Entertainment All Weekend Long
19
June
MAIN STAGE
5 – 5:45 pm: Branford High School Concert Choir, directed by Mike Martone, Jr.
6 – 6:30 pm: Songwriters Showcase featuring Ethan Griffeth
6:30 – 8 pm: The Stevie Experience Tribute
8:30 pm: A special reading by Rev. Bill Keane to honor America’s Juneteenth Holiday, followed by National Anthem performed by Veronica Ciccone
9 – 10:30 pm: Rumrunners
20
June
DAYTIME ENTERTAINMENT
9 am: Branford Early Learning Center
10 am: Dance Unlimited
11 am: Wagner Iovanna Vocal Studio
12 pm: Studio Once
1 pm: Shoreline Theatre Company: Into The Woods
MAIN STAGE
5 – 5:15 pm: John Moss Scholarship Award
5:15 – 5:30 pm: Father of the Year
5:30 – 6 pm: Songwriters Showcase featuring Sal Annunziato
6: 30 – 6:45 pm: Sponsor Announcements and Festival Committee Introductions
7 – 8 pm: Fire n Knives
8:30 pm: Branford Festival celebrates America’s 250th with Stony Creek Fife & Drum and a special reading by Rev. Bill Keane, followed by National Anthem performed by Lucy Canada
9 – 10:30 pm: DANCING DREAM A Tribute to ABBA
More about the Music
Branford High School Concert Choir
Branford High School Concert Choir is a mixed choir of sophomores, juniors and seniors. They have been performing for over 40 years, improving the quality of their music with each passing year. The ensemble is predominantly student-led. Section leaders teach the music and choir officers assist in planning events.
Their goal is to encourage students to be self-sufficient learners, while emphasizing the importance of viewing things from a different perspective. This core belief is reflected in their diverse music selections and teaching philosophy, which is valued and employed by their director, Mike Martone Jr. They explore how music plays various roles in different cultures, while diving into the origins of each song. They hope to share their love of music by telling a story through song and inspiring communities with each performance.
Songwriters Showcase: Ethan Griffeth
Ethan Griffeth is a folk/country singer-songwriter from Branford, Connecticut whose music blends heartfelt storytelling with warm acoustic melodies inspired by life along the Connecticut shoreline. A regular performer at venues and events across the Shoreline, Ethan has built a local following through intimate live shows and relatable lyrics, mixing original music with familiar favorites to create a laid-back atmosphere perfect for summer evenings by the water.
At the Branford Festival, he will bring his hometown roots to the stage, sharing songs shaped by the same community gathered in front of him.
The Stevie Experience Tribute
The Stevie Experience Tribute show tells this tale of Stevie Nicks’s legendary voice, her timeless music, her spellbinding energy, and are unforgettable collaborations with Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, The Eagles, and more.
Whether your diehard fan or just down for some serious rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia, this show has it.
All the magical songs played the way you remember them, featuring vocal artist and impressionist Heatherlea Gelineau channeling Stevie with jaw-dropping power and haunting grace.
It’s more than just a concert. It’s a celebration of the musical legacy of over 50 years of one of musics most iconic and legendary women.
Songwriters Showcase: Sal Annunziato
Connecticut Rock Veteran and Singer Songwriter, Sal Nunz, performs Acoustic Versions of his latest originals recorded at Horizon Studios. This unplugged set will feature Nunz at his most dynamic, delivering the kind of electrifying performance that has made him a beloved fixture in the regional music landscape.
Nunz brings an impressive pedigree to each performance, having been a driving force in Connecticut’s music scene since the 1980s. His musical journey includes notable collaborations, most memorably his work with Bobby Mitchell in the acclaimed duo Hot Tin Roof during the ’80s. His versatility and passion for rock music have also seen him contribute to several prominent local acts, including the Red Hill Rockers, Start Me Up, and Black Kites, each showcasing different facets of his musical personality.
