Great bands are more than the sum of their parts and great musicianship isn’t limited to those to stand in front and sing. This week, The Kate in Old Saybrook offers separate shows by artists who were part of two of the biggest bands of the 1980s, bands which are considered among the most important rock acts of all time.
Benmont Tench was a founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and his keyboards were essential to the band’s sound. In constant demand as a session musician, he appeared on records by Stevie Nicks, U2, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Fiona Apple, Roy Orbison, Eurythmics and many others, and performed live with everyone from Gillian Welch to The Replacements. He also made solo albums and served in the supergroup Works Progress Administration.
Andy Summers is almost a decade older than Sting, his former bandmate in The Police. When he was brought into the trio to replace a different guitarist, he already had a wealth of experience playing with 1960s legends like Zoot Money, Soft Machine and The Animals as well as the avant-garde rock singer Kevin Coyne. While in The Police, Summers did side projects with a fellow guitar hero Robert Fripp. He’s done solo albums as well. His undeniable contributions to The Police is the stuff of legends and lawsuits.
Eric Clapton, coming to Mohegan Sun Arena this week, has been a solo artist for so long — his first hit released under his own name, a cover of J.J. Cale’s “After Midnight,” was 55 years ago — but you can’t overlook how committed he was to a band ethos with The Yardbirds, Cream and Blind Faith, and even blended unassumingly into The Beatles when he provided the solo for “My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
On the frontman front, Foxwoods offers the controversial Morrissey, whose political and social views have soured some fans but who still draws a big following due to the pioneering posture of disdainful moping he brought to The Smiths.
He’s not as well known, but Brooks Nielsen made some big waves in the 2010 as frontman for The Growlers, architects of the “Beach Goth” movement that encompassed California surf rock, indoor garage rock menace and deep lyrics. The Growlers became a band beloved in autumn due to their Halloweeny aesthetic, so Nielsen’s return to Connecticut as an established solo act is beautifully timed as the days grow shorter.
Benmont Tench plays the piano at home in Los Angeles in Feb. 2025. Starting in the early 1970s, the organist, singer and songwriter was a creative anchor for Tom Petty. On a new solo album, he explores what comes next. (Chantal Anderson/The New York Times)
CT All Starz
The Webster Underground, 31 Webster St., Hartford
An end-of-summer dance frolic with local DJs/performers DJ Michelle Bee, Tim Bryant, Litty Blanco, Rich Nijah and DJ Late Night takes place in Hartford on Sept. 14 from 5-10 p.m. $31.15. thewebsterct.com.
Falling in Reverse
Xfinity Theatre, 61 Savitt Way, Hartford
The Las Vegas post-hardcore band Falling in Reverse has been around since 2008. This year its released collaborations with Marilyn Manson and Hardy. The Manson one, “God is a Weapon,” has the same title as this tour. Sept. 14 at 6:15 p.m. $40.50-$400.75. livenation.com.
Halestorm and Lindsey Stirling
Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, 500 Broad St., Bridgeport
Pennsylvania alt-metal rock band Halestorm has a new album, “Everest,” and is on tour with the outrageous pop violinist Lindsey Stirling, a terrific live act. Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. $44.50-$346.90. hartfordhealthcareamp.com.
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Road, Westport
It’s another chance to see one of the biggest touring bands of summer, the reliable yet happily unpredictable Tedeschi Trucks Band. Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. $135-$350. levittpavilion.com.
On Tour with Rohn Lawrence: Third Annual All-Star Tribute
Toad’s Place, 300 York St., New Haven
Rohn Lawrence was a New Haven guitar legend. He was part of the city’s jazz scene that coalesced around the clubs on Audubon Street and Whitney Avenue in the 1990s and later became known for his long tenure as the Monday night house band at Toad’s Place’s Lilly Pad. He had some fascinating gigs over the years — he was once drafted at short notice to play with The Spice Girls — but is remembered as a staggeringly gifted guitar player in smooth contemporary jazz/R&B realm. Rohn Lawrence’s sudden death in 2021 is still deeply felt in the New Haven music scene. The third annual concert in his memory, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. at Toad’s Place, brings together his friends and collaborators from throughout his career. toadsplace.com.
Benmont Tench
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook
The indispensable keyboardist for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers is back doing solo shows. Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. $48. thekate.org.
Stowe Prize Celebration
Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland St., Hartford
Percival Everett will receive the 2025 Stowe Prize from the Stowe Center for Literary Activism for his novel “James,” the bestselling alternative take on Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” from the perspective of his Black slave traveling companion. Everett is also renowned as the author of “Erasure,” the satirical novel about the academia and literature that became the film “American Fiction.” A series of Stowe Prize events of Sept. 17 begins with a reception at the Mark Twain House & Museum, followed by a free Social Justice Fair at 5:30 p.m. in Immanuel Congregational Church’s Fellowship Hall and then the public celebration of the prize at 6:30 p.m. inside the church. Tickets to the live events are sold out but sections of the presentation will be livestreamed. stowecenter.org.
