How do bands that have been around for decades reflect their continued relevance and avoid being seen as relics? By acknowledging the past while living and playing in the present day. There are several solid examples of that this week on Connecticut stages.
Elvis Costello is consciously plumbing his past and focusing on the half dozen or so albums that defined the first decade of his career. It helps that it was a period of extraordinary growth and changed from the sweaty punkish workouts of his first three albums (all produced to Nick Lowe) to the slightly countrified lyrically profound “King of America” (produced by T Bone Burnett, whose long association with Costello yielded this year’s weird comedic Coward Brothers audio special and album).
The UK act Pachinko missed an entire phase of a typical band’s development. They had the existing without success bit and the breaking up bit but not the getting signed bit until an effusive listener found a demo tape in a thrift shop and spread the word far and wide until the band was found and basically discovered for the first time. There’ve been albums and world tours since, but it all dates back to that elusive demo.
In the 1990s, hardcore metal fans used to mosh in halls where all the chairs had been removed. Now they sit in comfy seats in concert halls. It’s a different perspective with which to appreciate the provocative lyrics and styles of such long-running acts as Life of Agony and Connecticut’s own Jamey Jasta (who got his surname from fronting the innovative New Haven band Jasta 14 back in the early ‘90s).
Garbage, which had major MTV hits in the ‘90s, has endured partly by balancing the bandmates lives so it doesn’t seem like maintaining the band’s success is the be-all end-all for them. They appear every few years for a tour or an album refreshed and newly intrigued by their longtime collaborations as well as their side projects.
They helped define the horror rock and heavy metal movements of the early ‘70s, but Alice Cooper and Judas Priest never stopped touring and recording, building fan bases that accept new spins on old material. In return, those bands, while continuing to maintain a deep interest in writing and performing, are happy to pepper their live sets with the old hits that continue to inspire younger players. Alice Cooper in particular leads multiple lives, keeping up with his original bandmates, continually adding fresh blood to his live touring bands and reliably putting out a new album every couple of years or so for more than half a century.
Bob Mould of the game-changing ‘80s indie band Hüsker Dü has gone punk, pop, acoustic and back again, as versatile a rock star as Elvis Costello or Alice Cooper. He’s electric again right now, and it’s brought him back to grittier venues.
The ability to stay vital yet still access your past glories extends beyond ‘70s rock acts into the realm of film and video games. The original “Evil Dead” movie and “The Witcher 3” video game have been reset as theater experiences with projected images accompanied by live musicians. In both cases, the composers have kept these works alive over the years through new arrangements and other reinvigorations. For audiences, it’s a new way to focus on action and bloodshed.
Greg Gutfeld
Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket
The ubiquitous Fox News personality Greg Gutfeld is taking a break from the studio for some live shows. With him at Foxwoods’ Premier Theater is his “Gutfeld!” sidekick Shilue. Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. $91.90-$131.10. foxwoods.com.
‘The Witcher in Concert’
Oakdale Theatre, 95 South Turnpike Road, Wallingford
Described as “innovative blend of cutting-edge visuals and gameplay from ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunter,’” a live orchestra and projections provide a multi-media “immersive” concert experience based on the popular video game. Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. $53-$148.40. livenation.com.
Life of Agony
District Music Hall, 71 Wall St., Norwalk
The ‘90s powerhouse Life of Agony heads an aggressive metal/hardcore bill that also features Connecticut’s own Jasta (aka Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed) and Rollin’ Coffin (with Tim Williams of V.O.D.). Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. $44.17-$64.26. districtmusichall.com.
Cowboy Junkies
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook
The Canadian folk-pop band Cowboy Junkies formed 40 years ago and made waves with the subdued live set “The Trinity Sessions” and its intriguing cover of the Velvet Underground’s “Sweet Jane.” Original hits and thousands of live shows followed. The Kate is a terrific space to see this band that sounds best in smallish concert halls. Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. $83. thekate.org.
The Cowboy Junkies, marking its 40th anniversary as a band, is performing at The Kate on Sept. 23. (Heather Pollock)
Garbage
College Street Music Hall, 238 College St., New Haven
One of the post-grunge sensations of the ‘90s, Garbage still features its original lineup of Shirley Manson, drummer Butch Vig (whose credits as a record producer include Nirvana’s “Nevermind” and Smashing Pumpkins’ “Siamese Dream”), guitarist/bassist Duke Erikson and guitarist/keyboardist Steve Marker. Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. $59.62-$90.52. collegestreetmusichall.com.
Bob Mould
Space Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden
Bob Mould, the punk/pop genius behind the bands Hüsker Dü and Sugar and a long solo career, has been coming to venues like The Kate lately with an acoustic guitar, but he’s back at Space Ballroom this time for a loud electric solo show. Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. The opening act is another solo punk legend, J. Robbins of Jawbox and Burning Airlines. $43.14. spaceballroom.com.
