The Moonrise Cartel

The Moonrise Cartel

The Moonrise Cartel is an original American folk-rock band blending folk, indie rock, and Americana with a touch of gospel. The band features soaring harmonies, introspective lyrics, and a vintage sound profile balanced with a modern touch — equal parts timeless and for the time. Their rapidly growing fan base (known as Cartel Members) now coins their music “Folk Rock from Black Rock.”

Fueled by songwriter Al Pascarelli’s deeply personal writings of a lifelong battle with mental illness, alcoholism, and an eventual emergence out of the darker shades of the human experience, this is a band with several gears and one that takes you on an incredible journey. His voice is accompanied by Stephanie Harrison, who wows with striking vocal prowess, moving effortlessly between stunning power and heartbreakingly delicate delivery.

Multi-instrumentalist Jason Polise lays a sonic feast on lead guitar, saxophone, and keys, along with several other instruments. It is all held together by the rock-solid backdrop of Benj LeFevre on bass and Steve Tobey on drums.

The Moonrise Cartel is the 2025 New England Music Awards winner for Rising Stars of Connecticut.

Austin James + The Nomads

Hartford native Austin James leads The Nomads with a sound that blurs the lines between folk, soul, and rock. His vocals — smoky like Hozier, soaring like Tom Odell — anchor a live show that’s all heart, power, and electricity. Together, the band delivers a cinematic, genre-bending experience built on musicianship and emotion.

Austin James has been writing and performing original music for over a decade. His songs blend heartfelt lyrics with blues, soul, rock and folk to create a unique and energetic sound. Austin has shared the stage with national acts including Hawthorne Heights, Needtobreathe, Switchfoot, and Neon Trees; and he has honed his sound touring throughout the United States and Europe. Austin James and his band The Nomads have been performing regularly since 2020, playing around the country as a national touring act, and even being featured in the Freestlye Libre 2 commercial for Abbott Pharmaceutical.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Fairfield Theatre Company