Fairfield Theatre Company Weekly Round-Up: 7 shows announced including Mystic Dead and Eric Gales
This week Fairfield Theatre Company announces Dean Johnson, Oh He Dead, Eric Gales, Mystic Dead, Deconstructing Dark Side of the Moon: A multimedia lecture hosted by Scott Freiman, Bearly Dead, and Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads. Tickets are on sale now via fairieldtheatre.org
Dean Johnson
Fairfield Theatre Company • 70 Sanford St, Fairfield, CT 06824
September 19, 2024
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Dean Johnson
Not long after crossing beyond the neon into Al’s Tavern, one might catch murmurs drifting up and down the bar during Dean Johnson’s bartending shifts – nudges and whispers that he might just be the best songwriter in town. “Wait ’til you hear him sing. Just don’t ask him to do it, because he won’t. He might do another show this year, but probably not.” Al’s regulars, howsoever biased, speak of his talent like a family secret – Seattle folklore. How many times, and for how many years, has Dean elusively replied to some variation of the question, “When will there be a record?”
The phrase “hidden gem” would seem appropriate here, but it’s a misnomer when talking about Dean Johnson. He shines bright, in plain sight, and it was only a matter of time before people stopped to take a look. Dean’s gentle and passionate approach to songwriting has inspired many, and his work provides the listener the opportunity to believe once more that a song can be more than the sum of its parts. If you catch even a phrase of his melodies or the sobering tone of his voice, it waltzes its way into your heart like a letter written, signed, sealed, and delivered just for you.
His debut album Nothing for Me, Please was recorded at Mashed Potato Records in New Orleans with the help of Sam Gelband and Charlie Meyer, Dean’s bandmates in The Sons of Rainier; as well as Mashed Potato regulars Sam Doores, Duff Thompson and Steph Green. The record is a hazy, relaxed daydream – anthems for those who know the sweetness and coldness of quiet moments, the power and the pain of love. Whether you’ve been waiting patiently these many for Dean to release these songs, or you’re just now coming across his work for the first time, the name Dean Johnson, much like his songs, won’t soon leave your mind.
Oh He Dead
Fairfield Theatre Company • 70 Sanford St, Fairfield, CT 06824
October 17, 2024
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Oh He Dead
Authentic, soulful, and downright groovy band Oh He Dead is on the rise, making tremendous strides within the music industry, and evolving beyond the Washington DC region. Comprised of multiple talented individuals, they possess the distinct ability to turn any melancholic story into an uplifting tune. The band knows no bounds when it comes to genres, emitting sounds of funk, soul, and pop, among many others. Ascending from the roots of Washington, D.C., Oh He Dead wears their love for the city on their sleeve as they spiral upwards to national new beginnings.
It all started off on H Street in D.C., where founders CJ Johnson and Andrew Valenti were first introduced by their now manager, Claire Newbegin. Immediately after meeting, the two clicked, through both heart and sound, giving rise to the band Oh He Dead. The two are peas in a pod, sharing one of the most sweet, loving, and impenetrable friendships, while also perfectly harmonizing on just about any song. A little later down the road, guitarist Alex Salser, drummer Adam Ashforth, keyboardist Piano Whitman, and bassist Richard Smith joined the pair, formulating an unstoppable force. The band’s DC origins play a major role in their music presence, pouring into every song.
“We wouldn’t be able to do all this stuff if It wasn’t for DC, and it’s why we want to give back so much. We feel like we owe so much to the city,” says Valenti. DC is the glue that holds Oh He Dead together. Their pride in being a DC band shines bright, its flag even appearing in elements of their branding.
Eric Gales
Fairfield Theatre Company • 70 Sanford St, Fairfield, CT 06824
November 13, 2024
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Eric Gales
Eric Gales is a blues firebrand. Over 30 years and 18 albums, his passion for the music and his boundless desire to keep it vital has never waned, even when his own light dimmed due to his substance struggles. Throughout it all, he continued to reinvigorate the art form with personal revelation in his lyrics and bold stylistic twists in his guitar playing and songwriting.