Nurse Blake
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford
Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket
The health-conscious comedian who became a viral sensation for the lighthearted videos he made about his job as a hospital nurse is on tour again with two stops of his “But Did You Die?” tour in Connecticut this week. Healthcare workers attend en masse. Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at The Bushnell ( $49-$80.50; VIP package $120.50-$168; bushnell.org), then Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at Foxwoods’ Great Cedar Showroom ($73.90-$84.20; foxwoods.com).
Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls
Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, 500 Broad St., Bridgeport
An inspired double bill of Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls, two feminist folk/pop/rock acts that reigned in the late ‘80s and throughout the ‘90s, and are still powerful and soulful today. Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. $86.75-$222.50. hartfordhealthcareamp.com.
Brooks Nielsen
Space Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden
As the vocalist for The Growlers, Brooks Nielsen carved new paths in modern underground rock. Now an established solo artist, he’s still tearing up clubs with his “Beach Goth” growl. Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. $37.99. spaceballroom.com.
Gianmarco
The Webster, 31 Webster St., Hartford
Singer/songwriter/musician Giancarlo, who has also produced hits for a slew of Latin pop stars, is on a big U.S. tour. Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. $100.92-$164.56. thewebsterct.com.
Andy Summers
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook
A major part of the success of The Police, Andy Summers remains an exceptional and eclectic guitarist who is a joy to watch in an intimate venue like The Kate. Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. $60-$73. thekate.org.
Madball
Space Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden
In the 1990s, when Madball would frequently play the New Haven punk club The Tune Inn, it defined the New York hardcore scene for many fans. Madball is still out there and is the latest group of hardcore survivors to find its way to the Space Ballroom in Hamden. Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. $37.99, $32.34 in advance. spaceballroom.com.
The Dandy
Mark Twain House & Museum virtual event
Here’s a virtual event you’re going to want to dress up for. Peter K. Andersson is discussing his new book “The Dandy: A People’s History of Sartorial Splendor” in a livestreamed discussion on Sept. 18 at noon. Andersson’s theory is that an effusive sense of fashion is not just an elite, highborn thing and that every level of society embraces ostentatious flourishes of style. $10. marktwainhouse.org.
An Evening with Samin Nosrat
The Bushnell. 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford
Celebrity chef Samin Nosrat — the author of “Salt Fat Acid Heat,” a former New York Times food columnist and former “Home Cooking” podcast host — is at The Bushnell touting her new book “Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love: A Cookbook.” Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. $29.50-$73.50; $152 VIP package includes a copy of the book. bushnell.org.
Russell Dickerson
Oakdale Theatre, 95 Turnpike Road, Wallingford
Russell Dickerson has had four country radio hits: “Yours”, “Blue Tacoma”, “Every Little Thing” and “Love You Like I Used To.” The Nashville singer/songwriter is on his “Russellmania” tour. Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. $64-$152.10. livenation.com.
Comedian Trevor Noah, the former host of “The Daily Show,” is returning to Foxwoods’ Premier Theater on Sept. 18. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
Trevor Noah
Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket
The erstwhile host of “The Daily Show” has kept up with the news, producing documentaries and podcasts and still doing live standup tours. The bestselling memoirist of “Born a Crime” returns to Foxwoods’ Premier Theater on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. $56.50-$303.25. foxwoods.com.
Julie Doiron
Space Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden
Canadian singer/songwriter Julie Doiron, who recently released her first album in over a dozen years, is making her way to Hamden on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. $26.69. spaceballroom.com.
Porterfield and Rosemary Minkler
Arch Street Tavern, 85 Arch St., Hartford
The four-piece Brooklyn indie band Porterfield includes a saxophonist in the mix. It is paired for the night with singer/pianist Rosemary Minkler. Sept. 18 at 9 p.m. archstreettavern.com.
‘Noises Off’
Legacy Theatre, 128 Thimble Islands Road, Branford
The Legacy Theatre enjoys backstage comedies, from “The Play That Goes Wrong” to their world premiere of “Long Days” last season. Now the Branford-based theater is doing “Noises Off,” Michael Frayn’s classic farce about a theater company staging a saucy British comedy called “Nothing On.” Demand for the show has been so great that the run was extended by 10 days and a few more performances were added. Sept. 18 through Oct. 12. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., with an added show on Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. $36-$50.50. legacytheatrect.org.
Elizabeth Gilbert
Warner Theatre, 68 Main St., Torrington
The celebrated “Eat, Pray, Love” author (and Waterbury native) Elizabeth Gilbert has written another memoir, “All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation,” which covers some of the success and hardships and grief she faced since the events and self-discoveries of the earlier book. Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. $36.50-196. warnertheatre.org.
Atlanta Rhythm Section
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook
Southern pop band Atlanta Rhythm Section had major hits with “So In to You” and “Imaginary Lover” in the 1970s, split up for a while, then returned in the ‘90s and is a still a widely touring live act with a couple of its founding members. Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. $70. thekate.org.
