June 11, 2026
Award-Winning Waterfront Destination Welcomes Back Fan Favorites, Live Music, Community Giving, and Summer Celebrations Along Long Island Sound
MADISON, CT (June 11, 2026) — Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is pleased to announce the return of its beloved Grassy Strip Music Series for the summer of 2026. The cherished shoreline tradition will feature nine free outdoor concerts, beginning June 25 and continuing through August, bringing nationally recognized performers, returning audience favorites, and unforgettable waterfront experiences to the Connecticut shoreline.
In addition to the concert series, Madison Beach Hotel will host a variety of summer activations, including the Americana Cookout and the Town of Madison Fireworks on July 2, and the Mid-Summer Beach Bash featuring the Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band on July 12.
“This summer’s lineup is incredible,” said John Mathers, General Manager of Madison Beach Hotel. “The weekly summer experience at Madison Beach Hotel has become a time-honored tradition on the shores of Long Island Sound. From returning fan favorites and exciting new performers to community gatherings and waterfront celebrations, we look forward to creating another memorable summer for our guests and neighbors.”
Madison Beach Hotel and The Wharf Restaurant continue to be recognized as among the nation’s premier waterfront destinations, earning honors in the 2025 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards as the #4 Best Waterfront Hotel and #3 Best Hotel Restaurant in the United States.
Grassy Strip concerts are free and open to the public, running from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Each concert begins with the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy dinner at The Wharf Restaurant or to relax with the hotel’s Beach Bar and Grill menu. The Beach Bar opens at 6:00 p.m. before each concert.
After each performance, guests are invited to continue the evening on the beach with fire pits, s’mores, beach cocktails, and stunning shoreline views until 10:00 p.m.
2026 Grassy Strip Music Series Lineup
Thursday, June 25
Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez
Thursday, July 9
The Linda Ronstadt Experience
Thursday, July 16
Jeff Pitchell
Thursday, July 23
The Name Droppers
Thursday, July 30
Quinn Sullivan
Thursday, August 6
John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band
Thursday, August 13
A Band of Brothers
Thursday, August 20
Voices of Rock
Friday, August 28
Special Announcement Coming Soon
Several performers return to the Grassy Strip stage following memorable appearances in previous seasons, including Christine Ohlman, The Linda Ronstadt Experience, Jeff Pitchell, Quinn Sullivan, and John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band.
Featured Summer Activations
Thursday, July 2
Americana Cookout & Town of Madison Fireworks
Celebrate the 250th Independence Day week with classic summer fare, waterfront festivities, and the Town of Madison’s annual fireworks show.
Sunday, July 12
Mid-Summer Beach Bash Featuring Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band
Guests are invited to enjoy an afternoon of beachside fun featuring live steel drum music, tropical-inspired food and drinks, and the relaxed summer atmosphere on Long Island Sound.
About the Performers
Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez
National Blues Hall of Fame inductee and longtime Saturday Night Live Band vocalist Christine Ohlman, known as “The Beehive Queen,” delivers a dynamic blend of blue-eyed soul, rock, and Southern blues.
The Linda Ronstadt Experience
Fronted by American Idol finalist Tristan McIntosh, this acclaimed tribute act celebrates the music and legacy of Linda Ronstadt through beloved classics and soaring vocals.
Jeff Pitchell
A Billboard-charting guitarist and Hall of Fame musician, Jeff Pitchell brings a powerful mix of blues, soul, rock, and R&B to the shoreline stage.
The Name Droppers
This award-winning blues and rock band features accomplished musicians with roots in the Johnny Winter and Charlie Karp bands, delivering a high-energy, chart-topping performance.
Quinn Sullivan
A former child prodigy mentored by Buddy Guy, Quinn Sullivan has evolved into one of the most compelling guitarists and songwriters performing today.
John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band
Known worldwide for the triple-platinum Eddie & The Cruisers soundtrack and enduring hits like “On the Dark Side,” the band continues to captivate audiences with its signature rock-and-roll sound.
A Band of Brothers
This all-star ensemble celebrates the music of The Allman Brothers Band with authentic Southern rock performances from some of the East Coast’s most accomplished musicians.
Voices of Rock
Featuring legendary vocalists performing hits from Styx, Boston, Kansas, Starship, Toto, and more, Voices of Rock delivers a powerhouse evening of classic rock favorites.
Supporting the Madison Community
A longstanding tradition of the Grassy Strip Music Series is its commitment to giving back. Donation buckets will once again be passed during each concert, with all contributions matched dollar-for-dollar by Madison Beach Hotel ownership. Funds raised throughout the season will benefit a local Madison nonprofit organization.
Transportation & Parking
Limited parking is available on-site. Complimentary shuttle transportation will be provided from two designated parking locations within Madison. Shuttles will operate continuously from 6:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. on concert evenings.
Beach Preservation Walks
Guests are invited to continue their connection to the shoreline by participating in Madison Beach Hotel’s Beach Preservation Walks. Held on Fridays following concert evenings, the walks begin with coffee at 8:30 a.m., followed by a community beach stroll dedicated to preserving and beautifying the shoreline.
Businesses interested in supporting the 2026 Grassy Strip Music Series are encouraged to explore sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship applications for the season are due by June 8, 2026.
Whether guests are longtime attendees or discovering the series for the first time, the Grassy Strip Music Series offers a quintessential New England summer experience. With breathtaking waterfront views, exceptional live entertainment, community engagement initiatives, and memorable dining, the series continues to bring together visitors and locals alike for unforgettable evenings along the Connecticut shoreline.
Lineup and event schedule are subject to change without notice.
For more information on Madison Beach Hotel and events, click here.
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