Five years sober, creatively rejuvenated, and sagely insightful, Eric is ready for the fight of his career. Aptly, he calls his masterful new album, out January 2022 on Provogue/Mascot label Group, Crown. Here, Eric opens like never before, sharing his struggles with substance abuse, his hopes about a new era of sobriety and unbridled creativity, and his personal reflections on racism. The songs are delivered with clarity and feature Eric’s personal experiences and hope for positive change. In addition, the 16-track collection boasts his finest singing, songwriting, and his signature guitar playing that burns throughout. Produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, this is Eric at his most boldly vulnerable, uncompromisingly political, and unflinchingly confident.
Crown was forged in tragedy but rises triumphantly. The day before Eric left Greensboro, North Carolina to Los Angeles, California to work with Joe and Josh, he heard the news about the George Floyd murder. As a Black man in America, he had a lot on his mind when he touched down in Music City to write songs for Crown.
“What made George Floyd any different than me?,” Eric asks. “As I began to chat about this to Joe and Josh during preproduction, raw and unnerved emotion came out of me, and Joe furiously scribbled down notes about it all. These songs came from those outpourings. They’re about my life, and what’s happening in the world right now. When it came time to sing, I had to take breaks between vocals to cry and let it out. I was sharing my experiences as a Black man, and my private struggles. This is me letting the world know what I’ve been through.”
Since 1991, the Memphis-born guitarist has blazed a path reinvigorating the blues with a virtuosity and rock swagger that have him being heralded as the second coming of Jimi Hendrix. He was a child prodigy with bottomless talent and fierce determination, and at just 16 years-old released his debut, The Eric Gales Band, on Elektra Records. He’s earned high praise by guitarists’ guitarist and household name axe men such as Joe Bonamassa, Carlos Santana, Dave Navarro, and Mark Tremonti. In addition, he has held his own with some of the greatest guitarists in the world, including Carlos Santana at Woodstock 1994, Zakk Wylde, Eric Johnson, and a posse of others as a featured guest touring with the Experience Hendrix Tour.
The story behind Crown dates back to the early 1990s when as teenagers Eric and Joe were both hailed as blues wunderkinds and torchbearers. Eric is three years older than Joe, and Joe used to open for Eric. The pair went on to very different lives and careers, but Eric’s full potential was hampered by his substance abuse issues. “While I was dealing with my affliction, Joe’s career skyrocketed. I put myself in the backseat through my drug addiction. The world knows me, but the world doesn’t know me,” he says. In 2009, Eric hit bottom and served jail time at Shelby County Correction Center for possession of drugs and a weapon.
Eric and Joe reconnected grandly in 2019 when Joe invited Eric to play with him onstage at a blues cruise encore performance. It was the first time the guys had played live together onstage in 25 years, and it has since been named one of the most explosive guitar duels ever, amassing over 3 million plays on YouTube.
“There was always a brotherhood with us. When we reconnected, Joe said to me, ‘You’re a badass guitarist; it’s your turn to get your seat at the table to wear your crown’,” Eric recalls. Shortly after their iconic face-melting jam, Eric approached Joe to produce him. Eric reveals: “We cried when we talked about it, he said ‘you have no idea how long I waited for you, now I am going to do my part to lift you where you’re supposed to be.’” Crown finds Eric stepping up to receive his due.
Mystic Dead
Fairfield Theatre Company • 70 Sanford St, Fairfield, CT 06824
December 20, 2024
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Mystic Dead
In 2018 a group of musicians got together for a once-a-month Dead night at the Captain Daniel Packer inn in Mystic ,CT. It turned out to be a seriously good time that translated to more shows, more fun and Mystic Dead was born. Deep dives into all things Grateful Dead coupled by the freedom to remain true to their own creative individuality has been and will always be the mantra of all 6 members of Mystic Dead.
Deconstructing Dark Side of the Moon: A multimedia lecture hosted by Scott Freiman – LIVE!
Fairfield Theatre Company • 70 Sanford St, Fairfield, CT 06824
January 25, 2025
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Deconstructing Dark Side of the Moon: A multimedia lecture hosted by Scott Freiman – LIVE!
