Echo and Drake

Bridgeport’s own, The Stepkids is futuristic electro soul recorded on a reel-to-reel. Soaring harmonies sung by three singer/songwriters. Kandinsky-essque visuals that make for enigmatic live performances. But more, The Stepkids is a collective.

“The Stepkids is not about either of us – it’s about creating an entity where the entity itself is what’s important” says bassist and keyboardist Dan Edinberg. ”There’s an equal split in the creative process, and we’re really happy about that” adds drummer Tim Walsh. “Any lyric, any melody, any idea could have been done by any of us.”

Theirs is an approach that comes from more than a decade of musical experimentation. Brought up together as teenagers on the East Coast jazz and R+B circuit, the three band members went on as individuals to share stages with Lauren Hill and 50 Cent, tour internationally with indie punk band Zox, score movies and commercials, and produce solo albums. But it was an interest in creating an aesthetic identity that supersedes the conventional pop notions of stardom and self-importance which ultimately drew them together.

“All three of us write, and all three of us sing” explains Jeff Gitelman, who resigned from touring as Alicia Keys’ guitarist to concentrate full-time on recording the Stepkids self-titled debut album.

The Stepkids’ groove is a startling yet sexy fusion of punk, jazz, West African traditional, 1960s folk, neo and classic soul, classic funk and 20th century classical. Think T.Rex meets Sun Ra, Sly Stone meets Stravinsky, Dylan meets Dilla. Philosophy and literature provide a conceptual schematic, from existential musings (“Legend in My Own Mind”), to the work of Charles Bukowski (“La La”) and Plato’s theoretical “Allegory of the Cave” (“Shadows on Behalf”). Add to this a vested interest in the recording process, and you have an imaginative album of Technicolor brilliance expertly self-engineered and self-produced. Live, kaleidoscopic projections by NYC artist Jesse Mann consume the stage with light for a multi-sensory experience.

There’s no singular icon, no singular sound, no singular way of making it happen. It’s psychedelia for the 21st century, where the focus is the whole – and that includes you.

I Anbassa

June 14

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I Anbassa delivers high energy, all original Roots Reggae grounded in traditional island music and laced with rock, funk, nyabinghi, and afro-beat. Bringing forward a fresh, new and infectious sound, they explode on stage with irresistible hooks and bubbling rhythms that instantly get the crowd grooving and singing along. With over three hours of original music and a vast catalog of classic Reggae covers, this band can accommodate any crowd; large or small, young or old. Their songs promote self-awareness, consciousness, healthy living, positivity and, of course, Jah love.

Based out of Southern Connecticut, I Anbassa formed in the summer of 2009 and matured quickly. To date, they have played with Stephen Marley, the Mighty Diamonds, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Lettuce, Deep Banana Blackout, and international Reggae act, Mutti Lewis. I Anbassa has headlined at Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT and Webster Hall’s Grand Ballroom in NYC, among others. They have played in every kind of venue, from weddings to radio stations to large scale audiences in the thousands. I Anbassa also performed at many non-profit events such as Art&Struggle and Black Rock Rocks Mardi Gras, and has so far spearheaded two very successful Hope for Haiti benefits. In 2010, they were voted “Best Reggae Band in CT” and runner-up for “Best CT Band.”

In short, I Anbassa offers quality, interactive music, rich with conscious lyrics and driving grooves that resonate in the hearts and minds of each audience member, leaving every crowd chanting for more!

Pocket Full of Soul

June 21

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Pocket Full of Soul is a tribute to funk, soul and R&B music. Started by Gene Zwicharowski, the band is influenced from the mighty Tower of Power and other great bands from that time period. The band reaches into the past to a historical musical era. Their show will take you back in time as you enjoy that funky groove of all your favorites by such great artists you can’t help but “get on up” and dance as we take you to “bump city. It took some hard work and dedication to find a team of such great musicians with a common goal; willing to work hard. Pocket Full of Soul is a unique line-up of a bunch of great personalities who are driven to the success of this band!!!

