Branford Festival 2025 by dayshorepublishing

41st Annual

Branford Festival

June 13-15, 2025

Published by

“Branford, Connecticut – 1917” by Mark Johnson

Welcome

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It’s that time of year again – the time to come together, celebrate our community, and create memories that will last a lifetime! On behalf of the Branford Festival Committee, we are thrilled to invite you to this year’sBranford Festival, taking place onFriday, June 13through Sunday, June 15.

Our town has always been a place where connections are made, friendships are formed, and every corner holds a story. This festival is a celebration of all that makes our community unique. From the delicious local food to the amazing live performances, fun-filled activities, and vibrant crafts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This year’s festival presented us many challenges as a new location was selected due to the downtown rehabilitation project beginning this spring. We want to send a big thank you to all the committee members and volunteers who spent countless hours making this move happen. It was no small feat, and we could not have done this without you!

We encourage you to bring your family, friends, and neighbors as we celebrate the heart and soul of our town. Whether this is your first festival or you’ve been attending every year, we know you’ll find something new to love.

We look forward to seeing you at the festival and sharing the excitement of this wonderful tradition.

Warmest regards,

Sheryl Morrell and Christina Restituto Festival Committee Co-Chairs Branford Festival 2025

Special Sections Editor

Alicia Gomez

Shore Publications Editor

Laura Robida

Production Director

Alan Ellis

Advertising Department

Laura Carpenter, Lori Gregan, Jack Hyzak, Lisa Martin

Layout Designer

Jennifer Corthell

Advertising Design

Heidi Carrier, Kara Conlon, Jennifer Corthell, Chris Dobbins, Barbara Dunn, Nicole Martini, Richard Swanson

SHORE PUBLISHING

P.O. Box 1231, New London, CT 203-245-1877 Zip06.com

Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Sound

Lisa Liscio

James Sorrentino

Ken Krista

Tom Shrum Nick Hogan

Marci Palluzi

Julie Ignoto

Mark Lubeski

Tom Vanacore Tracy EversonNancy

Patricia O’Keefe

Jami Nielsen

Michele Gregorio

Joe Goodwin

Jayne Nunziante

Mary Tirozzi

Janet ColelloSusan Mullane

Kim StasiakJean Gagliardi

Kerry McCarthy

Festival Schedule

MAIN STAGE

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

5 to 5:45 PM

Branford High School Concert Choir Directed by Mike Martone, Jr.

6 to 6:30 PM Songwriters Showcase Tom Burgess the Traveling Troubadour

6:30 to 8 PMTimmy Maia

8:25 PM National Anthem by Kylie AcquaruloSavastano BHS Class of 2025

8:30 to 10 PM LoVeSeXy Tribute to the music of Prince

SHOWMOBILE STAGE at Hammer Field

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

9 to 9:30 AM Branford Early Learning Center

10 to 10:30 AM Story Time with The Blackstone Library

10:30 to 11:30 AMDance Unlimited

11:30 AM to 12:15 PM Wagner Iovanna Vocal Studio

12:15 to 1 PMStudioOne Dance Center

1 to 1:45 PM Branford Parks and Recreation Shoreline Theatre Company

MAIN STAGE

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

5 to 5:15 PMJohn Moss Scholarship Award

5:15 to 5:30 PMFather of the Year

5:30 to 6 PM Song Writer Showcase Featuring Bigger Beast Recording Artist Mike Hatfield

6:30 to 6:45 PM Sponsor Announcements and Festival Committee Introductions

7 to 8 PM John Spignesi Band

8:25 to 8:30 PM National Anthem performed by Lucy Canada BHS Class of 2011

8:30 to 10 PM Don Jovi The Ultimate Tribute Music to Bon Jovi

DINING TENT STAGE

SUNDAY, JUNE 15

12 to 3 PM Food Tent Stage Featuring Mike Hatfield

Photos by Kelley Fryer/The Sound

Festival Rules

 FESTIVAL HOURS

Friday, June 13 from 5 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, June 14 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, June 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 ARTISAN MARKETPLACE HOURS

Saturday, June 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 CAR SHOW

Sunday, June 13 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 LOCATION

Hammer Field, 46 Church Street, Branford, CT 06405

 SHUTTLE SCHEDULE:

Friday, 4:30-10:30 p.m. High School & Commuter lot

Saturday, 4:30-10:30 p.m. High School & Commuter lot

No Service on Sunday

 PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

PET POLICY

Unfortunately, no pets are allowed at the event.

