Entertainment Line-Up for 46th Norwalk Oyster Festival Something for Everyone - September 6-8, 2024

The Norwalk Seaport Association has announced the music entertainment line-up for the 46th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival taking place on Friday, September 6, Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8 at the 35-acre Veterans Memorial Park in Norwalk. Tickets are on sale online now @ http://www.seaport.org and will be available at the gate during the event. 

What makes the Norwalk Oyster Festival special is that it brings music lovers together for three days of fun. “This is the last big event of the summer that is put together to support the continuing restoration of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. We have a variety of top entertainment that will please all age groups,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. “It’s a great family-fun event that won’t break the bank because all the entertainment is included with the price of the ticket. We couldn’t put this festival together without the support of our many sponsors including our Presenting Sponsor, First County Bank, and Optimum for our Main Stage sponsor,” Reilly concluded. 

 Entertainment Line-Up Optimum Main Stage

Friday, September 6 Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes 

Southside Johnny, who has been dubbed, “the Godfather of New Jersey Sound,” has been bringing “the party” to stages around the world for close to 50 years. On Friday night at 8:30 p.m., he is bringing his powerful sound, gritty vocals, charismatic personality, and quirky sense of humor to the Norwalk Oyster Festival. Fans are likely to hear some of the band’s best-known songs like “I Don’t Want to Go Home”, “Havin a Party”, and “The Fever,” along with some new music from the highly acclaimed Soultime album and Live from E Street. Tinged with exuberant rhythm and blues, the high-energy performance of these Jersey rockers encompasses a legendary horn section along with the driving sound of rock, soul, and R&B, that always gets the audience up, and moving. The band has released more than 30 albums, with Hearts of Stone named as one of the “top 100 albums of the 70s and 80s,” by Rolling Stone. Southside Johnny is an incredibly talented frontman who is backed by a band of extremely talented musicians that are bursting with energy and enthusiasm making the band’s camaraderie entertaining to watch. 

Saturday, September 7 JD Leonard @ 7 p.m. 

A long-established “go-to” singer/songwriter, J.D. Leonard, who hails from Tennessee, is opening for Mike DelGuidice on Saturday at 7 p.m. He’s written singles for the likes of Bonnie Tyler (“Love is the Knife”) and placed several songs in over a dozen films. Tonight get ready to celebrate the music of JD Leonard, his “Just Drive Show” and much more. His newly released album, “Just Drive,” made with Nashville legend, David Huff and recorded at Blackbird Studios has been highly acclaimed for its modern country vibe that is uniquely today. JD entertains with lush melodies, poignant lyrics, chart-topping hits, and storytelling that keep fans mesmerized. Backed by top-notch musicians his high-energy performance highlights the best of modern country music that is timeless.

Mike DelGuidice @ 8:30 p.m.

 “The Norwalk Oyster Festival is excited to be welcoming back renowned vocalist, singer /songwriter, and recording artist, Mike DelGuidice,” said Mike Reilly. “Currently DelGuidice tours the world with Billy Joel including performances every month at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City and we are happy that he will be here at the Norwalk Oyster Festival on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 8:30 p.m.,” Reilly continued. “This will be an unforgettable evening with Mike DelGuidice and his band, performing a show of astonishing renditions of some of the biggest names in Classic Rock and a few of Mike’s eclectic original songs, and much more,” Reilly concluded. 

DelGuidice has been wowing audiences around the world with his powerful vocals, showcasing his talent, eclectic songwriting, friendly, and engaging stage presence, and has built a national following as a full-time touring member of Billy Joel's Band. If you've been to a Billy Joel concert in the past 11 years, then you've seen Billy Joel spotlight Mike's powerful vocals and talent. While on tour with Billy Joel, DelGiudice has shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Bryan Adams, Tony Bennett, Paul Simon, John Mayer, John Mellencamp, and Adam Levine, to name a few. Mike has appeared on CNN, The NBC Today Show, and the CBS This Morning Show, and has been written up in Rolling Stone Magazine, and The New York Times among others. At present, while touring with Billy Joel, Mike is releasing new music including three albums, "My Street," "Miller Place” and most recently "Mask Production,” while working on his fourth. Mike also scored the Theme song to Actor/Comedian Kevin James' Sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait’ with his original song “Ordinary Guy” with Kevin featured in Mike's original song video "Mona Lisa.” 

