Tues. May 27: 6:00 P.M. The Ridgefield High School Orchestra –
Join us as the students proudly kick off this year’s CHIRP concert series with an unforgettable Pops performance! Enjoy iconic hits from legends like Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, Prince, and more. Featuring special guest musicians and vocalists, this high-energy concert is a celebration of timeless music and exceptional student talent.
Underwritten by CHIRP and Ridgefield Music Parents a 501(c) (3)
Listen here for a sampling
Tues. June 3: John Papa Gros
“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 30 years Gros has brought his city’s celebratory culture to listeners around the globe. Gros mises all the sounds of New Orleans – funk, trad jazz, brass band, blues – and makes it his own signature gumbo. https://johnpapagros.com
Underwritten with the Generous Support of Wadsworth Lewis Fund
Thurs. June 5: Honey Island Swamp Band
Formed in 2005 in San Francisco, these 5 New Orleans refugees from Katrina have since produced four award winning albums. “Their all encompassing sound of blues, roots, country, and soul has been described as “Bayou Americana.” – No Depression. https://HoneyIslandSwampBand.com
Generously underwritten by The Kellen Foundation
Tues. June 10: Chris Berardo & the DesBerardos
Concert Moved indoors to the Ridgefield Playhouse at 7:00 P.M.
Generously underwritten by the law firm of Cohen & Wolf P.C.
Thurs. June 12: Amy Speace –
Heralded by Rolling Stone and Billboard Magazine, Amy Speace is one of contemporary folk and Americana music’s leading voices of the new generation. She is a published writer of prose, classically-trained actress, and a gifted songwriter with empathy for the small struggles of the human condition. Her songs have been recorded by Judy Collins, Red Molly, Sid Selvidge among others. https://www.amyspeace.com
Generously underwritten by William Leventon
Tues. June 17: Christine Ohlman with Rebel Montez –
The concert tonight moves indoors to East Ridge Middle School Auditorium at 7. Please, no food or drink may be brought into auditorium. Eat before hand. There is plenty of free parking. so come and enjoy without worrying about the skies above.
– a/k/a “The Beehive Queen” has been a long-time vocalist with NBC’s Saturday Night Live Band. In 2017 she was inducted into the National Blues Hall of Fame of American Heritage. She first played for CHIRP in 2020 and has been a fan favorite every year since. Mixing a fiery brand of rootsy Americana with old-school soul music style she’s created what’s described as “Contemporary Rock R&B. https://www.christineohlman.com
Generously underwritten by Gary & Susie Singer Arts & Culture Foundation
June 19: Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road –
Out of abundance of caution we are moving concert this evening to The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge at 7p.m. Please be aware that no outside food or drink may be brought into the Playhouse. Snacks are available for purchase.
Characterized by No Depression as “the future of bluegrass”, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road twine innovation, tradition, and excellence into a unique musical experience. In 2022, Purcell shook the bluegrass world by sweeping the Rockygrass Instrumental Championships in Colorado, taking home first place honors on mandolin, banjo, and guitar. He is the only person to ever achieve a simultaneous victory in multiple championships. www.canemillroad.com
Generously underwritten by Chris Pike , former owner of Ridgefield Music
Tues. June 24: C.J. Chenier & his Red Hot Louisiana Band – 8pm in Ballard Park
The king of zydeco returns to Ridgefield.
Get on your dancin’ shoes. http://www.officialcjchenier.com
Joyfully underwritten by David & Andrea Beebe
Thurs. June 26: Nefesh Mountain-
A New York based progressive bluegrass band that bridges elements of American folk and Appalachian bluegrass with Celtic folk and Jewish melodies. Since its formation nearly a decade ago, Nefesh Mountain has been declared “A Powerhouse Unit” by Rolling Stone with “Introspective lyrics and world class musicianship” by American Songwriter. www.nefeshmountain.com
Underwritten through the generosity of John Katz Family Foundation
Tues. July 1: I Draw Slow-
This group has consistently redefined acoustic roots music for over ten years. Formed in Dublin Ireland, the award-winning five-piece is led by siblings and songwriters Dave and Louise Holden. Its music has been licensed for Film, TV, and advertising and is widely recorded and covered by other artists. “No band more successfully bridges the gap between Ireland and Nashville than Americana band I Draw Slow.” – BROADWAY WORLD
Generously underwritten by the volunteers of the Ridgefield Thrift Shop
Thurs. July 3: The Fairfield Counts –
We are very sad to report that we will have to move inside this evening to the Ridgefield Playhouse for the wonderful big band concert by The Fairfield Counts. The beautiful weekend we were forecast to have will not start in time for tonight’s outside event.
