Ridgefield BandJam 2019 Finalists Announced

After an amazing night of live tryouts last week, The Ridgefield Playhouse is thrilled to announce the bands who have made it to the Ridgefield BandJam 2019 Finals, taking place on Sunday, November 24 at 4pm at The Playhouse.

The high school finalists are: Customer Service (Wilton, CT), Freedom Rockets (Ridgefield, CT), Golden Generator (North Salem, NY), Postscript (Bedford, NY) and The 7's (Orange, CT).

The middle school finalists are: Alien Paradox (Chappaqua, NY), Cottage Kids (Brewster, NY) and Fortuna (Bedford Hills, NY).

The five high school and three middle school bands will each perform a set live on stage in front of fans, family and friends, facing an esteemed panel on music industry insiders, including “American Idol” finalist Kimberly Locke, who will offer constructive critiques and career advice before selecting the winners! BandJam, which will feature a live auction of concert tickets and other music-themed prizes, will be co-hosted by comedian Christine O’Leary and rocker Richie Scarlet, who will also perform. All proceeds from the show and live auction benefit The Ridgefield Playhouse. BandJam is presented by Mountain Dew and is sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Greater Danbury, Calzone Case Company and Guitar Center. It is part of the Bruce Bennett Nissan Family Series, HamletHub Community Events Series and the Pepsi Rock Series powered by Xfinity. Media sponsor is I95.

In addition to being a fundraiser for The Ridgefield Playhouse, BandJam is a great way for up-and-coming musicians to get exposure and valuable music business guidance. Each of the finalist bands have been assigned to one of our participating mentors – Bach to Rock (Ridgefield), Hubbels Music (Bedford Hills, NY), The Music Cottage (Brewster, NY) or School of Rock (Ridgefield). Over the course of the next three weeks, the finalists will work with a mentor team to rehearse and prepare for the November 24^th competition.

At the show, a respected panel of experienced music industry professionals – Aaron Accetta (Dirty Canvas Music - multi-platinum producer/songwriter/musician), Ethan Carey (host of Ethan & Lou on I95); Wayne Forte (Entourage Talent, President); Shep Goodman (Dirty Canvas Music - multi-platinum producer/songwriter/manager), and Kimberly Locke (“American Idol” finalist) – will give feedback on each band’s performance before deliberating and choosing the winners!

The Playhouse will not be the only ones to benefit from BandJam. Kiwanis Club of Greater Danbury, a BandJam sponsor, will be collecting donated instruments for their Kiwanis is INSTRUMENTAL program at this show. The program works with local schools to refurbish these instruments so they can be used for children who cannot afford the rentals fees. Instruments in any condition will be accepted. More info on the program can be found here: https://kiwanisct.org/Page/47459

For tickets ($20 | $15 student tickets) call or visit the box office, 203-438-5795 or go online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.