MELISSA ETHERIDGE – THE RISE TOUR

Melissa Etheridge stormed onto the American rock scene in 1988 with the release of her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, which led to an appearance on the 1989 Grammy Awards show. For several years, her popularity grew around such memorable originals as “Bring Me Some Water,” “No Souvenirs” and “Ain’t It Heavy,” for which she won a Grammy in 1992. Etheridge hit her commercial and artistic stride with her fourth album, Yes I Am (1993). The collection featured the massive hits, “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window,” a searing song of longing that brought Etheridge her second Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Performance. In 1995, Etheridge issued her highest charting album, Your Little Secret, which was distinguished by the hit single, “I Want to Come Over.” Her astounding success that year led to Etheridge receiving the Songwriter of the Year honor at the ASCAP Pop Awards in 1996.

Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America’s favorite female singers for more than two decades. In February 2007, Melissa Etheridge celebrated a career milestone with a victory in the “Best Song” category at the Academy Awards for “I Need to Wake Up,” written for the Al Gore documentary on global warming, An Inconvenient Truth. As a performer and songwriter, Etheridge has shown herself to be an artist who has never allowed “inconvenient truths” to keep her down. Earlier in her recording career, Etheridge acknowledged her sexual orientation when it was considered less than prudent to do so. In October 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer, a health battle that, with her typical tenacity, she won. Despite losing her hair from chemotherapy, Etheridge appeared on the 2005 Grammy telecast to sing “Piece of My Heart” in tribute to Janis Joplin. By doing so she gave hope to many women afflicted with the disease.

On October 7, 2016 Melissa Etheridge released Memphis Rock & Soul, her first album since 2014’s critically lauded This Is M.E. Recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, the album received stellar reviews from the likes of Entertainment Weekly, Parade, Rolling Stone, American Songwriter and more. She followed that up with the release of The Medicine Show in April, 2019. For The Medicine Show, Melissa reunited with celebrated producer John Shanks and sounds as rousing as ever, bringing a new level of artistry to her 15th studio recording.

In June of 2020, Etheridge launched The Etheridge Foundation to support groundbreaking scientific research into effective new treatments for opioid use disorder. The Foundation works towards advancing treatment approaches that address the root causes of opioid abuse and make available better, more effective solutions for people to truly heal their opioid use disorder.

In 2021, Melissa returned with the album One Way Out. The 9-track album is a collection of songs Etheridge wrote in the late ’80s and early ’90s that never made the cut… .until now! The time was finally right, and fans finally got a deeper glimpse of who Melissa was then.

October 2022 saw Melissa’s return to the theatre with her one woman show, My Window — A Journey Through Life. The critically acclaimed, sold-out run premiered at New World Stages on October 13 and opened at Circle In the Square Theatre on Broadway in September 2023.

2024 saw Melissa release Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken, a two-part docuseries (Paramount+) and accompanying live album. Recorded live within the grounds of the Topeka Correctional facility the album and two-part docuseries follows her journey both penning and performing an original song inspired by her correspondence with residents of the TCF and features raw and rousing versions of specially curated fan favorites and original songs.

JON ANDERSON AND THE BAND GEEKS

Jon Anderson is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable voices in progressive rock as the lead vocalist and creative force of Yes. Anderson was the author and a major influence behind the epics produced by Yes including Close to the Edge, Awaken, and The Gates of Delirium, which were central to the band’s success. Additionally, Anderson co-authored the group’s biggest hits, including “I’ve Seen All Good People”, “Roundabout”, and “Owner Of A Lonely Heart”.

This tour features Jon’s vocals accompanied by The Band Geeks, a group that began as a music podcast, and developed into a much larger YouTube phenomenon that features a revolving group of friends and special guests performing as a band.

At this show, Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks will perform epics and classics from the legendary Yes repertoire.

Before the show, enjoy a tasting with Vengeance Vodka in our lobby!

RSO in Concert - HOME

HOME Saturday, April 18, 2026 @ 7:30 PM

Anne S. Richardson Auditorium @ Ridgefield High School

Symphony No. 9

(Ode to Joy)

Ludwig van Beethoven

MUSIC ON THE HILL, Chorus

Music on the Hill is a community of amateur and professional musicians committed to artistic excellence.

Under the dynamic leadership of artistic directors Ellen E. Dickinson and David H. Connell, our performing ensembles gather together make beautiful, joyous music, with repertoire spanning from modern to classical and baroque.

Music on the Hill provides focused opportunities for choral musicians and vocalists, handbell ringers and instrumentalists to participate in performances, workshops, festivals, and social events with fellow music-lovers.

Music on the Hill is founded on the idea of a fresh approach to music in the community, an efficient but relaxed rehearsal process, and musical offerings that enrich, inspire and uplift both performers and audience.

Music on the Hill offers short-term, focused opportunities, an artistic approach that combines relaxed rehearsals with high musical standards, and a welcoming musical community. Our ensembles meet on a short-term basis, allowing musicians to commit to a four to six week rehearsal and concert cycle. This keeps the music fresh, and it is an inclusive model, allowing those with busy schedules, those who participate in other ensembles, and those who are interested in a particular musical program, to participate.