Ken Coulson

June 28

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Ken Coulson & Gatsby’s Green Light: What do you get when you cross a Folk Writer with a Funk band? Gatsby’s Green Light is a divinely exploratory musical experience with intelligent and engaging song writing. Ken Coulson leads the band with danceable grooves and sounds likened to Paul Simon and Dave Matthews Band. Community, awareness, conversation, and release are all part of the music supported by Gatsby’s Green Light! Dive in and Enjoy!

Mike Cusato Band

June 28

The Mike Cusato Band is an exciting new addition to the New England and New York rock music scene. MCB formed in 2010 when a local Southern CT original songwriters music group that Mike was a part of – the Thursday Night Music Club – inspired him to expand his solo acoustic act to a full band. Mike recruited the talents of Bill DeFazio on bass and Erik Mayville on drums, each of whom had considerable experience in alternative rock. The trio subsequently produced an interesting collection of alternative rock songs, drawing on a number of alternative, classic rock, and funk influences. A self-titled EP followed in 2011, as did a number of shows in a variety of venues, from the Alphabet Lounge in NYC to downtown Stamford CT for their Bandapalooza festival.

Mike was a founding member in 1999 and the primary songwriter of local original band BigBoned. He also comprises half of popular local acoustic duo Those 2 Guys, who gig all over the North East. Mike has played in local CT bands since 1999, sharing stages with acts that include Third Eye Blind and Darik & the Funbags, and has gigged across New York and New England. Bill has held down the bottom end of Southern CT favorite rock bands Jasper’s Corner, BigBoned and Three Strange Days. He was visible throughout the Fairfield County scene and other ventures, including various compilation CD’s, a reality television show, and various Greenwich Village establishments. Erik began playing in bands at age 16 when he joined the punk rock group D-Vision based in his hometown of Reno, NV. With D-Vision, he recorded two albums on Positive Force records, toured the US, and shared the stage with several notable punk and alternative bands, including Circle Jerks, 7 Seconds, and Primus. He then played for the Reno-based band God’s Science Project, recording an album and opening for a number of national acts, including No Doubt, Agent Orange, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and The Dead Milkmen.

Jazz Guild of Fairfield County

Jul 5

Having performed throughout his childhood years as a competitive dancer achieving numerous awards including “Mr Teen” by “Stars Of Tomorrow” on Broadway, Gene Leone Jr. set out to make his mark in the music world on his 13th birthday.

In 2004 at the age of 14 he and another local boy started a band and were soon playing at local parties and other events including “Soup Kitchens” in the city for the homeless. During High School they added several more members which brought the number to six. They named the band “The Hip Six”.

The teens interpretations of old standards and Jazz improvisations were considered refreshing by their mature audiences and a novelty that was sought after by many venues.

However, the demands and commitments of High School and family life made it difficult to book gigs for the teenagers with all 6 members able to participate at the same time. So, Gene began reaching out to other young musicians to fill-in and replace members that couldn’t make the gigs.

In 2007 with the assistance of his father Gene created the Varsity-Coed Jazz Guild of Fairfield County. This organization was created for the purpose of integrating all proficient students from around the area into a forum where they could “come and play” Jazz with the band. The group now has over 200 musicians ranging in age from 13 to 26 years old participating.

The mission of the Guild is to encourage and support Jazz by providing a network for young people to share their common interest in music, “we believe this will encourage students to become proficient in music performance and also develop better friends in this process”.

Rick Reyes Band

July 12

Girls on Bikes

July 19

Girls On Bikes is a five piece band from ages 16-18 out of Fairfield, CT. Tracing their roots back to June, 2010, they’re still a very newly formed group, and are continuing to feel out and explore different sub-genres of classic rock and blues. With such iconic influences as Led Zeppelin, the Yardbirds, the Zombies, and such modern ones as Wolfmother and the Parlor Mob, you can absolutely expect Girls On Bikes to find their bearings and pleasure your ears with far out sounds in the near future.

