Free concerts co-sponsored by The Ridgefield Press and the town of Ridgefield through its Parks and Rec. Dept.
Bring a picnic, chairs or a blanket and please WEAR YOUR MASK into PARK
Tuesday, June 1, 7:00PM – Caravan of Thieves
Driving gypsy jazz rhythms, acoustic guitars, upright bass and violin lay the foundation for mesmerizing vocal harmonies and fantastic stories. It’s theatrical and humorous. It’s musical and intense. It entertains, dazzles and defies classification.
“This zany group brings a touch of vaudeville, over-the-top theatricality, performance art and an all-but-the-kitchen sink collection of percussion utensils (and a hubcap) to their brand of gypsy swing music… those wild and crazy guys (and gal) turned out to be the most pleasant surprise of the day.” – Michael Bialas/ Huffington Post Post it on your calendar NOW.
Concert most generously underwritten by Chris Pike, former owner of Ridgefield Music
Tuesday, June 8, 7pm – Roomful of Blues
According to DownBeat magazine, Roomful of Blues “are in a class by themselves.” With their masterful combination of jumping, horn-heavy, hard-edged blues and R&B, it’s no wonder why the great Count Basie called them “the hottest blues band I ever heard.” Since 1967, the group’s deeply rooted blend of swing, rock ‘n’ roll, jump, blues and soul has earned it 5 Grammy Award nominations and a slew of other accolades, including 7 Blues Music Awards and the prestigious DownBeat International Critics Poll for “Best Blues Band”.
Concert generously underwritten by David and Andrea Beebe
Thursday, June 10, 7:00 P.M. – Carsie Blanton
Carsie Blanton writes anthems for a world worth saving. Inspired by artists including Nina Simone and Randy Newman, her songs encompass a wide range of genres, from sultry pop to punk-tinged Americana. Fronting her four-piece “handsome band,” Carsie delivers every song with an equal dose of moxie and mischief.
fragile and strong, lush and cheerful arrangements infused with jazz elements
Genre nonconformist folk-rock with a hearty sense of humor and a fearless take on human sexuality
-Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone
Concert Generously Underwritten by Naomi Stern
Tuesday, June 15, 7:00 P.M. – Hillbenders
Hillbenders don’t follow any old stigmas attached to bluegrass . For over ten years now the five original members have traveled coast to coast and around the world spreading joy and excitement through music. High-energy performances, a diverse catalog, and a slice of humor make way for what appears to be more of a brotherhood than a business – and each audience they play for becomes a part of that family. Can’t wait for their return!
After catching the spotlight’s eye with Tommy, [The HillBenders] were determined to stir its ardor with their originals, and overwhelmingly succeeded. The whole album is well written and performed with hardly a blemish or toss-away…”-No Depression
Concert Generously Underwritten by John Katz
Thursday, June 17, 7:00 P.M. – Adam Ezra Group
The Adam Ezra Group plays upwards of 200 shows a year, often devoting their time to local charities and always going out of their way to connect with fans. This past year they have been streaming a “Gathering” series for their fans, nonstop. Adam is creating a powerful, inclusive community that is beginning to be compared to a social movement as much as a traditional music fan base.
Concert generously underwritten by Wadsworth Lewis Fund
Tuesday, June 22, 7:00 P.M. – Eileen Ivers Band
Eileen Ivers is the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle in the world today. She is Grammy awarded, Emmy nominated, an original Musical Star of Riverdance, as well as being Nine Time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion. She has performed with more than 50 orchestras worldwide, . CHIRP is thrilled to have her back with her band.
Called a “sensation” by Billboard magazine and “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin,” by The New York Times. “She electrifies the crowd with a dazzling show of virtuoso playing” says The Irish Times.
Concert generously underwritten by Allen Purkiss, Capital Advisors, LLC
Thursday, June 24, 7:00 P.M. – 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.
“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.
Concert generously underwritten by The Ridgefield Thrift Shop
Tuesday, June 29, 7:00 P.M. – Twisted Pine
Twisted Pine is rooted in bluegrass, continually inspired by explorers like Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, and SierraHull. Their bluegrass is jazzy, their indie folk is poppy and their grooves are funky. Twisted Pine is Kathleen Parks, fiddle; Dan Bui, mandolin; Chris Sartori, bass; Anh Phung, flute and they groove with fearless improvisation and intricate arrangements.
“They were once bluegrass,” wroteThe BostonGlobe, “but … this Boston band has become something else, a wider version of string band, boundary jumpers akin to outfits like PunchBrothers, Nickel Creek, and Crooked Still.”
Generously co-underwritten by Cohen & Wolf P.C.
Thursday, July 1, 7:00 P.M. – Johnny Nicholas Trio featuring Cindy Cashdollar and Katie Shore
Get ready for an incredible evening of music with legendary bluesman Johnny Nicholas when CHIRP presents An acoustic evening of roots music with The Johnny Nicholas Trio featuring 5 time Grammy winner Cindy Cashdollar on pedal steel and dobro & Katie Shore on fiddle (all one time members of 9 time Grammy winning Asleep at The Wheel).
