History Made at the Fairfield Theatre Company

The is in the midst of a sold-out run of eight consecutive shows. Thanks to the overwhelming support from area music lovers, FTC has sold out Tommy Castro, The Wood Brothers, Toots and The Maytalls, Shawn Colvin, Shelby Lynne, Lez Zeppelin, The English Beat and The Bernie Worrell Orchestra.

“We have not had a row of sold out shows like this since last fall when we sold out Southside Johnny, the English Beat, Tower of Power, John Waite, and had the Talking Heads Chronology movie premiere here,” said Karen Dinerstein, FTC House Manager.

Brinda Pola, FTC’s Director of Development concurs.

“We are very excited with the momentum and number of show offerings. Our audiences have a wide variety of genres to enjoy. New shows are selling out very quickly and we often have long waiting lists for tickets. We highly encourage our ticket buyers to become members," Pola said. "FTC members receive early notifications of upcoming shows and can purchase discounted tickets. Our members also join hundreds of other arts-minded people and music lovers in supporting FTC. The dynamic energy that brings an astounding line-up of live performances to the community and enables our youth music- education program for underserved children would not be possible without support from our members.”

What does it take to put on six sold-out shows in a row? House manager Karen Dinerstein, who has worked at close to 1,000 FTC shows, has a work day that starts at 2 p.m. and often does not end until the wee hours.

“You get to meet tons of great artists who are legends -- I could write a book -- and you also meet tons of great patrons and fans,” she said.

Besides managing all the concession inventory, Dinerstein shops for artists, arranges the meals for the crew and talent, greets the artists when they arrive, books hotels, transportation and sets up snacks and drinks for the stars. A long-time Fairfield resident, Dinerstein has learned how to troubleshoot a variety of challenges, everything from finding cases of coconut water, to coaxing performers with a sudden case of stage fright off their bus, to convincing restaurants to serve food after hours so an artist can dine there after the show.

Another key piece behind the scenes at FTC is the sound engineering.

“Sold out shows are the best for us. StageOne always has good sound but it definitely sounds better when it’s filled with people - the sheer energy of the room when it’s at capacity is something special - everyone in the community should experience it,” said Production Manager Rob Martineau. Martineau manages the logistics of each production, from “advancing” the show with artists’ management – getting all details on the band’s equipment  and where to place the gear on stage.

“Rule of thumb – never touch an artist’s instrument, especially saxophones, I’ve gotten yelled at before,” explains Martineau. The production manager also schedules the load in, the sound check, the crew call times, gets the piano tuned, sets up the musician’s monitors, and deals with challenges like trying to accommodate a 12-piece band with equipment on an 18-foot stage.

“Our current challenge is to “treat” the room – guitars and drums create sounds that slap off the walls making the room louder and acoustic paneling will help that. If we keep selling out shows, we can use funds to improve the acoustics of the room and upgrade the sound system and bring in more high quality acts, explains Martineau. Any improvements will only make us a more in- demand venue. It’s a win-win, FTC is already the place to play for a lot of artists, we want to make it the place to play for everyone.”

“It’s very exciting to see the community’s response to the artists we are bringing to FTC," said John Reid, the producing artistic director. "This week we have six sold out shows in a row, which is a record for us. There is a real appreciation and even hunger for great music in Fairfield. We are thrilled to see the town and surrounding areas turning out night after night to enjoy what artists and audiences alike tell us is the best venue in the region for live music.  Our motto is 'Get Out and Come Together' and that is exactly what’s happening.” 

FTC on the Horizon: Upcoming Shows You Won’t Want to Miss

Fri., April 20 Sam Sparro: Australian songwriter/producer who plays innovative electronic mix of old-school vocals and futuristic beats. With his synthesized 70s and 80s pop, and rock and soul, fans are praising him as a mix of Chaka Khan meets Prince.

Sat., April 21 Mighty Mystic: One of the leaders in the East Coast reggae movement, if you love Damien Marley, Matisyahu, Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff, then you already love Mystic.

Sat., April 28 Black Lillies: The Black Lillies have quickly risen to the forefront of the Americana scene. From Bonnaroo to the Grand Ole Opry, NPR's Mountain Stage to four separate PBS concert specials, this unique brand of country, roots, rock and blues via Appalachia will leave you feeling like you've witnessed an old-fashion Southern tent revival.

Sun., April 29 Graham Parker and the Figgs: Parker is one of the seminal rock n’ roll figures, from his early days with the band The Rumour, Parker has coupled punk’s energy with his deeply rooted love of American R & B, country and soul music. His backup band The Figgs just adds to the fun.

Fri., May 4 Barefoot Truth: A Mystic, Connecticut product, melds roots music with rock, adds a bit of jazz and funk, and some upbeat blues in a recipe for some fine listening. For fans of Dispatch, moe., Umphrey’s McGee and Sublime.

Sat., May 5 Roomful of Blues: Since 1967, the group's deeply rooted blend of swing, rock 'n' roll, jump, blues and soul has earned it five Grammy Award nominations and a slew of other accolades, including seven Blues Music Awards. These guys are a non-stop hip-shaking party.

Sun., May 13 Rick Derringer: Derringer recorded the number one hit “Hang on Sloopy” knocking the Beatles “Yesterday” out of the number-one spot on the charts. Derringer has been classified as one of the greatest guitarists and producers in the recording business with a track record that includes playing with Johnny & Edgar Winter,  Alice Cooper, Richie Havens, Steely Dan and Ringo Starr and producing Meatloaf, Cyndi Lauper and Barbra Streisand.

Sat., May 19 New Riders of the Purple Sage: An American country rock band that emerged from the psychedelic rock scene of San Francisco in the late nineteen sixties. Anyone who enjoyed the Grateful Dead's Workingman's Deador American Beauty and wanted more, then or now, this show is for you.

Sun., May 20 Fishbone: Formed in the late 70’s out of Los Angeles, Fishbone plays a mix of ska, punk rock, funk, hard rock and soul.  With a hyperactive stage persona, this band has toured with such bands as the Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Roots, Les Claypool/Primus, Fela Kuti, and the Dead Kennedys.

Sun., June 3 New Orleans Suspects: The latest New Orleans supergroup fronted by bass player Reggie Scanlan, who spent 30 years with swamp-rock pioneers The Radiators; "Mean" Willie Green, drummer for the Neville Brothers since the 1980s; Jake Eckert and Kevin Harris, guitarist and saxophonist, respectively, for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band; and acclaimed pianist CR Gruver. You’ll hear originals and New Orleans rock and funk classics!

For more information, visit the FTC's website.