Share the news!

The Moonrise Cartel Live at Park City Music Hall in Black Rock | July 25 Concert

Black Rock, Bridgeport, CT — One of Fairfield County's fastest-rising bands is coming home. 


The Moonrise Cartel returns to Park City Music Hall on Saturday, July 25, for a special hometown performance with acclaimed Connecticut singer-songwriter Dylan Connor opening the evening. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the show beginning at 8:00 p.m. 


For Fairfield After Dark, this is one of our must-see concerts of the summer. 


Fresh off being named the 2025 New England Music Awards – Rising Star: Connecticut, The Moonrise Cartel has quickly become one of the region's hottest original bands. Their rapidly growing fanbase—known as "Cartel Members"—has helped fill venues throughout Connecticut and beyond. Following standout performances at Daryl's House, the Fairfield Hills Music Festival, the Greenwich Town Party, and the Caramoor American Roots Music Festival, the band returns to its hometown stage for what promises to be one of the most anticipated concerts of the summer.


Folk Rock from Black Rock 

The Moonrise Cartel has crafted a signature sound that blends folk, indie rock, Americana, and gospel influences into music that feels both timeless and contemporary. Their soaring harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and unmistakable style have earned them the nickname "Folk Rock from Black Rock." 


Leading the band is songwriter and vocalist Al Pascarelli, whose deeply personal lyrics are brought to life alongside the powerful vocals of Stephanie Harrison. Multi-instrumentalist Jason Polise adds rich layers with lead guitar, saxophone, keyboards, and more, while bassist Benj LeFevre and drummer Steve Tobey provide the driving rhythm behind the band's dynamic live performances. 


More Than a Concert - It's an Experience

Whether delivering intimate acoustic moments or full-throttle anthems, The Moonrise Cartel creates an emotional live experience that continues to win over new fans at every performance. While their original music is available on all major streaming platforms, longtime followers will tell you there's nothing like experiencing the band live. 


Their momentum continues to build with appearances at some of the Northeast's premier festivals and venues. In 2026, the band performed at Daryl's House on April 9, the Fairfield Hills Music Festival on May 16, the Greenwich Town Party on May 23, and the prestigious Caramoor American Roots Music Festival on June 27. Following their hometown concert, they'll head to the nationally recognized Rhythm & Roots Festival in Charlestown, Rhode Island, on September 6, joining an impressive lineup of Americana and roots artists.


Adding to the excitement, The Moonrise Cartel is currently in the studio recording its highly anticipated debut full-length album, giving fans even more to look forward to in the months ahead.


Opening the evening is Dylan Connor, the Stratford-based singer-songwriter whose blend of indie rock, power pop, and folk has earned national recognition through film placements, television licensing, and performances throughout the United States and abroad. 


Upcoming Performances 

The Moonrise Cartel's summer and fall schedule continues following their hometown return to Black Rock.

July 25 – Park City Music Hall – Black Rock, CT

August 15 – Music in the Meadow – Lachat Town Farm – Weston, CT

August 29 – Infinity Music Hall – Norfolk, CT

September 6 – Rhythm & Roots Festival – Charlestown, RI


Event Information 

The Moonrise Cartel with Dylan Connor 

Saturday, July 25, 2026 

Park City Music Hall 

2926 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock, CT 

Doors: 7:00 p.m. | Show: 8:00 p.m. 

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ BUY TICKETS NOW 


Arrive early to enjoy dinner, craft beer, cocktails, and appetizers from the  Park City Music Hall kitchen and bar before the music begins. 


๏ปฟIf you're looking for one of the best live music experiences in Fairfield County this weekend, this is it. The Moonrise Cartel has become one of Connecticut's most exciting original bands, and there's no better place to experience "Folk Rock from Black Rock" than on their home stage.

Whether you're already a proud Cartel Member or discovering the band for the first time, Saturday night's hometown performance promises an unforgettable evening of exceptional songwriting, soaring harmonies, and genuine Connecticut talent.


๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW 


Fairfield After Dark's Pick: โญ #1 Thing to Do in Black Rock this Saturday Night. 

The Moonrise Cartel Live at Park City Music Hall in Black Rock | July 25 Concert

Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular Partners with NBC Sports

October 19, 2026
STAMFORD, CT — Get ready for giant balloons, marching bands, festive floats, and holiday magic! The 33rd Annual Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular returns Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 12 p.m. , welcoming approximately 100,000 spectators to one of the nation's largest holiday balloon parades. This beloved holiday tradition will feature 16 giant helium balloons , including Elmo, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, Oscar the Grouch, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The celebration continues with spectacular floats, dance performances, marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus! Colin Cosell returns as Master of Ceremonies. Don't Miss the Giant Balloon Inflation Party! Kick off the festivities Saturday, November 21, from 3–6 p.m. , at Hoyt and Summer Streets for the Point72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party . Watch the massive balloons come to life while enjoying music, performers, and holiday characters. Parade Details When: Sunday, November 22, 2026, at Noon Where: Downtown Stamford, beginning at Summer and Hoyt Streets and ending at Atlantic and Federal Streets. Produced by Stamford Downtown Special Services District with support from local businesses, including NBC Sports. Get Parade Details & Updates

Things to Do in Fairfield County: October 13–18, 2026 — Live Music, Comedy, Fall Festivals & Halloween Fun!

By Cathy Ithier • October 13, 2026
Fairfield County, CT: Discover the best things to do in Fairfield County October 13–18, 2026, including live music, comedy, fall festivals, Halloween fun and local events!

Fairfield After Dark's October Hot List: Fall Festivals, Halloween Adventures & Spooky Events

By Cathy Ithier • October 10, 2026
Discover fall festivals, Halloween events, haunted attractions and spooky adventures in Fairfield County and beyond with Fairfield After Dark's October Hot List!

