TUES
8/7

$3

Every Tuesday night is Open Mic night at the Cafe. Whether you're just starting out or still going strong, you're welcome to our stage for a moment in the spotlight. Just come by Tuesday nights to get signed up on the list - doors open at 8pm. We love the variety of talent that finds its way here each week. Come in and support your local artists. Open to all ages.

WED
8/6

$10/21+

The Zen Tricksters can do it all. They are a superbly talented Rock/Jam band who play in both electric and acoustic formats. The Tricksters have a huge working repertoire that ranges from their tuneful and well-crafted original pieces to traditional bluegrass and hillbilly jazz classics, to Grateful Dead, Dylan, Neil Young, and inventive interpretations of any and all songs that catch their fancy. Winners of the Relix Magazine Jam Off (one of ten winners chosen from over 200 band entries), The Zen Tricksters are not only renowned for the trademark jamming ability they have displayed for over two decades, but also for their inspired songwriting. This band will rock you, psychedelicize you, make you cry, and pick it with the best of them!

Join us for a very special, all Grateful Dead, Jerry tribute evening with the Tricksters.

www.zentricksters.com

THURS
8/7

FRI
8/8

$7/21+

Cosmic Jibaros have redefined the Latin rock band, building from Latin and Caribbean rhythms, adding funked up guitars and accordion flourishes to achieve a sound both cross-cultural and highly danceable.

The emphasis is on structured songs that build to pulsing, sweaty heights, performed by skilled musicians drawing on backgrounds as diverse as: gospel (drummer Christopher Stanley); latin pop and jazz (timbale/percussionist Tony Cintron); rock (bassist Juan Carlos Vega); funk (conga player Johnny Durkin); pop-rock (keyboard player/accordionist Tony Senes); and afro-beat, soul and jazz (guitarist Darian Cunning).
Laced with social and political overtones, the songs are primarily in Spanish. As lead singer, charismatic front man Ricardo Reyes performs with sincerity and tremendous stage presence, pouring his emotions into the songs to make the heart beat faster.
The irresistible pull of traditional bomba beats, inter-played between the congas and timbales, are mixed with modern deep drum and bass and effects-laden guitar. Accented by passionate vocals, stirring lyrics and floor-shaking percussion, the beats and grooves draw audiences forward to move their hips, whatever their age or ethnicity. The seven-piece group is equally at home performing in a rock venue, a festival stage or an intimate club in Spanish Harlem club.

..Still grounded in rock, but with a hypnotic rhythm, partially sung in English and part in Spanish, The Cosmic Jibaros appeal to a wide audience who wants to feel, and not just hear, their music...
- Brita Brundage, Fairfield County Weekly

www.myspace.com/cosmicjibaros

SAT
8/9

$5/21+

John Charles started his musical training in classical piano at age 6. By the time he was 12, he had traded in a keyboard for a acoustic guitar and started a musical self-education with his father's vinyl record collection for lessons.
The organic sounds of Jerry Garcia, Jimi Hendrix and James Taylor gave the all-American boy an all-American sound, a folk bent and a knack for songwriting. By age 17, Charles was writing his own tunes and recording them in a make-shift home studio. His second self-produced album, Livery Stable is a nine track composition of entirely acoustic and all original material. After being mixed on the same board that Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” was recorded on, and later dumped onto tape, John Charles will try to bring out a old time analog feel in his new music.  The album ranges from songs like "The Words" filled with mandolin riffs and solos that give off a rich Folk Rock feel to tracks like "Get What You Need" that pull you in on the first note with a riveting acoustic guitar intro followed by a melodic Dobro accompaniment.  With the production of this record, John Charles and his band will be performing at various venues around the Northeast hoping to bring out in their performance a new modern approach to Folk Rock music as well as retaining the same old time acoustic sound the album Livery Stable will convey. Check it out at www.myspace.com/johncharlesmusic or www.johncharlesmusic.com

TUES
8/12

$3

Every Tuesday night is Open Mic night at the Cafe. Whether you're just starting out or still going strong, you're welcome to our stage for a moment in the spotlight. Just come by Tuesday nights to get signed up on the list - doors open at 8pm. We love the variety of talent that finds its way here each week. Come in and support your local artists. Open to all ages.

WED
8/13

$3, all ages

Grab your friends to come hang out, or grab an instrument and come play. Same set up as Open Mic, but strictly the Blues –8pm sign up, start time 9pm, all ages.