Hard Water

July 19

Sometimes the inexperience of youth produces something new, fresh and exciting. Without the years of exposure to the same old stuff we get a new approach and an almost innocent jubilation of music. Hard Water is just this type of band. The band members James Buckwell, (bass, vocals) Ian Sherwood, (guitar) and Julian Sherwood, (drums, vocals) have been playing together for three years and are the ripe old ages of 16, 15, and 14 respectfully. Although young, they are seasoned professionals who have played in all sorts of venues. Talent shows, battle of the bands, unplugged concerts and parties have given them the experience to be able to rock your socks off! They recently were the featured Homegrown artist of the week on WCCC 106.9 and were featured twice on The River 105.9 podcast along with interviews and airplay on WWUH 91.3. Hard Water won the New Britain High School and YMCA S.T.E.P.S program battle of the bands this year.. They have recently recorded four songs at Sherstudios in Southington and are currently writing and recording new material for a full album. When playing longer shows, they augment their set with fun and diverse modern and classic rock covers. Come take a dip in the pool called Hard Water and let your sights and senses run free and your body rock to the rhythm of this tight power trio….

CFS presents Romeo & Juliet

July 26

CFS Website

CFS Facebook Page

Downtown Thursdays is very excited to host Connecticut Free Shakespeare’s presentation of William Shakespeare’s love story for the ages “Romeo & Juliet” directed by Ellen Lieberman.

CT Free Shakespeare (CFS) proudly presents “Romeo & Juliet” at McLevy Green in Downtown Bridgeport five nights in a row- running Wednesday, July 25, Thursday, July 26^th Friday July 27^th, Saturday July 28^th and closing on Sunday July 29^th. All shows begin at 8PM.

Arrive early, enjoy a strolling Renaissance Harp player and picnic on the McLevy Green or visit the fantastic local downtown restaurants for a preshow dinner. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy “Romeo & Juliet” outdoors under the stars.

Families with children are welcome!

For more information: 203-393 3213

Actors are courtesy of Actors Equity Association (the only Professional Actors Union in the United States).

Admission: FREE

Parking: FREE

Running Time: Two Hours

Cancelled if raining

“What starts as a humorous and entertaining comedy transforms into a heart-stirring romance for the ages.”

Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble

August 2

The Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble is one of the best Flamenco fusion groups in the United States. Established in 1994, the group features the unique talents of VAL RAMOS (lead Flamenco guitarist), JOSE R. RAMOS (Flamenco guitarist), GONZALO CORTES (flutist), CARLOS HERNANDEZ CHAVEZ (bassist), ASHLEY JONES (violinist), JOSE BERRIOS (percussionist), and MATT MOADEL (cajon player/percussionist). The ensemble often performs with ALFONSO CID, the talented Flamenco singer from Sevilla, Spain. The ensemble also performs with guest Flamenco dancers and other musicians from Spain and the United States.

Hailed as “the best of classical Flamenco brought to modern standards” (Rootsworld.com), “a hidden treasure of the Flamenco world in the Americas…superb musicianship..” (Flamenco Connection), and “simply brilliant” (Flamenco Buzz.com) this outstanding musical group represents the best of contemporary Flamenco music, song, and dance.

The Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble has released three albums of original Flamenco music and song, all on the PIRAM Records label–Por mi camino (2001), Boricuas Flamencos (1998), and Olive Green Eyes (1995). The ensemble has been featured in major international music festivals including the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, the Regattabar Spring Jazz Festival, and the Guitar Under the Stars Festival. In July 2005, the ensemble toured Spain under the auspices of the United States Embassy in Spain and performed at the inauguration of the new U.S. Ambassador to Spain (at the Embassy in Madrid) as well as at the prestigious club El Savor in Salamanca.

The group has been featured in National Public Radio (NPR United States) and Radio Nacional Española (RNE Spain) interviews in the radio shows “All Things Considered,” “The Faith Middletown Show,” and “La hora de America.” The group’s music is featured in several documentary films including “Puerto Rican Passages” (Connecticut Public Television) and “Nuyoricans” (WNET-Thirteen/PBS).

