POP / ROCK

Nicollette Varanelli Featuring Master Illusionist David Martin

At FTC's StageOne

Friday, January 9, 7:3opm
Buy Tickets: $22
FTC Members: $17  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

New breakout artist Nicollette Varanelli brings her soulful take on r&b, rock and pop to FTC. Raised in Dobbs Ferry, NY, this dynamic performer has been singing, writing music and modeling for 10 years.

Opening is Nick Harrison.

IRISH: TWO SHOWS

Altan

Presented by Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society

At FTC's StageOne

TWO SHOWS: Sunday, January 11, 4pm & 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $27
FTC Members: $22  
Doors and Bar Open half hour before show.

Altan is one of the top traditional bands in Ireland.

"They deserve the tag as the best Irish band today, and certainly the most accomplished." -All Music Guide

ADULT INDIE

Vienna Teng Featuring Alex Wong

At FTC's StageOne

Thursday, January 15, 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $22
FTC Members: $17  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Vienna Teng shares her name with the Austrian home of Mozart and Beethoven and she has studied classical piano from the age of five. But there's nothing old-world about the music of Teng, whose debut brings to mind artists as diverse as Tori Amos, Simon & Garfunkel and Radiohead.

GUITAR GREAT

Al Di Meola

World Sinfonia '09

At FTC's StageOne

Friday, January 16, 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $52
FTC Members: $42  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Jazz guitarist Al Di Meola has sold more that six million records (including three gold albums) and won countless guitar awards. Di Meola's electric guitar playing first garnered him an international following in the mid-1970s. Di Meola has recorded with a pantheon of jazz and pop giants including Paul Simon, Santana, Luciano Pavarotti, Steve Winwood, Herbie Hancock, Les Paul, Jean Luc Ponty, Frank Zappa, Stevie Wonder, and many more. Di Meola remains one of the most prominent forces in the contemporary jazz scene.

Al Di Meola's World Sinfonia tour includes Fausto Beccalossi (Accoridan), Peo Alfonsi (Guitar) and Gumbi Ortiz (Percussion).

FOLK-ROCK

Aztec Two-Step Performing the Simon & Garfunkel Songbook

Hosted by Pete Fornatale

At FTC's StageOne

Saturday, January 17 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $42
FTC Members: $32  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Renowned for bringing the folk/rock music of the 1960s into the '70s and beyond, Aztec Two-Step continues to be one of acoustic music's most respected and enduring acts. While the duo possess a rich musical legacy of their own, it only makes sense that they would choose to interpret and perform the timeless songs and harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel. Aztec Two-Step now joins forces with WFUV Radio host Pete Fornatale in an expanded version of the show.

THEATRE & LUNCH

Play With Your Food

Tuesday, January 20, Noon-1:30pm
Tickets: $40
Doors Open at 11:40am

Great Theater and Lunch! On the heels of its sold-out 2008 season, Play With Your Food is back.

"A culinary and literary and conversational trifecta." Middletown Press

Enjoy a buffet lunch in the Warehouse catered by Spic & Span Market. Then move to StageOne for staged readings of three new plays: the hilarious The Rental by LA's Mark Harvey Levine; the poignant and funny I'm Herbert by Robert Anderson and the touching Fallujah by Connecticut's own Rebecca McCarthy. A brief discussion with the actors ends the program promptly at 1:30pm. Series continues on February 10, March 10 and April 7.

Sponsored by Cohen and Wolf PC.

ROCK

Enter the Haggis

At FTC's StageOne

Thursday, January 22, 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $22
FTC Members: $17  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

There aren't many groups in North America who are literally impossible to pigeonhole or classify, but Toronto's Enter The Haggis is one of them. To engage this quintet is to indulge rock, fusion, bluegrass, traditional Celtic fare, folk, even Latin flavors. ETH is one of those rare jewels that actually pulls it all off as if to own everything. ETH's live show is a musical feast - viscerally dynamic, emotionally uplifting and intellectually stimulating.

PROGRESSIVE BLUES-ROCK

Jim Weider's Project Percolator

At FTC's StageOne

Friday, January 23, 7:30 pm
Buy Tickets: $22
FTC Members: $17  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Jim Weider, former member The Band, brings his all star line-up to FTC. "We take the audience on a jamming, improv journey", says Weider, "we are playing elements of classic rock. If you like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Jeff Beck, you'll love our mix of organic and acoustic music."

Opening is Codename.

