The Smithereens Return to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Jan. 11 with Guest Vocalist Robin Wilson of The Gin Blossoms

The Smithereens return to The Ridgefield Playhouse on January 11 at 8pm, with special guest vocalist Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms filling in for Smithereens frontman Pat DiNizio, who passed away last year. Wilson will join original Smithereens band members Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken and Mike Mesaros. Known for their catchy 1960s-influenced power pop that inspired countless alternative rockers, The Smithereens gained popularity with college campus favorites “A Girl Like You”, “Blood and Roses” and “Only A Memory.” Opening Act is Larry Stevens Band. This show is part of Pepsi Rock Series powered by Xfinity. Visit Bareburger (38 Danbury Rd • Ridgefield) for dinner the night of the show and enjoy a complimentary glass of house wine or draft beer with your entrée when you show your ticket! Media partner for this event is 107.1 The Peak.

Ahead of their time, The Smithereens were criticized in the late 80s for what bands like Oasis would do only a few years later during the Britpop explosion of the early 90s –– sound like The Beatles, sport mod haircuts and pay homage to the British Invasion. Even still, The Smithereens became a staple on college radio in the late 1980s with catchy power-pop songs like “Behind The Wall of Sleep.”  The Smithereens have collaborated with numerous musicians, both in the studio (Belinda Carlisle, Julian Lennon, Lou Reed, Suzanne Vega) and live (Graham Parker and The Kinks). In April of 2011, The Smithereens released 2011, their first album of new material in 12 years. Produced by Don Dixon (who helmed Especially For You, the group’s breakout debut), the seminal New Jersey rockers picked up right where they left off: with irresistibly catchy hooks and rapturously fuzzed-out guitars. Now they’re back on the road with their catalog of classic hits as well as new favorites. Following the sad passing of lead vocalist Pat DiNizio in 2017, original members Jim Babjak (guitar & vocals), Dennis Diken (drums & percussion) and Mike Mesaros on bass guitar carry on the Smithereens legacy.

Kicking off the night is Larry Stevens.  Stevens, who performs regularly across the East Coast, has shared stages with an extensive list of chart-topping national acts, including Huey Lewis and the News, Gin Blossoms, Kenny Rogers, The Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, Kenny Loggins, America, and many others.

For tickets ($52), 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.

R
Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next