Dot Ames Show

Groton, CT

Best Video Fundraiser 3/28

With Lys Guillorn, The Bargain, Folk the Patriarchy, Deke Dickerson, Little Silver, and Shellye Velaskuas and Dean Falcone

Huge thanks to Lys Guillorn, Folk the Patriarchy, The Bargain, Little Silver, Deke Dickerson, and Shellye Velasquez & Dean Falcone for an unforgettable night at Spring Glen Church! Together, we raised $1,200 for Best Video, helping keep vital third spaces alive. Your talent and generosity mean the world!

Irish Music Season

Y'all

Happy Irish music season, y’all! This time of year is always a whirlwind of tunes, sessions, and great company, and I couldn’t be more excited to dive in. I’m busy with my seasonal project, the Raglan Ramblers, and it’s an absolute joy to be making music with the BEST four guys anyone could hope to play with. The energy is high, the tunes are flowing, and every gig feels like a celebration. Looking forward to seeing familiar faces and new ones along the way—catch me fiddling soon!

Best Video

With Shell Games, 2/1/25

Best Video hosted a truly special night of music, showcasing an eclectic mix of sounds and talent. Opening the evening was Shell Games, a synth-pop-rock band whose gorgeous, melodic tunes filled the room with energy and atmosphere. Then, Sarah Dunn took the stage with Peter Menta, Kelly Kancyr, and John Holland, delivering a soulful set steeped in Americana and folk influences. Their warm harmonies and heartfelt performance created an intimate, unforgettable musical experience.

Cantean! Cozy Cafe

Cantean Coffee and Tea, 1/25/25

 

I had the joy of opening for the band Folk the Patriarchy, playing a set filled with fun, friendly, and engaging songs, balanced with more serious and heartfelt moments. The energy in the room was warm and inviting, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. Then, Folk the Patriarchy took over, delivering a rich set of tight harmonies that captivated the audience and left everyone feeling inspired and encouraged.

Zach - End of an Era

The Cellar, December 19, 2024

I want to extend my deepest thanks to Zach Andersen for his final open mic, a night that meant so much to me personally. Zach gave me my first opportunity to perform after the pandemic. His unwavering belief in music and the chance he gave the community will always be something I hold dear. Zach has a gift for creating a space where artists feel safe, supported, and encouraged to share their voice, and that’s something truly rare. His dedication to uplifting others has inspired me in countless ways, and his influence is one that will stay with me throughout my musical path.

Zach is the embodiment of encouragement and warmth, and the music scene he has curated is one built on love, collaboration, and connection. His open mic wasn’t just a performance space—it was a community where artists could thrive, find their voice, and share their passion.  Thank you, Zach, for being a beacon of light in the local music scene and for giving me a chance when I needed it most. Your support has meant more than words can express.

Fruitcake - Toys for Tots fundraiser

three sheets - december 13, 2024

The Horror Fruitcake, winners of Rock Lottery 2023, reunited for a special performance to raise money for Toys for Tots, and it was an unforgettable night of music and fun. Organized by Caitlyn Sheriden at Three Sheets, the event brought together a fantastic group of musicians, and the energy in the room was electric. I had the pleasure of contributing by playing violin and piano, as well as singing. It was an incredible opportunity to get the band back together and support such a worthy cause, all while sharing our love for music with an enthusiastic crowd. The night was filled with laughter, connection, and the joy of giving back.

Fundraising Buttonwood

The Buttonwood, December 7, 2024

Our performance at the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center in Middletown, CT, was an unforgettable experience—we sold out the show and had to add more seats to accommodate the incredible turnout. The intimate space was the perfect venue for our performance, and the crowd's enthusiasm pushed us to deliver an even more memorable set. It was a testament to the power of community and the excitement surrounding live music in Middletown.

Joining me on stage were the talented Bryan Winowski and Lila Rebel, whose contributions brought an extra layer of magic to the evening. With Bryan's dynamic sound and Lila's captivating presence, we created a special atmosphere that resonated with everyone in the room. The added seats and full crowd were a sign of the growing support for our music, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to perform in such a welcoming and vibrant space. It was a night of connection, energy, and pure musical joy that I’ll never forget.

Corpse Flower Cafe 9 October 2023

11/21/22 Corpse Flower

Live Shots