Our five ensembles perform several concerts each year. Music on the Hill is committed to diversity in its music programming, music education programs, and library collections. Music on the Hill strives to be inclusive and welcoming to all people of diverse backgrounds, as well as to perform a broad repertoire of old and new music, including by women and people of color, striving to learn and present fulfilling and engaging programming to both musicians and listeners.

www.musiconthehillct.org/

JON ANDERSON AND THE BAND GEEKS

Jon Anderson is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable voices in progressive rock as the lead vocalist and creative force of Yes. Anderson was the author and a major influence behind the epics produced by Yes including Close to the Edge, Awaken, and The Gates of Delirium, which were central to the band’s success. Additionally, Anderson co-authored the group’s biggest hits, including “I’ve Seen All Good People”, “Roundabout”, and “Owner Of A Lonely Heart”.

This tour features Jon’s vocals accompanied by The Band Geeks, a group that began as a music podcast, and developed into a much larger YouTube phenomenon that features a revolving group of friends and special guests performing as a band.

At this show, Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks will perform epics and classics from the legendary Yes repertoire.

BÉLA FLECK, EDMAR CASTAÑEDA, ANTONIO SÁNCHEZ TRIO

18-time Grammy winner Béla Fleck—the world’s premier banjo virtuoso and a celebrated musical adventurer—has both explored his instrument’s complex global history and unlocked the breadth of its possibilities. For over 30 years, he has led Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, the groundbreaking quartet inspired by jazz, funk, bluegrass and beyond. He has written and performed three banjo concertos and traced the African origins of the banjo with the award-winning 2009 documentary Throw Down Your Heart. Collaborators include Abigail Washburn, the Brooklyn Rider String Quartet, Chris Thile, The Blind Boys of Alabama, McCoy Tyner, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia. Fleck returns with his latest project, featuring acclaimed harpist Edmar Castañeda and drummer Antonio Sanchez for an innovative and dynamic fusion of sounds.

Before the show, enjoy a tasting with Two Roads Brewing Company in our lobby!

Spring Breakfast 2026

We hope to see you at our annual Spring Breakfast on Friday, April 24th, 7:30-9:00am at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, CT. The morning will be complete with exciting auction items, great raffle prizes, a delicious breakfast, and an inspiring impact speaker.

Each year, the Spring Breakfast brings together hundreds of local business and town leaders, medical professionals, community groups, and RVNAhealth supporters to welcome spring and raise funds critical to patient care and program support. Funds raised allow RVNAhealth to care for patients and clients regardless of age, diagnosis, or financial circumstances and have a lasting impact on the lives of those served as well as their families. It is an inspiring morning and a great way to start the day!

Click here to purchase sponsorships or tables online or contact Katie Braja at 203.438.5555, x1052 or kbraja@RVNAhealth.org

MANDY PATINKIN – BEING ALIVE

Before he was an Emmy-winning TV star, Mandy Patinkin was already a Tony-winning Broadway legend. Mandy Patinkin in Concert: BEING ALIVE, presents the acclaimed actor / singer / storyteller in his most electrifying role: concert performer. “Mandy Patinkin is in the business of showstopping,” raves The New Yorker, and that’s exactly what he does in this powerful, passionate evening of song. BEING ALIVE is a collection of many of Mandy’s favorite Broadway and classic American tunes. From Irving Berlin to Stephen Sondheim, from Cole Porter to Harry Chapin, Mandy Patinkin takes you on a dazzling musical journey you’ll never forget.

MADELEINE PEYROUX – WE ARE AMERICA

Opening Act: The Carlisle Family Band

In 2026, Madeleine Peyroux marks the tenth anniversary of her Secular Hymns album and the thirtieth year since her debut album Dreamland – the milestone that shifted teen busker Peyroux from the streets of Paris to the world’s concert halls. In venues across Canada and the U.S, We Are America tour will reunite the intimate trio of Secular Hymns: upright bassist Barak Mori, guitarist Jon Herington, and Madeleine Peyroux will deliver original tunes and covers by Judy Collins, Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, Nick Lowe and Allen Toussaint – writer of the iconic We Are America/Yes We Can.

About Madeleine Peyroux:

Peyroux began playing music as a busker at age 15 in the streets of Paris. “With no fanfare, no fourth wall, no makeup, costumes, setting, fame or fortune – when you play people stop, they come and stand together. I would never have known the power of music had I not been a street musician.” The street is also where she was discovered, by Atlantic Records, leading to her 1996 debut album release Dreamland which gave her a cult following. Her second album, Careless Love (2004,) produced by Larry Klein, jettisoned her to jazz stardom and cemented her ‘timeless’ status. Peyroux has released nine albums, certified gold and platinum in several countries round the world, and collaborated with some of the finest musicians in the studio and on stage. She bravely explores new ground and transcends genres while keeping a solid jazz base, all while increasingly writing her own material. Her latest album Lets Walk (2024), comprises all new material co-penned with Jon Herington.

