The Grassy Strip Music Series at Madison Beach Hotel returns for the 2025 summer season with free, live outdoor shows beginning Thursday, June 26 and runs each Thursday for nine weeks – with the exception of Thursday, July 3.
“This summer’s line-up is incredible,” said General Manager John Mathers. “The weekly summer experience at Madison Beach Hotel has truly become a time-honored tradition on the shores of Long Island Sound.” This year’s series opens, once again, with the legendary Beehive Queen, Christine Ohlman.
Free and open to the public, The Grassy Strip Concerts run 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and begin with The Pledge of Allegiance. Summertime food and beverages will be available for sale.
2025 Summer Line-up:
- June 26: Christine Ohlman
- July 10: Dave Matthews Tribute Band
- July 17: Orleans
- July 24: Shaboo AllStars
- July 31: Quinn Sullivan Band
- August 7: Jeff Pitchell
- August 14: Lee Ann Lovelace Band
- August 21: Gold Dust Woman
- August 28: Jake Kulak and the Modern Vandals
*Show Line-Up Subject to change without notice.
About the Bands
Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez
Christine Ohlman is a singer, songwriter, and musician with a deep love for rock & roll. Her career spans decades, from early bands like The Scratch Band to her current work with Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez. She’s a long-time vocalist for Saturday Night Live’s band and has collaborated with legendary artists like Elvis Costello, Dion, and Bonnie Raitt. Known for her powerful vocals and signature beehive hairstyle, she’s not just a performer but also a passionate advocate for keeping the soul alive in rock & roll, evident in her songwriting and her dedication to music history through writing and musicology work.
Dave Matthews Tribute Band
DMTB is a celebration of the music of the Dave Matthews Band. DMTB is a time machine to a funky tea party in the 90’s, a boisterous time of tape trading, sing-alongs, and exploration into a new sonic landscape spearheaded by complex guitar riffs, soaring violin melodies, smooth sax lines, and explorative-explosive drumming. Dedicated to recreating that moment in musical history, the DMTB has been honing their craft for over 20 years. The DMTB aims to transport the listener back in time. The band takes inspiration from the classic DMB sound, with immense respect for the original quintet. While including material from the bands later and current catalogs, the goal is to create a well rounded and authentic tribute.
Orleans
Platinum hit-maker ORLEANS is now celebrating 50+ YEARS of live performances! Praised and respected by their peers for their songwriting skills, instrumental prowess and classic trademark harmonies, their iconic radio hits, including “Still The One”, “Dance With Me” and “Love Takes Time,” still resonate with audiences of all ages thanks to continued airplay on Classic Rock radio, television, film and streaming services. Orleans has produced a body of work spanning 17 albums and several DVDs … and they continue to be in demand for live shows, as they have been now for 5 decades. Since its humble beginnings in Woodstock NY and throughout countless worldwide tours, the band has set some very high standards. Here in 2023 and beyond, Orleans continues to meet and exceed those standards at every show, to the delight of audiences everywhere.
Shaboo AllStars
Shaboo Allstars were formed by R&B vocalist David “Lefty” Foster and Matt “Guitar” Murphy in 1979. They have played all 50 states and toured extensively in Europe. The band’s line-up changes regularly and always features top musicians from the world’s best R&B bands. This summer’s Grassy Strip show will showcase the talents of David “Lefty” Foster, Wolf Ginandes (All Star original), Cliff Goodwin (Joe Cocker Band), Mitch Chakour (Joe Cocker Band), Marty Richards (J. Geils Band), Curt Ramm (E. Street Band), Baron Raymond (Rod Stewart Band).
Quinn Sullivan Band
A rare artist who’s always sounded older than his years, Sullivan has been touring the world since he was 11-years-old, playing storied venues such as Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., as well as India’s Mahindra Blues Festival, Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, and three Montreux Jazz Festivals. Quinn has shared the stage with his hero and mentor Buddy Guy, as well as Carlos Santana on several occasions. Quinn’s performance experience includes appearances on leading national television programs such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and The Oprah Winfrey Show, to name a few. “I want to stay true to where I come from, and go from there,” says Sullivan. “The artists that inspire me to do that are always hungry for the new. They never repeat themselves. They just grow and become more unique — and that’s what I aim to do as an artist.”
Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood
Blues Hall of Fame award winning guitarist Jeff Pitchell’s style blends B.B. King and Duane Allman, which was endorsed by Gregg Allman. His diverse songwriting catalog recalls the variety of Eric Clapton’s classics and his vocal delivery, which ranges from smooth tenderness to Billy Gibbons ZZ Top-like power, received high praise from J. Geils. His songwriting award winning “An Eye for an Eye” was recorded by British blues legend John Mayall. Over the years Jeff Pitchell has shared the stage with J. Geils, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Jaimoe, B.B. King, and so many more.
Lee Ann Lovelace Band
Lee-Ann Lovelace is a singer/songwriter from Waterbury, CT who has performed on hundreds of stages throughout Nee England and beyond since 2004. She’ll charm you with hints of Jazz, dig into Folk and Americana stylings, and then leave you floored with powerful Soul, Rock, Pop and Blues vocals all in one performance. Lee-Ann has collaborated with the late, legendary producer Paul Leka and has opened for Orleans, Bruce Hornsby (with Back to The Garden 1969), Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer Ronnie Spector, and most notably Christine Ohlman “The Beehive Queen,” – singing back-ups at the Rhythm and Roots Fest. Some notable performances have been at The Towne Crier in Beacon, NY, Daryl’s House in Pawling, NY, The Knickerbocker in RI, The Bijou Theater in Bridgeport, CT, Levitt Pavilion in Westport, CT, the Bushnell Park Stage in Hartford, CT.
Gold Dust Woman
Gold dust woman is the ultimate Stevie Nicks show, celebrating the legendary and beloved career of Stevie Nicks. Gold dust woman takes audiences into the 4 plus decades of the timeless solo career of rock & roll’s mystic poet and two-time rock & roll hall of fame inductee, along with the classic songs of Fleetwood mac. Supported by an amazing group of seasoned musicians. When Janet Soluri steps onto the stage, she transforms the true, magical essence of the gypsy queen that is Stevie. Her likeness both visually and vocally, are captivating and has been hailed as the “closest possible thing to Stevie herself”. Gold dust woman provides an electrifying and dynamic show like no other, which has audiences, dancing, singing and cheering for more.
Jake Kulak and the Modern Vandals
Award-winning musician Jake Kulak has been performing professionally in front of audiences since the age of 12. Thrilling audiences from Norway to Boston, from Sydney Australia to NYC, and down to the Mississippi Delta, Jake plays guitar-driven blues/rock music which highlights his improvisational ability. His set list includes original blues and contemporary rock music as well as unique covers of blues and funk artists. Jake spent five summers playing the Blues in the home of the Blues – Clarksdale, Mississippi. He has also been CT’s entry in the International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase in Memphis, TN for four years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I or my company become a sponsor of a concert? For sponsorship opportunities, please complete this form. Deadline June 1, 2025.
Where can I park? Parking is extremely limited on the West Wharf. Hotel Valet Parking is available for hotel overnight guests and guests who have dinner reservations in The Wharf. Otherwise, continuous shuttle service will be available from the Scranton Gazebo (Stop & Shop Parking Lot) and the Surf Club Parking Lot (13 Surf Club Road) beginning at 6 p.m.
What time does the show start? The show begins with the Pledge of Allegiance and announcements at 7 p.m.; music begins at 7:30 p.m.
Should I bring my own chairs? Yes, the lawn will be open for guests to sit and enjoy the music and the sunset on the shoreline. Please bring your own chairs and blankets.
Will food & beverage be available for sale? Yes, food and beverage concessions will be available for sale on our lawn.
May I bring my own food and beverage? Outside food and beverage is not permitted. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks will be available for sale, and consumption is permitted in designated areas.
How can I make a reservation for The Wharf Restaurant? For restaurant reservations, click here.
Madison Beach Hotel is located at 94 West Wharf Road, Madison, Connecticut.
Visit Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. For more information on Curio Collection by Hilton, please visit newsroom.hilton.com/curio.