The New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s (NHSO) beloved free Family Concert Series returns in November with a statewide tour of performances. “Clap, Clap, Stomp!” explores Bluegrass music, the instruments played, and the history behind it. These free, interactive concerts will take place at kid-friendly venues across southern Connecticut, creating a magical introduction to live music, storytelling, and education for young audiences.
“Clap, Clap, Stomp!” will feature lively concerts by fiddler Austin Scelzo and vocalist Charlie Widmer from the Bluegrass band On The Trail. They will also include banjo soloist as well as NHSO musician Sam Bobinski on bass. Entering the world of Bluegrass, kids will dance along to upbeat songs and explore the music and scenery of Appalachia with eye-catching visuals.
NHSO’s Education Director Caitlin Daly-Gonzales says, “We are so thankful to once again be collaborating with all these great libraries and schools around the state to bring these free concerts to families! It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn outside of the classroom—they can listen to music, dance around, and learn all at the same time.”
The NHSO will present “Clap, Clap, Stomp!” at various locations throughout the state. All Performances are free and open to the public:
- Saturday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m. at Plumb Memorial Library (Shelton, CT)
- Saturday, November 1 at 2:00 p.m. at Ansonia Public Library (Ansonia, CT)
- Saturday, November 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Russell Library (Middletown, CT)
- Sunday, November 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Dr. Reginald Mayo Early Learning School (New Haven, CT)
The NHSO’s 2025 Family Series Performances are all presented as free-of-charge to the public. Please note that libraries may require advanced registration. (Dr. Reginald Mayo Early Learning School does not require registration). Check each library’s website and NewHavenSymphony.org for more information about a particular performance’s registration.
About the Guest Artists
In 2023 fiddler Austin Scelzo was named Connecticut Arts Hero by the state of Connecticut. Most recently, he won the 2025 Momentum Industry Involvement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association. His Bluegrass journey began with the Western CT based group the “Angry O’Haras,” then later “On the Trail,” with which he recorded fiddle and vocals. He also performs and records with the “Rock Hearts,” a traditional Bluegrass group. In addition, he teaches Wernick Method Jam classes and launched the Connecticut Bluegrass Music Association.
Charlie Widmer is a multi-genre singer, songwriter, actor, guitarist, arranger, and producer based in Connecticut. He received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Western Connecticut State University in 2016. That same year he sang on television in Switzerland’s version of AGT, Die grössten Schweizer Talente. His singing credits include performances with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Opera Theater of Connecticut, and many others in both musical theater and opera alike. He is also lead singer in “Sub-Urban” and a singer/guitarist in “On the Trail.” He is currently represented for theater, television and film by Professional Artists Agency in NYC.
All of the members of On The Trail will perform with the NHSO on October 19th at Shelton Intermediate school at 3:00pm at Rhapsody in Bluegrass. Click here to learn more.
The Family Concerts are sponsored by the Anna Fitch Ardenghi Trus; the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts; the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club; and the Katharine Matthies Foundation.
