Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT

Parks Department

Founded and helmed by one-time NYC Parks Ranger Woody Thomas, Parks Department is an alt-folk exploration, and celebration, of the fight for a creative life.

The band’s self-titled debut dropped in Summer 2026. With songs about love and work, friendship and shared dreams, Parks Department write about the never-ending coming-of-age we all endure. At the same time, it’s a rally cry for art and community. For the joy of making music and hanging out with your friends… having what Thomas calls “something to wake up for.” It’s watching a door slowly closing but choosing to yank open a window—a toast to keeping the dream alive, in whatever form, through the time, transitions and transformations that eventually come for us all.

Frank Critelli

Poet, philosopher, raconteur, busker, disc jockey, teacher, gardener — all these and more describe Frank Critelli, a tireless advocate and beacon for local music whose voice soars higher and stronger than Castle Craig in his Meriden, Connecticut, hometown.

Frank CritelliFor more than 30 years, Frank has played in streets and subways, clubs and coffeehouses, barrooms and classrooms, colleges, festivals, theaters, and in his kitchen. Those who have seen him live know that’s when he’s in his element.

Frank writes songs and often performs live. Many times solo, and sometimes accompanied by one or more musical co-conspirators.

Currently he is one-third of original music trio The Bargain. But whether you see him solo or with a band, you’ll come away entertained, energized, and possibly enlightened.

With Rick Allison, Frank co-hosts The Local Bands Show on WPLR 99.1 FM in New Haven and streaming on CygnusRadio.com. In addition, he contributes to the scene with performances and interviews, and by organizing events such as the Olde Church Acoustic Series.

Driving Route 9

DR9, from East Haddam CT, writes upbeat pop/folk music with tight male/female vocal harmony as the cornerstone. Their debut album, Matter of Time, released in 2021 showcases a Celtic twist, featuring professional Irish musicians as well as a Nashville-based sax and whistle player. Currently they frequent venues in the Connecticut River Valley area: local festivals, fairs, private events, and pubs since 2017 DR9 brings a catchy and folky feel to any show, fronting couple, Rebecca and Barry O'Doherty. They not only have their musicianship down to a science, but have cultivated quite an attractive performance.

21+

DOORS AT 7 PM