Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
Music at the Ridge hosts a Dec. 7 benefit concert in Danbury supporting immigrant aid, featuring folk legends and local artists. DANBURY, CT — The Main Hall at 24 Clapboard Ridge Road will come alive with music again on Dec. 7 as Music at the Ridge hosts its 32nd concert — this time with a purpose that strikes a local chord. The long-running folk and acoustic concert series, founded by Danbury resident Nancy Hershatter, will present a Benefit Concert for Greater Danbury Unites for Immigrants, featuring performances by the Walkabout Clearwater Chorus and David and Jacob Benz, a father-son folk duo from Beacon, N.Y. The Walkabout Clearwater Chorus, founded by the late folk icon Pete Seeger in the 1980s, has carried forward his mission of blending community song with social justice. Hershatter said the group’s participation makes this event “a natural bridge” for Music at the Ridge’s first benefit performance. "Just the idea of providing some kind of support to this organization, because they're doing important work" was the inspiration Hershatter needed to take one of the concerts and waive the performers fees and raise some money for the group. "Both of the performers were very willing. It reflects the spirit of community — wanting to help our immigrant neighbors," she said. Hershatter launched the Music at the Ridge series in 2022, spotlighting folk and folk-rock talent from around the region. Since then, she’s hosted artists from New York City, across New England, and from Connecticut’s own songwriting scene — including several from the JCC in Sherman’s singer-songwriter circle. Each concert brings something new, she said, and has helped strengthen the area’s live music culture. “I feel like this is really contributing to the whole live music scene in Western Connecticut,” Hershatter said. The concerts draw a wide-ranging audience — from 5-year-olds to nonagenarians — and often turn first-time attendees into lifelong folk fans. “People come up afterward and tell me they discovered someone new they want to keep listening to,” she said. Whether or not Music at the Ridge continues to host benefit events will depend on how this one goes, but Hershatter said she hopes it inspires others to use music as a bridge between communities. The Benefit Concert for Greater Danbury Unites for Immigrants begins Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at 24 Clapboard Ridge Road in Danbury. Proceeds will support the nonprofit’s work assisting local immigrant families navigating legal and social challenges.
