Kick Off Summer 2025: Memorial Day Weekend Events in Connecticut

Not a Tribute – The Real Deal: The Lightfoot Band Carries On Gordon Lightfoot’s Legacy When The Lightfoot Band takes the stage at Edmond Town Hall on August 29, audiences aren’t just hearing a tribute—they’re hearing history. These are the original musicians who toured and recorded with Gordon Lightfoot , whose fingerprints are on some of the most iconic songs in folk and pop music history. Together, they bring an authenticity, energy, and emotional depth to every note, because they lived it—with Gordon—on stages around the world. We caught up with each member of The Lightfoot Band to learn more about their journey, their memories of Gord, and what this tour means to them.  Rick Haynes (Bass) – "We Played Together for Over 55 Years" From playing piano next to his mother in Toronto to recording bass lines on Sundown and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald , Rick Haynes is a cornerstone of Lightfoot’s sound. “My first tour with Gord was in the late ‘60s. We played Massey Hall, and I remember thinking, ‘This is special.’ I didn’t realize it would be the start of a five-decade journey.” Rick co-produced the Harmony album and played on nearly every major Lightfoot release. He also performed with Gord on shows like Saturday Night Live , The Merv Griffin Show , The Johnny Cash Show , and at venues like Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and the Montreux Jazz Festival. “Gordon had a deep respect for his songs. It was never just about performance—it was about telling the story.” Barry Keane (Drums) – "It Was Like a Masterclass Every Night" Barry Keane , originally from Philadelphia, spent over 47 years as Gordon’s drummer—and his resume reads like a who’s who of musical history. From Shania Twain to Carole King, Anne Murray to April Wine, Barry has recorded with some of the biggest names in the business. “Playing with Gord was different. You weren’t just backing a singer—you were accompanying a poet.” Barry’s television credits include The Midnight Special , The Jimmy Fallon Show , and Entertainment Tonight , and he was also part of legendary Canadian shows like The Ronnie Prophet Show and The Tommy Hunter Show . “Even after thousands of performances, I still get chills when we play If You Could Read My Mind.” Mike Heffernan (Keyboards) – "My First Show Was in 1981… and I Never Looked Back" Mike Heffernan , who joined the band after being called in for a session in 1980, still remembers the exact date: December 23, 1980 . “We were recording a movie theme. It turned into an audition, and two weeks later, I was on stage with Gord in Chicago.” For 41 years, Mike’s keys added texture and beauty to Lightfoot’s live and recorded sound. His first album with Gord was Shadows , and he went on to perform at every major venue the band touched. “Every show felt like a homecoming. Gordon had a way of making the audience feel like they were part of the journey.” Carter Lancaster (Guitar) – "Joining the Band in 2011 Was a Dream Come True" Carter Lancaster brought a fresh yet reverent energy when he joined the band in 2011. A versatile guitarist with over 50 years of experience, Carter is known for his work in everything from jazz combos to bluegrass bands. “Playing Gord’s music was always about finesse—about space. His songs breathe, and you have to respect that.” Carter plays both acoustic and electric guitar, including the harp guitar—a nod to Gordon’s rich folk sound. “We’re not just playing the notes. We’re carrying memories.” Andy Mauck (Vocals & Guitar) – "My Idols Became My Friends" Andy Mauck , the newest member of the group, brings heartfelt vocals and a deep personal connection to Gordon Lightfoot’s music. “I grew up learning Gord’s songs by playing along to his records in my bedroom.” A former engineer and entrepreneur, Andy spent much of his life building a career outside of music. But his passion for Lightfoot’s work never waned. “I met the band in 1976. Decades later, they invited me to help continue Gord’s legacy. It's beyond an honor—it’s a calling.” Andy now sings and plays the very guitars Gordon used on stage: the iconic Martin D-18 and Gibson B-45 . A Legacy Carried On, Note for Note As The Lightfoot Band prepares to perform at Edmond Town Hall on Aug 29 , they’re not simply reviving Gordon’s music—they’re preserving it, with all the depth, joy, and sorrow it was born with. “This music is part of us,” says Haynes. “When we take the stage, we’re not just remembering Gordon—we’re reliving the moments we shared with him.” Fans attending the show on August 29 will hear beloved hits like Sundown, Early Morning Rain, Beautiful, and of course, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, in honor of its 50th anniversary. After the show, the audience will also have the rare chance to meet the band , share stories, and connect directly with the musicians who helped define a generation of sound.

