Alt-rockers and ‘90s radio mainstays Soul Asylum are spending their summer on the road in support of their new album, Change of Fortune. The sultans of ska, The English Beat will be kicking off the show for them at a few select venues – including The Ridgefield Playhouse! The Pepsi Rock Series Powered by Xfinity presents this incredible double bill on Friday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. with support from Nature’s Temptations. Soul Asylum dominated the airwaves in the 1990’s with their Grammy Award winning hit “Runaway Train” as well as “'Let Your Dim Light Shine” and “Misery” among many others. It's been six years since Soul Asylum has issued a new album. With 'Delayed Reaction’ fans will be happy to discover the group's trademark ragged-but-right sound is still very much intact!
Originally formed in 1983 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Soul Asylum has consistently issued heartfelt and passionate rock n' roll. Now Dave Pirner and the band are back, and have readied a very potent 'Delayed Reaction.' All ticket holders can enjoy a free smoothie with any purchase when they stop by Nature’s Temptations (32 Prospect Street, Ridgefield) and present their ticket!
Nostalgia has nothing to do with it. The English Beat endures because of musicianship. The band, led by the cool and charismatic Dave Wakeling has been fusing pop, ska, punk, reggae, rock and soul since 1978. Its upbeat songs deal with peace, love, harmony and, of course, as any good English band worth its salt does—politics.
On Wednesday, July 29, at 8 p.m., Wakeling brings The Beat back to Ridgefield and will treat fans to ska-revival versions of "Tears of A Clown," "Can't Get Used to Losing You" and "I'll Take You There," as well as the band's original fan faves which include: "Mirror in the Bathroom," "Too Nice to Talk To," "Twist & Crawl," "Hands Off, She's Mine" and "I Confess." There’s something ageless about the songs that make you dance, their music percolated with infectious rhythms and irresistible grooves always has audiences on their feet!
For tickets ($60), call the box office at 203-438-5795, or visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.