• The DMR Big Band is Fairfield County’s premier contemporary big band, bringing together exceptional musicians to celebrate the timeless sound of jazz’s greatest orchestras. Under the direction of Grammy Award-winning alto saxophonist Dave DeJesus, the ensemble performs an exciting repertoire spanning the golden age of swing to modern big band masterpieces.Featuring music by legendary composers and arrangers including Count Basie, Benny Carter, Bill Holman, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones, and more, The DMR Big Band delivers powerful performances filled with rich harmonies, dynamic soloists, and infectious swing. Whether honoring the classics or showcasing contemporary works, the band’s energy, precision, and musicianship make every performance an unforgettable experience for jazz lovers of all ages.Led by Dave DeJesus—an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, educator, and Music Director for Ron Carter’s Great Big Band—the DMR Big Band reflects his passion for preserving the big band tradition while inspiring the next generation of jazz musicians.

  • Take A Step Back is a Connecticut-based tribute band dedicated to celebrating the timeless music and enduring legacy of The Grateful Dead. More than simply recreating the songs, the band embraces the spirit of improvisation, musical exploration, and community that made the Grateful Dead one of the most influential live acts in music history.

    Drawing from the Dead’s vast catalog, Take A Step Back delivers performances filled with uplifting rhythms, inspired improvisation, rich harmonies, and the unforgettable storytelling that has captivated generations of fans. Every show honors the innovations the Grateful Dead brought to live music—from groundbreaking touring and sound technology to their unique ability to create a one-of-a-kind experience at every performance.

    Whether you’re a lifelong Deadhead or discovering the music for the first time, Take A Step Back invites audiences to celebrate the songs, the spirit, and the sense of connection that continue to make the Grateful Dead’s music as vibrant today as ever.

  • Pretty Nasty is Connecticut’s favorite all female rock cover band, delivering a high octane blend of classic rock, pop punk, metal and modern anthems. They  redefine the live music experience with powerful vocals, tight musicianship, and a bold, unapologetic stage presence. Their setlist pays tributes to iconic artists like Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Blondie, Stevie Nicks Metallica, KISS, Guns N’ Roses, the Killers, Blink 182 and more. With a reputation for turning every show into a sing along party and a celebration of “women who rock”,  Pretty Nasty creates a no rules, high energy rock and roll experience for every audience. 

  • Description text goes hereThe Telephones are a reunited Brooklyn roots-rock band whose heartfelt songwriting, soaring harmonies, and energetic live shows made them favorites of New York City’s indie scene in the early 2000s. Led by singer-songwriter Jesse Adelman with Brad Albert, Anton Kreisl, and Todd Budich, the band released four acclaimed albums before taking a decade-long hiatus. During that time, Adelman released two solo records mixed by Jeff Zeigler (The War on Drugs) and collaborated with Grammy-nominated reggae artist Etana. Now reunited, The Telephones return with the same sharp songwriting, powerful musicianship, and unmistakable chemistry that first put them on the map.

  • Mind the Gap is an award-winning Connecticut classic rock cover band known for turning every performance into an unforgettable party. Based in New Canaan, the band has been entertaining audiences across the region since 2015 with high-energy performances, exceptional musicianship, and a setlist spanning decades of rock classics—from The Beatles, David Bowie, The Who, and Pink Floyd to U2, Radiohead, The Killers, and more. 

    More than just a cover band, Mind the Gap creates an interactive live experience that gets audiences singing, dancing, and rocking along from the first song to the last. The band is also known for its popular “Rockaoke” performances, giving guests the chance to take center stage and sing with a live band. 

    A multiple award winner, Mind the Gap has twice won the prestigious Gates Restaurant Battle of the Bands (2019 and 2023), earned Best Local Rock Band in the Best of the Gold Coast Awards, and continues to be one of Connecticut’s most sought-after live bands for festivals, restaurants, private parties, and community events. Whether performing on a concert stage or at a neighborhood celebration, Mind the Gap delivers an energetic show guaranteed to have the crowd on its feet. 

Main Stage

Festival Stage

  • Peter & His Band of Wolves is a Connecticut-based Americana and roots rock band led by singer-songwriter Peter Carucci. Blending heartfelt songwriting with soaring harmonies, driving rhythms, and a touch of country soul, the band has built a loyal following throughout New England with energetic live performances and an authentic, feel-good sound.

    Whether delivering original songs or crowd-favorite covers, Peter & His Band of Wolves creates an engaging live experience that connects with audiences of all ages. Their performances combine polished musicianship, rich vocal harmonies, and an infectious stage presence, making them a favorite at festivals, community events, and venues across Connecticut.

    Known for their passion, professionalism, and love of live music, Peter & His Band of Wolves brings an evening of memorable songs, great musicianship, and plenty of energy wherever they perform.

  • Otis and the Hurricanes plays the roots of American Rock n Roll influenced by the likes of Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Little Feat, The Funky Meters, Alan Toussaint, Delbert McClinton, and Chuck Berry. The Hurricanes are a group of veteran musicians who will rock the house and are guaranteed to get things movin’ !! Chris is the “voice” of the Hurricanes. His friends named him “Otis” at the age of 14 when he picked up a Fender Telecaster and bent his first blues note. Chris was an early member of the legendary “Blue in the Face” band. He was on the road with Debbie Davies, and plays an important role in the Fairfield music scene, opening and playing with musical icons like Tab Benoit, James Montgomery, Kim Wilson, Mark Naftalin, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter and Buckwheat Zydeco. “Otis” has left his soulful mark on the music scene from Toronto to Atlanta.

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  • Inspired by elements of rock, jazz, and funk music, Mokra is a multifaceted band prone to embarking on spontaneous improvisations within both original and cover songs.

  • The Parkway Ramblers are a Connecticut-based bluegrass trio with roots that may have sprung from the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains—but found their home along the Connecticut coast. Blending the timeless traditions of bluegrass with exceptional musicianship and infectious energy, the band delivers performances that are as authentic as they are entertaining.Featuring a rich mix of banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, harmonica, and other acoustic instruments, The Parkway Ramblers bring classic bluegrass standards, spirited instrumentals, and crowd-pleasing favorites to life with tight harmonies and masterful picking. Their warm stage presence and toe-tapping sound have made them a favorite at festivals, community events, breweries, and venues throughout the region.Whether you’re a lifelong bluegrass fan or discovering the genre for the first time, The Parkway Ramblers offer an unforgettable performance rooted in tradition, musicianship, and the simple joy of live acoustic music.

Emerging Artists - Festival Stage

  • Gramcavë is an emerging artist whose music blends dreamy indie rock, shoegaze, and nostalgic alternative sounds. His new album, Catching Fireflies, takes listeners through lush guitars, intimate songwriting, shifting emotions, and moments that feel both nostalgic and completely new.

  • Sophie Seaver is a 17-year-old Connecticut based artist whose organic, confessional songwriting blends mellow acoustic folk with subtle jazz influence, marked by surprising chord changes and the warm presence of upright bass. Writing candidly about social anxiety, relationship insecurities, and the hidden inner lives of others, her music feels heartfelt, comforting, and quietly daring. Sophie has honed her craft through formative experiences with School of Rock and Grammy Camp and her work has been recognized nationally as a YoungArts winner and Rare Artist Awardee. Drawing inspiration from artists like Norah Jones, Adrianne Lenker, Phoebe Bridger’s, Lizzy McAlpine, and Olivia Dean, she is steadily shaping a timeless sound that prioritizes intimacy, emotional honesty, and thoughtful world-building.