Celebrating 25 Years of CHIRP
Thank you for joining us!
MAY
Tues. May 26: Ridgefield High School Music Department
Join us as the students proudly kick off this year’s CHIRP concert series with performances by two of its award-winning ensembles: the RHS Big Band and the RHS Pops Concert Orchestra.
Underwritten by CHIRP and Ridgefield Music Parents a 501(c)(3)
Thurs. May 28: Honey Island Swamp Band
(“Wildfire” from Custom Deluxe, 2023)
After continuing to impress wherever they perform, the band starts its May tour at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and is on the road till they join us for one of our season’s opening concerts. Formed in 2005 in San Francisco as New Orleans Katrina refugees the band has since produced 4 award winning albums. Their unique combination of blues, roots, country and soul has been described by No Depression as “Bayou Americana.”
Underwritten with the support of the Wadsworth Lewis Fund
JUNE
Tues. June 2: Eileen Ivers & The Brigideens
(“Introducing The Brigideens” — official band intro)
After setting the park virtually on fire last August, Grammy awarded, 9 time All Ireland Fiddle Champion, Eileen Ivers returns with her powerhouse band of musicians, highlighting the power and beauty of acoustic Celtic and Americana roots music.
Underwritten with the generous support of Chris Pike, former owner of Ridgefield Music and one of CHIRP’s 2002 original underwriters.
Thurs. June 4: The Steel Wheels
(“Easy On Your Way” — Official Music Video, 2024)
Long at home in the creative space between tradition and innovation, the band first formed in 2005, continues to move forward with insightful lyrics and an evolving sound. In 2017 the band added percussion to their strings bringing a new level of sonic depth to the group which today explores deeply rooted yet fresh folk rock sounds.
Generously underwritten by the Leir Foundation
Tues. June 9: C.J. Chenier & his Red Hot Louisiana Band
(“Zydeco Boogaloo” live at NY State Blues Festival)
The longtime CHIRP favorite returns — the king of zydeco is back in Ridgefield.
Party music doesn’t get more fun than this. Join us wearing your dancin’ shoes for this very special evening of zydeco music by CHIRP’s most frequently demanded band.
http://www.OfficialCJChenier.com
Underwritten with the generous support of The Ridgefield Rotary Club
Thurs. June 11: David Wax Museum
(“My Chosen One” — Official Music Video)
Winner of the Boston Music Award, Best Americana Band. “Joyful Mexo-Americana fusion, with virtuosic musical skill and virtuous harmonies.” (TIME.com) The band “kicks up a cloud of excitement with its high-energy border-crossing sensibility” (The New Yorker). Centered around husband-and-wife duo David Wax and Suz Slezak, based in Charlottesville, VA, the band blends traditional Mexican son music with Americana in a style critics have dubbed “Mexo-Americana.” Wax studied folk music in southern Mexico after Harvard, finding it a defining turning point in his life, while Slezak brings a background in American and Irish traditional music. The band broke through after winning a spot at the 2010 Newport Folk Festival, where Paste magazine called them the breakout act.
Generously underwritten by the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation
Tues. June 16: Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road
(“Down the Hill” — Official Lyric Video)
In 2022 Liam Purcell shook the bluegrass world by sweeping the Rockygrass Instrumental Championships in Colorado with first place honors in mandolin, banjo and guitar. His band has been characterized by No Depression as “the future of bluegrass” for its brilliant meld of tradition and innovation.
Underwritten through the generous support of Fairfield County Bank in honor of CHIRP’s 25th season.
Thurs. June 18: Christine Ohlman with Rebel Montez
(Live at The Fallout Shelter — full set)
“The Beehive Queen”, a CHIRP favorite, returns. Mixing a fiery brand of rootsy Americana with old-school soul music, she’s created what’s described as “Contemporary Rock R&B.” In 2017 she was inducted into the National Blues Hall of Fame of American Heritage.
https://www.ChristineOhlman.com
Once again this year underwritten through the generosity of the Gary & Susie Singer Arts & Culture Foundation.
Tues. June 23: The Bob Button Band
(Bob Button Big Band live at Trumbull Town Hall, Aug. 2020)
Back for another turn at CHIRP after 12 years, this 14 piece band is now the preeminent big dance band in Fairfield County. Having entertained audiences in the New York area with music from the Big Band Era at the Waldorf Astoria and NYC Athletic Club in past years the band is now the band of choice to perform at Fred Astaire Dance Studios regional dance events. Their playlist includes tunes in cha cha, samba, swing, rhumba, salsa, tango and of course foxtrot and Viennese waltz.
Generously underwritten by Ridgefield Station, SLR
Weds. June 24: The Connie Kaldor Family Band
(“Canoe Song” — a beloved Kaldor signature)
With a career that began in the 70s alongside artists like Stan Rogers, Canadian Connie Kaldor is now celebrating 45 years as a singer-songwriter, entertainer, and TV personality with the release of her 19th album Wide Open Spaces. A three time Juno Award winner, the Boston Globe has described her as “a masterful performer, wildly funny one moment, deeply personal the next.”