In Deconstructing Dark Side of the Moon, Musicologist Scott Freiman celebrates the 50th anniversary of this groundbreaking album with his first non-Beatles “deconstruction.” Scott will take you on a track-by-track journey through this Pink Floyd masterpiece, explaining the inspiration for the songs and their evolution in the studio.
Dark Side of the Moon is a concept album that explores themes of life, death, time, and the human experience. The album features nine tracks that seamlessly flow into each other, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience. Musically, the album pushed the boundaries of rock music, incorporating elements of jazz, classical, and experimental music.
The use of innovative studio techniques, such as the incorporation of spoken word samples and sound effects, further added to the album’s sonic depth and complexity. The album’s seamless transitions between tracks and use of recurring musical themes created a cohesive and immersive listening experience that has solidified its place as one of the most iconic and influential albums in the history of music.
Bearly Dead
Fairfield Theatre Company • 70 Sanford St, Fairfield, CT 06824
January 31, 2025
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Bearly Dead
Not just another Grateful Dead cover band. A cosmic exploration of the Grateful Dead catalog! Bearly Dead, Boston-based quintet, performs a concert-style show that celebrates the journey of the Grateful Dead from their earliest records until their final tours. The band delivers a full-spectrum concert experience filled with danceable energy and world-class musicianship. Each and every Grateful Dead member is honored through a collection of classics, b-sides, deep cuts, and exploratory jams. Holding true to the spirit of the music, Bearly Dead frequently adds to their 250+ song catalog and continues to showcase authentic, spontaneous improvisation – live and in-person – making each show a wildly unique Grateful Dead experience you do not want to miss.
Bearly Dead played their first show at Church of Boston, in 2015, marking the beginning of its hallowed Wednesday Night Residency. Over the next 5 years the phrase “Never Miss A Wednesday Show” became ubiquitous around Boston and Bearly Dead was nominated multiple times for Boston Music Awards Live Music Residency of the Year. Fans really never knew what might happen, the band never knew what might happen! Bearly Dead shows have featured notable appearances by Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Paul Wolstencroft (Slightly Stoopid), Steve Molitz (Particle/Phil Lesh & Friends), Kebbi Williams (Tedeschi Trucks Band), Rob Compa (Dopapod), Hayley Jane (Hayley Jane & The Primates), Richard James (Neighbor), and Johnny Trama (Dub Apocalypse) — and even a surprise appearance by Jerry Garcia’s “Wolf” guitar in 2018 on Jerry Garcia’s birthday!
In 2020, Bearly Dead began performing at other prestigious Massachusetts venues, including headline shows at Paradise Rock Club, Sinclair, Worcester Palladium, MGM Music Hall Fenway, and House of Blues Boston. After becoming a staple in the Northeast US festival community with multiple appearances at Camp Creek, Jerry Jam, Strangecreek, Wormtown, and many more, it was only a matter of time before Bearly Dead shows were being requested in all corners of the country. In October 2022, the band saddled up a new van and began touring nationally, performing their interpretation of the catalog across the United States and growing the Bearly Dead Family all along the way.
Bearly Dead is Tyler Brooks (Drums, Vocals), Dave Becker (Bass, Vocals), Nick Swift (Guitar, Vocals), Kris Yunker (Keys/Organ/Synth, Vocals), and Michael Butler (Vocals, Percussion).
Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads
Fairfield Theatre Company • 70 Sanford St, Fairfield, CT 06824
February 1, 2025
Click here to purchase tickets
Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads
These guys are so much more than a reggae-tribute of the Talking Heads’ top hits. Picture that famously funky frequency, picked up on the sun-bathed beaches of Jamaica and put through a Caribbean kaleidoscope. Fronted by Connecticut’s own, Mystic Bowie, Talking Dreads will be Burning Down The House. As a former member of the Tom Tom Club, a band that includes Talking Heads founders Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, Mystic Bowie infuses fresh life into Talking Heads’ classic catalog with his high octane mix of roots reggae, ska and rock.
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