R&B / Soul

Dwele

At FTC's StageOne

Saturday, January 24, 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $47
FTC Members: $37  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Singer/songwriter Dwele has carved out a niche for himself in the contemporary soul game as a smooth jazz-minded crooner of introspective and innovative groove. In addition to his third and latest chart topping album Sketches of a Man he has collaborated with Kanye West, Foxy Brown and Earth Wind & Fire.

FOLK

Richie Havens

At FTC's StageOne

Friday, January 30, 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $52
FTC Members: $42  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Called an "acoustical soul giant" by Billboard Magazine, Brooklyn-born soul singer Richie Havens brings his newest work and his classic hits "Life in the Balance," "Freedom," and "Here Comes the Sun," to Fairfield. Recent collaborations with Peter Gabriel, British dance duo Groove Armada, as well as world musicians Badal Roy (India), Jorge Alfano (Argentina), prove Haven's mantra: Making music is a continuous journey.

ROCK

Graham Parker

At FTC's StageOne

Saturday, January 31, 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $32
FTC Members: $22  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

For over 30 years, Graham Parker has been slinging a signature sound across continents and airwaves. Since his early days with his band the Rumour (with whom he has two albums in Rolling Stone's "Top 100 Albums of All Time"), Graham has coupled punk's energy with his deeply rooted love of American R&B, country and soul music. He's got a snotty barroom brawler's rasp and sneer, a soulman's swagger and an ear for indelible hooks and pop songcraft.

JAM BAND

Donna Jean & The Tricksters

At FTC's StageOne

Friday, February 6, 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $27
FTC Members: $22  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

What do you get when you mix the Grateful Dead's Donna Jean Godchaux with the venerable jamband, The Zen Tricksters, David Nelson Band's Mookie Siegel and a soupcon of Wendy Lanter? A rocking evening of great songs and jamming music.

Opening is Bone Dry.

SINGER-SONGWRITER

Lucy Kaplansky

At FTC's StageOne

Saturday, February 7, 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $32
FTC Members: $22  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Lucy Kaplansky touched FTC audiences on her first visit back in early 2008 with her heartfelt acoustic folk and genuine personality. The folk music veteran calls herself a hybrid of Tammy Wynette and Elaine from Seinfeld. While critics call her silky harmonies and flatpicking "enchanting, moving and gorgeous." She hops on a train from NYC to StageOne for a concert that's sure to be another memorable night.

Opening is Meg Hutchinson.

FOLK/ROCK

Jewel

At The Klein Memorial Auditorium

Sunday, February 8th, 8pm
Buy Tickets: $37.50-$77.50
FTC Members: $10 Discount  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

It comes as no surprise that Jewel, an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, actress and poet, finds herself in the embrace of country music for the release of her seventh career album, Perfectly Clear. From the remote ranch of her Alaskan youth to the triumph of international stardom, the three-time Grammy nominee, hailed by the New York Times as a "songwriter bursting with talents" has enjoyed career longevity rare among her generation of artists. Whether alone with her guitar or fronting a band of ace musicians, Jewel has always been a charismatic live performer.

ROCK / POP

Lenka

At FTC's StageOne

Sunday, February 8, 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $22
FTC Members: $17  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Lenka, former vocalist for the acclaimed Australian electronic/ambient band Decoder Ring, is a VH1 "You Oughta Know Artist." Her single, "The Show" as been used on Ugly Betty in addition to her other tracks being used on 90210 and Grey's Anatomy. She's been featured in Blender, Spin, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire and Teen Vogue, performed on KCRW's acclaimed "Morning Becomes Eclectic" series and recently wrapped up a series of dates on the latest Hotel Cafe tour.

Opening is The Spring Standards.

VOCALISTS

Manhattan Transfer

At The Klein Memorial Auditorium

Thursday, February 12, 8pm
Buy Tickets: $37-$67
FTC Members: Discount  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Riding a wave of nostalgia in the '70s, the Manhattan Transfer resurrected jazz trends from boogie-woogie to bop to vocalese. Originally formed in 1969, the quartet recorded several albums of jazz standards as well as much material closer to R&B/pop. Still, they were easily the most popular jazz vocal group of their era, and the most talented of any since the early '60s.

JAM BAND

U-Melt

At FTC's StageOne

Friday, February 13, 7:30 pm
Buy Tickets: $22
FTC Members: $17  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

U-Melt's music is all over the place. Within five minutes the band can shift from heavy metal riffs, Steely Dan-esque lyrics to poppy melodies. U-Melt has never run away from their influences, covering the likes of Phish, the Smashing Pumpkins, Talking Heads and Medeski, Martin & Wood.

Opening is Codename.

