Chain Gang To Provide Music For Fundraiser

RIDGEFIELD — On August 4 and 5, the music of the Beatles will take center stage as the self-proclaimed “ambassadors of rock and roll” known as The Chain Gang perform at The Ridgefield Theater Barn to benefit the barn’s new addition building fund.

Members of the band are veteran musicians from neighboring Hudson Valley towns in New York State. They include musical director Doug Abramson on bass and vocals – a master of blues, pop and big band sound; guitarist and vocalist Dennis Blandino, who has appeared on Imus in the Morning; producer, lead vocalist and tambourine player Sam Costanzo, who is also a member of the Gilbert & Sullivan Musical Theater Company; drummer Mike Palladino, who carries over 30 years experience; and classically trained pianist Steve Wanzer on keyboards and vocals.

Each member has been performing for at least 20 years and grew up listening to the songs they play. The band’s trademark is its ability to present new tunes at live performances without rehearsal.  Once they have agreed on a new song, they listen to it individually or from memory and then perform it cold for the first time at a concert.

The Chain Gang was formed in 1999 as part of a Y2K celebration. When that project came to a close, the band enjoyed playing and singing together so much that they decided to stay together. Renowned for performing songs as close to the original style as possible, the five musicians perform for charities, fundraisers, resorts, private parties, weddings, outdoor concerts and other venues.

At The Barn fundraiser, the band’s first set will include a Beatles Anthology with tunes from many of the most popular songs performed by The Beatles during their career. The second set will span over 30 years of musical favorites and will include many of the classic tunes of rock & roll from performers like Jimmy Buffett, Roy Orbison, Hall & Oates, Santana, The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, The Commodores, Stevie Ray Vaughan and The Doobie Brothers.

Doors open at 7 each night, and performances start at 8. Seating is cabaret style and light refreshments including appetizers, beer and wine, and soft drinks will be provided before the performance. Coffee and dessert will be offered at intermission.

Tickets are $40 ($30 is tax deductible) and will proceeds go to the theater barn’s new addition building fund.

Order tickets online at TheaterBarn.org or call 203-431-9850 for more information.