Acoustic Elixir

Westport-based "Acoustic Elixir" has been performing in restaurants, bars, and private venues throughout Fairfield County for more than 20 years. The core trio, comprised of Joanne (JoJo) Salerno, Alan Cohen, and legendary guitarist Tim DeHuff, joins with iconic area players to sync masterfully with the setting in which they perform. The band's name (at times, simply, "Elixir") is often curiously deceptive, since the group delivers a stunningly eclectic playlist, tapping into classics from the 60s to the present day. It includes Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac, CCR, The Eagles, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Black Crows, and Linda Ronstadt.... just for starters. Their uniquely fluid playlist blends nostalgic listening with throbbing tempos, delivering favorites for all audiences.

Dan Tressler

Dan Tressler, hailing from Fairfield County, is a dynamic musician known for his infectious energy and impressive musical versatility. He picked up the fiddle at just seven years old and quickly captured the hearts of audiences with his lively performances alongside family, including unforgettable barn concerts featuring folk legend Pete Seeger. Inspired by his father, Wilfred Tressler, a passionate musician, and his mother, who plays powerful upright bass, Dan effortlessly transitions between mandolin, guitar, and banjo, crafting a unique sound that gets toes tapping and spirits soaring. With a commitment to preserving cultural heritage through music, Dan invites listeners on a joyful journey that celebrates community and connection, making him a vibrant force in the musical scene.

Ethan Walmark

Westport native Ethan Walmark first captured hearts as the six-year-old piano prodigy who went viral performing Billy Joel's "Piano Man" on The Today Show. Currently studying at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music, Ethan has emerged as one of the most dynamic and versatile live performers of his generation. A five-time School of Rock All-Star chosen from more than 60,000 musicians worldwide, he is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist who commands piano, guitar, bass, drums, and over ten additional instruments, paired with a powerful soulful tenor and bass vocal range. With nearly 3,000 songs memorized across every genre, Ethan can deliver virtually any audience request. He has already performed at iconic venues including The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Times Square, The Bitter End, and Red Bull Arena, and has performed with rock and soul legends Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Mike Garson (David Bowie), Judith Hill, Andra Day, and other well-known musical artists. Blending technical brilliance, profound musical depth, and infectious joy, Ethan brings stadium-level energy and genuine connection to every performance.

Madelyn Spera

Madelyn Spera is a singer-songwriter based in NYC. A skilled musician, she has been playing guitar and piano since childhood, performing at community events and private parties all over Fairfield County. Her background in musical theater and love for writing have fueled her passion for songwriting and creating meaningful connections through her music. Madelyn's indie-pop style shines in her original work, inspired by artists like Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers. Most recently, Madelyn has played Breaking Sound at The PinkFROG Cafe in Brooklyn and showcased her original songs at The Bitter End, NYC. This past year, she was a finalist in Ultra Violet Live, NYU's school-wide talent competition featuring celebrity judges at the Skirball Center. She has recorded several original songs with Better Company Records in Brooklyn, produced by Allen Tate of the San Fermin Band, and at Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, CT, owned and operated by Grammy Award-winning producer Peter Katis. Her debut single, "Dying To Know," is available on all streaming platforms.

Moss

Moss was formed in 2023 by musicians who have performed at a variety of venues such as New Haven's Toad's Place, Milestone, and O'Neill's Pub. The band plays rock, indie, and funk/rnb covers mixed with their original songs. With a repertoire spanning from the golden era of rock to the latest chart-toppers, Moss ensures that every generation finds something to groove to! The band features Matt Anto, Owen Trotzer, Sophia Kryzynski, Sean Cammarano, Toni Manna-Scaturchio, and Johnny Clifford.

Owen Daniel (Band)

Owen Daniel is a singer/songwriter based out of Connecticut. His music draws inspiration from Noah Kahan, John Mayer, and Lewis Capaldi. Since launching his debut single, Fear of Losing You, Owen has been working in the studio on an EP that will eventually feature his newest release, Hundreds of Miles, which came out in November of 2025. Since his debut single, Owen has played 40+ live gigs across Connecticut and New York, with plans to play farther from home in the near future!

Picnic on the 4th of July

Picnic on the 4th of July is a Connecticut acoustic string band that has been performing together since 2014. Its members include Pat Blaufuss (Westport), Jeff Carroll (Guilford), Martin Daniels (New Canaan), and Louis Fuertes (Westport). The band specializes in traditional American roots and Bluegrass music, with a healthy dose of rock, folk, jazz, and blues tossed in. They get great joy from performing and hope to bring joy to their audiences as well.

Rachel Rose

Rachel Rose is a Brooklyn-based Americana indie folk singer-songwriter known for her soulful, buttery voice and evocative melodies. Since the release of her debut EP 100/10/1 in 2020, Rachel has worked with renowned producers including Charles Myers (Yebba, Mark Ronson), John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews), and Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham, Joan Baez). In 2022, Rachel captivated audiences with sold-out performances at Rockwood Music Hall and Baby's All Right, and in 2023, her song "Back To The Beginning" was selected as a finalist in NPR Tiny Desk's Top Shelf. Rachel's impressive journey continued in 2024 as an official SXSW artist, and she had the honor of singing the National Anthem at a sold-out New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. Her talents were further recognized when she appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in the "Battle Of The Instant Songwriters" segment and performed alongside Brynn Cartelli, Rozzi, and Hayes Warner at the legendary Brooklyn Bowl. To celebrate her latest releases, "Play Pretend" and "Up All Night", Rachel most recently performed at Bowery Ballroom.

The Shamie Sisters

Vivian and Willa, The Shamie Sisters, are Westport-based singer-songwriters whose shared passion for music began in elementary school, when they first started playing guitar and singing harmonies together. Since then, they have developed their craft both as performers and songwriters, captivating audiences with their authentic sound and natural chemistry. Vivian recently completed her first year at Belmont University in Nashville, where she is studying Songwriting and Music Business. She is actively co-writing with a variety of collaborators and working with producers as she prepares to release her first solo demos. Willa, a rising high school senior, continues to pursue her musical ambitions while preparing for the college application process. In addition to performing at local venues, restaurants, and private events throughout Connecticut, Vivian and Willa have built a strong social media presence, with their TikTok and Instagram performances generating millions of views. Together, they continue to share their love of music with growing audiences both online and on stage.

Steve Ferentzy

Bio coming soon.

Steven Keith

Steven Keith is a singer/guitarist who has been playing music in the tri-state area for decades. This is his 4th season at the Church Lane Music Series. His show combines popular songs from the 60s through the 2000s with engaging stories about growing up in Fairfield County. His smooth, smoky voice and rhythmic acoustic guitar playing will entertain all ages. Steve also plays restaurants and bars throughout the tri-state area and is available for private events, house concerts, and all your entertainment needs.

Vinnie Ferrone

Vinnie Ferrone is a full-time, professional entertainer from Newark, NJ, who developed his craft playing the bars and clubs of Greenwich Village and Bleecker St. He has been performing in Fairfield County, CT since 2004. Vinnie has recently surpassed his 5,300th performance, which have all taken place in almost 400 venues across the country, as well as the Dominican Republic. Vinnie has also spent 7 months of the year living and performing in Bermuda. His vast repertoire consists of friendly and familiar, popular songs from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.