College Street Music Hall Weekly Round up: Simple Plan and Drive-By Truckers with Deer Tick returns
College Street Music Hall announced Simple Plan and Drive-By Truckers with Deer Rick this week. Tickets are on sale now, via collegestreetmusichall.com.
Simple Plan
College Street Music Hall – 238 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510
June 3, 2025
Click here to purchase tickets
Simple Plan
From their new millennium rise to MTV superstardom through pop-punk’s modern resurgence, SIMPLE PLAN have been an indelible part of pop culture since forming in Montreal in 1999. They’ve sold 10 million albums worldwide, won multiple Juno Awards, performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics – and, most recently, launched the omnipresent #ImJustAKid TikTok challenge that’s spawned more than 3.4 million videos, including clips from Hilary Duff, Ed Sheeran, Usher and Venus and Serena Williams.
HARDER THAN IT LOOKS is the first self-released album from drummer Chuck Comeau, vocalist Pierre Bouvier and guitarists Sébastien Lefebvre and Jeff Stinco. The album respects Simple Plan’s storied career while pushing forward in new ways, with songs like “The Antidote,” “Ruin My Life” (ft. Deryck Whibley), “Congratulations,” “Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare’s Over)” and “Iconic” set to stand as fan favourites for years to come.
“It’s amazingly complex to be in a band for 20-plus years, to keep going, stay relevant and manage all the challenges that come your way,” Bouvier says. “It’s the furthest thing from a ‘simple plan’ – it’s truly a lot harder than it looks. Throughout our career, it’s taken a while to be mature enough to understand that our sound is an asset, not a liability. On this album we said: ‘Let’s just embrace who we are and not be afraid to do what we do best.’ Making a good Simple Plan record is just as hard as making something off the beaten path.
Winona Fighter
Nashville-based Winona Fighter is breathing new life into the resurging punk scene. Recently signed to Rise Records, they are on a mission to create punk music that is accessible and accepting to all music lovers willing to listen. This mission statement is exemplified by latest single “I’m In The Market To Please No One”, a sonic kick in the face with an earworm chorus and empowered lyrical content and delivery.
Coco’s (front-woman of Winona Fighter) introduction to the Boston punk rock scene at an early age was the catalyst influence for her sound and stage presence. Moving to Nashville gave her a task to expose music lovers to the power of thrashable tunes. After recruiting lead guitarist Dan Fuson, they set off to do justice to the scene Coco had left behind, eventually adding Austin Luther (bass/producer) to the family.
The release of “I’m In The Market To Please No One” saw the band deliver their first proper music video. The song received major support from DSPs including placements with covers on ‘All New Punk’ and ‘New Noise’ playlists. The band is recognized as an energized powerhouse during their live performances. Their shows are a space where all bullshit and ego is left at the door – all are welcome, equal and need to get on their fucking feet. They’re not slowing down in 2024 with 10 shows at SXSW and a US tour with Bayside, Finch and Armor For Sleep. The band will also hit festival stages again for Shaky Knees, Louder Than Life and Aftershock Festival.
Losers Club
Two punk-rock kids that grew up way too fast. Real life caught up to us but this is our way of staying young at heart. No boundaries. No rules. No genre. Just fresh tunes. We hope these songs mean as much to you as they do to us
Drive-By Truckers with Deer Tick
College Street Music Hall – 238 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510
July 29, 2025
Click here to purchase tickets
Drive-By Truckers
Since their inception in 1996, Drive-By Truckers have carved out a unique niche in the music scene with their raw, unflinching storytelling, heavy-hitting guitar riffs, and blend of Alternative and Southern rock. Founded by Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley, Drive-By Truckers have released 14 studio albums and played more than 2,500 shows in the last three decades. Notable members include long-time drummer Brad Morgan and current members Jay Gonzalez and Matt Patton, who have helped define the band’s evolving sound. The band’s work has often reflected the state of American society, particularly through their celebrated trilogy of albums: American Band (ATO, 2016), The Unraveling (ATO, 2020), and The New OK (ATO, 2020). This series marked a bold foray into politically charged and topical songwriting, earning acclaim for its insightful commentary and fearless expression.