The ensemble has performed with internationally-renowned and Grammy Award winners the-late CELIA CRUZ and DANNY RIVERA. It has also performed with some of the best Flamenco artists from Spain and the United States including DOMINGO ALVARADO, LUIS VARGAS, DOMINICO CARO, ALFONSO CID, JOSE DE SANTOS, CRISTOBAL CINTRON, ARTURO MARTINEZ, DIONISIA GARCIA, JULISSA CADENILLAS, BARBARA MARTINEZ, GISELE SAAD, CARLITOS REVOLLAR, DAVID CASTELLANOS, FERNANDO DE MALAGA, KAI NAREZO, MELINDA MARQUEZ, and CHICA MORI.

Yippee Coyote

August 9

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Yippee Coyote is a rock ‘n roots band based in Redding, Connecticut that has been playing local venues for the last four years. Featuring guitars, electric violin, banjo, harmonica, and mandolin – fronted by male/female lead vocals with three-part harmonies, Yippee Coyote has a diverse sound that is all their own.

Yippee Coyote chooses unconventional tunes and blends their modern roots influences with rock ‘n roll. Whether they are cranking out a toe-tapper or crooning a soulful tune, Yippee Coyote captivates their audiences with their unique sound.

Tracy DeLucia

August 9

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Country singer/songwriter Tracy De Lucia hails from New York’s Hudson Valley but speaks to country fans from all parts of America with her relatable lyrics and accessible vocal style. WTBQ DJ and Radio Personality Frank Fornario remarks, “Tracy is a vocal powerhouse whose songwriting skills match her singing abilities. She makes her music come to life in concert with infectious energy and her pure joy in performing for a live crowd. On CD or in person, Tracy is not to be missed.”

Tracy will be working with veteran Nashville musician and Grammy Nominated Producer, Kent Wells in June of 2012 to develop new material for a forthcoming EP. Plans to promote throughout the year include radio, web, social outreach, and live appearances.

Tracy is coming off of a successful 2011 which included recording in Nashville at County Q Productions with top-talent who works with country music’s best acts like George Strait and Rodney Atkins. Then a trip to Richie Cannata’s famed Cove City Sound Studios (where J-Lo recorded her dance-anthem “On the Floor”) with Orlando Calzada (Destiny’s Child, Rissi Palmer) who put the final touches on four tracks. Tracy’s single “Good Morning to You” was promoted by Grassroots Nashville and played on over 70 radio stations receiving over 500 plays weekly during the Spring/Summer of 2011. Her 10 song CD “Empowered” can be purchased directly through the artist’s own website www.tracydelucia.com or through CD Baby.

Accolades for Tracy’s music include this from CD reviewer Marie Atwell who said ‘Tracy’s song “Girls Night Out” can easily be sitting on top of the country charts right now” and Hudson Valley DJ Woodman who proclaimed “That’s the best song I heard in a long time” after hearing Tracy’s song “I Need You” which placed as a finalist in the country genre in the Song of the Year International Songwriting Contest.

Tracy has been honored to perform our country’s National Anthem and “God Bless America” at farm system games for single A and AAA baseball, high school football, police academy graduations, and volunteer firehouse banquets.

Forever Motown

August 16

Forever Motown is a brand new 12-piece show band, a tour de force consisting of 4 lead vocalists, Kia Alexis Baird, Jolie Rocke Brown, Jerry Latimer, & Bridgeport’s own Michael Dunham. Add the 4-piece horn section, and the solid 4-man rhythm section, and you have a big stage unit, complete with costume changes and choreography. You can’t go wrong, visually and musically, with Forever Motown bringing you the great hits from the Motown era, as they interpret the songs of the Temptations, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Four Tops, and many more. A perfect fit for Downtown Thursdays, and Bridgeport’s music fans.

The SUIT & TYree & THURRSTY

August 23

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TOM FORST known as “THE SUIT” is a Pro guitarist/vocalist/songwriter – Focus: TOURING/RECORDING – ORIGINAL MUSIC. ****

COMPLETED – an album with THE SUIT & TYree – on itunes called POINT OF VIEW. The Suit & Tyree are endorsed by SUPER CUTS!

FINISHED – the first full length CD with: FORGOTTEN BY FRIDAY – an amazing Modern Rock/New Country Band – on itunes called BELIEVE . Just opened for THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND.

