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GRAYSON HUGH with POLLY MESSER In Concert

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East Lyme Public Library , 39 Society Road, Niantic, CT 06357

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and pianist Grayson Hugh, along with his wife and harmony singer Polly Messer, will be returning to East Lyme Public Library for another concert on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 2pm!

Here's what Tara Borden, Associate Director of East Lyme Library, had to say of their first concert on October 20, 2020: "I was in Jr. High in 1989 when Grayson’s hit "Talk It Over" came out and whenever I hear it now it instantaneously takes me back to the 8th grade. I would have MTV on as I did my homework and would take a break to dance/sing along with the lyrics: ‘Harsh words are spoken, promises are broken, old wounds are open and love walks out that door.’ Fast forward three decades and imagine my delighted surprise when I found myself in the position to host and introduce this recording artist and his wife at a live show! I didn't realize how much I had been missing live music until I heard Grayson's soulful voice and Polly's beautiful harmonies at the concert they did just two nights ago for East Lyme Public Library. They definitely brought back the good feelings of listening to great music performed live, and by the original singer no less! I can’t think of two artists better suited to inaugurate the return of our library’s Live Music Series - and bring it back from the bleak silence of the shutdown back into the bright musical light!” - Tara Borden, Associate Director, East Lyme Public Library, October 22, 2021

You don't want to miss this chance to see these world class artists performing the songs of Grayson Hugh in this intimate library setting. Hugh's music has been called “a soul/rock stew with a dash of blues and a pinch of country" (Stone Phillips, The Today Show) and "a veritable cyclone of soul, drawing its energy from such diverse regions as the swampland funk of Professor Longhair, the testifying soul of Ray Charles, with the rhythms of African drumming and American bluegrass thrown in the mix." - Benny Metten, Ctrl. Alt. Country

Grayson Hugh is known for his global radio hits (“Talk It Over”, “Bring It All Back”, “Soul Cat Girl”) and for his songs featured in films “Thelma and Louise” and “Fried Green Tomatoes”. They will also be performing songs from Hugh's acclaimed 2010 release “An American Record” and from "Back To The Soul", which was in the running for a 2015 Grammy in the Best Americana Album category.

Admission is free and open to the public. This concert is made possible by The Friends of East Lyme Library.

GRAYSON HUGH with POLLY MESSER In Concert

(EST, UTC-05) (EST, UTC-05)

Farmington Library (Main Branch), 6 Monteith Drive, Farmington, CT 06032

Internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and pianist Grayson Hugh, along with his wife and harmony singer Polly Messer, will be doing a concert at Farmington Library (Main Branch) on Saturday January 13, 2024 at 2pm!

You don't want to miss this chance to see these world class artists performing in this intimate setting - just two singers and a grand piano. Grayson Hugh is known for his global radio hits (“Talk It Over”, “Bring It All Back”, “Soul Cat Girl”) and for his songs featured in films “Thelma and Louise” and “Fried Green Tomatoes”. They will also be performing songs from Hugh's acclaimed 2010 release “An American Record” and from "Back To The Soul", which was in the running for a 2015 Grammy in the Best Americana Album category.

Hugh's music has been called “a soul/rock stew with a dash of blues and a pinch of country" (Stone Phillips, The Today Show) and Pulitzer prize-winning Miami Herald journalist and author Leonard Pitts Jr. was moved to write "And his lyrics! If you love words, if you’re one of those people for whom heaven is a rainy day and a good book, then know this: Hugh doesn’t write words — he writes pictures. Like his song "Forever Yours, Forever Mine", which speaks of “steep September daylight when the shadows fall at four” and “eyes just staring down the college street strewn with the paper of sycamore leaves.” Or his song "Road To Freedom", which offers a breathtaking view — “over the tops of mountains, over the western snow, watching the river wander, just a vein of silver far below” — and adds a hard observation certain to strike a chord with any Native American or African American — “They take away your money, and they take away your name, and they take the ground that you’re standing on but never, ever take the blame.” Have I heard any newcomer in the last decade that excites me as much as this guy? No.” - Leonard Pitts. Jr.. Miami Herald, Winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, October 19, 1992

Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is limited so arrive early. This concert is made possible by The Friends of The Farmington Libraries.

