FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED High-octane improvisational blues and a freeform experimental spirit. 1960's surf-rock, chitlin circuit funk, and extended improvised jams. Jonny Chapman - Guitar, Donny Pierro - Bass, Chris Strange - Keys, Kenny Owens AND Connor Andrews - Drums.
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED 6 piece jazz/funk/fusion group from New Haven blending the hard driving grooves of funk under infectious and catchy jazz melodies. The vibe of the band and its music is explorative, original and simply danceable. According to Herbie Hancock’s HeadHunters drummer Mike Clark, “these guys can groove their butts off!”
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED Jon Chapman is a guitar player, a singer and a songwriter. Based in Danbury CT, he has been a regular face on the local music scene for over a decade, performing with bands such as the Last Minutemen and Zen Dudes & the Universe. Rooted in the blues, jazz and folk music, Jon draws inspiration from artists like Sam Cooke, Little Richard, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan.
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED Ramblin' Dan Stevens performs a mix of traditional fingerstyle blues, Americana and originals, and has entertained audiences throughout the United States, Germany, UK, Canada, and US Virgin Islands. His unique style of "bottleneck" slide playing, popularized by early Mississippi Delta bluesmen, includes use of a homemade, three stringed "Cigar Box Guitar" and one stringed "Diddly Bow", both primitive blues instruments. A finalist in the International Blues Challenge on Beale St. in Memphis, TN and protégé of the legendary folk and blues icon Dave Van Ronk, Dan has been lauded as a raconteur and for the authenticity of his approach.
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED Brian Dolzani is a contemporary singer/songwriter that possesses an old soul. A listen to his music makes that point abundantly clear. So too, the fact that he lists any number of ‘60s and ‘70s songwriters as prime influences — Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Cat Stevens, Crosby, Stills and Nash, to Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Credence Clearwater Revival, among them — suggests that his roots reside in a great storytelling tradition. Like his forebears, Brian is all about to creating a connection to his audiences through the expression of innermost emotion.
TICKETED PERFORMANCE // LIVE IN THE BACKSPACE 7:00PM Jim Oblon is one of those rare talents—a jaw-dropping guitarist, soulful singer and compelling writer. Oblon has gained national attention as a guitarist, drummer, and vocalist in Paul Simon’s band as well as for his contributions to Simon’s albums "So Beautiful or So What" and "Stranger to Stranger". He released "Sunset" in 2014 with Jim Keltner on drums and Larry Goldings on organ and has two other albums available on Bandcamp — Black Cat and Skinwalker. He also plays in a trio with fellow Nashville musicians Brian Allen and Wes Little (of Robben Ford's band). From performing with Charlie Hunter to the Lion King on Broadway, virtuoso drummer Carter McLean has been busy touring and doing studio work as well as having a busy teaching schedule. In addition, McLean has shared the stage or recorded with Jamie McLean, Greg Holden, Charlie Hunter, Victor Wooten, Anthony Hamilton, Bernie Worrell (Parlament Funkadelic), Fred Wesley (James Brown), Shelby Johnson (Prince), Melanie Gabriel (Peter Gabriel) Leni Stern, Matt Duke and many others. Chris Anderson is a graduate of the Hartt School of Music with a BM in Music Production Technology and received a masters degree from the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase in Jazz Performance Double Bass. As both an electric and upright bassist he has toured the world with many artists including Ingrid Michaelson, Burlap To Cashmere, A Great Big World, Rachel Platten, Post Modern Jukebox (PMJ), Martin Sexton, Jamie McLean, and Rebecca Haviland and Whiskey Heart. His playing can be found on numerous television and radio broadcasts as well as dozens of recording sessions resulting in over fifty album credits spanning jazz and popular music.
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED Fat Boi’s Brass Band is NY’s premier brass band; bringing a slice of NOLA to the Tri-state area! Their authentic New Orleans brass sounds, combined with raunchy original tunes are guaranteed to get you out of your seat and moving your feet!
6PM IN THE TAPROOM // SESSION OPEN TO ACOUSTIC MUSICIANS // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS OR RSVP REQUIRED Join fiddler & accordionist Damien Connolly for an evening of communal music-making, joyful melodies, and the one-of-a-kind atmosphere that only happens at a session. Traditional players are welcome to bring their instruments and join the fray, all others are welcome to simply come enjoy the music over a few pints.