A Weekend You Won’t Want to Miss! From John Hall with the Good Road Band at Westport’s Levitt Pavilion on Friday to a lineup of annual festivals , we’ve got your weekend covered. Don’t miss highlights like Norwalk’s Treasure Hunt and the colorful Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival . Scroll through our full list and start planning your weekend adventures! This week’s Featured Sponsor: Edmond Town Hall, Newtown. Edmond Town Hall kicks off its Fall Concert Series with two incredible nights of live music you won’t want to miss! 🚨 JUST IN: $20 SEATS to Taylorville — Tomorrow Night at Edmond Town Hall! 📅 Thursday, August 21 | 7:00-9:00pm Send the kids back to school on a high note with an energy-packed evening of Taylor Swift’s greatest hits. Dress in your favorite Tay Tay outfit and get ready to sing and dance the night away! 👉 Fairfield After Dark subscribers get $20 seats with code: FAD 🎟 ️ Grab your tickets now before they’re gone! 🎸 The Lightfoot Band 📅 Thursday, August 29 | Labor Day Weekend Kickoff This is not a tribute act—these are the original musicians who toured and recorded with Gordon Lightfoot for decades. Featuring Rick Haynes, Barry Keane, Mike Heffernan, Carter Lancaster, and Andy Mauck, the band delivers Gordon’s music with unmatched authenticity. On the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy, their performance of the iconic ballad takes on special meaning. Fans can expect classics like If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown, Early Morning Rain, plus rare deep cuts—and even meet the musicians after the show. 🎟️ Grab your tickets here Thank you to Edmond Town Hall for bringing world-class concerts, shows and community events to Newtown this season! See ETH’s full Fall Line here. Browse the full calendar to plan your next summer outing. Summer Concerts, Festivals and Fun Things to Do Wednesday, August 20 – Saturday, Aug 23, 2025 Wednesday, Aug 20 Bethel: "Swing du Jour" Quintet On The Patio @LaZingara(7pm) 📣 Bridgeport: Beardsley Zoo is now part of the CT Season Pass!(10am) Fairfield: Mixtape Match Musical Bingo at Elicit Brewing(7pm) Greenwich: Billy & The Showmen in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park (7pm) 📣 Newtown: Sunset Zumba in the Vineyard at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(6pm) New Canaan: Fairfield Counts Band – Waveny Park (7:30-9:30pm) Stamford: Open Play Chess in Veterans Memorial Park – Stamford(12pm-2pm) 📣 Stamford: Comedians Juan Nicolon, Dj Collins, Maggie Lalley, Igor Martinez at New York Comedy Club Stamford (7pm) Shelton: Silver Steel Band at Music Under the Stars Summer Concert Series(7pm) Westport: Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band w/ Bhi Bhiman LIVE at Levitt Pavilion(7:00 PM) Thursday, Aug 21 📣 Bridgeport: Beardsley Zoo is now part of the CT Season Pass!(10am) Bridgeport: Bingo for a Bike at Bryac Black Rock(6pm) Bridgeport: Hurley Hour LIVE at Bryac Black Rock(6pm) Bridgeport: Party with Friends LIVE at Bryac Black Rock(9pm) Fairfield: Sambeleza LIVE at Jazz Society of Fairfield County, Inc.(7:30pm-10pm) Fairfield: Tangled Vine LIVE at The Sinclair(8:30pm) Greenwich: Gunsmoke at Greenwich Historical Society(6:30 pm–8:00 pm) New Milford: Pop Rocks + Henna by Elyse at Rock the Block(4:00pm - 6:00pm) 📣 Newtown: Wine and Wheels Car Show at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(3pm-8pm) 📣 Newtown: Dave King LIVE at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(5:30pm-8:30pm) 📣 Newtown: Llamas and Llibations Aquila's Nest Vineyards(4:30pm-6:30pm) 📣 Newtown: Yoga in the Vineayard at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(6:30pm) 📣 Newtown: Taylorville at Edmond Town Hall - SAVE10 OFF YOUR TICKET!