Connecticut’s definitive music competition, BandJam, is back for its 12th year, and this time it’s bigger and better! After months of receiving submissions, the Ridgefield Playhouse is thrilled to announce its 6 fantastic finalists: Bellayer, Kristina Koller, Telula, Thrilldriver, SKARLIT, and Slyboots. The live competition, BandJam: Rock the House, will take place on April 22, 2023, starting at 4pm. The Ridgefield Playhouse is joining with industry professionals to help up-and-coming artists to take their careers to the next level. The competition will take place before our expert panel of judges as well a live crowd, where a winner will be crowned. Each artist performs 2 original songs and receives real time feedback from the judges panel. Come out to support these incredible up and coming artists and be a part of their promising musical journeys!

Winning Artists Receive:

• EPK produced by Factory Underground
• Recording session at Shelter Island Sound Studios in New York City
• Spot on 2023 Northlands Festival Community Stage lineup
• The opportunity to open a show at the Ridgefield Playhouse* (subject to headliner approval)
• A pair of tickets to an RPH show of your choice** (subject to availability)
• PR and Marketing support from the Ridgefield Playhouse platforms

Runner Ups Receive:

• Consultation with a renowned music producer
• A ticket to an RPH show of your choice

Meet The Judges:

Steve Addabbo (Record  producer, songwriter and audio engineer who helped launch the careers of Suzanne Vega and Shawn Colvin)

John Bongiorno (Partner/Agent at Arrival Artists),

Nick Mara (of Webster Bank)

Mark Franzoso (President Franzoso Contracting)

Ethan Isaac (Owner Operator at Factory Underground Studios)

Stefani Scamardo (Sirius XM Host, Founder and President of Evil Teen Records and Hard Head Productions and Management)

Danny Goldberg (President and owner of Gold Village Entertainment, an artist management company; former CEO and founder of Gold Mountain Entertainment; former chairman and CEO of both Mercury Records)

Jared Shahid (Managing Director of Talent and Marketing, The Ridgefield Playhouse)

Doug Wimbish (The cutting-edge lead bassist in the Grammy Award-winning hard rock band Living Colour).