BLACK BEAR MUSIC FEST – SUNDAY – DAY 3
By Ralph Beauchamp
Day 3 of the Black Bear Music Fest held at the Harwinton Fairgrounds offered a wide variety of artists and musical styles. Included in today’s lineup was the headliner, the Adam Ezra Group in addition to the Slambovian Circus Of Dreams, Palmyra, Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers, Shanna In A Dress, On The Trail amongst others.
Sunday, Day 3, of the Black Bear Music Fest kind of started the way Day 2 ended. After catching The Lion Sisters on the Black Bear Acoustic Stage, Saturday night’s headliners, the Slambovian Circus Of Dreams delivered their second performance of the festival. This time the Slambovian’s set featured a more expansive vibe. The group jammed hard with Sharkey McEwen’s guitar brilliantly floating exquisite notes and Bob Torsello’s bass keeping everything real. It was a wonderful way to start the festivities.
The Black Bear Acoustic Stage highlighted a series of well received acts. Red Smith keep the audience entertained while Route One easily won over the crowd. Shanna In A Dress wowed the fest with imaginative songs that each had a interesting twist. She, by far. had a large contingent of fans in the house. They adored every moment and Shanna received a great response when she closed out.
Photos Mark Turek
Next on the Black Bear Main Stage was local talent, Possm which is an acronym for Professors Of Sweet Sweet Music. The band is composed mostly of music teachers and Hartford locals. Their music distributes a rocking groove but to be honest, Possm miss the mark.
Each member played well but the songs just seem to wisp by. The fest goers seemed to lose interest quickly and the set was too long. Frontman Earl tried to engage the audience but something didn’t click. I would like to see the band in a more intimate setting such as a Hartford club or bar.
Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers followed and this blues/rock ensemble brought back the excitement. Dove is a consummate showman and his band is excellent. They treated the Black Bear faithful to a set full of passion. Dove is a potent guitarist and he let his axe wail. The songs felt real and fiery. The Peacekeepers emit a driving grit with soulful inflections. “Georgia Peach” was one song that had the audience moving.
Photos Mark Turek
Just as yesterday surprise act was Ryan Shupe, today’s was the very cool Palmyra. Palmyra is a Virginia-based Americana/Folk Rock trio composed of Teddy Chipouras, Sasha Landon, and Mānoa Bell. Songs like “Arizona” and “Pick Me Up” filled the festival with enticing rhythms. The band felt genuine and real. Every song had a special touch and the crowd appreciated their flair. Palmyra was my eureka artist of the day.
The last act on the Black Bear Acoustic Stage was On The Trail who we recently featured in our Interview section. Comprised of Austin Scelzo (Fiddle/Vocals), Tom Polizzi (Mandolin/Vocals), current CT State Troubadour Charlie Widmer (Guitar/Vocals), and Matt Curley (Upright Bass/Vocals). On The Trail are simply intoxicating. Their music has a special enthusiasm and their vocals are extraordinary especially the harmonies. On the Trail totally captivated the audience and were the perfect act to close out the Acoustic Stage.
Black Bear saved the best for last. The Adam Ezra Group was tonight’s headliner and they absolutely stole the show. The weather was slowly deteriorating but this is the act practically everyone came to see. The front of the stage was totally packed with devoted fans. Ezra’s fans are like family. They all know each other and follow the band everywhere. Similar to a Grateful Dead entourage.
Led by songwriter Adam Ezra, and joined by Corinna Smith on fiddle, Poche Ponce on bass, and Alex Martin on drums, the band’s sound is galvanic in nature. Their songs have panache and the band’s musicianship is astonishing. Adam Ezra is by far one of the best showmen I’ve witnessed. He easily knows how the excite the faithful. And it’s all organic. Ezra seems to love what he does and his band just adds to the enjoyment. His interludes contain personal stories that further endear him to his fans.
Before the rain, Ezra jumped into the pit and performed amongst his devotees. As the rain came down harder, Ezra once again joined the crowd exclaiming that he hated artists that stayed dry while the audience got wet. He performed with the masses and braved the weather like everyone else. The man is a trooper. No one left his performance without a smile and warm memories.
The 2026 Black Bear Music Fest may be over but its aura still lingers on. I would like to thank all the staff including Ian Campbell, Beth Murphy, Alycia Isabelle and the entire crew for promoting such a wonderful experience. Everyone came with happy hearts and left even more spiritually awakened. This festival should not be missed. They already have next year’s dates (8/13/27 – 8/15/27). I advise get discounted tickets now.
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