(7pm) Norwalk: Maxim Schiavone & Friends LIVE at Washington Social(8pm-11:30pm) Old Greenwich: Mojo LIVE at Bosco's Bar & Grill(9pm-12am) 📣 Piermont, NY: Live Jazz with Vocalist: Livia & Pianist: Kevin Lovejoy at OTTO'S(6pm-9pm) Ridgefield: Live Music with Off the Hook at 850 Degree(5pm) Ridgefield: Chris Berry & Abe Seiferth LIVE at Nod Hill Brewery(6:30pm) Rowayton: HENRY JONES LIVE at Sails Bar & Grill(6pm-9pm) Stratford: Dawn & Greg LIVE at Outriggers(5pm-8pm) Stratford: Inity Reggae Band LIVE at Joey C’s Boathouse(6pm-9pm) 📣 Stamford: Lower Summer Street Block Party in Stamford Downtown(5pm-9pm) 📣 Stamford: Comedians Gus Tate, Lizzy Cassidy, Julio Diaz, Reg Thomas at New York Comedy Club Stamford (7pm) Weston: Summer Thursdays at Weston History & Culture Center(1pm-4pm) Westport: Skorts w/ Pond View LIVE at Levitt Pavilion(7pm) 📣 Westport: Brazilian Night featuring Sambaleza! LIVE at Jazz at the Post(7:30pm-10pm) Westport: Live music with Billy Genuario(9pm) Friday, Aug 22 Bridgeport: Sal Grillo at Port 5 (5-8:30pm) 📣 Bridgeport: Beardsley Zoo is now part of the CT Season Pass!(10am) Bridgeport: Skylab LIVE at Bryac Black Rock(10pm) Bethel: Bethel Food Truck Fridays(5pm-8pm) Bethel: Tom Duffy Band LIVE at Broken Symmetry(6pm) Bethel: DEAN SNELLBACK LIVE at Shakedown Street Eats(6:30pm) Bethel: Harmonic Aggression Live at Notch 8(8pm) Brookfield: Future Tense LIVE at Brookfield's Concerts in the Park(6:30 PM) Chester: Chester Fair(6pm-11pm) Cos Cob: SLS Live Music featuring Tangled Vine at St. Lawerence((7pm-10pm) Danbury: Ct Grateful Dead All stars LIVE at Sugar Hollow Taproom(7:30pm) 📣 Fairfield: Early Elton Trio LIVE on StageOne in FTC(8pm) Fairfield: Hawkins French LIVE at Elicit Brewing(9pm) Fairfield: DJ GOLDEN BOY in the Speakeasy LIVE at Elicit Brewing(10pm) Greenwich: Finders Keepers LIVE at Griff Club House(7pm-10pm) Litchfield: Al Fenton Big Band at Litchfield Summer Concert Series (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm) Milford: THE SABBS BROTHERS LIVE at Stonebridge Restaurant(5:30pm) Milford: Rory Gordon LIVE at Cafe Atlantique(6:30pm-9:30pm) 📣 Mahopac, NY: Super Trans AM LIVE at Putnam County Golf Course(6:30pm) New Milford: Snake Dog LIVE at Housatonic River Brewing(7pm-10pm) Newtown: ETH DRIVE-IN: The Never-Ending Story (PG)(9pm) Newtown: Al Rivoli LIVE at Perfusion(8pm-11pm) Newtown: Tessa & Jackson LIVE at Reverie Brewing(6pm-9pm) Newtown: Johnny Chapman - LIVE at Newsylum Brewing Co.(6pm-9pm) 📣 Newtown: Transformers One (PG) at Edmond Town Hall(1pm-7:30pm) 📣 Newtown: Filo Fox LIVE at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(5:30pm-8:30pm) 📣 Newtown: Dine in White Barbecue Under the Stars at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(6:30pm) Norwalk: Diggity LIVE at Washington Social(8pm-11:30pm) 📣 Norwalk: Norwalk’s Treesure Hunt(7am-7pm) Norwalk: Old School 203 LIVE at 314 Beer Garden(7pm-11pm) Norwalk: Live Music With Geoff Hartwell!(10pm) Old Greenwich: Cover Story LIVE at Bosco's Bar & Grill(9pm-12am) 📣 Plainville: Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festiva(2pm-10pm) Redding: Cat Lines LIVE at The Redding Roadhouse(7pm-10pm) Ridgefield: Mike Milazzo LIVE at Odeen’s Restaurant(6pm) Ridgefield: Live Music with Daniel Madeson at 850 Degree(6pm) Ridgefield: True North Jazz Project LIVE at Nod Hill Brewery(6:30pm) Rowayton: Chill & Classic Grooves LIVE at Sails Bar & Grill(9:30pm-12am) :Sherman: MahJongg Fridays LIVE at JCC in Sherman(12pm) Shelton: Brandon Mullis at Jones Winery(5–7pm) 📣 Stamford: Sahib Singh at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7-9pm) Stamford: Major Trends LIVE at Half Full Brewery(7pm-9pm) 📣 Stamford: Comedian Sahib Singh at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7pm-9:30pm) Stamford: Hit 'n' Run LIVE at Trirnans