PARKING

Public parking is available in various locations around Hammer Field and is on a first come first serve basis.

Please observe all NO PARKING signs and do not park in spaces that are reserved for individual businesses.

 ROAD CLOSURES/PARKING ADVISORY

MEADOW STREET

If pedestrian traffic is high, Meadow St. will be restricted one way eastbound heading towards Pine.

ORCHARD STREET

Will be closed on Sunday, June 15 for the Branford Road Race.

No parking between Montowese St. and Church St.

CHURCH STREET

Open in both directions

No parking on west side

No parking at both sides at the intersections of South Main St. and Meadow St.

HOPSON STREET

One-way, closed northbound from Meadow Street to Prospect Street.

No parking on west side from Prospect St. to Meadow St.

EADES STREET

Closed for traffic heading northbound towards Main St.

No parking on Sliney Elementary School side

PROSPECT STREET

Closed between Hopson St. to Eades St. (local access only)

Open eastbound only from Eades St. to Church St.

Parking reserved for Police/Fire on south side.

Parking reserved for residents on north side.

South Main St., Rogers St., Wilford Ave. and Montowese St.

NO CLOSURES

Festival Schedule

 THE BRANFORD HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT CHOIR

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

5 TO 5:45 P.M.

The Branford High School Concert Choir is a mixed choir offered to sophomores through seniors. They have been around for over 40 years, improving the quality of their music with each throughout the duration of that time. The ensemble is predominantly student-led. Section leaders teach the music and the choir officers assist in the planning of events.

This group’s goal is to encourage students to be self-sufficient learners while also emphasizing the importance of looking at things from another person’s perspective. This core belief is reflected in their diverse music selections and teaching philosophy, which is highly valued and employed by their director, Mike Martone Jr. They explore

TOM BURGESS

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

6 TO 6:30 P.M.

Since 2009, Tom Burgess has been performingsolo acoustic shows from Maine to Florida. Incorporating live loops, light percussion, harmonica, vocals, and lead guitar, Tom creates a solo show like no other, that has a full, yet authentic sound. Tom is influenced by today’s musicians such as Goose, Nathaniel Rateliff, Duane Betts, Eggy, and Khruangbin, and yesterday’s musicians like the Band, the Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead; which is evident in his songwriting. For the last seven years, Tom has been a Branford resident, and loves playing at all the local spots. You can catch Tom in the summer performing in New England, and in the winter performing in Florida.

how music plays various roles in different cultures while diving into the origins of the songs they are learning. They hope to share their love of music by telling a story though song, inspiring communities with each performance.

 TIMMY MAIA

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

6:30 TO 8:30 P.M.

Timmy Maia runs deep roots in Waterbury. Born and raised in the Brass City, he made his first stage appearance at age five, performing with his father and uncle’s band, The Family Connection, and he’s been fine-tuning his rapid-fire vocals ever since. He’s known to cover everyone from Nat King Cole to Ne-Yo, and is kindly compared to Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. timmymaia.com 203.510.0791 • timmymaia@yahoo.com

Festival Schedule

MAIN STAGE

 LoVeSeXy Tribute 2 the music of Prince

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

8:30-10 P.M.

LoVeSeXy is New England’s Premier Tribute 2 the music of PRINCE! Boston, MA. based LoVeSeXy performs a remarkable, spot-on sound-alike, hi-energy show featuring a wide range of songs including all of Prince’s greatest hits, from his early years and throughout his long career. LoVeSeXy features a “true to the record” vocal performance (a total of 4 lead singers) and an honest representation of Prince’s beloved music, his diverse songwriting, highlevel musicianship and his amazing connection with the audience.

