa Blues Festival and many more. https://www.jamiemcleanband.com/

“McLean and company ooze drops of southern roots rock, blues, R&B, funk and soul out of every note… the rock & roll swagger of the Rolling Stones combined with the songwriting prowess of Ryan Adams.” – Jambase.

Tuesday, July 5, 7:00 P.M. – The Bumper Jacksons

2020 WASHINGTON AWARDS WINNERS! Best Americana/ Country Band Best Folk Band Best Americana/ Country Album Best Folk Album

Having virtually cornered the market on Washington D.C.’s awards in 2020, this band paints America’s story from the streets of New Orleans to Appalachian hollers. Unafraid to scrap together new sounds from forgotten 78’s, they elegantly balance paying homage to the traditions while fashioning their own unique, playful style. The group began as a duo, a city-meets-country experiment between songstress Jess Eliot Myhre and banjo player Chris Ousley. https://www.bumperjacksons.com/

“There was a golden time before categories like ‘blues,’ ‘country,’ and ‘jazz’ meant anything to anyone listening to American music.  Back then, music was just ’fun.’  The Bumper Jacksons, amazingly, have figured out how to get us there again.”  – Aaron Henkin, WYPR, Baltimore

Thurs. July 7: Joslyn & the Sweet Compression

• Joslyn & The Sweet Compression (Marty Charters – guitar, Steve Holloman – keyboards, Smith Donaldson – bass, Rashawn Fleming – drums, Trevin Little – saxophone, and Chase Fleming – trombone and trumpet) combine to deliver a hook-filled mix of funk and soul on their self-titled debut album, released in 2019. A headlining favorite at regional clubs and music festivals, they are poised to engage fans across the country with widespread touring in 2022. https://joslynandtsc.com/

Underwritten by the Leir Foundation

Tues. July 12: Mr. Sun (Darol Anger)-

Renowned fiddler Darol Anger has helped drive the evolution of contemporary violin through pathbreaking ensembles as his Turtle Island String Quartet. Now, together with Joe K. Walsh, the mandolin virtuoso and vocalist who spent four years with the Gibson Brothers and Grant Gordy, the world-class guitarist who with Darol was also a member of Grisman’s band, they have formed a Super String Band.http://www.mrsunband.com

Underwritten with the generous support of Tom & Marlene Gerhard

Thurs. July 14: The Way Down Wanderers –

Underwritten by the terrific volunteers of the Ridgefield Thrift Shop

Tues. July 19: The Steel Wheels-

The Steel Wheels have long been at home in the creative space between tradition and innovation, informed by the familiar sounds of the Virginia mountains where the band was formed, but always moving forward with insightful lyrics and an evolving sound. In 2005, Jay Lapp (vocals, guitars, mandolin) and Eric Brubaker (vocals, fiddle) joined lead singer Trent Wagler (guitar, banjo) in forming the band as a vehicle for Wagler’s songwriting. In 2010 they officially adopted the The Steel Wheels name with the 2010 release of Red Wing. Quickly staking their claim as independent upstarts in the burgeoning Americana scene, The Steel Wheels followed up this release with three more self-produced albums in the next five years, before joining forces with producer Sam Kassirer for Wild As We Came Here (2017) and Over The Trees (2019). Kevin Garcia (drums, percussion, keys) joined in 2017, bringing a new level of sonic depth and polish to the outfit.  The year 2021 closed a chapter for The Steel Wheels, as founding member and bass player Brian Dickel moved on from touring . The band is joined by bassist Derek Kratzer, a longtime friend and musical collaborator, to continue the mission set out over a decade ago; shaking up traditions to see what sticks, telling stories, and joining communities through song. https://www.thesteelwheels.com

Underwritten through the generosity of Chris Pike – former owner of Ridgefield Music and aide to every music group in town.

Thurs. July 21: Bella’s Bartok –

All little children grow up, one day — all except the bedazzled and glittered boys & girls of Bella’s Bartok. Inspired by elements of Vaudeville, centuries of street performance, and an unyielding drive to promote camaraderie, Northampton, MA-based Bella’s Bartok delivers a passionate kaleidoscope of sound.

Started in the dimly lit alleyways of Great Barrington, MA, Bella’s Bartok gradually evolved from street-punk performers to an electric, brass-filled, accordion-based spectacle that has continued to entertain audiences for nearly a decade.The songs are born of Americana and folk music of their immigrant grandparents, blended with the joy of a particular brand of pop sensibility. From quiet reflections on loss, to the howl of justice in four-part harmony, Bella’s Bartok sonically and lyrically delivers a sweaty, soulful dance-party. http://bellasbartok.com

Underwritten through the generosity of the Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation

Tues. July 26: The John Jorgenson Quintet –

The group’s style has been called “Gypsy Jazz” after the dynamic string-driven swing created by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in 1930s Paris, but Jorgenson’s compositions draw in elements from Latin, Romanian, Classical, Rock and Greek music, so “21st Century World Music” is perhaps a more apt description. The John Jorgenson Quintet is the only American act to ever headline the prestigious Django Reinhardt Memorial Festival in France, and has been featured at other “Djangofests” in the US, UK, Germany and Canada. https://johnjorgenson.com/

Underwritten through the generosity and tireless efforts of the Ridgefield Rotary Club – dedicated to making Ridgefield an even better place to live.