GRAYSON HUGH with POLLY MESSER In Concert

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New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, Connecticut 06052

Come hear an American treasure at a museum dedicated to American Art! On Friday June 2, 2023, internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist Grayson Hugh, along with his wife singer Polly Messer, perform a very special First Friday Concert at New Britain Museum of American Art, located at 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, Connecticut 06052. Hugh's recording and touring career has brought him around the world, and his songs have graced radio, television and film. His live shows, featuring his poetic lyrics, passionate soulful singing and masterful piano playing have wowed audiences since his debut RCA album "Blind To Reason" burst on the scene in 1988. His 1992 release "Road To Freedom" was called one of the year's top ten albums by Billboard Magazine, and featured songs the Oscar-winning films "Thelma and Louise" and "Fried Green Tomatoes". In 1999 Hugh joined the faculty of Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he taught songwriting until 2003. He was also commissioned to compose scores for prominent modern dance companies. In 2010 he released his long-anticipated third album "An American Record". It was co-produced by Polly Messer, to whom Hugh was married in 2008. Polly and Grayson met in 1980, when she was singing with the popular swing band Eight To The Bar. In 2015, "Back To The Soul" was released, and was on the Official Ballot for a 2015 Grammy in the Best Americana Album category. Hugh and Messer have since performed at top venues in Los Angeles, New York, Canada and Europe. Here is a chance to hear two world class artists in an intimate setting. Seating begins at 5:30PM. The concert begins at 5:45. Online tickets are $8 for Museum Members, $16 for Non-members; at the door they are $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Tickets also give you access to the Museum Galleries as well as complimentary light fare. Seating is limited, so come early! A cash bar is available. For further information call 1-860-229-0257.

GRAYSON HUGH with POLLY MESSER In Concert

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Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon, CT 06001

His songs have been called “a soul/rock stew with a dash of blues and a pinch of country” (Stone Phillips, The Today Show) and his voice has been compared to soul legends Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, and his singing praised by the legendary producer Buddy Miller and Grammy-winning musician Pete Anderson. His piano playing has been called “a veritable cyclone of soul, drawing its energy from such diverse regions as the swamp land funk of Professor Longhair, the testifying soul of Ray Charles, with the rhythms of  African drumming and American bluegrass thrown in the mix.” – Benny Metten, Ctrl. Alt. Country, August, 2010.

Singer-songwriter-pianist Grayson Hugh has been wowing audiences around the world for the last 30 years with his soulful singing, poetic lyrics, masterful piano playing and passionate live shows.  Connecticut-born, Grayson moved to New York in 1986 where he was signed to RCA Records. 


Performing with Grayson is his wife and harmony singer Polly Messer. Polly was a member of the well known Connecticut swing band Eight To The Bar and the New York-based rockabilly band Eugene Chrysler. Together they have performed Grayson's music at music theatres in the U.S. and overseas, including The Cutting Room and City Winery in New York city, the legendary folk music venue Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY and The Blue Note Jazz Club in Poznań, Poland.

“Grayson Hugh is a national treasure. And the duo of Grayson Hugh & Polly Messer packed a knockout punch at their concert at New Britain Museum of American Art. With Hugh’s amazing song catalog, his dynamic piano performance, and the locked-in vocal harmonies between the two, the packed house was absolutely mesmerized.  I am a fan!”   ~Jeffrey Mainville, Manager of Visitor Experience Programs, New Britain Museum of American Art, August 5, 2019

"Grayson Hugh is the real deal. Great songs, a classic voice and a passionate performer. Grayson and Polly tore the roof off of The Cutting Room, can't wait for them to come back and do it again!" - Lincoln Foley Schofield, Talent Buyer, The Cutting Room, NYC, August 12, 2014

"Amazing show last night!!! I always expect great music from Grayson Hugh and am never disappointed. But at last night's concert at The Katherine Hepburn Theater, he took us all up to a new level because of the musical chemistry with Polly. It's a magical blend!"- Colin McEnroe, Host of The Colin McEnroe Show, WPNR/CPBN, April 10, 2012

Sundays at Three is sponsored by the Friends of the Avon Library.

Free tickets at the doors starting at 2:15 pm. Doors open at 2:30.  The hour-long program start at 3:00 pm. Grayson will be available after the concert for a meet and greet where his CDs will be available for purchase and for him to sign.

Internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and pianist Grayson Hugh will be appearing in concert at First Church Of Christ, 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033 on Saturday March 19, 2022. Performing with Hugh is his wife singer Polly Messer. Grayson and Polly will be performing a combination of Grayson's international hits from radio and films as well as some new songs from Grayson's upcoming country record "Save Your Love For Me". The concert will be from 7:30 to 8:30pm, followed by a reception with the artists in Shultz Hall. A donation of $10 is suggested. This concert is a part of the Music at the Meetinghouse Series at First Church Of Christ. For further details call 860-633-4641.

GRAYSON HUGH with POLLY MESSER In Concert

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Soma Grille, 1820 House, 31 Hopmeadow Street,, Simsbury, CT 06070

Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist Grayson Hugh, with singer Polly Messer - are Live In Concert at Soma Grille in the historic 1820 House in Simsbury, Connecticut, on Thursday January 13, 2022. The concert is from 7 - 9pm. From 6- 7pm, Comedians Mo Green, Tom Roche, Mo Mussa, and Kim Deshields will be warming up the crowd. Grayson and Polly will be performing Hugh's hits from radio and film as well as songs from Grayson's album "Save Your Love For Me". Treat yourself to dinner and a concert, with some comedy thrown in! Tickets are $20 for the evening and can be purchased online by visiting www.somagrille.com or by calling (860) 217-0937.

$20 for the concert and opening comedy acts

Grayson Hugh and Polly Messer will be doing a live concert at the recording studio where the Grayson's upcoming roots country album was begun back in August 2019, featuring some of the top musicians in the world of roots music today. On guitar, banjo and mandolin: Pete Kennedy (Nanci Griffith, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, John Prine, Alison Krauss, Dr. John); on upright and electric bass: Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan’s bassist and musical director since 1989, Brian Stetzer of Stray Cats, Robert Gordon, Asleep At The Wheel, Paul Simon); on dobro and lap steel guitar: Cindy Cashdollar (Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Van Morrison, Merle Haggard, Albert Lee, Ryan Adams), drummer Tyger MacNeal (Johnny Winter, Jose Feliciano, Average White Band, Freddie Fender), Gary Oleyar (Loggins & Messina, Marti Stuart, Pam Tillis, Kenny Chesney) Polly Messer (Eight To The Bar, Eugene Chrylser, Grayson Hugh).
This a private concert for the supporters of Grayson's record.

East Lyme Public Library is thrilled to be bringing back their Live Music Series with internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist GRAYSON HUGH and singer POLLY MESSER In Concert - Monday October 4, 2021 at 7 - 8:15PM. This very special event will be the first live performance at the library since March 2020.

Admission is free and open to the public, but as there is limited seating, you must call (860) 739-6926 to register and reserve your seat.

East Lyme Public Library is located at 39 Society Road, Niantic, CT 06357.

This concert is made possible by The Friends Of East Lyme Public Library.

" Surely you've had that feeling, while flipping the radio dial, that American music has come to sound like a shopping mall - all shiny glass, gleaming contrivance and bright artifice, all surface shimmer with nothing underneath. But Grayson is another kind of cat. In a world where music is often a brittle artificiality, the music he makes is hard and strong, convicted and convincing. And true. Most of all, true. It's there in the gritty lament of his voice, in the roughhouse eloquence of his piano, and the atmospheric poetry of his words. He has that thing Sam Cooke and Ray Charles had, that thing you still hear sometimes in Bruce Springsteen, that lonely, train whistle in the dark thing, that yearning, keening thing that gets right to the heart of what it means to be alive, what it means to be a human being. This is "An American Record". Some of us are glad the wait is over at last." - Leonard Pitts Jr., iTunes Album Review, Winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, March 8, 2010

“Grayson Hugh has been there and is back again. His story – our story – has to be heard.” - Bob Doerschuk, CMAworld, April 21, 2010

The Grayson Hugh Trio

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The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm, 44 Upland Road, New Milford, CT 0677644