THURS
8/14

$5/21+

Andrew Hoover

Hailing from Fairfield, Connecticut, singer/songwriter/guitarist Andrew Hoover has delved into the music industry bringing his act through the Eastern and Midwestern portion of The States. Although Andrew doesn’t particularly like to categorize his music, his music fits under Nu-Blues--a fresh genre which inherently combines soul, R&B, blues and a touch of pop creating an all embracing style. What makes this style so innovative is his unique R&B guitar style which is driven by a percussive, slap technique with minute hints of flamenco. His vocals are energetically soul-inspired and his lyrics are magnetic with soul and blues insight. Although Andrew takes his cues from his musical heroes including but not limited to Martin Sexton, Raul Midon, Marc Broussard, Ray LaMontagne, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Smokie Norful and Keller Williams; his originality is still profoundly apparent. Furthermore, his wide range of influences is evident in his unique and varied repertoire and endearing performances. In the fall of 2006, Andrew was a finalist in Charlottesville, Virginia's "First Amendment Rights" song competition. There he was judged by the honorable music industry executive Bruce Flohr (RCA/ATO records) as well as Boyd Tinsley (Dave Matthews Band). In the July of 2007, Andrew self released his first EP entitled Lonesome Soulhouette. Recently, Andrew self released his 2nd EP entitled Getting Out of Boxes. Throughout his career Andrew has shared the stage with Tim Reynolds—whose fame emanates from his extraordinaire musicianship and his duo performances with Dave Matthews as well as Dave Barnes (Razor & Tie Records), Ryan Montbleau Band, Dirtie Blonde (Jive Records), the Alternate Routes (Vanguard Records) and Kate Voegele (Myspace Records).  www.myspace.com/andrewhoovermusic

Darian Cunning

Connecticut native Darian Cunning began playing piano at age 9, gradually picking up instruments and reaching guitar at age 13. Having worked with Stephen Kellogg, David Bottrill (Tool, Peter Gabriel) Kristin Hoffmann, David Gamson (Me'shell N'Degeocello) the singer songwriter has been making his ears bigger and building an audience of colleagues and fans. Comparisons have been drawn to artists such as Stevie Wonder, Martin Sexton, Sting, and Seal. www.myspace.com/dariancunning

Larissa Delorenzo
Writing music for over a decade this singer/songwriter has gathered herself a fine line of songs, styles and musicians along the way. Based in Fairfield County CT, you can find her solo shows all over the country or with the help of the finest local musicians in the tri-state area. Her combined playful stage presence, illuminating lyrics and ridiculously catchy tunes make her one of the areas most cherished performers. Rated editors number one pick on CDBaby.com in 2005, we can expect much more to come from this organically radiant talent.  www.myspace.com/larissadelorenzo

FRI
8/15

$7/21+

Playing solid original compositions mixed with improvisational adventures and some familiar covers, Electric Mayhem is a funk/jam band that has been bringin’ the party since the late 1990’s.  With new twists to old favorites and an expanding catalogue of original songs, the band always brings a fun, groovin’ vibe to all its shows.

Winners of "Best Funk Band" in the Fairfield Weekly's 2007 Grand Band Slam, Electric Mayhem has shared the
stage with George Clinton & P-Funk, The Jerry Garcia Band, The Wailers, The Allman Bros. Band, Tower of Power, Maceo Parker, Galactica, Moe, Deep Fried, The Bomb Squad, The Breakfast, Shakedown and many others. 
For more info, check them out at  www.myspace.com/electricmayhemband

SAT
8/16

$5/21+

The Vanguard

Rasko and David meet. They're teens, and have recently arrived from Eastern Europe. A bond develops between them in a mix of long hair, immigration papers, and music. A decade later a bearded Argentinean joins their group. Luke quickly finds, in David and Rasko, great music and lingering but subdued accents. The gang name themselves The Vanguard, and begin playing shows. Meanwhile, a Virginian moves to NYC in search of music and expensive rent. Aaron meets the trio, and seven days later the boys perform their first show together at Bar Sputnik in Brooklyn. Time passes, and we find our group a complete unit with a self titled EP, a music video directed by Patryk Rebisz, and playing shows all over the Northeast. Recent highlights include making it onto SPIN.COM's Buzzcatcher column, pulling the night's largest draw at the Universal Motown ROCK NYC showcase on 4.11.2008, and the Deli Magazine naming The Vanguard a "NYC band on the rise".