Rumrunners
The RumRunners have become one of Connecticut’s most popular cover bands where the party never ends. You will dance the night away and maybe even come up to sing a song with the band! This is a high-energy band with 4-part harmonies covering the best classic and new music out there. Rumrunners have an original side with some awesome songs added to their performances featuring sax and keys.
The band was formed by 4 firefighters from New Haven and Milford and the son-in-law and daughter of a retired New Haven firefighter. From the beginning it was decided that the Rumrunners would do what they loved to do and for a good cause – whatever that cause may be. Over the years, they’ve helped raise money for dozens of charities including The American Lung Association, The Connecticut Burn Camp, The Sunshine Kids Camp, Cystic Fibrosis, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Make-A-Wish Foundation – to name just a few. They’ve helped to save the Milford Diner and the New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade as well as raise money for local school organizations, music programs, cheerleading teams, local youth sports organizations, and sponsored a nursing scholarship in the name of a dear friend.
They are most honored to have always been there to support friends and their community by helping to raise money for countless individuals and their families during their time of need. Although the line-up of players has seen a few changes over the years, they have stayed true to their love of good music and their goal to always lend a hand to a worthy cause.
Fire n Knives
Fire & Knives is a 4-piece rock and roll band hailing from the CT/NY areas. This dynamic group has been making waves along the Shoreline for several years, captivating audiences with their unique blend of rock ’n’ roll classics spanning multiple decades and genres.
Fire & Knives boasts dual lead vocals and guitars, perfectly complemented by a solid rhythm section of drums and bass. This classic rock ’n’ roll formula has earned them numerous local appearances, private events, and even occasional town festivals.
The band’s members come from well-known CT original setups, including The Boardlords and The Jaws, bringing a wealth of experience and talent to the stage. With their powerful performances and undeniable chemistry, Fire & Knives is sure to make a lasting impression at any event.
DANCING DREAMS: A Tribute to ABBA
The greatest pop supergroup from Sweden that ruled the music world in the 70′ and it still holds the title of one of the best pop groups in the world ever. Dancing Dream pays the tribute to the legendary Swedish group honoring their legacy.
Every show electrifies audiences of all ages with the best hits “Mamma Mia”, “Dancing Queen”, “Take a Chance”, “Fernando”, and many more. The New York City-based touring tribute act was founded by two European singers in 2009 in hopes of transporting nostalgic audiences back to the happy and groovy times of the 70’s. Because of the rise in popularity of both the movie and Broadway play Mamma Mia, DANCING DREAM was able to do just that!
Since then, they have been invited to many summer concerts across the country, attracting audiences of all age groups. The same year they had formed, they were featured on The Colbert Report with comedian Stephen Colbert, which had placed them on the map for top tribute acts in the country! This opportunity had also helped them land gigs in large venues all across the nation.
The band has toured Florida with performances in theaters, colleges and popular clubs as well as outdoor concerts and Scandinavian festivals in California, North Dakota, New York, and New Jersey. They also perform often in New York casinos (Empire Casino and Resorts World Casino) and famous clubs (BB King’s) in Times Square.
So, what can you expect at a DANCING DREAM tribute to ABBA show? Expect their team of seasoned musicians and talented lead singers (“Agnetha” and “Frida”) to take you on a nostalgic trip back to the glitz and glamour of the 70’s with their beautiful harmonies, elaborate costumes, and exciting choreography. This ABBA tribute band’s fan base is ever-growing all over the country! Don’t miss this opportunity to slip on your platforms and sing along to your favorite ABBA songs performed by DANCING DREAM. Every show is one to be remembered!
National Anthem Performers
Friday, June 19
Saturday, June 20
Veronica Ciccone
Lucy Canada
Lucy Canada is a proud graduate of Branford High School, Class of 2011. She will be returning to the Branford Festival stage to perform the National Anthem. With a deep connection to her hometown and a passion for music, Lucy is honored to share this special moment with her community.