LoVeSeXy current line-up features new lead vocalist/frontman Nephtaliem “Nephrok” McCrary, a dynamic, seasoned entertainer with a remarkably similar voice, a charismatic personality, killer dance moves and a strong stage presence. Joined by acclaimed guitarist/vocalist Jodee Frawlee (Guitar Player Magazine’s national talent search finalist and “Boston’s Best Guitarist”, Brian Eggleston (vocals, keyboards), Anthony Grant (vocals,sax,flute,keyboard & percussion), Jeffrey Gilman (bass) and Chris Botelho (drums), they have established themselves as one of the finest six-piece Prince tribute acts in the industry.

LoVeSeXy has been “wowing” audiences for almost 15 years and has been nominated “Best Tribute Band” by Motif Magazine (2016), “Favorite Tribute Band” by MyFM Music Awards (2018), was the featured act at Boston JazzFest (2016) and the New England Music Awards (2018). The band was also nominated by the Worcester Music Awards / Pulse Magazine for “Favorite Tribute Act”, “Favorite Live Act”, “Favorite Male Vocalist”, and “Favorite Female Vocalist” (2022 / 2023).

Festival Music

MAIN

 JOHN SPIGNESI BAND

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

7 TO 8 P.M.

Born from a shared passion, John Spignesi’s music embodies the essence of honesty. What you see is what you get.

Spigs is joined by two musicians who have worked tirelessly over the years, honing their craft. Joe Jeffery (Bass) and Matt Alling (Drums) complete the power trio and help bring the visions of Spignesi’s songs to life. At the heart of JSB lies a deeper relationship than just simple collaboration — it’s a brotherhood that extends beyond the stage amongst the three.

The band has released music consistently since their formation. With every single live show being recorded, and numerous official studio and live releases consistently being made available to the public, JSB has captured listeners across the USA and beyond.

Spignesi’s ultimate goal is to create music that makes listeners forget about the chaos of the world, if only for a brief moment. The band invites you along for the journey as they continue to grow and create.

 JAMES HATFIELD

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

5:30 TO 6 P.M.

SUNDAY JUNE 15

12 TO 3 P.M.

FOOD TENT STAGE

Hatfield combines raw energy and rhythmic grooves with lyrics that cut deep. His journey began behind a drum kit at 15, where he first discovered the power of rhythm to move both body and soul. Stepping forward as a songwriter and solo artist, he crafts songs that balance grit with vulnerability—unafraid to expose the weight of human experience while keeping his audience hooked on the melody. Tracks like “Copin’ Ways” thump with soulful, rhythmic guitars and throaty vocals, while songs like “Fate Comes Easy” slide into an infectious groove behind unapologetically raw lyrics, weaving a mosaic of introspection and movement. His music thrives in the space where triumph and struggle collide, where storytelling isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the driving force. Hatfield’s sound is built to make you feelandmove. 2025 represents a new chapter for Hatfield. Backed by Connecticut-based label,Bigger Beast Records(Frank Viele, Kala Farnham), he’s set for an exciting year of releases that carry his blend of rhythm and emotion to a larger audience. Visit www.IAMHATFIELD.com to follow Hatfield’s journey.

Festival Music

MAIN STAGE

DON JOVI-The Ultimate Tribute Music to Bon Jovi

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

8:30 TO 10 P.M.

DON JOVI is the ultimate tribute to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Bon Jovi, one of the most successful rock bands to date. Bon Jovi redefined the rock anthem by dominating arenas and captivating audiences with hooks that continue to define the decade, and DON JOVI is dedicated to honoring their music with the highest respect and authenticity. Lead vocalist Don Chaffin gives a remarkable resemblance to Jon Bon Jovi, while capturing the signature sound of his vocal style. Each member of DON JOVI brings their own unique sound and style to the band, resulting in a high-energy performance that will blow your mind!

Hits include “Livin’ On A Prayer”, “Runaway”, “I’ll Be There For You”, “Never Say Goodbye”, “Wanted Dead or Alive”, “You Give Love A Bad Name”, “It’s My Life”, “Born To Be My Baby”, “Lay Your Hands On Me”, “Bed of Roses”, “Bad Medicine”, “Blaze of Glory”, and more!