Last Chance to See The Lightfoot Band at Edmond Town Hall — Tickets Going Fast

By Cathy Ithier • October 5, 2026
NEWTOWN, CT: The timeless music of Gordon Lightfoot comes to Newtown this Thursday, October 8, when The Lightfoot Band takes the stage at Edmond Town Hall for an unforgettable evening celebrating one of Canada’s most legendary singer-songwriters. Featuring musicians who performed alongside Gordon Lightfoot for decades, The Lightfoot Band carries his extraordinary catalog forward with the authenticity and musicianship fans know and love. Audiences can look forward to hearing classics including “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sundown,” “Carefree Highway,” “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and more. Tickets are selling fast, and only a limited number remain for Thursday night’s performance. If you’ve been thinking about going, now is the time to grab your seats. Don’t wait until show day and risk missing your chance to experience the songs of Gordon Lightfoot performed live inside historic Edmond Town Hall. Event Details Thursday, October 8, 2026 Edmond Town Hall 45 Main Street, Newtown, CT ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Limited tickets remain — purchase your tickets soon before they’re gone!

Nutmeg Original Music Series Launches Listening Room with Drew Ryder Smith & Melissa Capezio

By Cathy Ithier • October 2, 2026
WESTPORT, CT: The Nutmeg Original Music Series , created by local singer-songwriters Bill Dempsey and Erik Moses , kicks off its inaugural Nutmeg Listening Room on Friday, October 9, 2026 , featuring Nashville singer-songwriter Drew Ryder Smith and Redding native Melissa Capezio at the Westport VFW, 465 Riverside Ave. The intimate evening will put the spotlight on original music, storytelling, and the inspiration behind the songs. “We want to offer a platform for these artists to connect with an audience over a full set of their music and introduce audiences to artists they otherwise might not know,” Dempsey explained the mission behind Nutmeg. Award-winning professional songwriter Drew Ryder Smith has shared the stage with Merle Haggard, Don Williams, Big & Rich, Lee Brice and Lady A . He notes opening for Haggard at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium with just his acoustic guitar and a stool as a career highlight. Smith has also written alongside acclaimed Nashville songwriters including Don Schlitz, Rob Snyder, Driver Williams and Bobby Pinson . Joining Smith is Melissa Capezio , a Redding native raised on traditional bluegrass and classic rock. Capezio began writing music at 16 and has since recorded two full-length studio albums. The October 9 show marks the inaugural Nutmeg Listening Room, expanding a series Dempsey and Moses created to foster community around the original music being created by Connecticut songwriters. EVENT INFORMATION Nutmeg Listening Room featuring Drew Ryder Smith & Melissa Capezio Date: Friday, October 9, 2026 Location: Westport VFW, 465 Riverside Ave., Westport, CT Tickets: $15 in advance (plus fees) | $20 at the door ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ PURCHASE TICKETS

The Moonrise Cartel Nominated for 2026 New England Music Awards’ Live Act of the Year

By Cathy Ithier • October 1, 2026
FAIRFIELD, CT — The Moonrise Cartel has been on a steady climb — and their fans have been right there with them every step of the way. Last year, the Connecticut folk-rock band celebrated a major milestone when the New England Music Awards named The Moonrise Cartel its 2025 Rising Star: Connecticut winner . Now, just one year later, the band has earned another major recognition: a 2026 nomination for Live Act of the Year. It's a fitting nomination for a band whose reputation has been built where it matters most — on the stage and in front of its fans. The Moonrise Cartel's following has steadily grown alongside the band. Their fans — affectionately known as “Cartel Members” — aren't simply listening from afar. They're showing up. The band has sold out StageOne at Fairfield Theatre Company twice, sold out Park City Music Hall and recently performed for a crowd of more than 600 at Black Rock PorchFest. Those crowds have followed The Moonrise Cartel from venue to venue, helping turn a Connecticut band with a distinctive “Folk Rock from Black Rock” sound into one of the region's increasingly recognized live acts. And now, they're taking another big step. Next Stop: The Warehouse at FTC On Saturday, October 10 , The Moonrise Cartel returns to Fairfield Theatre Company — this time to headline The Warehouse for the first time . The larger room represents another milestone in the band's progression at FTC. After twice selling out StageOne, The Moonrise Cartel is moving into The Warehouse with the same community of fans that has helped fuel its rise. Dr. B and The Remedy will open the evening, with doors at 7 PM and the show beginning at 8 PM. For longtime Cartel Members, October 10 is another opportunity to come together and celebrate how far this band has come. And if you haven't experienced The Moonrise Cartel live yet, their first Warehouse headlining show is a pretty good time to find out why they're now nominated for Live Act of the Year. Connecticut — Let's Show Them Some Love! Voting is currently open for the 2026 New England Music Awards , with The Moonrise Cartel officially among this year's nominees for Live Act of the Year. Public voting runs through October 9 , with the winners announced November 15. Let's show The Moonrise Cartel some Connecticut love and cast a vote for LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR! VOTE FOR THE MOONRISE CARTEL Then, there's only one question left: Who's meeting us at The Warehouse on October 10? The Moonrise Cartel with Dr. B and The Remedy Saturday, October 10, 2026 Doors: 7 PM | Show: 8 PM The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company 70 Sanford Street, Fairfield, CT From 2025 Rising Star: Connecticut to 2026 Live Act of the Year nominee , The Moonrise Cartel's star continues to rise — and their fans continue to rise right along with them. Grab your tickets. Join The Cartel. We'll see you at The Warehouse!
More Posts