In 2022, they released Welcome 2 Club XIII (ATO), an introspective look back at their early days, juxtaposed with the realities of adult life and parenting. This album highlights the band’s continued ability to blend personal reflection with broader societal observations. In July 2024, the band released the deluxe edition of their influential third studio album, Southern Rock Opera. Alongside the reissue, the band has been touring across North America on their “Southern Rock Opera Revisited 2024 Tour”, featuring a full performance of the album that solidified their legacy in the annals of rock history. As they continue to push boundaries and explore new musical territories, Drive-By Truckers remain a vital and dynamic force in the rock genre, celebrated for their powerful narratives and unwavering dedication to their craft.
Deer Tick
Emotional Contracts, the latest full-length album from Deer Tick, catalogs all the existential casualties that accompany the passing of time, instilling each song with the irresistibly reckless spirit that’s defined the band for nearly two decades. Before heading into the studio with producer Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Spoon, Sleater-Kinney), the Providence-bred four-piece spent months working on demos in a perpetually flooded warehouse space in their hometown, enduring the busted heating system and massive holes in the roof as they carved out the album’s 10 raggedly eloquent tracks. Emotional Contracts fully echoes the unruly energy of its creation, ultimately making for a heavy-hearted yet wildly life-affirming portrait of growing older without losing heart.
Deer Tick’s first new body of work since 2017’s simultaneously released Deer Tick Vol. 1 and Deer Tick Vol. 2, Emotional Contracts is their most collaborative to date, and sees all four members operating at their peak songcraft powers. The album came to life over an unusually lengthy period of time for the band, with each track based in playing around together and connected in the almost telepathic way that’s only possible after nearly 20 years. Well-rehearsed and overly prepared, Deer Tick embraced a decidedly more free-and-easy approach to the recording process at Fridmann’s Tarbox Road Studios in Western New York. “We’ve had a habit of trying to maintain a strict control over everything in the studio, but this time we wanted to see what it would feel like to let go a bit,” says singer/guitarist John McCauley, whose bandmates include guitarist Ian O’Neil, drummer Dennis Ryan, and bassist Christopher Ryan. “We figured that the songs were strong enough to stand on their own two feet, so whatever we put them through would just make them stronger and take us in some new directions.” Dennis adds, “The fact that we’d spent so much time with these songs allowed us to be really free once we got into the studio. No one was overthinking anything, and because of that the album sounds like us in a way that we’d never captured to this extent before.” Featuring guest musicians like Steve Berlin of Los Lobos–and background vocals from singer/songwriters like Courtney Marie Andrews, Vanessa Carlton (who is also McCauley’s wife), Kam Franklin, Angela Miller, and Sheree Smith–Deer Tick’s ATO Records debut adds an even greater vitality to their feverish collection of timeless rock-and-roll.
Mostly recorded live–and honed down from nearly 20 songs to a concise, thoughtfully curated ten–Emotional Contracts brings its combustible but sharply crafted sound to an often-pensive look inward. “A lot of these songs are about standing at a certain point in your life and reflecting on what’s transpired so far, reckoning with the past but looking ahead with a pragmatic hope for the future,” says Chris. Opening on a blistering burst of guitar, Emotional Contracts begins that reflection with “If I Try To Leave”–the first-ever co-write between McCauley and O’Neil. “Most of us have families now, and that song came from imagining how lost and aimless I’d feel if I just walked away from everything,” says McCauley. “It’s about how much I need that grounding force of family in my life.” “If I Try To Leave,” partly inspired by the warmth and grit of Keith Richards’s solo records, builds a sublimely bombastic backdrop to the song’s lucid self-revelation (“Some animals survive/But I only play dead/If I were to leave/From my own beloved”), and illuminates Deer Tick’s undeniable gift for twisting melancholy into something glorious.
Next, on “Forgiving Ties,” O’Neil takes the lead for an anguished yet exuberant track that finds McCauley chiming in to play the part of his jittery inner voice–lending another layer of lived-in pathos to the song’s punchy introspection (“All of my confidence/It had a warrant/Knocked on the door/And split open my mind”). “As you get older, you end up having to come to terms with traumas from your past while also dealing with the weight of certain responsibilities that you maybe didn’t have when you were younger,” says O’Neil. “That’s especially true of raising a family, but it also applies to how this band has become more and more precious to us the longer it goes on.” Featuring the spirited trumpet work of Fridmann’s son Jon (who also played flute, French horn, glockenspiel, marimba, and trombone across various songs), “Forgiving Ties” bounces along on a brightly frenetic cascade of rhythms achieved through a mid-session free-for-all. “We had a little party where we all went crazy with a bunch of different percussion items, like cowbell and a whole other litany of things,” O’Neil recalls. “It’s a dance song that’s completely authentic to who we are as a band,” adds Dennis.
