Bands & Musicians in Connecticut

Connecticut's scene orbits New Haven, where Toad's Place has hosted everyone from the Rolling Stones to U2 and Yale's a cappella tradition runs back generations. Wesleyan University in Middletown incubated indie acts including MGMT, and Bridgeport produced hardcore standard-bearers Hatebreed. Hartford's theaters and the casino stages at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods keep national tours circulating through the state.

Toad's Place and College Street Music Hall anchor New Haven, with Cafe Nine covering the small-room end. The Webster Theater handles Hartford's punk, metal, and hip-hop bills, Space Ballroom in Hamden books indie touring acts, and Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville draws the arena-level crowds.

John Mayer grew up in Fairfield, the Carpenters and Michael Bolton were born in New Haven, and Bridgeport produced hardcore band Hatebreed. MGMT formed at Wesleyan University in Middletown, and Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba was born in West Hartford.

New Haven has the state's main club circuit and a steady run of open mics near Yale, while Wesleyan and UConn at Storrs keep campus-town shows going. Hartford books the heavier bills. Many players rehearse locally and gig in New York or Boston on weekends, and BandMate can fill out a lineup in-state.