Generously underwritten by Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation
Tuesday, July 6, 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. They hopped on bicycles, touring the country, instruments on their backs, seeking to reimagine roots music. In five short years, Bumper Jacksons grew to a fiery five-piece, with horns and pedal steel.Honored multiple times as the Mid-Atlantic’s “Artist of the Year” & “Best Traditional Band” at the Washington Area Music Awards.
“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
Underwritten in part by Fairfield County Bank
Thursday, July 8, 7:00 P.M. – Dustbowl Revival
More than a dozen years ago, ago Zach Lupetin- a Chicago native who had relocated to L.A. placed an ad on Craigslist. He sought to find fellow musicians who shared his roving love of Louis Armstrong, Bob Wills, Old Crow Medicine Show, Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin and the brass bands of New Orleans, but also wanted to write songs like Americana pioneers Wilco, Lucinda Williams and even Bruce Springsteen. Together they put out a number of highly acclaimed albums and won “Best Band in L.A.” A few of those original responders still play with Zach, who in recent months has also added some great new talent .
The bands “upbeat, old-school, All- American sonic safaris exemplify everything shows should be: hot, spontaneous, engaging …and a pleasure to hear.” (L.A. Weekly).
Generously Underwritten by David & Andrea Beebe
Tuesday, July 13, 7:00 P.M. – The Scooches
This energetic ensemble performs a lively and eclectic mix of country, bluegrass, western swing, rockabilly, blues, traditional jazz, dixieland, old-time music, folk, roots music & Americana including their own originals.
“Unfailingly high-spirited.” LONDON TIMES
Thursday, July 15, 7:00 P.M.- Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez
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.”
Generously underwritten by Gary & Susie Singer
Tues. July 20, 7:00 P.M. The National Reserve
Founded and fronted by singer-guitarist and songwriter Sean Walsh, The National Reserve, based in Brooklyn, N.Y., mine an archetypal musical seam, marrying gutbucket R&B, Laurel Canyon lyricism, New Orleans funk workouts, late night soul, and bluesy, boozy rock ‘n’ roll to create their own timeless brand of American music
The National Reserve delivers feel good, booty-shaking vibes in a guitar-heavy cocktail of classic rock ‘n’ roll mixed with soul, blues, roots music, and pop.” Rochester City Newspaper
Thurs. July 22, 7:00 P.M. – Willie Nile
With at least 13 studio albums to his credit, Willie Nile remains one of New York’s finest rock n roll musicians and songwriters. Since his debut 40 years ago when then New York Times music critic Robert Palmer called Willie “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years.” he has performed with every big named rock and indie artist while remaining true to himself and his music.
“Willie Nile is a great artist. If there was any justice in this world, I’d be opening up for him instead of him for me.” Lucinda Williams
Tues. July 27, 7:00 P.M- Shayna Steele
Born in California, raised in Mississippi, and a self-proclaimed “American Air Force brat” Shayna Steele grew up all over the world. With a charismatic, charming and truly unique voice, plenty of technique and the vocal strength of a volcano, Shayna has done background with the likes of Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Bette Midler and Steely Dan. Recently, she has toured regularly as a featured vocalist with Grammy Award winning trumpeter, Chris Botti.
“In one performance, California-born, New York-based vocalist Shayna Steele unleashed enough voltage to light up the West End.” – Matt Pannell, London Jazz News
Generously Underwritten by William Leventon
Thurs. July 29, 7:00 P.M. – Damn Tall Buildings
From Boston, with a bluegrass foundation, they are not your traditional bluegrass ensemble. The band coined the term “guerrilla roots” to describe its sound, which draws on early-20th-century Americana/bluegrass music, “repurposed for a modern audience.”” (Boston Globe).
DTB celebrated themes of rural, poor America with sharp musicianship, creativity, and humor.” (Sound of Boston).
Generously underwritten by Bob & Loire Leavitt
Tues. Aug. 3, 7:00 P.M. – The Barefoot Movement
2014 IBMA Momentum Award winners for “Band of the Year,” this string quartet from Hendersonville, TN. plays mostly original music They integrate bluegrass, blues, folk, rock, country and pop into music that’s delightfully fresh. Shows feature original songs and reimagined cover tunes with tight three-part harmonies and hot instrumentals.
“They perform barefoot, yes, but what you’ll remember is how the music moved you. Lead singer Noah Wall’s voice can blast you backward as well as pull you in, and the rest of the band has the harmonies and instrumental chops to support that ride.” — News & Observe
Generously underwritten by Ridgefield Cleaners
Thurs. Aug. 5, 7:00 P.M. Tim Grimm Family Band-
Tim Grimm is a bit of a Rennaisance man in the performing arts world. He has for the past 20 years, blended his love for songwriting, travel, and the storytelling of acting (theatre, film and television). His most recent recording- GONE, was released in March 2021 and debuted at #1 Folk album for the month. It’s title song was released as a single in October, ’20 and ended up the #1 most played song on Folk radio for the year.. In the Fall of 2016 this same group recorded the single- WOODY’S LANDLORD– which was the #1 song on Folk Radio for the year. Tim’s previous recording, THE TURNING POINT, produced the #1 song on Folk radio in 2014– KING OF THE FOLKSINGERS.
