Americana,
Concerts,
Pop,
Special Event
The series opens with an evening inspired by Joan Baez—the iconic singer-songwriter and activist whose voice helped define the folk movement and became a powerful symbol of social change. Known for her evocative performances, commitment to justice, and lasting contributions to music, Baez continues to inspire artists across generations.
In a world where a divide often exists between die-hard fans of local music and casual listeners who belt out iconic hits on their morning commute, Tip of The Hat aims to bridge that gap—one unforgettable show at a time. Imagine a classic songwriter round, then stir in just a dash of The Voice or American Idol.
What you get is an intimate, powerful experience where emerging singer-songwriters not only perform their own originals but also pay tribute to the legendary artists who shaped their musical journeys. Each show features four acts, each performing a mix of their own songs and select tracks from a chosen “icon of the month.” The result? Audiences are guaranteed to recognize at least half the setlist, while being introduced to rising talent carrying the torch of those musical giants.
More than just a concert, Tip of The Hat is a gateway—a meeting place where mainstream music lovers discover new voices, and where local artists share the stage with the spirit of their heroes. It’s the bowl of fresh fruit in the middle of a long lunch table—the connection point between the indie singer/songwriter and the listener who just hasn’t heard them yet.
Meggie is a New Haven–based indie pop singer-songwriter whose heartfelt lyrics and shimmering production explore themes like queer joy, platonic love, and friend breakups. A Mount Holyoke graduate and Michèle Scanlon Prize recipient, she’s featured in the documentary Meggie Unwritten, which captures her rise in the Connecticut music scene.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meggiethesongwriter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meggiethesongwriter/
Website: https://meggiethesongwriter.com/
Frank Critelli is a longtime New Haven songwriter who’s been performing for over 30 years in venues ranging from subways to theaters—and even his own kitchen. He also co-hosts The Local Bands Show on 99.1 WPLR and CygnusRadio.com, spotlighting regional music with Rick Allison.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frank.critelli
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Frank-Critelli-100063737435440/
Website: https://frankcritelli.bandcamp.com/
The North County Band is a Connecticut-based Americana group led by singer-songwriter Scott Smith and Texas fiddle player Cat Lines, known for their high-energy performances and acclaimed debut EP, Connecticut. For this special night, enjoy an intimate set from the North County Duo—featuring just Smith and Lines—as they bring the heart of the full band’s sound to the stage.
Cat Lines is a fiddle player and singer-songwriter from Garland, Texas, known for her dynamic performances in country, acoustic, and pop styles. She’s played over 200 shows across the Northeast and Midwest, with her original music featured on Southern Fellow and an official Starbucks holiday playlist.
Scott Smith is a guitarist, lead vocalist, and songwriter whose passion for country music was shaped by his Louisiana roots and a musically gifted family. After a career as a nonprofit leader, legal studies professor, and at-home dad, he founded the North County Band in 2020 with a mission to touch hearts through creativity, artist support, and a touch of philanthropy.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/north_county_band/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthCountyBandCT
Website: https://northcountyband.com/
Denise Jones is a singer-songwriter and co-founder of Inner Groove, a genre-blending band known for its emotional, roots-driven original songs about love, faith, and the human experience. Since forming the group in 2010, she’s helped shape its signature sound—anchored in folk, pop, rock, and country—and has performed on stages ranging from coffeehouses to festivals, most recently celebrating their fourth album, Momentary Glance.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inner_groove/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnerGrooveBand/
Website: https://igroove4u.com/home
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Art Exhibits Featured Concerts Eastbound Theatre Productions Laugh Tracks Standup Comedy
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