As revealed throughout Emotional Contracts, that unbridled authenticity stems from Deer Tick’s staying faithful to their instincts while tapping into the ineffable power of their easy camaraderie. On “Once In A Lifetime,” the band shares a gorgeously sprawling and soul-soothing track born from a spontaneously composed accordion part brought in by McCauley. “I recorded a voice memo of me fooling around with this accordion the very first day I bought it years ago, combined that with another riff, and then we all made a jam out of it,” he says. “It turned into a song about how when you see an opportunity you need to take it, because time is always running out.” Meanwhile, on “Running From Love,” Deer Tick deliver a sweetly confessional, ’70s-R&B-inspired slow-burner that first came to Dennis in a dream. “I dreamed that the band was performing at Roger Williams Park in Providence and we were all singing this song a cappella, with the whole crowd singing along,” he says. “I woke up and sang it into my phone while I was rocking the baby, and then brought it to the band later on. It’s funny because at first I didn’t really take the song seriously, but with the help of my friends we ended up bringing it to life.”
After the one-two punch of “My Ship” (a lovely reverie co-written by McCauley and The Rugburns’ Steve Poltz) and “A Light Can Go Out In The Heart” (a particularly wistful track from O’Neil), Emotional Contractscloses out with the all-enveloping catharsis of “The Real Thing.” Another product of their deliberately free-flowing process, the nine-minute-long epic emerged from a jam at their rain-battered rehearsal space. “At first I had an idea for a song called ‘The Last Book on the Shelf,’ which I ended up using as a title for a song about all the creepy book-banning happening lately,” McCauley notes. “‘The Real Thing’ became about living with depression, which has been part of my existence since I was a kid, and how it takes even more work to keep your head above water as you get older.” As the song drifts from brooding urgency to dreamlike grandeur, Deer Tick intensify its captivating impact with an ever-shifting tapestry of sonic details (moody strings, reverbed snare, lush flute melodies, intermittently muted vocals). “Dave had me go through that song about five times and create different types of feedback for an hour straight,” O’Neil points out. “It’s a good example of how great he is at piecing together different elements and keeping even a very long song like that exciting all the way through. When I look back on our other records I can remember some incredibly frustrating moments where you’re working on a solo for six hours or something, but there really was nothing frustrating about making this album.”
Founded by McCauley in 2004, with the lineup solidified in 2009, Deer Tick partly attribute their unfaltering chemistry to a shared sense of humor. To that end, the album takes its title from an inside joke regarding potential aliases for the band. “We were saying that if we had to play a secret show under a fake name, we could be The Hitmen and dress in pinstripe suits like Prohibition-era gangsters. Then we decided, ‘Let’s just release an album as The Hitmen—we’ll call it Emotional Contracts, like contract-killing on an emotional level,” says McCauley. “But the title connects here with each song somehow–every song is about a deal you’ve made with yourself at some level.” But as a phenomenally rowdy live act who once averaged 250 shows a year, Deer Tick mainly credit their deep-rooted connection to a mutual love for the unpredictability of the musical impulse. “I feel very lucky that we all ran into each other at some point pretty early on in our lives,” says McCauley. “From the start, I just wanted to find other musicians that would somehow all stick together, which definitely isn’t easy. But we all have a real fascination with music, and that desire to never limit ourselves or repeat ourselves is something that we all very much continue to share.”