The storm may have passed by 7 but as you all know by now, it takes us hours to set up. We hope you will join us at the beautiful Ridgefield Playhouse. If we have to be indoors, we couldn’t have a lovelier venue. But please remember no outside food or drink may be brought inside. Snacks and beverage are available for purchase at the Playhouse. We hope to see you there.
Who doesn’t love the music of the big bands of the 1940s and 50s? Swing along to the 18 piece Fairfield Counts as they perform the music of such greats as Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington. Miles Davis and many more. https://www.fairfieldcounts.com
Generously underwritten by Ridgefield Station, SLR
Tues. July 8: Cool Cool Cool-
It will be lovely and cool this evening in the Ridgefield Playhouse, however hot and possibly stormy it will be outside. Please join us for this wonderful band new to Ridgefield, Cool Cool Cool.
Please remember, no outside food or drink may be brought into Playhouse but snacks available for purchase.
Formed in 2022, this band blends the best of funk, house and R&B to create its own sound. With dynamic female-led vocals, a tight horn section, swirling synths and a rhythm section that lays down a wicked groove, it delivers an electrifying performance. https://wearecoolcoolcool.com
Underwritten through the generous support of David & Andrea Beebe
Thurs. July 10: Nikki Hill-
“If Tina Turner and Little Richard had a daughter and raised her with the help of uncles James Brown and Chuck Berry, she’d be like Nikki Hill.” -Minneapolis Star-Tribune. An original force in Americana music, ‘“Hill is the real deal…steeped in gospel and soul, wrapped up in a punk rock DIY ethic” – Time Out LA. www.nikkihillrocks.com
Generously underwritten by David & Andrea Beebe for their granddaughters
Tues. July 15: Chinobay –
Known for his exceptional talent and innovative approach to music, Chinobay has a deep appreciation for his country’s rich musical heritage, and has become a leading figure in Uganda’s contemporary music scene. His commitment to preserving traditional Ugandan music while infusing it with other global influences merges together a tapestry of sounds that transcends borders and speaks to the soul. https://www.chinobay.com
Generously underwritten by the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation
Thurs. July 17: Hot Club of Cowtown –
Since its beginnings in the late 1990s, the band’s star has continued to rise as its reputation for jaw-dropping virtuosity and unforgettable live shows has become its global brand. Lauded for its “down-home melodies and exuberant improvisation” (The Times, London), the Hot Club has always woven a combination of seemingly disparate styles together to its own magical effect, setting up camp “at that crossroads where country meets jazz and chases the blues away” (The Independent). https://hotclubofcowtown.com
Generously underwritten by David & Andrea Beebe
Tues. July 22: Tray Wellington –
Based in Raleigh, NC Tray has received a number of awards and accolades, including two awards from IBMA — 2019 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year and 2019 Momentum Band of the Year. Wellington is carving a truly idiosyncratic pathway for himself in music and on the banjo. When the band steps on stage, the audience sees a “bluegrass band,” but by the time it leaves the stage, those audiences are shown a group and a sound that is anything but. https://traywellington.com
Underwritten with the generous support of the Kellen Foundation
Thurs. July 24: The Cold Stares –
A modern blues-rock power trio based out of Evansville, Indiana. Initially formed in 2012, The Cold Stares began its career as a duo, but expanded its sonic firepower with the addition of bassist Bryce Klueh in 2022. The Cold Stares has been praised by Classic Rock Magazine, No Depression, and American Songwriter, among other outlets; reached #1 on Amazon Music’s Blues Rock album chart; earned prime sync license placements in commercials, on major network television, and on sports games. www.thecoldstares.com
Tues. July 29: Junco Partners-
The Junco Partners play uptown roots, groove, New Orleans music and feature Jamie McLean on guitar (Aaron Neville/Dirty Dozen Brass Band), Andy Hess on bass (Black Crowes, Govt. Mule), Eric Kalb on drums (Sharon Jones Dap Kings, John Scofield), and Eric Finland keyboards (Joe Louis Walker, Marc Cohn) https://www.instagram.com/thejuncopartners
Graciously underwritten by the Ridgefield Thrift Shop Volunteers
Thurs. July 31: Sam Morrow Band-
Five albums into an acclaimed career, Sam Morrow has carved out a sound that exists somewhere outside of genre and geography. It’s his own version of modern-day American roots music: a mix of roadhouse rock & roll, bluesy R&B, and country-fried funky-tonk, driven forward by groove, grease, and guitars. https://www.sammorrowmusic.com/
Generously underwritten by the Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation
Tues. Aug. 5: The Brigideens –
The new acoustic powerhouse fiery female band, formed and led by Grammy awarded, Emmy-nominated, 9-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Eileen Ivers, features critically acclaimed musicians and vocalists from the Celtic and Americana traditions highlighting the power and beauty of acoustic roots music. https://www.eileenivers.com/brigideens
Generously underwritten by Allen Purkiss of Purkiss Capital Advisors, LLC.