www.thevanguardband.com  www.myspace.com/thevanguardatmyspace

930moon

930moon, aka Chris Cavaliere is a composer/multi instrumental musician hailing from Bridgeport, CT. Evolution is a constant companion in the musical growth of the 930moon. Tirelessly searching for ideas and inventive ways to produce new and exciting compositions. His innovative fretwork and surreal musical style has been described as "eeehh... What the hell?". In the three years following the formation of the 930moon, Chris has been perfecting his live shows throughout the Mongolian countryside. The mixture of vocal and instrumental compositions gives a great balance to his performances. Whether on stage or in the studio the 930moon is always exploring new ways to entertain his audience. 930moon currently has three albums "Tales of the 930moon" 2005, "October Sunday" 2006 and "Now and at the Hour of Our Death" 2007. Pick one up today at your local WaWa's and enjoy. The pulse of a jackhammer, the rhythm of windshield wiper blades, the beeping of two car horns in harmony, ... music is everywhere it is up to the individual if they choose to hear it.... "

www.myspace.com/chris930moon  

TUES
8/19

$3

Every Tuesday night is Open Mic night at the Cafe. Whether you're just starting out or still going strong, you're welcome to our stage for a moment in the spotlight. Just come by Tuesday nights to get signed up on the list - doors open at 8pm. We love the variety of talent that finds its way here each week. Come in and support your local artists. Open to all ages.

WED
8/20

$3, all ages

Grab your friends to come hang out, or grab an instrument and come play. Same set up as Open Mic, but strictly the Blues –8pm sign up, start time 9pm, all ages.

THURS
7/24

$5/21+

Dan Arcamone has been a performing jazz guitarist throughout the area for more than a decade.  High-energy grooves are as common to his trio as are delicate soundscapes, leaving no dynamic unexplored.  Dan’s unique touch on the guitar is founded in jazz tradition while continually drawing from all forms of music.  He leads his own group, which explores his original music while effortlessly incorporating well-known jazz standards.  Arcamone is commonly seen as a sideman with various groups, most notably The Damon Grant Project. Dan has been fortunate to perform at the Berkshire Jazz Festival, the Litchfield Jazz Festival, the Norwalk Jazz Festival, the Norwalk Oyster Festival, and the New Haven Arts and Ideas Festival.  Dan’s guitar playing can be heard extensively on two CD’s by The Damon Grant Project entitled  “Improvisation” and “Sonidos Nuevos”.  He can also be heard on The LP Passion for Music CD Vol 6.  His trio was awarded “Best Jazz Band” by the Fairfield County Weekly’s Grand Band Slam Reader’s Poll in 2005 and 2007.  www.myspace.com/danarcarmone

Jim O’Mahony Opening

Best known for his work in CT-based bands Lima Charlie and the Ian Murray Band, Jim O’Mahony is also an accomplished improviser and in high demand as both a guitarist and pianist in the CT/NY Jazz scene. He released his first album “Seeing Stars” in January 2008.  www.myspace.com/jimomahony

FRI
8/22

$10/21+

Come on down for some hard-rockin' Harlem Blues

SAT
8/23

$5/21+

TUES
8/26

$3

Every Tuesday night is Open Mic night at the Cafe. Whether you're just starting out or still going strong, you're welcome to our stage for a moment in the spotlight. Just come by Tuesday nights to get signed up on the list - doors open at 8pm. We love the variety of talent that finds its way here each week. Come in and support your local artists. Open to all ages.

WED
8/27

$3, all ages

Grab your friends to come hang out, or grab an instrument and come play. Same set up as Open Mic, but strictly the Blues –8pm sign up, start time 9pm, all ages.