Don’t Miss
• District Music Hall Weekly Round up: The Orchestra starring Electric Light Orchestra & ELO Part II former members performs in August
• Space Ballroom Weekly Round up: 3 shows announced, The Smiths Tribute NYC returns
• Fairfield Theatre Company Weekly Round up: 4 shows announced including Mary Fahl
Share your College Street Music Hall experience with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here for the upcoming concerts in Connecticut
Click here for more information about College Street Music Hall
Click here for the latest news at College Street Music Hall
Click here for the upcoming events at College Street Music Hall
Click here for the latest news in New Haven
Click here for the upcoming events in New Haven
Click here for the latest news in New Haven County
Click here for the upcoming events in New Haven County
Click here for New Haven Merch
#thenewhavenlife • 203newhaven • I Clover New Haven • I Really Really Miss New Haven • I’d rather be in New Haven• Just a kid from New Haven • New Haven Coordinates • New Haven Pride
New Haven Merch
T shirts • Hoodies • Sweatshirts • Tank Tops
••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••
Connecticut Merch
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
No matter what town you’re in, Finding Connecticut is ready to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style. Wear your town’s pride, rock the green, and make this St. Paddy’s Day unforgettable with unique, locally-inspired merch!
Fairfield County
Bridgeport • Stamford • Norwalk • Danbury • Greenwich • Fairfield • Stratford • Trumbull • Newtown • Westport • Ridgefield • Darien • New Canaan • Bethel • Monroe • Wilton • Brookfield
New Haven County
New Haven • Waterbury • Meriden • Hamden • West Haven • East Haven • Milford • Naugatuck • Cheshire • Branford • North Haven • Guilford • Southbury • Ansonia • Madison •
Hartford County
Hartford • West Hartford • East Hartford • New Britain • Bristol • Manchester • Southington • Enfield • Glastonbury • Newington • Windsor • South Windsor • Wethersfield • Farmington • Simsbury • Bloomfield • Rocky Hill • Berlin • Avon • Plainville •
Litchfield County
New Milford • Torrington • Watertown •
Middlesex County
Middletown •
New London County
Norwich • Groton • New London • Waterford • East Lyme • Stonington • Montville
Tolland County
Vernon • Mansfield • Ellington
Windham County
Windham • Killingly
Don’t see your town? Don’t worry we are adding new towns daily.
If you’re from Connecticut or just love it, then you’ve come to the right place. Show your state pride with our assortment of unique Connecticut merchandise.
Our popular collections 203 • Two o’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut • Pride • Love & Live • Connecticut Fall
We also have merch by town, not all towns are available yet. You can always contact us and we can order the design you are looking for.
Save 10% on all products with promo code Post10. Always free shipping
Fairfield Theatre Company February Events
2/14 – Psychos In Love – Click here for tickets
2/15 – Back to the Eighties show with Jessie’s Girl – Click here for tickets
2/18 – Oscar Nominated Short Film – Live Action – Click here for tickets
2/20 – Oscar Nominated Short Film – Animation – Click here for tickets
2/21 – Pangea – Click here for tickets
2/21 – Friends of the Brothers – Click here for tickets
2/22 – Max Creek – Click here for tickets
2/25 – Oscar Nominated Short Film – Documentary – Click here for tickets
2/27 – Residual Groove & Round Trip – Click here for tickets
2/28 – Yas Queen – Click here for tickets
2/28 – Eli “Paperboy” Reed – Click here for tickets
Gourmet Cookies
Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!
Hartford Wolf Pack February home games
2.21.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins click here to purchase tickets
2.22.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Providence Bruins click here to purchase tickets
2.28.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Springfield Thunderbirds click here to purchase tickets
Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater
Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!
Connecticut with us!
Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.
Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Google News • Newsbreak
Join our Reddit community
Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page
Don’t miss our reviews
Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews
Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events
Latest news by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • Middlesex County • New Haven County • New London County• Tolland County • Windham County
Latest sports news by team
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns •
2025 schedules
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns
Events by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • New Haven County • New London County • Middlesex County • Tolland County • Windham County
Events by Interest
Art • Sports • Family Friendly • History • Concerts • Farmers’ Markets
Events by the month
February 2025 • March 2025 • April 2025 • May 2025 • June 2025 • July 2025 • August 2025 • September 2025 • October 2025 • November 2025 • December 2025
Events by venue
College Street Music Hall • Space Ballroom • Westville Music Bowl • District Music Hall • Fairfield Theatre Company • Hartford Stage • The Bushnell • Goodspeed Opera House • Mohegan Sun • Foxwoods • New York Comedy Club Stamford • Westport Country Playhouse • Goodspeed Opera House