Music

The barn doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the music begins at 2 p.m. Rain or shine—no refunds. Tickets Born in the final hours of 1977 in the suburbs of Cork, Ireland, Niall Connolly was raised on a soundtrack that shaped his storytelling soul—Nirvana on the Walkman, Leonard Cohen on his sister’s stereo, and the vibrant voices of Cork’s 1990s music scene. Later came snippets of New York street conversations, tales of woe on the radio, and the hum of highways across Europe. Every experience finds its way into Connolly’s music, woven into melodies that unfold like stories—layer by layer, listen by listen. In the studio, he builds rich harmonies. On stage, he delivers a mix of electricity, sincerity, and humor that captivates audiences worldwide. Niall played to an appreciative - and packed - music room inside the Ross Farm house last winter, so we are thrilled to be able to welcome a larger audience inside the barn on Sunday, May 4 for an unforgettable afternoon of music and storytelling. Seating inside the barn is limited and provided. Early May afternoons can be chilly, so extra layers are recommended.

The barn doors slide open at 6:30 p.m. and the music begins at 7 p.m. Rain or shine—no refunds. Tickets From the University of Chicago to the heart of the blues scene, Justin Howl’s musical journey began in the city’s clubs and deep in the archives of its vast library collections. While rooted in Chicago blues, he’s drawn to the hypnotic rhythms of North Mississippi blues, calling it his way of “going back home through the music.” An acclaimed, well-traveled performer, Justin has been praised by Blues Blast Magazine as a “strong singer” whose songs “will strike a chord with you.” We’re thrilled to welcome Justin Howl to the Barn at Ross Farm for the first time in our 11th season of live music at the historic estate! Seating inside the barn is limited and will be provided. Early May evenings can be chilly, so extra layers or jackets are strongly recommended.

Saturday, May 17 - 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Raindate: Sunday, May 18, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets Experience the next generation of jazz alongside seasoned pros in a stunning historic setting! Elite student ensembles—including the Rutgers Jazz Guitar Combo, Montclair State Stryker Jazz Combo, William Paterson All Stars, Ridge Big Band, and Ridge Jazz Quintet—will set the stage with dynamic performances throughout the afternoon. As evening approaches, The Dave Stryker Band and Frankie Midnight Quartet will bring the night to life with world-class jazz. Don't miss this incredible celebration of talent and tradition! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to spread out and enjoy the bands, and feel free to bring picnics - we just ask you to carry out what you carry in. Individual set times will be shared in the coming weeks!

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets Join us for an unforgettable evening with singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Vanessa Collier! A powerhouse performer blending blues, soul, and rock, Collier has earned 12 Blues Music Award nominations and four wins, including 2024’s Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year nominee. Her latest album, Do It My Own Way, channels the spirit of classic Memphis soul with groove-driven horns, poignant lyrics, and her signature fiery saxophone. Featuring legendary Hi Records organist Rev. Charles Hodges, the album delivers raw energy and timeless storytelling, from the anthemic title track to the gospel-tinged tribute “Rosetta.” A Berklee College of Music graduate and former bandmate of blues legend Joe Louis Walker, Collier has performed at the Chicago Blues Festival and opened for Blues Traveler. With influences like Mavis Staples, Sharon Jones, and Aretha Franklin, she brings authenticity and passion to every performance. Don’t miss this electrifying artist whose “rise to the top is nothing short of meteoric” (Making a Scene). Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to spread out and enjoy! Concert will be held rain or shine, no refunds. Picnics or snacks are welcome, too, […]

Gates open 5 p.m., concert begins at 6 p.m. Tickets Known for her incredible blend of Americana, folk, and roots music, Eilen Jewell recently celebrated the release of remastered and expanded "Butcher Holler" on deluxe vinyl, her tribute album to Loretta Lynn, which she called "a labor of love honoring one of my greatest musical inspirations." American Songwriter hails Eilen Jewell as one of America’s most intriguing, creative, and idiosyncratic voices. The Boise, Idaho songwriter leads a tight quartet that fuses influences of surf-noir, early blues, classic country, folk, and 1960s-era rock ‘n’ roll. For well over a decade, they’ve toured relentlessly for legions of fans from Boston to Boise and Madrid to Melbourne, playing large festivals, theaters, rock clubs, and coffeehouses. The group has shared stages with the likes of Lucinda Williams, Loretta Lynn, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson, George Jones, Emmylou Harris, and Blind Boys of Alabama. Eilen’s fans have marveled at her warmth and onstage humor alongside her beautiful songs and fiery performances. In addition to seven of her own full-length albums, Jewell has released two albums with her country-gospel side project, the Sacred Shakers; a tribute album to Loretta Lynn titled Butcher Holler; and a recent album […]

Gates open 5:30 p.m., concert begins at 6 p.m. Tickets Join us for a magical summer evening of music at the Ross Farm as we welcome Alysha Brilla, a 3X JUNO Award-nominated singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose music weaves together folk, soul, and global roots sounds. Brilla’s performances are joyful and deeply moving—her warm, powerful voice and percussive guitar style draw listeners in, while her songs uplift with themes of love, connection, and unity. Her music reflects her Indian and East African heritage, and her live shows are vibrant celebrations of rhythm, culture, and community. Named a 2025 Women in Music International Leadership Honouree, and nominated for a 2024 Canadian Screen Award for her recent film score, Alysha continues to share her gifts on stages across the world. Now we are excited to share her musical magic at the historic Ross Farm! Bring your chairs or blankets to spread out and enjoy - tell your friends, and pack your good vibes! Picnics or snacks are welcome, just carry out what you carry in.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for 7 p.m. concert Tickets A true American original, Chris Smither is one of the finest singer-songwriters of our time. Rooted in blues and folk, his signature fingerpicking guitar and rhythmic foot tapping create a mesmerizing live experience. With a career spanning over five decades, Smither’s soulful songwriting has been embraced by legends like Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris. His latest album, All About the Bones, continues his tradition of raw, poetic storytelling. Don’t miss an unforgettable evening with this master musician at Ross Farm! Read more: https://smither.com Opening the evening is The Suitcase Junket, the one-man musical force of Matt Lorenz. A master of thrift and invention, Lorenz creates a sound far bigger than one person should—playing a battered dumpster guitar, homemade percussion, and singing in a raw, mesmerizing style. Hailing from rural Massachusetts, he crafts songs that weave together blues, folk, rock, and the grit of a roadhouse jukebox. His latest album, The End is New, produced by Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), channels a world in flux, blending dark humor, hope, and raw truth. Don’t miss this captivating performer who turns salvage into song and solitude into spectacle. Read more: https://thesuitcasejunket.com Bring your […]

Gates open 6.30 p.m., concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets Raised in New England and shaped by influences like Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, and John Mayer, Brooks Hubbard has built a reputation for heartfelt songwriting and high-energy performances. He has toured nationally and worked with industry greats like Val McCallum and Pete Thomas, and formed the Brooks Hubbard Band, bringing a dynamic blend of rock, folk, and Americana to the stage. Now back in his home region, Brooks continues to create memorable live music experiences. We are delighted to welcome Brooks back to the main stage with his band! We are excited to introduce The Toll Collectors to open the show. Their sound blends country, rock, and soul—heartbroken yet defiant, down but never out. With rich harmonies and heartfelt performances, they set the perfect stage for an unforgettable evening of live music. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to spread out and enjoy! Concert will be held rain or shine, no refunds. Picnics or snacks are welcome, too, we just ask you to carry out what you carry in.