Thurs. Aug 7: Robert Jon & the Wreck
Reigning from Southern California, Robert Jon & The Wreck take the classic Southern rock sound and infuse it with a distinctly modern edge. Since their inception in 2011, the band—Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), Warren Murrel (bass), and Jake Abernathie (keyboards)—has captivated audiences worldwide with their powerful guitar work, rich vocal harmonies, and genre-blurring songwriting.
Generously underwritten by the volunteers of the Ridgefield Thrift Shop
Monday, Aug. 11: Charlie & the Tropicales –
This ensemble brings a 1950s Caribbean hotel party to life with torrid horns and tropical rhythms.
Tues. Aug. 12: Sue Foley –
One of the finest blues and roots artists of our time, With more than 15 albums released, her performance has garnered her one award after another, including most recently the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Maple Blues Award. She was also the 2021, 22 & 23 winner of the Blues Music Awards’ Best Traditional Blues Female-Koko Taylor award. https://www.suefoley.com.
Generously Underwritten by the Gary & Susie Singer Arts & Culture Foundation
Thurs. Aug. 14: Sugaray Rayford-
A Grammy nominated American Soul blues singer and songwriter whose sound combines classic soul melodies and funky R&B grooves with raw blues power. He has released six albums to date and was awarded the BMA “soul blues artist of the year” in both 2019 and 2020 and “B.B King Entertainer of the Year” in 2020. www.sugarayrayford.com
Thoughtfully underwritten by the Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation
Tues. August 19: Matt Schofield –
Three time “British Blues Guitarist of the Year”, Schofield’s authenticity, mastery of guitar, emotive vocals, and improvisational brilliance is brought to life within his innovative original compositions. https://www.mattschofield.com
Thurs. Aug . 21: Susan Werner-
Over the course of her twenty-five year career, Susan Werner has earned a reputation as “one of the most innovative songwriters working today” (Chicago Tribune). She is “a songwriter and musician who is in such complete command of her gifts that it’s almost scary.” All Music Guide. According to New Yorker magazine, Werner is “a clever songwriter and an engaging performer (who) brings literacy and wit back to popular song.”
Generously underwritten by Marcia Simha
Tues. Aug. 26: Heather Pierson Trio –
Originally from Galena, Kansas, Heather Pierson is a New Hampshire based singer/songwriter, pianist, song leader, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy, both onstage and off. With a toe in each of the realms of New Orleans jazz, blues, vocal chants, instrumental piano, and folk, her multi-genre songwriting places her firmly in a category all her own. https://heatherpierson.com
Underwritten with the generous support of Tom & Marlene Gerhard
Thurs. Aug. 28: John Jorgenson’s J2B2 band-
An all-star bluegrass supergroup featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians – John Jorgenson on acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals; Herb Pedersen on banjo, acoustic guitar and vocals; Mark Fain on bass; and Patrick Sauber on acoustic guitar and vocals – delivering bluegrass like no one has ever heard it before. This is the “high lonesome sound” of American roots music at its finest. https://johnjorgenson.com
CHIRP 