About The Musicians
Acoustic Elixir
Westport-based “Acoustic Elixir” has been performing in restaurants, bars, and private venues throughout Fairfield County for almost fifteen 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 & Friends
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.
John Richers
Born and raised in Brooklyn NY, John Richers, a Westport resident since 2017, emerged from Covid shutdown with over 75 songs in his repertoire and has performed at a variety of Fairfield County venues since. Audiences have been moved to sing and clap along to classic favorites from The Beatles, Stones, Grateful Dead, The Byrds, Dylan, Petty, Mellencamp and Van Morrison while also savoring deeper cuts from the likes of Steve Earle, John Prine, The Wallflowers and The Decemberists.
John combines an authentic vocal style and unique musicianship to pay homage to the many iconic artists who have inspired him over the years. He is always pleased and honored to share his passion for American rock, folk and country roots music with local Fairfield County audiences.
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, with more releases planned for the upcoming months.
MOSS
Moss was formed summer of 2023 by five musicians from the Fairfield School of Rock House Band who have performed at venues from New Haven’s Toad’s Place to Milestone and O’Neill’s Pub. Named for its members: Matt Anto, Owen Trotzer, Sophie Levy, Sophia Kryzynski, and Sean Cammarano; 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. Moss commands the stage with electrifying performances, exemplifying technical skills and captivating showmanship that will leave audiences wanting more.
Owen Daniel and The Breakers
Owen Daniel is a 16-year-old singer/songwriter who is getting ready to release his first single and is in the process of writing his first EP. He is a self-taught musician who plays guitar, and piano as well as sings. His writing style is influenced by current pop artists JP Saxe, Noah Kahan, and Lewis Capaldi.
Owen performs with his band The Breakers which are made up of local high school students: Ari Frimmer (Drums from Weston), Max Hauptman (Bass from Fairfield Prep), and Tyler Orehek (Guitar from Weston).
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. For information, contact Louis at (203) 613-8150.
Steven Keith
Steven Keith is a guitarist based in Norwalk, CT. He’s been tearin’ up the CT music scene for years and now he’s here to serenade Westport. Playing vintage classic acoustic rock, Steven Keith will be rocking you from dawn to dusk. See him now on Church St. in Westport for some smooth tunes.
Vinnie Ferrone
With more than 4,800 gigs in more than 335 venues, Vinnie Ferrone has been a mainstay on the Fairfield music scene since 2004.