The free concert series will continue to draw big crowds to Ballard Park — particularly with a mystery performer who is currently on a television show — but the costly endeavor is in need of supporters to round out its lineup.
“CHIRP is thrilled to announce that one of the performers scheduled for this summer is currently appearing in season eight of The Voice and has made it as far as the live finals,” said Barbara Manners, CHIRP producer. She said she heard the performer — whom she won’t name yet — at a music festival in 2014 and booked the artist who “knocked my socks off.”
“Check out The Voice on NBC Monday and Tuesday evenings for the next few weeks and see if you can guess,” Manners said, offering no hints as to who the performer might be.
CHIRP is still seeking money to complete the remainder of its summer bookings. To date, confirmations include the Sweetback Sisters, who start the season off Tuesday, May 26, with their mix of alt-country-americana. Others booked: Tuesday, June 30, C.J. Chenier and his Red Hot Louisiana band, zydeco at its best, Thursday, July 2, jazz guitarist Matt Munisteri and his Syncopatin’ Detonators that include Jon Kellso on trumpet and John Allred on trombone; Thursday, July 9, The Fairfield Counts; Tuesday, July 28, Cherish the Ladies; Tuesday, Aug. 4, Jimmy LaFave; Thursday, Aug. 6, Lunasa; Tuesday, Aug. 11, Hot Club of Cowtown; and Tuesday, Sept. 1, the great Afro-Cuban Jazz percussionist Pedrito Martinez and band.
According to Manners, CHIRP has deposits down on a full lineup for 24 events, but needs more concert underwriters as well as audience donations to fully pay for the season.
Underwriters get a full-page ad in the CHIRP program book as well as mention in all advertising related to their concert. They may also hang their banner along with CHIRP’s in the park the night of their concert. Those interested may call Manners at 203-431-6501 or email her at mannersb@aol.com
While there are no special perks associated with standard contributions, other than mention in the program book, audience donations will help make it possible for CHIRP to present lots more great music that attendees, because of CHIRP’s mission “to present music that does not usually have a venue in this area,” are very unlikely to hear anywhere else nearby for some time.
“There is no preferred seating in the park for large donors or specially reserved parking spots nearby, because CHIRP is for everyone and it’s goal is not only to make Ridgefield a destination but equally to build a community where everyone can be entertained and enriched and meet one another,” Manners said. “But to do that, it needs contributions from those who are able.”