Underwritten by the Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation
Thurs. June 25: Metropolitan Klezmer
(Mainly Rumanian Medley — finale at Lincoln Center Atrium debut)
Hailed as “one of the finest American klezmer bands” by Songlines Magazine (UK), Metropolitan Klezmer performs an exhilarating range of musical treasure with astonishing agility and refreshing depth. Formed in 1994 by drummer/leader Eve Sicular, this collaborative adventure of seven exceptional New York musicians creates inspired neo-traditional interpretations and compositions around a panoply of eclectic Yiddish repertoire: ethereal trance, rollicking dance, imaginatively-arranged Yiddish swing and tango, plus genre-expanding originals such as klezmer cumbia. The group has released five acclaimed albums from Yiddish For Travelers to Mazel Means Good Luck, and has been heard from NPR to Germany’s ARD to HBO.
Generously underwritten by The Ridgefield Thrift Shop
Tues. June 30: Bywater Call
(“Sign Of Peace” — Live, Official Video, 2025)
A much heralded Canadian band, Bywater Call is a seven piece Southern soul, roots rock outfit from Toronto. Known for their dynamic, emotional live shows featuring powerful vocals and exciting interplay between all band members, in 2024 Bywater Call was U.K. Blues Award nominee for International Blues Artist of the Year.
Thank you to the Volunteers of the Ridgefield Thrift Shop for their Generosity
JULY
Thurs. July 2: Radio Free Honduras
(Radio Free Honduras // Levitt AMP Music Series – Reel Deal Films)
This band is a cross-cultural, multigenerational group that was formed in 2013 to celebrate the artistry of Honduran folk music legend Charlie Baran who was a star of the Honduran music scene in the 70s and 80s. He was an integral part of several of the biggest musical acts in Honduras during that era, including Banda Blanca, who had a massive international hit in 1991 with their fusion cover of the Garifuna song “Sopa de Caracol.” Forced to flee Honduras, today the band is a collective of Chicago musicians playing original music in a style they call Latin Americana.
Generously underwritten by Regeneron, Leaders in Scientific Innovation
Tues. July 7: Mr. Sun
(Live at Old Church Concert Hall in Portland, Oregon on March 1st, 2022 performing “The Fiddler Of Dooney”.)
This cheerfully named supergroup is made up of four of the finest musicians on the American roots scene: Renowned fiddler Darol Anger, who has released many solo albums in addition to his work with David Grisman. He also founded Turtle Island Quartet, Psychograss and Republic of Strings; Joe K. Walsh, mandolin virtuoso and vocalist who spent years with the Gibson Brothers; all-around guitar genius Grant Gordy, a former member of David Grisman’s band Dawg Music; and the Scots bassist Aidan O’Donnell who has backed countless modern Jazz heroes.
Graciously underwritten by the Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation
Thurs. July 9: Sam Reider & the Human Hands
(“Prelude in Gm” & “Winter Waltz” — live, recorded direct-to-tape in Brooklyn)
Led by Latin Grammy-nominated accordionist, pianist, and composer Sam Reider, the Human Hands is a collective of innovative acoustic musicians exploring the crossroads of folk, jazz, and traditional music from around the world. Irresistible melodies, joyflul improv and otherworldly sounds collide in what Songlines Magazine has dubbed a “mash-up of the Klezmatics, Quintette du Hot Club and The Punch Brothers.”
Underwritten through the generosity of the Michael Kellen Foundation
Tues. July 14: Cool Cool Cool
(“Tied Up” live at Soundcheck Studios)
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.
Generously underwritten by the law firm of Cohen and Wolf, P.C
Thurs. July 16: I Draw Slow
(“My Portion” — Official Video)
Back for their third consecutive appearance, this award-winning five piece band from Dublin Ireland 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 one of our original underwriters Purkiss Capital Advisors, LLC
Tues. July 21: MYSTERY PERFORMANCE (TBA)
We’re not allowed to announce because of radius restrictions, but trust us, don’t stay home. Come out, come out wherever you are!
Generously underwritten by our Ridgefield Thrift Shop Volunteers
Thurs. July 23: Alexis P. Suter Band
(“Just Stay High” — Official Video, 2025)
A favorite of B.B. King and the late Levon Helm, Alexis P. Suter, a gospel rooted singer from Brooklyn, has a voice that is “fierce and ferocious” (Living Blues magazine). Her band is tight knit having played together for decades and their music is timeless.
Generously underwritten by Michael Kellen Foundation
Tues. July 28: Ridgefield Chorale
(“All Shall Be Well” by Sarah Quartel. Performed at Western Connecticut State University, October 29, 2022.)
