Musicians seem to be coming out to the woodwork to be on stage next to Jim Chapdelaine and The Shinolas on Sunday, May 5, at 5 p.m. at Hartford’s Infinity Hall.

By Joy Taylor

The Shinolas willl present the third annual “Songs of Hope and Conviction” in order to unite and uplift people – a musical catharsis in the face of constant uncertainty.

Sponsored by IndivisibleCT with the help of other grassroots groups, this concert will bring together musicians from across the spectrum, as well as help rally resistance groups from across the state. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local action groups, and a portion will help fund future IndivisibleCT actions.

The line up for the Sunday, May 5 show is quite impressive. The four original members of the rock/blues/folk band The Shinolas include Jim Chapdelaine, Paul Kochanski, Lorne Entress, and Ed Iarusso who will be joined once again by Mark Erelli.

“[I’m] very excited to reprise my occasional role as ‘the 5th Shinola’ & join my friends in Connecticut for the third annual ‘Songs of Hope & Conviction’ show,” commented Erelli on his Facebook post. “This show is designed to be both uplifting & political, so, y’know, come & be politically uplifted. Or stay home & be miserable & depressed,” he wrote

Nekita Waller is Connecticut’s 17th State Troubadour and promises to add an infusion of pop, soul and Jazz to the multi-act show. When she isn’t mentoring music students or teaching song-writing workshops, she can be seen performing at local venues and schools. 

In addition to the above, the other regional and national musicians include: “Big Al” Anderson (of NRBQ fame, and seasonal favorite on The Colin McEnroe Show on WNPR); Jonathan Edwards (yes, that Jonathan Edwards); “Beehive Queen” and SNL vocalist Christine Ohlman; American Classic and Folk Rock songwriter, musician, and performing artist Jon Pousette-Dart; rock musician Dennis Brennan; Northhampton, MA, indie rock musicians Winterpills (Duo); Hartford’s own multi-talented singer/songwriter/performer Tang Sauce; fiddler extraordinaire Kat Wallace; American Roots and Soul songwriter Kerri Powers; and more.

Just remember, “5/5 at 5”! Tickets available at this link. 

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!

Jim Chapdelaine and Nekita Waller at the 2018 ‘Songs of Hope’ concert. Photo courtesy of Mick Melvin.

‘Songs of Hope’ 2018. Photo courtesy of Mick Melvin.

Paul Kochanski at 2018 ‘Songs of Hope’ concert. Photo courtesy of Mick Melvin.