Bar(9pm) Stratford: Live Music with Frank Yantorno at Windmill Tavern(5pm) Stratford: Jason Schod LIVE at Outriggers(5:30pm-8:30pm) Stratford: The Rum Runners Trio LIVE at Two Roads(7pm-9pm) Stratford: Live Music with Dirty Byrds at Windmill Tavern(8pm) Stratford: Pop Rocks LIVE at Joey C’s Boathouse(9pm-12am) Terryville: Terryville Lions Country Fair(4pm-10pm) Woodbury: Presence (Led Zeppelin Tribute) LIVE at Woodbury Brewing Company(8:30pm) 📣 Westport: Blonde & Grey at Music on Church Lane(6:00pm – 9:00pm) Westport: A 'Wicked' Sing-Along at the Westport Library(4:30pm-7:30pm) 📣 Westport: JOHN OATES AND THE GOOD ROAD BAND LIVE at Levitt Pavilion(7pm) Westport: Symphonic Bodega LIVE at Walrus Alley(7:30pm-10:30pm) Saturday, Aug 23 Bethel: ROSS & DAVE LIVE at Shakedown Street Eats(6:30pm) Bethel: Scratch Live at Notch 8(8pm) 📣 Bridgeport: Beardsley Zoo is now part of the CT Season Pass!(10am) 📣 Bridgeport: Skyhunters in Flight at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo(11am-2pm) Bridgeport: Clear Blue Soul LIVE at Bryac Black Rock(6pm) Bridgeport: Porchfest LIVE at Bryac Black Rock(6pm) Bridgeport: Shameless LIVE at Boca Oyster Bar(8:30pm) Bridgeport: Otis & The Hurricanes LIVE at Bryac Black Rock(9pm) Chester: Chester Fair(8am-11pm) Cos Cob: Kings Highway at St. Laweren(7pm-10pm) Danbury: Billy Michael LIVE at the Danbury Museum(1pm-2pm) 📣 Danbury: SEALS & CROFTS 2 at The Palace Danbury Theatre(7:30pm) Fairfield: Doug Riccio LIVE at Elicit Brewing(9pm) Fairfield: Shady at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30-8pm) Fairfield: Shady LIVE at Sherman Green Gazebo(6:30pm-8pm) Fairfield: Sunset Drive LIVE at Elicit Brewing(9pm) Fairfield: DJ PICKZ in the Speakeasy LIVE at Elicit Brewing(10pm) Milford: Tracy Santa LIVE at Cafe Atlantique(6:30pm) New Milford: Leds Groove LIVE at Housatonic River Brewing(7pm-10pm) Norwalk: Norwalk’s Treesure Hunt(7am-7pm) Norwalk: For Legal Reasons LIVE at 314 Beer Garden(7:30pm-10:30pm) Norwalk: Live Music Every Saturday!!(10pm) 📣 Newtown: Transformers One (PG) at Edmond Town Hall(1pm-7:30pm) Newtown: Blimp Fest 2025: Paper Suns, Dirty Door Knockers, & Go 2 Eleven LIVE at Reverie Brewing(2pm-9pm) Newtown: CJ Band LIVE at Newsylum Brewing Co(4pm-7pm) 📣 Newtown: Tony & The West Siders LIVE at Aquila's Nest Vineyards(2:30pm-5:30pm) 📣 Newtown: Prince Tribute Show at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(6pm) Newtown: Nick DiMaria Jazz Quartet LIVE at Perfusion(8pm-11pm) Newtown: ETH DRIVE-IN: The Never-Ending Story (PG)(9pm) 📣 Plainville: Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festiva(2pm-10pm) Redding: Tin Sandwich LIVE at Milestone(9pm-12am) Ridgefield: Old Bob LIVE at Nod Hill Brewery(5pm) 📣 Stamford: Sahib Singh at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7-9pm) 📣 Stamford: Open Play Chess in Latham Park – Stamford(1pm-3pm) Stamford: L8er Bois LIVE at Half Full Brewery(2pm-5pm ) Stamford: Live Music by Mesha Steele at The Beer Garden (Shippan Landing)(5pm-8pm) 📣 Stamford: Comedian Sahib Singh at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7pm-9:30pm) Stratford: Shore 2 the Pour Beach Race LIVE at Two Roads Brewing(7:30am-1pm) Stratford: Timmy Maia LIVE at Two Roads(5pm-7pm) Stratford: Dawn & Greg LIVE at Outriggers(5:30pm-8:30pm) Stratford: Darik & The Funbags LIVE at Joey C’s Boathouse(9pm-12am) 📣 Southbury: Southbury Arts and Eats(10am-4pm) 📣 Sherman: Growing Up In The Woodstock Generation...in Song with Marc Black. at JCC in Sherman(7:30pm-9:30pm) Terryville: Terryville Lions Country Fair(10am-6pm) Woodbury: Almost Elton LIVE at Woodbury Brewing Company(8:30pm) Weston: Haley Jane Band at the Music in the Meadow concerts(6 pm) Weston: History Through a Lens Workshop(10am-11:30pm) Westport: Acoustic Elixir at Music on Church Lane(6:00pm – 9:00pm) Westport: The Zambonis LIVE at Walrus Alley(7:30pm-11pm)