Annual Car Show

SUNDAY, JUNE 15

8 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

1 P.M AWARDS

A TIMELESS JOURNEY ON WHEELS

The car show at the Branford Festival showcases a collection of beautifully restored vintage vehicles, each with its own story and classic charm. From sleek roadsters of the roaring ’20s to muscle cars that defined the ’60s and ’70s, car enthusiasts and casual fans alike will enjoy a nostalgic stroll through automotive history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply love the elegance of a bygone era, this is a must-see highlight of the festival!

Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Sound

Festival Print & Cover Artist

Mark Johnson was a talented watercolor artist who lived in the town of Branford. He had a special love for capturing the beauty of his surroundings on paper, often focusing on the local nature.

Mark enjoyed painting, portraits but his true passion was creating stunning scenes of the outdoors with colorful sunsets and lush green foliage. He painted a range of areas throughout the town, from Stony Creek to Pine Orchard, over to the other side towards the green, and Supply Pond. Through his art, Mark not only expressed his creativity but also celebrated the place he called home.

Mark’s passing in 2011 was a great loss to not just the town of Branford, but all who knew and loved him.

This year, his son, Maxwell Johnson, honors him by presenting a piece that was painted by him over 30 years ago. An incredible watercolor that Mark did of what the Branford Green looked like in 1917.

Kids’ Activities

FRIDAY, JUNE 13 TO SUNDAY, JUNE 15

Rides will be provided by Trufano Amusements. Ride wristbands will cost $35 and will be available on Saturday and Sunday during the following hours:

SATURDAY: Wristbands will be sold between the hours of noon and 3 p.m. These wristbands will be good on the rides up until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. After these hours, only tickets will be available. These wristbands will not be usable on Sunday.

SUNDAY: Wristbands will be sold between the hours of noon and 2:30 p.m. These wristbands will be usable until 4:00 p.m. (when the festival ends).

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday face painting and henna will be offered by Beauty Henna LLC, airbrush and glitter tattoos will be offered by Teach Art 2 Me. Spin Art and Sand Art will return on Saturday and Sunday. The Blackstone Library will return on Saturday with a craft and information on their programs. Also on Saturday, there will be rock painting, fishing game (great for the little ones), and a chalk wall.

PETTING ZOO: Come see our petting zoo provided by Tripledale Farms. Join us for a fun-filled day at the petting zoo Sunday June 15th from 12-2. Bring the whole family to meet and feed friendly animals like goats, bunnies, ducks and more! Fun furry and perfect for all ages- don’t miss it!

DAN COSGROVE ANIMAL ADOPTION: Looking for a furry friend? Now’s you chance. Join on Sunday, June 15th for the Dan Cosgrove Animal Adoption Day filled with wagging tails, happy hearts, and forever homes. Meet adorable cats, dogs, and other animals ready to be loved. Please consider donating such as food, blankets and toys when you stop by.

Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Sound

Thank You, 41st Annual

Branford Festival Sponsors

Branford

Davey

Directline

Jiffy

Lenny’s

Lisa’s

Mathew’s

Nuzzo’s

Parthenon Diner

The Branford Group

The Owenego Inn

The Sound Newspaper

Self Storage of Branford

Shoreline Chamber of Commerc

SweeTreats

Tricia Bohan Photography

Tri-Lift

TYCO Print and Promo

Vaiuso Farms

Zanes Farms

Zum Transportation

Webbersaur.us

Webster Bank

Row: Christie Bondos, Chrisie Bondos Insurance; Nestor Rubiano, Guilford Savings Bank; Kostas Sousoulas, Parthenon Diner

Row: Christina Restituo, DiLorenzo Builders; Megan Joseph, The Davey Tree Expert Company Back Row: Jeff Sumisliski, Tri-Lift; Steve Cudgma, Shoreline Insurance; John Sousoulas, Parthenon Diner