Have a Heart for Kids in Crisis

Join a fun and lively annual community celebration that directly supports Ridgefield students!

Have A Heart event Co-Chairs Kimberly Bishop, Therese Marbury, and Christine Wohl invite you to a cocktail party and dinner to support the Ridgefield schools TeenTalk program.

Every dollar raised at Have A Heart for Kids In Crisis benefits Ridgefield school's TeenTalk program, providing 24/7 access to compassionate support for middle and high school students. Through confidential, on-campus counseling at East Ridge and Scotts Ridge Middle Schools and Ridgefield High School, TeenTalk offers a safe place for students to be heard, build resilience, and strengthen their well-being whenever they need it most.

1,988 students received help from TeenTalk counseling and groups in 2025.

2026 Have A Heart Committee

Co-Chairs Kimberly Bishop, Therese Marbury, Christine Wohl

Denise Bertalovitz - Ann Carlson - Lynn Everdell - Kim Harper - Brittny Howell - Emily Malagisi - Erica Meier - Amy Nash Colamaria -  Denise Qualey - Christine Santori - David Saunders - Dan Sheehan - Kelly Spencer

Monthly Comedy Improv Jams No Registration Required

Calling all Improvisers! If you have been searching for a chance to play and practice improv, then our Improv Jams are for you!  Jams are drop-in, 7:00pm, on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Come and play – the focus is on fun, growth, and connection. Bring a friend and meet new ones! All jams are in our new Black Box Theater. Doors open at 6:30pm. Suggested donation $5.

Led by Upright Citizen’s Brigade-trained improviser and performer Matt Austin, these nights are designed to keep your improv skills up, flex your comedy muscles and have fun with your local improv community. Matt will take us through a series of exercises, theater games and various improv forms. Open to all levels of experience.

UPCOMING DATES

July 9, 2025

August 13, 2025

September 10, 2025

October 8, 2025

November 12, 2025

December 10, 2025

January 14, 2026

February 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

April 8, 2026

May 13, 2026

*Due to the spontaneous nature of improvisation, performances sometimes contain adult language and themes that may not be suitable for children. Parental discretion is advised.

Speaker Talk: Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni

More About Speaker Talk: Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni

“Broteer” Venture Smith

May 17, 2026 · 3 p.m.

Garden House

Venture Smith was a Connecticut captive born in West Africa in 1729. When he arrived in America as a child, he was forced to work on farms in Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut. Broteer’s story is especially compelling: he was able to purchase his freedom along with that of his family; he became a successful businessman; and he narrated his own story, telling of his childrehood in Africa, the horrific Middle Passage, his captivity, and freedom. The Broteer Venture Smith Project combines history, genealogy, genetics, and archaeology with hopes of discovering more about his life. In this presentation, Connecticut State Archeologist Emeritus Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni tells of Broteer, his life and times, and the DNA project initiated by his descendants.

Tickets to go on sale in 2026.

Bellantoni serves as the emeritus state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History at the University of Connecticut. He received his doctorate in anthropology from UConn in 1987 and was shortly thereafter appointed state archaeologist. His duties primarily included the preservation of archaeological sites in the state. He serves as an adjunct associate research professor in the department of anthropology at UConn and resided as former president of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut and the National Association of State Archaeologists.

Bellantoni’s research background includes the forensic archaeology and faunal analysis from eastern North America. He is the author a number of books written for the general public: The Long Journeys Home: The Repatriation of Henry Opukaha’ia and Albert Afraid of Hawk; “And So The Tomb Remained”: Exploring Archaeology and Forensic Science Within Connecticut’s Historical Family Mausolea; Archaeology Without Digging: Connecticut History Uncovered By Ground-Penetrating Radar; and Hiking Ruins of Southern New England: A Guide to 40 Sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

SPHERE PRESENTS THE LION KING

SPHERE’s performance of Disney’s The Lion King is a powerful and vibrant retelling of the classic story, brought to life through breathtaking masks, puppets, and costumes set against the African Pride Lands. It follows the journey of the young lion cub, Simba, who flees his kingdom after his father’s death, only to eventually return, reclaim his identity, and restore the balance of life.

The musical’s central theme, the “Circle of Life,” emphasizes the importance of every creature having a place and a purpose within the great community. This strongly resonates with SPHERE‘s mission.

Like the animals of the Pride Lands who rely on one another to maintain balance, SPHERE creates an inclusive and harmonious community where adults with disabilities are active and respected members. The joy, belonging, and sense of purpose Simba finds when he embraces his role perfectly mirrors the spirit of SPHERE, which offers opportunities to help its members thrive and find their unique, valued place within their own supportive “pride.”

The VIP Ticket Experience for The Lion King includes time to celebrate with the outstanding cast before the show while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and champagne, then sit back in some of the best seats in the house for the performance! Our VIP Experience is usually the first to sell out!