(BRIDGEPORT, CT) – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is excited to announce the return of its popular Glow Wild Lantern Festival , running September 25–December 14, Thursday through Sunday evenings, 5:30–9:30 p.m. This year’s event will dazzle with all-new lanterns, including glowing prehistoric dinosaurs and underwater scenes, plus more than 50 large-scale lighted sculptures . Returning favorites include the 100-foot dragon and expanded interactive areas for glowing fun. “This year’s Glow Wild will be our most exciting yet,” said Zoo CEO Jim Wharton. “From new light displays to immersive add-ons, we’re giving guests more ways to enjoy the Zoo at night.” New 2025 highlights include Glow Gear accessories, cozy Glow Igloos for up to eight guests, and guided Glow Mobile Golf Cart Tours through the lantern displays. The Glow Café also returns with seasonal treats like hot cider and donuts. Tickets now on Sale at beardsleyzoo.org/glow-wild. Adult admission is $25 , children (11 and under) $23 ; ages 2 and under and adults 76+ are free. Limited walk-up tickets available nightly.

WHAT: Lower Summer Street Block Party in Stamford Downtown Stamford Downtown is bringing back its popular Block Party on Lower Summer Street on August 21. We’re closing Summer Street from Broad Street to Summer Place to cars, transforming it into a lively pedestrian zone filled with energy and excitement. Enjoy this FREE event featuring: · Expanded outdoor dining patios · Live music and entertainment · A lively, open-street atmosphere Come stroll, dine, dance, and celebrate summer in the heart of Stamford Downtown! WHERE: Lower Summer Street in Stamford Downtown WHEN: August 21, 2025 5-9pm Lower Summer Street Block Party is presented by Stamford Downtown and the City of Stamford.

The Palace Theatre is proud to announce its upcoming Charity Golf Outing, taking place on Monday, September 22nd, 2025, at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk, CT . Golfers of all skill levels are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day of golf including BMW of Darien’s hole-in-one contest, a silent auction, and charitable giving. The outing features a shamble format, ensuring a dynamic and engaging round of golf for all participants. Registration includes flexible options—from individual players and foursomes to sponsorship packages. Golfing packages include snacks and beverages on the course, plus a cocktail hour and a catered lunch and dinner. Michael Moran , President & CEO of the Stamford Center for the Arts, encourages everyone to join in and make a meaningful impact: "Swing into action for a cause that drives change. Join us for a round that makes a difference!" Event Details: • Date: September 22nd, 2025 • Time: Tee Time at 11:30 a.m. • Location: Shorehaven Golf Club, 14 Canfield Avenue, Norwalk, CT • Entry Fees range from $450 per golfer / $1,900 per foursome; sponsorship opportunities are available for those wishing to support the arts while gaining visibility and aligning their business with a prominent, mission driven organization. You can register or learn more here , or contact Laurel Lea, Director of Philanthropy, at (203) 517-3416 or mailto: LLea@palacestamford.org. Join us in making a positive impact through golf! About The Palace Stamford The Palace Theatre is the longest-running arts presenter in Fairfield County. Part of Stamford Center for the Arts (SCA), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, The Palace is dedicated to serving as the region’s premier performing arts center, providing exciting entertainment that enhances and enriches the cultural, educational, economic, and social life of our community.