Live Music Is Coming Back! And on 2pm, Sunday May 9, 2021, Connartists Concerts in association with The Silo Presents is excited to present The Grayson Hugh Trio in an outdoor concert at The Silo, located at Hunt Hill Farm in New Milford, Connecticut. The Grayson Hugh Trio features Grayson Hugh on keyboards and vocals, guitarist/singer Tim McDonald and singer Polly Messer. Located in the heart of the scenic Litchfield Hills, The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm is the perfect location for a picnic and a concert. Bring your lawn chairs, food and drink and enjoy a picnic and a concert at this beautiful 137 acre farm, the former home of legendary bandleader Skitch Henderson and his wife Ruth. In 2004 Hunt Hill Farm earned a listing on The National Register of Historic Places. Brazilian entrepeneur Alessandro Piovezahn and his wife Daniele purchased the farm in 2019, with the idea of keeping the legacy of the Hendersons alive: a place where the Arts can flourish and thrive, where music can be performed and visual art exhibited in a place of beauty and serenity. Tickets for this three hour outdoor concert are $30. They can be purchased in advance at the Event Brite link provided here or at the door. No credit cards accepted at the door, only cash or Venmo. Come hear the music of internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter-pianist Grayson Hugh and his trio in a gorgeous outdoor setting! Rain Date is Sunday, May 16th at 2PM.

$3o per person

The Grayson Hugh Trio

Caffé Lena, 7 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Caffé Lena is excited bring Grayson Hugh and Polly Messer back for a return concert, this time with the addition of Tim McDonald. With the appearance of The Grayson Hugh Trio at Caffé Lena on Saturday, March 13, 2021, there is a rare opportunity to hear and see some world class music in an intimate acoustic setting.

“In a world where music is often a brittle artificiality, the music he makes is hard and strong, convicted and convincing. And true. Most of all, true. It's there in the gritty lament of his voice, in the roughhouse eloquence of his piano, and the atmospheric poetry of his words. And his lyrics! If you love words, if you’re one of those people for whom heaven is a rainy day and a good book, then know this: Hugh doesn’t write words — he writes pictures. He has that thing Sam Cooke and Ray Charles had, that thing you still hear sometimes in Bruce Springsteen, that lonely, train whistle in the dark thing, that yearning, keening thing that gets right to the heart of what it means to be alive, what it means to be a human being.” - Leonard Pitts Jr., Miami Herald, March 8, 2010, Winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary Grayson Hugh is an internationally-acclaimed singer/ songwriter. His debut release "Blind To Reason" (RCA 1988) earned two gold records, in the U.S. and overseas, and garnered several international radio hits. Performing at Caffé Lena is especially meaningful for Grayson. Beginning in 1966, at age sixteen, his earliest solo concerts were, in fact, at coffeehouses. In addition to countless church basements throughout New England, Grayson has brought his unique blend of blues, bluegrass, folk and country to well known venues such as Club Passim in Cambridge, Massachusetts and The Bitter End and Gerde’s Folk City, both in Greenwich Village, New York.

His second record "Road To Freedom" was called one of 1992's top-ten albums by Billboard Magazine. Two of his songs from that record were featured in Ridley Scott's hit film "Thelma & Louise" in 1991. In the same year Hugh was asked to arrange & record a version of Bob Dylan's "I'll Remember You" for the end-title song to the film "Fried Green Tomatoes". Using Eric Clapton’s band to back him up, the result was a gospel-style performance featuring Grayson singing and playing Hammond B3 organ, “a performance that could raise the dead" (The Cleveland Free Times). Grayson joined the faculty of Berklee College Of Music in Boston, where he taught songwriting from the late 90’s through 2003. During his Boston years, he was commissioned to compose and record scores for modern dance choreographers. Through his collaborations with Rebecca Rice of The Boston Ballet, Bennett Dance Company and Prometheus Dance, he was the recipient of three Meet The Composer grants (New England Foundation for the Arts). In 2010 Grayson released his eagerly-anticipated "An American Record”, co-produced by Polly Messer. His 2015 record “Back To The Soul” was on the Official Ballot for a 2015 Grammy in the Best Americana Album category. He is currently working on a new record called “Save Your Love For Me”, featuring his songs in a more country style. For this album Hugh recruited Pete Kennedy on guitar, mandolin and banjo, Bob Dylan’s bass player-musical director Tony Garnier, Texas Music Hall of Famer Cindy Cashdollar on dobro and lap steel guitar and long time Jim Messina band member Gary Oleyar on fiddle and rockabilly guitar. Grayson Hugh & The Moon Hawks drummer Tyger MacNeal and singer Polly Messer also are on the record. He is also contributing songs and an original score for the upcoming Hungarian film “Captain Flame”, written and directed by Balázs Hatvani. Grayson and Polly traveled to Budapest in June of 2019 where, with Balázs and his crew from Cinelabyrinth, they filmed two music videos for Grayson’s contributed songs.

