2023 Grassy Strip Music Series

Madison, Conn. [May 9, 2023] – The Grassy Strip Music Series at Madison Beach Hotel returns for the 2023 summer season with free, live outdoor shows beginning Friday, June 30 and then running each Thursday for ten weeks.

“This summer’s line-up is incredible,” said General Manager John Mathers. “The weekly summer experience at Madison Beach Hotel has truly become a time-honored tradition on the shores of Long Island Sound.”

Free and open to the public, The Grassy Strip Concerts are 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and begin with The Pledge of Allegiance. Summertime food and beverages will be available for sale.

After the concert, join the after party in the Crow’s Nest – located in the rear of The Wharf’s dining room.

Follow Madison Beach Hotel on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

SHOW LINE-UP*

Friday, June 30: Dave Clark’s “ALL ABOUT JOEL” (Billy Joel Tribute)

Sponsored by Scott, Tiffany, and Matthew Duques.

David Clark’s “ALL ABOUT JOEL” is a musical tribute conceived and presented by Long Island veteran singer/piano player David Clark. He continues to gain attention and popularity across the country with stunningly accurate piano playing, lead vocals, and an eerily similar stage look to the Piano Man himself while engaging the audience with wit and humor. Having been a part of the Long Island & NY area music scene since 1985, he has carved out a solid reputation as a piano player, singer, and performer at countless private events and concerts around the northeastern tri-state area and beyond.

Thursday, July 6: The Linda Ronstadt Experience (Linda Ronstadt Tribute)

Sponsored in part by Guilford Savings Bank

American Idol Star Tristan McIntosh creates a stunning portrayal of Linda Ronstadt in the prime of her career. Supported by a superb backing band, Tristan’s formidable vocal talent and stage presence will transport you to a time when Linda Ronstadt ruled the airwaves as one of the most popular female vocalists in music history.

Thursday, July 13: Adam Ezra Group

Sponsored in part by United Concrete

Working outside the confines of the traditional music industry, Adam Ezra and his bandmates – Corinna Smith (fiddle), Alex Martin (drums), Poche Ponce (bass) – built a community of fans through sheer grit and determination, regularly performing hundreds of shows a year for the past two decades without any major label or mainstream radio support. Fusing folk intimacy and rock energy with soul power and pop charm, the band first emerged from Boston in the early 2000s and quickly garnered widespread acclaim for their bold, insightful songwriting and interactive, euphoric performances.

Thursday, July 20: The Brothers Doobie

Sponsored in part by RJ Café & Bistro

Inspired by the Brothers superior song writing, The Brothers Doobie delivers powerful harmonies and a fun filled high energy performance covering a catalog of Doobies hits spanning both the Johnston and McDonald eras. Yes, The Brothers Doobie masterfully play them all, from Listen to the Music to What a Fool Believes, from Long Train Running to Minute by Minute, from Black Water to Takin’ it to the Streets, and all the rest. If you have a favorite Doobies tune (and everyone does), it will surely be included in a Brothers Doobie Tribute Show, a show that’s certain to delight and provide great entertainment to folks of all ages.

Thursday, July 27: The James Montgomery Band

Sponsored in part by Yankee Magazine

Grammy-nominated blues singer and harpist James Montgomery and his band perform Delta blues and proof that R&B is alive and thriving. Growing up on the streets of Detroit, James learned first-hand from the masters – James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells. James has continued to carry out the blues tradition and is still a vital blues presence and one of the most dynamic performers on stage.

Thursday, August 3: Nick Bosse & The Northern Roots

Sponsored in part by United Concrete

Nick Bosse is an independent Nashville recording artist with 10 years in the music entertainment industry.  His soulful country music vocals are backed by a power-house band, The Northern Roots, with talented musicians from Connecticut and Rhode Island.  Nick’s songwriting and music styling are influenced by country, southern rock, and bluegrass legends; which he projects in every live performance.