The Suit is endorsed by OCCHINERI GUITARS
Completed a “BLUES OPERA” with: AMADEO a signed Blues/Rock singer/writer -England.
On guitar Vttuoso, Chris Bickley’s new CD – due out this summer.

Performed with: I AM ISIS – a fantastic SOUL/ROCK/R&B band – NYC.

Back up the incredible Rapper, DE ESSENCE, NYC.

Dan Stevens

August 23

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At the young age of sixteen, Dan Stevens’ romantic streak was ignited by his first guitar teacher in small town central Pennsylvania who told him stories about the lives of traveling blues musicians like Mississippi John Hurt and Fred McDowell. After being inspired by Woody Guthrie’s book, “Bound for Glory”, the magnetic lure of the road captured his imagination and with a driving passion he hitchhiked and hopped freight trains guitar in hand across the United States five times, eventually covering over 100,000 miles.

Always seeking diverse experiences, he has worked as a teacher in Pennsylvania and Arizona, a rock-climbing instructor in New Mexico, broke his collarbone riding bulls in Colorado and sailed schooners for a living on the Eastern seaboard. He lived full time on his own wooden sloop in Mystic CT for a couple of years while performing solo up and down the East Coast. A high-light of this period was sailing throughout Central and South America as mate aboard David Crosby’s (Crosby, Nash, and Young) sailboat, the Mayan.

Musically, Dan continued to hone his guitar skills taking lessons from renowned acoustic guitarist and W.C. Handy Award winner Paul Rishell, who taught him how to play slide. Later, he was blessed to study with Greenwich Village based folk/blues icon Dave Van Ronk during the last years of Van Ronk’s storied life. His repertoire reflects the influence of his revered teachers who actually knew and performed with many of the legendary blues masters. His tastes include delta blues “bottleneck slide” tunes, the more carefree piedmont style, and arrangements comprised of complex orchestration with plenty of chord changes up the neck in the spirit of Dave Van Ronk. His originals remain true to the traditional forces which powerfully shaped his early musical development and prompt listeners to praise the authenticity of his approach.

As a full time professional musician since 1991, Dan continues to tour incessantly along the East Coast, U.S. Virgin Islands, U.K., and Germany. He has appeared with such artists as James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite, Arlo Guthrie, Richie Havens, Charlie Daniels, Livingston Taylor, Ronnie Earl, and others. An irrepressible guitar collector, Dan surrounds himself with vintage and custom instruments acquired in his many travels. Usually packing three guitars, any given performance may find him choosing to play a 1950’s Sears Silvertone, a 1931 National Steel, a retro lime green Resophonic, and more.

Dan’s most recent CD, “Broke Down and Hungry”, features “Sugar Ray” Norcia, of Sugar Ray & the Bluetones and Roomful of Blues, on harmonica. Original songs such as “Broke Down and Hungry”, “Driving Fool”, “Open Road”, and “Ramblin’” give a sense of what is was like for him to travel 165,000 miles in three years in an ’88 Chevy Van. Art Tipaldi, Senior Writer for the Blues Revue magazine, in his review of this CD, offered, “His stylish fingerpicking and warm vocals shade these tunes with fresh, penetrating nuances.” Several of his traditional offerings include Big Bill Broonzy’s “Keep Your Hands Off Her” and “Long Tall Mama”, as well as Reverend Gary Davis’ “Light of this World”. In live shows, Dan often pauses between songs, offering historical trivia or relating incidents from his personal experience.

Termed “Connecticut’s hardest working bluesman” by the New York Times in 2002, he plays over 200 engagements a year, including concerts, clubs, festivals, coffeehouses, community and private events and educational programs. He has appeared at Long Island’s Riverhead Blues Festival, the Berlin Blues Festival in Connecticut and was the closer in the acoustic section of the Fleet Blues Festival in Albany, New York. Dan was a finalist at the International Blues Challenge ’08 on Beale Street in Memphis TN with partner Chris D’Amato and has been chosen to be included on the roster of the Music Under New York program enabling him to perform in prime locations throughtout the MTA system such as Times Square and Grand Central Station. He lives in Old Lyme, Connecticut with his wife Gail and daughter, Haley.

Mikata

August 30