Two milestone anniversaries, one stage. The Ridgefield Chorale is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, and we couldn’t be happier to share Ballard Park with them as we mark CHIRP’s 25th. Founded in 1976, the 65-member mixed choir is led by Artistic Director Daniela Sikora, who celebrated her own 25th anniversary with the Chorale in 2023. Known for its vocal excellence, the Chorale performs contemporary music from a cappella to Broadway, jazz, and world music. Daniela has been named Ridgefield’s Person of the Year (2012), received the Town’s Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Award (2017), and was honored as a Connecticut Arts Hero (2021).
Underwritten by CHIRP in Gratitude for the many years of wonderful music given us by
Daniela Sikora and the Ridgefield Chorale
Thurs. July 30: Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience
(“We Got to Have Peace” — NY State Blues Fest 2022)
Terrance Simien, along with C.J. Chenier has been at the forefront of zydeco since the 80s. Zydeco driven by African and Caribbean rhythms has evolved musically over decades, incorporating more popular genres like rock, funk, R&B and now, into the 21st century, incorporating rap and hip hop. Terrance Simien and his band have traveled the world for the State Dep’t as Cultural Ambassadors playing in over 45 countries including Ukraine in 2012 and 2015. They also toured Russia in 2015.
https://www.TerranceSimien.com
Generously underwritten by The Leir Foundation
AUGUST
Tues. Aug. 4: The Steepwater Band
(“A Long Time (And No Time at All)” — Official Video, 2025)
Formed in Chicago in 1998 as a rock band, Steepwater quickly turned to writing their own songs, becoming more of a blues rock band. Some of their songs have been featured on TV and in movies. Today the band consists of two of its three originals, Jeff Massey (guitar and vocals) and Joe Winters (drums). Eric Saylors joined the band in 2012 and Joe Bishop on bass guitar joined in 2019. The band has released more than eleven albums over the years.
Generously underwritten by the Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation
Thurs. Aug. 6: Hot Club of Cowtown
(“Deed I Do” — live on RFD-TV)
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://www.HotClubOfCowtown.com
Underwritten through the generosity of Tom & Marlene Gerhard
Tues. Aug. 11: Sugaray Rayford
(“Singing The Blues For You” — MoMM@Home session)
A Grammy nominated American Soul blues singer and songwriter whose sound combines classic sould melodies and funky R&B grooves with raw blues power. He has released six albums and awarded the BMA “Soul Blues Artist of the Year” in both 2019 and 2020 and “B.B. King Entertainer of the Year” in 2020.
Generously underwritten by Gary and Susie Singer Arts & Culture Foundation
Thurs. Aug. 13: MYSTERY PERFORMANCE (TBA)
Another hush, hush, we can’t say. But here it’s only until July 1, so check out our announcement that day and hurry home from vacation so you don’t miss them!
Partially underwritten by Dan Coleman & Kathleen Hartford
Tues. Aug. 18: Cimarron 615
(“High Lonesome Stranger” — filmed at Cash Cabin, Nashville)
Initially brought together in 2022 for a tribute album to the late Rusty Young of Poco, this group with strong Poco roots contributed five original songs to the project and decided they were having so much fun they would keep at it. The quintet, dubbed Cimarron 615 for the recording are true veterans of country rock now creating their own originals as well as harmonizing on some great Poco covers.
Most generously underwritten by the Michael Kellen Foundation
Thurs. Aug. 20: Eliza Gilkyson
(“The Great Correction” – Official Music Video)
Eliza Gilkyson is a twice Grammy-nominated (2006/2014) singer-songwriter and activist who is one of the most respected musicians in Folk, Roots and Americana circles. Her songs have been covered by Joan Baez, Bob Geldof, Chris Smither, the world-renowned Conspirare Choir, Tom Rush and Rosanne Cash and have appeared in films, PBS specials and on primetime TV. A member of the Austin Music Hall of Fame, she has won countless Folk Alliance and Austin Music awards, including 2014’s Songwriter of the Year and the “Song of the Year” Award at the Folk Alliance International Conference in 2021.
Generously underwritten by the John Katz Family Foundation
Tues. Aug. 25: Nikki D and the Sisters of Thunder
(“We Made It” – Tiny Desk Contest Submission 2024)
A multi-generational family based group from Toledo Ohio. Their unique style is Gospel with Blues riffs and grooves all punctuated by Nikki D’s wildly soulful and electrifying Lap Steel guitar. In 2016, Guitar World magazine described Nikki as “The Jimi Hendrix of Sacred Steel.” Whatever else you had planned, forget about it! Come out and shake your booties.
Generously underwritten by Bill Leventon
Thurs. Aug. 27: Max Baca & Los Texmaniacs
(Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, 2018)
2010 Grammy Award winner for best Tejano album for “Borders y Bailes”, produced by Smithsonian Folkways. Led by Max Baca, a master of the 12 string guitar known as the bajo sexto, this famed conjunto band incorporates elements from rock & roll and jazz with Tejano music. Conjunto music is a pairing of the bajo sexto with the button accordion. Welcome back Max.
CHIRP 