Thursday, August 10: Jake Kulak & The Modern Vandals

Sponsored in part by Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Award-winning musician Jake Kulak has been performing professionally in front of audiences since the age of 12.  Thrilling audiences from Norway to Boston, from Sydney Australia to NYC, and down to the Mississippi Delta, Jake plays guitar-driven blues/rock music which highlights his improvisational ability. His music channels the sound and soul of electric blues with an infusion of classic rock nostalgia and garage rock attitude.  Fans of Jack White, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Black Keys and Rival Sons would dig it. The set list includes original blues and contemporary rock music as well as unique covers of blues and funk artists.

Thursday, August 17: Whatup Funk Band

Founded in 1992 by Kevin “the Frank” Franklin, this southern CT based seven piece combo has dedicated themselves to the groove, the funk, and the funkier side of pop music culture. The Whatup Funk Band’s intricate instrumentation and catchy re-imagined arrangements of classics new and old are rhythmically infectious and keep crowds dancing at every event. Powerhouse lead vocalist Anthony Gadaleta fronts the combo with the back-up vocals of Thom Adams and Brian Johnson who also share lead vocal duties. Dense instrumentation is provided by Kevin Franklin on guitar, Brian Johnson on bass guitar, Anthony Gadaleta on guitar/vocals, Gene Santini on drums, Thom Adams on keyboards/vocals and Dave Savitsky on saxophone. This six piece ensemble of seasoned professionals bring their best to the stage during every performance.

Thursday, August 24: Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood

Sponsored in part by Orlando & Son Painting

Blues Hall of Fame award winning guitarist Jeff Pitchell’s style blends B.B. King and Duane Allman, which was endorsed by Gregg Allman. His diverse songwriting catalog recalls the variety of Eric Clapton’s classics and his vocal delivery, which ranges from smooth tenderness to Billy Gibbons ZZ Top-like power, received high praise from J. Geils. Over the years Jeff Pitchell has shared the stage with J. Geils, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Jaimoe, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Rick Derringer, Dave Mason, Joe Cocker, Johnny Winter, Bo Diddley, Ben E. King, Clarence Clemons, Elvin Bishop, Pat Travers, James Cotton, Phil Lesh, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Simon Kirke of Free and Bad Company, Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult, and so many more.

Thursday, August 31: Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez

Sponsored in part by Christensen Landscape Services

The Grassy Strip grand final will be held on August 31 with Christine Ohlman the Beehive Queen. With her trademark mile-high platinum beehive hairdo and enviable collection of sequins and rhinestones, Ohlman looks like a lady to be reckoned with, and when she opens her mouth to sing, the truth comes out. In her own words—”I give it to an audience straight, which is the way I like it myself.”

*Show Line-Up Subject to change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I park? Parking is extremely limited on the West Wharf. Hotel Valet Parking is available for hotel overnight guests and guests who have dinner reservations in The Wharf. Otherwise, continuous shuttle service will be available from the Scranton Gazebo (Stop & Shop Parking Lot) and the Surf Club Parking Lot (13 Surf Club Road) beginning at 6 p.m.

What time does the show start? The show begins with the Pledge of Allegiance and announcements at 7 p.m.; music begins at 7:30 p.m.

Should I bring my own chairs? Yes, the lawn will be open for guests to sit and enjoy the music and the sunset on the shoreline. Please bring your own chairs and blankets.

Will food & beverage be available for sale? Yes, food and beverage concessions will be available for sale on our lawn.

May I bring my own food and beverage? Outside food and beverage is not permitted. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks will be available for sale, and consumption is permitted in designated areas.

How can I make a reservation for The Wharf Restaurant?  For restaurant reservations, click here.

How can I or my company become a sponsor of a concert? For sponsorship opportunities, please email marketing@dhghotels.com

Madison Beach Hotel is located at 94 West Wharf Road, Madison, Connecticut.

For a full listing of other upcoming events, visit https://www.thewharfmadison.com/news/

Visit Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. For more information on Curio Collection by Hilton, please visit newsroom.hilton.com/curio.