Polly Messer began her career as a singer with the Connecticut swing band Eight To The Bar, in 1977. While touring up and down the east coast with them, she met Grayson in a recording studio and, soon after, began singing backup vocals in his band Grayson Hugh & The Wildtones, in 1982. She performed with him throughout the mid-eighties, until he moved to New York in 1986. During the nineties, Polly sang with the rockabilly band Eugene Chrysler. She also returned to school where she obtained a bachelor's degree with a triple major in art at Western Connecticut State University. In 2007, she teamed up with Grayson once again to sing on “An American Record”. Grayson liked her ideas so much he asked her to coproduce the album with him. One harmony led to another and she and Grayson were married in August 2008.

Guitarist and singer Tim McDonald was born in Worcester, Massachusetts and moved to San Francisco in the early seventies. There, amidst the prolific music scene, he formed the band Rescue which became wildly popular, receiving radio airplay on the renowned rock station KSAN. His next musical adventure was joining The Charles Biscuit Band, which had a huge following in the Bay area. A record deal soon followed, but, as so often happens in the music business, this deal floundered. So Tim decided to move to Los Angeles. He soon established himself as a successful studio musician, appearing on other artists’ records as well live performances in all the major venues for showcasing original talent. He relocated to Connecticut in the nineties where he performed with his band and in solo acoustic acts. One of his projects was The Kortchmar McDonald Band, featuring himself and Danny Kortchmar, guitarist-songwriter for James Taylor and Don Henley, to name a few. Tim also joined forces with Burt Teague to form the McDonald Teague Band. In February 2020, Grayson Hugh called him to join his band Grayson Hugh & The Moon Hawks. After the pandemic hit and music venues closed, Grayson enlisted Tim to add his vocal harmonies and guitar playing to Grayson and Polly Messer’s duo.

Caffé Lena is excited bring Grayson Hugh and Polly Messer back for a return concert, this time with the addition of Tim McDonald. With the appearance of The Grayson Hugh Trio at Caffé Lena on Saturday, March 13, 2021, there is a rare opportunity to hear and see some world class music in an intimate acoustic setting.

East Haven Public Library is thrilled to present Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter GRAYSON HUGH with singer POLLY MESSER In Concert Tuesday October 20, 2020 7 pm - 8:15 pm East Lyme Public Library 39 Society Road, Niantic, CT 06357

Admission is free and open to the public.

Come hear acclaimed singer-songwriter Grayson Hugh and his wife singer Polly Messer perform Hugh's songs from his albums and Oscar-winning films in an intimate coffee house setting. As Hugh himself says "There's nothing like performing music on an acoustic baby grand piano, with Polly's harmonies tuned in to my voice as if with radar. Library concerts are one of our favorite venues."

And listen to what others are saying about the songs of Grayson Hugh:

“And his lyrics! If you love words, if you’re one of those people for whom heaven is a rainy day and a good book, then know this: Hugh doesn’t write words — he writes pictures.” - Leonard Pitts Jr., Miami Herald, winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary

Grayson Hugh has been there and is back again. His story – our story – has to be heard.” - Robert Doerschuk — CMAworld, May 10, 2010 “Grayson Hugh - Great Artist!” Blues and Roots Guitarist and Producer (Dwight Yoakum, Lucinda Williams, Roy Orbison, Michelle Shocked) March 1, 2016

And about the concerts by Grayson Hugh and Polly Messer:

“Grayson Hugh and his wife, the superb singer Polly Messer, did a spectacular show the other night at Infinity Music Hall. Blue-Eyed Soul's Prodigal Son is back - and stronger than ever. ” - Jack Forchette, Director of Entertainment and Business Development, Infinity Music Hall, Norfolk, CT, May 21, 2012