The Atlanta Rhythm Section is at The Kate in Old Saybrook on Sept. 19. (Courtesy of The Kate)
Lucero
Infinity Music Hall, 32 Front St., Hartford
The alt-country-rock-punk-indie-whatever cult act Lucero from Memphis Tennessee has been an only vaguely classifiable cult music act for a while. This tour honors the 20th anniversary of Lucero’s album “Nobody’s Darlings.” Jessica Lea Mayfield opens the show on Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. $42.27-$82.17. infinityhall.com.
Conan Gray
Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, 500 Broad St., Bridgeport
Two singer/songwriters who first achieved fame through viral videos on social media, Conan Gray and hemlocke springs, team up for a big national tour. Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. The show is sold out. “Verified resale tickets” range from $300 to over $500. hartfordhealthcareamp.com.
Morrissey
Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket
The outspoken former vocalist of The Smiths carries a different sort of swagger these days but still commands a large and curious following. He also continues to record new music though a couple of recent albums remain unreleased, adding to his mystique. He will take the stage at Foxwoods’ Premier Theater on Sept. 19 at 8:30 p.m. $68.85-$180.80. foxwoods.com.
Fern Street Play Festival
Universalist Church of West Hartford, 433 Fern Street, West Hartford
A community-based theater festival features eight original 10-minute plays chosen from over 300 submissions. The plays are “The Late Gordon Kaplan” by Robin Anne Joseph, “The Person in Charge” by Loretta Bolger Wish, “Up on the Roof” by Betsy Maguire, “Eighteenth Quinquennial Ending Picnic” by Jillian Blevins, “Safe Harbor” by James McLindon, “In the Same Boat” by Domenick Scudera, “Billy and the ADHD” by Mark Mulkerin and “Smith and Jones” by Kevin Christopher Snipes. Sept. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. $20 suggested donation. eventbrite.com.
Connecticut Storytelling Festival
Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London.
The Connecticut Storytelling Festival is an annual daylong celebration of the fine art of up-close sharing of compelling narratives. The performances and workshops are mostly at the Garde in downtown New London but also at the New London library from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 20. Tickets to individual events range from $12.50 to $83. The main attraction is Carmen Deedy, but many other storytellers (some of them also musicians) are involved. connstorycenter.org.
Eric Clapton
Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Unvcasville
The British guitarist who was being compared to a deity back in the ‘70s, and whose pop hits include “Tears in Heaven” and “I Shot the Sheriff,” released his first album in years, “Meanwhile,” last year. Sept. 20 at 7 p.m., with The Wallflowers opening. $984.10. “Verified resale tickets” range from $421.40-$4,095. mohegansun.com.
Killer Queen
Warner Theatre, 68 Main St., Torrington
There are many big Queen tribute acts, and Connecticut (the state where the real Queen performed “Bohemian Rhapsody” live for the first time in the U.S.) has hosted most of them. Killer Queen, with Patrick Myers channeling Freddie Mercury, is the longest serving Queen tribute and is considered one of the most accurate. The band is on a world tour playing large theaters (they sold out the vast Red Rocks in Colorado) and even arenas in some countries. Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. $46-$74. warnertheatre.org.
The tribute band Killer Queen is at the Warner Theatre in Torrington on Sept. 20. (Jelena Rudi)
Staind
Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket
One of the biggest modern metal bands to ever come out of Massachusetts, the turning point for Staind was a show at The Webster in Hartford where they caught the attention of Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit. In 2021, Staind recorded a live album at Mohegan Sun, and 2023’s “Confessions of the Fallen” was the band’s first studio album in a dozen years. Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. at Foxwoods’ Premier Theater. $139.65-$238.50. foxwoods.com.
Mary Gauthier
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook
Mary Gauthier, the great singer/songwriter who also wrote a book about that craft (“Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting”) is using her latest tour to mark the 25th anniversary of her first album, “Drag Queens in Limousines.” Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. $42. thekate.org.
Crystal Bowersox
Infinity Music Hall, 20 Greenwoods Road West, Norfolk
Singer/songwriter Crystal Bowersox, a Season 9 finalist on “American Idol,” hasn’t released a new album in a few years but remains a vital live acoustic folk performer. Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. $47.42-$68.04. infinityhall.com.
Michael Minelli
Infinity Music Hall, 32 Front St., Hartford
The Connecticut-born soulful pop/hip-hop artist Michael Minelli is having a homecoming concert in Hartford amid his first big headlining national tour. Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. $29.90-$107.21. infinityhall.com.
Connecticut Horrorfest
Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford
Some major horror icons past and present gather for a chilling and exhilarating weekend. The actors alone include such names as John Cusack, Dee Wallace, Chris Sarandon, Zach Galligan, Stacey Nelkin, David Naughton and “Terrifier”’s Mike Giannelli, but there are also directors, stuntmen and designers, plus vendors, cosplay, panels, demonstrations and more. Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday admission is $40, $20 for children, Sunday is $35, $15 children. horrornewsnetwork.net.
https://www.courant.com/2025/09/13/arts-picks-for-sept-14-20/
