Live music in Waterbury plays on in September at TURNmusic, Zenbarn
September 4, 2026 | By Lisa ScagliottiSummer outdoor concerts may be in the rear-view mirror, but Waterbury’s live music scene is busy this month with TURNmusic shows at The Phoenix and a full schedule at Zenbarn.
For full schedules, visit the venue websites at zenbarnvt.com and turnmusic.org.
Saturday, Sept. 5: The Unfaithful Servants
The Unfaithful Servants performs at Zenbarn on Sept. 5. Courtesy photo
Coming up this Saturday, Sept. 5, The Unfaithful Servants from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, stop by for a show at Zenbarn, 8-10 p.m.; doors at 7 p.m. The four-member group is on their East Bound and Down tour through Ontario, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York and Virginia.
The quartet blends folk, bluegrass and Americana and has made a splash on the Canadian festival scene for its harmonies, songwriting and musicianship. Band members are mandolin virtuoso Jesse Cobb, prolific songwriter Dylan Stone, young fiddle prodigy Quin Etheridge-Pedden, and bassist Mark Johnson.
The show is 21+ with minors admitted with an adult. Tickets: $23 advance, $25 day of the show. More info and advance tickets are online here.
Other Zenbarn highlights this month include String Out Your Dead celebrating the Grateful Dead universe on Sept. 9, two shows Sept. 16-17 with Andy Frasco & the U.N. along with special guests; Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers on Sept. 27 (see below); and two dance nights: beginner salsa on Sept. 12 and line dancing on Sept. 24.
Zenbarn is located at 179 Guptil Road in Waterbury Center.
TURNmusic presents in September
TURNmusic hosts Matthew Ryals on Sept. 7. Photo by Aaron Laserna
TURNmusic keeps the contemporary innovative sounds coming this month at The Phoenix Gallery & Music Hall on Stowe Street in downtown Waterbury. The September lineup is an eclectic blend of real-time electronic synthesis, folk storytelling, and globally acclaimed cello performance.
Ticket information for TURNmusic: TURNmusic looks to encourage multi-generational audiences and remove financial barriers to creative arts. Event admission is done on a suggested sliding scale and free youth tickets are available for all shows. Tickets in advance are available from Seven Days Tickets. More information online at turnmusic.org or email turnmusicvt@gmail.com.
Monday, Sept. 7: Synthesist, composer-improviser Matthew Ryals
Synthesist and composer-improviser Matthew Ryals brings an immersive performance exploring real-time electronic sound design, generative structures, and modular synthesis.
Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $18-$34 sliding scale, online in advance or at the door.
Haley Fishberger performs at TURNmusic on Sept. 14. Courtesy photo
Monday, Sept. 14: Haley Fishberger
Touring cinematic folk artist Haley Fishberger presents an intimate concert rooted in storytelling, epic ballads, and witty lyricism. Known as the “ballad princess with an edge,” Fishberger will feature songs from her debut album, “Flotation Device” and more.
Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $18-$34 sliding scale, online in advance or at the door.
Wednesday, Sept. 16: Jazz Jam
Monthly Jazz Jams provide an opportunity for a community of all ages, school age to elders, to gather and play, sing, and hear jazz and socialize in an organized, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere.
Helen Gillet returns to TURNmusic on Sept. 26. Courtesy photo
Players join in on the songs others bring, and/or you can bring a few copies of sheet music for the tunes you want to call. Many tunes are called from The Real Books. Singers, please bring copies of lead sheets or sheet music for your tunes in your key.
Music from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets: $18-$34 sliding scale, online in advance or at the door.
Saturday, Sept. 26: Helen Gillet
Renowned cellist, singer, and improviser Helen Gillet returns with her unique fusion of French chanson, avant-garde jazz, North Louisiana murder ballads, and live-looping cello.
Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $18-$34 sliding scale, online in advance or at the door.
Sept. 27: Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers at Zenbarn
Oliver Wood of the Wood Brothers plays Zenbarn on Sept. 27. Photo by Joshua Black Wilkins
Zenbarn hosts a solo performance by Oliver Wood, co-founder and guitarist/vocalist of the Grammy-nominated roots band The Wood Brothers, on Sunday, Sept. 27. Vermont singer-songwriter Ric Robertson will open the all-ages show.
Known for his gravelly, soulful voice and inventive guitar work, Oliver Wood has spent more than two decades helping define modern Americana music as a founding member of The Wood Brothers alongside his brother Chris Wood. In his solo performances, Wood strips his songwriting down to its core, delivering an intimate evening of storytelling, blues-inflected roots music, and audience connection that showcases the songs and voice at the heart of his celebrated career.
The show begins with Ric Robertson, whose piano-driven roots music has made him a rising presence on the Americana circuit.
Doors: 6 p.m. for this all-ages show. General admission: $35; VIP $55. Purchase in advance online at zenbarnvt.com or at the ZenBarn box office. Capacity for this show is limited, and early purchase is recommended.