Concert Review: Rose Arts Festival in Norwich, CT

From June 25–27, 2026, Norwich, Connecticut, hosted the Rose Arts Festival, a free, family-friendly event showcasing local artisans, artists, nonprofit organizations, musicians, performers, and more. Celebrating its 61st anniversary, the festival was much more than a music event; it was a celebration of community, family, creativity, art, and music. It brought people from Norwich and beyond together to enjoy the arts, drawing thousands of festivalgoers throughout the weekend.

Some of the performers included Bermuda Search Party, The Gleeful Conspiracy, Ward Hayden & the Outliers, Fimone, Jesse DeSorcy & Co., The Drop Party, Casey Rivers, Sue Menhart, Roy Dunn McLean, Natalie Paige, Susan Jensen, Big Lux, Ashley Hamel, Coyote Island, The Wolf Sisters, Nova One, Night Zero, Melt, Neighbor, and Mihali.

Saturday afternoon featured some of the festival's most entertaining performances, with Melt, Neighbor, and Mihali all scheduled to take the stage.

Melt was the first group to perform, taking the stage from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. The band played songs from its debut single, "Sour Candy," as well as tracks from its first studio album, If There's a Heaven, released in 2024.

Formed in New York City in 2017, Melt features vocalist Veronica Stewart-Frommer, guitarist Marlo Shankweiler, bassist Lucas Saur, and drummer Josh Greenzeig. The band delivered a high-energy set that the audience clearly enjoyed, captivating festivalgoers with its infectious sound and engaging stage presence.

Following Melt, Neighbor took the stage. The dynamic quartet, known for blending funk, rock, jazz, and many other musical influences, created a unique musical experience for the crowd. Featuring Richard James (vocals, keyboards), Rob Compa (guitar), Dan Kelly (bass), and Dean Johnston (drums), Neighbor was outstanding. The band combined elements of Americana, funk, rock, jazz, and soul to create an atmosphere filled with joy and excitement. The crowd was fully engaged, dancing throughout the set and singing along to songs from the band's extensive catalog.

After Neighbor finished its set, Mihali took the stage. Fans were in musical heaven, dancing and singing along from the first note. The music was beautiful, emotional, and exciting. The entire band delivered an exceptional performance. The horn section was particularly impressive, while drummer Adrian Tramontano provided a powerful rhythmic foundation. Keyboardist Ryan Dempsey and bassist Zdenek Gubb helped create the band's outstanding jams, adding depth and energy to the performance.

Mihali and his band delivered some of the most memorable moments of the festival. The former lead singer of Twiddle showcased his impressive talents as both a vocalist and guitarist. He played with confidence, skill, and versatility, demonstrating the musical creativity that has made him a favorite among fans.

With pleasant weather throughout the weekend, the Rose Arts Festival was a tremendous success. The three-day event was phenomenal from beginning to end. Attendees even had the opportunity to sign their names on a replica of the Declaration of Independence at the America's 250 Norwich, CT booth.

I had not attended a festival like this in a long time. It was incredibly fun, well-organized, and welcoming. Everyone was friendly, and the entire experience was fantastic. The Rose Arts Festival once again proved why it remains one of Norwich's most beloved annual traditions.