 Sunday, September 8 

Drew Angus – 2:30 p.m. 

The fun continues on Sunday afternoon with the soulful voice and riveting performance of Connecticut’s own, Drew Angus, who has shared the stage with Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Ann Wilson of Heart, Andrea Bocelli, and many others. He has appeared on SNL with Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Lopez has called him, “A real talent,” and in 2023, Elton John shared one of his recordings with millions of followers. Oyster Fest attendees are in for a musical treat, as this rising star performs a combination of his music and covers by other artists that is polished, free-spirited, upbeat, and irresistible. Fans describe his shows as flawlessly blending Americana sounds and Rock n’ Roll with a dash of Funk and Retro-Soul that overflows with stirring vocals and heartfelt lyrics that are captivating and timeless. 

photo credit Kari Meiers

Let’s Sing Taylor @ 4 p.m. 

Calling all Taylor Swift fans to the Norwalk Oyster Festival on Sunday at 4 p.m. for this riveting live band experience celebrating the music of Taylor Swift. This has been hailed as the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift that has taken the country by storm! All “Swifties” should get ready to dance and sing their hearts out to some of the most famous songs of this music icon’s catalog. Led by a look-alike Taylor, Emily’s pitch-perfect voice, charismatic stage presence, sequined costumes, flashy jewelry, and exuberant dancers make this show amazing. This show exudes feel-good energy! So put on your Taylor Swift-inspired clothes and get ready to sing along with the band. 

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival

Now in its 46th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, a wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.

Bark Rattle Workshop at Institute for American Indian Studies

In Native American communities bark rattles are used in a number of traditional ceremonies, dances, and spiritual gatherings. For dancers, they help maintain the beat of the music by complimenting drums. On Saturday, June 22, at 10 a.m. the Institute for American Indian Studies is holding a Bark Rattle Workshop with Richard Chrisjohn (Oneida). An advocate for Indigenous sovereignty and the preservation of traditional teachings, Chrisjohn is a fourth-generation woodcarver who lives on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation, Akwesasne, in Hogansburg, New York. This hands-on workshop will give participants a better understanding of the Iroquois culture and their traditional approach to our environment.

The highlight of this workshop is to make an elm bark rattle whose shape is dictated by the bark being used or a bark rattle necklace. Rattles and necklaces are made using the inner bark of the American elm tree. The inner portion of the rattle will be filled with small objects that create a rattling sound when shaken. During this workshop, participants will also learn about the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, as well as the traditional uses of various trees and natural materials.

This is an outdoor program so participants should dress accordingly. If there is heavy rain or high temperatures, the program will move inside the Institute. 

Space is limited and pre-registration is requested. Please visit our website to register online at http://www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call (860) 868 0518. The price of participation, including materials is $30 for non-members and $20 for members. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.

Strawberry Moon Volunteer Day Algonkian Village @ Institute for American Indian Studies

By filling critical roles, volunteers are an integral part of the operation of many museums nationwide. It is fulfilling to work together toward a common goal. Being a volunteer offers the chance for people to give back, become engaged, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded members of the region. If you are looking to get involved, head to the Institute for American Indian Studies on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to noon, or from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to participate in the first Algonkian Village Maintenance Day with the staff of the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut.

As a volunteer for this event, you will gain a greater appreciation for the traditional lifeways of local Native American communities while supporting an award-winning non-profit institution. This special day is a hands-on outdoor program that will take place in the authentically Replicated Algonkian Village on the grounds of the Institute. The Village consists of several traditional dome-shaped structures known as wigwams that are made from bark, saplings, and reeds, as well as drying racks, a Three Sisters Garden, and more to show how indigenous people lived in the Eastern Woodlands for thousands of years. The Village is an important component of the Institute’s educational programs that requires ongoing maintenance. A highlight of this program is to learn about the traditional tools and techniques used by Native American communities to maintain their village; and to try your hand at them. Since this program requires physical work, an adult should accompany all minors. Participants should dress for the weather, wear appropriate shoes, and bring along a set of gloves. Although strawberry-themed light refreshments will be offered, it is suggested that you bring water and lunch, especially if you are staying for both time slots.

This is a free event, but pre-registration is requested. To register online visit http://www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call 860-868-0518. About The Institute for American Indian Studies Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allow visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.