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED Logical Pretzel is an 8-piece collective honoring the music of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. The band's take on Steely Dan includes infectious hits like "Rikki Don't Lose that Number" and "My Old School", as well as jazzy deep-catalogue cuts. In just five short years, Logical Pretzel has gained fans across Fairfield County with sell-out performances including the Norwalk Oyster Festival, Park City Music Hall, BRYAC and the Backspace at Nod Hill. With their polished sound and joyful spirit, Logical Pretzel is a celebration for Dan fans and new audiences alike.
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED Symphonic Bodega lays down a unique style of funky progressive jams that harmonize Rock, Funk, Surf, and Americana. Inspired by orchestrated grooves and spontaneous improvisation, Bodega’s sound will entertain the soul. They have been featured with national touring acts The Stepkids, Consider the Source, Elephant Wrecking Ball and Perhaps. Featuring Chris Cavaliere, Kenny Owens, Alex Swift, and Michael Colavolpe.
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED Old Bob was formed in 2015 when Brian Anderson, Chris Cavaliere, and Kenny Owens celebrated Bob Dylan's 75th birthday by playing 75 of his songs in chronological order. As much as we enjoy playing all of Dylan's music, what we really love is his recent stuff—the "Old Bob" stuff; everything from Time Out Of Mind through Rough & Rowdy Ways. We also throw in some classics along with songs from other artists that sound like Old Bob. Old Bob is often joined by friend & keyboardist extraordinaire Chris Strange.
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED A little bit of this and a little bit of that will help you find the right balance. Everything in moderation you say? That's right! And that is what you will discover and enjoy from the musical collection of Dan Tressler. Over the past 20 years Dan Tressler has found himself deeply involved with Choral Music, Bluegrass Bands, Southern Rock Bands, Experimental Music, Reggae Music, Gospel Music...he is basically an all around Americana and World Music advocate.
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED Free Whenever's guiding philosophy and approach to making music is rooted in long-form improvisation resulting in a unique blend of vintage psychedelia, dub, eastern modality, african rhythmic tradition and melodic guitar that leaves listeners high -- fully immersed in a synesthetic sound experience. Their new self-titled LP is the Brooklyn-based trio's latest statement and has brought them attention among fans and musicians alike. Coupled with electrifying live shows, Free Whenever is continuing to make waves throughout the modern psychedelic music scene, sharing the stage with acts like Karina Rykman and Balthvs and playing venues like Brooklyn Bowl, Baby's All Right, and The Sultan Room.
TICKETED PERFORMANCE // LIVE IN THE BACKSPACE 7:00PM Eric Andersen first came to prominence as a performer in Greenwich Village in the early 1960s, immediately becoming part of the folk and songwriter scene, and was at the epicenter of the American Greenwich Village singer-songwriter explosion. Aside from his own classics, he’s co-written songs with Lou Reed, Townes Van Zandt, Rick Danko, and Bob Weir (Grateful Dead's Weather Report Suite). His songs have been covered by many artists including Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Linda Ronstadt, Fairport Convention and Peter, Paul & Mary. In 2022, a 3-CD tribute album was released with artists including Bob Dylan, Janis Ian, Richard Shindell, Linda Ronstadt, Happy Traum, Dom Flemons and many others interpreting and covering Eric’s songs. Eric’s new album Dance of Love and Death (featuring Lenny Kaye, Larry Campbell and others) released in 2025 as a digital album, 2 CD set and a double LP will be celebrated at this show. A full-length documentary about Eric Andersen "The Songpoet" (released 2019) is available for streaming on PBS. He has broken the boundaries of songwriting with a 26 minute recitative and incorporating literary influences and works in his writing. Eric has toured the world and released over 30 records of original music. Eric Andersen in (Spoken) Pieces is a compilation of Eric’s spoken/recitative works. It was released as a digital album on November 29, 2024. The live album: Blue River Live in Tokyo from a 2012 performance in Japan commemorating the 40th anniversary of Eric’s Blue River album was released in 2025 as a digital album and CD. Eric Andersen’s poetical songs have entertained and captivated audiences worldwide.
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED Moving nimbly between original bluegrass, soulful Americana, and honky tonk country, Hitch & the Giddyup have developed a reputation as a distinct live act in their home state of Connecticut. Their rich song craft, instrumental prowess, and freewheeling stage presence has won converts in clubs, pubs, breweries, theaters, and dives throughout New England.
FREE SHOW IN THE BIERGARTEN // FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED SEATING // NO TICKETS, RESERVATIONS OR RSVP NEEDED Nathaniel Hintz is a singer/songwriter from Connecticut. Nathaniel's influence comes from Country & Western, Rock & Roll, and Gospel music. His Southern New England twang has been heard in breweries, festivals, and music venues throughout the United States.