Mini Kiss
The Webster, 31 Webster St., Hartford
Mini Kiss, the Kiss tribute band, has been around for 30 years. You may remember its appearance in the movie “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” a decade ago. The band’s founder Joey Fatale aka “Little Gene” passed away in 2011, but Mini Kiss has carried on. Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. $34.15, $259.15 for eight-person booth, $409.15 for 15-person suite. thewebsterct.com.
$uicideBoy$
Xfinity Theatre, 61 Savitt Way, Hartford
The New Orleans hip-hop duo $uicideBoy$ is on its “Grey Day” tour celebrating its new album “Thy Kingdom Come,” and it is bringing along four other acts: Bones, Night Lovell, Germ and Chetta. Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. $25 lawn to $378.80 VIP package. livenation.com.
Alice Cooper and Judas Priest
Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, 500 Broad St., Bridgeport
Two iconic rock bands that have been around since the late ‘60s and have avoided the nostalgia act trap by regularly releasing new material and reinvigorating their live acts are touring together. Alice Cooper’s latest album reunites the original Alice Cooper Group (including longtime Connecticut residents Dennis Dunaway and Neil Smith) though the tour is a variation of Alice’s touring bands of the past decade or so. Judas Priest put out the album “Invincible Shield” last year and were nominated for a Grammy this year for “Crown of Thorns.” Sept. 23 at 6:45 p.m. $74.10-$369. hartfordhealthcareamp.com.
‘Evil Dead in Concert’
College Street Music Hall, 238 College St., New Haven
The Sam Raimi indie horror classic gets the live musical accompaniment treatment with the added incentive that the film has been newly restored and composer Joe LoDuca recently revisited his score for a new album. Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. $38.52-$90.52. collegestreetmusichall.com.
Shonen Knife
Space Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden
The highly influential yet utterly unique Japanese punk-pop band Shonen Knife is touring the U.S. again. The Space Ballroom is the kind of room it played back in the ‘80s so its show there on Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. should bring back warm memories of a time when The Ramones and The Go-Gos were still around. $32.34, $26.69 advance. spaceballroom.com.
Elvis Costello and The Imposters
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford
Elvis Costello’s “Radio Soul!” covers the acerbic songwriter’s first decade as a pop performer, from 1977’s “My Aim is True” to 1986’s “King of America.” During this long period he was also dabbling in soundtracks and classical music and legendarily switching up songs in his first appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” Costello has remained eclectic and up for anything — he’s even done fresh projects exploring his punkish roots — so don’t expect this to be a nostalgia show. It’s more of a revisiting, with his longtime band The Imposters plus guest guitarist Charlie Sexton. Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. $60.50-$215. bushnell.org.
‘Million Dollar Quartet’
Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Ave., West Hartford
The musical “Million Dollar Quartet” was a phenomenon around 20 years ago, dramatizing the historic night when iconic roots rockers Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash held an impromptu jam session at Sun Studios in Memphis. The show was a Broadway and off-Broadway hit, then toured for years, spawned a “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” variation and inspired many of the cast members and musicians from the various productions to start their own rockabilly tribute acts. Sept. 24 through Oct. 19. Performances are Tuesdays at 2 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., with an added preview performance Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. and added morning performances Oct. 2 and 10 at $10:30 p.m. $48.50-$58.50; $46-$56 seniors, students and military; $28.50 morning performances. playhouseonpark.org.
‘The Moth Mainstage’
College Street Music Hall, 238 College St., New Haven
The long-running storytelling event “The Moth” has a New York home base, a podcast and constant tours. The tours always have a local storyteller in the mix. Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. $54.47-$69.92. collegestreetmusichall.com.
Gavin Adcock
Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, 500 Broad St., Bridgeport
The season for big outdoor country music concerts is drawing to a close. Gavin Adcock is still in his 20s but has already hit the country big time with viral hits like “A Cigarette” and “Never Call Again.” Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. $47-$106.25. hartfordhealthcareamp.com.
Gramps Morgan
The Webster, 31 Webster St., Hartford
Gramps Morgan of the reggae group Morgan Heritage is just as big a name on his own with songs such as “Wash the Tears” and “Try Life” and collaborations with John Legend and India Arie. Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. $31.15-$36.15, $159.15 for five-person VIP table. thewebsterct.com.
Terry Fator
Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket
The Vegas ventriloquist Terry Fator is back on tour with all his puppet friends at Foxwoods’ Premier Theater. Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. $51.85-$94.95. foxwoods.com.
