The Greenwich Town Party, the all-day, family-friendly music festival, announces today eight local bands with Greenwich roots will perform on the Town Stage at the 2021 event. Held on Sunday, September 5 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, the tenth annual party will showcase the talents of legendary bands, as well as local musicians of all ages. The local bands are: Brunswick Music Improv, Robert Genna Sings, That’s What She Sang, Roctopus, Paloma Skye, Happy Accidents, Rang-A-Boom, and Charlie King & the Next Big Thing.
The legendary Eagles and the dynamic Zac Brown Band, both Grammy Award-winning bands, will headline the event from the Main Stage. GTP fan favorites, the legendary New Orleans-based Preservation Hall Jazz Band, will also take the stage with their high-octane brand of funk, along with celebrated pop-country singer/songwriter Caroline Jones.
The annual event brings multiple generations of Greenwich residents together to celebrate town pride and the spirit of giving through live music, local food favorites, and family-fun activities. The second stage at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, the Town Stage, was created to celebrate the diverse and abundant talent within the Greenwich community. The Town Stage offers the opportunity for local musicians of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels to have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to open for world-renowned artists.
“For our tenth anniversary event, we have an amazing group of talented local musicians taking the stage at GTP,” said Ray Rivers, co-president of the GTP in a release. “The Town Stage is truly one of the highlights of the party as we watch and celebrate friends, family and neighbors as they showcase their talent and musical skills throughout the day.”
Charlie King & the Next Big Thing
Lifelong Greenwich resident Charlie King has played in local cover bands, including American Standard, Pay Dirt, the Penetrators, and the Missing Links, since his teen years. He also writes, records, and performs his own original songs. In late 2020, he released his latest full-length album called “I-95,” a fitting title given the time spent making mental notes to the songs while commuting to work on the local roadway. “I-95” followed three earlier albums: “You Give Me 20 Minutes…” (2018), “Six by Nine” (2015), and “Words and Music” (2006); all four are available on Spotify and Apple Music. King’s music varies from bluesy rock to electric funk to ballads. His band, The Next Big Thing, is comprised of friends who are all professional musicians; many of them teach students in and around Greenwich.
Brunswick Music Improv
Led by Brunswick Upper School music teacher Shane Kirsch, Brunswick Music Improv is a group of talented, young musicians on the rise. Brunswick School’s instrumental music program offers many exciting opportunities for both experienced and aspiring student musicians and encourages students to embrace improvisation and composition.
Happy Accidents
Happy Accidents includes band-members Michael Mugrage, Mark Zelenz and Annie Seem. Mugrage (vocals, guitar) was a member of the popular rock band, Orleans, best known for the songs “Still The One” and “Dance With Me.” He has written songs recorded by Smokey Robinson and Chaka Khan. Zelenz (vocals, piano) is a well-known performer in Greenwich and also the lead singer of the local band, The Short Bus. Greenwich resident Seem (vocals, guitar) has played hundreds of shows at local venues. Formed in 2019, they recently wrote and recorded their debut album, and they perform infectious originals and classic rock / pop cover songs.
Rang-A-Boom
For over two decades, saxophonist Shane Kirsch has graced the stage with many national and local artists, including George Clinton, Michael Franti, Perfect Thyroid, The Fuzzy Flow, and Belizbeha. His band, Rang-A-Boom, features some of the grooviest road warriors of the area playing a blend of funk, blues, and rock: Christine Tambakis (vocals), Chris Vitarello (guitar/vocals), Chris Burke (keys/vocals), Anthony Candullo (bass), Mike Bram (drums/vocals), and Shane Kirsh (saxophone/vocals).
Robert Genna Sings
Robert Genna has recorded his vocals on several songs that were once sung by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley and many others. His versatility for singing many musical genres is unique and has been recognized by renowned musicians like Placido Domingo and Simon Mulligan. He is also a vocalist for the rock band, Your Mutha, that has recently re-banded after 50 years apart. His performance at GTP will feature selections from The Great American Songbook.
Roctopus
Roctopus is a six-piece rock band that plays a diverse and high-energy set of classic, funky, and epic covers and originals. Roctopus was founded at Greenwich’s Brunswick School by lead singer Chris Hynes (Brunswick ’05), drummer Matt McCarty (Brunswick ’05) and bassist/vocals Jay Anderson (Greenwich High School ’05). Rounding out the group are acclaimed keyboardist/songwriter Sam Madden, virtuoso lead guitarist Tom Tompkins and in-demand session horn player Mike McGarril.
That’s What She Sang
That’s What She Sang (TWSSCT) is a full-throttle rock and pop cover band from Greenwich that gets crowds on their feet and dancing. Diana Orbanowski (vocals), Dave Patten (guitar), Chip Seely (drums), and Tim Kaul (bass) are always ready to bring the fun to the stage as they rock hits from the 80s, 90s and today.
Paloma Skye
Based in Greenwich, Paloma Skye performs both original music and reinvented covers across a wide range of genres. While their core sound is rooted in blues and alternative rock, Paloma Skye incorporates elements of hip hop, folk and R&B into their unique sound. Led by the powerful female vocals of singer Melissa Nisenson, the band also features Matt Schwartz (guitar), Oliver Nisenson (keys), Doug Wurtz (guitar), Jason Pharr (drums), and Adam Muriello (drums).
Representing the Color Guard, the Byram Veteran’s Association will kick off the day’s events. Greenwich resident Grace DeLoe will perform God Bless America and Sergeant First Class Joseph Colavito will perform the National Anthem.
COVID-19 Process
To ensure the health and safety of all participants, all ticket holders, performers, staff and volunteers will need to provide proof of one of the following: COVID-19 vaccination, proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event, or proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid Antigen test taken on the date of the event to gain access to GTP 2021.
Attendees will be required to upload their COVID-19 vaccination card, negative PCR or Antigen test to a secure web-based platform. Information on the link is forthcoming.
For additional event information, to sign up for email updates about the Greenwich Town Party, or to make donations, please visit greenwichtownparty.org.
About the Greenwich Town Party
Sponsored by the Greenwich Town Party, Inc., a non-profit organization qualifying as a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the party is a volunteer-supported community event. The GTP is created entirely by the people of Greenwich, for the people of Greenwich. Sponsorships and substantial donations from town residents and local businesses provide the majority of party funding each year, allowing more people to attend. Thanks to the continued generosity of sponsors and donors, the ticket prices have been reduced to a fraction of what they would have been for such a large event. Every donation to the Greenwich Town Party above $25 is matched by one generous donor.