“At the recent concert on Friday November 15th, Simsbury Public Library was fortunate indeed to hear an hour of world class music. Singer-songwriter and pianist Grayson Hugh, along with his wife singer Polly Messer, enthralled us with not only Grayson’s superb songs, but fascinating stories behind the compositions. Their performance, in front of a standing-room-only audience of 140, would have easily been at home in any venue several times the size . In an overwhelming response, people have asked us to bring Grayson and Polly back to sing for us often! ” - Lyndsay Neffinger — Adult Services Librarian, Simsbury Public Library, November 20, 2019 “Amazing show last night!!! I always expect great music from Grayson Hugh and am never disappointed. But at last night's concert at The Katherine Hepburn Theater, he took us all up to a new level because of the musical chemistry with Polly. It's a magical blend!    ” - Colin McEnroe, Host of The Colin McEnroe Show, WPNR/CPBN, April 10, 2011

Grayson and Polly will be on hand for a meet and greet following the show, where you can purchase Hugh's CDs and have him sign them if you wish. This concert is made possible by the Friends Of East Lyme Public Library.

Black Eyed Sally’s is thrilled to present the return of internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and pianist Grayson Hugh and his band GRAYSON HUGH & THE MOON HAWKS on Saturday September 12, 2020. Tickets are $15 in advance and at the door. This show usually sells out so reservations are recommended. Call 860-278-7427 for more info.

Black-Eyed Sally’s is located at 350 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103.

To reserve your table: https://www.opentable.com/r/black-eyed-sallys-hartord

Hugh’s music and high energy shows have earned praise from Soul, Blues and Roots Rock music critics and musicians alike ever since he burst onto the scene in 1988 with his RCA global mega hits “Talk It Over”, “Bring It All Back”, and “How ‘Bout Us”. Don’t miss the chance to see this blue-eyed soul legend up close and personal with his hard-grooving band as they perform songs from his albums “Blind To Reason, “Road To Freedom”, “An American Record” and “Back To The Soul”, as well as his hits from radio and Oscar-winning films “Thelma and Louise” and “Fried Green Tomatoes”!

Hagaman Memorial Library is excited to host a concert by acclaimed singer-songwriter-pianist Grayson Hugh and his wife singer Polly Messer on Wednesday July 22, 2020 at 6:30 PM. The concert will be one hour. Grayson and his wife will be on hand for a meet-and-greet immediately following the concert. Copies of Grayson's CDs will be available for purchase.

Hagaman Memorial Library is located at 227 Main St, East Haven, CT 06512.

Admission is free and open to the public. This concert is made possible by The Friends of Hagaman Memorial Library. website: https://www.hagamanlibrary.org/

“And his lyrics! If you love words, if you’re one of those people for whom heaven is a rainy day and a good book, then know this: Hugh doesn’t write words — he writes pictures. Like "Forever Yours, Forever Mine", which speaks of “steep September daylight when the shadows fall at four” and “eyes just staring down the college street strewn with the paper of sycamore leaves.” Like "Road To Freedom", which offers a breathtaking view — “over the tops of mountains over the western snow, watching the river wander, just a vein of silver far below” — and adds a hard observation certain to strike a chord with any Native American or African American — “They take away your money, and they take away your name, and they take the ground that you’re standing on but never, ever take the blame.” Have I heard any newcomer in the last decade that excites me as much as this guy? No.” - Leonard Pitts. Jr.. Miami Herald, Winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, October 19, 1992

Black-Eyed Sally’s is thrilled to present the return of internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and pianist Grayson Hugh and his band GRAYSON HUGH & THE MOON HAWKS on Saturday June 6, 2020. Tickets are $15 in advance and at the door. This show usually sells out so reservations are recommended. Call 860-278-7427 for more info.

Black-Eyed Sally’s is located at 350 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103.

Hugh’s music and high energy shows have earned praise from Soul, Blues and Roots Rock music critics and musicians alike ever since he burst onto the scene in 1988 with his RCA global mega hits “Talk It Over”, “Bring It All Back”, and “How ‘Bout Us”. Don’t miss the chance to see this blue-eyed soul legend up close and personal with his hard-grooving band as they perform songs from his albums “Blind To Reason, “Road To Freedom”, “An American Record” and “Back To The Soul”, as well as his hits from radio and Oscar-winning films “Thelma and Louise” and “Fried Green Tomatoes”!