Adam Sandler
Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville
Had enough Adam Sandler? He’s returned to old glories with “Happy Gilmore 2,” is getting praise for his serious acting chops in “Jay Kelly” and now he’s back on the road with a live comedy tour titled “You’re My Best Friend.” Sept. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. $126.50-$247.80. mohegansun.com.
‘Noli Timere’
Quick Center for the Arts, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield
“Noli Timere” is an hour-long dance/movement/circus performance from sculptor Janet Echelman and choreographer Rebecca Lazier finds beauty in aerial routines. Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. $35, discounts for Fairfield University students and Quick Center members. quickcenter.fairfield.edu.
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country plays Infinity Music Hall Hartford on Sept. 26. (Jason Stoltzfus)
Daniel Donato
Infinity Music Hall, 32 Front St., Hartford
Nashville singer/songwriter/guitarist Daniel Donato of the band Cosmic Country has his fourth album out now, “Horizons” and is on a full-band tour. Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. $37.11-$52.58. infinityhall.com.
Hartford Symphony Orchestra: Gershwin, Marsalis and Bartók
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford
Hartford Symphony Orchestra opens its 2025-26 Masterworks season with some big names: George Gershwin (“An American in Paris”), Béla Bartók (Suite from “The Miraculous Mandarin”) and Wynton Marsalis (Concerto for Tubist and Orchestra) but also Paul Dukas’ biggest hit “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” Sept. 26 and 27 at 8 p.m., Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. $42.50-$89.50, $10 children and students. hartfordsymphony.org.
‘Six’
Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven
The fantasy-filled history-based Broadway musical “Six” reinvents the six wives of King Henry VIII of England as contemporary pop divas in a heavenly concert venue, sweetly singing of their troubles with a tyrannical husband. This is a new tour of the long-running show, having its premiere at the Shubert after rehearsing in town for weeks. Sept. 25-28. Performances are Sept. 25 and 26 at 7 p.m., Sept. 27 at 1 and 7 p.m. and Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. $72-$170.80. shubert.com.
Lewis Belt
Funny Bone Comedy Club, 194 Buckland Hills Dr. Suite 1054, Manchester
Lewis Belt, a busy comic from Oakland, California with a couple of TV specials and a bunch of movie and TV guest appearances to his name, does four sets this weekend: Sept. 26 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. and Sept. 27 at 6:30 and 9 p.m. $20. hartford.funnybone.com.
Collective Soul
Toad’s Place, 300 York St., New Haven
A reliable live mainstream rock act of the ‘90s, Collective Soul had a string of hits including “December,” “The World I Know,” “Where the River Flows,” “Precious Declaration,” “Listen” and “Heavy.” They’re still around and returning to a venue they played at back in ‘94, Toad’s Place. Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. $75.75, $70.75 students, $86.75 early access, $229.31 VIP. toadsplace.com.
‘Austen’s Pride’
Palace Theater, 100 East Main St., Waterbury
Here’s yet another stage version of Jane Austen’s immortal, eternally malleable love story “Pride and Prejudice.” This one is a musical in which the author is one of the characters, watching the love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy unfold before her eyes. ACT of CT in Ridgefield did its own production of this newish musical by Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs last year. This is a different production on a national tour that opens the 2025-26 Waterbury Palace Broadway series. Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 27 at 2 and 8 p.m. $63-$105. palacetheaterct.org.
‘The Fitzgeralds: A Reading with Music’
Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport
Alec Baldwin and Stephanie Zimbalist star in a reading of the correspondence of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. The presentation is devised by Steve Lawson, directed by Stephen Hamilton and features original music by Forrest Gray. It’s a star-studded fundraiser for Westport Playhouse on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. $150-$350. westportplayhouse.org.
Alec Baldwin reads the role of F. Scott Fitzgerald in “The Fitzgeralds” as a fundraiser for Westport Country Playhouse on Sept. 27 with Stephanie Zimbalist as Zelda Fitzgerald. (Marco Vacchi)
Panchiko
District Music Hall, 71 Wall St., Norwalk
You can’t keep a good band down. Panchiko formed in the ‘90s and disbanded in the early 2000s when its members were still in their teens after failing to achieve enough popularity to warrant full-time musical careers. A demo tape was found in a thrift shop and was so impressive that it led to an online cult following and a search for who this band was. The band reunited due to a demand they’d never experienced before. Here’s another U.S. Panchiko tour on Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. with Glixen and Sundots. $44.17-$64.26. districtmusichall.com.
‘Lucky Stiff’
Seven Angels Theatre, 1 Plank Road, Waterbury
The first show under the new leadership team at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury is “Lucky Stiff,” a musical about a dead person who wants to go on one last adventure. It’s by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the team that brought you “The Seussical,” “Once on This Island” and “Anastasia.” Sept. 27 through Oct. 12. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. $40-$45. sevenangelstheatre.org.
