2026 FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES
Live music and poetry will be provided during the Fine Arts & Crafts Festival.
Below are the musicians, poet and schedule.
SATURDAY
9:45am – Bill and Julie Reid - The Julie William's Band
Bill and Julie have been playing music together for over 10 years. They met for the first time when she
walked into an open mic that Bill was hosting. Wearing cowboy boots, hat and fringe buckskin jacket,
she walked to the stage and asked the band to accompany her for one of her original songs. Everyone
was charmed by her style and singing. They went on to form the Julie William’s Band with their friend
and local guitar legend Will Parquette. Two guys named William and Julie is why its William’s (not really
her last name). Will passed several years ago, and Bill and Julie continue to play a blend or traditional
and contemporary country, Americana, blues, bluegrass, folk-rock, and of course some of their original
tunes as well. You can find Julie William’s Band on Facebook, and don’t forget the ‘s.
11:45 am Aubrey Waz-Grant
Aubrey was appointed in early 2026 as the first Poet Laureate in the history of the town of Putnam, Connecticut. In her own words, "Since childhood, poetry has been a lifeline for me. During the most difficult periods of my life, poetry has offered a way to process experience, make meaning, and heal. Over time that personal relationship with writing has grown into a desire to share poetry as a communal practice - one that invites connection, reflection, and belonging." Working across all age demographics, Aubrey is compelled to bring the art of poetry to Putnam and surrounding communities. Her first book of poetry was published in 2021 beginning a strong resume of poetry, creative non-fiction, and short stories recognized by Hippocampus, Beyond Words, TulipTree Press, and on vocal.media. Aubrey was selected for this summer's Martha's Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing program where she continued to develop her upcoming novel. The Putnam Arts Council is proud to be partnering with Aubrey as our ambassador for the town's literary arts.
Noon –Kevin Williams
Kevin performs throughout New England both as a solo act, and with both a popular Top 40 act After School Special and the psychedelic soul three piece Kevin Williams Trio. He appears weekly in Putnam as the Stomping Ground’s Open Mic Host on Sunday evenings at 7. When not performing, Kevin also composes instrumental production music for film and television and in November of 2024 released a conceptual series of vocal synth, glass, and guitar sound-design based pieces entitled “Ways to Break a Window,” now available on all streaming platforms. He is currently hard at work on a follow up release.
2pm – Sweet Sophia Band
Sweet Sophia plays a variety of music from classic and contemporary bluegrass to gritty blues and sweet ballads.
https://www.sweetsophiaband.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeRQTHgPaxfPy0SvlR1MyKQ
SUNDAY
10 am –Simon Silvia
Simon comes from a deeply musical family. Raised by two full-time musicians alongside six siblings who all play music. Simon is heavily influenced by his parents, covering classics from the 60's to Today's top hits. Simon also hosts a local trivia night and live band karaoke (Bandeoke) at The Stomping Ground every Wednesday night, combining a love of entertainment and community engagement. Now building the next chapter of his musical journey, Simon brings his own style and energy to live performances while carrying on a family tradition of music-making.
Noon –Acoustic Ruckus
Americana music and classic easy listening rock, featuring a unique blend of covers and originals that bring on a sense of instant familiarity.
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8LbJea3ZBXqDErb70dgKWfBQhvI5NKOn
https://www.facebook.com/people/Acoustic-Ruckus/61580682394298/
2pm – Kala Farnham
Kala crafts folk songs with roots and wings, weaving age-old truths into modern grooves. The 18th Connecticut State Troubadour and Rose Garden Performing Songwriter Contest winner invites listeners into conversation with intimate performances that feel like a fireside gathering. With soul-stirring vocals and mystical folk harp, piano, and guitar, she draws audiences into a transcendent journey—one that lingers long after the final note fades.
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