On Saturday April 25th at 5 pm, I will be doing a concert, with Polly Messer, at the recording studio where my new Roots Country album “Save Your Love For Me". is in the process of being recorded. Experience a sneak preview of these new songs of mine just a few feet away from my favorite concert grand piano in the world! There is truly nothing like the great big sound of a great concert grand, and the one at Tapeworks (a Yamaha C6) is like having the lushness of a symphony orchestra or a full country band at the tip of your fingers. From the lyrical expression of my favorite Hank Williams classic "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry", to the honky tonk country rock of my song "A Whole Lot Of Love", this is the instrument I love to perform on. The $50 Ticket includes wine, soft drinks and light fare. This is going to be a truly wonderful and unique evening. Ticket proceeds will go toward the completion of my new record "Save Your Love For Me". Seating is limited, so reserve your seats as soon as you can. To make your reservations, email me at grayson@graysonhugh.net or call me at my studio phone (203) 417-9950. Polly and I look forward to seeing you in April!

GRAYSON HUGH and POLLY MESSER In A Very Special CABIN CONCERT

Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge, GA

In the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, on April 18th, 2020, Grayson Hugh and Polly Messer will be performing a Very Special CABIN CONCERT at a private mountain home in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Featuring Grayson on a grand piano, accompanied by the heavenly harmonies of Polly Messer. This concert was purchased by some fans, as one of the perks in the crowdfunding campaign for Grayson's new album "Save Your Love For Me". THIS CONCERT IS SOLD OUT!

Black Eyed Sally’s is thrilled to present the return of internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and pianist Grayson Hugh and his band GRAYSON HUGH & THE MOON HAWKS on Saturday February 1, 2020. Tickets are $15 in advance and at the door. This show usually sells out so reservations are recommended. Call 860-278-7427 for more info.

Black-Eyed Sally’s is located at 350 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103.

Hugh’s music and high energy shows have earned praise from Soul, Blues and Roots Rock music critics and musicians alike ever since he burst onto the scene in 1988 with his RCA global mega hits “Talk It Over”, “Bring It All Back”, and “How ‘Bout Us”. Don’t miss the chance to see this blue-eyed soul legend up close and personal with his hard-grooving band as they perform songs from his albums “Blind To Reason, “Road To Freedom”, “An American Record” and “Back To The Soul”, as well as his hits from radio and Oscar-winning films “Thelma and Louise” and “Fried Green Tomatoes”!

GRAYSON HUGH and POLLY MESSER In A Special Coffee House Concert

GRAYSON HUGH and POLLY MESSER In A Special Coffee House Concert, Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow Sreet, Simsbury, CT

THE SIMSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY is thrilled to presentInternationally acclaimed singer-songwriter GRAYSON HUGH with singer POLLY MESSERIn A Special Coffee House ConcertFriday November 15, 20197:30 - 9 PMSimsbury Public Library725 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury, CT 06070Admission is free and open to the public.Come hear acclaimed singer-songwriter Grayson Hugh and his wife singer Polly Messer perform Hugh's songs from his albums and Oscar-winning films in an intimate coffee house setting. As Hugh himself says "There's nothing like performing music on an acoustic baby grand piano, with Polly's harmonies tuned in to my voice as if with radar. Library concerts are one of our favorite venues."And listen to what others are saying about concerts by Grayson and Polly.“In a red-carpet event on Saturday June 2, 2018, Grayson Hugh was honored as ‘Top Soul Man For Our Time’ at the Rock Justic Awards in recognition for his decades of soulful performance, songwriting, album releases and jaw-dropping, barnstorming piano playing. Hugh, along with singer Polly Messer, completed a raucous two hour set upon a nine-foot concert grand piano before adoring West Coast fans who had a chance to connect again with their favorite artist. ‘Grayson Hugh demonstrates a freewheeling versatility in Soul, R&B, and rock ‘n roll,’ says Bennett Zimmerman, founder of the ROCK JUSTICE AWARDS Concert Series. ‘Grayson’s current albums are just as strong and satisfying as the ones he debuted with on the scene during the late 1980s. Grayson Hugh is a true soul master.’ “- Sarah Tulowitzki, Canadian Business Tribune, June 8, 2018The artists will be on hand for a meet and greet following the show, where you can purchase Hugh's CDs and have him sign them if you wish. This concert is made possible by the Friends Of Simsbury Public Library.

Admission is free and open to the public.