“this man really is a huge talent who needs to be heard by far more people. American Roots, UK
Generously underwritten by Tom & Marlene Gerhard
Tues. Aug. 10, 7:00 P.M. –Tuba Skinny
Formed in in 2009, Tuba Skinny has steadily evolved from a loose collection of street musicians into a solid ensemble 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 New Orleans home. The band has gained a loyal following through their distinctive sound, their commitment to reviving long-lost songs, and their barnstorming live performances.
Generously underwritten by Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Foundation
Thurs. Aug. 12, 7:00 P.M. – Albert Cummings
Albert Cummings is one of those gifted individuals who checks all the right boxes of a perfect bluesman. Born in Williamson, Massachusetts, this brilliant singer-songwriter and musician’s two decades of hard work and master-class has earned him the 2019 nomination for the Blues Music Award in Blues Rock Album category for his album, Live at the ’62 Center, recorded in his hometown. With mesmerizing extended guitar jams, Cummings’ Fender Strat sings while he takes you on a twisting, turning blues roller coaster. Featuring a tight, pristine tone and strong vocals to match, the seasoned entertainer has incorporated the influence of his musical idols while maintaining a distinct, genre-bending style and sound all his own.
Tues. Aug. 17, 7:00 P.M. – James Maddock
A rock & roll lifer, James Maddock has been carving his unique path since the 1980s, when the British-born singer/songwriter kicked off his career with a raw, soulful voice; a storyteller’s sense of narrative; and the ability to blur the lines between folk, classic pop, and rock.
Thurs. Aug. 19, 7:00 P.M. – Marcia Ball Cancelled
– She is “the Queen of Gulf Coast party music…good time boogie and blues…oozes southern atmosphere that carries you straight to the bayou….infectious rhythmic patters of the Crescent City run through her music like a rich vein of gold. “(Time Out Chicago) We’re thrilled to have her back.
Generously underwritten by the Leir Foundation
Tues. Aug. 24, 7:00 P.M. – Pokey LaFarge
Ever since his first record, 2006’s self-released Marmalade, LaFarge has been a difficult specimen to pin down. Timelessness, and refined good taste, is LaFarge’s raison d’être, and his influences are as multi-hued and wide-ranging as the rhythms that buoy his starkly poetic songs — rhythms that are steeped in the very essence of jazz.
Underwritten in part by Jon & Allison Stockel
Thurs. Aug. 26, 7:00 P.M. – Amy Speace
We could easily write a 10,000 word essay on Amy Speace. CHIRP and its sister series, @Acoustic Celebration have presented her many, many times since 2007. Each times she releases an album, its reviews are generally raves, with each album containing at least several songs written or co-written by her that tease your mind and tug at your heartstrings. Her most recent release is no different, though many are saying it is the best yet. This is an artist whose voice you will not forget and whose writing will leave indelible marks.
“A musical match made in heaven, for Amy Speace’s ninth album, Speace has joined forces with [The Orphan Brigade], the result not only being another spellbinding Americana masterpiece but also her most personal work to date. Speace demonstrates why she’s one of the greatest artists in Americana today.” –Miles Davis, Folk U.K.
5/5 stars – American Songwriter Magazine!
4/4 stars – Mojo Magazine!
9/10 stars – Americana-UK
Underwritten in part by her numerous Ridgefield fans
Tues. Aug. 31, 7:00 P.M. – Dirk Powell Band
Dirk Powell is a musician with deep roots in several rural American traditions. He learned banjo and fiddle from his Kentucky grandfather, James Clarence Hay, and has been a part of the thriving Cajun/Creole music community in Louisiana since his early 20s. He has toured and recorded with musicians such as Eric Clapton, Joan Baez, Buddy Miller, Jack White, Loretta Lynn, and Levon Helm, while his contribution to film has found him collaborating with directors like Anthony Minghella (“Cold Mountain”), Ang Lee (“Ride with the Devil”), and Spike Lee (“Bamboozled”).
Thurs. Sept. 2, 7:00 P.M. – New Orleans Suspects
New Orleans Suspects began playing together in 2009 as a pick-up band at the Maple Leaf in New Orleans. Comprised of some of the most seasoned, highly respected players in NOLA, the group called themselves The Unusual Suspects. Their chemistry was undeniable and by the summer of 2011 they decided to tour full-time, renaming the band New Orleans Suspects. They quickly began attracting large crowds from San Francisco to New York. They have currently released five albums and established themselves as one of New Orleans’ best supergroups.
CHIRP 