Celebrate the Next Generation of Musicians!

Now's your chance to see the next generation of musicians before they make it to the big time! Sunday, June 6th at 4pm marks the 11th year that The Ridgefield Playhouse will present BandJam! A fundraiser that promotes teen musicians in middle school and high school and supports their love of music. With celebrity judges: “American Idol” finalist Kimberly Locke, i95fm’s Morning Show host Ethan Carey, founder of Entourage Talent, Wayne Forte, and multi-platinum record producer Aaron Accetta, host/comedian Christine O'Leary and a performance by Richie Scarlet, (who has performed with everyone from Ace Frehely, Mountain, Sabastian Bach and more), BandJam encourages kids who are serious musicians to continue their love of performing and writing music. Presented by Mountain Dew and sponsored by Bach To Rock, School of Rock Ridgefield, Lagond Music School, Hubbels Music School, i95FM & Calzone Case Co., prizes for this year’s winning bands include cases courtesy of Calzone Case Co. and the chance to perform on the Playhouse stage before an upcoming show! This year, the event will also be livestreamed to watch from the comfort of your own home.

Originally created by kids for kids in 2009, BandJam was a call to action when the venue, like so many other theaters, took a hit during the financial crisis. "Kids who grew up with the Playhouse couldn't imagine not having it in their town, so they started an event to help raise money to keep our doors open," recalls Executive Director Allison Stockel. Now those "children" are in their 20's and many BandJam winners have gone on to make a name for themselves in the music industry. From The Voice's Drew Cole to The Funky Dawgz Brass Band and so many more, past BandJam performers have gone on to have real careers as music professionals. This year's middles school finalists are Fortuna, Skynet and Speed Limit - all of whom will go on to compete in the final round on June 6th. The High School bands will compete during a semifinal competition on Monday, May 24th when four bands will be chosen out of the 10 who have submitted videos and will compete in the finals on June 6th. "Every year the talent is extraordinary." Says Stockel. "We love this community event because it really encourages kids to pursue their love and passion for music and it's a great thrill for them to be performing on the stage where so many legends have performed." So, if you want to see a great show with lots of talent and encourage the next generation of musicians, this is an event not to be missed!

For more information or to purchase touchless print at home ticket ($20) go online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org or, you can visit or call the box office (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT and is committed to keeping the arts alive and available to all.

Follow us on Instagram: @RidgefieldPlayhouse Twitter: @RPlayhouse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridgefieldplayhouse/

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