New England Music Hall of Fame 2026 Induction and Benefit Concert

OApril 24 — A show like no other is coming to Parsons Auditorium in Milford, Connecticut. Presented in conjunction with Rockin’ 4 Vets, the Milford Arts Council, and the New England Music Hall of Fame (NEMHOF), this extraordinary evening will combine a benefit concert with the NEMHOF 2026 Induction Ceremony, honoring some of the most influential musicians in New England music history.

The entire event will be held as a fundraiser for The Purple Pantry Box, a local food pantry serving the greater Milford area, making this night as meaningful as it is memorable.

The evening will open with an induction ceremony celebrating a legendary trio whose collective impact helped define blues, rock, and beyond from the 1960s to today. While each member’s individual achievements are remarkable, their enduring legacy was forged together:

– Johnny Winter (1944 – 2014) known for his lightning-fast slide guitar to his striking white hair and blazing performances that defied category.

– Rick Derringer (1947 – 2025) guitar hero and rock ‘n’ roll legend of “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo” and "Hang On, Sloopy" fame.

– Edgar Winter (1946) a renowned, versatile musician known for his mastery of keyboards, saxophone, and vocals.

Additional honorees are:

– Michael Bolton (1953) Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter known for his powerful, soulful voice and pop-rock ballads.

– Jackie DeShannon (1941) a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and an extremely talented, prolific performer and songwriter of such songs as "Needles and Pins" and "Bette Davis Eyes". She also performed with The Beatles during their first US tour.

– Barbara Fowler - a vocalist whose style blends jazz, R&B and soul, coming to prominence as the lead vocalist of the trio Sinnamon, whose dance-floor hit “Thanks to You” reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart.

Also being honored will be

-Greg Sherrord - Artist of the Year

-Arti Dixson - Album of the Year

-The Bella's - New Artist of th Year

Following the Induction, the Rock n’ Roll Circus kicks off. Consisting of a group of incredible talent including James Montgomery (Johnny Winter), Jon Butcher (Experience Hendrix), Steve Gaspar (Edgar Winter Band), Greg Sherrod (newly named NEMHOF Artist of the Year), Baron Raymonde (Rod Stewart), Dan Cipriano (Wilson Pickett) and more. The performance will feature some of the great songs by the Inducted Artists; as well as the songs from the bands they’ve recorded and toured the world with.

This one-night-only event celebrates musical excellence while supporting a vital community cause, bringing together history, performance, and purpose under one roof.

Info: The 2026 Class of Artists will be inducted into the New England Music Hall of Fame. Awards for these artists will be presented to them or a representative.

Info: Some of New England's top artists will join together in a joint event. 1) to honor the musicians being inducted and play a series of their songs 2) to continue the show playing songs they've perfomed on stage or in the studio with as members of bands they formerly appeared with.

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