Madison Beach Hotel Hosts Unplugged Music Series

From The Madison Beach Hotel:The Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is launching its 1st Annual Unplugged Music Series, a series of intimate concerts held at the hotel’s newly renovated restaurant, The Wharf. The Wharf Unplugged will feature top artists performing songs off their albums, as well as popular favorites from previous albums. This Unplugged Series will be an opportunity for Connecticut and shoreline neighbors to gather for a relaxing evening at one of Madison’s hottest spots as four amazing music artists present a blend of American music genres from American Soft Rock to Country Rock, Acoustic Blues and Folk.

“We are putting all the elements in place to deliver one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences yet and we are looking forward to celebrating the winter with our neighbors and friends,” said John Mathers. “Our first Unplugged Series features a dynamic scope of American music performed by a blend of legendary performers who have worked and collaborated with the most prominent artists of the music industry today,” he added.

The schedule of artists is as follow:

February 23 -Jon Pousette-Dart (American Soft Rock)

The Pousette-Dart Band, led by Jon Pousette-Dart carved a place in the landscape of American music in the 1970’s. They were a mainstay of album radio, a favorite on the college circuit, and became one of the busiest touring groups in the US working with such acts as The Byrds, Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, The Eagles, James Taylor, The J. Geils Band, Eddie Money, Manfred Mann, Jonathan Edwards, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Emmylou Harris, Gary Wright, Robert Palmer, Randy Newman, Journey, Billy Joel, NRBQ, and many more including the now famous Frampton Comes Alive tour, and the progressive Yes Fragile tour – playing arenas from Coast to Coast.

While the original group dis-banded in the early 80’s, Jon kept performing with original drummer Eric Parker and continued writing and producing into the 90’s, when he returned to Nashville to begin recording again on his own. He’s turned out five solo albums including 2015’s “TALK”, a cohesive selection of his best songs to date. He has co-written with some of the finest writers in the country including Darrell Scott, Gary Nicholson, Jaime Kyle, John Bohlinger, Angelo, Sally Barris and Angela Kaset. Jon is currently touring solo, duo and with his highly entertaining band featuring newest member Malcom Gold (Sheryl Crow, Indie.Arie) on bass and harmony vocals, Eric Parker (Joe Cocker, Mick Taylor) on drums, and Jim Chapdelaine (Al Anderson, Phoebe Snow) on guitar/vocals, who co-produced several of Jon’s records.

Jon’s continued writing and travels have kept him engaged in Nashville where the original bands first albums were recorded with Norbert Putnam. He has continued performing nationally and writing steadily with many of the finest writers that embody the best of the American music scene.

March 16 -Peter Mayer (Jazz Country Rock)

Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Peter Mayer of the Peter Mayer Group, has melded a unique and eclectic writing style, a distinctive voice and virtuoso musicianship to create compelling and accessible music that is electrifying in live performance. The musical story of the Peter Mayer Group showcase Peter’s many influences - from his childhood in India that range from traditional Indian music to the Beatles, to his studying and teaching Jazz guitar, not to mention his many years working in Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and having the opportunity to share the stage with others that include James Taylor, Mac McAnally, Sonny Landreth, Don Henley and others.

The Peter Mayer Group boasts between them an extensive performing and songwriting portfolio with experience in any number of styles from jazz to country rock to classical and spiritual. Recording under the name PM, Peter released his debut album for Warner Brothers Records (WB No. 25751) in 1988. Working with Elliott Scheiner (Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Hornsby) – this album produced the single “Piece of Paradise,” charting to number eight on Billboard.

In 2010, the Peter Mayer Group celebrated ten years of “Stars and Promises,” an annual tour of original and traditional Christmas music. These performances are highly praised by audiences, who are inspired by the passionate emotions evoked by attending these concerts.

Goodbye Hello, a recent CD by Peter Mayer and Friends, showcases artistic twists with fresh and creative arrangements of the beloved Beatles music.

April 4 - Fly Amero (Acoustic Blues)

Fly Amero is known most commonly as a singer and lefty-upside down guitarist, whose powerful voice, refined playing, and clever songwriting have earned him fans the world over and touring spots with such great artists as the classic American pop group Orleans (“Still The One” / “Dance with Me”). Amero has also developed a long and strong career as a solo performer, having released two original acoustic albums (a third slated for spring 2017). Finally, he’s earned accolades for his wild sense of humor, having worked in comedy with ABC Radio in New York as well as penning several original (and highly successful) Christmas albums. A dynamic performer, talented musician, and vibrant soul, Fly Amero is a joy to watch and to listen to. Learn more at flyamero.com <http://flyamero.com> .

May 25 – Peter Calo (Folk)

Peter has performed and/or recorded with such diverse artists as Carly Simon, Natasha Bedingfield, Queen Latifah, Willie Nelson, Hall and Oates, Linda Eder, Sophie B. Hawkins, Phil Ramone, Andrea Bocelli, Jimmy Webb, Kris Kristofferson, Leonard Bernstein, Marc Shaiman, Frank Filipetti, Julie Taymor, Lesley Gore, Crash Test Dummies, Joel Grey, The Platters, Harvey Fierstein, Danny Serafine (Chicago) and more. Calo has also produced many recordings including Carly Simon’s release, “Never Been Gone” and is featured in the documentary, “All You Need is Klaus”. He was guitarist for Showtime’s “The Big C” and for the Tony and Grammy Award-winning original Broadway and film production of “Hairspray”.

Peter recently performed to a sold out Carnegie Hall as part of the” Lead Belly Tribute”, performing with Eric Burton (The Animals), Edgar Winter, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Walter Trout and others. He also contributed music for Carly Simons recently released autobiography Audio book, “Boys In The Trees. Peter was nominated for his 3rd MAC award for “Outstanding Ensemble instrumentalist”. He has just completed a TV spot for “I Can Connect” which is a FAA program that brings smart phone to the deaf and blind. Peter Calo just released a new CD, “Time Machine”

The Unplugged Series starts on February 23rd and will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. select Thursdays until May 25th.

The Madison Beach Hotel is located at 94 West Wharf Rd in Madison, CT. For reservation or information, please call: 203.350.0014 or visit: www.madisonbeachhotel.com

Image Courtesy of The Madison Beach Hotel