FOLK / ROCK

Caravan of Thieves

At FTC's StageOne

Saturday, February 21, 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $17
FTC Members: $12  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Masters of acoustic swing, Fuzz (Deep Banana Blackout, Rolla, Motet) and Carrie (Rolla) bring their newest venture to StageOne for a night of high intensity gypsy folk pop. Featuring double bass player Brian Anderson (RaisinHill) and fiery violinist Ben Dean.

Opening is Ash Creek String Band.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS: BENEFIT

Band Together

Cruise To Paradise

At FTC's StageOne

Thursday, February 26, 7:30 pm
Buy Tickets: $35
FTC Members: $30  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Rob Fried, Jerry Vigorito and Band Together come to FTC's Stage One to bring you Cruise To Paradise, a musical cruise to different ports in North and South America reflecting the musical style and culture of each destination.

Schedule to appear: Mystic Bowie, Renard Boissiere, Jay Stollman, Barry Blumenfield, Kim Manning, Laura Volpintesta, Sam Weiser, Jerry Vigorito and Rob Fried.

The show is presented by the Westport Young Woman's League with proceeds to benefit The Susan Fund.

ZYDECO

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet

At FTC's StageOne

Friday, February 27, 7:30pm
Buy Tickets: $47
FTC Members: $37  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Since forming in 1975, Grammy winners BeauSoleil have claimed their undisputed role as the most esteemed Cajun group in music. BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet take the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana and artfully blend elements of zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country, blues and more into a satisfying musical recipe. From The Grand Ole Opry to Newport Folk, from concert hall to dance floor, the music of BeauSoleil continues to captivate audiences the world over.

VOCALIST

Art Garfunkel

At The Klein Memorial Auditorium

Thursday, March 19, 8pm
Buy Tickets: $35-$75
FTC Members: Discounted Tickets  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Although it has been over 35 years since "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was recorded, Art Garfunkel's image and signature vocal remain among the most instantly recognizable in popular music. On his own, Garfunkel exhibits many of the same strengths that marked his work with Paul Simon - an angelic tenor voice, a fine sense of understatement and subtlety, and a genius for harmony vocals. A five-time Grammy winner, Garfunkel has earned himself a reputation that doesn't depend on an ampersand.

Opening is Will Knox.

BLUES / ROCK

Edgar & Johnny Winter

At The Klein Memorial Auditorium

Thursday, March 26, 8pm
Buy Tickets: $27-$72
FTC Members: $10 Discount  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

Individually, Edgar Winter and his brother Johnny Winter are powerful artists, but combined, they are virtually unstoppable. Live, from start to finish, Edgar and Johnny having a rockin' & rollin' good time, and that happiness channels over to the audience.

They'll pull out smoking renditions of classics such "Soul Man" or "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" or Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti" or Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" or their hard rock monster hit, "Frankenstein".

SOUL / FUNK / JAZZ

Tower of Power and David Sanborn

At The Klein Memorial Auditorium

Friday, March 27, 8pm
Buy Tickets: $22-$67
FTC Members: $10 Discount  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

The 10-piece Tower of Power is the real deal - 100 proof, aged-to-perfection, ground zero soul. Attend this performance and bathe in a sonic blast of brass and funk.

Sax master David Sanborn's released enormously successful and influential soul/dance/jazz albums - and has played with the likes of Steely Dan, Paul Butterfield (at Woodstock), Gil Evans, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie and the Brecker Brothers.

COMEDY

The Smothers Brothers

At The Klein Memorial Auditorium

Sunday, April 26, 8pm
Buy Tickets: $32-$67
FTC Members: Discount  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

The Smothers Brothers' sly satire and subtle political commentary made them counter-culture darlings in the 60s (think George Carlin, but mellow). Their Saturday Night Live-esque comedy show, was cancelled by CBS despite high ratings and an Emmy Award because it was considered too controversial. They're always funny - in the smart-playing-dumb tradition of The Colbert Report, Martin & Lewis or HBO's Flight of the Conchords. Recently appeared on Letterman, Leno and Late Night with Craig Ferguson.

ROCK

The Doobie Brothers

At The Klein Memorial Auditorium

Tuesday, April 28, 8pm
Buy Tickets: $57-$107
FTC Members: $10 Discount  
Doors and Bar Open at 7pm

"Listen to the Music," "Black Water," "Jesus Is Just Alright," and "China Grove" are a few of the huge hits The Doobie Brothers recorded. One of the most popular Californian bands of the '70s, the Doobies evolved from an Allman Brothers-esque boogie band to a white soul band - with a ton of hit along the way.