GRAYSON HUGH & THE MOON HAWKS Live @ Black-Eyed Sally's

GRAYSON HUGH & THE MOON HAWKS Live @ Black-Eyed Sally's, 350 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT

Black Eyed Sally’s is thrilled to present the return of internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and pianist Grayson Hugh and his band GRAYSON HUGH & THE MOON HAWKS on Saturday November 9th, 2019. 8:30 PM Showtime. Tickets are $15 in advance and at the door. Reservations are recommended, as Hugh's shows are usually should out! Call 860-278-7427 for more information. Hugh’s piano playing has been called “a veritable cyclone of soul” and his voice has been compared to Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. Hugh's band consists of 19 year-old blues guitar phenom Bobby Paltauf (who has also performed with blues legend Buddy Guy), drummer Tyger MacNeal (Average White Band, Johnny Winter, Jose Feliciano), bassist Anthony Candullo (Popa Chubby, Yonrico Scott of the Derek Trucks Band, Duke Robillard) and the ever-talented vocalist Polly Messer (formerly with the popular swing band Eight To The Bar).  Hugh’s music and high energy shows have earned praise from Soul, Blues and Roots Rock music critics and musicians alike ever since he burst onto the scene in 1988 with his RCA global mega hits “Talk It Over”, “Bring It All Back”, and “How ‘Bout Us”. Don’t miss the chance to see this blue-eyed soul legend up close and personal with his hard-grooving band as they perform songs from his albums “Blind To Reason, “Road To Freedom”, “An American Record” and “Back To The Soul”, as well as his hits from radio and Oscar-winning films “Thelma and Louise” and “Fried Green Tomatoes”!  

Tickets are $15 in advance and at the door

GRAYSON HUGH with POLLY MESSER In A Very Special FIRST FRIDAY CONCERT @ NBMAA

New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, CT

Come hear an American treasure at a museum dedicated to American Art!On Friday August 2, 2019, internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist Grayson Hugh, along with his wife singer Polly Messer, perform a very special First Friday Concert at New Britain Museum of American Art, located at 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, Connecticut 06052. Hugh's recording and touring career has brought him around the world, and his songs have graced radio, television and film. His live shows, featuring his poetic lyrics, passionate soulful singing and masterful piano playing have wowed audiences since his debut RCA album "Blind To Reason" burst on the scene in 1988. His 1992 release "Road To Freedom" was called one of the year's top ten albums by Billboard Magazine, and featured songs the Oscar-winning films "Thelma and Louise" and "Fried Green Tomatoes". In 1999 Hugh joined the faculty of Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he taught songwriting until 2003. He was also commissioned to compose scores for prominent modern dance companies. In 2010 he released his long-anticipated third album "An American Record". It was co-produced by Polly Messer, to whom Hugh was married in 2008. Polly and Grayson met in 1980, when she was singing with the popular swing band Eight To The Bar. In 2015, "Back To The Soul" was released, and was on the Official Ballot for a 2015 Grammy in the Best Americana Album category. Hugh and Messer have since performed at top venues in Los Angeles, New York, Canada and Europe.Here is a chance to hear world class artists in an intimate setting.Seating begins at 5:30PM. The concert begins at 5:45.The ticket price of $7 for Museum Members, and $12 for Non-Members, allows you access to the Museum Galleries as well as complimentary light fare. Seating is limited, so come early! A cash bar is available. For further information call 1-860-229-0257.

$7 Museum Members - $12 Non-Members

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! 
Sunday Nov. 1, 2020 7PM ET! 

GRAYSON HUGH and POLLY MESSER
In a Live Streaming Concert @ CAFFÉ LENA
Sunday November 1, 2020 at 7pm Eastern Time

Polly and I look forward to doing this live streaming concert at the legendary Caffé Lena, America’s longest continually running Folk & Roots Music Coffeehouse, where Bob Dylan, The Freedom Singers, Arlo Guthrie, Emmylou Harris, Don McLean, Mississippi John Hurt, Rosalie Sorrels, Jean Redpath Pete Seeger and so many other got their start. Join us for this exciting night of music at this historic venue. 

Admission is free to watch the concert. There IS a tip jar link in the live stream description, so please show your appreciation generously if you can and help support live music.

We hope to see you (virtually) at the show! 

Click this link to see the show live at Caffé Lena on Sunday, November 1, 2020 @ 7PM Eastern Time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2opUtVRtk8