Thurs. July 28: Mames Babegenoush –

Hailing from Copenhagen Denmark, this six-piece band marries their strong Scandinavian roots and elements of jazz with the vibrant dance music and klezmer traditions of Eastern Europe.  As one of Europe’s premiere klezmer-jazz ensembles their awards include the Danish Music Award for Best World Album of the year  as well as several awards from the International Jewish Music Festival in Amsterdam. http://www.mames.dk

Underwritten with the support of the Kellen Foundation

Tues. Aug. 2: Crystal Shawanda –

Born in a Canadian Wiikwemkoon First Nation territory, Crystal Shawanda has, at 39, already had an extraordinary career as a Canadian country and blues artist.  The first part of her life has been documented in a 6 part CMT series, aired in 2008 Crystal: Living the Dream. Subsequently, she won a Juno Award for her second album, had the distinction of performing at Obama’s inauguration festivities in 2013, moved to Nashville and decided that while country was good the blues were her style. Critics have uniformly praised her as “real deal blues artist who isn’t dabbling in blues so much as channeling it.” Elmore Magazine. We couldn’t agree more.

Most generously underwritten by Gary and Susie Singer

Thurs. Aug. 4:  Slaid Cleaves –

Twangy Country, Dust Bowl Folk, “one of the finest singer/songwriters from Texas,” New York Times. The Austin Chronicle agrees: “He’s a master craftsman on the order of Guy Clark and John Prine.”  Described as “terse, clear and heartfelt” (NPR Fresh Air), Slaid’s songs speak to timeless truths and the life of “everyman”.    “I’m not an innovator. I’m more of a keeper of the flame,” he says.  Now, with so many masters gone to their rest, we are so grateful to have him here keeping that flame going. http://www.slaidcleaves.com

Generously underwritten by the Katz Family Foundation

Tues. Aug. 9: Low Down Brass Band –

This ensemble is a uniquely strong representation of Chicago Music culture. A talented all horn band they lean heavily on dancehall and street beat rhythm, with the energy of conscious hip hop, jazz, reggae, and soul. Since their first appearance at CHIRP in 2018, their music has continued to evolve and their reputation to grow. In 2019 they did a headlining set at the Montreal Jazz Festival and have since performed at World Music Fest and the Vancouver Jazz Fest among many others.

Most generously underwritten by David & Andrea Beebe

Thurs. Aug. 11: The RTs –

They say it takes nearly a decade for a wine to mature.  The same could be said for The RT’s (formerly the Rad Trads).  If you caught their brand of raucous, beer-soaked trad jazz and blues in the early days, you’ll see  the same ingredients (boisterous horns, impassioned vocals, and a driving groove) but a new flavor, and the kind of maturity and subtlety that only comes with time.

Tues. Aug. 16: Kyshona –

An artist ignited by untold stories, and the capacity of  those stories to thread connection in every community, she is unrelenting in her pursuit for the healing power of song. As a performer she blends roots, rock, R&B and folk with lyrical prowess.  She has been a collaborative artist with a number of artists like Margo Price, Jason Isbell and Allison Russell and she is also a burgeoning performer in her own right.

Underwritten through the generosity of William Leventon

​Thurs. Aug. 18: Seth Walker –

Over the last decade, Seth Walker has become recognized as one of the most revered Americana blues artists in the United States with a bluesman’s respect for roots and tradition.  He is a three- dimensional talent who combines a gift for melody and lyric alongside a rich, Gospel-drenched, Southern-inflected voice. 

Tues. Aug. 23: Max Baca & The Texmaniacs –

2010 Grammy Award Winners, this famed conjunto band incorporates elements for R&R and jazz with Tejano music.  Led by Max Baca who is a legend on the bajo sexto, a twelve-string guitar like instrument, their concerts burst with energy. Their past collaborations have included tours with Flaco Jimenez and most recently Peter Rowan.

Generously underwritten with the long-term support of Sam Hur of Ridgefield Cleaners

Thurs. Aug. 25: Wesli –

Born in Haiti, raised in Canada, Wesli takes Haitian traditions (vodou), street styles (rara), and links them with everything from reggae to Afrobeat to Hip Hop. He is a prolific songwriter and guitarist who has won multiple international awards and is signed to Cumbancha Records.  He has toured the world over.

Underwritten through the generosity of the Wadsworth Lewis Fund

Tues. Aug. 30: Tuba Skinny –

Formed in 2009, Tuba Skinny has released seven albums since and steadily evolved from a loose collection of street musicians into a solid band dedicated to bringing the traditional New Orleans sound to audiences around the world.  Drawing on a wide range of musical influences – from spirituals to Depression-era blues, from ragtime to traditional jazz- their sound evokes the rich musical heritage of their Louisiana roots.

Underwritten through the continuing generosity of The Ridgefield Thriftshop

Thurs. Sept. 1: New Orleans Suspects –

This band has been tearing up the festival and club circuits for more than a decade.  A New Orleans Supergroup that plays swampified Rock n Roll, its music combines irresistibly tight funk, soulful horns, Americana based R &B and a pinch of jam band to create a uniquely funky groove.

Underwritten in part by the law firm of Cohen & Wolf, P.C.