February Newsletter

Upcoming Shows You Won’t Want to Miss

Friday, Feb 18 – The infamous Jacob Jolliff will bring an incredible cast of bluegrass players to Bridgeport at the newly renovated Park City Music Hall. G Rockwell, a Connecticut native who grew up in Bridgeport is now studying contemporary improvisation on THE BANJO at the New England Music Conservatory will open for Jacob.

Saturday, Feb 19: Just 15 mins from the CT border, this show will be preceded by an all day Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam class from 10-6

And put this one on the calendar: Friday April 1

20 Venues That Support Bluegrass Music

We’ll share our list with you, but want to shout out to the Branford Folk Music Society for their already robust list of folk music in the area.

Here is our list:

GuitarTown CT
Best Video
Bluegrass Coffeehouse
Acousticool
Killingly Grange
Cafe 9
Park City Music Hall
Chirpt CT
CT Folk
Old church Acoustic Series
Fire in the Kitchen
The Buttonwood Tree Arts Center
Nod Hill Brewery
Charter Oak Brewery
BarrelHouse
Two Roads Brewery
The Half Door
Westchester Bluegrass Club (15 minutes into NY)
Daryl’s House (20 Mins from CT border)
And the bigger venues would be Wall Street Theater, College Street Music Hall, Westville Music Bowl, Infinity Hall

Don’t see one you think should be on this list? Let us know in the comments or email CTBluegrassAssociation@gmail.com

Nod Hill Brewery to Host Public Bluegrass Jam

Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield Connecticut will host the first of what may become a monthly public bluegrass jam: “Pickin’ in the Taproom”. Bring your fiddles, banjos, dobros, bass, mandolins, and guitars and come jam on Sunday, February 20th from 2:30-5:30

A New Bluegrass Generation Emerges At Cafe 9

The New Haven Independent covered a story of two young bands following in the footsteps of the many great acoustic bands before them. The main act, the Wildmans, is a trio from Virginia who have started making a name on the traditional music circuit with a combination of Appalachian fiddle tunes mixed with originals and a couple of albums under their belt. On the Trail, a CT Based Bluegrass band, features four Western Connecticut State University Music graduates.

Read the rest of the article and hear clips from the performance in addition to a short interview here: “New Bluegrass Generation Emerges At Cafe 9” –New Haven Independent

Bluegrass Jam Class in the Hartford Area

Looking to learn how to jam? Check out this all day Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam Class in Hebron on Feb 26

Jenny Brook Bluegrass Festival Announces Line-Up

Featuring some CT Based musicians in Mile Twelve and the Rock Hearts

Charter Oak Brewery to Host Bluegrass Jam

Charter Oak Brewery in Danbury CT will host the first of what we hope to be a series of bluegrass jams on Thursday, Feb 24 6:30 PM. Try the local beers on tap and bring your fiddles, banjos, dobros, bass, mandolins, and guitars for the jam!

Thomas Point Bluegrass Festival Announces Line-Up

One of the most beautiful locations for a Bluegrass Festival!

IBMA Foundation Releases “Discover Bluegrass Series”

The International Bluegrass Music Association‘s (IBMA) Foundation put together a series designed to introduce kids to bluegrass music – It’s Actually great for all ages!

Woodstock NY Bluegrass Series to Continue

BEARSVILLE THEATER BLUEGRASS SUPPER SERIES

LISTEN – JAM – CONNECT

Sponsored by: Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association, Connecticut Bluegrass Association and Adirondack Bluegrass League

The night will start with an OPEN JAM from 4pm to 6pm.

There is room to break out into a slow jam depending on who shows up and there is no cover or minimum for the early jam.

Or beginners can sign up for Austin Scelzo’s Wernick Method Jam Class running at the same time.

Dinner service will begin at 6PM.

From 7pm to 10pm, the Bearsville Lounge will feature hot bluegrass featuring Jay Maloney and Jeff Wasbes, with help from; Austin Scelzo, Bruno Bruzzese and David Gandin. Dinner menu and drinks are served in the lounge. During the show, the Green Room downstairs will remain open for jamming, so pickers who would rather pick than watch the show can gather there, or go in and out from the jam to the show as they please.

After 6pm, cover and minimum will apply. Our first Bearsville Bluegrass Night was a great success. We hope these monthly events will grow to include workshops and breakout groups – something like a mini, one night festival atmosphere and a place for bluegrass enthusiasts to connect and have a good time. Tickets purchased online for this event include dinner and the show, and cost $35 to $45. However if you are a picker or a fan of the performers, you can pay just a $5 cover and $20 minimum, by using this “Bluegrass Incentive Pass” (Please print or show on your phone at the door).If you’d like to reserve a table and plan to use your incentive pass you can call ahead at 845.684.7133, Ext 3.For more info about Jay Maloney, Jeff Wasbes and Austin Scelzo; or what’s on the menu for the Bluegrass Supper, check the Bearsville Theater Events Page