THURS
8/28

$3

Our always entertaining host Dick Neal brings you a night packed with an amazing array of superbly-talented musicianship along with good old-fashioned fun. If you’re looking for something different to do, come on in, enjoy the show and have a beer and a laugh or two. You’ll be glad you came. 
www.hoesite.com

FRI
8/29

Matthew Detroy Presents…

Strawberry Brown, Carol Piro, and Rachel Detroy

$10/all ages

SAT
8/30

$8/21+

Recently referred to as one of the Jam Scene's "Best Kept Secrets" by Relix magazine, Juggling Suns have been abducting fans from New Jersey to Japan since 1997. Their roots lie in the diverse musical styles of old school psychedelia, jazz, bluegrass, funk, trance, dance and pure rock n roll, and those roots have fueled their legendary on-stage improvisation. The Suns have played to packed audiences in Japan and all over the United States, appeared in the Julia Roberts movie Runaway Bride, performed personally for the NBAs Bill Walton, and won consecutive awards for Best Jam Band at NJs Asbury Music Awards (2002- 2003).

The Suns blend their well-crafted original music, with their own take on covers from Sesame Street songs to Bill Withers to create a one of a kind setlist experience at every show. The Suns have toured nationally many times and held their own as one of the east coast’s favorite live acts- going on 12 years strong since its conception in 1995. Juggling Suns consists of founding members Mark Diomede (Solar Circus) and Gus Vigo (World Within). Tim Morris, originally Diomede's acoustic side project partner, came on board to take over rhythm guitar skills in 2003. Andrew Lenaghan and Paul Gaita make up the driving bass and drums , blistering in their ability to make people move both in body and spirit. Their original songs have been covered by the Disco Biscuits and Keller Williams, and the Suns have hosted numerous guest musicians up on stage beside them, including Buddy Cage (New Riders of the Purple Sage), Jimmy Herring (Widespread Panic), David Gans (Dead Hour),Tom Constanten (Grateful Dead), Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth),Martin Fierro (Legion of Mary), Jon Gutwillig (The Disco Biscuits) and Keller Williams. Guitarist Mark Diomede, who has been on the road as a musician since 1989, received the Asbury Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. Diomede has shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Herring, Santana, moe., Mickey Hart and Bob Weir. 2006 Has brought a new life into Juggling Suns. Rediscovered and newly signed by Aeria Records, Juggling Suns has released their 7th (and live) CD Tranzmutation -which was received with stellar reviews and regular Sirius radio airplay. 2007 has proved to be a rebirth of Juggling Suns with the addition of Gaita on bass guitar. A new album is in the works, a third year return to Gathering of the Vibes in August, and expanded horizons of musical adventure are just around the corner. get abducted.  www.myspace.com/jugglingsuns  www.jugglingsuns.com

Green Tea Opening

Green Tea was formed in the fall of 2000 when a group of local musicians, artists & friends got together to jam. Since the inception Green Tea has been about songwriting, improvisation, musicianship & sharing that energy with a live audience. Like most jam bands today Green Tea thrives on extended improvisation and interplay between the members, but never at the expense of the song itself. Green Tea is fronted by two outstanding vocalists in Toby Kniffin and Jason Jarvis. The band has always been about selling the song and that characteristic is what makes Green Tea stand out among today’s top jam bands. The line-up includes Toby Kniffin on lead vocals and guitar, Jason Jarvis on lead vocals, percussion, harmonica & flute, Jamie Conroy on guitar, John Grady on drums & Joel O’lari on bass. The influences and experience of these five define the sound of Green Tea & the spirit of the music they create.  www.myspace.com/greenteaband  www.tearocks.com

SAT
10/4

$20/21+

Blue In The Face was formed in 1986 by founding member and bandleader Paul Gabriel. The blues- based rock- R&B group released three highly acclaimed albums - the first receiving a four star review from Downbeat Magazine. During it's ten year life span Blue In The Face toured regionally in New England and shared the stage with some of the greatest blues acts that ever existed. Some highlights of the tours were perfoming with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, James Cotton, Lowell Fulson, Robert Cray, Matt Murphy, Johnny Winter, Delbert McClinton, Lonnie Mack, Duke Robillard, Ronnie Earl, Roomful Of Blues, John Hammond, Debbie Davies, Tower Of Power and many more. After the first album scored 4-stars with Downbeat, the second release had a regional hit in the southern U.S.-while the third release promoted the band during it most intense touring schedule opening for many well known Blues performers. The reunion band will feature many of the original members of the group including Howard Eldridge - vocals, Paul Opalach - bass, Chris Cross - guitar, Roy Rodriques - Hammond organ, Barry Urich - drums, Bob Nunno - tenor sax and Paul Gabriel -guitar. In the post Blue In The Face era all the members have continued to perform professionally on the national and international level.

www.paulgabriel.net