Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 8:00 PM EDT

Gamblers

With millions of Spotify streams and a knack for blending organic and electronic sounds, Gamblers has become a standout force in modern indie music. Their hit single “Another Dose,” featuring Mick Jenkins, propelled their 2022 remix EP "When We Exit" into the spotlight, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. The group has seen airplay on both Sirius XM’s “Underground Garage” and local radio and has also been featured in PopMatters, Under the Radar, Paste Music, and other publications.

Led by founder and bandleader Michael McManus, Gamblers has transformed life’s challenges into electrifying music. Their latest album, Pulverizer, showcases their signature fusion of indie-pop, funk, and disco influences. The infectious grooves and sharp hooks tackle weighty themes with a vibrant energy that’s both contemplative and celebratory. The band’s dynamic live performances are anchored by drummer Johnny Hoblin’s precision and guitarist Jimmy Usher’s pop instincts, creating an experience that’s as polished as it is heartfelt.

With influences ranging from the Beach Boys to Mobb Deep and a sound described as “deep, patient, and hook-laden,” Gamblers is redefining what it means to be an indie band.

Jake Huffman

At the age of 14 Jake Huffman and his band McLovins posted on YouTube a cover of Phish’s You Enjoy Myself from his parents basement in Connecticut. Overnight the video went viral and sparked a rabid following of fans around the world. From bars to clubs to theaters to major music festivals, at an early age Jake became a fixture on the rock music scene. His band shared the stage with Blink-182, Foster the People, BB King, and The Flaming Lips. In 2010, Rolling Stone described McLovins as “having the ability to harness the musical ferocity of Trey Anastasio, Les Claypool and Stewart Copeland before being able to legally drive a car”.

In 2015, Jake caught the attention of Emmy, Grammy and Tony award winning producer and composer Bill Sherman (Hamilton, In The Heights, Sesame Street) who happened to be visiting family in Hartford. Sherman connected the band with Glee producer Michael Novick and together they produced the bands self titled “Red” Album. The critical praise for that record included legendary XPN Radio Programming Director and DJ Bruce Warren who wrote at the time, “When McLovins combine their passion for Jazz with their knack for crafty yacht rock arrangements a la Steely Dan, they really start to shine- and cook.” Lin Manuel-Miranda simultaneously listed the first track “Talk About It” as one of his favorites in an interview with US Weekly. From there the band toured nationally for several years opening for the likes of the Gin Blossoms and Flobots, and playing major festivals like Bunbury in Cincinnati with Jack White, Chainsmokers and Post Malone as well as Summer Camp in Illinois with Tom Petty, the Roots and Lil’ Dickey. Throughout their extensive touring schedule McLovins made regular appearances at iHeart and CBS radio stations around the country.

Meanwhile on television, Jake left an imprint as a composer and lyricist for Sesame Street writing dozens of songs for artists like Ed Sheeran and Leon Bridges. He also did a stint leading the house band on ESPN’s Sports-Nation for a season.

In 2019 Jake felt the urge to evolve his sound further and enlisted the help of producing wizard Andy Seltzer (Maggie Rogers, Chelsea Cutler.) The result of three days in Los Angeles with Andy marked the debut release of Jake’s solo project which premiered on NPR’s World Cafe in October of 2019.

Jakes plans to tour his new music were cut short by the 2020 global pandemic. As a result he spent the time working in his own studio writing new music, honing his new sound and developing his craft as a producer. He released a few singles, started a series on Youtube called Jake Huffman’s Sunday Mixdown, and became a certified music producer from Berklee College of Music.

Jake has lived a lifetime as an artist well before the age of 30. His upcoming EP “Younger” was written, recorded and produced at the world renowned PowerStation New England Studio and forms a cohesive ode to his upcoming EP. With compelling discourses, the track explores a commentary about dying on a hill, as he explains, “The lyrics aren’t about what I personally believe. Everywhere I look people are spouting their beliefs while contradicting themselves in the same breath. The world has become so polarizing and I wanted this song to encapsulate that energy. ” With the perfect punch of redemption, his musicality comes to life. Huffman's anthemic vocal energy rises atop crashing choruses, soaring melodies and the alt-rock infused rhythms he's been known to possess. With broadening soundscapes and truly impeccable capability, it’s Huffman’s hope that listeners will take what they need from the song, as he explores a journey into creativity. Accompanied by a sound that pulls deep from his rock roots and reaches far into what can only be described as the sound of the 20’s, his latest single consolidates his status as an exceptional talent. It is a culmination of his unique story and hard work paired with exceptional songwriting and fantastic production.

Blake Hatch

Blake Hatch is a household name in New Haven Conneticut’s music scene. He has toured with regional acts that played legendary theaters, clubs and halls across New England. He made a name for himself as a session musician in New York City where he co-wrote and recorded guitar tracks for Ian French (A$AP Rocky, Casper, Joey Bada$$). A master of melody and lyrics, Blake has spent years inventing the concept of his solo project. With help from producer Jake Huffman (Mclovins, Sesame Street) the two created a sound that is powerful and heartfelt. His debut single Tidal Waves proves Blake will write the next chapter of indie rock history.

21+

$12 ADVANCED / $15 AT THE DOOR

DOORS AT 7 PM