Festival Food Vendors

 FRIDAY, JUNE 13 TO SUNDAY, JUNE 15

What would the Branford Festival be without all the great food selections? MaiTai food truck and Doughboy mini donuts will be joining us this year. Be sure to check out their new items: jerk chicken or pork and assorted flavored homemade donuts. But don’t forget the regular favorites like: steak & cheese subs, fried dough, stuffed baked potatoes, cinnamon buns, fresh popped kettle corn popcorn, soft serve ice cream, novelty ice cream, hand-cut french fries, pizza, fresh squeezed lemonade, strawberry shortcake, homemade cake slices and Pad Thai. So come on down for some great food and entertainment this weekend!

THE CANDY CORNER

FOOD COURT HOURS:

Friday – 5 to 10 p.m.

Saturday – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BAKE BAKE HOORAY

Exclusive – Cinnabuns

Serving Cinnabuns, cookies, cupcakes, muffins, coffee (hot & cold brew), soda and water

BRANFORD FESTIVAL

Exclusive – Fried Dough

Serving fried dough with sauce & cheese or powdered sugar and cinnamon, bottled water and soda.

CALANDRELLI KETTLE CORN

Exclusive – Kettle Corn and Fried Oreos

Serving freshly popped kettle corn popcorn, funnel cakes and deep-fried Oreos

Exclusive – Assorted Candy

Serving lollipops, cotton candy, assorted sour candy, ring pops, chocolates, licorice, and other novelty candy items.

DOUGHBOY MINI DONUTS

Exclusive – Fresh Made Mini Donuts

Serving freshly made mini donuts, vanilla frosting, chocolate frosting, strawberry frosting, blueberry frosting, Oreo-vanilla frosting w/crushed Oreos, Funfetti frosting and fruit pebbles frosting, soda and water

HISTORICAL SOCIETY – (Saturday Only)

Exclusive – Strawberry Shortcake

Serving fresh strawberry shortcake with biscuits and whipped cream

HONEYSPOT

Exclusive – Pizza by the Slice

Serving pizza by the slice and chips, soda and water

ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB

Exclusive – Sausage/Peppers/Onions Grinder

Serving meatball grinder, pasta Fagioli, Hummel hot dogs, Italian ice, cotton candy, popcorn and chips. ham/egg/cheese sandwich and coffee (Sunday only), soda and water

Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Sound

LemoNates

Exclusive – Fresh Squeezed lemonade

We prepare fresh squeezed lemonade and limeade using filtered water and pure cane sugar, and offer add-ins of real strawberry, blueberry, cherry, peach, ginger, mint, cucumber & basil.

Lenny’s Seafood

Exclusive – Seafood

Specializing in a variety of seafood.

POLISH PLATE

Exclusive – Pierogi

Serving pierogi, stuffed cabbage, Kielbasa, hunter stew, potato pancakes, soda and water

MISSY SWEETS

Exclusive – Cream Puffs

Serving cakes by the slice, cream puffs, cookies, cupcakes, muffins, soda and water

MITAI FLAVOR FOOD TRUCK

Exclusive – Grilled Jerk Chicken w/Jollof Rice and Sweet Plantain

Serving grilled jerk chicken w/jollof rice and sweet plantain, grilled jerk pork w/jollof rice and sweet plantain, fried shrimp w/jollof rice and sweet plantain, passion fruit lemonade and mango lemonade

MOSAICO

Exclusive - Tequeños (Latin cheese fingers)

Tequenos, Empanadas (chicken, beef, black beans, and cheese), brisket sandwich (the most original brisket), various toppings and sauces, and soda and water

ROTARY CLUB

Exclusive – Lobster Roll

Serving chicken tenders, roast beef sandwiches, French fries, hot dogs, cole slaw, breakfast: French toast, pancakes, sausage, milk, orange juice, and coffee

SHORELINE PRIME

Exclusive – Steak & Cheese Sub

Serving steak and cheese grilled cheese, hamburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, mac & cheese, soda, and water

SPUDS YOUR WAY

Exclusive – Baked Potatoes

Serving baked potatoes with butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon or “The Works”, chicken supreme baked potato, steak supreme baked potato, broccoli supreme baked potato, veggie supreme baked potato, super supreme baked potato

SWEETREATS ICE CREAM

Exclusive – Ice Cream

Serving sundaes in a box, cookie & brownie sundaes, root beer and creamsicle floats, and novelty ice cream like bomb pops, chocolate eclairs and face pops for kids, and bottled water

THAI TASTE RESTAURANT

Exclusive - Garlic Chicken (on a stick)

Pad Thai (rice noodles),serving garlic chicken, Pad Thai, chicken w/cashews, veggie fried rice

Father of the Year

 WINNING ESSAY 2024

This is why my dad should be father

of

the year

By Kylie McCarthy

Hello, this is why my dad/Timothy McCarthy should be father of the year.

My dad works really hard every day and leaves work early to bring me to soccer practice. He coaches all my sports and comes to my and my brother’s games. I like to go on bike rides and he take me even though his bike is broken and has no brakes, but he still goes and has fun. He works hard to make to make me smile and bring the family on vacations. He also finds time to clean up the whole yard, he mows it and waters the grass. He is really nice and funny. He takes care of the family dog and plays with him. He helps me and my brother get better at sports by playing and rebounding for us.

He moves the cat to my room to sleep with me and he does it even though he might get bit.

At work he helped a lady when he was working on the water and found her stranded. Her engine broke and he towed her in to safety.

He is the best of best! A 10/10 father in the world! If you hung out with him for 10 minutes you would already be best friends.

And that is why he my dad should be father of the year.

Annual Road Race

SUNDAY,

JUNE 15

What: 5 mile race (limited to 1,500 participants)

2 mile walk (limit 300)

Mark Gilhuly Family Fun Run (limit 400)

Where: Hammer Field

When: 5 mile starts at 9:30 a.m., 2 mile walk at 9:25 a.m.

Mark Gilhuly Family Fun Run at 9 a.m.

 ABOUT THE BRANFORD ROAD RACE

 GREEN INITIATIVE

The Branford Road Race is a Branford tradition founded by Ray Figlewski and Dick Wainman. The races take place annually on Father’s Day and closes out the Branford Festival. The event traditionally draws a crowd of over 5,000 runners, walkers, spectators, and volunteers. The event raises funds for Camp Rising Sun, American Parkinson Disease Association, and other community organizations.

The 5 mile race, 2 mile health walk, and 1 mile Mark Gilhuly family fun run will take place at Hammer Field this year. Participants can enjoy t-shirts, refreshments, food, vendors, kids activities, and much more! The Branford Road Race is a great event for the whole family!

The Branford Road Race is committed to hosting the most environmentally friendly event we can. The race is taking initiative in the following way to ensure we keep our event clean and green!

No plastic bags used for packet pick-up. Recycled & compostable cups for all water stations.

Eliminating the use of printed application forms mailed to homes in Branford.

Photos courtesy of the Branford Road Race

 5 MILE RACE (LIMITED TO 1,500 PARTICIPANTS)

 2 MILE WALK (LIMIT 300) MARK GILHULY FAMILY FUN RUN (LIMIT 400)

Artisan Marketplace

Trapasso Community House Parking Lot

CHURCHSTREET

Indiigo

 THE CAR SHOW

ank You to the

2025 Branford Festival Committee!

Co-Chair/Souvenirs

Co Chair/Food

BARRINGHAM Residential Fundraising/ Fried Dough

Committee

Secretary

Members not pictured:

Mario Dinoto, Entertainment; Ray Figlewski, Road Race; Steve Wilson, Publicity; Max Johnson, Print; Chris Morrell, Car Show; Cindy Jayanetti, Volunteers; Melissa Nicholson, Booth Sponsorship; Gina Gentile, Beer & Wine

Sub-Operations Committee:

Hal Barringham, Joe Copes, Mike Giordano, Vincent Hanchuruck, Ted Peters, Brad Hotchkiss, Quint Johnson, Jim Thalalas, Pete Bocciarelli, Emma Ng, and Rich Ng